Day 1

14 Days of Self-Care : Messages to Myself - image 1 - student project

I feel like I'm always in a rush! But my partner reminds me to slow down and just experience the moment through his big hugs!

Day 2

14 Days of Self-Care : Messages to Myself - image 2 - student project

I was feeling super energized and bubbly today!

Day 3

14 Days of Self-Care : Messages to Myself - image 3 - student project

After a crazy energetic day, I felt a little meh; dragging myself through the day.

Day 4

14 Days of Self-Care : Messages to Myself - image 4 - student project

I'm always very hard on myself. Whether it's berating myself for not doing more in a day, beating myself up over eating too much food or even getting stressed. This reminded me to pause and replace those unkind thoughts with love, gentleness and patience. If I'm not kind to myself, who else will be?

Day 5

14 Days of Self-Care : Messages to Myself - image 5 - student project

There are a lot of days I feel insecure and unsure of myself. That's the perfect time to look at this and remind myself that "I GOT THIS!"

Day 6

14 Days of Self-Care : Messages to Myself - image 6 - student project

I listen to so many people around me but when have I taken the time to listen to myself? My inner voice. My breath. Closing my eyes, taking deep breaths and feeling the world subside into the background is the best feeling ever!

Day 7

14 Days of Self-Care : Messages to Myself - image 7 - student project

I'm always pushing hard to do more. Whether it's a weekday or a weekend - it doesn't matter! I feel like it's sacrilegious to do nothing and I feel restless and unproductive. But lately, I've been incorporating some of this "Doing Nothing" during my day and it feels divine. Watching the world go by without engaging, just experiencing is so peaceful!

Day 8

14 Days of Self-Care : Messages to Myself - image 8 - student project

I was proud to call myself a Perfectionist and an infalliable one at that. Someone who would NEVER MESS UP. But that prevented me from experiencing the sheer joy of experimenting, adventuring and the unknown. Just 'cos I was scared to mess up and be laughed at.

Day 9

14 Days of Self-Care : Messages to Myself - image 9 - student project

My BFFs are fun-lovin' gals and this is what they'd clobber my serious self with - "Don't Take Yourself Too Seriously 'cos We're NOT!"

Day 10

14 Days of Self-Care : Messages to Myself - image 10 - student project

I need this. Some days, I think that life is just too hard. My work, my chores, family. Everything becomes a mountain too high to climb. But I have the strength in me. Any problem is just an opportunity to help me grow.

Day 11

14 Days of Self-Care : Messages to Myself - image 11 - student project

That's right.

Day 12

14 Days of Self-Care : Messages to Myself - image 12 - student project

Cheering myself on today and everyday!

Day 13

14 Days of Self-Care : Messages to Myself - image 13 - student project

As a child, I wasn't really taught to "express" or visibly "show" your love. It was through unspoken actions or even scoldings. No big hugs, tears or kisses. That was embarrassing. But now, I realize how important a simple touch is, holding hands and a hug makes so much difference. It makes you feel connected and comforted. Safe and Loved. I'm learning to show my love now. Without inhibition.

I had to draw another one because this is pretty close to my heart too. Who I was years and years ago doesn't need to limit who I am NOW. I could have been a snarky, angry, highly-flammable girl but that doesn't mean that I can't be kind, calm and peaceful now. I've changed and I don't want people who knew me from that time treating me with the same belief.

Day 14

14 Days of Self-Care : Messages to Myself - image 14 - student project

Oof! I loved every single day of this challenge! Some days were hard but others flowed effortlessly. I felt a great sense of release and joy from drawing my feelings out.

Thank you so much for the wonderful class, Jessica!

Shriya Sasank

2

26