July was a doozy of a month, best illustrated by my little patch of garden.
I left July pretty wiped out by some medical tests/adventures for myself, eye surgery for my mom, and a month of ultra-busy work days. Mental weeds grew faster than I could pull them and snarled my ability to think straight. Honestly, I was kind of a wreck.
Serendipitously, the ink bundle I unwrapped during that month—Sailor Jentle Grenade, Sky High, and Ultramarine— helped calm my jangled nerves and provided a bit of inky respite. The word “gentle” with a “g” means to “make calm or pacify,” and I can attest to the fact that “Jentle” with a “j” means the same thing, at least to me.
Despite the month’s challenges, writing my morning pages with these soothing Jentle inks—a practice I leaned into even harder throughout that tricky month—helped tamp down some of the anxiety and overwhelm. What a great trio for trying times.
Things are going better now, and for that I’m very grateful. I’ve regained my footing, and am clearing space in both the garden and my mind. Pruning back the snarls in both. Creating breathing room. Even finding treasures amongst the weeds.
I’m treating myself gently—and Jently. I hope you are, too.
From the Pen Cup 