I’ve noticed that my mental health requires maintenance. When I don’t look after myself, I start to fall apart pretty quickly.
I wrote this four years ago:
I’ve been working more than normal the last few weeks. Last week I was up against a deadline. I had to miss three runs. I barely went outside. By Thursday night I had enough anxiety that I had to consciously regulate my breathing to keep functioning properly so I could meet the deadline.
Except for inside me, everything was fine. I had nothing to be anxious about. Of course, anxiety doesn’t care about details like that.
I met the deadline. The client was happy. Friday night I went for a run. I’m fine again.
I need to be outside everyday to be okay.
I run and exercise outside every weekday morning. Most evenings I take a walk with Christine. I spend significant time outdoors every weekend. I need this time out of the house because I also spend at least 60 hours each week parked in front of a screen. When I miss my time outside, my happiness levels go down and my anxiety increases within 24 hours.
Get outside and move. You aren’t meant to be a caged animal.
Music is another massive part of my mental health, especially live music. She’s In Parties was one of Heartworms’ opening bands. They were also very good.
‘Invincible Summer’ is available this week only.
The art
‘Invincible Summer’ is a digital + analogue impressionist view of Selsley Common photographed on Boxing Day 2024 and turned into vibrant summer scene.
It’s a beautiful reminder
that seasons always change,
that in the cold dark of winter summer is already preparing to emerge,
that the hubris of humanity is no match for the deeper flow of nature,
that you are part of the deep flow,
that there is always reason for hope.
The print
Size: A2 (420 × 592 mm, 16.5 × 23.4 in)
Paper: Chosen by you! Somerset Enhanced Velvet, 255 GSM, 100% cotton archival quality paper buffered with calcium carbonate to combat degradation from air pollution.
Giclée printed at 1200 dpi using a 12-colour system of archival pigment inks that are UV stable with a lifespan of 100+ years.
Availability: Prints 1–3 are for FFOREST’s founding members. Print 4 goes to Skyler. Print 5 is going on my wall. Prints 6–10 are available now.
Price
Prints 6–10: £95 (approximately $120 US), available now
Further prints up to a maximum of 20 will be made available if there is demand
Price includes worldwide shipping
Grow slowly
Jeff