They say that an artist's work is best when he or she is in turmoil. Hardship makes for great, thought-provoking art, but I try to look at it from the artist's perspective. Artistic expression gives way to healing and allows us to connect with others in a way that our words alone, in person, may not. Sometimes, we try to express how we feel, but without enough time to truly think, dwell, or understand what it is we are experiencing, we are unable to truly explain or show the extent and truth of the situation. There are five ways that I can think of to express, work through, and understand what it is we are experiencing when going through a miscarriage. Some of these ideas are comforting and healing, while others are acknowledging and expressing.

There are many ways to write about what you are going through or feeling. Stories, poetry, songs, articles, fiction, or nonfiction can all be beneficial in the grieving process.

Song: the bible is full of songs of praise to the LORD. Psalms, in particular, give many examples of songs that give glory to God while strengthening us so we can get through hardships. The time of miscarriage is like any other of anguish. Grief, pain, heartbreak, and bewilderment take the mind captive, so why not use it? Why not embrace the pain and hurt to make something beautiful, strengthening, and faithful, something you can sing to yourself on the hard days and look back on in the next season/s?

Poem: much like a song only, usually lacking the repetition. Poetry can rhyme or just be a conscious stream of thought. You can throw the rulebook out the window and write as your feelings tell you.

Prayer: write a prayer or speak to God (to Jesus) with words of your heart. Here are some examples of Prayers For Miscarriage – Powerful & Uplifting Words For Prayer (prayerist.com)

Article: Here, you can express your point of view and experience and get it all out in the open. You can divulge your deepest thoughts and delve into topics related to your miscarriage that might be bringing you further down or lifting you up. You can speak of faith or the failings in society as they relate to you here and now.

Story: you could detach or cling even more so to reality and write about either someone going through a miscarriage or yourself as you experienced it. Here, you can be detailed and bring in any and all related feelings, topics, beliefs, and fears. Nothing is off-limits.

Letter: you could write a letter to God, the child you have lost, your husband, a family member, or a friend. You could express how you feel, how you want to feel, and even what actions you are or might take to inspire change, comfort, or healing. Letter example: Dear Lord, You Can Have This Baby – brittleeallen

​It's important to note that you don't have to share, publish, or even keep any of these writings – they can simply be your outlet and a piece of writing for you (and possibly your family) in your time of grieving. There is a peace that comes from writing about an experience or event you have had on paper. Words can help us work through our pain, giving us a deeper understanding of our own thoughts, feelings, and reality. We don't always feel everything consciously: It can sometimes take this process of writing to surface hidden feelings. These hidden feelings can prohibit our ability to process and heal.

You could take your writing and make a podcast or video of your experience. I have found this type of media the most helpful during this time as I have been listening to women who have been where I am now. You could also use dance and movement as a way to express your emotions like Alison Rose Juarez.

There are many artistic ways to express oneself. Art can often be the outlet we need but don't know we have the skill or talent for. Sometimes, we think we are incapable of artistic talent and find we are pleasantly surprised when trying something new or different.

Knitting: you could knit a blanket as expectant mothers do and keep it as a keepsake of your child in heaven.

Embroidery: you could embroider your baby's expected due date onto a blanket, pillowcase, handkerchief, or scarf.

Illustration: you could draw your baby as an angel or as if it were in your tummy.

This idea might seem silly or crazy, holding a wake for a baby that was never born. But! The loss is real. You are grieving, and maybe your family is too. A wake or funeral is something we do to bring closure and give the one we lost a send-off. I think it feels strange because society tells us the unborn baby is 'a clump of cells' or 'a fetus'. The value of the unborn child is diminished to a word or phrase to dehumanize the baby. Try not to feel silly if this is something you want to do. Do what you need to do for your family. Acknowledge your loss.