It's difficult to track the metrics of how we heal from the challenges we face in life. For me, I needed to discover what nourishes me ("water") and what inspires me to go on ("light") and a lot of patience with myself.
This took many years. During this period, I would get feedback from readers that my cartoons were too dark and depressing. I lost tens of thousands of followers online.
I stopped sharing cartoons for a while and focused on finding my "water" and "light."
I didn't know if I would make it out of my slump, but I kept going by continuing to take small steps forward. I found nourishment in family and friends, therapy, climbing, writing and studying my craft.
The seasons are changing again — and I find that I'm doing better. There are still new and old challenges that lay ahead. I don't know what the future holds, but I know it's possible to make progress, little by little, everyday.
Thanks for reading and for being here.
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I'm so glad to see you are doing well - I never thought your work was "too dark", just ever so relatable. I'm happy you are making comics regularly again!
I'm glad I re-found you!