We all deal with illness in different ways. Just as the treatments are different, we don't cope with the same physical and mental ordeal in the same way. Some people's lives have changed only a little as a result of their diagnosis, but they are certainly the minority. And there are many of them for whom almost every day is an eternity, a struggle in itself, a never-ending maze.
It is as physically and mentally difficult to progress, as if we are weighed down by weights weighing us down and everywhere inside us. Our world has changed, we have turned inward, often for the best alone.
Then come the hopeful, positive days, when the sun comes out in our hearts again and we open up to the world, interested in old and new pursuits, people. Even if it is often difficult to get out, there are still so many interesting, creative and rewarding activities to be found.
We are well aware that finding our spiritual balance is extremely important in the process of our recovery, yet we like to put ourselves on the back burner. There is always something else that is more important, that comes first. Many times we find excuses why we cannot, cannot, must not do what we really long to do, but yet we do not give our souls these small pleasures. I wonder why?
SELF-LOVE, ACCEPTANCE OF WHO WE ARE, ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF OUR INNER AND OUTER SHORTCOMINGS, IS ONE OF THE BEST REMEDIES.
Not just for those facing illness, but for our whole existence. Let's stop beating ourselves up, stop wanting to be somewhere else, somewhere else, start loving ourselves. Just as we are. Here and now. With our imperfections, with our past, with everything that cannot or should not be changed. That's what makes the world beautiful, interesting and special, that there are so many of us and we are all different.
Let us enjoy life, let us enjoy the little things. If the sun is shining, if the coffee was delicious, if we hear a nice song on the radio, if we get a nice message, if we had a good night's sleep, saw a heart-warming film, read a great story, found a beautiful autumn leaf, or the first buds on a tree we can see from our window.
Let's be positive and take time for ourselves. Try something new, something colourful, something creative. Even if we think we are not talented at anything. We are surrounded by so many wonderful programmes from which we can draw a lot of strength.
Before you think you have to leave the house to do it all, let's take a look around the world of 'home-sitting' creative projects.
Handicrafts - knitting, crochet, embroidery - there's plenty of content online or in magazines. You can order the materials and tools online and get started. The harmony of the colours, the softness of the fabrics, the tranquillity of cross-stitching will surely be a relief.
Writing - whether by hand or on the computer, writing is a great pastime. We can express our thoughts, sadness and fears, but we can also write a bucket list or start a blog about whatever we like to do (cooking, pets, DIY, plants). We can even write notes about our illnesses in the form of a diary to help others.
Painting, drawing - the interplay of colours, shapes, hands and minds can create wonderful creations and take us in completely new directions. Don't bother if you've never had any manual dexterity. There are countless courses, tutorials or just a suitable workshop on the internet that will take you step by step through the process of creating a painting or drawing. If at first you don't succeed, there's nothing wrong. We switched off and focused on something else for the few hours we were creating. And once we've enjoyed it, there's no stopping, more paint, more canvas, and go for it!
Flower arranging, home decorating - if you're at home so much, let's make your home more cosy. Make a centrepiece, pour a candle or learn decoupage, a technique that allows you to create beautiful flower pots, boxes and trays in your own favourite style. You can also make door ornaments and wreaths before the big holidays, with lots of ideas and beautiful materials to choose from if you browse the web. You can also find everything you need for these activities online and there are several great online shops where you can order almost everything you need in one go.
IF YOU'RE IN THE MOOD TO GET OUT OF THE FOUR WALLS AND READY TO MEET PEOPLE AGAIN, THERE ARE PLENTY OF IDEAS:
Baking and cooking classes - learn how to cook better and better topics, more and more delicious snacks in these great courses. From the flavours of Italy to the colourful world of macaron making, there are courses on so many great topics. You can go as a couple, with friends, girlfriends or even on your own. You can book a completely private appointment, so you can be sure of good company.
Museums, city walks - brilliant exhibitions can be found in most Hungarian cities, so if you want to be sure, check in advance which exhibitions suit your tastes best. You can recharge your batteries in a few hours if you see beautiful paintings and sculptures. Not to mention the great programmes that started a few years ago, which take you to Budapest's secret staircases and gardens, or follow in the footsteps of famous Hungarian actors and writers with a guide.
Sewing or upholstery courses - Sewing is always a great creative activity. With someone to guide you through the learning process, you're sure to have fun making your first dress, net or curtain.
It may sound strange, but from here it's just a leap into the world of furniture covers. You can even sign up for a 1-2 weekend course in upholstery, which obviously only covers the basics. This is probably a predominantly male activity, but there are also an increasing number of women upholsterers in the 'profession'.
Ceramics - a sure-fire jolly joker among creative workshops. Using your own taste, colours and favourite patterns, you can make fabulous plates, bowls or mugs in a morning. The only problem is that the ceramics are fired, so you can't take your masterpiece home immediately.
The list could go on and on. You can go dancing, join a choir, start playing an instrument, walk the streets armed with a mobile phone or camera and take pictures of anything you like. It's all about finding the activity you most want to do. We deserve to feel good about ourselves.
CREATIVE ACTIVITIES ACTIVATE THE BRAIN AND THE MIND AT THE SAME TIME. THIS WILL AFFECT OUR WELL-BEING, OUR MENTAL BALANCE AND THEREFORE OUR PHYSICAL WELL-BEING. AND THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED MOST AT THE MOMENT.
