colour pencil crayons in a pyramid form - creativity as a way of finding joy
|

Finding Joy After 50? The Secret No One Told You

Have you ever had one of those days, or even many days, where you just feel off, but you can’t quite figure out why?

I’ve been there. Sometimes, even when everything seems to be going well on the outside, something inside still feels unsettled, and finding joy feels like an impossible task.

It’s frustrating when you can’t pinpoint what’s missing.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed how easy it is to get wrapped up in the to-do lists and responsibilities, forgetting about those little moments that used to light me up.

But here’s something I’ve realized. Finding joy doesn’t have to be complicated or require a big life change. It’s often about tapping into small moments of creativity. This could be as simple as trying something new in the kitchen or doodling in a notebook like we did as kids.

Creativity isn’t reserved for artists or musicians. It’s for all of us, and it’s such a powerful way to take care of ourselves.

By giving yourself permission to play, explore, and be curious, you can unlock a deeper sense of well-being that nurtures both your mind and your spirit.

Creativity can be a powerful way to rediscover your joy and support your overall health in ways you may not have considered before. By tapping into your creative side, you can nurture your mind, body, and spirit, bringing a renewed sense of well-being into your life.

Bookmark this on Pinterest to read later!

back of woman's head, with short bobbed hair in hand mudra for meditation - finding joy again when you don't feel happy

The Connection Between Creativity and Wellness

When we talk about wellness, most of us tend to think of eating well, exercising, and maybe practicing mindfulness or meditation. But wellness goes beyond just keeping our bodies fit. It also includes emotional and mental well-being, which are often overlooked.

This is where creativity comes in.

Creativity has a unique way of engaging our entire being. When you allow yourself to get lost in something creative—whether it’s painting, writing, gardening, or even rearranging your living space—it becomes a form of meditation.

You’re fully in the moment, and that presence offers you a break from the constant mental chatter of everyday life. Suddenly, you’re not thinking about your to-do list, your worries, or the future. You’re simply being.

This act of being present can reduce stress, lower anxiety, and even improve your mood. It’s like giving your brain a little vacation.

And the best part?

You don’t need fancy tools or a lot of time to benefit from it. Sometimes, just taking 10 minutes to doodle or color can shift your energy in a big way.

For me, I’ve tried so many creative outlets—life drawing, pottery, knitting. Each one offers a mini reset for my brain, helping me process feelings without overthinking. These simple acts bring clarity and balance in a way nothing else does.

How Creativity Supports Mental Health

As we age, taking care of our mental health becomes just as important as looking after our bodies.

The natural changes that come with aging, such as retirement, menopause, or children moving out, can leave us feeling uncertain about our purpose or place in the world. This can sometimes lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety, or even depression.

Engaging in creative activities can be a powerful way to boost mental health. Research shows that creative expression activates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine, a chemical that promotes feelings of happiness and satisfaction.

Whether you’re painting, crafting, or even dancing around your living room, you’re not just having fun but also helping keep your mind healthy and engaged.

Creative activities like knitting, cooking, or even putting together a scrapbook can also improve cognitive function. They help keep the mind sharp by engaging different parts of the brain, promoting problem-solving, and stimulating memory.

After all, our brains need exercise too!

Creative activities like journaling can also help clear mental fog and process emotions. Julia Cameron, in her book The Artist’s Way, introduces a practice called ‘Morning Pages’.

This is a daily habit of writing three longhand pages of stream-of-consciousness thoughts. This isn’t about perfect prose or deep insights, but more of a brain dump that clears your mind and makes room for creativity. It’s helped me and countless others start the day with a clearer, calmer mind.

But beyond the science, creativity offers something much more personal, an emotional release.

Sometimes, life’s challenges don’t have easy solutions or clear answers. But through creativity, you can process your feelings in a way that words can’t always capture.

I’ve often found that picking up a pen to write or even rearranging a room helps me to see things more clearly. Creativity provides that healthy distraction we need to step back, breathe, and move forward with a clearer mind.

For further research about the connection between creativity and mental health, you can read the full article here.

Creativity as a Form of Self-Expression and Identity Renewal

One of the wonderful gifts of life after 50 is the chance to rediscover yourself. After years of filling roles—like being a mom, partner, or professional—you now have the freedom to explore who you are beyond those titles.

