I found joy in walking in nature daily, now hitting an average of 3 miles a day. Walking daily has grown as a form of relief and resistance to busy myself. It’s a daily time carved out just for me being by myself. Willingly this pause in action gives me time to think and clarify my feelings. I know that working on the growth and understanding of myself can be an elusive path. Walking gives me a moment of purposeful pause. As I walk, I focus on my breath, reflect on the scenery while quieting my mind to be present…
I recently sat down to develop an illustrative portfolio. It was an accomplishment for me as I’m transitioning to work independently. Having this time during the COVID crisis and navigating the best way to support my child and myself can be tricky. I know for sure it’s the right time to do what serves me best and I can be available for her. Instead of feeling the effects of a dismal economy I’ve decided to hone my craft and pursuit my dream of being an author illustrator.
Once I decided, I spent the next eight weeks pouring over my paintings…
Guilt and shame crippled me for so long. It took years of identifying shame and grounding myself in love to see my way out. It didn’t help that I glazed over my shame with a smooth layer of perfectionism. I used to believe I could perfectly move myself away from any negative feelings or judgement. I was burying my emotions in a self-destructive belief of actively fixing any imperfect part of my life. It wasn’t until the deepest pain ripped open my heart was I able to let go of my ideal perfectionism. When I lost my child from preterm…
Is it bad that I’ve been experiencing joy in the middle of the pandemic? I have been slowing down, taking small steps through each day, and laughing a lot more. Yes, I know it may feel out of place, but I think that’s what keeps me hopeful during this tumultuous time.
Most people understand joy as the emotion of great delight. Something exceptionally decent happens to you, or you find pleasure in an experience that leaves you elated. There is value in this moment and experience. It’s more than a big happiness. …
It’s November and fall is in full swing. You see all the signs of this season around; the fallen leaves, bare trees, chilled air, and pumpkin everything. Seeing nature clear the leaves daily inspired me to look at my own life. I carry so much from day to day, season to season, with little regard to its necessity or purpose. I was overdue to declutter and clear out my life.
I held on to everything, it was bad. I had one foot of socks Sophia couldn’t fit, kept broken toys, even single earrings. Then I looked at the papers I…
