Healing Through Words and Color: How One Grandmother Turned Her Pain Into Power

For many, mental health struggles are silent battles—fought behind closed doors and hidden behind everyday smiles. For Shantel, a devoted grandmother of three, the journey toward mental wellness was filled with emotional potholes—fear of abandonment, self-doubt, and years of unhealed trauma. But instead of giving in, she decided to create something beautiful from her pain: a powerful adult affirmation coloring book titled “I AM: Positive Affirmations for Adults for Healing and Self-Motivation.”

The Silent Struggles

Mental health challenges can stem from various life experiences—childhood trauma, unhealthy relationships, unresolved grief, or even the overwhelming responsibilities of adulthood. In Shantel’s case, it was the weight of abandonment that lingered the longest. Left to raise her children alone and later her grandchildren, she often felt like she was never enough—never fully seen or supported.

As she grew older, those feelings didn’t fade. They merely changed shape, manifesting as anxiety, emotional fatigue, and moments of quiet despair. “There were nights I cried after putting the kids to bed,” Shantel recalls. “I was scared—scared of being alone, of not being valued. I felt invisible.”

The Turning Point

Everything changed when she began journaling. What started as scribbles of pain became pages of purpose. She wrote down affirmations to remind herself of who she truly was, even when her emotions told her otherwise:

• I am loved.

• I am not my past.

• I am worthy of peace.

Soon, she realized the power these simple affirmations had to reframe her thoughts. That’s when the idea sparked—what if others could benefit from this too?

From Healing to Helping

With a heart full of purpose and a deep desire to heal not just herself but others, Shantel created "I AM: Positive Affirmations for Adults for Healing and Self-Motivation." It’s more than a coloring book—it’s a self-care tool. Each page features a motivational affirmation paired with intricate designs to color, helping adults calm their minds and reinforce positive self-talk through creativity.

“Coloring helped me slow down my thoughts,” she says. “And pairing it with affirmations helped me speak life back into myself.”

Mental Health Matters

Mental health doesn’t discriminate by age, gender, or background. What matters is how we choose to respond. Shantel’s story is a reminder that healing is possible—and sometimes, it begins with a pen, a prayer, and a page.

Here are a few ways to care for your mental health:

• Practice daily affirmations.

• Connect with a supportive community or therapist.

• Engage in creative outlets like art, music, or writing.

• Prioritize rest and mindfulness.

• Speak kindly to yourself—especially on hard days.

Her Book is Now Available

Whether you’re on your own healing journey or want to support someone else, Shantel’s book offers a peaceful, empowering experience for adults of all ages. Take the first step toward self-love and emotional restoration. https://a.co/d/00WDGoK

You are not alone. You are not forgotten. You are becoming.

Let Shantel’s story inspire yours.