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I don’t believe in the crap that one day you’ll wake up and everything will be okay. Every day, you’ll have to get up and try to change your perspective towards what left you devastated. Change and healthy habits demand time and consistency, nothing happens overnight, especially not moving on.

Start With Acknowledgement.

Acknowledge that something bad happened to you and acknowledge the fact that it doesn’t necessarily have to destroy you.

Stop Feeling Regret.

You may have heard this many times but there’s literally no way you can go back and change anything at all. What wasn’t meant to be, wasn’t meant to be whether it was good or bad. What was meant to be, it happened whether it was good or bad. Choose acceptance.

Accept everything that has happened and accept who you’ve become because of it. Without acknowledgement and acceptance, there is not much room left for improvement. And even if you’ve made mistakes, accept them as this could be the only reason which can be holding you back from correcting them or learning from them and moving on with your life. Most importantly, don’t be rough on yourself for feeling what you do, be considerate with your emotions as you would with a loved one. You cannot heal from an ordeal without feeling it. Whatever it is that you’ve suffered from, treat your wound as a child, treat it as your own until the pain is ready to heal.

Find reasons of why what happened had to happen? And make reason with the reasons If you can’t find any, maybe you weren’t meant to know yet. We will never have all the answers in life anyway but that does not mean we should stop learning what we still can and grow from it.

Forgive yourself first and foremost and then forgive others too, as the wise have said it, forgiveness sets you free, it’s all about you. And it won’t be easy you will have to try and convince yourself bit by bit every day to forgive yourself. For some people, forgiveness comes easy for themselves and for some, it’s easy to forgive others but not themselves.

There are many books, many articles and what not that you’ll find which say forgive yourself but these words only become reality when you apply them to your life.

Let Go.

When what caused you pain and the pain itself wants to go, allow all of it to go. You might want to hold onto the pain because it may feel like something so powerful would never enter your life again but it will. The healing will be much more powerful no matter if it all comes together as closure or in bits and pieces like occasional dose of medicine, trust the process enough to know, it will come.

Life is so much more about than just one purpose, one person and one passion. There are always so many reasons to live for, and trust me when I say it, you’ll find them when you start opening your heart to the belief that there still is a possibility of finding not just one but many.

Make efforts to move forward even if it’s just forcing yourself out of bed every morning or pushing yourself for something every day a minute more.

In fact, make that one minute your motto, that’s what someone wise once told me that whenever you feel like giving up, push yourself for one more minute until you get used to it.

That’s how that one minute will make you the change you dream to be one day.

And no, everything will still not be okay but you will learn how to make it okay.

Tough but Warm Love,
Amna Dhanani.

 

Learn and understand your emotions better with Phases of Lily, a book with simple words yet, deeper meaning.

In today’s fast-paced world, mental health has become a focal point for many seeking balance and well-being. While traditional forms of therapy and self-care are beneficial, art journaling has emerged as a powerful and accessible tool for mental health. Art journaling provides a unique avenue for self-expression, emotional release, and personal growth. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of art journaling and how it can be a transformative practice for mental well-being.

What is Art Journaling?

Art journaling is a form of creative expression that combines visual art and writing. Unlike traditional journaling, which relies primarily on words, art journaling incorporates a variety of artistic mediums such as drawing, painting, collage, and mixed media. The result is a personal, artistic record of thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

The Therapeutic Benefits of Art Journaling

Discover how integrating creativity into your routine can significantly improve your mental well-being.

Emotional Expression and Release

One of the primary benefits of art journaling is its ability to facilitate emotional expression and release. Emotions that are difficult to articulate verbally can often be expressed more easily through art. By using colors, shapes, and images, individuals can convey feelings of anger, sadness, joy, or confusion in a safe and manageable way. This process of externalizing emotions can provide significant relief and reduce overwhelming feelings.

Stress Reduction

Engaging in creative activities like art journaling has been shown to reduce stress levels. Creating art can be meditative, helping to quiet the mind and focus on the present moment. This mindfulness aspect of art journaling allows individuals to take a break from their worries and anxieties, providing a calming effect that can lower stress hormones and promote relaxation.

