The longest relationship you’ll ever have is with yourself—how are you nurturing it?💖

Hey friend,

Okay, let’s get honest.

For years, I believed that being “hard on myself” was the key to self-improvement. I thought if I just pushed harder, expected more, and kept chasing that impossible version of “perfect,” I’d somehow become the best version of myself.

Spoiler: That didn’t work.

What actually worked? Self-compassion. Slowing down. Giving myself permission to be messy, imperfect, and human.

I didn't realize this until I was months into training to become an art therapist. I entered thinking I needed to be 100%, acheive 100%, do everything 100%.

I thought I had to get everything right from day one. I mean, if I wasn’t perfect, what was the point? (Perfectionism, right? Such a sneaky little thing.)

I realized I wasn’t all that kind to myself. My internal voice sounded like a strict teacher pointing out mistakes, not a supportive friend cheering me on.

But here’s the thing: Art therapy didn’t let me get away with that. Because when you sit in front of a blank page or work with an art therapist - you hear that voice loud and clear.

And the only way I could create meaningful, healing art was to quiet that voice—to meet myself with gentleness, curiosity, and compassion.

I left two years later realizing, wow... the real badge of honour is being able to pay attention to what you truly need - moment by moment.

The Magic of Self-Love in Art-Making

Art-making mirrors how we treat ourselves. If you approach your art with judgment, pressure, and impossible expectations, you’re likely treating yourself the same way in life.

But when you approach your art with curiosity, acceptance, and love?

✨ You start listening to what you need.
✨ You slow down and savor the process.
✨ You realize that you are worthy, even in your most unfinished, messy moments.

Self-love isn’t always spa days and affirmations (although those are nice, too). Sometimes, it’s choosing rest. Sometimes, it’s making ugly art just because it feels good. Sometimes, it’s holding space for feelings you’d rather ignore.

Sustainable Self-Compassion

Let’s talk sustainability—not in the eco-friendly sense (though love that for us), but in the relationship-with-yourself sense.

Perfectionism burns us out. Harsh inner critics keep us stuck. Self-love and self-compassion? They keep us going.

If we want to grow, create, and live in a way that feels good, we have to make sure our relationship with ourselves is built to last. And that means being gentle when things don’t go as planned, giving ourselves grace when we fall short, and celebrating progress over perfection.

This Month’s Prompt: Art as a Love Letter to Yourself

💖 “Make a piece of art that feels like kindness.” 💖

That’s it. No pressure. No goal. Just kindness.

✨ Maybe it’s a page full of your favorite colors.
✨ Maybe it’s soft lines, gentle curves, or calming shapes.
✨ Maybe it’s a collage of words and images that remind you of your worth.

Whatever it is, let it feel good. Let it feel like love.

Reflect with Compassion:

• How do I speak to myself when I’m creating?
• Did I allow myself to be imperfect in this process?
• What would it feel like to extend this same kindness to other areas of my life?

Materials for Self-Love Art-Making

💖 Soft pastels – for blending and gentle textures.
💖 Watercolors – because watching them flow and merge feels soothing.
💖 Colored pencils – for slow, intentional marks.
💖 Magazines for collage – tear, rearrange, and piece together affirmations and images that resonate.

Let yourself choose what feels right. No pressure to perform—only permission to be.

The longest relationship you’ll ever have is with yourself. How are you nurturing it?

Art therapy taught me that the best way to grow sustainably—without burning out—is to be soft with ourselves. To approach life like we approach a new page in our sketchbook: with curiosity, compassion, and trust that something beautiful will emerge.

You are enough. Just as you are. Right now.

Let’s stay soft this month.

Let’s create with compassion.

Let’s remind ourselves that self-love isn’t earned—it’s given, freely, every single day.