The other thing to do when you’re going through hell

Now we have to multitask as we go through hell?

It sounds like peak hustle culture.

Well, no.

First: When you’re going through hell, keep going.

Sound advice. We’ve all heard it.

But there’s something else you should try to do, if you can.

Create.

Creating opens a pain release valve. Creating generates healing and lights a path--not just for yourself, but for others walking a difficult path, also.

Write. Draw. Take photos. Make music or grow a garden. Create something.

Many of the world’s greatest creative acts were born of--and fueled by--pain.

This might make you think of the tortured artist, of Vincent Van Gogh chopping off his ear. That’s not what I mean. (Ears are important, after all.)

But creating as you go through hell helps you make sense of the experience. It can help you process what you’re feeling. Creating can provide a small sense of achievement and traction as you push forward. And creating leaves something behind for others.

Sometimes the path is too steep and too dark to do anything but try and survive. I get it.

But if you can, create.