Your Feelings Aren’t the Enemy is one of five paintings in the Thought Patterns collection, a series of mirrored butterfly works in watercolor exploring the mental process of healing: examining the thoughts that compose a depression spiral, and reframing them with compassion.

Please Note: There are words in the borders of these paintings that are meant to evoke through a first person narrative the experience of struggling with depression, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation. The thought patterns in these pieces are pulled from journal entries of genuine depressive episodes. There are words of hope as well, but please be aware of the darker mood and content.

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“I just want to stop feeling everything. I just want to stop feeling everything. I just want to stop feeling everything. I just want to stop feeling everything. I just want to stop feeling everything. I just want to stop feeling everything. I just want to stop feeling everything. I just want to stop feeling everything.”

“Your feelings aren’t the enemy. Your ability to feel is a gift, even when it fucking sucks. Why are you resisting your own power? Your heart is full and that is beautiful. You are going to be okay. Being soft in a hard world is so powerful.”

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DETAILS

8 × 10 inches

Natural handmade watercolor on cotton paper

Signed and dated on the back