Well, it’s been a year, hasn’t it?
Wait, what? It’s only in February? Well, snap!

The world is crazy and can feel dystopian lately. I want to keep the blog light and positive, but it is important to keep it real. And that means acknowledging that real life isn’t unicorns and rainbows. Stress and tough times are real, and we all have every right to feel whatever we do.

So how do passion, gratitude and appreciation fit into all this?
For me, it is finding an oasis of calm amidst the stress. It is a way of shifting perspective and getting out of my head-space.

Here is an example: A few weeks ago, I had my cat, Mooshka, put to sleep. She was in the late stages of kidney disease and was clearly very ill. After letting her go, I was heartbroken. There is nothing positive about saying goodbye to a beloved pet. When tangling, I thought about the time I had with her. I was thankful for the privilege of being her mom for the past seven years, I appreciated the compassion and honesty of my veterinarian and her staff. And, I was grateful that Mooshka was no longer suffering. None of this made me less sad. But it helped me find a touch of solace. I also created a new tangle in her memory, which I dedicated to everyone who has lost their pets.

The point is that negative emotions are real and valid. I know I say this often, but it is important. Meditation and wellness practices like Zentangle do not erase the bad things that happen in life. It makes them more bearable by giving you a few moments of calm.