Firefly Aftercare Resource List

A place to go when you need a little support after something hard has happened in your creative life.

Creative work brings us to our edge.

It propels us to the things that scare us, shake us up, and remind us who we are inside. This can be a tricky place. It’s not unusual to have experiences while writing that leave us feeling big things.

Writing in community has its own edges — we want to lift each other up, but sometimes our arms are tired. We want to make space for other’s voices, but sometimes they say things that hurt us. 

Working through these moments isn’t separate from the creative process, it’s part of it.

At Firefly, we want to make spaces where we can encounter our inner lives through writing with lots of gentleness, empowerment, and choice.

We also want to make spaces where we can learn together how to co-exist with each other with lots of care and compassion. Feelings are welcome in our spaces, even big ones. And while that’s true, we also know it’s not always enough just to welcome them. Sometimes we need a little more.

Here are some resources for moments when solid ground feels far away.

Read through, follow your curiosity, don’t try anything you’re not drawn to. Of course, this is just a sampling, the world is full of tools to help us return to our centre.

And remember — sometimes the next step on our creative path is simply to slow down and tend to our hearts.

Self compassion holds

These are simple body postures that can help us come back into balance. We keep them on hand and use them in team meetings when we need a little extra softness and space.

Journaling prompts

Writing can be a source of tension, and also a source of deep ease. Set a timer for 10 minutes and start with one of these lines:

  • “What I need right now is…”

  • “No one seems to understand…”

  • “I’m tired of…”

When the timer goes off, set it for 5 more minutes and start with one of these:

  • “I can soothe myself by…”

  • “Maybe the next step is…”

  • “I also know…”

If you are able, find a trusted person or pet to read this to after.

Guided writing videos

If you want a little more structure to write, our “Messy Beautiful Pages” videos might be the next step.

  • This one, guided by Mari, is about connecting to inner softness when there’s conflict around us.

  • This one, by Chris, is about connecting to certainty and uncertainty.

  • This one, guided by Sophia, is about making space in our writing for anger and rage.

Guided meditations

The Internet is full of guided meditations, which can help us surrender into someone else’s guidance for a while.

Several of us also use meditation apps — we can recommend 10% Happier, Calm, and How We Feel.

Therapy

There’s nothing like dedicated 1-on-1 support when the seas are choppy.

Here in East Toronto, The Healing Collective has an ongoing roster of therapists without waiting lists. Hard Feelings in the West End offers low-cost therapy. Bounce Back is a free therapeutic skills program offered to adults and teens over 15 in Ontario.

Seven Cups offers free online therapy across the globe (some of which is assisted by AI so make it clear if you don’t want that), and there may be other free or low-cost options locally.

What has helped you before?

You’re your own best guide. Can you think of a simple practice that has helped you find your calm in the past? For some people movement can help (a simple walk or fresh air). For some it’s streaming something escapist. For some it’s the company of a friend or pet. Try something you know has worked in the past.

If you are in a crisis

If you are thinking of harming yourself or someone else, please reach out for help that can meet you where you are, right now.