I’m Nicola, an oncologist, mum to two boys, and occasional poet and artist.

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I am passionate about the benefits of creativity for our mental health and wellbeing but have been on quite a journey personally to rediscover my own creative side.

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Although I enjoyed art at school I forgot about it for a long time, as work, family and life got in the way. It wasn’t until lockdown in 2020 when I decided to try some free watercolour workshops online, that I realised how much I needed a creative outlet. I really enjoyed experimenting with a medium I hadn’t tried before, in my own time when I could while life around felt so uncertain and stressful.

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Also, during the pandemic, I discovered an incredible community of parents via The Mum Poem Press, and on Instagram, who were writing about their experiences. These poets really inspired me, and I remember feeling this need to write about my experiences of parenting during the pandemic, leading to me penning my first poem since school called ‘Finding Light’.

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Since then I’ve written many more poems; about motherhood, my job, and various other life experiences. I don’t write regularly, but rather erratically, and still struggle to call myself a proper poet, but have found the process surprisingly therapeutic. I usually write on my phone, and the need to write can come quite unpredictably. I have come to realise that there is something incredibly powerful about putting my feelings and emotions down in writing.

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Over the last few years I have also been attending an amazing local monthly spoken word event where I have found an incredible community of fellow poets, and this has provided me with a safe and supportive space to share my words, which has in turn encouraged me to write more.

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More recently I have taken up embroidery and cross stitch after buying a cheap kit in Hobbycraft, and I’m enjoying this new creative outlet.

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Creativity and wellbeing has also felt very important in my life as a doctor. In 2020 I curated a series of amazing online events with The Royal College of Radiologists called Pause to Create which offered medics the chance to try out various artistic endeavours, and to also hear from others sharing their experiences of how creativity has helped them.

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In September 2024 I took over a project called cRxeate, which has subsequently been renamed Creative Clinic, and I have loved building this amazing community of creative medics.

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I love how when I’m engaged in creative activities time slows, offering a chance to reflect, away from the stresses of day-to-day life. Also, as someone who often struggles with wanting to do everything to a high standard, I appreciate that the lovely thing about being creative, is there is no need to strive for perfection. I can just have fun, play, and give myself permission to make mistakes, something I’m not able to do in my professional life. I can simply enjoy the process of making something, and that can feel quite liberating. I’m still trying to accept that it’s ok if it didn’t turn out quite right, or if I have to come back to it another time, and try again. There is no deadline to hit, no exam to pass and you don’t even have to share it with anyone else. Simply the joy of doing something creative is enough – the ultimate act of self care.

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There are lots of other things I would like to try like lino printing, other paint mediums, improve my writing, and maybe I can find the time to actually attend some workshops! Although it often feels challenging trying to fit creativity into my busy life, I try to find little moments here and there when I can.

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It’s been quite the creative journey, but one I have enjoyed travelling along, and I’m really looking forward to seeing where the future takes me.

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I would encourage you to nourish your creative side - take the time to write that poem, paint that picture or sing in that choir, whatever works for you. Be creative, be inspired, breath and relax - I’m sure that you will benefit greatly.

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You can find me on instagram @creativemedicmum