Inspiration and Stress Relief

In my research with SU and by advice of doctors, I have learned that it is very important to avoid stress. When your body/mind are under stress it wreaks havoc with your immune system causing it to over react and release chemicals into your body, which as a result causes SU to react harshly within your body. As a result I become more sensitive and reactive to light and end up with set backs. One one way I combat stress is exercise, which I've talked about in past postings, but the other way is through arts and crafts. I've always been told play to your strengths, and one of my largest strengths is my creativity. I've always thought of myself as an artist and it is a God given talent that I'm proud of. So,use your talents to manage your stress levels and stay happy and healthy.

I've always had a very active and creative imagination which my parents always encouraged. In my personal opinion I think the arts get left by the wayside too much. If I could go back in time and change my college major I would have gone to school for art and developed my talents to make a living on my arts. But I went another way in my schooling. I don't regret it because it lead be to who I am today, but sometimes I wonder "what if". So before I got sick I was an insurance agent by trade ad an artist by heart,. Hopefuly one day I can focus more on being an artist by trade.

I'm not afraid of trying anything new in the realm of art, except acting. I'm terrible at acting or playing a part, but that's a whole other story for other blog entries. I've worked with all different kinds of mediums and learned all different types of crafts. My current favorites are crocheting and painting. The majority of my creations I give away as gifts or I donate to the less fortunate. My favorite thing lately has been crocheting hats and donating them to the poor, and since spring is coming I'm thinking I may make chemo caps and donate those to the local hospital. All my donations stay local to help out my own community.

Of the things I have created and kept for myself I keep close to me in my bedroom since that is where I spend a lot of my time escaping from the light and staying under cover. And the art I create for myself has special meaning and a place in my heart.

Whether that be a painting or sculpture or a crocheted blanket. It all has meaning or has been a product of inspiration and expression. I even have a couple of tattoos that I was inspired to get when I was younger. I have one other tattoo that I had decided on but since developing SU I cannot get it. So I had another artist make me a bracelet which represents my tattoo, and I can keep it close to my heart instead.

 People have asked me, "How do you do that?" and I can't really answer them. I see something in my head and I create it, whether that be in pencil drawing, painting, sculpture, or fabric or paper. I just see what I want and I manipulate the materials until my version is created. I've never had any professional training except one drawing class in college. My step mother-in-law tells me its a gift that God has bestowed on me and I agree. I have no other explanation. For whatever reason I was gifted with the arts.

The other question people also ask me is "what inspires you or gives you your ideas?" And to answer that I say life experiences and people in my life, or just the dreams in my head and my crazy unending daydreams. Anything can inspire me. To one who looks for inspiration use anything you experience. From your first kiss to a beautiful photo to a conversation with an old and special friend to the joy of holding a new baby in your arms. Use it all.

For me art is my main stress reliever a take all of my feelings fears, joys, worries, anger, and frustrations. All of it goes in my art. When I combine all of that with my inspiration I work everything out. Even writing this blog helps me get my stress and feelings out. So to my readers I say find your niche and I hope this helps you find your reliever. Until next time I wish you all well.

A Clean Slate and New Beginnings

***1 February 2014***
It's a strange feeling to start new beginnings. You may feel fear, or excitement or joy or even relief. You may feel one of those or all of those feeling all at once. Since September my life has been full of new beginnings and changes. Some changes have been wonderful and some a struggle, but all of those changes have brought me to today.

Yesterday was a huge and amazing change in my life. A fresh start, a clean slate. My relationship with Jesus has been growing over the years. I don't have any one date that I can definitively say I accepted Jesus Christ and became a believer, but I can say that on January 31, 2014 I was baptized in his name and was washed clean and accepted into his arms. It was an amazing experience and the feeling for me isn't something I can completely put into words. But I took all my worries , fears, past failings and put it all into Jesus' hands and he lifted them off my shoulders making my load easier to bear. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

I know the path is long and filled with curves and rocks and I will come upon trials and temptations, and I know as a human I am a sinner, but with Jesus as my savior I am saved and with God in my corner everything will be fine. I will work to make him proud and serve. Nothing is impossible with God.

***10 February 2014***
In the last several days since my baptism I find my faith is renewed and strong. I am so thankful for the many blessings I've received and I look forward to the future and leave behind my past failures. I've faced fears and worries and I've asked for advice in dealing with decisions I have to make on a daily basis. My life is forever changed and I am happy and have no regrets in life. Every trial and bump in the road brings a lesson, and right now I'm learning patience. Patience is something I've been struggling with, and knowing everything happens in good time, this is my current lesson. Having patience with my own healing or having patience with those who don't understand my illness, and having patience with people who are making decisions about my future and leaving me hanging while they decide if I must return to work before my body is ready and against doctors orders. Even with my medication that isn't regulated yet.

So I ask for patience in my prayers and I let God know my frustrations and fears. I try to give it all to Him, he can handle everything and bring peace and stability back to my life.

Deciding to be baptized was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. I believe it has changed my life forever. Not to say I won't struggle and slip along the path but it is one more tool for me to pick myself back up and learn to carry on and live a good life. It reminds me that no matter what I may face in life, God loves me and is part of me. He created me and will never abandon me even in the hardest of times. I am loved, I am a sinner , and through His love I am forgiven.