Page 13 - August 2023 CW Magazine
P. 13
I Took Myself to a Picture Show – I Got So Fresh –
Teagan was an artist trapped in an office Aida, a young professional, who tried to handle
manager’s body. She often felt frustration, everything on her own. She felt emotionally
emotional stagnation, and a sense of being burdened, had increased stress and anxiety,
“stuck.” She was unfulfilled and disconnected and loss of trust and intimacy in relationships.
from her purpose.
When Aida learned the significance of seeking
When Teagan starting indulging in creative support when faced with challenges. Rather
passions like painting, writing and than shouldering the weight of her burdens
photography, she found an outlet to express alone, she reached out to trusted friends,
herself authentically. Engaging in creativity family, and professionals. Seeking coaching
and self-expression activities allowed her to provided her with a safe space to explore her
channel her emotions, unleash her emotions, gain new perspectives, and develop
imagination, and foster a deep sense of effective coping strategies. Aida's courageous
fulfillment. These moments of self-expression decision to seek support ultimately enabled
not only provided her with a valuable escape her to nurture her mental well-being and grow
but also cultivated a strong sense of identity stronger through adversity.
and purpose. This opened up the possibilities
for her to even be more creative in her office I Kissed My Face –
manager position which gave her a greater (Yes, I changed the rhyme just a little)
sense of contentment in her life.
Johanna, a corporate executive, often felt
I Put My Arm Around My Waist – unvalued, emotional distressed and
diminished motivation.
Seema, a people-pleaser by nature. And
though she loved taking care of others, she Johanna, discovered the transformative power
often felt emotional exhaustion, resentment of practicing gratitude in her daily life. By
which resulted in interpersonal challenges and cultivating a habit of acknowledging and
setbacks. appreciating the positive aspects of her life,
Johanna experienced a profound shift in her
Once Seema recognized the importance of perspective. She became more attuned to the
setting boundaries as an act of self-love, simple joys, the beauty around her, and the
learning to say 'no' when necessary and relationships that enriched her life. This
establishing healthy limits, she regained practice of gratitude helped Johanna combat
control of her time and energy. This newfound negativity, embrace optimism, and develop a
assertiveness allowed Seema to prioritize her deeper sense of self-acceptance.
needs and prevent burnout. Through setting
boundaries, she fostered healthier
relationships and built a stronger sense of self-
worth.
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