MY STORY
Life has given me a Masterclass in self-compassion, resilience, and authenticity
These lessons have come the hard way, with a journey that included a nervous breakdown, generalized anxiety disorder and clinical depression.
Yet it’s these very lessons that have most effectively shaped the self-compassionate, non-judgmental, and intuitively wise woman I’ve become.
Now at 55, I find peace of mind in the wisdom that comes with age, instead of dreading getting older.
Nice to meet you, I’m Melanie, a proud Jamaican and the heart and soul behind Simply Soulish.
As an empath and highly sensitive person (HSP), most of us, myself included, have had to learn, through trial and error. the skill of setting emotional boundaries, nurturing our soul through self-compassion, and embracing authenticity with open arms.
” My journey through complex PTSD has gifted me with insights into the profound strength that resides within wounds.”
My Unexpected Passion for Art as Therapy
With the encouragement of my sister-friend, who is a trained artist, I began abstract painting as a hobby, and primarily, a way to alleviate the symptoms of both depression and anxiety. Luckily I was very wrong, in the most right kind of way!
During my first 14 months, I sold almost every piece of Art I created. However, as soon as I had gained that confidence to continue improving my intuitive skills, the pandemic hit and I needed a new creative outlet.
That is how I discovered and started my journey with creating online designs for apparel and home decor. No matter the method of creating, Art has become my sanctuary, and reminder that we all have untapped abilities.
Lesson: Stop believing the words of others who may speak failure over your talents or abilities.
What to Expect from Simply Soulish
The journey to embracing Self-Compassion has been threefold, continuously implementing new ways to nurture well-being, exploring different avenues for creative expression, and creating a home environment centered around comfort.
For the first 48 years of my life, I prided myself on being ‘the strong friend/cousin/partner’, and even had a career as an Empowerment Life Coach. Fortunately, the nervous breakdown taught me the toxicity I created by ‘being there for others’, with not enough time to take care of my mental/emotional wellness.
I intend to share from my wealth of experiences (not as a guru), practical suggestions for navigating the ebbs and flows of practicing self-compassion, and emphasize creativity’s helpful role on your path. I’m also excited to share sources of inspiration for making your home the right amount of ‘cozy’ for you.
Join me as we walk steadily along the road to prioritizing Self-Compassion as Empathic Women
Melanie ‘Oyadina’ Smith