@Annelize Erasmus I'm as new as it gets! I wanted to learn about art and being creative, but the practical side of me won the argument. My childhood cancelled any self-esteem and self-confidence I may have had naturally and I learned early on the lies adults instill in their children...that the world is cruel and harsh and what you get is all that you deserve. When I dared to dream, life put me back in the place the lies told me was mine. As of my last birthday, my gift to myself was the permission to finally do what I had been accused of doing...whatever I want, whenever I want the way I always do. So, while I tie up loose ends and open the door on a new chapter, I'm exploring all of the options out in the world that are available for me. There is an exciting adventure awaiting me. Everything I learned will be a brick in my new path.

@Annelize Erasmus I am certain that I will. It isn't that I've never been creative. Creativity is expressed in every facet of living...the clothes we wear, the food we cook, and how we solve the problems we encounter. The only difference now is that I have allowed it to be unleashed and set free to bring joy, peace, and comfort. My soul has a message to share and my intention is to do that to the best of my ability. I don't know what the message is nor who is meant to receive it. Those details will unfold as I learn the artistic knowledge I need and how to use the tools available. I feel like I am finally on the threshold to realize the purpose of my life and the reason I am here. How exhilarating, right?

Dealing with stress, no matter the source, is tough to do in the beginning. The biggest hurdle is in giving yourself permission to take guilt-free time for yourself and then spend that time on you...check in to see how you feel, ask yourself if there is something you need. Sometimes, a 5 minute walk in nature can be quite helpful. Sometimes it could be listening to and singing along with some favorite songs. Sometimes getting down in the garden, pulling weeds and getting your hands dirty helps. Everyone has their own list of little things that are uplifting. By shifting your focus away from whatever is causing your stress, even for just 5 minutes brings a reset, so when you return your focus back to your project, you have a different perspective. You've made space for your creativity to flow through with the idea or solution that was eluding you.

@Annelize Erasmus There is a reason why passengers on airplanes are told during an emergency, put your own mask on first. So many of us feel guilty and selfish if and when we do something for ourselves. The stark reality is that if we don't take care of ourselves along the way, we simply won't have anything left to give anyone or anything.