Hey Beautiful You!

Sami here, catching up with all of you wonderful people. I want to share a bit about the inspiration for Chapter 5: Showers and Flowers. Although this kit is a follow up to our highly requested Rainy Days kit, I really wanted to do something different this time around. And so, this chapter is particularly close to my heart and I want to share why.

First, let me introduce you to the main character of the kit, Elani. She’s someone very special to me as she was my therapist for many years and a great support in my life, guiding me through some of my darkest times. Sadly, she recently passed away, and this kit is a tribute to her memory and the immense impact she had on me, and hopefully an inspiration to others. I hope it serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking help and the growth that can come from it.

Showers and Flowers is about embracing the tough moments, those rain showers that eventually lead to blooming flowers. It’s a theme that speaks to renewal and hope. I’m not sure if it’s just me, but I spent countless hours looking for dandelions in the gardens so I could make wishes for the future. And yes it devastated me to find out they are weeds - but beauty is in the eye of the beholder right. This is just one example of the different and sometimes hidden metaphors I have included in this kit that reflect different aspects of mental health:

• Splattery watercolor: represent rain and tears—acknowledging how messy life really is
• Umbrella: With a gold exterior and rain inside, it projects the idea of internal struggle while showing that things appear fine on the outside.
• Week 2 Colouring: I wanted to really desaturate week 2 so it represented a period of depression and/or sadness we sometimes experience.
• The Black Dog: A comon representation of depression, hidden struggle. We even have the Black Dog Institute (www.blackdoginstitute.org.au) for Mental Health here in Australia
• Spoons: Symbolize spoon theory, illustrating the limited energy we have for daily activities, especially for those with chronic illnesses or disabilities.

One of my goals with Planners Anonymous is to make a positive impact on the world around us. I want to remove the stigma around mental health and disability, especially since our family is Autistic and ADHD . It’s important to me that we create a space where everyone feels supported, understood, and included.

And hey, if you’re not a big "story" person or haven’t experienced depression, that’s okay too. The art in this kit—stickers, papers, washi, and more—is beautiful and designed to bring joy to your creative process. Art is subjective, and it’s all about finding what resonates with you, and I’m sure there will be something in this kit you will love.

So, as we step into Chapter 5, let’s support one another, and remember that it’s okay to seek help when we need it. This months prompts are a little different as I have two different sets. The first is lighter and easier prompts. The second delves into the deeper meanings of this kit. Remember you don’t need to answer them all, or any if you don’t wish. Do whatever speaks to you and helps you on your personal journey. Remember to give your self time and grace to feel your feels with this one as some of the deeper prompts may bring up a lot of feels. And if they do, please talk to your loved ones and seek professional help if you are able.

So grab your journal, find a cozy spot, a blankie and some comfort food, and let’s embrace the beauty of growth through adversity together.

With all my love and gratitude,

Sami