Creativity Is So Important When You Suffer From Chronic Pain by Maria Nerius

When I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 12 years ago, I knew my life was going to change, but I thought I’d have to give up most of the things I enjoyed in life. Chronic pain can eat away at you, taking your energy, your creativity, and much of your joy. However, I was blessed with a supportive family and community. I’ve worked in the art and craft industry for over 25 years now and each day is a new discovery! Creativity became an even more important part of my life. 

With fibromyalgia, I have great days, good days and some not so wonderful days. I’ve found that my “not so good days” aren’t so bad when I concentrate on my art and craft work. I can’t sit at the computer to write, but I can paint, needlepunch, bead, and create all kinds of paper art. The pain melts away as I get involved with color, texture, design, and creating! I am no longer someone with chronic pain, I am an artist, a craftsman, a someone who is learning new things and building my skills.

 

I am not sure what path I would have taken if I didn’t have my crafts. I sense it wouldn’t be the fulfilling, peaceful world I am so happy to enjoy. With creativity we have an outlet to express ourselves, we don’t have to let an illness, disability or handicap limit us. Art and craft opens up our lives and is a fantastic way to be productive. Through creativity we can make a difference and give back to our family and friends. 

Crafting is a healthy; healing activity with so many rewards and benefits. With that apple a day, I make sure I always craft each day for wellness!

Maria Nerius is an author, writer, designer, and consultant in the art and craft industry. Her work has been published in numerous consumer magazine, books, and websites. She lives in Florida with her charming husband and a merry band of dogs. Feel free to Twitter or add Maria as a Facebook friend.

Comments

[Joan B]

your work is lovely. Thanks for sharing!

[Melissa]

hi maria!
your work is beautiful. thank you so much for sharing your story and work with the world!
:) melissa

[Susan Jones]

Thank you for sharing your story!
Things in life can be a burden or a blessing! It's all in the way you look at it!

[Ina]

Hi, thanks for sharing your story. This is something i can relate to and i agree that crafts can help. Without my crafts i will go mad. Have a nice day!

[Tina]

I also have chronic back pain from the metal that is in my back. That is so true about getting involved with your crafts. I only make things for my family and friends. It gibes me so much joy to see their faces when I give it to them. I takes me a lot longer to do things but in the end it is worth it. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

[Tina]

I wanted to tell you about a friend of mine who was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. She couldn't even get out of bed. A doctor checked her vitamin D and it was not even on the chart so he put her on mega doses and now she is as good as new.

[Cheryl @ Mandala Oasis]

Maria...
I appreciate you sharing your heart felt story and your beautiful art. They are both very inspiring and a reminder to me how important it is to do something creative every day. Thank you and abundant blessings to you... Cheryl

[Zona Taylor]

Thank you for sharing. I am so glad that you have been able to continue your crafts.

I find that sewing and knitting have become to repetitious for me to to be able to do...except on really, really good days. Then, I have to ration myself or I end up paying.

I am gradually disassembling my knitting room...much to my dismay.

Your work is lovely. Keep it up!