This blog post is very special to me–it fulfills one of my goals as an artist!
First…a little background:
I have shared before that I have several chronic pain issues that I deal with. Like most people who are chronically ill, my life has changed dramatically over the years. Things that were once important have been given up and priorities have been realigned to include only the barest of essentials…food, shelter, family, and health. As my world shrank, depression set in and I found an intense need for ways to cope with pain and pass time cheerfully. Arts and crafts had been an important part of my life, but because of pain and fatigue, most of my passions had been abandoned, so I began a search for something to fill the void. Something I could do from my recliner with my feet elevated. Something I could take breaks from when flare-ups occurred. Something I could learn by myself and do without too much expense.
Drawing entered my world in the form of Zentangling and doodles. This was perfect for me…I had discovered the power of art to cope with pain. I drew every day, and eventually coloring and this website were created. As my talent has grown, so has my self-esteem which I had lost to my illnesses.
I now look forward to my daily time with my art, and I am so grateful that the hours of pain slip by me almost unnoticed. There are times that art is more beneficial than some of my medications, plus when I am done I am more cheerful and blissful than when I started. (This is where the BLISS in Coloring Pages Bliss comes from.) It is a miracle, and ever since this miracle happened in my life, I have wanted to share with others how I use art to cope with pain.
Click Above to See 5 Steps
Sharing my miracle:
I have spent a lot of time this last month pondering my art process and condensing it into 5 Steps to Pain Relief that I hope will express how I use art to cope with pain. I have also researched how others use art and have discovered that many therapists, doctors, teachers, and other pain sufferers use art as a form of meditation, therapy and stress relief. Art is powerful!!
In addition to sharing these steps with you, I have created 2 FREE coloring pages dedicated to my fellow pain warriors. I loved creating these and imagining you trying out the 5 steps while you color.
Please share these steps and coloring pages with anyone you know who may need some help coping with pain. It is my dearest hope that this will help and bless as many people as possible.
I’d love to hear how these steps work for you and any other ways you use art to cope with pain.
Click Above to Download
Click Above to Download
I have Fibromyalgia, so chronic high pain. I also have DID, so using art to calm and create is a good coping mechanism.
I have fibromyalgia arthritis & DID,too. But I never see people admit to DID. Most people treat me very differently if they know. 🙁
It was hard for me to tell people about my chronic illnesses. Most people don’t know how to act around us. I’m sorry you have to suffer with this, but I think you are brave for sharing your struggles and I think you’ll be stronger because of it.
I’m using Jennifers rule of blending thirds to make this
It really is amazing to me how helpful art therapy is–I experience its benefits every single day.
I have lost 3 babies to sids. Therefore I suffer with depression and anxiety amongst other things. I would like to give this ago
I’m so sorry Jennifer. I hope that these steps and pages might bring you peace and joy in some small way.
a big congratulations new friend!!! I just found you today on Pinterest!Our stories are similar and I recently returned to creativity as a pain reliever.After a spinal injury I had to relearn to sit, stand, walk & pain levels were off the chart. The drs had me on oxycontin & oxycodone=I was a zombie! When I decided to stop the drugs and got clearer I was gifted a set of colored pencils and I discovered how meditative and relaxing it was to simply color. Now I’m also doing mixed media and create every day!My pain is quite subdued by this spiritual practice. THANKS for your work, I appreciate your gift! Blessings!
You are so welcome! Thank you for sharing your story–I’m so happy that art and coloring are helping you too. 🙂
I absolutely love that there are colouring books for adults. I am finding his to be an incredibly peaceful way to spend my time. I turn off the tv and drift away and get lost in creativity. In my focus I almost forget how much pain I am in. I suffer from both fibro and CRPS.
I would love to download both of these pictures you have created, but I’ve no way to print them as we do not own a printer. Is there any way to have them mailed to me? I love them and the inspirational msg…something I would spend time on and post on my wall in a frame ?? Thank you for your consideration ?
