One of the surprising gifts of healing from betrayal trauma is the return of creativity. In the early stages of trauma, our brains often retreat into black-and-white thinking as a way to survive. Life feels rigid and narrow—every choice feels like it must be “all or nothing.” It’s exhausting, but it’s also protective. Our minds and bodies focus on safety, survival, and control.
Creativity in Everyday Life
As healing begins, though, something shifts. The tight grip of fear loosens, and space opens for imagination, possibility, and play. What once felt impossible starts to feel doable. Creativity doesn’t always rush back all at once—it tiptoes in, showing up in unexpected places. What was once silenced by pain—slowly returns as evidence of God’s restoration – “He makes all things new” (Revelation 21:5).
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Hobbies. Many women discover renewed joy in painting, gardening, knitting, baking, or music. Healing gives permission to create without pressure or perfection. A sweet friend of mine discovered a buried talent, a couple years into her journey: songwriting. She had always longed to be “musical” but had a mediocre voice and little musical training. Yet, one evening armed with the desire to get her story onto paper, she scribbled out lyrics, shared them with a musically inclined friend and a song was born. What a beautiful reflection of Isaiah 61:3, where God promises to give “beauty for ashes.”
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Occupations. Betrayal trauma can shake your sense of identity and worth. As recovery grows, creativity may emerge in professional spaces—dreaming of new career directions, launching a side business, or finding innovative ways to use your skills. As for me, a long awaited dream of publishing a book bloomed vivid and urgent. I once again began writing adding page by page to an unfinished work and will soon see it finished and available to the world. When God heals, he restores completely bringing so much color back to our worlds.
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Household. Even daily routines can become more colorful. Maybe you rearrange a room, try new recipes, or create a cozy corner for reflection. Healing allows you to see your environment as a place of safety and expression again. Another friend of mine loves the outdoors, especially her front porch. When her story first began, she rarely ventured outside, relegating herself to the perceived “safety” of the indoors. As the Lord stepped in and began his healing work, it wasn’t long before she was rearranging and decorating her front porch, designing an oasis of flowers, wind chimes, comfy seating. Now she relishes her mornings on the front porch drinking coffee and spending time with her Healer.
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Relationships. Creativity can even shape the way you connect with others—finding new traditions with your children, fresh ways to gather with friends, or intentional rituals that nurture trust and joy. When my story unfolded, two friends showed up on my doorstep, not the next door neighbor kind, but the live-in-another-state kind. Their commitment to walk with me was overwhelming. In the beginning, this looked like phone calls and meet-in-middle lunch dates. Once my heart began to heal and I felt safe to be away from home, I dreamed of girls getaways . Those dreamed-about trips are now a once-a-year tradition. Although, healing may take many seasons, Ecclesiastes 3:11 reminds us that “He has made everything beautiful in its time” (NIV).
From Black and White to Color
Trauma convinces us that options are limited, that risks are unsafe, that joy is out of reach. But as God restores, He reminds us that He is the Creator—and we are made in His image (Genesis 1:27). Creativity is not just a pastime; it’s a reflection of His character within us.
Where once there was despair, He brings possibility. Where once there was rigidity, He brings play. Where once there was silence, He brings song.
An Invitation
If you’re still in survival mode, it’s okay. God promises in Isaiah 43:19, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Trust that the seeds of creativity are still there, waiting to bloom in His time. Take one small step. Pick up a pen, plant a flower, sing a song, rearrange a room. Each act of creativity is a testimony: healing is happening, and God is restoring.
Traveling in hope with you,
