Creative Outlets: Expressing Yourself Beyond Words

Day 20

When speech is difficult, creativity can become a powerful form of expression. For people with aphasia, music, art, poetry, journaling, photography, or even simple crafts can serve as bridges for connection, reflection, and healing. Creative outlets allow us to share our thoughts and feelings without relying solely on words—and sometimes, they even help improve language and communication along the way.

I’ve been exploring my own creative side since my stroke. Blogging came naturally, but I’ve also embraced art in my bullet journal, weekly Angel cards, and special cards for people in my chemo Angel support group. Even small gestures feel meaningful, both for me and for those receiving them.

Inspiring Examples of Creativity in Aphasia

Here are just a few of the people I know and how they use their creativity to inspire, connect and heal using their creativity side.

Mark Harder – Poetry Mark Harder, a stroke survivor, founded Poems in Speech, a virtual group where people with aphasia can share poetry aloud. His work, including poems like “Flower of Power” and “To Be Here”, explores resilience and identity, showing how poetry can become a voice when words are hard. (poemsinspeech.com)

Shai Anbar – Memoir & Storytelling Shai Anbar authored Goddess Aphasia: A Stroke Survivor and His Dual Muse, a book blending memoir and creative storytelling to illuminate life with aphasia. His work demonstrates how narrative and imagination can provide perspective and connection. (amazon.com)

Sherry Lovellette – Art & Community Sherry Lovellette facilitates Aphasia Gatherings, where people with aphasia participate in art sessions and book clubs. She shows how creative group activities foster connection, skill-building, and empowerment for PWA.

Ryan Perry – Photography Ryan Perry, a stroke survivor, uses photography to document his recovery and express emotions. Photography can help PWA practice focus, observation, and visual storytelling while providing a sense of accomplishment. https://www.perrywildlifephotography.com/?fbclid=IwVERDUANi-mNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHuRF9ehg4TI5asOvKYBb5vDZ5tR3BIfefFblwLTEslr1gbHlvFs3_A6ZGQ6g_aem_xeXenu80autyyTEHAs_ZuA

Cindy Lam – Music & Movement Cindy Lam started Aphasia Forward Groups, including a Music, Sing, and Dance group. These sessions combine rhythm, song, and movement to improve speech, cognitive engagement, and emotional well-being.

Just Ask RI Singing Group Just Ask RI recently launched a singing group with Paul Posillo, giving people with aphasia the opportunity to practice vocal expression, connect socially, and enjoy music together. (justaskri.org)

National Aphasia Association – Night for the Arts The NAA Night for the Arts gives people with aphasia a chance to present their creative work—poetry, art, music, or other expressions—in a supportive public setting. This event celebrates achievements, encourages confidence, and inspires the wider community to see the creativity and potential of PWA. (aphasia.org)

Other Creative Modalities

• Journaling allows for reflection and tracking progress, even if words are slow to come.

• Painting, drawing, and other visual arts create an alternative language to express ideas and feelings.

  
  

Tips to Explore Your Own Creativity

• Start small: One sketch, line of poetry, short journal entry, photo, or song a day.

• Use what you love: Pens, watercolors, music, photography, or journaling.

• Focus on feeling, not perfection: The goal is expression and connection, not mastery.

• Share if you want: With friends, family, or support groups—but keeping it private is fine too.

  
  

Creative outlets aren’t just hobbies—they’re tools for recovery, self-expression, and connection. Even small acts of creativity each day can strengthen your sense of self, bring joy, and inspire both you and others.

#blogboost #aphasia #apraxia #dysarthria #communication #creativity

Note: Because aphasia makes speaking, reading, and writing more challenging, I use tools like ChatGPT to help me organize my thoughts, check for consistency, and make sure my writing is clear and cohesive. Technology has become an important part of how I share my story and continue my recovery.