Whether we are creating art or life, the first stages of any process have similar components. Anxiety, apprehension, self-doubt, insecurity, excitement, fear, energy, and containment are just a few of the emotions that come up at the beginning of an new endeavor or process.

Whether we are creating art or life, the first stages of any process have similar components. Anxiety, apprehension, self-doubt, insecurity, excitement, fear, energy, and containment are just a few of the emotions that come up at the beginning of an new endeavor or process.

Another stage that mirrors emotional life is messiness. This can manifest as psychological or emotional chaos—the moment when all the carefully balanced parts of life seem to fall apart. In caregiving, parenting, or any high-responsibility role, this phase is familiar.

Another stage that mirrors emotional life is messiness. This can manifest as psychological or emotional chaos—the moment when all the carefully balanced parts of life seem to fall apart. In caregiving, parenting, or any high-responsibility role, this phase is familiar.

One of the earliest lessons a creative process can offer is how to recognize and honor the stage of resistance. Resistance is often misunderstood. In many cultural narratives, it’s something to be avoided, pushed through, or overcome.

There’s an old adage: “Life imitates art.” This phrase holds true in many ways. Life is not static—it is dynamic and alive. It is, in itself, a creative process. As humans, we are shaped by the life we lead and the process of living.

For many people, the pressure to have answers—quickly and clearly—creates distress. In mental health and creative work alike, the antidote isn’t more certainty. It’s rhythm.

The creative process is rarely linear. It unfolds in phases—some intuitive, some chaotic, and all essential. For many artists and creatives, the process doesn’t begin with a clear vision. It begins with an impression—a feeling, a color, a word, or a mood.

One way to support emotional well-being is to become more fluent in describing positive emotions. This can be done using an emotions wheel—a visual tool that offers a broader range of emotional vocabulary beyond “happy” or “fine.”

In modern life, it’s easy for joy to feel indulgent or misplaced. Many people live in a state of high alert—navigating work demands, social comparison, and ongoing collective stress.

Joy often arises in simple, ordinary moments—a smile from a loved one, the scent of blooming flowers, a shared laugh, or the satisfaction of creative expression. These experiences can be brief, but they are real and meaningful.