Day 18: The Migraine & the Mandate of Rest

For National Mental Health Month Series.

Today was supposed to be full. My heart had every intention of showing up at an art event for a friend, for a birthday celebration for another, at my easel to keep painting something beautiful that I started last night. But my body had other plans today. Sometimes we must say No to others, and Yes, to our own self-care.

Anyway, a migraine swept in like an unexpected storm today. It didn’t ask permission. It never does.

And truthfully? Migraines scare me more than almost anything else because my stroke started out feeling like a migraine back in 2021.

That memory lives deep in my nervous system. Every time the pain creeps in as a headache or behind my eye, or nausea sets in, I feel the edge of that fear again. I wonder: “Is this just a migraine, or a headache? Or is something else beginning? It’s a kind of trauma I don’t always talk about, but it sits beside me in moments like today.

So, today became a “self-care” day by necessity.

I still made it to coffee this morning with my favorite art friend—one small pocket of joy I held onto, even through the ache. Our daughter and her husband stopped by; I managed a few quiet things. But the rest was surrendered. I had to listen to my body.

Now, I sit here typing with a lingering, dull headache, relieved that the worst has passed. I didn’t touch my paintbrush today, and that’s okay. This post is less about what I created and more about what I allowed myself to not do.

Self-care is rarely glamorous. Sometimes it looks like disappointing people. Sometimes it means missing the things you want to do because your body says no more. That’s not failure. That’s wisdom. Listen to your body!!

"I’m learning that rest is part of the work. It’s not a pause from life, it’s how I stay in it." Michelle Joy Brown

Gentle Assignment:

Do one thing today that nourishes your nervous system.

That could be:

Lying down in silence for ten minutes.

Drinking water slowly, like it matters. Or just drinking water!

Saying no to one thing.

Letting your to-do list be half finished.

Sitting on your favorite chair outside, like what I'm doing this moment.

Honor the art of resting. Healing is productive too.

Below is a glimpse of the painting I began last night still unfinished, waiting patiently on my easel. It reminds me that the creative process, like healing, doesn’t need to be rushed. I'll finish it eventually. Take care my friends 🧡

Self-care Is Allowed,

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. 🥰🥰

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