Jesus, Progress, then “You”

“Jesus, Progress, then You” feels like the perfect priority list for me right now.  Comic book-style animations and generation help me look at things metacognitively, giving me a more perceptive understanding. 

Creative writing can boost recovery by elevating neuroplasticity in several ways:
1. *Rewires brain connections*: Writing stimulates neural activity, promoting new connections and pathways, which can help compensate for damaged areas.

2. *Reduces stress and anxiety*: Expressing emotions through writing can calm the mind and reduce stress, creating a conducive environment for healing.

3. *Enhances cognitive flexibility*: Creative writing requires adapting and reorganizing thoughts, fostering cognitive flexibility and resilience.

4. *Promotes self-awareness and reflection*: Writing helps process experiences, emotions, and thoughts, leading to increased self-awareness and personal growth.

5. *Builds cognitive reserve*: Engaging in creative activities like writing can build cognitive reserve, potentially reducing risk of further cognitive decline.

6. *Fosters emotional regulation*: Writing about emotions can help manage and regulate them, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

7. *Encourages mindfulness*: The creative process can induce a meditative state, promoting mindfulness and reducing rumination.

By leveraging these benefits, creative writing can be a valuable tool in recovery, supporting both physical and emotional healing.

Reading and writing poetry can boost recovery in several ways:

1. Emotional Expression: Poetry provides a unique outlet for expressing complex emotions, helping process and release feelings.

2. Stress Reduction: The calming rhythm and flow of poetry can reduce stress and anxiety.

3. Cognitive Stimulation: Engaging with poetry stimulates critical thinking, memory, and creativity.

4. Mindfulness: Poetry's focus on language and form encourages mindfulness and presence.

5. Personal Reflection: Writing poetry fosters self-awareness, introspection, and personal growth.

6. Therapeutic Benefits: Poetry therapy is used in various therapeutic settings to promote healing and recovery.

7. Creative Expression: Poetry allows for creative expression, providing an emotional release and sense of accomplishment.

8. Empathy and Connection: Reading poetry can provide a sense of connection and understanding, reducing feelings of isolation.

By leveraging these benefits, reading and writing poetry can be a valuable tool in recovery, supporting emotional, cognitive, and creative well-being.