Produce a Permission Slip

“Think of the societal and self-imposed pressures you feel on a day-to-day basis, the personal traits you see as faults, the natural slips you see as errors. Choose one of these things and give yourself, in ornamental detail, permission to do just that. Turning one simple defeat into an accomplishment can minimize feelings of self-hatred, allowing you to achieve more of your important goals. Remember, it’s an art project, so make it pretty.”

From: 10 Easy Art Therapy Techniques To Help You De-Stress

The Huffington Post  | By Priscilla Frank

WHAT DO YOU NEED PERMISSION TO DO? How often are you told that you cannot do these things?

Although I do truly value and respect the people who continue to participate in my life with arachnoiditis, I give myself permission to be late to certain events. I give myself permission to cancel unexpectedly. I give myself permission to reschedule. The societal concept that these things imply disrespect CANNOT apply here. I am tired of having guilt about it….tired of declining invitations because I may have to cancel at the last minute.

I am considerate of others and try to give them as timely notice about any changes as I can. I warn them ahead of time that my plans may change unexpectedly. Once a person who was ALWAYS at least fifteen minutes early for everything, I no longer push myself to elevated pain flares in order to pay homage to these traditional  social expectations. That fifteen minutes of waiting could be better spent resting until it is time to leave. It makes for a much better event for me…and anyone else attending.

So, GO AHEAD! GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO DO WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO CONTINUE LIVING WITH ARACHNOIDITIS. ~slk

To demonstrate the ways in which Arachnoiditis Survivors benefit from participation in the Arts, The Art For Arachnoiditis Project includes Art By Survivors. Survivors are invited to share their original artwork from self-designed projects and from the healing activities described here.

Descriptions and comments about how you benefit or additional input about what might be helpful in the future activities are also welcome.

There is no obligation to share images of your finished healing art activities.  However, you are welcome to do so in this thread or in a private message for possible inclusion in the Art By Survivors portion of the Art For Arachnoiditis Project public exhibition. Be sure to specify if you would like to be named or remain anonymous at the exhibition. Here is theProject Registration Form .