It is so much fun to see how adult coloring is trending. Do you have anyone close to you who might be able to print the pages for you? It is a great idea to color and frame them! 🙂
I use Mandela coloring adult books for my fibromyalgia high to moderate pain. And. Reading , meditation, music therapy, aroma therapy, and light exercises
Sounds like a wonderful pain management regimen you’ve discovered!
I have EDS Hypermobilty with moderate to high pain. The level of pain depends on the day. I also have an autoimmune issue that doctors haven’t been able to identify yet. Coloring relaxes me and helps takes my mind of my pain for a while.
I’m so sorry for the pain you’re experiencing. 🙁 I’m glad you’ve found coloring to help a little.
I have recently found art in the way of painting. I have fibromyalgia, osteo & rheumatoid arthritis,back knee & ankle surgery. Putting off neck surgery. Between the pain and hypothyroidism I’m reinventing how to live and function to hide my pain.
I’m so sorry Donna–that’s a lot to deal with. I know how difficult it is to have to reinvent living and to feel like you have to hide your pain. I hope you have supportive people around you from whom you do not feel you have to hide the pain.
I have DDD, severe spinal stenosis , sjogrens & fibromyalgia- coloring has been a great way to relax and take my mind away from the pain
Joan, why do our bodies have to be so difficult!? I am glad that coloring is easing some of your pain and hope that it will continue to provide that for you.
I love these. I would love to try this for my pain. I had multiple PEs and DVTs 10 years ago and have developed many illnesses since. I deal with severe chronic pain and fatigue among many other issues. I don’t have a wasy to print theses though. Is there any way to have them mailed to me. I’d love to possibly frame them for my bedroom if they turn out. They’re beautiful!
Kelly, currently we don’t have a way to mail them but I am in the process of having a coloring book published. For now, I would recommend asking a friend to print them for you, or go to a library to see if they can help. Please send me a picture of your framed artwork when you get it done–I’d love to see it!
Reading your story sounds like what I’m going through. Chronic pain has shrunk my world and I’m struggling to not sink into deep depression. Ive just recently discovered coloring, and I love your page, and your tips for coloring for pain reduction. I realized what I was doing wrong was being critical of my creation. Now I’m learning to let go of that and color like a child again! Thanks for this blog, coloring pages, and your wonderful insight.
Gayle, thank you for sharing this. I think one of the best things we can do for each other is share our stories–we don’t feel so alone and we feel stronger because of it. I’m excited that you are learning to color like a child–it’s surprising how difficult that can be. I recently bought a set of inexpensive markers and it has been fun to just play with them. Thanks again for your kind words. 🙂
Gayle (if you’re still here) I have that same problem. If I happen to dose off (we think it might be narcolepsy cuz I have acute insomnia and take both Ambien 10 and Ambien CR 12.5 at the same time and still can’t sleep) and I make a mistake, I have to throw it away. Even if no one else sees it! Became that way due to the job I had when I became disabled.
We made custom labels both blank and printed ones either in a standard roll, a mini roll like the P.O. does with their 100 stamp roll, sheets, fanfolded or whatever you need and a lot of the jobs required that the ink had to be spot on or within 1/644th of an inch.
After almost 10 years of that being drummed into your head, it’s terribly difficult to tell myself that it’s ok if I screw up. Chances are, no one else would even notice it. And that makes it hard when you’ve just about finished the art piece, only to see all my mistakes and have to start over.
But even with that, coloring is STILL helpful. If I notice it early enough and can color over it I can live with it. Drives me nuts but as long as I don’t say anything, no one ever sees the mistakes in it. Gotta learn to relax and say phooey about it. This day will come, just not quick enough for me! LOL
I’ve always wanted to be an “artist.” I settled that I was a crocheter and doodler. Then I found zentangles and now doodle with a purpose. Two years ago my health took a rapid downward turn and hiking turned to sofa-surfing. So I started to color, in books, my doodles, anything with lines. I also crochet. But there is something about drawing/coloring that does dull the pain while you are concentrating on it. I am so glad you shared your story and your two drawings. Thank you. V.V.
