Before Lucy—the tiny whirlwind of a puppy—arrived in our lives, I spent my quiet hours with a paintbrush in hand. Acrylic painting gave me peace. There’s something beautiful about the freedom of mixing colors, layering textures, and experimenting with tools beyond just the traditional brush. But as much as I love painting, my real heart belongs to something simpler and often misunderstood: adult coloring.

I was what you’d call a “closet colorer” for many years. Back in the 70s and 80s, adult coloring books didn’t exist. But that didn’t stop me. I’d buy a coloring book and box of crayons just for myself, sneak them into the house like some sort of contraband, and wait until my daughters went to sleep. That’s when the magic happened—me, a coloring book, and the joy of watching a black-and-white page come to life.

Little did I know, I wasn’t alone. There were many of us out there, quietly coloring in the shadows.

Then, in 2015, something amazing happened. Adult coloring exploded into the mainstream. I was ecstatic! Finally, I could stop hiding my hobby and start celebrating it. I loaded up on beautiful, intricate coloring books, splurged on high-quality colored pencils, and found myself down the YouTube rabbit hole of tutorials and tips. There were Facebook groups, challenges, and an entire community that welcomed me with open arms. I was in heaven.

In 2019, I took it a step further and started an Adult Coloring Group in my 55+ community. I wasn’t sure what to expect—would anyone come? Oh, they came. And not just a few—dozens of fellow “closet colorers” and curious newcomers. It was a hit! We shared techniques, swapped tools, and laughed about our favorite shades. At the end of each evening, we’d have a little “show and tell.” Sounds childish? Maybe. But it was wonderful. Pages that took hours—or even days—to finish were proudly displayed. Each one was a masterpiece.

Let me be clear: coloring is not childish. It’s art. And it’s therapeutic. Studies have shown that coloring reduces stress, boosts concentration, and enhances creativity. It’s a form of mindfulness that brings people into the present moment—and that’s no small thing.

In fact, I even use coloring in my Grief Coaching sessions. Sometimes people come in, unsure of what to say or where to begin. I offer them a page and a handful of pencils. And slowly, as they color, memories begin to surface. Conversations begin. Emotions soften. Sometimes, the hardest decision becomes which shade of pink to use for a flower. And that’s where healing begins.

I’ll always be a colorer—and an artist—for life. Nothing brings me more peace… well, maybe a good slice of pizza. 😊

So tell me—have you ever tried coloring? You don’t need to be a master artist. All it takes is a little curiosity and a willingness to play. Why not give it a try?

Eydie