___________________________

Here’s the deal, I’ve felt a little stuck lately. Balancing staying informed and engaged in the world with protecting my own peace and well-being has been tough. The news feels heavy (as it often does), and so much is happening that feels out of the ordinary. And honestly? Sometimes it’s hard to send emails or write blog posts about stationery and artwork when everything else feels… bigger.

But over the years of building Whimsicals Paperie, I’ve come to realize that what might seem small or trivial is actually so much deeper and more valuable. Here’s one reason why: In the past few weeks, I’ve heard from many customers like you who have reached out to share feelings of overwhelm and anxiety. And you know what that tells me? That this space - this email list, this website and blog, this little corner of the internet - is a place where people can feel safe. And that gives me everything I need to carry on.

So I’ll keep creating illustrations and putting them on paper. I’ll keep doing the small things I can to bring joy, calm, and color into the world, starting right here in this space, where you are, and where I am.

And for the record, because this matters: I am white, straight, and able-bodied, but this is not a white, straight, able-bodied space. To me, this isn’t political; it’s about basic human decency and rights. To my Black and Brown friends, disabled, queer, male, female, and everyone in between or beyond - you are welcome and celebrated here. Just like artwork, you bring color and diversity into this world, and we need that. We need you.

So, now that we've established that life can be a lot sometimes (errr... all the time?), and that and we all need moments of peace, here are some of my own favorite ways to create space for peace in my life. Take what speaks to you, start small, but most of all, take care of yourself. I’ll be here, making bright, happy things and sharing them with you, because that’s what I can do. Your calling will look different, and that’s a beautiful thing. I’m so glad you’re here.

___________________________

1. Bring the Outside In

There are numerous studies on how houseplants can improve everything from your emotional wellbeing to productivity to even your indoor air quality, and I've found it to be true for me. A green plant brings me so much joy! Maybe taking care of another thing has you shaking your head, or maybe you've had a few houseplants, but they died and you feel like you have a black thumb. Listen, because here's the deal, everyone who has had houseplants has killed houseplants. It's true and it's okay. In the decades that I've had and cared for houseplants (I bought my first one as a child), I've had many die on my watch. It's taken time and learning, trial and error to find what works. But it doesn't have to be complicated.

So here's the trick - start with just one plant and learn what you can about what that one plant likes. There are many hardy, low maintenance, and low cost plants on the market (peperomia, pothos, snake plant to name a few). Some like lots of water, some don't want much. Some like tons of bright, direct light and some can grow happily under fluorescent office lights. But repeat after me, it’s okay if the plant dies. Maybe it'll last for a week...maybe 10 years. The idea is having something green and alive in your vicinity. Something outside of yourself, and something from the outside.

Bonus Tip:  If you have a planty friend, ask for a cutting! Plant people are often happy to share rootings and starters to those who want to add some green into their lives.

2. Subscribe to Good News

Not all news is good news (don't we know it), but you can find ways to get more good news than is normal on typical news channels. Two of my favorite ways to do this is through The Good Trade Email Newsletter and The Good News Network.

I subscribed to The Good Trade newsletter a couple of months ago and enjoy the tips and articles about simple self-care, and slower, sustainable living practices. The Good News Network has articles and stories from around the world - all featuring good news. Remember to also look around you and see the good in your life and the lives of the people you love. Celebrate the small wins and remember to notice the good.

3. Display Art That Makes You Happy

As an artist, one of the things that makes me happiest is finding unique art and surrounding myself with it. This habit can cost as much or as little as you like. Artwork comes in all forms, sizes and shapes - from small stickers to large paintings, 3D sculptures to cozy hand-knit blankets...even that beautifully colored little rock you found on your walk the other morning. Art is everywhere.

The goal is to find things that make you happy to look at and be around. Some of my favorite places to find art is at local artisan markets, art fairs and craft shows. I attend a lot of these events as a vendor with my own products, but one of my most favorite things about them is finding art made by other creative people. Here are a few things I've found over the years that now live in my home bringing a little extra color into my everyday life:

My Bathroom Octopus from Brunky Art

Block printed flags from A Ruby Moon, A bird painting (I'm not sure who the artist is), and a woven table runner from time my husband and I spent in Guatemala.

