Who Am I?
I was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD after a lifetime of feeling different and having many struggles that I desperately tried to cover up. I eventually became exhausted being someone I wasn't and found answers for myself. Slowly I am finding myself. I have always had an outlet of crafts and creating. After years of not touching anything crafty, a lifetime of struggles and 2 grown kids, I decided I would indulge in my creative side again.
Years ago, my Mom (who was my biggest supporter of all crafts and in life and who I miss terribly now) and I used to sell at local craft shows. I have many fond memories of spending time with her doing these. She would sell her famous knitted, hooded baby sweaters and I would sell ceramics, or anything else I was creating at the time. These are the things that make life memorable.
I started back by creating journals on Amazon KDP -publish on demand. I found it calming and stress relieving and allowed myself to create whatever came out of my head and put together whatever "felt right" to me. No judgement on myself, no trying to "fit in".
From there, I wanted to be more hands on and actually MAKE things again. I bought a Cricut recently and although am overwhelmed by all it can do, it has me excited to create things. I wanted to start a "real" business. My fiance has been very supportive in following my newly found dream of running a successful online store. He gives me confidence and comes up with great ideas for products that might interest others. He's been super supportive of me stepping down from a supervisory position that I truly did love but have now just become too exhausted to do and sees how much it has affected my well being.
I love organizing and creating and these things help keep me stable and calm. *I* come first. My well being comes first. As hard as I know this will be, and knowing I have A LOT to learn, starting Solitude in the Forest feels RIGHT! I want to share my ideas and creations with others. I want to spread awareness of Advocating, Educating and Acceptance for every kind of person whether it be a disability, mental health, LGBTQ+, race, etc.
Thank you for coming along on my journey forward with me! I appreciate your support and I hope that youwill join me in ADVOCATING, EDUCATING and creating ACCEPTANCE!
Much love,
Cindy-Leigh
