I chose this image because I agree whole heartedly with the message it conveys. When I need to calm down and get my mind off of my present I think about my future and how far I have come. I work hard and will be successful. It keeps me calm knowing that one day I will surprise everyone with what I have accomplished.
Another aspect of my life that calms me is Acceptance. I am a white gay female in the world we live in today L.Q.B.T.Q people and women are considered a subgroup of people. I always find peace in areas were I am accepted and loved for myself even if they are rare.
Creating something from what seems like nothing has always been a passion of mine. I love to refinish furniture and paint. These hobbies keep me busy and my mind focused on whats in front of me instead of everything else that is going on in my life. Art is a fantastic escape to my own little world.
Music has always been very influential in my life. I do not play instruments (well at least) but I do listen to music every free second I have in the day. Rap is my favorite genre because I find depth and meaning in lyrics that are beautifully put together in a flow that captivates you. Music has gotten me through the most trying times in my life. It helps me process and accept and it also helps me expand my mindset by giving me new perspectives on life.
I have always thought I belong on a beach somewhere. The beach is my favorite physical get away of all times. The water soothes me while the hot sun relaxes me. If I had to envision my life 10 years from now I do truly believe that I will be on a coast. I love where I live now but, I was made for the beach.
Weight lifting came to me in a time of trial. I had just found out that I would no longer be able to participate in any sports because I had broken my neck. I had played sports sense I was able to walk therefore, this news was devastating to me at 16 when the world revolved around sports. I felt as though I had lost a piece of myself but, weight lifting helped me fill that void. I was able to lift because, correct form in most all exercises would keep any danger to my neck minimal. I found myself spending hours each day at the gym training and pushing myself to becoming better each workout. This drove me to excel in other aspects of my life as well. I was no longer sad or angry, I had purpose when I woke up each day.
Running, though most people hate it, I find it incredibly liberating. When I run it is my time to think. I think about everything in my life; good, bad, painful anything and you name it. While I am thinking and my feet are moving it makes me realize all things are temporary. When I get to the point where I feel like my lungs are going to give out I tell myself this physical pain is just like your mental pain, temporary. Running tends to help me make sense of the world one step at a time.
I chose this image because, my family has always been an amazing support system for me. Anytime I feel overwhelmed or down on myself I know that if I call someone in my family they will pick up and be there to help me through my anxiety or whatever else is going on. Knowing that I have the love and support my family provides gets me through each day. When I do not have the strength to stand and believe in myself, my family does it for me. The support of my family is my rock!
Physical activity is my favorite pass time but, Kayaking brings that to a whole new level. When I am out on the lake and its nothing but me, the water, and the sounds of nature, I am never more at peace. I loose track of time out on the water and with each stroke of the paddle I leave a little more stress behind.
I love this image. When I chose it I laugh a little bit to be honest because my mind immediately went to weed. I initial looked up natural remedies for anxiety and depression and when this image popped up I had to include it in my list. I have struggled with clinical anxiety and depression on and off sense I was in the 4th grade. I was on various chemically created pills to combat my sadness and anxiety but they always seemed to make me feel different entirely. When I got off the pills my mother looked to things like CBD oils, incense, and other natural remedies. They worked for me and I felt like myself. Therefore, I chose this image because, it clearly conveys there are alternative natural ways to fight your anxiety.
