Table of Contents
Introduction 8
Cross-Stitch Basics 10
Supplies 10
Preparing to Stitch 14
Essential Stitches and Techniques 17
Finishingand Framing Your Piece 23
A Final Note: Stitch the Way You Want 25
Invest in Your Body 27
Move Joyfully 29
Self-Love Is Self-Care 31
Your Body Deserves Rest 33
Welcome to the Cozy Zone 35
Interrupt My Bath at Your Own Risk 37
You Are Not Alive Just to Pay Bills and Lose Weight 39
Don't Forget to Hydrate 41
Radical & Revolutionary 43
Fuck "Should" 45
Letting That Shit Go 47
You Have the Time 49
Forced Positivity Sucks 51
Self-Care Is Not Selfish 53
You Are More Than Your Productivity 55
Say No to Shit You Hate 57
You Are Enough 59
It's Okay If All You Did Today Was Survive 61
Mental Health Is Health 63
Introvert Zone: Do Not Disturb 65
You Are a Garden, Not a Machine 67
It's Okay to Not Be Okay 69
Maybe Everything Isn't Garbage 71
Therapy Fucking Rules 73
If You Can't Make Your Own Neurotransmitters, Store-bought Is Fine 75
Your Thoughts Do Not Define You 77
Forgive Yourself 79
Setting Boundaries Is My Superpower 81
Self-Care is Not All About You 83
Pets Welcome, People Tolerated 85
Go Outside 87
All Vibes Always 89
Self-Made Is a Myth 91
Real Friends Hold Each Other Accountable 93
Proud Plant Parent 95
Community Over Competition 97
Art Is Life 101
You Can Do the Thing 103
I Made This 105
Progress Not Perfection 107
Happiness Is Handmade 109
Fuck Imposter Syndrome. You Art Is Valid 111
If Music Be the Food of Love, Play On 113
Creativity Is Messy. I Am Extremely Creative 115
Flow 121
Resources 127
Acknowledgments 129
About the Author 131
Index 133
