Small Stitches Stronger Me

The last few months have been some of the most challenging of my life in a very long time.

I am recovering from a recent mental health crisis, and it has changed me deeply. This time, my healing has not been quick or linear. Some days still feel so heavy.

Some moments still feel uncertain, my mind trying to find the meaning of this crisis. But in the middle of all of it, I found myself returning again and again to my crochet hook and yarn, and time with family. 

Harvey helps Nani with pretty flowers

My grandchildren are my greatest joy. I have always told people that “grandchildren are the best antidepressant.” Both help me take my mind off falling into repetitive, self-defeating thoughts.  There is something incredible when you snuggle your grandchildren, it brings back so many memories of their Momma’s. And now I share my love of yoga and crochet. Right now it is mostly crochet.

There is something incredibly grounding about crochet.  I love making handmade gifts for my grandbabes, and recently crocheting a Daisy Square Sweater for my granddaughter, Nova eleventh Birthday. I am now in the process of sewing each square together, finding it exciting and exhausting all at the same time.

Spring time daisy’s bring joy🌼

The lovely softness of the yarn moving through my hands and the creativity of choosing bright, happy colour combinations. I relax into the quiet focus it asks of you, but really, it is asking nothing of you at all.

When my thoughts feel overwhelming, crochet helps slow them down. It gives my mind a gentle place to rest, like you're putting it into “park.”  It reminds me to breathe. To pause. To create something beautiful even when life feels messy and days feel a little grey.

These little daisy squares have become especially meaningful to me. Their bright spring colours feel hopeful — tiny reminders that healing can bloom again after difficult times in my life. Every square feels like a small act of care toward myself. ( Patten is by All About Ami)

I think creativity can be powerful medicine for the soul. Not because it fixes everything overnight, but because it gives us moments of peace in the middle of the storm. Moments where we feel calm, purposeful, and connected again.  It is slow healing, which, after a mental health crisis, is just what my soul and spirit need.

 A gentle reminder “you can't rush your healing,” a song I used to play by Trevor Hall. I loved playing this near the end of my yoga class when I was able to teach yoga. Teaching yoga is something I long to do again when I feel well. I know that this will take time and that is ok.

Yoga by the Eagle River in the Spring of happier times.

Crochet and yoga has helped me through grief, anxiety, loneliness, and now slow healing recovery. It has reminded me that healing often happens quietly, slowly, and one stitch, and one reflective moment at a time.

If you are also going through your own difficult time in life, I hope you can find something that brings your heart even a little softness and comfort, too.

When teaching yoga I would end my classes with a blessing or a poem. I am beginning to remind myself of this practice again too. These words sit in the heart as a reminder that every days I get a little stronger.

The loving kindness metta.

May you be Happy💚

May you be well.

May you be happy.

May you find peacefulness.

May you know you are loved and cherished.

And.…

May you find healing through creativity.