On September 18th last year I was part of a situation that I wish had a different outcome. I tried to help empower someone that felt powerless. I tried to explain how much this person had to offer and how unbelievably talented they were, all to no avail. That night last year, I began to feel powerless. I asked myself what will it take to help this person? What words can be said that will help them see their value in this world? What can I do? Unfortunately, sometimes, there isn’t anything we can do or say to save someone from themselves. But it weighs on me heavily. Because I understood her feelings so well. But that resonation and explanation that I had been there and I wish I had made different decisions and had someone guide me like I was trying to for them did nothing. It’s a very frustrating feeling.
When I find myself involved in lifes challenges that I cannot control or wish I could help make better, but can’t, I create things. It’s an outlet for me as well as a healing process. Not since 2007 have I taken one of these creative healing ventures of mine and progressed them to the point that I did this one. I started by looking up quotes. Then I started designing illustrations to go along with the quotes that I felt this person should read, hear & believe about themselves. I continued on until I decided I could possibly do two things with all this creative energy driven by a lack of situational control. One, I could show this person how much I cared about their life by creating something dedicated to them. And two, if I make it available to other people, maybe, just maybe, I can help others, beyond this person. People that I don’t even know who feel just like my muse and my younger self.
I know this coloring book and the ones to follow this year are meant to be. I am a full-time mother to an extraordinary special needs kiddo and I have a full-time career. But somehow, I was able to find the time to create this book and have already started on the next two simultaneously. The thoughts of what to do next find me. I don’t have to search for them. So I know I am on the right path. My hope is to reach my muse. Eventually. And if I can help anyone else in the process, that is a bonus.