The beauty in vulnerability
Fifteen years ago, I wrote a book about my experiences working as a psychologist in a federal penitentiary. It’s dark, haunted, and not surprisingly, unpublished. It remains an important part of me, and I can appreciate it from a new perspective now. The work in the prison was powerful but not something I could do long term while maintaining my health.
I’ve always found it helpful to use creative forms of self-expression as a way of processing my emotions. I’m working on a new book now, and it feels very different, almost as though a different author is writing it. Where I am today is very different to how I felt fifteen years ago.
Creative self-expression is a theme that has been prominent in our Landing Strong community members as well. As people recover, they are able to show themselves to the world through their work; be it photography, art, woodworking or writing.
Each piece is very different, but they are similar in that they are accurate reflections of that person’s experience. I’ve come to appreciate that what makes art beautiful is not only the piece itself, but the honesty and vulnerability that went into creating it.
Warm thoughts,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong
