Anger. I don't deal with it well. Having been raised by a bully in a Christian Cult, current events are very upsetting for me. Yesterday, I really needed a way to express how angry I was feeling, but having been subjected to a screaming bully, shouting it out isn't a great option for me. Having been subjected to physical abuse, punching pillows also feels ineffective. I didn't want to paint something peaceful yesterday. So I painted my palm with red paint and slammed it down on the paper as hard as I could. Then I painted it black and did the same. Seeing the paint splatter, and the darkness of the black fingerprints helped me to connect to my anger. As I continued to look at what I'd just created (hand stinging!) I decided to add the small blooming flower. I will never become a person who will take my anger out on others. I will never be a person who is purposefully mean. No matter how angry I feel, the core of who I am, and the way I believe we should treat each other will always remain--not unlike a flower that blooms even in a storm of anger. This doesn't mean that I will allow anyone to push me around, but for me, love for others can't be optional. Neither is love for myself. Love yourself through the anger. Love yourself first.
Love, Cheri
