How Journaling My Anxiety Put ME in Control

As I am on vacation, this is a repost of an older post that resonated with a lot of people. I hope it still does.

How Journaling My Anxiety Put ME in Control

I have talked before about my sporadic bouts of anxiety and depression.  Many of you experience that too, and have left me the kindest words.  

Since the start of 2016, I have felt overwhelmed by the many obligations I have - and the ones I put on myself.  

The other night, I had lists of my many "to dos" swirling in my head. I had the image of myself slumping down the wall in a long hallway with doors.  Behind each door was an area of my life calling to me.  My inability to prioritize, to eliminate, to say no, threatened to engulf me under the weight of letting people down, not fulfilling expectations.  I quickly sketched it out, writing down, on each of the doors, a list of the things that were "calling" for me.   After I did this, I was able to fall asleep.

When I woke up, I immediately took to painting my page.  The first thing I did was CLOSE THOSE DOORS!  I even stenciled hands on them to hold them shut, and one to stroke my head.  When I was nearly done, I gave the hallway stenciled windows to the outside, to light, sky and fresh air.  I can prioritize, say no, pause and take some deep breaths.  I am in control!

Here's a fast forward video of me painting this page, from start to finish.

 

You can also watch "Journaling My Anxiety" on YouTube here.

Creating this page helped me regain control of my feelings and thoughts.

Do you have a journaling or other practice that helps you with your inner demons?  Please share!

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Why An Open Heart is the Only Rational Answer

Windows and Doors Stencil  Available on Society6

With the horrific bombings and shootings in Paris last week, fear-mongering is running rampant - politicians and ordinary people are reacting in anger, and urging closing off, shutting down, turning in.  But bombs and hatred will never win against terrorists.  People turn to violence when they have no hope, no options.  The true weapons against terrorism are education, employment, hope, compassion and love.  We need MORE love, not more fear.

Medallions Stencil, Cascading Leaves Stencil, Falling Feathers Stencil and Hamsa Stamp

As an artist, my response is to make art and thus these images in my art journal.  Open doors.  Think of "others" as the same as me, with the same hopes, dreams and fears.  Think of my ancestors who were rejected and shunned because they were different.

The worst thing these attacks can do is close our hearts and take away our humanity.  Don't let that happen.

Kim Geiser created this beautiful coloring page as a free gift and plea to "Please Love More."  As she says, "Please share, print, use this picture and allow it to remind us to use our powers for good. "

by Kim Geiser Studios http://persimmonsgal54220.blogspot.com/2015/11/please.html

And just a reminder:

The last day to purchase these downloadable online classes for $9.99 is 11/23! Then they go to their normal price of $24.99.  So if you're interested, purchase them, download them, and do them at your convenience!

Your comments make me so happy and let me know you were here. I read and treasure every comment and will happily answer any questions as soon as I can.

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