It’s your man Daniel, with a few thoughts on how creativity and self-expression are actually forms of self-care. “How?” you ask? Well, hold your horses for a second—I was about to tell you!
My algorithm blessed me with a clip of Brené Brown—researcher, author, and all-around expert on human emotions—who dropped a truth bomb about creativity that hit me hard. She was explaining the importance of expressing our creativity, and it was a mic-drop moment that I felt in my soul. She said, “Unused creativity is not benign. It metastasizes. It turns into grief, rage, judgment, sorrow, and shame.”
Oof. That’s quite the side effect for not honouring the creative parts of yourself.
In other words, when we don’t let our creativity out, it doesn’t just sit there quietly—it festers. It twists itself into frustration, sadness, and that lovely existential crisis spiral we all know and love. So today, I want to talk about why creative expression is a crucial part of wellness and why, for me, it isn’t just a hobby—it’s a necessity.
creative constipation
A lot of people think of creativity as something reserved for painters, poets, and people who can pull off funky hats. But the truth is, we are all creative beings. It’s wired into us. We’re born of creation and we’re here to create, plain and simple. Maybe your creativity shows up in problem-solving, cooking, dancing in the kitchen, or turning your chaotic schedule into a masterfully executed spreadsheet. It doesn’t matter what form it takes—what matters is that you express it.
Because if you don’t? Well… according to Brené (and my personal experience), your unexpressed creativity will sit there like a ticking time bomb, turning into stress, resentment, and emotional roadblocks. Ever felt stuck, irritable, or inexplicably annoyed at everyone and everything? You might just be creatively constipated.
That’s why, once in a while, we need an energetic enema in the form of self expression. There’s no better form of self-care than being true to ourselves. When we stifle or deny the parts of us that want and need to express our creativity, we’re robbing ourselves of the fullness of the human experience… so maybe cut that $#!% out!
risk of explosion
If you didn’t already know, in addition to being a wellness studio owner, I also lovingly refer to myself as a “part time popstar” and I’ve been gearing up to transform into my singing alter-ego DC James for a performance at Blue Mountain Pride this weekend.
I’m stepping back onto the stage once again to sing outside for two hours in the snow and cold – not because I’m chasing some wild dream of becoming a pop sensation (although let’s be real, that wouldn’t be the worst thing). I’m doing it because I have to. If I’ve learned anything about myself it’s that every so often, I need to sing, perform, and let that part of me breathe, or I start feeling… off.
I’ve learned that when I neglect my creative side, my energy gets weird. I get restless, frustrated, and a little bit (a lot) existential. It’s like a pressure builds up, and the only way to release it is to let it out through music, writing, or some form of self-expression.
For many years as an actor and singer I thought I needed to perform as a career, but as my dreams started coming true bit by bit I realized it wasn’t what I really wanted or needed to do full-time. Over the years I came to realize that I just need to be creative – just for me. It doesn’t have to have a big paycheque or fame attached to it… I just need to connect to it and let it out.
And, since I don’t half-ass anything, I’ve spent the last 3 months preparing for this 2-hour gig like it was the f*n Superbowl Halftime show. Even the preparation leading up to the event has been a part of my process of self-expression – creating a set list of fun songs I love, getting the tracks together, and singing on the way to the gym or work. The gig doesn’t pay a lot, but I’ve been putting in the effort like I was hired to headline in Vegas. Why? Because I know I’ve got to give 110% to that creative spark inside me or risk spontaneous combustion.
Think about the last time you did something purely for the joy of it. Not for work, not for productivity, not because you had to—but because it lit you up inside. How long has it been? If the answer is “I don’t even remember,” then consider this your friendly but firm slap-in-the-face reminder to change that ASAP.
creativity is self-care
At Vortex, we talk a lot about self-care—rest, recovery, nervous system regulation, all that good stuff. But let’s not forget that creativity is a part of that – a majorly HUGE part of that. Just like your body needs movement, your mind and soul need expression.
When people come to Vortex, they’re not just looking for relaxation—they’re looking to feel more themselves. And sometimes, that means reconnecting with the things that make you feel alive. Maybe that’s music. Maybe it’s storytelling. Maybe it’s making an elaborate charcuterie board that could be mistaken for a work of art. Whatever it is—find it, do it, and don’t let perfectionism or self-doubt get in the way.
Because the world doesn’t need more people who are bottling up their creative energy. It needs people who are lit up, inspired, and sharing their unique spark.
So here’s my challenge for you: this week, do something creative. It doesn’t have to be big. Just something. Write, sing, dance, cook, doodle, belt out a power ballad in your car like you’re on a world tour. Whatever brings you joy.
That joy can stimulate so much incredible energy in your body, mind and spirit and the best part is, it’s all generated from within. We’ve got the power to give ourselves power! How cool is that?
And if you’re feeling blocked or backed-up, come visit us at Vortex. Because sometimes, all it takes is a little self-care to clear the way for inspiration to flow again.
In the meantime—keep creating, keep expressing, and keep being your awesome self.
Much love!
