tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post1587378787788641848..comments2020-07-31T09:37:07.003-06:00Comments on Creative ARTitudes: When Life is Overwhelming…Cynthia Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-1575162315638715092011-08-01T00:42:13.347-06:002011-08-01T00:42:13.347-06:00Cynthia, you are right..we have so many major part...Cynthia, you are right..we have so many major parts of our lives in common. I did visit your blog and found many parts of your story that resonated with me. Other than illness and disabilities, I've had diagnoses of severe depression, chronic PTSD & panic/anxiety but have managed my life without medications for about 10 years now. <br /><br />I am not a religious person, but like you, my belief in what I call the God of my heart has been key to my survival and food for my growth. I love that you have a quote from Isaiah on your blog - it's always been my favorite book in the Bible :) Of all that I've learned from my connection to God, these two were totally connected to my ability to survive: the phrase "Praise God from Whom all blessings flow" and "I have sent you nothing but Angels".<br />You are an inspiration and I am awestruck at your strength, your openness and the compassion that shines through, both for yourself and for others. It is an honor to be connected to you!Cynthia Hannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-21964521587817962222011-08-01T00:07:46.682-06:002011-08-01T00:07:46.682-06:00Jenny, you are so very welcome! It is people like...Jenny, you are so very welcome! It is people like you who help me hold the space and the strength to nurture courage and healing within myself. We are definitely survivors, but even more, we are overcomers! Hugs to you :)Cynthia Hannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-80585227707225192252011-08-01T00:03:30.872-06:002011-08-01T00:03:30.872-06:00Maria, what an absolutely stunning, loving and com...Maria, what an absolutely stunning, loving and compassionate thing to say. "I hear your song within my own heart." Our lives are truly enriched when we make those heart to heart connections with others - just as I've always felt enriched by knowing you.Cynthia Hannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-3055474525613975702011-07-31T17:05:20.035-06:002011-07-31T17:05:20.035-06:00Trece, you're just a bit older than me. Do yo...Trece, you're just a bit older than me. Do you remember the Simon & Garfunkel song "Sounds of Silence"? Starting with 'Hello darkness, my old friend. I've come to talk with you again...' Even at 13, I had no trouble understanding those lyrics in the depth of my soul.<br /><br />I think that, too often, we forget that we need those spaces of silence and times of solitude. Or we lose sight of the need for balancing them with the other demands in our lives. It sounds like you've found that balance!<br /><br />Sending you hugs too, with gratitude for your sweet, sweet words :)Cynthia Hannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-71593612286264164332011-07-31T16:52:07.508-06:002011-07-31T16:52:07.508-06:00Linda, my friend, I feel so honored to have connec...Linda, my friend, I feel so honored to have connected with you and always appreciate the depth of your compassion and understanding.<br /><br />I'm so very glad that what I've shared has been meaningful to you! See - there is nothing wrong with you. You are coping the best way that you can and finding your own path - hooray! Honor that, celebrate yourself, and all will be well. <br /><br />Sending you huge hugs, lots of smiles - and a few celebratory balloons too!Cynthia Hannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-49444232105298188812011-07-31T16:43:50.225-06:002011-07-31T16:43:50.225-06:00Louise, you wrote "hugs and bouquets for you&...Louise, you wrote "hugs and bouquets for you" and I swear I felt those hugs and my mind gave me a perfect picture of huge, colorful, lush bouquets, lol!<br /><br />And yes, it IS right that we can hold the space for each other to share, to heal, to grow and to transcend the pain and grief that we would otherwise hold inside. We heal ourselves and in so doing bring healing to others and there is a cycle to that that continues to bear gifts even when it's moved beyond us.<br /><br />Love and light to you as well, my dear!Cynthia Hannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-22336788582526143012011-07-31T16:35:08.198-06:002011-07-31T16:35:08.198-06:00Trisha, I think that overwhelm must be a huge issu...Trisha, I think that overwhelm must be a huge issue for people, like us, who are living with chronic illness - and that finding our own way of addressing it is key to having quality of life. If I've inspired you to continue searching for your own key, then I'm very honored.<br /><br />Sending you gentle hugs, my friend!Cynthia Hannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-12697667619246095782011-07-31T16:31:33.475-06:002011-07-31T16:31:33.475-06:00Juliet and Rita, thank you for the validation and ...Juliet and Rita, thank you for the validation and your wonderful words. You make me smile!Cynthia Hannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-7299055716411927112011-07-31T16:29:54.813-06:002011-07-31T16:29:54.813-06:00Luna, I had to look up PCOS and I can't help b...Luna, I had to look up PCOS and I can't help but wonder if I share that with you. I have a hormonal imbalance that caused many miscarriages and some of the other symptoms as well. What an eye opener!<br /><br />I'm so glad that you were able to get a diagnosis. It's always so much better to have a reason for what we experience; that it's not just us, or our imaginations, etc. Validation is always better than disbelief and judgement.