4 Strategies for Creative Wellness & Commonplace Journal Setup 

My microphone did me so dirty on this one lol. Thank you for dealing with the choppy sound. I tried my best to fix it 😅

Bree, I can't tell you how wonderful it is to see you!!! I've missed you! So sorry that it's been so hard for you. Sadly I've walked that walk and it was and has been brutal! What brought me solace and pleasure (in my design biz) for decades no longer did. Life in general was really really challenging. It was as tho someone ripped every shred of creativity out of me. Fast forward 7 years.....I've learned a great deal about myself, learned to give myself grace, learned that there are other ways to do what I did before just differently and that it was okay. And, that's it's okay to do absolutely nothing and not feel lazy or down on myself. Quite the journey for myself! Thank you for sharing your personal story. I'm glad you have taken time away. Just so you know, you're beautiful!!! 😘

So nice to see you again. Wise and applicable words to create by. And just as an aside, loving your hair.

I'm delighted to see you! I'm MORE delighted to learn you have been doing what you need to in order to care for yourself. I'm saddened to hear you have been living -like many of us- with the pain of anxiety and depression. I opened this video a month ago, but then left it paused. Today, I was ready to watch and receive - thank you for sharing this with us and for sharing ideas that helped you and could help others (I'm certainly going to follow your ideas for my own journey). Thank you!

So glad you are back - you are a delight!

I’m just starting to learn how to work with leather, and it’s a tricky material. Your journal turned out beautifully! Thank you for sharing my book so thoughtfully, and in a video where you’ve shared so much of yourself. Being creative was a crucial tool for healing my depression, even though it wasn’t a conscious effort… now I got lots of anxiety lol. Wishing you a gentle return to RU-vid!

Was so good to see you! I developed PTSD when my son passed and I could not journal until I chose to journal about the darkness which led me back to the light and finding my passion again. It took awhile and purposeful intent to be better. Each step forward has been a small victory. I LOVE the term soft life. My anxiety decreased quite a bit also. Thank you for sharing your journey. You are a beautiful soul! Wishing you the best on your journey!! PS- thank for the book tip!!

I am so happy to see you again Bree. Thank you so much for your honesty and transparency. It means a lot to me, because I can relate to what you’ve been going through. I really like the phrase you used, “soft life”. It’s about having compassion for yourself. Grace yourself!

Hey!❤ You are not alone. Best wishes.❤

Very beautiful, wonderful, and Good luck my friend

So wonderful to see you again! No job or platform should ever keep us from taking care of ourselves physically, spiritually or emotionally! It is so great to see that you took the time for yourself and work through the wall that all of us face from time to time, if we are honest. Self-care IS a form of creativity! We are only given one lifetime, making it count in all areas of our life is ESSENTIAL❤ welcome back and thanks for being so vulnerable❤️

I’ve only just found you, but thank you so much for sharing this. I have been dealing with chronic fatigue for YEARS & it’s so frustrating wanting to create but not having any inner motivation or energy to sit & make it happen, so I feel you! Keep doing what you’re doing when you feel like doing it! 👊

Good to see you back, and happy to hear that you took the time you needed. I look forward to your next video and insight into living life. Thank you for that. And indeed, Chanel’s book and RU-vid Channel are wonderful.

Glad you are back. This video is being saved for future support moments. Thanks.

You're doing better now, and I am happy for you.

It’s been so long since we’ve heard from you. How wonderful to hear your voice again. I so understand depression.

Welcome back. I’ve missed you.

Finally got time to watch your vid ❤ i missed you, Bree! Your vid as always so beautiful & informative. I've been doing the 1st tips: list stuff that made your day for the past 2 years. It really helped me to track my progress & emotion. It's not exactly a planner/bujo/diary etc. but it's just a record to tell me that i was there that day & i was aware of it ❤ looking forward to your next vid. And take care of yourself, Bree 🥰

You have been missed. Glad you took care of you❤

Oh it is so good to see you. ❤. I’ve been struggling too. Thanks for sharing.

Yay! Good to hear from you! Thanks and take all the time you need. We will wait.

This is so helpful--and perfect timing for me. And that blouse is gorgeous on you!

I'm so glad you're back. Your videos are so beautifully done - I love the care and attention you put into them. And this one came at exactly the right time for me because, like you, I've been struggling with depression and the 'inability' to be creative. I am so glad you're finding your way again. x

So, so happy to see you again! Glad you are feeling better. I really appreciate that you created this beautiful video as an expression to help others. Loved seeing - once again - your beautiful journaling. Can I just say, that cartoon making the soap was hilarious.😅

I am very happy you are recovered. Mental health issues are devastating. One mh issue can quickly cascade into another without diagnosis and treatment. For what it’s worth, here are some thoughts to add to the conversation. Mental health isn’t separate from the brain itself. Understanding how the brain works (and doesn’t) can be revelatory. I see creativity not as problem solving but decision making. The brain’s primary function is to make decisions. Disease confounds that ability. With clinical MH issues, almost every decision is difficult. To cook, clean, self-care are all decisions and actions that can be out of reach. With clinical MH issues, it is almost impossible to self-care one’s way out without both therapy and in some cases medication. The process is long and slow. The idea of soft-living is lovely for those who can accomplish it. In some circumstances, soft living can be also viewed as significant avoidance strategies which actually make things worse not better. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss mental health. ❤

I missed you, been checking your channel for post, welcome back.

So glad to see you back. I’ve missed your videos but I get it. Love your hair by the way!

Look at that beautiful hair!!! Loveeee it ❤

Glad you're back!

Brillaint 💓💓💓

It’s great to see you again! I’ve been subscribed to your channel for a while and I haven’t seen a video pop up. Thanks for sharing your journey with us, we all face the same struggles. I’ve only just got back in my craft room myself and it’s been hard after feeling so low. Enjoying the process of just starting again right now. Keep going and I’ll be looking forward to seeing more videos. 🤗❤️

Thank you for this video. It helps put things in perspective. I was so happy to see a new video from you. I’m glad you took some time. Sending a virtual hug and positive vibes 🤗💟

❤❤❤❤❤ I HEAR YOU❤❤❤❤

Good morning. Thank you for sharing this video. I don't know if there is a general answer to your question. Unless you know what depression is, it is hard to explain how to move forward. I do believe that it will happen when a person is ready for it to happen. For me, it isn't just my choice for getting better, it involves family and their choice to move forward with move. I made a decision to continue my RU-vid and focus on what I can control. I truly hope you have come to your place to move forward. The very best to you! 😊Take Care! Gina

Thank you, thank you!!

Thank you so very much for this video!! I keep watching it again and again….your struggle resonates with so many of us!! And the work you are doing in every level and sharing with this community is greatly appreciated. Is an inspiration to me personally, and I am hoping your creative and personal journey continues to be a fruitful and happy one….it helps the rest of us to see possibilities when things feel so bleak. Sending love from Phoenix, AZ.

Sorry it’s been tough, thank you for sharing your journey and lovely for us to have you back

Also just today at church we were talking about the difference between being nice and kind.

❤❤❤

I was just wondering where you were and how you were doing. 💓

1:03 OMG This is literally me right now!!! I'm trying so hard to create ANYTHING!!!

Totally off topic but the dress and your glasses look cute.

I would look every week for an update. Not to pressure at all...understand completely depression and stress. Life can just be so much. Thank you for sharing a bit of the struggles we all grapple with. The toll it can take on our creative endeavors can even make the slump scarier. Taking small steps back, boundaries, prioritizing...great ways to find balance again. I celebrate the journey with you.🫶