At Your Own Pace

At Your Own Pace An Interactive, Illustrated Workbook

by Cathleen Clark

If I told you I saw fairies in that tree, you may write it off as childish imagination.

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In my mind, I did see fairies in the trees.

It fueled imagination, creativity, and appreciation for the world around us more than anything at that age.

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E R E H D I RO A L O P T S FIR

THIRD POLAROID HERE

Sometimes we have support.

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SECOND P

OLAROID

HERE FOURTH POLAROID HERE

Sometimes we don’t.

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Sometimes we need to use our hands to release some of the feelings we have.

Maybe it could help right now.

Draw anything you want.

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We can do it together, if you want.

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It can be hard to speak up or join in.

I felt powerless.

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So I would write down everything I want to say but can’t, and I’d tuck it away to revisit.

Sometimes I would even keep a notebook paper with me. There’s some for you, too.

We start noticing people as we grow older, growing feelings for them, and noticing things about ourselves that we didn’t really like.

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Things I Like I like my hands

I like the way I get bursts of creative energy

I like how unique my laugh is

We can write what we like about ourselves, big or small.

Little things matter, even if I’m the only one that notices them.

Let’s do some together.

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Even with the notebook, there were still struggles.

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You’re beautiful, funny, an amazing person, through and through <3

Sometimes, I just needed to remind myself of what I wrote.

Escaping into imaginary worlds and distancing from reality in the face of the future, which to some may be the epitome of vast, was also my form of escapism.

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But there isn’t really any harm in dreaming about the future and what we want to do with it, as long as we don’t let it consume us.

We can write down the things we want to do below. If we need more paper, there may be some left on page 9 or 15.

Wish List

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Sometimes, we make decisions we later regret, but retrospect is a perspective we didn’t have in the moment.

We deal with the consequences and learn from them.

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Life finds a balance eventually.

In the beginning, it can be overwhelming to worry about everything all at once. Life can be like a puzzle, and we find more missing pieces every day.

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Come back whenever you feel like it. I’ll be here.

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Sometimes, it’s the little things that can end up helping us the most. There’s some cards below that you can use if you need a tangible reminder.

But, take it At Your Own Pace.

e. rthy of lov o w n u u o y g will make

Nothin

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This book is not an alternative to therapy or other mental health resources provided by a professional. It is a workbook designed to give readers a space they can express themselves freely, no matter what feelings they may be having.

If you are struggling, please seek a professional.