I was my own therapist 🌸

Hello this is Seri 🌸

For years, I struggled with depression and anxiety, feeling lost and uncertain about my path. But over time, I found healing in unexpected places, through flowers, travel, creativity, and self-care. Each small step, from learning new languages to spending time with animals, became a part of my personal therapy, helping me rediscover peace and purpose.

While the journey wasn’t easy, it taught me the power of self-love and resilience.

This is a glimpse into the path I took to heal and find strength, one small step at a time.

🌸) Finding My Path Through Work.

I studied social sciences for the knowledge, but I never quite knew what I wanted to do with it.

My love for flowers had always been there, but I never considered it a career. However, when I began exploring workshops and the idea of a career related to flowers, I found a sense of purpose. It became more than just a profession; it became therapeutic for me, offering a life-changing sense of direction and fulfillment.

Advice: If you're uncertain about your career, explore what brings you joy, even if it doesn't seem like a traditional profession. Sometimes, passion can lead you to unexpected paths that offer fulfillment and purpose. Find something that resonates with your soul, and it might become your healing journey.

💐) Travel: My Therapy

Travel was never just about seeing new places. It was my personal therapy. It reshaped how I viewed my life, taught me invaluable lessons, and helped me cope with many challenges. The experiences and perspectives I gained through travel profoundly influenced my mindset, offering clarity and a sense of peace.

Advice: If you feel stuck or overwhelmed, consider traveling, even small trips can help shift your perspective. Travel is not just about seeing new places; it's about experiencing growth, gaining clarity, and learning more about yourself along the way. You don’t have to go far; sometimes a change of scenery is all you need to reset.

🌹) Getting Creative.

During times of depression and anxiety, I found myself sinking into boredom, losing motivation. To fight this, I turned to creativity. I picked up new hobbies (pottery) and sports (ballet and aerial dance), and this became my therapy. The act of creating, whether through art, sports, or simply exploring something new, helped me reconnect with myself.

Advice: When you're feeling lost or uninspired, turn to creativity. Whether through art, sports, or learning something new, creativity can be a powerful outlet for stress. Find an activity that excites you, and allow it to be your therapy. Don’t wait for motivation, create it by simply starting.

🌼) Finding Solace in Little Hobbies.

I started doing things that allowed me to spend time alone, like writing. It became a form of therapy for me, especially after my cousin passed away. Writing allowed me to process my emotions and gave me an outlet to express my feelings of loneliness and grief. It was incredibly healing.

Advice: Find quiet moments for yourself. Activities like writing, journaling, or crafting can be incredibly healing. When you face loss or loneliness, these hobbies allow you to process emotions and express what might be hard to say. Giving yourself space to reflect can bring deep emotional relief.

🌻) Animals: Unspoken Healers.

Animals, as we all know, have an unmatched therapeutic power. At the time, I had a pet and also spent time at animal centers. These moments were incredibly healing. The comfort and companionship they provided helped me more than I can explain.

Just watching wildlife documentaries hepled me.

Advice: If you’re struggling emotionally, consider spending time with animals. Whether through a pet or volunteering at an animal center, animals offer unconditional support. Their companionship can provide comfort and healing without any words, allowing you to reconnect with your inner peace.

🪷) Going Out, Even in Small Doses.

It was hard at first, especially when there seemed to be no immediate change but I made myself go out, little by little. Whether it was walking outside, feeling the sun, or listening to the river, being in nature became my sanctuary. Over time, this simple act helped me heal in profound ways.

Advice: It’s hard to take the first step when you’re feeling down, but small doses of time outdoors can make a huge difference. Start by going for short walks or sitting in nature. The act of stepping outside and soaking in the environment helps clear your mind and provides emotional grounding.

🌷) Learning Foreign Languages.

Learning foreign languages became a goal that I couldn’t let go of. It wasn’t just about acquiring a skill, it became my therapy. I learned Korean and French, and through my travels, I also picked up German. The joy of mastering something new, of setting and achieving a goal, gave me purpose and excitement. It became a part of my journey toward self-discovery.

Advice: Learning a new language can be an amazing way to channel your energy. It’s more than just acquiring a skill; it’s about engaging your mind in something new and exciting. The sense of achievement and the joy of mastering a new language can provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

🌺) Relaxation and Aromatherapy.

I began practicing aromatherapy and meditation to manage anxiety. For a time, these practices helped me, but over time, I found their effects diminishing. However, for anyone who seeks calmness, it can be incredibly beneficial. During these sessions, I also practiced gratitude. At first, I could only think of basic things to be thankful for, but as time went on, I realized the beauty in small things: having hands, having hair. This practice truly changed my perspective on life, helping me recognize how lucky I am to be alive.

