“I’m going to paint that thing”, I thought. I started dreaming up images in my mind - how would it look? I had people to impress, you know.

And then, just as quickly as the thought came, my higher-self voice said, “HUH? What’s the deal with that?! Haven’t you… healed past the desire or need of wanting outside validation from other people? Yes, I have. But that sneaky, needy voice rises up once in a while. Integration and muscle memory are really a thing; participating in healing sessions and/or therapy isn’t a magic pill, but what we put into daily practice answering with love and non-attachment, those are the ones where we integrate healing embody healing.

This morning, I decided today was the day to paint and draw the collar. I looked on the interwebs for inspiration; and I began to start the process. Little sketches, quick ideas, trying to “make it fit” and “look pretty”. I thought if I just filled the space with pretty succulents and things, that would look very nice. I began to draw on the collar, then painted and blended with acrylic markers.

But as the lines went down, something felt off. It was too surface, too neat, too small and definitely NOT my signature layered style. So, I quickly scrubbed it off with some alcohol wipes. And along with the paint, I wiped away the “fitting in” part as well.

And then, I sank deeper. As I sat on my deck, I closed my eyes, right there in the middle of the day, connected to my intuition and stepped into the Flow. I connected and tuned into what I know. Into the way I create when I’m not looking for approval, but stepping fully into the creative Flow. And, as I calmed and watched my breath, suddenly the download came. I knew exactly how to start! I started lovingly weaving in my own style: a cactus garden, a hidden green goddess that emerged, healing words layered beneath the paint, and healing crystals that will be set like gems. And as I painted, blended, and drew, I channeled Reiki into every mark and stroke.

Now, what was once clinical plastic has become a talisman of resilience, healing, and thriving. This work isn’t just decoration anymore! It’s healing medicine, living in layers. It’s the words ‘RESILIENT’, ‘THRIVING’, and ‘I AM WHOLE AND HEALED’ carefully written into the first few layers like a spell. And more than anything, it’s authentically me.

Several readers have asked for the Art Prompt to come back! So -

“Hidden Words”: Create a small piece of art (a doodle, painting, or collage) where you hide a word or phrase in the background. Something only YOU know is there. Then cover it with watered down paint, a collage piece or a doodle. Let it be the root beneath whatever flowers or shapes you create on top. It doesn’t have to be seen—it just has to be felt! What word is coming up for you now?

The way I paint and create is the same energy I bring into my courses and digital products : weaving the hidden, the healing, the joy into everyday life.

I am creatively and authentically yours,
Debby

✨ PS: What word popped into your head when you read the Art Prompt? Please hit reply and tell me. I’d love to know!

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