Words of Encouragement: Coloring Outside the Lines

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by Dale Marie Latimer

My world changed dramatically when I was diagnosed with FTD. After a devastating year of losing almost everything I had worked for in my life, I began to withdraw from the world. It was at that critical juncture that Howard Glick, a fellow FTDer, contacted me about joining him in an online support group consisting exclusively of those living with FTD. With the love and support of the members of that group, I determined that I needed to find a new purpose — a reason to get up each day.

Sometimes the smallest gestures have the most significant impact. I had been given an adult coloring book following my diagnosis, and one day I sat down and got to work. Exploring that creative outlet gave me renewed energy. That simple coloring book opened a whole new world to me — one that included anything and everything artistic, from sculpting clay to painting landscapes and doing acrylic pours. I experimented widely, and got better as time went on. And that is how I found my purpose: to share my artistic creations with friends and family who cherish the expression of my heart and soul in every piece I create.

Prior to being diagnosed with FTD, I had never explored my creativity. Consequently, I didn’t know that I possessed artistic talents. But since I began posting my completed projects on social media, not only have I received positive feedback — my friends have begun commissioning me to produce artwork for them. In lieu of paying me for the pieces, I’ve asked them to donate to AFTD.

I believe that the Good Lord has a purpose for me, and revealed the creativity that was hidden away in a previously underutilized area of my brain. I’m so grateful to be able to communicate my feelings through my art. Because of this, I can honestly say that there are still positive possibilities in store for those who are diagnosed with FTD. You just have to look for them, and be willing to try new things.

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