<br /><br />Thank you so much for your sweet, encouraging words. It is reactions like yours that are making it easier for me to befriend my own vulnerability and find the courage to honor who I am.Cynthia Hannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-75473310318607075922011-07-31T16:17:48.238-06:002011-07-31T16:17:48.238-06:00Stephanie, I love the way you have of expressing y...Stephanie, I love the way you have of expressing yourself! And it's so very true that we are mirrors for each other. That mirroring is a gift that makes wisdom and strength easier to garner.<br /><br />I am so glad that you have been able to honor your own boundaries and needs. It's something that so many healers find difficult to do. And creativity - it's so amazing how healing it can be! <br /><br />Thanks for journeying and sharing with me, and for the validation too :)Cynthia Hannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-52400089618224577282011-07-31T13:27:19.163-06:002011-07-31T13:27:19.163-06:00Fran, thank you - for the applause and especially...Fran, thank you - for the applause and especially for the gift of strength, clarity and support. I so appreciate each of them.Cynthia Hannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-90202882872260734362011-07-31T13:25:14.828-06:002011-07-31T13:25:14.828-06:00Effy, you are such a fantastic den mother to all o...Effy, you are such a fantastic den mother to all of us! You have gifted me with so, so much in creating and nurturing Wild.Precious and making it the safe, affirming and creative environment that it is. You make my heart sing!Cynthia Hannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-23120722038854152142011-07-31T13:22:38.153-06:002011-07-31T13:22:38.153-06:00Wow! Thirteen comments! What a wonderful, jumpin...Wow! Thirteen comments! What a wonderful, jumping up and down, totally happy discovery! I do owe each of you an apology for the delay in my responses though. I've been ill for several weeks and have just recovered enough to become(some what)active again. So...that said, I'll get to responding to each of you :)Cynthia Hannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11845962123736881958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-61702556640923216072011-07-24T11:13:28.656-06:002011-07-24T11:13:28.656-06:00Cynthia..we have so many major parts of our lives ...Cynthia..we have so many major parts of our lives in common...please come and look at my blog, and check out the "who I am" page...you will see both similarities and a few differences. IN brief, I suffer with major, chronic illness; am an artist; I am just beginning to come out of years of mental illness, (although the illness will not go away, I am beginning to 'recover' in that I can manage my life once again.), I am finding strength and support and friends through blogging ...And we have the same name! (not inferring that you are mentally ill...just that some of my symptoms have echoed your experiences...<br /><br />My blog is at www.cynthialottvogel.blogspot.com (I will also follow you on BlogFrog)<br />Blessings.Cynthia Lott Vogelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03843602511992810355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-22060938270705702972011-07-17T16:54:01.569-06:002011-07-17T16:54:01.569-06:00I want to thank you for having the courage to shar...I want to thank you for having the courage to share with us. We have a lot more than fibro in common. Been in the same shoes, so to speak, in many ways. We are survivors! Thanks again Cynthia.Jenny Mizenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-20976909363646161542011-07-15T20:45:21.503-06:002011-07-15T20:45:21.503-06:00I feel honored to know even more about you, my fri...I feel honored to know even more about you, my friend. I recognize the introversion you speak of, but I offer you reassurance that the insight you have brought to our friendship and future collaboration is a gentle breeze that is so greatly appreciated. I hear your song within my own heart.My Life Works Today!https://www.blogger.com/profile/08434157347216602476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-89390633994616914392011-07-11T17:35:58.195-06:002011-07-11T17:35:58.195-06:00Thank you for your transparency, dear friend. I kn...Thank you for your transparency, dear friend. I know a bit of what you speak. Mostly, I just know that, without a certain amount of silence, I cannot cope, either.<br /><br />I am glad you felt safe enough to share; that means a lot. (((((HUGS)))))to you, dear one.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-90036189909373183812011-07-08T06:43:16.147-06:002011-07-08T06:43:16.147-06:00Dearest Cynthia, I read this post with tears and s...Dearest Cynthia, I read this post with tears and smiles. I have been wondering what in the world was wrong with me because I use to be so outgoing, running around, lots of friends and in recent years (after losing my best friend, my mom - AHA moment) I moved to an acre of country away from everyone and a much longer drive to work. I wanted peace - quiet - no visitors - no phone calls! I live in pretty much blissful silence here and am OVERWHELMED by noise - too many in conversation - it all feels like total CHAOS to me and I have to escape. I've actually left many a restaurant with my meal in a bag to escape ;-) When medical/financial crisis began to hit - like you I always bounced back before and would get up fighting and I just feel like giving up most of the time. But it's this community I've discovered and making art that keeps me hopeful - people like you who allow us to exchange our stories, share and learn from each other how to cope. Thank you for this post and for being the bright light you are - we are enough ;-) hugs and more hugs.Linda Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13789043647537711080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-69703813467935567812011-07-07T22:25:14.536-06:002011-07-07T22:25:14.536-06:00hugs and bouquets for you Cynthia.