Your story is very similar to mine–thank you for sharing. Zentangling is what introduced me to the world of drawing as well. I do all my drawing from the comfort of my sofa. I think it’s important that we never give up on our creative outlets and I’m proud of you for finding ways to follow your passions.
This is so wonderful of you to help all of us find ways to deal with our pain levels and self esteem. My DR has just quit running blood work, since we have tried everything, and I just keep getting more immune system diseases, (8) now I think. We all know to well, the side effects of pain meds are horrid, while they barely even touch the pain.
Teresa, your story sounds all too familiar. It is very frustrating when Doctors give up on you; unfortunately, it often falls on us to find ways of dealing with daily chronic illness. I have tried some pretty crazy things, and I think that’s why I am so excited to share what I have experienced with coloring. I hope it helps you. Stay strong and thanks for sharing.
Last weekend, I was in the hospital for IVIG to treat a multiple sclerosis exacerbation. I was on Norco and prn Dilaudid for pain. I was also given coloring pages and colored pencils for stress and pain management. I’m so happy to see conventional medicine and complimentary medicine brought together. With the art therapy, I was able to keep the Dilaudid to a minimum. Keep spreading the message and my compliments on your work. It’s lovely!
Thanks for your kind words Shanna, and I am happy to hear that hospitals are offering art therapy! I wish more of them would do that–it has been a huge blessing for me and I hope that sharing what I have learned will bless others. Thanks for sharing your experience and I hope that you are feeling better. 🙂
I suffer from RA, osteo, arthritis. Have suffered terrible bouts of pain. I am very anxious to give this a try.
I’m so sorry Grandma J–chronic pain is so unfair. I’d recommend using markers–that’s what I use when my hands and joints are aching because it’s easier on them than colored pencils or crayons. Let me know how it goes.
I’m so excited to join your beautiful site and begin coloring right away! Since I haven’t colored like this since I was a kid I’m curious what type of color medium works best? Colored pencils, penciled pastels, crayolas?
Hi Janie, I’m excited for you too! It’s really up to you, but my current favorites are colored pencils and some inexpensive crayola markers I picked up when I was back to school shopping for my kids. I’d encourage you to try several different methods and see what you like best. Don’t be afraid and have fun! 🙂
I was told I have COPD 5 years ago, and with each year it gets worse. I did quit smoking right away. But the cold weather in Canada hurts me in the winter when I go outside.
I’m sorry Jan. Have you found coloring helps you to cope in any way?
I also have DID…was diagnosed over 20 years ago. Coloring has always been something to ease anxiety.
That’s a long time to have to deal with DID–I’m sorry. I’m so glad you’ve found coloring to help in some small way.
HI I AM SO HAPPY TO FIND YOUR WEBSITE. I TOO SUFFER A LOT OF PAIN. I HAVE MYASTHENIA GRAVIS. I AM CURRENTLY GETTING PLASMA PHERESES EVERY TWO WEEKS. IT HAS HELPED ME TO CROCHET AND COLOR. I LOVE THE NEW ADULT COLORING BOOKS. CROCHETING HAS HELPED ME COPE WITH MY ILLNESSES AND DEPRESSION. THANKS FOR YOU WEBSITE I CAME ACROSS IT JUST SEARCHING PINTEREST I JUST LOVE ALL THE CREATIVE WORK I SEE
You’re welcome Lauretta! So glad you’ve found creative ways to cope. 🙂
My story mirrors yours in several areas. Approx 15 years ago while working as an RN, I ruptured 2 discs in the small of my back. 4 spinal surgeries and partial lung removal to remove a 3cm X6cm non-cancerous mass in my lower right lung, I am left with significant chronic pain. This chronic pain has created a severe depression that has led to so far one suicide attempt. The pain medication doesn’t even take the edge off any more, all those meds have done is gotten my labeled a “junkie” at the local hospital. If it wasn’t for coloring and my other crafts (I like to sew and do paper crafts), I might be dead. When the pain is high or the depression is getting out of control, I break out my coloring and can concentrate on something other than pain/depression for a little while. Thank you for the work you do. Thank you for sharing the story of those of us who suffer. Just plain THANK YOU.
