It has become a calling, and has given me such a sense of purpose. I am humbled by the people I work with, and feel deeply responsible for holding their stories, making a safe and positive space for sharing, and creating something touching and personal. I've learned that I need to space out paintings, because at times it can feel like re-living diagnosis over and over, but it has become important for me to help people navigate that moment knowing that they'll have a piece of meaningful art at the end of it. It really does make me smile! Three years ago, I was focused on work environments that weren't helpful in managing my symptoms - my job was always very fast-paced and stressful. Creating this kind of work has helped me step back, and gives me hope that I can create my own future where I can actively accommodate my day-to-day needs. I am truly grateful for that!