The first part of my creative journey this summer was all about playing with paper and learning to make a new flower. Back in May before school was out, I purchased Jessica's tutorial on how to make this flower. I anxiously awaited school to release so I could have a little summer of play. Midway through summer(it's been a busy one for sure), I crafted my Cafe' Olait Dahlia with my own unique style and decided to have a fun photo session to celebrate it. What I didn't realize was that this was so much more than making a new flower and taking some pictures. It became a celebration of womanhood, strength, femininity and feeling free and confident in your own skin.
These photos represent my daughter’s love for life, and confidence while twirling and making silly faces in front of my lens. And yes, I printed every single one of them.
I realize now, the purpose of this art for me is to really see life with moments of mindfulness and gratitude. It is so much more than an art but a way of life. It's not about the product but the process and journey of it all.
This is a time for us to show ourselves the love and compassion we need to get through the ups and downs in life. It is a time for us to say beautiful, positive loving phrases to ourselves and encourage growth and happiness. Whatever you are going through today, please know you are not alone. Remember you are made to add beauty in the world so it is ok to ask for help and to lean on others to help you shine.
Through my counseling journey I have learned the best tools for resiliency are feeling grateful, mindfully living life and feeling compassion not only for others but more importantly for yourself. I believe creating with your hands can open your mind to the beautiful vulnerability of making mistakes, learning, growing and sharing your gifts.
So today let's celebrate what we have, who we are and that we are loved unconditionally. I would like to encourage all of you beautiful women today to take time to create with your hands, dress up and celebrate who God designed you to be: imperfectly perfect!