You’re welcome Jodi. Thank you for your courage in sharing your story with me. I’m so sorry for what you’re going through. I’m so happy you’ve found coloring and crafts as a healthy way of dealing with your depression. I’m glad you’re with us! 🙂
Thank you for these coloring pages. My Father passed away from bone cancer. His pain was so intense during his battle with cancer. I found that coloring was my way of getting my mind off of the sadness. Many people forget the great suffering that the caregivers endure during the cancer battle their loved one is enduring. I wanted to know if it would be okay to sell these coloring pages for the relay for life. All the profits …. Every penny … Will be used for the American Cancer Society.
Hi Amanda, thank you for sharing. I’m so sorry about your father–like you said, it is also very difficult for the caregivers. I’m glad you found some small way to deal with the suffering and sadness through coloring. Regarding selling the pages…typically, the answer would be no–the pages are for personal use only and not for resale. However, let’s talk offline so I can learn a little more about your plans and thoughts for the project.
I never thought of the pain side of coloring. I have many chronic pain issues and when I can’t hold a coloring pencil, I just want to cry. But I don’t want to get my page wet. I need to develop strength and work it thru. Thanks for your post.
You’re welcome Debora. I’m sorry you have to deal with chronic pain too–it’s just not fair. 🙁
Thank you for these beautiful pages. I have a friend who has been suffering from ongoing depression and so far hasn’t had much success with treatment. I coloured the “Choose hope” page and gave it to her with an inspirational fridge magnet. She was very touched and texted me her thanks. I was glad to help her stay optimistic.
That’s beautiful Frances–thank you for sharing.
WARNING! LONG POST. VERY LONG!! So if you’re still going to read I suggest you kick back and relax. 🙂 Grab a drink, something to snack on and prepare yourselves. 😀
In 1995 I was rear ended by an 82yo man who managed to miss all of the 4foot high Road Construction Ahead. Flagman ahead (distance until you get to the flagman). I was the only car waiting and happened to see the car coming. Beeped my horn to get the flagman’s attention when the man hit me going 50mph. He never touched the brakes. My car stopped both of us and kept from hitting the flagman.
Since I saw him coming, I did exactly what you aren’t supposed to do…tense up. But my 12yo was with me and I threw my arm across him and just as we got hit he asked me what was I doing? He was lucky. Didn’t see him, was wearing his seatbelt as was I, so he didn’t tense up.
Ended up with my left side injured. Whiplash, the window was down and he hit the driver side of the car. I think he saw what was going to happen and go into the other lane but was too slow. When he did that, the edge of the open window slammed into my elbow, shoved my knee into the dash even though I was “standing” on the brakes. Surprised it didn’t break my leg.
Running on adrenaline, I jumped out to see if he was ok because his driver bag deployed.
Once the cops got there and my mechanic got there to see if my car was driveable, it must have hit me all of a sudden once I knew my son was ok and so was the older man, because the next thing I know is I’m in an ambulance with my neck stabilized. It took a year to recover.
Flash forward 10 years. I wake up to get ready for work and find I can’t get comfortable unless my arm was on my head. My job was a very physical one and I knew it was useless to try. Got permission to go to a chiropractor but he made it worse. Went to a 2nd one, not saying anything about the 1st one because they tend to not want to touch you if anyone’s messed with you already.
This lady was smart. Sent me to the hospital for spinal x-rays and discovered DJD and DDD. She also saw what appeared to be a possible herniation in 2, possibly all 4 discs in my neck. Got me in to see a specialist that day.
