We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful April Rodriguez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with April below.
April, we can’t begin to explain how much we appreciate you sharing about your PPD experience, but we can say that so many in our community are suffering from or have suffered from postpartum issues including postpartum depression and so you sharing your story and how you overcame it might help someone who is going through it right now or in the future. What can you share with us about how you overcame PPD? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Overcoming Postpartum Depression was hard for me. First I really wasn’t expecting to experience it. I’m a pretty optimistic person so I thought this won’t happen to me. It hit hard when I realized I couldn’t just go back to my creativity like it was before I had my daughter. I tried going back to that old version of myself so many times just to be disappointed
At some point I started investing into my spirituality and meditation, which helped ease the anxiety. Little by little I was able to be creative again. It also just helped that my daughter was getting older and Could be on her own more.
Then about 2 months ago I started reading The Artist’s Way and that really got me back into my creativity. It healed a lot of parts of me and brought light to other areas that needed healing.
Lately I’ve been creating more and more and it’s been wonderful!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is April and I’m an Artist of many mediums. I just love to try new things and figure them out. I do whatever my heart desires. Sometimes that’s sewing, or Watercolor. Other time’s i like to crochet or make pom poms and then I may feel like beading earrings or making mobiles. I’m also very much into spirituality and self actualization. This mix of trying all things is what makes me unique as a creator.
As of late, I just finished a batch of hand-sewn items, a utility apron, crossbody bag, a tote bag and a pencil bag. And now I’m currently working on a Watercolor creatures picture with some paper collage elements. I’m not quite sure what I’ll work on next but I’m sure my heart will tell me!
The 3 qualities that have been most impacting on my journey are resilience, optimism and community.
Community is key on your journey, not just to support you when you need it but also to share what you know with others. I love teaching others how to sew. It makes me happy to see someone else learn this skill. They in turn feel good about themselves and it creates an amassing supportive relationship.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
I’m currently reading The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron and it had really helped me to see my creativity differently. The book talks a lot about the things that block you as an artist. Most of these things are your own perspective and upbringing.
The most helpful part of the book has been worrying in a journal every morning. There something about writing how your feeling and being able to have a conversation with your kindest parent voice that is very healing.
Contact Info:
- Website: Modestbetty.etsy.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/modestbetty
