Welcome to my first official “We are the World Blogfest” (#WATWB ) post. The #WATWB was inspired by a simple conversation about how all the negativity on social media was weighing on us. Wanting to make a difference we decided to try to do our part to infuse social media with all the good stories that are out there. We hope to share the stories that show kindness, compassion, hope, overcoming challenges and in general, the impressive resilience of the human spirit. For every dark, negative story out there, there is a positive, heartwarming story that will add some light and lift the human spirit. The last Friday of every month bloggers will share their stories led by five co-hosts, this month’s co-hosts are Lynn Hallbrooks, Simon Falk, Sylvia McGrath, Damyanti Biswas and myself.
My story this month focuses on a young man who despite autism is making a positive name for himself through his art. Those who know me can tell you how passionate I am about the life-changing power of creative expression. Throughout the years, working in various aspects of social services as well as being a writer and artist, I have seen first-hand the healing, empowering and transformative power of expressing oneself in a creative way. Creative arts can give you an outlet, a way to communicate, confidence and the freedom to just “be”. It can help us be the best version of ourselves. There are so many stories of the benefits of creative expression however, this one story, in particular, caught my attention…Meet thirteen-year-old Niam Jain, who is autistic and only able to speak a few words. Watch his story about how his art not only impressed art experts everywhere but also gave him his voice!
Credit: The National ~ CBC News, Toronto, Canada
Check out Niam’s website niamjain.com
If you would like to learn more about art therapy and its benefits please check out: CATA/ACAT Canadian Art Therapy Association or Art Therapy Alliance (Global Resources)
For more information about #WATWB or to join us and help spread positive stories like this click here.
Belinda Witzenhausen 
What a wonderful, inspiring, story, Belinda!
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Thanks so much, glad you found it inspiring…feeling the need to paint now. lol. 🙂 Loved your #WATWB post! 🙂
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WOW! Truly beautiful, Belinda. 🙂
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So happy I learned about Niam…he is such an inspiration. Thanks for stopping by Simon! 🙂
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Thanks for sharing this wonderful story of this talented artist who simply has special needs. If you or your visitors would like to learn about a gentleman who brings light into other people’s darkness feel free to stop by. Bring Light Into Someone Else’s Darkness #WATWB
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Thanks so much for your support Lynn! You are a Rockstar!!! 🙂 Love your post for #WATWB 🙂
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Niam is an amazing young man, as is his art. I love that his paintings are in demand and that his mom is so supportive of his newfound passion.
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He really is inspiring and I think having a parent like that is part of the reason for his success. I love how she takes him to work wearing his PJs because he needs to work and express himself at that moment! No bounds to a mother’s love.Thanks so much for stopping by Mary! 🙂
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Niam is a gifted young guy. It is said that when God takes away some of your senses he ensures that at least one of the senses you possess is really strong. This story seems to be a perfect example for this belief. Thanks for sharing!
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I agree! Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂
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This man is truly amazing. Such people and their stories definitely need to be showcased to the world more.
Godyears.net
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They do! Niam is such an inspiration I couldn’t help but share his story. Thanks for stopping by!
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A heart warming story thank you … it’s so lovely to hear of art transforming people with all sorts of difficulties.
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I believe art really does give us so much and has the power to change lives. Thanks so much for stopping by Susan! 🙂
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Hi Belinda – how interesting and inspiring to find out about Niam … that’s great to see – and wonderful others recognise his talent. It opens our own minds to other things too – leads us to explore and think about other aspects of life … thank you so much for bringing Niam to us … cheers Hilary – I’m joining in the WATWB as well … so good to meet you here …
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So pleased that you’ll be joining us Hilary, Welcome! Niam is such a talent he is hard to ignore. Thanks so much for stopping by.
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Wow. That is absolutely amazing. It almost brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing this story.
Mary at Play off the Page
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Was happy to share Niam’s story! Thanks so much for stopping by Mary! 🙂
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Art is a beautiful way of expressing one’s emotions and I am glad Niam could find his voice…What an inspiring story of a mother who never gave up …..
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His mother is so incredibly supportive and Niam is thriving because of it! Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂
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Such a fabulous story. Thanks for the introduction to this wonderful young artist – what a gift he is!
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My pleasure, glad to share Niam’s story! Thanks so much for stopping by Deborah! 🙂
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They found a way for him to connect and express himself. How wonderful.
Sorry, it took me a while to find your post.
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Thanks so much for stopping by! Having the ability to express oneself is often taken for granted. I’m so glad Niam’s found his way. 🙂
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What an uplifting post! Thank you. Autistic children (and adults) are capable of doing so much more than most people realize. By sheer coincidence, I also wrote about autism today. (Great minds think alike…?) 🙂
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Of course! 🙂 World Autism Awareness day is coming up this Sunday and I thought it would be the perfect time to share this. I’m going to run over to your blog and check it out! Thanks so much for stopping by Susan! 🙂
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Self expression via word is all I know, yet I look at this boy and his work, realizing how limited words can be. Great choice for a positive story– inspiring and so unique. Art heals.
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Yes it does! Thanks so much for stopping by Ally! 🙂
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It’s pretty amazing what people can do once they find their outlet. Great story.
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Glad he found his passion in life so young, some it takes a while. Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂
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Hi Belinda!
Thank you for introducing us to Niam. He is indeed a very special boy.
What a blessing he brings to the world via his art, and he in turn is so blessed with this incredible gift that is beyond understanding… 🙂
His mum is also an amazing woman!
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I agree Niam is such a talent and his Mum is just incredible. I have a funny feeling we’ll be hearing a lot more about Niam and his success! Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂
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Thanks for this wonderful story! I’ve joined the blogfest as well and posted my first on March 31. Such a wonderful idea!!
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Thanks so much! Welcome, glad you’re joining us! 🙂 Heading over to yours now!
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so inspiring and beautiful!
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You’re the kind of people the world needs! The ones who spread love and not hate!
Thank you for sharing such wonderful stories!
Keshav from The Veritas Initiative
https://theveritasinitiative.wordpress.com/
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There are many of us out here! 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!
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Wow, what a great story and great idea ! “We are the world” is definitely inspiring and a great way to shed some optimism on the constant stream of negative we are fed. There’s a song called “998 Good Bricks” by Zakaraka and the Imaginomics that you may enjoy, it sends a similar message to the one behind this post. For every negative, there are 998 positives that we are very likely just not seeing. 🙂
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Thanks so much Elayne! We hope to offer a little light! We are always looking for others to join us, the link is on the bottom of this post if you are interested! 🙂 Will definitely have to check out that song! Thanks again!
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