Bords of Affirmations was born from self care as a habit that I developed to be more kind to myself. During the summer of 2025,

I had the worst episode of burn out that I've ever experienced. I stopped creating. I stopped trying. What was the point of making

art when it felt so exhausting all of the time? I was ready to give up illustration. I was ready to leave behind childish thoughts of making pictures and grow up and get a "real" job.

 

​I felt like I'd be letting down a lot of people down if I quit. I'd be letting my past self down, too. Years of studying, painting,

drawing, writing, and making boxed up and put away on a shelf to grow dusty. I convinced myself to try one more time, but

this time things really needed to change.

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I've always found that it's much easier to cheer on and encourage others. I decided that it was time to show myself the same kindness that I show the world. So I approached myself as I would a stranger, a friend, a fellow artist ready to throw in the towel. I gently reminded myself of one simple thought each day or each week. And if I could approach myself as a stranger, why not approach actual strangers and cheer them on? What if I could give them a few kind words and genuine encouragement and let them know that there was someone else looking out for them when things felt hard.

 

I also had A LOT of bird paintings from years of painting challenges. I never knew what to do with them once I was finished. I've always wanted to share my silly little paintings but was scared no one would like them. I filed them away and didn't think about it again. But then, if I was painting one bird while telling myself one kind thing, why not literally kill two birds with one stone?

(I absolutely DO NOT support killing birds with stones!) I could share my silly little bird paintings while also sharing gentle reminders. 

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