I've reached a point where the burnout feels deep. Deep down to my very bones. Every part of me aches, including my mind. I’ve been running on empty, giving away pieces of myself until there’s hardly anything left. I’ve given so much to my career, to social media, to my community, to my son and husband, parents, family, and friends. Now, there are no pieces left for me. My light has been dimming for a while, and now it feels extinguished. I’m left in the dark, overwhelmed by my own thoughts, feeling as if I’m drowning in them. My brain and body are disconnected. Inspiration comes and goes, but when I sit down to draw, my hand stops listening to my brain and does its own thing.

Since graduating college in 2003, I feel like I’ve been hustling non-stop. For most of that time, I’ve worked for myself. I did freelance graphic design, ran my own custom stationery business, and then in 2013, right before my son was born, I moved into illustration. Being self-employed is hard. I’ve had to do everything on my own: designer, artist, marketer, social media manager, accountant—and on and on. We’ve been conditioned to achieve and produce. I would accomplish one goal, and instead of stopping to celebrate my achievement, I would ask myself, “OK, what’s next?!”

After twenty-one years of this relentless pace—sometimes working on five or more picture books at once while trying to maintain a social media presence and staying relevant—I’m creatively tapped out. The exhaustion is overwhelming, and the constant stress of where my next job will come from only adds to the weight. I’m desperately in need of a break, but finding the time for one feels impossible. My usual methods of finding inspiration—gardening, spending time in nature, baking, reading—aren’t working. Pushing through the creative block in my mind only makes the burnout worse

I recently spent a week at the cottage with my family, hoping to reset. Although I found some moments of peace and joy, I still feel overwhelmed. Despite spending a week in nature, I came home still feeling the weight of the exhaustion. My mind and body are craving a deeper rest, a break where I can fully immerse myself into healing from this burnout. But right now, my schedule won’t allow it.

I’ve always been open about my struggles with anxiety, and this period is no different. My art has always been a source of healing for me, a way to process my emotions and find peace. It has also helped many others feel less alone, especially those struggling with anxiety. Knowing that my work can touch others deeply and provide comfort has always inspired me to keep going. My interest in mental health and psychology, combined with my artistic skills, has driven me to explore new ways to help people.

This period of burnout has made me reevaluate my life and my work. I’ve decided to go back to school to become a certified therapeutic art practitioner. This new path allows me to merge my passion for art with my dedication to mental health. I believe that by becoming a therapeutic art practitioner, I can continue to inspire and support others through their struggles, using creativity as a healing tool. And in the process, I will heal too. I am excited to embark on this new journey, and I trust that my creative spark will return. I have to believe in myself and trust that my light will shine bright again.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding as I navigate through this challenging time. Your kindness and patience mean the world to me.

Quote of the Week

Amidst the fatigue and stress, I've realized that burnout has a way of silencing the external chaos, forcing us to confront our inner selves. It’s a painful yet profound process, peeling back the layers of exhaustion to uncover what truly matters. For me, it's been a journey of rediscovery, finding my true voice and learning to slow down and appreciate a simpler life.

Creative Challenge

Artful Breathing:

Combine deep breathing exercises with drawing. As you inhale, draw a line upwards, and as you exhale, draw a line downwards. Continue this process, allowing your breath to guide your hand. This meditative practice can help centre your thoughts and reduce stress.

Life Snippets

These images are just a few highlights from my recent cottage trip. I savoured lazy mornings in bed, gazing at the lake through my window. Most of my time was spent outside with my family, enjoying canoe rides, chasing my son and niece on the lawn, and having giggle fits with my sister and husband. These moments were a beautiful reminder of the simple joys in life.