The other week I had the honor of being invited to facilitate a creative self-care workshop as part of a Day Away retreat for the Prevention Staff at Sick Kids Centre for Community Mental Health (CCMH).  In the morning they focused on their individual strengths, similarities and differences within their smaller and larger teams.  In the afternoon I continued the theme of strengths with a creative self-care twist to it.

It is often difficult to recognize and acknowledge our own strengths for some reason.  We get really adept at pointing out what we admire and respect about others, but somehow this does not translate to our Self.  There is something about being vocal about our own beautiful uniqueness and strength that many shy away from.  Yet if we do not take the time to shine, to highlight our amazing creative self, our gifts and what we do well, then how are we to nurture and grow these aspects of self?

This is the question I held in mind as I approached this workshop (and as I do my various other Creative Self-Care workshops).  As I have said many times before, I feel that it is important that we set aside time for our creativity. By engaging with our creative sides we begin to see our strengths in action and are reminded of their power.

Still I know this remains a big challenge for many; naming, owning and celebrating our unique gifts that we offer the world.  Sometimes we downplay them, as if anyone can do what we do in the same way, or as if “it’s nothing”.  But what if we were to embrace our strengths more fully, not just with fleeting words but with  a visual reminder of these inner super powers?

Well as you may have already guessed, this was the focus of my workshop with the CCMH prevention team staff.  After having participants break off into their smaller teams with co-workers they were most familiar with, I asked them to share stories that they appreciated about each of their team members.  The room became hushed as many realized that they would be in the spotlight for a few moments during this exercise.  What I noticed as well was the excitement and engagement with which each team approached giving positive feedback to their team members about their strengths.

From there they were introduced to the idea of a personal shrine, a symbol of their personal and professional strengths that they bring into this world.  Having put their thinking mind at ease by exploring the topic in a more cognitive way (though I could see the emotion brimming with each sharing of stories), they were all set to engage in the non-linear process of art making.  With options to make windows, doors or simply the drawer of the matchbox each participant set out to make their own personal shrine to honor their strengths.

Inside each matchbox I left a single match to represent the light within, that creative fire that drives one’s passion to share their special gifts with the world. In the end everyone was invited to silently witness the offerings of others as they placed their strength shrines on a communal table.  Inside some shrines were accordion style booklets scribed with the praises of their peers.

When did you last take time to recognize, acknowledge and celebrate your strengths?

Join me ONLINE or here in Toronto for a creative self-care workshop where we focus on your strengths through a creative project each month.