My Diamond-Fueled Recovery

A creative solution for a blue mood

taken by author

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.

I didn’t say that. It’s Marilyn Monroe’s iconic line from the 1953 musical film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

My interpretation of diamonds, however, is a little different. There’s nothing expensive or Swarovski about it. It’s diamond painting, a low-budget, creative activity that I think Marilyn would have loved. It’s something I’ve been doing for the last few days to lift my spirits.

Unlike most of the other creative activities I’ve tried before, which were deliberate and planned, trying diamond painting was very spontaneous. I actually came across it while shopping with my partner in one of the stationery aisles in the supermarket — a beautiful blue elephant canvas!

What we choose in life is never random, and I wasn’t surprised to discover that elephants symbolise wisdom, intelligence, strength, patience, loyalty, and family. These are traits and qualities that I cherish and work on (especially patience). I think I also liked the elephant’s demeanour — there’s something so calm and serene about it.

I’ve never done anything as repetitive as diamond painting, which at first I thought I wouldn’t like or get bored with quickly, but it turned out to be the only thing that could take…