There was a time when I thought self-worth was something you could “figure out” and then just keep forever. Like a switch you flip and suddenly you’re confident, grounded, unbothered. But for me, it hasn’t worked like that. My struggle with self-worth has been quiet but constant. It shows up in overthinking, in second-guessing myself, […]
Have you ever climbed into bed, exhausted from the day, only for your brain to suddenly decide it’s time to replay every awkward conversation you’ve ever had, worry about tomorrow, and imagine ten different worst-case scenarios? You’re not alone. Sometimes our bodies are tired, but our minds are still running a marathon. Overthinking can make
When most people hear the words self-care, they picture bubble baths, candles, expensive skincare routines, or a weekend getaway. While those things can certainly be enjoyable, they aren’t what self-care is really about. Real self-care is often much quieter. It’s drinking water when you’ve been busy all day. It’s taking your medication. It’s getting enough
Sometimes I wonder if putting my work online is worth it. As artists, writers, photographers, and creators, we spend hours creating something that comes from our minds, our experiences, and our hearts. Then we upload it to the internet and hope it finds the people who need it. But there is always that fear in
Living inside my mind isn’t quiet—it’s layered. Some days, anxiety feels like a constant hum in the background, like something is about to go wrong even when everything is still. It speeds up my thoughts, makes small things feel overwhelming, and turns simple decisions into heavy ones. Depression is different. It slows everything down. It
This Is What It’s Like in My Head—and Why I Turn It Into Art Read More »
When people discover everything I create today, they often assume I had a big budget from the beginning. The reality couldn’t be more different. I started my creative journey in 2016 with a very old laptop and a simple blog built on Wix. It wasn’t fancy, and I certainly didn’t have every tool I wanted. But it
Starting a Creative Brand Without a Big Budget Read More »
More than anything, I need people to understand my anxiety and my mental health. Not as a label. Not as a trend. But as something that quietly shapes how I move through every single day—even when it doesn’t look like anything is wrong on the outside. Because from the outside, I can still function. I
What I Want People to Understand About Me Read More »
People often assume my retail job and my creative work exist in completely different worlds. One involves helping customers, solving problems, and navigating busy shifts. The other involves creating art, writing blogs, designing products, and building a brand from the ground up. But the longer I’ve done both, the more I’ve realized they share something
My Retail Job and My Life as an Artist Have More in Common Than People Think Read More »
Dear Me, Remember why you started. People sometimes assume I create blogs, Cozy Critters, journals, and gentle reminders simply to keep myself busy. The truth is, that’s not why I started. I started because creating them helped me heal, too. Every reflection I wrote, every chibi I designed, every gentle reminder I shared, and every
Dear Me: I Needed the Reminder Too Read More »
Why My Sassy Relatable Animal Collection Means More Than “Just Cute Designs” At first glance, my collection probably looks like a bunch of cute animals with funny quotes. A sleepy sloth needing a nap. An overwhelmed capybara trying to survive the day. A raccoon mentally checked out. A frog reaching its daily social limit. A
Tiny Emotional Support Animals & The Importance of Self-Care Read More »
When people think about productivity devices, they often imagine spreadsheets, endless emails, and work. My iPad Mini is a little different. For me, it’s part creative studio, part business headquarters, part inspiration board, and part self-care toolkit. It’s where many of the ideas for AbbyJuli.com, AbbyJuliDiaries.com, and CozyPawsandTails.com begin. My Main Home Screen: A Snapshot of What Matters Most
What’s On My iPad Mini: My Digital Sketchbook, Business Hub & Self-Care Companion Read More »
