How psychologists craft their own happiness

If you are one of those rare birds who have not engaged in any form of arts and crafts since kindergarten time, then you might want to keep reading. I was born and raised in a post-communist country where creative projects were the topic of mockery amongst parents and teachers alike. Time was only well spent on Maths and Science and you'd better not dare to dream to be anything "less" than a medical doctor or an engineer. These were the few "safe" professions in a country in which many were still working the land and wished the next generation wouldn’t have to do so.

I did not bring my elders' dream to life. I was a creative spirit and chose the human psyche as my canvas. It came already painted with the most intricate strokes of brushes you’d never find in craft stores. I’m a child and adolescent mental health practitioner whose primary joy is to see the young canvases blossom in vivid colors, shining in the light of a life well lived. But it’s not always easy to be immersed in so many paintings and not lose track of what colors to use in your own. As the pandemic struck, lockdown ensued and my highly fulfilling “art of the heart” moved online, I found myself drained and uninspired. Psychologists are people too, so how do they craft their joy in the midst of the storm?

Growing up as I did, I never learned any skills to express my creativity. I did not paint, I did not dance, I did not sew, I did not sing, I did not even scrapbook. So what’s there to do, to craft one’s joy, when you have zero skills? Start small. Start somewhere!

I had this damaged, but incredibly beautiful antique lace collar I purchased on Etsy for $1.50. Planning to wear it on a sweater one day maybe? Well, when in need for a little joy, I took some courage, grabbed some scissors and cut it up. Three years after my wedding, I still had not made a decent cover for our album. I was dreaming of something which resembled my dress but anything I found in stores was uninspiring. Yet this collar made a cheap album into my little source of joy. I’ve cut it up, arranged the pieces of lace and glued them up with great enthusiasm. Shall I remind you I have no crafting skills? I still don’t, but this album sparks joy every time I see it. I made it myself and maybe a hundred years ago some lovely ladies crafted their joy while making the lace collar adorning my cover.

Wherever you are in your journey of life at this time, allow yourself to try. Craft that little snippet of happiness even if you never held a scissors before. It’s a joy that’ll keep on giving!

Signed,

the least crafty being you’ll ever meet