Today I found the art of Lindsay Bottos – a 20 year old Maryland-based artist that uses embroidery (along with other mediums) to narrate her life experiences.

Looking at her series titled I Don’t Really Miss You, made me think that the anatomy of certain events is always the same; breakups, broken friendships, even death – we all have to go through a healing process that sends our brain into a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. We feel sadness, joy, sorrow, anger – sometimes one at a time, sometimes all at once.

The trick is to find that light that will take us back to our happy place. It isn’t easy, and it doesn’t matter how much Oprah we read or how many Eat Pray Love trips we plan – at the end of the day WE have the power to steer our hearts in a new, more positive direction. Focus on making art, taking cooking classes, reconnecting with old friends, take tons of hot baths – whatever floats your boat. Just do it.

Every little step will take you closer to happiness. Just make sure you take each and every single step with confidence. Some days you may not be able to move, but you should try again the next day…and the next, and the next. If you keep trying, one day Without even knowing it, you’ll be back on your feet – running like you used to. Again, make sure every step – as tiny as it is – is full of confidence.

As the old chinese proverb says: “It is better to take many small steps in the right direction than to make a great leap forward only to stumble backward.”

We are all together in this friends. We are not alone. We will heal. And we’ll move on. The pain we may experience will be nothing but a memory.

ART: Lidnsay Bottos