Tapping into your creativity can be a fantastic way to reconnect with parts of yourself you might have set aside for too long.

Have you ever thought about picking up an old hobby again? Maybe you loved to paint as a child but haven’t touched a brush in years, or perhaps you used to write short stories but haven’t put pen to paper in ages. Now is the perfect time to revisit those passions or even try something completely new!

Creativity lets us express ourselves in ways that words often can’t. It provides a safe space to explore new interests and experiences, helping us navigate transitions like menopause, retirement, or empty nesting with curiosity instead of fear.

It’s a beautiful reminder that we are more than just our roles; we’re individuals with unique thoughts, ideas, and talents.

I have a friend who took up pottery after her kids moved out. Initially, she thought it would just fill her time, but it turned out to be so much more. She found a new sense of purpose and community in her pottery classes, and it became a meaningful way for her to embrace this new chapter in her life. She’s even started making money from her work at craft shows! It’s amazing how rediscovering a passion can open up new opportunities.

Simple Ways to Add More Creativity to Your Life

If the idea of being creative feels a little intimidating, don’t worry. Creativity doesn’t have to mean painting a masterpiece or writing a novel. It’s about finding little ways to bring more joy, playfulness, and exploration into your daily life.

Here are a few simple ways you can start:

  • Journaling: Write without any structure. Just let your thoughts flow. You can even add doodles or fun little sketches if you’re feeling adventurous.
  • Doodling or Coloring: Adult coloring books are great for this, but even just scribbling on a piece of paper can be a creative release.
  • Gardening: Whether it’s planting flowers or tending to houseplants, gardening can be a wonderful way to tap into your creative energy.
  • Cooking or Baking: Experiment with new recipes or try creating your own. The kitchen is a great place to be playful and explore your creativity.
  • Photography: You don’t need a fancy camera. Just take your phone and go for a walk. Capture anything that catches your eye, nature, architecture, or even interesting shadows.

These are small, simple ways to start incorporating creativity into your life. They don’t take much time, but they offer huge benefits for your overall wellness.

If you’re looking for a fun way to explore your creativity, Julia Cameron’s idea of an “Artist Date” is perfect! It’s a solo adventure where you spend time doing something that sparks your curiosity or joy, like visiting a museum, browsing a bookstore, or taking a scenic walk. These little outings help refill your creativity well and remind you of the simple joys of exploration!

woman's hands kneading dough on floured surface - finding joy through creativity

The Spiritual Side of Creativity

There’s also a deeply spiritual aspect to creativity. When we create, we’re tapping into something beyond ourselves.

Whether you believe in a higher power, the universe, or simply the power of your own spirit, creativity allows you to connect with something greater. It can be a form of meditation, quieting the mind and allowing something new to flow through us.

In yoga and holistic practices, creativity is often linked to the second chakra, the sacral chakra, which is associated with emotion, passion, and our sense of purpose.

By engaging in creative activities, we can balance this energy center, promoting a sense of vitality and joy.

I’ve found that when I allow myself to be creative, whether it’s through journaling, rearranging my home, or simply daydreaming, I feel more aligned and connected to my deeper self.

It’s a way of tuning into my intuition and finding clarity in a way that feels gentle and natural.

Rediscover Your Creative Spark

Creativity is so much more than just a fun hobby. It’s a powerful tool for healing, growth, and self-care, especially in this chapter of life.

Whether you’re navigating the changes of menopause, finding a new purpose after retirement, or simply looking for ways to boost your well-being, creativity can offer you a path to finding joy again.

So, what’s one small way you can be creative today?

Whether it’s picking up a paintbrush, jotting down some thoughts, or even dancing in your living room, I encourage you to give yourself the gift of creativity.

It’s never too late to rediscover your creative spark and use it as a source of wellness and healing.

Remember this post and save it on Pinterest!

woman jumping above water with legs spread out and arms in the air - finding joy again and be healthy

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

3 Comments

  1. This is such a powerful reminder. I personally have found that writing soothes my soul in so many unexpected ways. Ever since I found blogging, I have become addicted and received so many wonderful benefits.
    #linkyparty #SeniorSalonPitStop #BloggersConnecting