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James

@sunlightafterdark

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🕊️🕊️CANADIAN ARTIST 🕊️
Healing everyday, chronic illness and mental health creator (:
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I meet my younger self for coffee. She arrives five minutes early and I, ten minutes. We both show up listening to metal music. She sports black jeans with rips covering the front and her favorite Black Veil Brides jacket, holding tight to the end of the left sleeve, fingers curled tight into a fist, her favorite high-top converse tied snuggly on her feet. I showcase an oversized, knitted black sweater, dark leggings, and combat boots. We are both twirling our hair as we talk; some things never change. In the corner of this café, I tell her the void doesn’t have to be a place to die. I show her faded scars all over our body. I show her what a heart free of alcohol tastes like. She asks how I draw our winged eyeliner so well and I tell her we are still an artist. We still write poetry, just a bit more quietly, a bit more careful. I show her the plethora of tattoos we now adorn, and she gawks at how well they match our personality. I open my chest and point out how a photo of her still hangs high on the wall; an altar, a wishing well, a reminder of who we were and who I am making proud today. I tell her we’re moving into our own apartment in two weeks. Alone. I tell her we grew into someone brave and kind and hopeful, though still struggling with motivation. We still play video games. Religiously, at that. I tell her about coming out as a lesbian, not just bisexual, and her eyes glisten with hope. I hold her hand, run my thumb over her wrist, kiss the top of her head. Remind her that yes, we do survive. We do thrive. We do make it to the other side.

(Credit to @jennaececelia for caption inspiration.)

In other news, happy late Valentine’s Day to the sweetest girl I’ve ever known. The handwritten quote art pieces are dedicated to her. Swipe to see some snapshots from our weekend celebrating our first one together. I couldn’t ask to be loved in a more proper, softer way than the way this girl loves me. I feel fulfilled in ways I never thought I needed, nor deserved. She is a lush place to land. She is my future unfolding in the palm of my hand, and I have never held something so carefully yet chaotically in my life. My heart is feral in the best of ways. 💕

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what little moments have you been enjoying? 🐈‍⬛📺❣️

( 🎨 by @sunlightafterdark )

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We will still be friends even when this life ends.
Tag them. 👻👻

Art; @sunlightafterdark

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Change is a beast waiting on my front porch and I have grown comfortable leaving the door unlocked.

There are an infinite number of waves to surf when it comes to emotions. I find myself sitting in wave pools, allowing the water to wash over me no matter how forceful. I’ve become well acquainted with holding my breath.

I am at a point in my life where change, self-exploration, and prioritizing my own heart’s needs have become concepts I have grown increasingly familiar with. I am swimming deep in the center of myself, searching for treasure.

Here are a few quote art pieces from this week’s high tide. Remember to always take care of yourself. YOU are what matters. 🌙

Slides 1 & 8: via the Tumblr blog “beamingsuggestion”
Slide 3: @luvicle
Slide 6: @starparkdesigns
Slide 7: @subtle.somebody
Slide 9: @sunlightafterdark
Slide 10: @reynabiddy

#writing #quote #poetry #collageart #quoteart #healingjourney #chance #growth #selfexploration #selflove #mentalhealth #lifelessons #loss #heartbreak #prioritizeyourself #emotion #selfcare

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what are y’all listening to? 🎧 comment below 👇 maybe we can make your suggestions into a playlist? We love this art so much by @sunlightafterdark 💕

music can be such a great way to relate to feelings, find comfort, and connect with others. let’s share our favorites and create something beautiful together! ✨

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In the quiet corners of life, where the world slows to a gentle pause, there’s a certain kind of magic that blooms simply from being beside someone who fills the room with love—even when the skies within us are gray.

Art @sunlightafterdark 🎨

Sometimes, it’s not about grand gestures or fairy-tale moments; it’s about those serene instants spent doing nothing but sharing the silence. In the soft embrace of sheets, with hearts speaking silently, we find a sanctuary. Here, healing flows not from the flurry of activity, but from the warmth of presence.

It’s in these humble moments of togetherness that we are reminded how love quietly stitches up the frayed edges of our spirit. When we’re with someone who sees our storms yet chooses to anchor us with their calm, it’s a gentle but profound reminder that love isn’t just about being happy together; it’s about being there, through every shade of emotion.

As you scroll through your day, think about the souls in your life who stand as your lighthouses during low tides. Give them a little nod of gratitude. Better yet, tag them here, share a moment when their simple presence was the healing you didn’t know you needed. 💜

#goodfriend #lovequotesandsayings
#mentalhealthadvocacy
#bestfriendquotes #mindfulpractice #bestfriendsever #bestfriendsgoals
#mentalhealthtips
#surroundyourselfwithpositivepeople
#surroundyourselfwithgoodpeople
#affirmationsoftheday
#mentalhealthart #wellbeingwarrior
#depressionsupport
#mentalhealthisimportant
#mentalhealthblog #innergrowth
#mindfulnessquotes
#mentalhealthawarness
#selfcareisntselfish #friendshipgoals
#anxietysupport #anxietyawareness
#mentalhealthadvocate
#selfcompassion #friendsforever
#mentalhealthrecovery
#selfacceptance #youmakemehappy

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One day I’ll have a place where everyone I love feels at home and no one goes to bed sad.

Art; @sunlightafterdark

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Hey, I love you. 🥦🥒🌽🍅
Tag someone you love.

Art: @sunlightafterdark

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Love is beautiful and Divine.
Tag someone you love. ❤️

Art: @sunlightafterdark

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Which ones are your favorite?
Tag someone you love. 🐈‍⬛👻

Art: @sunlightafterdark

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This thought is especially potent as we stand on the cusp of Christmas Eve, a time symbolic of new beginnings and heartfelt hopes.🎄✨

Art @sunlightafterdark 🎨

As the Christmas lights twinkle and the world seems to pause in a silent, serene expectation, let’s remind ourselves of the uncharted joys that lie ahead. Each day is an unwritten chapter in our life’s story, and every moment holds the potential for something extraordinary.

In the spirit of the season, let’s pledge to make the most of these upcoming days. Not just in pursuit of our personal happiness, but in spreading joy and kindness to those around us. Remember, the greatest gift we can give is often our time, our understanding, and our love.

As we gather with family, friends, or even spend a moment in solitary reflection, let’s cherish these precious instances. Let’s fill our hearts with gratitude for the past and optimism for the future. Let’s embrace the festive spirit, allowing it to guide us into a new year filled with promise and positivity.

And here’s a little call to action for all of us: Share a moment from this Christmas Eve that filled your heart with joy or gave you hope for the better days ahead. Whether it’s a family tradition, a simple act of kindness, or a personal revelation, let’s spread the festive cheer.🎅

Merry Christmas Eve, everyone. Here’s to more good days, more love, more laughter, and more life. 🌟🎄✨

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#bekindtoothers #benicetopeople #cutedoodle #trusttheprocess #mentalhealthtips #affirmationsoftheday #mentalhealthart #wellbeingwarrior #depressionsupport #mentalhealthisimportant #mentalhealthblog #innergrowth #mindfulnessquotes #mentalhealthawarness #selfcareisntselfish #anxietyawareness #mentalhealthadvocate #selfcompassion #mentalhealthrecovery #selfacceptance #lifeisbeautiful❤️ #goodthings #goodthingsarecoming #surroundyourselfwithpositivepeople #surroundyourselfwithgoodpeople #lovedones❤️ #mypeople❤️ #greatthingstocome #christmaseve #merrychristmas

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Every single one.
(Tag someone you love)

Art: @sunlightafterdark

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