We could all use a little therapy!

So what do you immediately think about when you hear the word "therapy" --- I think about laying on a couch, pouring my life problems and things I'm "hung up on" out to a total stranger that is probably not even listening, or has already decided what "pill" he/she is going to prescribe for me to make my days better. But why should I pay money to "feel better"? It don't even make sense, if you really think about it. I'm 57 years old! I should know what to do to feel better...right! Not necessarily. It's not the same as taking ibuprofen for aches and pains...and then you feel better in an hour. It's not the same as laying down to take a nap and waking up feeling better in an hour, or so. It's not the same as taking a long hot bath with some yummy bath salts or fizzy balls [although that is an awesome way to unwind!]. When you have something going on in your head that you can't stop thinking about, there is not a whole lot you can do about it, except DISTRACT your brain! That's all! No pills, no couches, no wires attached to your head [like those crazy things they used to try on crazy people], nothing like that. The best thing that I have found that works, time and time and time and time again, is art journaling, hand-lettering, coloring, doodling, things like that! 

When you distract your brain, your whole physical body changes it's mood...it's a proven fact! It's something that just happens! To heal the deepest roots of emotional pain we need to gain access to the encouraging imagery that arises from our creative unconscious mind. Sometimes I'll get in a "funk" and then realize it's been months since I've done any journaling. When I sit down with my journal in the evenings and draw, I can feel my whole body relax and say "ah...this is what I needed". I actually started a drawing group on facebook a year, or so, ago and we have a weekly "drawing theme" --- please feel free to join our group! It's a lot of fun and will jump start you into art/journaling therapy! After all, what could it possibly hurt! And like I've said time and time again, everybody has an inner artist that's just dying to get out! I promise you...you may even "shock" yourself!

I can't wait to see your drawing!!

love and peace always ~ Kathy

"Art washes away from the soul the dust of every day life" ~ Picasso

Into the forest I go...

...to lose my mind and find my soul! Even though I actually LIVE in the forest, I sometimes have to make myself go outside! I don't know if it stems from being a Louisiana native and hardly ever doing anything outside, because it was just too hot and humid, or if I just get busy doing busy work and the day gets away from me [probably just a combination of both]. But this year [2019], I am determined to go outside every single day, even if it's just for 30 minutes! I went out yesterday and it was awesome! It's just so calming and peaceful. I just sat on the ground at one point and took my shoes off. I let the coolness of the moist [I know, I just used that "M" word] leaves caress my feet and toes and it was so wonderful. I watched two Squirrels chase each other round and round a tree, I heard birds singing and the sound of dry leaves rubbing against each other, trying to make their way to the ground like the others.

I discovered tiny mushrooms

and some funky fungi [Hot Lips Puffballs]

But mostly I discovered more about myself. More realization of how really short life is and how every single thing that happens in my life is MY choice...the things that happen are not always my choice, exactly, but the way I react to them is...always has been and always will be. About this time last year a friend of mine shared this video on facebook and I have, literally, watched it 1/2 dozen times! So much truth and wisdom we have right inside of ourselves and yet, we always blame others [not necessarily people, but things, situations, weather, tight cloths...etc.,] on WHY we are in a funk! I guarantee you, if you listen to this lady...at least once [two or three times to really take it all in], your life will change...or, at least your attitude towards it!

So now it's time to figure out what's for dinner [another choice, but one I actually enjoy]!
Happy 2019!!
love and peace always ~ Kathy