Day 23: Self-Kindness In the Midst of Chaos

Tapping into Self-Compassion and Creativity

When the world feels heavy, it’s easy to get lost in doing, fixing, or pushing through. But what if healing, real sustaining healing, could begin with just one question:

“What do I need right now?”

Not what you should do. Not what someone else expects. But what you truly need. Do you even know?

This is the heart of a self-compassion check-in. A soft pause. A breath between everything else. You might need a snack, a nap, a good cry, a walk, or a laugh. Or, maybe you need silence. Or maybe, just maybe you need to create.

That’s where 10 minute creative bursts come in.

Your “Gentle Assignment,” no pressure. No perfection. No rules. Just you, a blank page, and the freedom to make a mess. I created “The Edge of Letting Go”, pictured above on my iPad. I thought “water”, then sky, next thing you know, I’ve created a person with a reflection and more. It was relaxing and fun. So, scribble. Doodle. Smear paint or glue something unexpected. Write three unfiltered sentences about how you're feeling. Rip some paper up; create a messy collage. Rearrange pebbles on your windowsill. Create something on your iPad. Let your hands speak what your mind can’t quite name. Be free.

These moments don’t fix everything, but they shift things.

They remind us that we are still here. Still human. Still capable of care, softness, and expression.

Today, give yourself permission to be both tender and bold.

Ask yourself:

What do I need today?

What can I create, just for me, in 10 gentle minutes?

You don’t have to earn rest.

You don’t have to justify joy.

You are allowed to be as you are.

"You can’t pour from an empty cup, but you can refill it drop by drop with kindness, color, and quiet moments of care."

Michelle Joy Brown

With care,

Michelle Joy Brown

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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