By: Milo Crosswhite, MA, LPC-C

Who told you that? Seriously, who? We are born creative beings and we remain creative beings. What changes is our comfortability to authentically use our unique spark of curiosity and imagination. This happens for so many reasons, but the reality is, creativity shows up in your life daily. 

How you mother your children is a reflection of your creativity. 

The way you make a lunch could only be done by you. It could be done, but it wouldn’t be the same; your preparation, your placement, the item choices, your energy, it can be imitated but never replicated. If you expand your concept of creativity from meaning one’s ability to create art-for-profit or a framed oil painting, you can see that creativity is truly, your unique sparkle that makes you, you.

Your creativity shows up in the joyful and the challenges. 

It is your creativity which has curated an afternoon of experiences with your children. It is also your creativity which you have leaned into to soothe yourself and your children in a difficult situation or even in the nightly struggles of the ominous bedtime routine. I mean, we have all been there, contemplating the benefits of teeth brushing as we are losing the battle with a toddler. Disclaimer: this is not a fluoride debate. 

Here’s 10 ways creativity shows up in your daily mom life

1. It’s the coffee mug you choose to use in the morning
2. The way you pack your kids’ lunches
3. The morning routine you have curated for yourself, your children, your household
4. It’s in the music you play on the ride to school
5. It’s the way you greet your children after school
6. The way you design a day of activity 
7. & transportation-hello travel agent OOmom 
8. The creative way that you attempted to navigate a hostile situation (we’re back to teeth brushing and big emotions)
9. It’s the way you tuck your kids in at night
10. It’s in the way you show your love.

Your creativity is visible in your ability to continue to show up for yourself & your loved ones. All of these things matter and make a world of difference. 

Once you recognize your unique style and begin to see the threads of your creativity in your everyday life, you begin to feel pride and find confidence in your ability to mother as no one else could mother your children. Creativity does not judge you by socially constructed standards which you would not like to continue to co-sign. Creativity embraces you as the mother you are, unique, ever changing, wonderful, faulting, learning, and resilient.

You don’t have to be an artist to participate in art therapy or receive the benefits of art as therapy. Art, creativity, and play, as an adult can bring you back to a place within yourself that you may not have been in touch with since childhood. Art allows you to express yourself in ways which words alone can not afford. 

I think of creativity as a warm hug that is alway there to embrace me. Art is like a lifelong friend, ready to pick up where you left off, not judging you when you reconnect. Through art I have processed my joy, my grief, and my pain, creating depth and beauty in my collage of life; Art has never let me down.

If this resonates with you or you would like to further explore your creativity, please reach out to me to schedule your first art therapy session. I would love to walk with you through this journey. I currently have openings for counseling and art therapy, individual or relationship, including weekday and weekend availability. 

Plus, I am facilitating a 6 week virtual art workshop this winter! This workshop is intended for Mature Mamas 35+ to explore the joys & challenges of parenthood & postpartum life in a safe space, with a sense of community, & support. We will begin a conversation of how we have been navigating motherhood, what is working, and what needs care. There is no shame in seeking community and encouragement from other mothers in this village of parenthood. Taking the steps to care for yourself and fill your cup takes compassion and strength. If you are hesitant to register or have questions, please reach out and we can chat! -Milo 847.920.4453 or email me at milo@embodyandmindcollective.com I am here to support you.