In times of difficulty, we often seek solace in activities that bring us peace and purpose. During our recent interview with our Flawless friend Valerie Van Galder, she shared how tapping into creativity has been one of the most healing tools in her life. Whether knitting, baking, painting, or gardening, immersing ourselves in a creative process can quiet the mind and help us navigate life’s challenges.
Creativity as a Lifeline
For Valerie, creativity became a lifeline during one of the hardest chapters of her life. As an introvert when she was a child, Valerie discovered that working with her hands provided calm and solace. She found that knitting, in particular, was her calling. Over time, it evolved into more than just a hobby- it became a therapeutic practice that helped her manage anxiety and foster resilience.
Flow State and the Power of Focus
Valerie also spoke about the science behind why creative activities are so powerful. Engaging in tasks like knitting or baking can put us into a “flow state” where we’re so focused on the activity that everything else- stress, worry, anxiety- fades into the background. She described how the repetitive nature of these actions, paired with the satisfaction of creating something tangible, is incredibly soothing.
Valerie shared a poignant example of how knitting helped her cope after 9/11. What started as a simple distraction grew into a meaningful daily ritual, demonstrating the transformative power of creativity in the face of overwhelming uncertainty.
Creativity is for Everyone
One of Valerie’s key messages was that creativity is accessible to all of us. No special talent or skill is required; the point is not about being “good” at something, it’s about giving it a try. Learning something new, whether it’s decorating cookies or crafting, may be challenging at first, but it often proves deeply rewarding.
Valerie recounted a cookie-decorating workshop she once organized for friends and neighbors. Some participants were initially hesitant and unsure of their abilities, but by the end of the workshop, everyone was laughing and proud of their creations. This anecdote served as a reminder that stepping outside our comfort zones can lead to unexpected joy and new connections.
Building Community Through Art
Valerie also highlighted the power of creativity to bring people together. She shared the story of her non profit, “Depressed Cake Shop”, which started as a pop-up event in London using gray cakes to symbolize depression and their colorful interiors to represent hope. Depressed Cake Shop has grown into a global movement, with bakers and international activists raising awareness and supporting mental health causes. This initiative has created a community united by a shared purpose, proving that making things can spark conversations, bridge divides, and foster meaningful connections.
Lessons from Valerie
Valerie’s reflections offer some helpful takeaways for anyone looking to bring more creativity into their lives:
- Embrace the Unknown: Trying new creative activities can be daunting, but it is a chance to learn, grow, and discover unexpected joy.
- Value Process Over Perfection: Creativity isn’t about the end result—it’s about immersing yourself in the process and finding fun in the journey.
- Find Your Community: Engaging in group activities or workshops can inspire meaningful connections and amplify the therapeutic benefits of creativity.
- Use Creativity as Self-Care: Whether through knitting, baking, gardening or any other medium, find activities that bring you a sense of calm and fulfillment.
Valerie’s insights are a powerful reminder of how creativity can help us navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience. By embracing our creative side, we can heal and leave traces of beauty behind for others to enjoy.
Valerie’s call to action inspired us to get creative when hosting our weekly Wellness Workshop with Peer Place at Mental Health America of Palm Beach County. We centered our workshop around creative expression and aimed to change the gloomy mood imbued by the unusually chilly and rainy days plaguing our usual sunny south Florida neighborhood. We talked about the Instalive with Valerie, discussed the central themes, and were lucky to hear from Valerie herself who joined us through a video call. Valerie’s healing story with art resonated with the folks at MHA PBC. They were deeply engaged in creating art themselves and were encouraged by the uplifting feedback provided by Valerie, who became a new friend to our community.
Take a peek at how the workshop unfolded and the amazing art created.
We are so grateful for the power of art, the joy of working with our hands, the strength of community, and incredible people like Valerie who share their gifts and wisdom with such generosity. Let this be your reminder to invite creativity into your life—it’s not just an expressive outlet but a way to heal, connect, and grow. Whether it’s painting, gardening, cooking, or simply doodling, find your flow and let it nurture you on every level.
Click here to listen to the Instalive with Valerie.
Resources
Depressed Cake Shop
Hands Maker’s Collective
