At Park(ing) Day, Calgary, I asked a simple question:

“Is art really self-care?”

That’s where I met Austin, a massage therapist, poet, and musician who didn’t hesitate before answering:

“Art isn’t self-care. It’s a necessity of life.”

In that moment, I realized he wasn’t just talking about art. He was talking about what keeps us human.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re running on empty or stuck in a loop of “wellness” routines that don’t actually make you feel well, this one’s for you.

It’s short, but it’s powerful and it might just change the way you think about self-care entirely.

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

• Why Austin believes art isn’t optional, it’s essential.
• How nature, music, and movement reconnect us to something bigger than ourselves.
• The difference between self-care that soothes and creativity that sustains.
• How flow states and creative expression can pull you out of burnout, without forcing it.
• Why comparing your creativity to others kills the very thing that keeps it alive.

If this story resonates, you might also like:

• Blog: Forget the Personality Tests — Here’s a Better Way to Find Your
• Video: "Writing Saved My Life" (Andrew’s Story)

To be the first to get more stories, tools, and life experiments like this, subscribe to the email list at thejeffturner.ca.

Until next time, I’m Jeff Turner and remember to take care of yourself, however that looks to you.