Here’s to Growth
- FancySon Co.
- 20 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Hey 👋🏾 Hope all is well in your world. It’s spring time and the world is waking up around us. The flowers are blooming and the wildlife is moving. I tend to appreciate all of the new life and that lovely extra hour of sunshine that we get back. Let’s look at all the changes in weather and enjoy the plethora of holidays too. From Easter to Mother’s Day and everything in between, its all to be uplifted and observed. I’m hoping that everyone was able to process things as best as possible. Navigating through daily activities tends to be hard, but you are here reading this so I’m proud of you; I’m proud of us.
The saying : You reap what you sow: is an amazing proverb to live by. It’s biblical (Galatians 6:7) and logical. Since the last time I checked in with you guys I’ve been sort of planting little seeds in many different areas of my life. Ironically, gardening has risen to the top of the list of priorities in my life super fast. I decided to get back into sewing little projects after taking a long hiatus and working very exclusively. Making the decision to complete my degree while teaching was also a mountain that I decided to climb. I stepped away from the classroom for a bit, simply because it was overwhelming substituting at a middle school level. I desperately needed an outdoor outlet amongst the calamity of everything and made a conscious decision to get out of my crib a bit more and be active. Little actions were done to move myself forward in a few lanes because I’m still grieving and day to day it really gets hard.
Gardening has become a fulfilling hobby for me; reading up on the benefits led me to find it also offers many psychological benefits. Engaging with nature can significantly enhance the mental well-being & it provides a peaceful retreat from the stresses of daily life. The physical activity involved in gardening helps decrease cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress. The repetitive nature of tasks such as planting, weeding, and watering can also induce a meditative state, allowing one to unwind and focus on the present moment.
Spending time in a garden can elevate mood and increase feelings of happiness. I enjoy my time engaging with my plants in general. Exposure to sunlight boosts serotonin levels in the brain, which is known to improve mood and promote a sense of well-being. Sharing this experience with my little nephew and niece enhances it even more for me. I didn’t expect them to be as interested in the journey as they are, but they enjoy watching their plants grow. The act of nurturing plants and watching them grow provides a sense of accomplishment and joy that we all experience. Together.
Cultivating fosters a connection with nature, providing a sense of belonging and grounding. Sometimes one needs to just touch some green. (In many ways;) This connection can be especially beneficial in city or urban environments where nature is often scarce. I live in a heavily populated area with very little space to work with in regards to having a garden in general. Being in touch with the natural world can increase mindfulness and promote a deeper appreciation for the environment. If anyone has to get crafty like me and wants a fairly large growing area with minimal space, I’ll show a few of the product I use, my progress, and a few tips.
Sewing has been such a significant part of my life for over a decade, up until lately when things got a little sticky for me mentally. Once money becomes involved sometimes feelings change because other people’s unrealistic standards are imposed. After my business got to a certain point I literally stepped away from the sewing machine…for a while. I’m slowly accepting clientele again, but things are so different now. My small projects have made way into stores and my clients tend to be contracted. We are currently preparing to execute the biggest fall/winter releases to date at this winter’s showcase. The brand has expanded in terms of production and distribution. It’s something I’ve been quietly working on, and very proud of.
:: Below are a few pieces that were worked on ::
School amongst school got to be a bit overwhelming for me at some point and I had to take a step back for my well being. I’m currently completing my degree online while taking long and short term teaching positions at the local middle school. It’s not easy at all, but I was managing. Going back to school after a decade took a toll and having to become an actual student after 30 is kind of tough when you factor in that “forgetting curve”. Balancing work, family responsibilities, and schoolwork requires good time management skills. This includes creating schedules, prioritizing tasks, (and for me) seeking help from support networks. I tend to lean heavily on the people around me and therapy when things shake up too much. Once my older brother passed in December life became extremely difficult. He passed unexpectedly almost a year after my mom. I was still trying to get a handle of loosing her, if I’m able to be a bit transparent. My life shifted drastically. I had to learn how to live in a world without them and healthy ways to grieve and exist as holidays, birthday, and days in general passed. I want to share a bit of what I learned in that time, as I picked myself up and tried to move forward.
Grieving looks different from day to day. Some days were very dark and others were very manageable. The confusing days hurt the most, the ones in which something simple would trigger an emotional spiral; a sound or scent. I’ve learned how important it is to prioritize self-care and realize that has many different options and forms, not just facials and massages. Self-care encompasses intentional actions to nurture physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It involves making time for activities that promote wellness, reduce stress, and enhance quality of life. I had to learn to practice self-compassion and to be kind to myself by taking care of my physical health in basic ways first. That meant ensuring to sleep, eat, and get moving again. I was able to get things going by completing a 21 day Challenge by an amazing trainer named Crystal Bridgewater. It’s a complete one that touches on more than just working out, and has an overall format. I’ll be including the challenge and her handles below because she is a very talented crotchet artist that provides multiple resources.
Welcome:
Physical Challenge:
For those who may need a little help and direction in the grocery store allow me to drop my personal guide below that has continued to provide a base.
As things change for me I have been trying my hardest to change as well; for the better. I can only control so much. My health has gone through a few changes, but all of it is stress related. I find it funny that grind culture is pushed, but in actuality health is wealth. Who is going to spend the money that you’re burning yourself into the ground working 24/7 for? So we should strive to make healthier decisions in my opinion. I’m very grateful for the opportunities that have been presented to me over these past few months from art to clothing. I like to dip my hand in a lot of things and now I’m being forced to learn balance. Art and community serivice are the next upcoming events for me and both are very fulfilling. I’ll drop the information below in hopes to see you at them.
Peace & Love until next time 💚
