(original journal entry: June 2019)

There seems to be a popular trend online right now involving the “21-day Challenge” for those experiencing anxiety. The idea is that each day you do something to try and ease your anxiety, for 21 days straight. The tasks, or challenges, can be very simple like take a hot bath or colour in a colouring book. I decided to try and get back into my knitting projects. I find this to be very helpful when I feel “buzzy”, like I am practically vibrating with my anxiety. It keeps my hands busy and I am free to let my thoughts swirl a bit, but they don’t seem to bother me as much when I am knitting. I also find that this activity provides me a sense of accomplishment no matter how far I get in the project. I generally watch some goofy TV shows or listen to music while I knit as well.

I greatly enjoy knitting, as well as various crafts like jewellery making, baking, colouring, painting… really whatever gets the creative juices flowing! These tasks also provide an opportunity to play. I think that is very important as we get older. We start to focus on the whole “adulting” aspect and sometimes being an adult can just plain suck! We sign children up for sports, dance classes, music lessons, Girl Guides or Scouts so they have a chance to be active and do something outside of school and academics. This also can provide them some enjoyment by getting to be creative, physical and a chance to explore what they enjoy. I really believe in the importance of play and think it is wonderfully therapeutic at the same time. If we do this for kids, why can’t adults join in the fun, too? These activities can lessen our anxiety and possibly put us in a better mood. By default, we can share the good vibes and feelings and pass it on to family and friends. So I say let’s do it: let’s get out and play more!

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August 2023 update: Re-reading this entry let me know what my spirit guides are encouraging for the upcoming weekend, LOL! This has been a long week for sure with continuing work on my website and blog, as well as (hopefully) starting to get one of my own oracle decks created. I have been feeling very tired and like a lead brick whenever I wake up. However, the idea of getting to sit and watch something silly (maybe some stand-up comedy), or listen to music while I make a bracelet for a friend’s upcoming birthday… maybe try and paint these little wood boxes I got off Amazon… just thinking about those things is relaxing me and making me smile. I find I have a LOT of crafting supplies, but this means that whenever I am needing to just zone out a little and have the energy to create something beautiful, I can pick and choose which craft and which tools I want to work with in that moment. This also leads me to the whole “gratitude journal”. In a lot of my private readings I find the guides will bring up little ways to feel grateful. So for example, one is the general gratitude journal. With this one I try and keep it rather simple and short so doesn’t feel like a chore to do. (And quite honestly, if don’t have the time or feel like writing things down, then don’t! This can take less than 5 minutes to do in your head). Essentially you think of 5 things that you’re feeling grateful for that day. My list can range greatly depending on the day! I’ve also worked in long-term care facilities and hospitals, so those experiences have taught me to be grateful for what some may assume is the “norm”. So for today’s list…

5 things I am grateful for today:

• my Sammy (my little dog) … he can be a pain in the ass when he wants, but he is absolutely gorgeous after being freshly groomed! He also makes me smile and laugh… and helps “force” me to get up on mornings I just really don’t want to
• my house… I feel safe in this new home and currently enjoying the ceiling fan so I can stay nice and cool while typing this ;0)
• my boyfriend… he is very sweet and will make sure I’ve eaten on days I don’t feel well. He also reminds me to take Tylenol when having a bad migraine (honestly sometimes I forget to do this!)
• food in my fridge… should go without saying, but yes I am very grateful to not only have food in my fridge, but food I want to eat!
• working arms and legs… even in the middle of the night when I have to get up and pee, I am grateful for being able to take myself to the bathroom (and I am super grateful that the washroom is close by!)

I could add more to this list but think I will save it for another day. Now these weren’t in any particular order, just going off what popped into my head! 🙂

I hope this post helps someone create their own “gratitude journal” and feel a little less stressed. I also hope you’re able to find something FUN to enjoy this weekend… whether it’s on your own or with a friend. Sending lots of hugs!!

Take care,

Brandy Marie