Now that life is getting back to more normal, I’m back at work doing the work I feel God wants me to do. I’m back coaching and writing and of course, painting what’s in my healing garden.
I’ve created a Facebook page to share some of the healing from the garden, as well as my own website, Injennifersgarden.com. Feel free to stop by and visit. (Go see the video of this mornings activity here in the garden (my house!) with the jays and squirrels.)
My Etsy shop is open and ready for business. I’ve been painting the blossoms from the garden as well as images of Christ. Both have been instrumental in helping me navigate the nightmare of benzo withdrawal.
My newest book, Stop. Open. Turn. Three Simple Listening Skills To Nurture And Grow Love In Recovery is available as a txt. file download from my Etsy store. The paperback is being released this fall.
I’m still healing, but the days are getting much, much better. Even the mornings are not quite a grim as they used to be. I’m excited about life ahead, and eager to start hosting workshops and this spring I’m planning a women’s retreat here in the SF bay area.
Keep fighting the good fight. And if you get hit by a wicked wave late in the game as I did, know that it will pass… just give it time. Mine took 5 months to reside, but it did. Your’s will too. Trust the healing process, even if you have to kick and scream along the way. Just. Hold. On.
Sending my love to you all.
Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer for this. So good to see how u r doing better! I will keep checking this. Ive been crying off and on..prob due to lack of sleep..idk..i get confused. feel alone..I know God is there but no 1 else in a way..this helps. tired of the sadness and tiredness and body sxs..i keep going..and still feel im so nuts..Thanks.
Dear Jennifer, Can’t begin to tell you what joy your news brings me! I am so so happy for you. You made the right decision about Denver and wil go one day soon when you are completely steady on your feet. Good for you with all the new work and ideas. Be good to yourself. You deserve it. You are well on your way to a wonderful, healthy life. May God bless you always.
Me again – how do we get to your Etsy shop? Thanks darling.
Hi! Thanks for asking
https://www.etsy.com/shop/InJennifersGarden
It gets better Amy. Just hold on. It takes time. A lot of time, for some of us. But you will get your life back. Hang in there. ok?
So exciting to read how well you’re doing. Hopefully there will be no more bad waves. You look absolutely healthy and beautiful.
I am so relieved to hear you sound so well and excited about life. Especially good to hear you using your creativity again. I am doing okay beng back on the K, I wish I weren’t but I don’t think I could fight the 2 battles at once. I am fighting a blood clot which is not responding to warfarin. My dr wants me to take Lovenox an1800 a month drug of which in pay about 300. Another problem with big pharma, prices on drug for which it is essential for some of us to live. I will be getting a filter inserted this Friday. I look forward to the day I can start weaning from the k.
I am very happy for you!
Virginia S.
I meant the insurance pays only 300.
Amen!
Ok. Thank you Jennifer.
Hi Jennifer,
I have been reading your posts for a while. So excited to hear that you are feeling better! I am almost 8 months off benzos (I was on Xanax for a few weeks which I got from my PCP for severe anxiety, then a psychiatrist transferred me to Klonopin which I was on for a few months…then I switched to 7.5 mgs Valium and did a 6 week taper–fast, I know, but the psych doc said it was OK–ha!)
This was my third time on benzos in my life for anxiety. First time I came off with no problems after 4 months use in my late 20s. Then in 2009 I had such severe anxiety I went on benzos for 4 months and came off and suffered poor sleep, severe muscle aches, and anxiety, but was back to myself in a few months. This last time, Oct. of 2013-March 2014, I guess I kindled myself and I have been in misery ever since: burning skin, muscle twitching, near total insomnia, painful scalp, head pressure etc. etc. The worst symptoms right now are insomnia and emotional numbness-I can’t feel love for people and things like I used to. I am horrified that I will be this way forever.
Is there anyway you could ask Don to contact me? I’d love to talk to someone like him who has healed.
God Bless