Learning To Be Kind To Myself

Summary

Robin Klammer discusses her journey of self-kindness and managing depression through watercolor painting and writing her book "Words To Light My Way Home."

Abstract

Robin Klammer, in her article "31 Days of Gentleness," shares her personal experience with learning to be kind to herself, particularly in managing her depression. She recounts treating herself to watercolor painting for Mother's Day, viewing it as a journey rather than a goal, and finding solace in this new hobby. Klammer also introduces her book, "Words To Light My Way Home," which includes poems and stories about her struggles with depression, aiming to offer hope and understanding to others who might be facing similar challenges. The book's title, suggested by Elle Fredine, symbolizes a lighthouse guiding safe passage through stormy seas, a metaphor for navigating depression. She emphasizes the importance of kindness, compassion, and understanding towards oneself and others.

Opinions

Klammer acknowledges her discomfort with self-kindness, especially in the context of her long-term battle with depression.
She finds watercolor painting to be a therapeutic activity that helps her mindfully disengage from daily pressures.
Klammer wrote "Words To Light My Way Home" to connect with readers who have experienced depression, providing them with a sense of camaraderie and hope.
The author values humor, even in the face of depression, as evidenced by the inclusion of an "anti-epilogue" in her book.
She believes in the necessity of shining more light in the world, implying that sharing her experiences might contribute to this goal.
Klammer is an established writer with a presence on various platforms and has received recognition for her writing in humor, satire, and parenting.

Day 3: How I practice being gentle with my depression

In May of this year, for Mother’s Day, I decided to treat myself to a watercolor painting set along with a couple of other essentials. Nothing outrageously expensive in the beginning though. I also knew it’d take time to learn this new skill, and I must practice patience and kindness, rather than belittle or criticize my first attempts. I decided to view it as a journey of discovery, rather than a mere goal to achieve.

I’ll be honest with you; Kindness towards myself is not a trait I’m comfortable with yet. Sounds sad, doesn’t it?

Sad, but true. I’m learning at this late stage of my life to show compassion to myself. A very necessary trait/skill to practice as I fight to stay afloat of depression, which has been my unhelpful sidekick for eons now.

I’m enjoying this new hobby, and it helps to take my mind off other pressing matters. Time seems to stand still, and fly by. I’m not sure how it works, but a couple of hours feels like half an hour when I’m in the zone. Not to be confused with The Twilight Zone. ;)

In my book, Words To Light My Way Home, are poems and personal stories about the various aspects of depression I’ve experienced. I wrote this book as a way to reach out to you and so many others who may be wondering if there’s any hope left. Depression is a subject not to be taken lightly, nor is it a light read, but should you choose to read it, I hope you will come away with an understanding of what a loved one or friend might have been through, or is living with as we speak. Or if you’ve been through depression or are experiencing it as we speak; maybe you’ll feel like someone finally “gets it”, because I DO understand what it’s like.

In case you’re wondering: The title of my book? Well, that’s a neat story in itself. Elle Fredine and I were chatting about the title, and she suggested Words To Light My Way Home, a perfect title, if ever there was one. The reason for the lighthouse is the beacon shines safe passage in stormy seas, and this is what depression often feels like; hence the title. And since I’m a quirky gal, I put an anti-epilogue at the end, just because. :D Curious? You’ll have to grab a copy and check it out! I promise it’s not all doom and gloom. There’s hope and humor, albeit macabre humor, but that’s me in a nutshell.

The takeaway for my book? Kindness, compassion, and understanding for others, regardless of their circumstances AND YOURSELF!

We need more light in this world!

Owner: Aint Yo’ Mama’s Tea Party Y’all. Writer for PSILY, The Writing Cooperative, Publishous, Live Your Life On Purpose, Muddyum, The Top Shelf, and Write, Speak, Play, and many more. Received Top Writer Badges in Humor, Satire, and Parenting.

31 DAYS OF GENTLENESS

Learning To Be Kind To Myself

Day 3: How I practice being gentle with my depression

Words To Light My Way Home:: My Journey to Safe Shores and Brighter Tomorrows

Words To Light My Way Home: My Journey to Safe Shores and Brighter Tomorrows — Kindle edition by Klammer, Robin , Ward…