Finding Sunshine Through the Storm
How writing children’s books helped me ground myself during difficult days
As someone living with anxiety and bipolar disorder, I know firsthand that not every morning begins with energy, inspiration, or confidence. Some days, simply getting out of bed can feel like climbing a mountain.
For a long time, I believed I had to wait until I felt better before I could create, dream, or pursue my goals. Eventually, I realized something important: healing isn't about never struggling. It's about learning what helps you find your way back to yourself.
Each day, I ground myself in small, meaningful ways. I spend time with my dogs, write poetry, sit quietly on my porch with a cup of coffee, talk with people who make me laugh, and remind myself that I don't have to accomplish everything all at once.
I've also chosen to weave many of the lessons I've learned into my children's books.
Books such as The Night We Felt Brave, The Day the Butterflies Landed, and The Day We Made Our Own Sunshine were written with comfort in mind. They are gentle stories about courage, worries, butterflies in our tummies, and finding light even on the most difficult days.
I know what it feels like to need reassurance. I know what it feels like to question yourself, lose motivation, or wonder whether you'll ever reach your goals.
But I also know this:
Progress doesn't always look loud or extraordinary.
Sometimes, progress looks like taking a shower, writing one page, sitting outside for five minutes, or simply deciding to try again tomorrow.
If you're struggling today, I hope you'll remember this:
Keep going.
- Believe in yourself, no matter what obstacles you may face.
- You do not have to bloom overnight.
- You do not have to be productive every day.
- You do not have to have everything figured out.
- You only have to take the next small step.
Sometimes, making your own sunshine begins with simply believing that you deserve to see it again.
