I found out in a very personal way how very helpful art was in reducing stress and anxiety while walking with my precious mom through her battle with Alzheimer's.
After she passed in August of 2019, that very stressful time in my life was "over", but I was really only beginning with where art would lead me. God had been using it to help me in such a real way, throughout the last years of her life. It became a time I could pour out my stress and worries to him and he met me where I was and filled me up to face the next day.
I knew I wanted to show other women how helpful art could be with the stressors they were facing. By giving yourself permission to escape all of the many responsibilities we have in a day, even just for a little bit, it can be a very important tool in self-care and stress relief. In fact, you may be able to use art with someone you love and help them as well!
I started Art & Grace just two months after she had passed away. I love nothing more than helping women learn how to reduce stress, increase joy, and find a supportive community through art!
I started an online membership called "Grace", where we have a monthly paint party, a guest artist, an easy DIY craft, and I send random happy mail with supplies and fun goodies occasionally. It is made up of kind, supportive members who show me and each other grace as we go through life and our own painting journeys together. I brag a lot about how awesome they are because it's true!
(You can get more info about it here.)
I will be a lifetime Alzheimer's Association supporter and I now use art to help me give back through a yearly fundraiser in Millie's honor. I want to help others who are just starting this hard, often lonely fight so partnering with the Alzheimer's Association was a no-brainer for me.
I hope you'll remember the Alzheimer's Association when you have questions or have someone you're concerned about who may be showing signs. They have so many tools and resources for you so please don't go through it alone.
Did you know?
🟣 Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease and the most common form of dementia.
🟣 Worldwide, over 50 million people are living with Alzheimer's and other dementias.
🟣 You can find out signs and symptoms, causes and risk factors, stages, how it's diagnosed, treatment options, and more on the Alzheimer's Association website.
Until the next one, thank you all for your support whether big or small! 💜 A special thanks to Sarah Ethridge (pictured) with the Alzheimer's Association for her help!
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