Finding Magic in Letting Go: How Watercolor Helps Me Cope with Anxiety
It’s funny—one of my favorite things about watercolor is the lack of control.
In life, my anxiety flares up most when I feel powerless. I think of the tightness in my stomach as I stand by the door, waiting for my kids to finish getting ready. This shouldn’t take so long, I shout in my head, questioning why such a small moment stirs so much body anxiety.
I realize it’s not about this specific situation but a signal that I’m struggling with a lack of control somewhere else. Anxiety, for me, is often a reaction to that discomfort.
But in art, when I’m painting, I actually love how the colors mix + blend in ways I can’t control—it’s where the magic happens. So why, in life, does surrendering control feel so overwhelming?
Why can’t I let myself see the magic, or at least be open to the possibility of it?
That’s such a powerful question.
Often, it’s because, in life, the stakes feel so much higher than they do with paint on paper. In art, there’s room for experimentation, for unexpected beauty to emerge from the chaos.
But in life, where our sense of security or identity might be on the line, it can feel riskier to let go. We’re wired to crave stability, especially when anxiety is present—it’s the brain’s way of trying to protect us from what it perceives as threats.
Yet, just like in watercolor, the magic in life often appears when we loosen our grip + allow things to unfold.
Maybe the challenge is learning to treat life more like art, trusting that even if things don’t go exactly as planned, there’s beauty in the unexpected.
Starting with small steps, perhaps we can slowly open up to that same wonder in life, giving ourselves space to experience the magic—even if it looks different than we imagined.
Making art feels like a safe space to practice letting go, to take risks without the pressure of control. This is where so much of my joy in the process comes from—there’s no perfection to chase, just the freedom to create.
It’s a relief from the tight grip I hold in daily life, making sure the kids get to school on time with packed bags, supporting their learning after school, feeding them nourishing meals + getting them to bed for the rest they need. This carefully crafted routine works, but it can also feel constraining. And when things don’t go as planned, that sense of lost control hits hard.
That’s when I turn to my art practice.
I lose myself in the colors, shapes + the way the paint settles on the page. I flow with it + a sense of balance returns.
I’m reminded that control is just an illusion + I make a promise to carry that feeling into the next day as I get my kids ready for school—knowing I’ll probably forget.
That’s why I keep returning to my watercolor practice, because it’s all practice.
If this resonates with you, I invite you to try a simple watercolor exercise to explore letting go.
Grab some watercolor paints + journal or a blank page, then let the colors flow without worrying about the outcome. Watch how they mix + move, reminding yourself that there’s beauty in the unexpected.
I’d love to hear from you—what helps you navigate control + anxiety in your life? Do you have a creative practice or ritual that brings you balance? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag me on Instagram with your creations.
If you’re curious to dive deeper, check out my art workshops or DIY art kits, designed to help you reconnect with your creative flow + embrace imperfection.
Let’s explore the magic of letting go, together. 🌟
Hiya! I’m Lexis, the author of this blog.
Denver artist + mama + color-loving doodler of Lexisworks.
If you’re here looking for creative inspiration or ways to embrace art as a tool for self-discovery, I’m so glad you found your way.
