L'Art Brut Studio

01/01/2025

12/26/2024

The holiday season can bring a mix of emotions, memories, and challenges that differ from person to person. Here's why it's important to recognize this:

❤️‍🩹🎄 Personal Loss or Grief: For those who have lost loved ones, Christmas can amplify feelings of sadness and longing, as traditions and gatherings may feel incomplete.

❤️‍🩹🎄Financial Pressures: The commercial aspect of the holidays can create stress for people struggling to meet expectations or make ends meet.

❤️‍🩹🎄Family Dynamics: Not everyone has a supportive or harmonious family, and the holidays can bring tension or highlight painful relationships.

❤️‍🩹🎄Loneliness: For some, Christmas may emphasize isolation, especially for those who are far from family or don't have a close community to celebrate with.

❤️‍🩹🎄Mental Health Challenges: The societal pressure to feel joyous can make it harder for those dealing with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues.

❤️‍🩹🎄Cultural or Religious Differences: Not everyone celebrates Christmas or shares the same traditions, and feeling "outside" the norm can be isolating.

By acknowledging these realities, we can make space for compassion, understanding, and inclusivity, allowing people to honor their feelings and experiences, whatever they may be. Christmas doesn't have to be "wonderful" for it to be meaningful or for people to find moments of peace in their own way..

12/18/2024

If you haven’t sent cards this year, or forgotten someone’s gift.
If you don’t have matching pyjamas or a festive family photograph.
It’s okay.

If you can’t find the energy to be merry and bright,
or your tree isn’t even decorated yet.
That’s really just fine.

If you don’t feel like watching your favourite Christmas movies, or honouring the traditions that you normally always do.
Don’t sweat it, my friend.

This year has been hard, for many.
Really hard.

If you can’t see a way to celebrating like you have in the past, don’t worry.
Just hang on in there, finding any joy you can in any little way.

Just make it through till next year.
One day at a time.

We need you.

Hang on in there.

You are loved.

~ Donna Ashworth from 'Wild Hope' ~ Donna Ashworth

~ Art by Jane Newland

12/18/2024

Talking kindly to yourself isn't always easy. 💙 Start small: celebrate your wins, practice reframing negative thoughts, and remind yourself that it's okay to make mistakes.

11/22/2024

🖤✨

10/14/2024