Do you feel in a slump? Are you frustrated, stressed out or overwhelmed?
(read to the end for a special invite!)

This summer I had many fun times on our road trips. Fun family and friends, food and experiences.
It wasn’t the busiest of summers. But I found for the last 2 weeks, I began to feel a bit depressed.

Here’s what working to fix it:

1. Making time to create– Although I had shown up for our creative club, I wasn’t finding time outside of class to make anything. I spent 2 hours one evening listening/watching on Netflix while I did hand embroidery. And it felt amazing to choose ME, and relax. When was the last time you did art? A coloring page? Or anything creative with your hands? Creating spaces of order in your home can be that too… but for me those are more obligations than calming my mind/body as artistic endeavors can.
2. Making time for myself again– I had a session with my personal trainer again today, and she committed me to planning out regular exercise. It’s going in my calendar at specific times. Another thing I’ve started to do is stopping the rush of the day to sit down to read from the towering pile of books on my bedside. It’s okay to take the time, and it’s absolutely necessary. It’s about consistently showing up for yourself as you would a dear friend. You wouldn’t put them off for weeks at a time. You would let them know they were important to you. You need to be caring to the dearest friend of all: YOURSELF. It’s going to look different for each of us. Some people adore baths. Those don’t do anything for me. But sitting in my yard in the cool fall air, or listening to empowering music LOUD… those rejuvenate me. What opens YOUR soul?
3. Sleep— Last week I took a nap or two. This week I took a 3 hour nap and a 2 hour nap already. Yes, it’s only Tuesday. Last night, I went to bed earlier than I had in a long time. I am a chronic “pusher” to push through difficulties and challenges. But as I am listening to my body, I’m getting back into a better equilibrium. I don’t expect I’ll keep napping every day, but I am learning to be gentle to myself and listen instead of push.

What are you doing to lift your spirits?

Need ideas?

• Adult Coloring pages
• Doodles
• Zentangle
• Painting smooth rocks
• Learning a musical instrument
• Crochet
• Cross stitch
• Knitting
• Felting
• Flowers from ribbons or felt
• Flower arranging
• many many more!

Have you ever wanted to learn hand-lettering?

Click here to let me know you’re interested, and you will get an invite to join us for a free class next week!

When: Wednesday, Sept 4th, 1:30-2:30pm EST
What: First steps to learn hand-lettering We are beginning our fall semester projects all focusing on hand-lettering.
Cost: FREE! If you love meeting with us, you’ll get the information at the end of class on how to join us every week. It’s the highlight of my week!
What to bring: Lined Paper and crayola markers (or brush pens if you have them)
Where: We’ll be meeting virtually via Zoom. Video conferencing is great; you can leave off your camera if that’s more comfortable.
Why: Hand lettering is a foundation for all kinds of projects and can be used every day: lunchbox love notes, teacher appreciation, to do lists, and envelopes. I can’t wait to share this with you.

Sign up to get an invite, and share this post with anyone you want to join us too!