Finding Comfort in Creativity
There is quiet magic at the intersection of art and animals. This healing power of art and animals has held me steady through tough times. When grief felt overwhelming, creativity became my lifeline. Art offered a safe space to process pain and heartache. The rhythmic brush strokes calmed me. Colors blended to express emotions words couldn’t reach.
Each painting became a silent yet powerful dialogue with my inner self. With every stroke, I poured my emotions onto the canvas—anger, sadness, love, and hope. In creating, I found freedom. Each piece, whether finished or still in progress, became a marker of resilience. It reminded me that beauty can emerge from brokenness.
The Unspoken Power of Animals
While art grounded me, rescued dogs brought me back to life. Dogs arrived with scars from their pasts yet greeted life with resilience. Caring for them reminded me that the healing power of art and animals comes through connection. Their loyalty and love filled the silence that grief had created. They didn’t need me to explain my sadness—they just stayed close, offering quiet comfort. Each time I knelt to fill their bowls or brush their fur, I felt my own heart slowly piecing itself back together.
Healing After Loss
One of the hardest seasons came after losing my son, John. Painting helped me express my grief. But the dogs helped me feel warmth again. Their unconditional love reminded me that life still held moments of joy. Each nuzzle and wagging tail brought comfort. When words failed, their presence spoke to me in ways that soothed my spirit. It showed the combined healing power of art and animals.
A Dog Named Dakota
I remember painting Dakota, a once-frightened rescue dog. Capturing his soulful eyes became a symbol of healing. Each careful brushstroke traced his journey from fear to trust. As Dakota grew confident, I realized I was healing too. Nurturing him helped restore my own sense of peace. Each step Dakota took toward courage mirrored my own steps toward hope. In healing him, I found strength to mend the parts of myself that grief had shattered. Again, the healing power of art and animals was evident.
Brandy and My Journey After Trauma
In 2014, after a car accident left me with a traumatic brain injury, my golden doodle Brandy became my guide through recovery. The accident left me feeling disoriented and unsure of myself. Simple tasks felt overwhelming, and my thoughts seemed tangled.
Brandy stayed by my side, sensing when I was anxious or overwhelmed. Her steady presence anchored me. When I fell, she helped me up. Each walk we took became an exercise in mindfulness—a reminder to breathe deeply and take things one step at a time. When I did my therapy exercises, Brandy would lie by me, nose to nose, watching my breathing. When my breathing faltered she would tenderly pat my cheeks to let me know. Brandy’s loyalty encouraged me to keep moving forward. In her presence, I found both comfort and courage.
Reflection and Encouragement
I encourage you to reflect on how animals or creative activities have impacted your life. Maybe you’ve found comfort in a pet’s gaze or peace in creative moments.
Healing often arrives in unexpected ways. Embrace those moments—they may unlock unexpected joy and comfort. Sometimes the simplest actions—stroking a pet’s fur, blending colors on a canvas, singing softly to yourself, or molding clay in your hands—can ease the weight of sorrow. Indeed, the healing power of art and animals can be profound.
Hope in Simple Moments
Art and animals have shown me beauty in life’s darkest seasons. They became my teachers and healers.
If you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed, reach for a paintbrush, write, spend time with music, or spend time with a pet. The healing power of art and animals may be waiting quietly in those simple, powerful moments. Creativity invites us to imagine a brighter path, and animals remind us that love can mend even the deepest wounds.
Until next time, keep painting your world with love. Don’t forget to give your pets an extra scratch behind the ears from me! If you have time, take a look at my book, Promises Kept and keep updated on my new book in progress.
Warmly,
Dr. Susie ‘Sami’ Myers
