The Power of Art and Resilience — leahnadeau Skip to content
Get 10% off until 12/31
Get 10% off until 12/31

Country

The Power of Art and Resilience

The Power of Art and Resilience

If you were to assume that the person in front of you has it all together, you'd be surprised to learn that it's so much more complicated than that. If there's one thing life has taught me, it's that appearances can be deceiving. Some of life's battles are invisible, like chronic pain and mental illness, which I've personally encountered.

Allow me to share a bit more about my story. Chronic pain has silently woven its way into my life, affecting both my physical and mental well-being. In my late 20s, I was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a condition that impacts my entire body. Additionally, a routine dental procedure in 2019 led to nerve damage, leaving me with "burning mouth syndrome" as a constant companion. Chronic pain may be invisible, but its impact is profound and all-encompassing, often dominating my days.

I disclose these personal challenges because I firmly believe in dismantling the stigma associated with sharing our struggles. Society often champions a "good vibes only" mentality, but in reality, it's essential to acknowledge and address both physical pain and mental anguish. Every experience deserves to be seen and understood.

My hope is that by opening up about my own journey, it will not only offer support and encouragement to others but also foster a more compassionate and empathetic society. For me, art has become the ultimate lifeboat—a vessel that allows me to navigate life's storms, even when I'm hurting the most. It breathes purpose and meaning into my days, enabling me to live fully rather than simply letting life happen to me. Art has become my voice, my therapy, and my source of resilience.

Remind yourself daily that you can overcome any storm with the Nevertheless She Persisted print. Shop Here.

Nevertheless she Persisted by Leah Nadeau 2023 All rights reserved

Thanks for reading. 

Yours in paint,

Leah Nadeau

Previous article From Google Search to Foyer Masterpiece: The Story of a Commissioned Painting
Next article Leah Nadeau's Favorite Art Supplies

Comments

Krikit - May 20, 2023

Thank you, Leah, for being courageous in sharing things so personal. May you instill courage in others who may need to be heard.

Henny - May 18, 2023

Thank you, Leah. I appreciate your willingness to share about yourself.

I have nerve damage in and on my head, from a too late diagnosis of shingles in January, 2018. The pain is controlled by heavy meds (for which I’m thankful). The side effect of the meds, tho, is that I don’t have a good sense of balance. Oh, well. I have so much to be thankful for.

Blessings to you! ❤

Ang Brock - May 17, 2023

Ah yes, now I understand what I’m seeing in your paintings. I’ve often thought to myself, “why do I see both joy and anguish in this?”
I wish your pain were gone, but I think it may have made you the artist that you are.
Thank you for sharing your art and your self with the world. We are all richer for it.
I will pray that you find relief and healing.

Leave a comment

* Required fields