Healing Through Creativity: My Journey with Chronic Illness

Art is healing

By Victoria Martinez

Before chronic illness entered my life, I was an athlete. Running through trails, hiking up mountains, biking down winding paths—these were more than just activities to me. They were a way to connect with the world, to feel the strength of my body, to embrace freedom and adventure. Those days feel like another lifetime now.

When illness took hold, the pain wasn’t just physical—it was emotional, too. Letting go of that version of myself, the one who thrived on movement and exploration, felt like losing a dear friend. For a long time, I held on to the grief of what I had lost, struggling to reconcile the vibrant, athletic person I used to be with the person I was becoming.

But this journey has also been one of rediscovery. Over time, I’ve learned to embrace the “new me” and love all of who I am today. My body may no longer climb mountains or race down trails, but it still holds so much strength. And I’ve found that strength in unexpected places—like the colors of my paintings, the verses of my poems, and the connections I’ve made with others through creativity.

Art has become my new trail, my way of exploring and expressing. It’s where I channel the sadness, the challenges, and the resilience that fuel my journey. Creating doesn’t just bring me peace—it heals my mind, body, and spirit. Through painting and poetry, I’ve found clarity on difficult days, physical relaxation through the act of creating, and spiritual renewal in the process of self-expression.

On the hardest days, when moving feels impossible, I turn to my canvas. Painting allows me to release the weight of my emotions and find moments of peace. On the better days, creating becomes a celebration of joy and progress. It reminds me that while illness has reshaped my life, it cannot diminish the beauty and meaning I can create within it.

Through this process, I’ve come to understand that healing isn’t about returning to who I was—it’s about embracing who I am now. It’s about finding new ways to live, love, and thrive, even in the face of chronic illness.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of letting go of your “old self,” I want you to know you’re not alone. And if you’re looking for a way to heal and reconnect with yourself, I encourage you to try creating—whether it’s painting, writing, or any other form of expression that feels right for you. There’s no need to be an expert; the beauty lies in the process, not the outcome. I can't emphasize that enough. Art doesn't have to be beautiful, it just needs to be real, raw, emotional, and there is power in that authenticity.

If you’d like support on this journey, I’d be honored to guide you through an healing session focused on art and self-expression. Together, we can explore the therapeutic power of creativity and uncover the strength within you.

Art has given me a way to move forward, to find beauty in the midst of challenges, and to celebrate the resilience of the human spirit. It’s a reminder that while life may look different now, it is still full of meaning and possibility.

Healing is a journey, let’s create together.