Permission to be kind to yourself

Lately, I’ve been thinking about how easy it is to be hard on ourselves. Whether you’re making art, running a business, raising a family, or simply trying to keep up with life—there’s always that quiet pressure to do more, be more, create more. I feel it too.

Last year I took several months off from painting—not because I wanted to, but because I had to. Ongoing neck and shoulder pain forced me to stop, rest, and completely change the way I approached my work and creativity. At first, I felt guilty and anxious. Would people forget about my art? Would the inspiration ever return?

But over time, I began to see that pause for what it really was: an act of care. Of self-preservation. Of listening to my body instead of pushing through. And now, I’m so grateful I did, because this is what I learned, and what I want to share with you:

You're allowed to be kind to yourself.

'At the Risk of Doing Nothing' painted in 2023

Slowing Down Is Not Falling Behind

We live in a fast-paced world that celebrates hustle. But creativity doesn’t thrive in burnout; it grows in rest. Some of my favorite paintings - the noble lion, the silent deer, the Oracle owl - came to life after I gave myself space to heal and breathe.

I'm here to tell you: you don’t have to earn your rest; you’re allowed to take a pause.

Inspiration Grows in Quiet Moments

It’s in the quiet moments when I'm folding laundry, sipping tea, or watching light flicker through the trees, that ideas often sneak up on me, and perhaps you, too. That’s where whimsy lives. Not in pressure or perfection, but in the simple act of noticing.

That’s what I try to capture in my art: those small, meaningful glimpses of calm and joy. Like a hare surrounded by wildflowers, or a dog lover and her faithful companion sharing a perfect moment together. These images are reminders to pause, smile, and reconnect with yourself.

'The Company I Keep', painted in watercolor

You Don’t Have to Be “Productive” to Be Worthy

Sometimes the most helpful thing we can do is let go of the idea that we need to constantly be achieving. Art isn’t always about output, and life isn’t either. You’re not behind, you’re just on a different rhythm...and that’s okay (I have to keep this mantra on repeat).

If you need to hear this today, here it is:

• You’re allowed to rest.

• You’re allowed to make imperfect things.

• You’re allowed to go slow.

• You’re allowed to keep creating, even if no one’s watching.

• You’re allowed to just be.

Your worth is not tied to how much you produce. Your joy matters. Your presence matters. Your story matters.

If today’s a day for curling up, sipping something warm, and just being—I hope you let yourself do that. And if my art can contribute even a tiny moment to your self care, then I’m honored to be part of your quiet, meaningful journey.