It is so wrong...hugs and bouquets for you Cynthia.<br /><br />It is so wrong that so many women were hurt and damaged as precious children, and it is so right that we can connect and support each other through what ever means suit us, be it blogging across the world, music, art, writing, whatever.<br /><br />I hope any souls lost and alone who do find your brave words can also follow your brave path.<br /><br />Love and light<br /><br />LouiseLouisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05526747028900637503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-18985246169893185262011-07-07T18:05:41.772-06:002011-07-07T18:05:41.772-06:00You are not alone in feeling overwhelmed by people...You are not alone in feeling overwhelmed by people, conversation, noise, etc. I also feel that way. I can only handle being around people in small amounts. Sometimes just talking on the phone makes me feel dizzy. I love how you found a positive side to the overwhelm though and how you are opening up to people in ways that are comfortable for you. You are an inspiration!Trisha Pearsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08803608155464690785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-29549106575921588912011-07-07T13:37:18.552-06:002011-07-07T13:37:18.552-06:00Thank you so much for sharing your insights!
It...Thank you so much for sharing your insights!<br />It's very brave and - I hope - healing!<br />(((hugs)))RitaJChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18071944384031794942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-28725449934138133732011-07-07T12:38:36.631-06:002011-07-07T12:38:36.631-06:00you are brave and creative and very giving to shar...you are brave and creative and very giving to share this. hugs.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05161513772361174225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-19850453315337493452011-07-07T12:20:35.932-06:002011-07-07T12:20:35.932-06:00Years ago when I was very ill and had no idea what...Years ago when I was very ill and had no idea what was wrong with me, my loved ones kept telling me it was all in my mind, that I needed to buck up, get over it, grow up.<br /><br />As it turns out, they were terribly wrong as we discovered when I was diagnosed with PCOS, there was so much relief that I was not just fat, crazy and tired for no apparent reason.<br /><br />I applaud you for speaking your truth and I also hope you can honor all that you have been through because you have been through and come out on the other side, alive! So many times I wished someone else who was going through what I was would speak up, speak out, tell me I wasn't alone. By sharing yourself, someone else will read this and know that they are not alone and there is at least one person in the world who understands.<br /><br />Much love!<br /><br />LunaLuna Ravenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00577750498136765025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-21128211012152667712011-07-07T11:50:38.821-06:002011-07-07T11:50:38.821-06:00Cynthia this is so poignant and a post that is so ...Cynthia this is so poignant and a post that is so near and dear to me because you are my mirror my dear. <br /><br />I have also felt this need to withdraw, and feeling like I needed to for my own survival. <br /><br />I have felt very overwhelmed in recent months by the in person work with women I facilitated in a very short period of time. And I trust that it is perfect, because like you it has brought me back inside myself into my own creativity and connecting with beautiful beings across the world in a way that does not overwhelm me. Although I will continue to do in person work, I have decided it will not be on the scale I did it before (running 2 groups for women at the same time, doing deep intense work!) Yikes.<br /><br />I am so happy to have you as a fellow journeyer on this amazing path of healing and coming back to our true selves. I love how compassionate you are being with yourself and how you are not seeing this as a negative in any way (the going back to old coping skills). I also am grateful for my ability to detach when I need to. <br /><br />The truth is as women who were abused as children, our brains have needs that others do not. When our nervous system gets revved up we absolutely need to shut off and like in your case it doesn't mean shut off the world but finding ways to reconnect in safe and nurturing ways. This is what you have done with your art! I am so glad to know you my dear.Stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16838923204524566783noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194557499539230732.post-82811633737235710582011-07-07T08:17:41.595-06:002011-07-07T08:17:41.595-06:00This is a courageous post Cynthia, I applaud your ...This is a courageous post Cynthia, I applaud your honesty and send your strength and clarity to cope with your overwhelm, you are doing just fine.Franhttp://www.theinspirationstation.netnoreply@blogger.com