06/12/2024
Today, I sat in front of a board of people, pitching LOOK UP and the Seasonal Shoebox for them to invest in. More importantly, today I shared my why for the first time. The reaction was so powerful, showing them who I am and why I was there. There were tears, support and words of affirmation.
My why is important, and that's why I'm sharing it.
TW - baby loss.
This time last year, I lost my second baby within 6 months. Not only that but I was treated unfairly at work throughout my pregnancy. I tried to return, but absolutely couldn't. I was depressed, and had PTSD. There were triggers everywhere that I was unable to escape. I was heartbroken, sad and alone. There's a stigma when it comes to talking about baby loss and mental health. Which is why I want to talk about it now.
Having a long time off work was daunting but I managed to reframe my thinking. I used this as an opportunity to work myself, stripping everything back and concentrating on what I needed to be happy. I never stopped going outside, foraging for my tools to create Art. This alongside CBT, put me on a path to recovery. It was and isn't linear, as grief never is.
One year down the line and I've built up the courage, in hope it makes someone else feel less alone. My why is the reason I know there is a need for what I do.