He got an MRI done and discovered 2 discs that needed repaired and 2 that were borderline.
Long story short, I have a plate in my neck, irreparable nerve damage and some other stuff I won’t get to now because it’s already too long as it is.
I’m now on disability because my entire left side is affected and, unfortunately, it appears to be spreading to the right side. If you’ve never heard of it, look up TOS, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. It’s usually unilateral but if caused by a rear end collision (waves hand) it can become bit-lateral (waves hand again).
Add to that a host of sleeping problems, mental illness (some I had before, some due to the accident) and the fact I used to backpack and test backpacking gear, played the banjo (not bad but far from good), hunted and fished, to name a few and a severe warning to stay away from 4-wheeling (live in the middle of the woods), nor motorcycles, and worse of all NO MORE AMUSEMENT PARK RIDES!!!!! That was my idea of a vacation. Hubby gets sick watching the rides but he loves people watching so it worked out.
Now I can’t sit, stand, walk, or ride for long. Sitting is ok for a half hour if I’m in my recliner, walking is 15 – 30 minutes depending on where we are and how often we (he) stops to talk to people. He knows just about everyone – small town.
Can’t drive because my pain meds are opiates and if I get into an accident, it’ll be my fault even if it isn’t because I was driving under the influence of drugs.
So now I only leave the house for doctor appts and occasionally to watch my grandsons play football.
So discovering adult coloring was a Godsend. And now that I know I do better with gel pens, I found you and found you can do more than just color. So I’m excited to check out your tutorial videos and practice what I learn.
Again, sorry so long. I think I saw that messages and/or posts are monitored first. And if that’s right, you don’t need to post it or if there’s stuff in it you want to use, you have my permission to edit the post.
And if it DOES get posted without moderation, if you read this far, congratulations. I tend to get diarrhea of the mouth and never know when to shut up. 🙂
Wow Jodi, that’s a lot you’ve endured and are having to endure. I’m so sorry. I’m glad that my tutorials are able to help even if it’s just a little bit. Sending love your way. 🙂
Hey Jennifer. Glad my post was postable (if that’s not a real word, it is now! 🙂 ). Thanks for sending the love my way. I take all I can.
Gets a bit lonely since I don’t have a car now. And living where I live, it takes 15-20 minutes to get here and I hate wasting other people’s time. Especially if I find out they stopped what they were doing just to give me a ride.
It’s been 8.5 years now since I was told I couldn’t work anymore so I’ve mostly gotten used to it. That’s why I get super excited to find out that there is more I can do with my gel pens other than just color with them.
Oh and I have a little “fur-baby” who swears she’s human. A ginger colored, um I don’t know what rules there are for swearing although it is the kind of dog I have, c.o.c.k.a.p.o.o. Hence her name.
So it’s not too bad being alone. Was a loner when I met my hubby, married 37 years this June and together for 5 more years. I’ll be 55 this year and have 2 son’s each with 3 kids. Oldest has 2 boys and a girl and youngest with 2 girls and 1 boy. So it balances out.
And we all live relatively close by and I get any where from 1 to 5 grandkids almost every weekend. The 6th is my youngest granddaughter and too young to spend the night/weekend.
Ok, enough jabbering. Thanks for the acceptance to the club and allowing my wandering around posts as well.
Please feel free to not accept any of my posts that doesn’t help the group.
Only reason I posted what I did earlier was to maybe help someone who is on disability, especially the “invisible” injuries that can make people think you just want attention. Let ’em know they aren’t the only ones even though it seems that way sometimes.
Anyway, thanks for accepting me to the group and I hope I don’t get myself chased out because I can’t shut up. It’s one of my mental issues. I was like this before the accident but nowhere near as bad. We think it’s my meds.
