Welcome! It's meredithhutton79 and You've Found Me!

Hello! and Welcome! to my first blog post. I'm Meredith Hutton aka meredithhutton79, and I'm in the process of creating an online space for my creative and personal passions to blend with my chronic pain and mental health issues, as they are all closely linked.

I reside on Galiano Island, British Columbia (BC), Canada, with my husband, two kids, and our 4 dogs. Living on this small remote island void of major chain stores and traffic lights, we are surrounded by a multitude of artists and creatives inspired by Galiano's unique beauty. Since moving here from Vancouver in 2017, I have found a sense of belonging within this artistic community.

I am thrilled to share the exciting projects I am embarking on. My unique creations reflect my personal journey and my merging my chronic pain with my creativity and self care activities. These projects can be found online under "meredithhutton79".

In 2023, I suffered a mental breakdown. Part of my recovery involves rebuilding the foundations I lost and adapting to the changes in my brain post-breakdown. By returning to basics, I grant myself the freedom to heal from years of trauma and distress and to start anew. Enduring severe chronic pain since 2008 has propelled me on this healing path and towards a new chapter that I am eager to share. In the course of my healing and growth, I fell in love with journaling as a way to cope with the physical and mental distress I was experiencing, and I incorporated it into my daily routine. Out of me helping me heal from my trauma, two ideas have blossomed:

1. Galia-Notes:

My latest creative endeavour, "Galia-Notes", inspired by Galiano and my passion for journaling, entails crafting handmade journals, calendars, planners and notebooks. These products feature my hand-drawn art and previously sold handcrafted greeting cards as journal covers. I am also enthusiastic about incorporating my coloured in "Galiano Island" colouring pages of local fauna that I created for various projects. All my art is hand drawn and one of a kind, with the exception of these colouring pages, which I produced with the intention of doing multiple projects with the images. Infused with the abstract patterns and meditative Zentangle art form that I'm known for, each colouring page hides "Galiano Island" within one of its patterns. My initial project under meredithhutton79 and Galia-Notes involves producing an undated wall calendar utilizing my coloured-in pages. Other future projects using these images include a birthday calendar, and monthly planner. I also have some other projects in the works that I will reveal closer to its release date!

2. It's Compl3x:

Additionally, I am developing a YouTube Channel called "meredithhutton79" and producing a show focusing on chronic pain, titled "It's Compl3x: A Guide To Navigating Your Life With Chronic Pain". This channel will delve into my personal experiences with chronic pain, treatments, and insights gained. I will offer video reviews and tutorials on utilizing apps, books, websites and products that aid in managing the physical and mental health challenges posed by persistent pain. I will discuss my healthy routines and habits, elaborate on the positive changes I have implemented, and emphasise setting realistic goals for personal success. By candidly addressing topics often left unspoken, I hope this channel serves as an informative resource and a source of empowerment for fellow Pain Warriors.

In 2023, after navigating 15+ years of chronic pain and mental health struggles, I experienced a severe mental breakdown. Struggling to cope, I decided to take a break from managing my previous arts and cards business. In the midst of my crisis, I found solace in two new activities: colouring and journaling. The simplicity of colouring offered a calming escape from my overwhelmed state, allowing me to focus on nothing distressing, just my focus on choosing colours. I often colour while listening to and following along with guided meditations. Blending both brings a sense of calm to my overstimulated senses.

Journaling became an integral part of my life after engaging in a mother-daughter journal with my daughter last summer. The act of journaling in a. structured way clicked with my brain. Gradually, I explored other themed journals centered on self-love, healing from trauma, and self-care, aiding in processing my intense emotions through guided prompts. Despite the prompts not necessarily aligning with my circumstances, the act of writing proved therapeutic and soothing. Colouring and journaling provided a serene focal point amidst my journey of self-improvement, diverting my attention from overwhelming pain and distress. Engaging in a regular journaling practice unveiled the profound impact it can have, and I am grateful for discovering this empowering outlet.

My YouTube Channel, It's Compl3x, is also a labor of love. I have learned so much in the past 16 years. The last couple of years I have been focusing on improving my physical and mental health, finding methods that work for me, and I'm excited to share those with you. I have been scratching my head for years as to how I can give to the pain community, given my physical and mental limitations, as well as geographically being in a remote location. Coming up with It's Compl3x is my way of giving to the pain community and my fellow Pain Warriors.

Amidst the challenges, I have yet to resume my art and cards business. Given the circumstances, I feel compelled to start afresh and rebuild the personal and professional identities lost during my breakdown. Creating meredithhutton79 is a tribute to my life's passions, blending more of my personal life with my creative life. I will also resume making my previously popular product I call "Collage Cards" with my mother-in-law.

I'm at the inception of both projects, with a multitude of tasks ahead to bring them to fruition. Driven and inspired, I eagerly anticipate the creations that will emerge. I will be blogging about my progress.

Thank you for visiting my blog and online platform! Remember to subscribe, like, and share!

You can also find me on Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter) and Pinterest under @meredithhutton79.

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