Who am I? Being human is a complex affair. Today’s society is full of mixed messages and the pressures we face can be confusing and crushing like a daily battle ground. As a young adult I went through some difficult times and suffered with depression and mental health issues. Being able to express myself was an important part of my recovery and I used art and poetry to help me understand what was happening. Now I’m happy to share my experiences and encourage others to observe what they are feeling and accept that it is a temporary state that will change like everything else. Even our darkest moments make us who we are, and can be transformed into inspiration. I have found that being creative offers a place of sanctuary and an opportunity to process and channel different emotions. My following work shows exactly that, in pictures and 30 poetical steps.
I am all of me Experiencing a spectrum of different emotions in life is part of the journey, and I am indeed grateful to be alive to tell my tale and to be someone who feels so deeply. Looking back, I can see that even after times when I’d felt completely helpless I found the strength to overcome many obstacles. I’ve realized that my life isn’t ruled by the way I’m feeling at any particular moment. The most important thing I’ve learned is to look after myself. I’ve discovered that the world isn’t as hostile as I’d thought and that it’s ok to be imperfect. This self-awareness is valuable, and facing ones vulnerabilities is a pivotal lesson in humility. We have all experienced times of weakness at some point. Situations often aren’t as difficult as they seem if we can cultivate compassion for ourselves and those around us. Accepting myself and exploring my feelings has lead me on an adventure that I hope to continue. Expressing myself, staying true, and being open to all that life has to offer. What’s most fulfilling for me are the connections and encounters with other people. I am all of me and a small part of bigger picture, which includes everyone, and I think we all have something interesting to share about our individual journeys and the things we learn along the way. I’d like to thank you for joining me on this journey by reading ‘Today I Feel’. Copyright Josephine Rutherford© 2013