CREATIVE CARE PRACTICE
Inside your box are simple creative tools: watercolor paper, clothespins, red string, a watercolor set, brushes, and a Creative Care card with a QR code.
Over the coming month, you'll create seven Companion Cards—small creative reflections that you can return to whenever you need a moment of grounding, encouragement, or perspective. Think of them as personal reminders of the places, values, strengths, and hopes that support your well-being.
We'll begin creating the first one or two cards together during our next session. After that, you'll have the opportunity to continue at your own pace, allowing each card to develop naturally. There is no need to finish them all at once. The prompts that follow are simply invitations. Feel free to complete them in any order, spend more time with the ones that resonate, or return to a card whenever new inspiration arises. There is no right or wrong way to engage with this practice. These cards are not meant to be masterpieces. They are meant to become companions.
Once all cards are created, hang them on the red string with the clothespins. Then display your companion cards anywhere you’d like.
On a wall in your home
At your workplace
In your vehicle
Card 1 — Color of Calm
Prompt: Using only watercolor, paint the card a color that helps you feel more at ease. There is no image to paint.
Simply notice how the color moves across the paper as you paint.
On the back of the card, answer the following question: What is it about the color you chose that helps you feel most at ease?
Card 2 — A Place That Holds You
Prompt: Draw a real or imagined place where you feel safe, grounded, or restored. Focus on the feeling of the place rather than the details.
On the back of the card, answer the following question: What does this place offer you?
Card 3 — A Symbol of Strength
Create a symbol that represents an inner strength you already possess.
It can be simple:
mountain
tree
feather
circle
bird
river
On the back of the card, answer the following question: When have you relied on this strength before?
Card 4 — Something Worth Carrying
Create an image of one value you want to carry into the coming weeks.
Not an object.
A value.
Examples:
courage
kindness
patience
curiosity
Represent it however you wish.
On the back of the card, answer the following question: How could you practice this value this week?
Card 5 — Wonder
Create an image of something that reminds you life still contains mystery.
Maybe:
stars
birds
rain
light
the ocean
On the back of the card, answer the following question: What helps you stay curious?
Card 6 — Gratitude
Create an image of one ordinary thing you're grateful for.
The smaller the better.
A cup of coffee.
Morning light.
A friend's laugh.
On the back of the card, answer the following question: What happens when you slow down enough to notice this?
Card 7 — Looking Forward
Create a small image representing something you're hopeful about.
Don't create the entire future.
Create one possibility.
On the back of the card, answer the following question: What small step could move you toward this?