Inspiration can come in many forms. In the past I have been inspired to take beautiful pictures of beautiful places in the world, I have been inspired by great love and passion to write poetry and paint, but I have to say for this project of promoting self love, my inspiration was quite the opposite. A heart wrenching break up can also inspire creativity!
I remain grateful for the relationship experience because firstly, I felt what true love feels like. Second, this was a monumental event in my life that pushed me to seek more out of life, to self improve and find joy and true meaning in my life. After some time licking my wounds I picked myself back up and turned to spirituality, prayer and art. I spent many months reading and listening to many different spiritual leaders and ideas. I also began to use self affirmations and meditation.
During my intense journey of healing, I woke up one morning in laughter because of this amazing idea that came to me! The idea of 'Us' and the relationship of 'U' and my 'S'. But in my head it came out much sassier like 'U' can kiss my 'Ess'... I mean 'S' because... When 'U' are bigger than us, my 'Ess' has to walk away! And of course these very meaningful sayings were accompanied by super cute illustrations in my head. The relationship of U and S in "us" gave me no shortage of messages! Artistically, I knew that these ideas and characters needed to be explored and expressed.
At the time, I had access to the side of an old shed thanks to my roommate Joe! So I painted my ideas super big and took video of this event that I didn't want to forget! It felt incredibly cathartic to express my emotions in this way so I shared it with some of my social media. Shortly thereafter I lost access to the shed and moved to the beach which came with its own challenges and the idea had nowhere to go... until now.
Self love and healthy relationships are so important! And I would like to remind everyone that self love is important whether or not you are in a relationship. If you are in a relationship, both partners should equally share love with one another. Sometimes effort rests heavier on one (either 'U' or my "S') but it must be returned at some point soon after to level things out. If this does not happen the one constantly giving will deplete. I'm sure you all have heard of "filling one's bucket". If it isn't a give and take relationship, you have moved into a toxic area. That is unacceptable and frankly quite hurtful. We all deserve love and mutual respect in a relationship. If you aren't in a relationship, then good! More time to spend spoiling you!
Sharing my 'S' with you is my way of sharing a little self love confidence and much needed humor with the world. I will be adding corresponding merchandise with my US characters to this site as I finish each design digitally, starting with the original, 'U' can kiss my 'S'. I hope you like it! Be kind to yourselves and each other! I love you lots!! -Nicole
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