Day 15 – The Brush Became My Voice When I Felt Unheard

How creating gave me space to speak—without having to explain

Even now, as life stirs up new challenges I hadn’t planned for, I find myself reaching—almost instinctively—for a paintbrush. It has become more than a tool. It’s an extension of me, a silent but powerful way to say everything I don’t always have the words for. Especially during the hard days, when I feel overwhelmed, stretched thin, or emotionally raw, the brush becomes my voice.

There’s a special kind of safety in creating something that doesn’t need to be explained. No justifications, no clarifications—just expression. When I paint, I’m not interrupted or questioned. I don’t have to tidy up my feelings to make them more palatable. I can pour every ounce of my frustration, grief, hope, or resilience onto the canvas, and it welcomes it all.

In the midst of chaos—both internal and external—I am still able to create beauty. That’s something I never take for granted. It reminds me that even when my world feels uncertain, there is still a place within me that can transform pain into color, confusion into texture, and silence into movement.

Art gives me freedom. When I feel small or unheard in other spaces, I can come to the canvas and take up space fully. There, I get to be as bold or as quiet as I need to be. I get to choose the rhythm, the palette, the pace. It’s mine.

Sometimes people look at my work and see joy. Sometimes they see sorrow or strength. But no matter what they see, what matters most is that I felt seen in the making of it.

For anyone navigating life with a quiet ache or a loud storm—know that your voice doesn’t have to be verbal. There are infinite ways to speak. Mine happens to come in brushstrokes.

Unfinished work in progress – Acrylic on canvas by Michelle Joy Brown

"Even when I don’t know what to say, the brush finds a way to speak for me."

Gentle Assignment:

When have you felt unheard—and how did you express yourself anyway?

If you’ve ever turned to art, writing, movement, or any other creative outlet during tough times, I’d love to hear your story. Drop a comment, share a memory, or simply sit with this question today: What is your brush?

Affirmation:

“My voice matters, even in silence. I can express truth through creation, not explanation.”

—Michelle Joy Brown

Creating for healing. Creating to be heard.

In loving joy,

Michelle Joy Brown Your Artist Friend 🧡

Your financial support really does go towards helping this artist purchase supplies to continue painting and entering exhibitions as well as selling art. I'm a full-time artist now, all monies I earn supports my continued journey.

Thank you for your support and love. 🥰🥰

© 2025 Michelle Joy Brown. All rights reserved.

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