Self-Exploration and Insight

Art journaling offers a unique way to explore and understand oneself. By visually documenting thoughts and experiences, individuals can gain new perspectives and insights into their inner world. This process of self-exploration can uncover patterns, beliefs, and emotions that may not be immediately apparent through traditional journaling. Over time, these insights can lead to greater self-awareness and personal growth.

Empowerment and Self-Efficacy

Creating art can be a powerful way to build a sense of empowerment and self-efficacy. Individuals experimenting with different materials and techniques develop new skills and discover their creative potential. This sense of accomplishment and mastery can boost self-esteem and confidence, which are essential to mental well-being.

Processing Trauma and Grief

For those dealing with trauma or grief, art journaling can be a valuable tool for processing difficult experiences. The non-verbal nature of art allows individuals to express and work through painful memories and emotions at their own pace. Art journaling can also be a safe space for exploring and integrating these experiences, fostering healing and recovery.

Enhancing Communication

Art journaling can improve communication, both with oneself and with others. Individuals can better understand and articulate their emotional experiences by creating visual representations of thoughts and feelings. It can be beneficial in therapy, where sharing art journal entries can facilitate deeper discussions and insights. Additionally, art journaling can enhance communication in personal relationships by providing a medium for expressing emotions that might be difficult to convey through words alone.

Getting Started with Art Journaling

Starting an art journal can be an exciting and liberating experience. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Gather Your Supplies

Begin with basic supplies such as a sketchbook or journal, pens, pencils, markers, paints, and other materials that inspire you. You can experiment with different mediums and techniques as you become more comfortable.

Create a Safe Space

Find a quiet, comfortable space to work on your art journal without distractions. This space should feel safe and inviting, allowing you to relax and focus on your creative process.

Set an Intention

Before you begin, take a moment to set an intention for your art journaling session. It could be a specific emotion you want to explore, an experience you wish to process, or simply a desire to express yourself creatively.

Let Go of Perfection

Art journaling is about the process, not the final product. Let go of any expectations or judgments about your work. Allow yourself to experiment and play with different materials and techniques, focusing on the experience rather than the outcome.

Reflect on Your Work

After completing a journal entry, take some time to reflect on your work. Consider what emotions and thoughts came up during the process and what insights you gained. This reflection can deepen your understanding of yourself and enhance the therapeutic benefits of art journaling.

Conclusion

Art journaling is a versatile and powerful tool for enhancing mental health. Combining creativity and introspection offers a unique way to express emotions, reduce stress, and gain self-awareness. Whether you are dealing with trauma, seeking personal growth, or simply looking for a creative outlet, art journaling can be a valuable addition to your mental health toolkit.

So grab your journal, order our sticker packs, and start exploring the transformative potential of art journaling today.

Are you fascinated by beautifully crafted letters and words that seem to dance off the page? If so, hand lettering might be your next favorite hobby! Whether you’re looking to spruce up your journal, create unique greeting cards, or relax with a creative outlet, hand lettering is a fantastic skill to learn. Here’s a simple hand lettering guide to get you started:

What is Hand Lettering?

Hand-drawn lettering has surged back into popularity alongside the DIY movement. Despite the convenience of digital typing, people are enthusiastically rediscovering this ancient art form.

You can find many hand lettering guides where enthusiasts share techniques and tutorials. Many find these videos soothing, drawn to the artistry of hand-drawn letters that allow for boundless creativity.

Hand lettering is the artistic practice of drawing letters by hand. It allows artists to interpret letters uniquely and imaginatively, making each project personal. From wedding invitations to home decor and social media posts, hand lettering decorates our lives with diverse styles, shapes, and forms.

But what distinguishes hand lettering from calligraphy? While both involve letter forms, they differ fundamentally in execution:

Hand Lettering verses Calligraphy

Calligraphy involves writing letters with specific tools, such as a calligraphy pen, focusing on precise strokes and letter forms. In contrast, hand lettering artists draw each letter individually, allowing for more artistic freedom and variation.

Within calligraphy, there’s brush calligraphy—a technique popular in Chinese culture and akin to brush painting. This ancient art form uses brush pens to create flowing, expressive strokes. Brush lettering emphasizes heavy pressure on downward strokes, and light touches on upward strokes, evoking a dynamic sense of movement and grace.

