Just this morning, a person at the kindy playdough table asked me something that completely stumped me.

“Oh, so you don’t want to be creative anymore?”

Um, what?

They asked this, almost flippantly, after I mentioned I wasn’t doing much graphic design work these days. I stumbled over my words, wondering how to explain that creativity is so profoundly a part of my life that it's almost THE WHOLE reason I have pivoted my career to creative mental health care...

Reader, you see, working as a commercial designer might look creative on the outside, but honestly? It drained me. It boxed in my creativity and left me burnt out. That might not be the case for everyone, but after almost two decades, I lost the spark for brochures, websites, and making money for big corporations.

What saved me was rediscovering play.

Letting myself create for no reason other than joy and expression was my turning point, and it has pulled me back from the dark places time and time again.

It started with lettering. Hours of joy-filled play with new tools and brushes, where strokes and words could take innumerable forms. Surprisingly, my feelings were unpacked in these play sessions without the effort required in therapy - an added win!

I wanted to tell this person at the playdough table that creativity is exactly why I created Permission to Play. I know how life-changing it can be to have a space where creativity is embraced without pressure or judgment. It's where folks can reconnect with that spark and discover how creativity supports their well-being, their self-discovery, and, in turn, how they show up for those around them.

But I also know it’s rarely a simple decision. Prioritising our creativity and mental health can feel uncomfortable at first. Most often, guilt creeps in. Life - and, let's be honest, laundry - get in the way.

That’s what I love about the PTP community. It supports you through that process, one step at a time.

Even if you aren't ready to join us just yet, I have a little creative invitation for you...

Take 5 minutes (set a timer), put on this song or choose another from this playlist. Write, sketch, or doodle anything that captures what’s sitting on your mind. No rules. No right or wrong. Let your pen or pencil move and see where it takes you. This exercise is not about the outcome. It is an invitation to be in the moment right now.

Members often say these small moments connecting to creativity are like a reset for their busy brains. I hope it feels the same for you.

Our next live play session is coming up this weekend, and I’d love for you to join us. It’s a chance to connect, create, and just be.

Hit reply with 'PLAY' and I will send you the details.

If you've been on the fence about joining, now's the time to try it out. The membership price will increase next month, but right now, you can still join at the current rate.

For Meanjin/Brisbane folks:
​Ink & Drink @ The Moveable Type Studio featuring ME!

​I’ve been invited to present at an Ink and Drink session at the Moveable Type Studio - a creative letterpress workshop and studio space! One of my lettering designs is going to be turned into a letterpress plate and all attendees get to spend an evening printing, connecting and creating! If you’re local, I’d love to see you there!

If nothing else today Reader, I hope you can take even one minute to quietly just 'be' with yourself. Without trying to achieve or do anything, having one minute just to be. I thank you deeply for being here.

With Kindness,
Delphie Joy xox

PS: I don't want to harp on about it, but I really would love to answer any questions you have about the PTP members group. It's like the most precious group of awesome humans and I would love to extend this invitation to you as well. If there is something you need to know, or something holding you back, I am happy to answer any questions you have. Just hit reply.

Have a wonderful day my friend xox

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