Cultivating Creativity Calendar

Art therapy, summer & me

The changing seasons can influence our mood and wellbeing. They can also help us understand our own emotions. Let’s take a moment to notice summer. 

Summer is a season of growth and transformation – just like with us!  Change can feel scary, but it’s also a time to shine and discover new things about ourselves.

Think of a caterpillar in its chrysalis. If it stayed inside forever, it would never get to spread its wings as a butterfly. The same goes for us – stepping into new experiences helps us to grow in amazing ways!

Research shows us that when we’re growing and faced with challenges and change, speaking to ourselves with kindness can make a big difference.

These expressions are called ‘positive affirmations’ – words and phrases that you can repeat to yourself to encourage you and remind you of your strength. In this activity, you’ll create your very own pocket-sized reminders of how awesome you are, called Positivity Pebbles.

You can hold them in your hand, carry them around with you, or keep them in a safe place to use when you need a reminder of your special qualities. They can be particularly helpful to have with you during moments of change or challenge.

Getting support

If you need further support or want to engage with art therapy, then we’d encourage you to contact an art therapist in your area. Or head to ‘Find an art therapist’ on the British Association of Art Therapists’ website.

Summer art therapy activity
Positivity Pebbles

1. Go for a walk in your local neighbourhood, park, woods or beach, with a trusted adult or friend. You can take a permanent marker pen or a few different coloured marker pens with you, if you like.

2. Collect a handful of pebbles that you like the look of and that fit in your pocket.

3. Either while you’re out on your walk or when you get home, use your marker pens to decorate your stones with positive affirmations – a few short uplifting words that remind you of your greatness, the things that make you smile, or an image of something that helps you feel good.

What will you say to yourself to inspire positivity? You could use the following examples:

    • I matter
    • Shine bright
    • I am important
    • I’ve got this!
    • Keep growing
    • I’m brave
    • After every storm comes a rainbow
    • I am strong
Image courtesy of Jess Baum, 2025