In essence, hand lettering celebrates the artistry of drawing letters, while calligraphy emphasizes the skill of writing them. Both are rooted in tradition yet open to endless creative exploration in today’s vibrant artistic landscape. Whether you’re drawn to the precision of calligraphy or the expressive freedom of hand lettering, both offer rich opportunities for artistic expression and personal creativity.

Hand Lettering Guide for Beginners

Let’s take you through a step-by-step hand lettering guide for beginners.

Getting Started

Gather Your Tools: To begin your hand lettering journey, you’ll need some basic supplies:

Pens and Markers: Start with various pens and markers in different sizes and colors. Brush pens are trendy for creating elegant letterforms.

Paper: Choose smooth, thick paper to prevent bleeding and feathering of ink. Experiment with different types of paper to find what works best for you.

Ruler and Pencil: This helps sketch out guidelines until you become more comfortable with freehand lettering.

Learn the Basics:

Lettering Styles: Explore different styles such as serif, sans-serif, script, and block letters. Each style has its unique characteristics and lends itself to different applications.

Stroke Techniques: Understanding basic stroke techniques is essential. Practice upstrokes, downstrokes, and varying pressure to achieve different line widths and effects.

Follow Tutorials: There are plenty of resources available online and in books that provide step-by-step instructions and practice sheets for beginners. These tutorials will help you grasp fundamental concepts and improve your lettering skills over time.

Tips for Beginners

Start Simple: Begin with basic alphabets and words before progressing to more complex designs. Focus on mastering one style at a time.

Practice Regularly: Like any skill, practice makes perfect! Dedicate a few minutes each day to practicing your lettering. Consistency is critical to improvement.

Experiment with Styles: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and techniques to discover what resonates with you. Your lettering style should reflect your personality and creativity.

Take Breaks: Hand lettering can be intricate work. Take breaks to rest your hands and avoid strain, especially when working on longer projects.

Where to Use Hand Lettering

Once you’ve honed your skills, there are countless ways to incorporate hand lettering into your life:

Greeting Cards and Invitations: Create personalized cards for birthdays, weddings, holidays, and other special occasions. Hand-lettered invitations add a unique touch to any event.

Home Decor: Design custom wall art, framed quotes, or decorative signs for your home or workspace.

Journals and Planners: Add flair to your journal entries, planners, and bullet journals. Hand lettering can help you stay organized in style.

Gifts: Hand lettering makes for thoughtful and memorable gifts: Personalize mugs, notebooks, or T-shirts for friends and family.

Advanced Techniques

As you become more confident in your hand lettering skills, you can explore advanced techniques to elevate your designs:

Embellishments: Experiment with flourishes, swirls, and decorative elements to enhance your lettering compositions.

Color Blending: Use brush pens or watercolors to create stunning color gradients and blends within your letterforms.

Digitization: Learn how to digitize your hand lettering using software or apps. It allows you to edit, resize, and share your designs digitally.

Maintaining Your Practice

Join Communities: Connect with fellow hand lettering enthusiasts online or in local workshops. Sharing tips, feedback, and inspiration can accelerate your learning journey.

Set Goals: Challenge yourself with specific goals, such as mastering a new lettering style or completing a project within a set timeframe.

Stay Inspired: Draw inspiration from art, nature, typography, and everyday life. Keeping an inspirational journal or mood board can help spark creativity when you’re stuck.

 

Conclusion

Hand lettering is more than just a hobby—it’s a form of self-expression and creativity that can bring joy and satisfaction. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, the journey of learning hand lettering is as rewarding as the finished product itself. So, gather your pens, pick up some paper, and embark on your hand-lettering adventure today! With practice and patience, you’ll soon be crafting beautiful letters that captivate and inspire.

Remember, the key to mastering hand lettering lies in dedication, experimentation, and a willingness to learn from successes and mistakes. Embrace the process, enjoy the journey, and let your creativity flow freely through each pen stroke.

Explore our Envelopes & letter papers selection to enhance your hand-lettering creations further!