Success as an artist and writer began here one year ago
Still Creating: Thank You Substack: Thank You Everyone
You never know where life will take you; no matter what, embrace it with creativity. Said like a true artist. MJB
Grab your cup of coffee, tea, water or wine and let’s reminisce over the last year. I have my coffee, yum, yum, what are you sipping on this morning, afternoon or evening? Okay, it’s just me and you! We’ve been through a lot over the last 12 months: I suffered a stroke June 2021 and by November of 2021 I became what I now claim to be, “an artist”. Yep, me an artist. From psychotherapist, professor, life coach to therapeutic art life coach; I like that last “label”.
MJB Art Studio is up and running and I’m excited to be not only be creating art, but also writing about my journey. Here you’ll find lots about “art from my heart” as that’s exactly how my art is created; from the heart. I never know what I’m going to create from day to day. It’s always a wonderful surprise when I sit down and put paint to canvas, or pen to paper and make my marks.
Anyhoo, it’s been a crazy roller coaster for sure and if you have ever had anything life threatening and debilitating happen to you, you understand.
November of 2021, I was very hesitant about starting this Substack, as I had no clue where the year would take me. I started out very scared and afraid of what my life would become. Would I focus fully on being and recovering from suffering from a stroke? Will I be able to type again? Would I lose the ability to speak, would I suffer another stroke, would I lose my life? I honestly did not know; not knowing was almost paralyzing; but I’m still here and I’m going strong. I utilized skills I learned during grad school and working with clients to get me through what could have been hell for me. I’m glad I found art or did it find me? I can type now, without assistance. I may have to take small breaks, but I’m good. I’m certainly grateful for that and I’m pretty independent again. Just taking life day by day, even a year later. I’m in no marathon. I’m loving life and I’m so loving that life took this turn for me; I’m an artist; didn’t see that one coming. I’m no longer living on a mental and emotional roller coaster, therefore I can take my time and create, while also allowing for my body and mind to heal.
I initially starting out thinking I would focus on other women who had too suffered from a stroke, but that soon changed from sharing inspiring moments and stories to sharing moments of gratitude and thriving to live while being creative. I shared moments where I had to relearn how to be patient with myself and embrace the power of self-care again. Life was very challenging last year. I was breaking my dishes seemed like almost everyday, each day was met with it’s own challenges. It certainly was hard to focus and stay consistent with anything as I kept hitting “emotional and physical” walls. I’d run out of energy all the time. It was exhausting, I was exhausted all of the time it seemed. So, though I’m not 100%, I do still have my ups and downs, but most days are definitely getting better. Though I do still have my daily struggles, I’ve learned to embrace it all.
The most challenging part over the year has been spasticity and fatigue. As terrifying and challenging as these occurrences have happened to me, I am still optimistic about life!
On days when I feel well, I paint, I draw or I write. And I have my amazing support system of close family and friends.
When I do not feel well, as I have not over the last week or so, I rest as it’s all I can do. Then I jump up and get back to it.
Thank you #Substack for creating this platform. Thanks to all of my readers, supporters, family, friends and neighbors for being loving and kind. Thanks so much to the medical teams that saved my life!!! Your comments make me smile and warms my heart. Thanks also for interacting with me. Okay, it’s 1:11 am and I need to shut it down. I keep reading errors, I’m too tired to reread this again, so excuse my grammatical errors.
Definitions: Spasticity - a condition where there is an abnormal increase of ‘involuntary movements” in muscle tone or stiffness in muscles which causes severe muscle movements and can interfere with not only movement but speech and can cause excruciating pain/discomfort.
Stoke Fatigue: It’s characterized by feelings of extreme weariness, tiredness and or lack of energy. Someone experiencing this is not doing so to “get attention”, they are not trying to “act like” they are still sick! They are. Please be kind to your loved ones who have had major debilitating events happen to their bodies. #kindnessgoesalongway
Everyday I do my best to enjoy each moment.
#strokewarrior
#strokesurvivor
#artistafterstroke
Today, I embrace my humanity.
Michelle Joy
You are a super star my friend!! 🥰🥰