This past week has felt extra-long. Good things happened, but they were overshadowed by hard moments. As the holiday season begins, difficult news or challenging experiences can feel even heavier. It can also make gratitude feel just out of reach. But Thanksgiving week is all about gratitude-so how do we find ways to be grateful… Continue reading The Importance of Gratitude
Blog
The Privilege of Helping
As we head into the holiday season, it is so easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle. We are supposed to be thankful, giving, and soak up time with loved ones, but often the stress of travel, gifts, big meals, and forced family obligations can cloud the joy of the merriment. So, before the… Continue reading The Privilege of Helping
The Act of Healing
Last week, the second episode of The Artfelt Brush was released. In it, I discussed several ways that creating can be used as a tool for healing and working through trauma. While the episode was brief, it did offered insight into how those strategies can be applied to the healing journey. One aspect that I did not… Continue reading The Act of Healing
The Artfelt Brush
Fall is a beautiful time to embrace change. The weather cools, the leaves turn into vibrant hues, and sky becomes a soft grey. Our days grow a little shorter and feel a little less rushed, giving us time to explore new beginnings. With that sentiment, I am happy to announce the launch of my podcast,… Continue reading The Artfelt Brush
The One Year Mark
This week marks the one year anniversary of my chemotherapy break. I have spent a great deal of time reflecting on the past year-so much of it was dedicated to recovery. It took a solid four to five months for my fractured ribs to heal and over eight months for the tissue on my hands… Continue reading The One Year Mark
Goal of Self-Love
It is that time of year, when everyone starts to layout plans and goals for the year ahead. Unfortunately for most cancer patients, ringing in the new year hits a little differently. For me, the new year brings the waves of anxiety I feel whenever attempting to look into the future. I do not know… Continue reading Goal of Self-Love
The Bucket List
The concept of a bucket list carries significant weight. It is a topic that I have been hesitant to write about in deference to other cancer patients. The notion of having time to accomplish all the dreams and plans for the future can often feel like a carrot dangling just out of reach. In a… Continue reading The Bucket List
The Art of Planning
Pre-cancer, I was a planner. I loved to plan-from foreign travel and grocery lists to process flows, room layouts, and even my painting endeavors. When I traveled, I carried a binder organized by day and activity to ensure maximum enjoyment of my trip. At work, I spent hours experimenting with different floor layouts and improving… Continue reading The Art of Planning
Sitting in Gratitude
‘Tis the season of gratitude-that time of year when we pause to reflect on all the blessings in our lives. This year, my list is drastically different from years past. For the first time in seven years, I feel true hope. Hope that I will watch my son grow older, hope that I will get… Continue reading Sitting in Gratitude
Taste of Independence
Since stopping chemotherapy in the spring, I have gradually been regaining pieces of independence that I had lost. After being diagnosed, I could not drive, prepare my own meals, bathe myself, or even brush my hair. I went from taking care of myself and my family to being completely reliant on others almost over night.… Continue reading Taste of Independence
The Artfelt Brush 