Saturday, May 16, 2015

Art of Awareness Blog Hop

I was excited to read about the Art of Awareness blog hop that Lori Anderson was hosting, and knew immediately I wanted to participate.  After thinking it over, I decided to use anxiety awareness as my topic, and ordered the teal awareness bead from Heather Millican from Swoondimples. I chose the phrase "Just Breathe" for the bead, since that is something I remind myself often.





Most people don't know this, but for about the past 10 years I've struggled with anxiety.   Whenever I feel the symptoms start to creep up on me, I tell myself to "just breathe".  

Anxiety and depression, while common, are often seen as weaknesses.  Many would be very surprised to learn that even those who seem to have everything together--a wonderful family life, a good career, a cheerful personality--suffer silently from the thoughts and feelings that often plague them.  This doesn't mean any of us who deal with anxiety and/or depression are "crazy".  I like to think we're just wired a little differently.  After all, don't we all have something that makes us unique?

I decided to turn my "just breathe" bead (which I adore, by the way) into a bracelet, so that when I start to feel those anxious feelings creep up on me, I can look down and remind myself to step back and try to think calmly about whatever it is that's bothering me.  


This bracelet has some of my favorite colors--brown and the calming teal/blue/green colors that remind me of the ocean. It's often my "happy place" when I feel anxious.

I appreciate the opportunity to participate in this blog hop, and to share a little about myself.  Be sure to check out the rest of the entries!


18 comments:

  1. Love the bracelet! Yes just breathe. I think that a lot of us go through anxiety and or depression at so point in our lives. I am glad you addressed this important topic.

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  2. Wonderful serene colors and soothing textures in your bracelet. Really lovely design. There is definitely nothing weak about suffering from anxiety or depression. People who suffer need support, not judgement.

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  3. Your bracelet is very beautiful and calm looking. Great reminder for yourself. Just breathe is great advice for everyone. I think anxiety is more common than people know, so thank you for bringing attention to it and sharing your story.

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  4. Thanks for sharing your personal story. The bracelet is very serene and beautiful in color and design. Love the quietly reminder in the work choice too:)

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  5. I love your bracelet and the phrase you chose. This is my mantra, too, when my anxiety has reared it's head. Thank you for sharing your story. ♥

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  6. Beautiful bracelet and wonderful thoughts - teal and brown is my favorite color combo.

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  7. Anxiety disorder can tear your life apart. You are so right with your advice. That's actually something I say to my daughter too. Thank you for the excellent reminder and for sharing your beautiful bracelet.

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  8. Beautiful bracelet. Anxiety disorder is a horrible thing to have. The people in my life that deal with it are some of the strongest I know. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

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  9. Really great piece. The more awareness and understanding we have around mental health issues - and depression and anxiety in particular I think - the better. So many people are touched in some way by these issues. Thank you for a great post - and the great advice too!

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  10. Thank you so much for sharing your story and creating awareness for anxiety. And you created a beautiful bracelet.

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  11. I chose ocean colors for mine for the same reason, it soothes me. I also suffer from anxiety and just like you said, so many see it as a weakness, so I just don't talk about it. Thank you so much for sharing your story and your beautiful bracelet!

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  12. Your bracelet is perfect for the words and the colors together! I think I need to have those word tattooed on my wrist so I can see it every day too. Thank you for sharing your story!

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  13. Love your bracelet and thank you for sharing your story! Love the words you chose. I have a couple of sisters that have anxiety as well as some friends that also have anxiety. You are certainly not alone in this! Hugs!

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  14. Ah, anxiety, my good old friend (NOT). I've had my fair share of it and it isn't fun. At all. This is such a good reminder to have !

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  15. Gorgeous bracelet and a good reminder to Just Breathe. I think there are more of us anxiety suffers than anyone knows.

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  16. Love your bracelet and the message!

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  17. Thank you so much for sharing your story. All too often we suffer in silence so thank you for bringing attention to this disorder. Anything that can be treated with medicine is an illness, I wish more people would understand that! I too chose the word breathe, so simple but so often we forget.

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