Stacked rocks from outside :)

4. Calm Your Senses 

Meditations, music, and gentle stretching can all help calm your nervous system in times of stress. I don't know about you, but I have to remind myself to calm down and do these things when I'm stressed. It's easy to think that there isn't the time to do them, but creating time for these things will have a positive ripple effect on the rest of your life. Humans need rest, and rest is good.

My personal favorite resource for this is the Calm app and a set of earbuds. I am not affiliated with the Calm app, I just love it and use it almost daily. My subscription is free through my health insurance provider, but if it's not for you, here's a link for a free 30 day trial if you want to give it a shot. Many free options for meditations, stretches and calming music are also available on just about any music or video streaming service you may already use.

5. Give Yourself a Little Treat 

A couple of days ago I walked to our neighborhood market that sells specialty groceries. It's a short walk, so it's perfect for those days when I need a few tomatoes or a head of lettuce. It also has a bakery cabinet full of delicious pies, cookies and pastries. I came home with the salsa I needed for my dinner prep but also brought home a delicious piece of apple pie that I ate for breakfast the next day.

A small treat can be anything. Maybe it's a piece of apple pie from your local market, or maybe it's a latte from your favorite local coffee shop. Maybe it's taking an extra 30 minutes to lounge in bed on a day you don't have to get up early, a run on a crisp morning, a long hot shower, or a book you've had on your wishlist. Another one of mine recently was time with a new friend who does henna tattoos, and she treated me to the most beautiful design. It was a small thing that brought me joy for days whenever I looked at it. Whatever it is, find small, special things that bring you joy and take a few moments to savor them.

Lavender Henna with Ebru

6. Get Rid of Something

I'm in the middle of a cleaning and purging phase. Our basement has been overdue for a good cleanout and it's a big project, but one that I'm enjoying because often the simple act of clearing away something physical can also help clear mental and emotional space. You don't have to clean out a big space. Simply start small and donate, give, or throw away one thing that you don't need anymore. Maybe it's a piece of clothing you don't wear anymore, a mug that sits in the back of your cupboard, or that pile of junk mail that needs to go in the recycle bin.

My favorite way of getting rid of things is through my local Buy Nothing Group. Buy Nothing groups are located all around the country and are focused on hyper-local giving - think freely giving and receiving with your actual neighbors and people living within your vicinity. It's a beautiful concept and it never fails to warm my heart and remind me that there are so many generous people in this world...maybe even right next door.

7. Write a Card

Last year I had a goal to write one card a week. There were some weeks that I wrote none and a few when I wrote 5 or more. One thing I learned is that writing a heartfelt note to someone also filled my heart. Even if I didn't personally know the person who was going to receive the note, it made me happy to think of them receiving a surprise handwritten letter in the mail. I will be writing more on this process later, but remember that a little handwritten note goes a long way. And don't you know it, I have all sorts of note card options here - all illustrated and designed by me! 

8. Spend Time With Someone Who Fills Your Cup

From family members to friends, pets, partners, or a good therapist, spending time with someone who fills you up can come in many different forms. I met my friend Danielle at a craft fair and we quickly discovered that we have a lot in common. Now one of our favorite things to do together is to get breakfast and then go thrifting. Even if life gets busy and months go by between our meal and thrifting dates, it's always a beautiful point of connection and fills me up.

It could be a phone call, a shared meal, a walk, or a shopping date. Maybe even a quick voice message telling them you were thinking about them. It can take time and can change over time, but find your safe people, love them, and allow them to love you in return.

Bonus Tip: Be Gentle With Yourself

We don't find peace by being mean or harsh with ourselves. Be gentle with yourself. It's okay if you need to slow down or unplug for a few days. It's okay if you need a good cry or need to reach out and ask for help. Be gentle with yourself as you learn and grow and walk through life.  

___________________________

So there you have it, those are some of the things that I do when I need some extra peace and calm in my life. I hope you've been inspired with you own ideas of ways that your days ahead can hold intentional moments of joy and beauty. Thanks for being here. ♥️

___________________________

P.S. If you aren't on my mailing list and would like to be, you can sign up here. I send weekly emails featuring cute illustrations, paper goods and stationery items, fun freebies and musings like what you just read. I'd love to have you come along.

And, if you'd like to support my small business by purchasing the illustrated stationery items I create, you can do that here. I have all sorts of adorable things made to inspire connection and make people happy.