Advice: When feeling anxious, try relaxation techniques like aromatherapy or meditation. They might not solve everything, but they provide moments of peace. Start small, with simple practices like deep breathing or using calming scents. These can ground you and offer calmness, even if temporarily.

🥀) Doing Sports for Body and Mind.

I had already practiced figure skating, but I sought out new activities that could challenge both my body and mind : ballet and aerial dance. Ballet offered grace and discipline, while aerial dance allowed me to connect with my strength in a completely different way. These activities felt like a natural extension of my journey, and they provided the perfect therapeutic outlet. Ballet helped me improve my posture and control, while aerial dance allowed me to release stress and become mentally stronger, fostering a sense of balance and inner peace.

Advice: Physical activity isn’t just for the body; it’s a mental reset. Whether it’s yoga, taijutsu, or another form of exercise, movement helps release tension and fosters mental clarity. Find a sport or activity that challenges you but also helps you feel more centered.

💮) Healthy Living

I worked with a nutritionist twice before taking matters into my own hands. Eating better and sleeping better played a significant role in my mental health. It wasn’t about losing weight but about nourishing my body so I could see the positive effects on my mind. I also made efforts to take care of myself by dressing well, doing skincare, and moving away from the habit of staying in pajamas all day. Small acts of self-care, like manicures or treating myself to gifts, made me feel better.

Advice: Take control of your physical well-being by focusing on nourishing your body. Proper nutrition and sleep have a powerful effect on mental health. Also, self-care routines, like dressing up or skincare, are acts of love that help improve your self-esteem and bring small joys into your daily life.

🪻) Creating a Wall of Motivation.

One of the hardest things was finding the motivation to keep going. I created, inspired by a friend, a "wall" full of quotes to inspire me, but the most powerful motivator was simple: "I either live or die, but I don’t want to be a living dead." It took courage to get up, eat, and do activities, even when it felt exhausting. But I knew that if I wanted to live, I needed to make the effort, no matter how hard it seemed. I no longer wanted to see myself stuck in bed, trapped in sadness.

Advice: Create a physical reminder of why you need to keep going. Motivational quotes or affirmations can be a source of strength when life feels overwhelming. Even if it feels tough to take action, remember your purpose and motivation, it could be the push you need to keep moving forward.

🌾) Faith

During this time, my faith gave me hope. I turned to it for strength, believing that things would eventually get better. It was comforting to hold onto this belief, knowing that the hard times would pass.

Advice: When life feels uncertain, find something to believe in, whether it’s faith, spirituality, or personal philosophy. Holding onto a belief that things will improve can give you hope and resilience during hard times. Faith can serve as a grounding force that gives you strength when you feel lost.

🌱) Self-Affirmation and Self-esteem.

At the time, I was very shy, and expressing myself through my style and thoughts became a practice in self-affirmation. I learned that it’s okay to not conform and to express my true self. This journey into understanding my worth was life-changing. I started to see myself as valuable, as someone deserving of respect and care. I understood that if I didn’t like something about myself, I had the power to change it.

Advice: Take time to reflect on your worth. Through image consulting or personal exploration, learn to affirm your value and express yourself authentically. Practice self-acceptance and be kind to yourself, understanding that your true self deserves care, respect, and love. You will be in your own head for your whole life, make it a nice place to be.

🍁) Getting Involved in an Association.

Helping others, especially those going through worse times, was incredibly therapeutic. I volunteered with organizations focused on mental health and supporting children. While it was emotionally overwhelming at times, it gave me a new perspective on my own life. It helped me complain less and appreciate the good I have.

Advice: Helping others can be one of the most rewarding forms of therapy. Volunteer, especially with causes that resonate with you. Giving back shifts your focus from your own struggles and helps you gain perspective, reminding you that you have much to offer others.

🌳) Spending Time with Loved Ones.

During this journey, I spent time with my auntie, someone close to me who was there for me when I needed it most. We supported each other through tough times, and it helped me remember that I wasn’t alone.

Advice: Nurture the relationships that bring you joy. Spending quality time with those who care about you can provide emotional healing and remind you that you’re not (always) alone. Having a support system to lean on can make all the difference in tough moments.

Final Thoughts: Therapy Through Self-care.

Looking back on these 2-3 years, I realize that the things I did for myself : whether it was finding a career path, learning new languages, or spending time with loved ones were my therapy.

No psychologist or psychiatrist could help me the way I helped myself.

It wasn’t easy, and I still face depression at times, but the journey I took toward healing was truly transformative.

It was a journey with myself, and in many ways, we did it together.

Pic 🖼️ : designed by freepik.