And with that, I’m going back to sleep before I start something else! 🙂
Hubby and I are both down with a bad bug. Bleh. At least I can stay home and rest but he’s in construction and is their “go to” man, even contractors who aren’t hired by the general contractor because he knows everything about everything on a job. So it’s rough for him to miss work. (See? Told you I can get sidetracked easily! 🙂
No worries though. I’m usually only this bad when I join a closed group. Then I pretty much linger to learn what I can from those who have been doing this for a while.
Also, I stay out of anything to do with religion or politics. Found its better for sanity that way.
I’m gone before something else pops into my head! 🙂
Thanks!
I’m glad I read the comments. I’d forgotten that I’d written a novelette before and had another one ready to send then decided to wait. Glad I did. Saved me from a double “duh” moment.
Your tutorials are helping more than a “little bit”. You inspire me to keep going. That means a lot. Thanks.
I have just found your site and like you, I colour for pain management (chronic pelvic pain and fibromyalgia) and depression. It is the main thing that keeps me sane. Thank you for sharing your art and for raising awareness of invisible chronic conditions. Not many people understand the daily struggles we go through
Jennifer,
You are an inspiration to all those with chronic pain.
Thank you Susan. <3
I have terminal bone cancer and being mostly bed bound my options are limited so having the coloring and creative side helps keep me occupied and optimistic
Hi Jennifer, another Jen here. I’m also set up in my lift chair or lift bed most days and have dealt with chronic pain from a workplace spinal injury resulting in over 70 falls from associated partial paralysis of left leg, and associated injuries such as obliterating my good knee and smashing my hip and prolapsing discs further up spine as well as original lower injury. I’ve just started using visual art including colouring to help keep me sane and bring me joy. Between you, Sarah Renae Clarke (I’m an Aussie and live close to her) and Kristy Rice who is teaching me watercolour, I’m finally feeling the emotions release from the pain and onto the page. Your ideas are awesome. Thankyou for sharing and being so cheerful,even though I know sometimes you may not feel up to it. I’ll be upgrading my membership as soon as I get paid too! Gday from Australia xx
Wow, I’ve been a member since February I believe (started with free and now just converted the full membership to the academy) and only now have seen this. I have arthritis, have had 3 joint replacements, facing both a 4th (my remaining hip) as well as having most of the joints in both my feet fused together because I am no longer have any cartilage, so it is bone on bone whenever I take a step. Most days I can cope emotionally, but many days I feel an utter sense of defeat that wants to crush me. After reading what many people are struggling with here, and your own story, Jennifer, I feel inspired. Thank you for having the courage to tell your story!
Dearest lovely Jennifer (and Steve and ADORABLE little Rose!) 😉
Thank you for sharing your story and for all of the inspiration and free pages that you provide. I’m totally new at the coloring scene. I’m slowly recovering from a serious brain injury after a bicycle accident (27 months) and somebody suggested I try coloring therapy. So here I am learning from you and enjoying seeing adorable little Rose in your videos! 😉 Please give that little ball of sweetness a cuddle on my behalf! I especially love that you don’t make a fuss about the coloring Jennifer, you really present it in an easy to digest manner, thank you! Wishing you all of the very best, Jennifer! Hugs to you!
You’re so welcome! I’m happy that you found us and grateful that we can play a part in your recovery. I will give Rose an extra hug from you. <3
Jennifer, thank you for sharing your story. My daughter has chronic pain and has tried jewelry making again to keep her mind from dwelling on it. She can’t always do it when she has a flare-up.
I’m also writing to say that the first download, BREATH, spoke to me personally. I am waiting to be placed on the lung transplant list, so breathing is is a constant struggle. After the surgery, recovery will be long, so my husband and I are working on “projects” that I can work on to keep me busy and keep my mind engaged. Many years ago I had cancer and the pain of chemo was sometimes unbearable. I tutored students in math for a few hours a week and I didn’t notice the pain during that time. It was amazing. I’m hoping art projects will give me the same type of reprieve after the transplant.
Thank you for the YouTube videos and coloring pages to get me started.