In 1995, my safe, certain world blew up. My sister Laurie died in a tragic accident while on vacation in Thailand. Laurie was my favourite human. I still love her and miss her every day. In almost 30 years, that hasn’t changed.
Today would have been Laurie’s 58th birthday. On every birthday, death anniversary and other annual occasion she and I shared, I reflect on Laurie’s life. She brought deep love, joy and fun to my life. I learned so much from my sister, like the importance of living each day as if it could be your last. Life is fleeting.
My sister’s death also led me to study Thanatology to learn more about grief and loss. At the time, I didn’t know I was searching for meaning to explain why Laurie died, especially so young and tragically.
Now, I understand that meaning making is a creative process.
Creativity is the use of imagination or original ideas. It’s the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns and relationships to create meaningful new ideas. By engaging in a creative process, you can make something new from grief and various kinds of problems.
As a coach, creativity is central to my work. I use creative conversations, based on a narrative inquiry approach, and any kind of art form. It’s not about creating a pleasing work of art – although that’s certainly possible. Rather, the practice of creativity can help you shape an identity and life that is ultimately more beautiful to you. And a beautiful life is a gift you deserve! I encourage you to generate new possibilities in grief through creativity.
That’s okay. It’s an expression of my love for my sister
and the beginning of a creative process in grief.
This drawing was the first creative expression of my grief for the death of my sister. It wasn’t the last. Laurie inspired:
- My full-time career, which included a lot of creative outlets
- My love of live music, which she and I experienced together several times
- Seeing beauty from behind the lens of a camera, as she appreciated the outdoors and its many gifts to those who open our hearts and senses to all the natural world offers
Remembering Laurie breathes life and creativity into many aspects of my life and my grief.
How does grief inspire your creativity?