Here is the next of the beautiful, inspiring, special contributions coming in to the #MandalasForMarinke remembrance project. I am grateful for each and every amazing contribution. You are invited to join; learn more here.
Beautiful Crochet Mandala
I love the colors of this crochet mandala! Crafter Geri says:
“There are a few mistakes on this mandala. I was going to rip it out and start again but none of us are perfect and that doesn’t mean we are not beautiful … like this pattern.”
I love that several people have mentioned sentiments similar to this one, that many people are choosing not to beat themselves up for not being “perfect” at their crafting but instead to celebrate the beauty in what they have made. This means so much to me to see in the world!
Meet the Maker
This wonderful contribution comes from Geri Penner who shared:
“Depression is a battle that several people in my family have struggled with including myself to some extent. I understand the darkness that can overcome you and make you feel there is no way out. I was in an abusive relationship and there were times when it felt I couldn’t take it anymore. What pulled me back were my two young children who needed at least one parent to love and care for them.
My mother struggled with depression. I’m not sure why but I understood how hard it was for her but my sisters did not. I recognized the unfairness of their expectations; some of us can pull up our socks, get a job or carry on and others can’t.
My youngest son has battled with depression, anxiety and agoraphobia for more than ten years. He doesn’t have a definitive diagnosis like bipolar but his pattern is very much like that. He would rather not be labeled. My so is intelligent, high functioning and not addicted to alcohol or drugs. This makes it very difficult to get the help he needs.
Mental illness still has a huge stigma but the more people see that there are intelligent, productive and creative people out there who overcome those obstacles, the more hope there will be for acceptance and understanding. This is what your project will do and I am so grateful I can be a part of it!”
Words by Wink
In 2014, answering the question “why do you create what you do?”, Wink shared:
“That’s an easy one: because I love doing it! 😀 I can’t imagine myself not being creative. It’s just who I am! 🙂 I crochet and craft and be creative to keep my sanity; I would lose my mind if I couldn’t create anything. I want to inspire those around me and I can do that with crochet!”
About Depression
Today I wanted to share an infographic on depression that I found on Lifehack:
All contributions to Mandalas for Marinke are welcome and will help raise awareness about depression while honoring her work in the same way that this great contribution has done today. Details to join here.