MessyJessyCreatesArt

I finally found a bit of time to do week 26's lesson and I enjoyed it very much!  As some of you know, I have fibromyalgia and everything that goes with it.  The lesson's theme was about expressing our inner male archetype, our strong side.  For me, nothing says "I m strong" other than being a FIBRO WARRIOR PRINCESS :-)  As with Lupus, the symbol for fibromyalgia is a purple butterfly.  Therefore, I repeated the purple butterfly in the background using a stencil by Tamara Laporte, modeling paste, and Panpastels.  I continued to include a purple butterfly embellishment into her 'thorny' crown, as well as a purple ribbon to show support.  The journaling around her head is done in white Posca Pen and says:  If you are in pain, don't feel down.  Simply smile and pick up your crown.  Princess of Pain you now are.  A positive attitude will get you far.  I found this on the internet by there was no author to give credit :-(

I have recently been under a lot of pressure, self-enduced, of course.  However, It has paid off through focus and determintaion.  Did I mention that DETERMINATION was my word for the year?  Anyway, I have been pushing myself to accomplish a few small little goals that I have not been able to do before. First, I have been determined to keep going to doctor's appointments and tests even though some days I feel like they are pointless or are doing no good. (Part of taking care of myself) Second, I have been participating a a couple of weekly art journal groups.  I may not be posting what I write on a daily basis, but, I am there, in the background.  This helps me to set weekly goals and to keep track of what I am doing. Third, I actually applied for a Design Team Call for an art company!!!!!  Whoo Hoo!!! Yeah Me!!!!!  That forced me to get somewhat organized and on the ball.  Cross your fingers for me :-) Fourth, and this is really important...

There is no doubt that art can be very therapeutic.  In fact, it helped me get through so many dark times in my life these past few years. The following are things I discovered about myself yesterday during my therapy session.  I had forgotten just how much these things impact me and are the root of my daily issues. I don't do well with change. I am still a perfectionist. I still have obsessive-compulsive disorder. I have major issues with uncertainty and the unknown. My memory REALLY sucks. All of these things cause great amounts of anxiety. I have little control over these things (OCD?) and I am going to figure out a way to take back control of my brain. One issue I have for dealing with these things is that I have really bad memory problems.  I have fibromyalgia and sleep disorder, both of which come with major memory issues.  I have been working on my anxiety issues for years but, with memory issues, it is like the slate is wiped clean every so ofte...