"QUIET STRENGTH" by Lucy Dickens

Hiking near Sheridan, Wyoming, wildflowers dance in the breeze contrasting the distant horizon. The scents delightful as the warmth of the sun caress my shoulders. Returning home, I knew I wanted to capture this peaceful moment on canvas, now was the time. What I didn’t know as I started this special painting was what the state of my heart would be… I’ve walked such a broken road filled with much young pain. Thank God, I have grown and healed much. Yet lately I have been going deeper, seeking to root out any lingering trauma effects from my mind, body, and soul. This first day of painting I was hit SO hard, emotions pouring out all over the canvas, tears streaming. Brushes and paints become my therapy, my comfort as I process. Slowly the knots untangle, purge, release. I can breathe again; peace and beauty return little by little. Deeper healing is taking place in this sacred space. I hear in my spirit, I am chosen, loved, whole, and cleansed. I am strong and filled with grace. Resilience and determination have strengthened within me. As self-aware as I am and seeking to do the hard work, I am continuing to learn how to walk in acceptance, comfortable with my strengths and weaknesses, even thankful for my story. I am reminded as I paint of the joy and gentle beauty I felt as I strolled through the wildflowers, caressed by the sun. Healing takes place.