Creating card decks wasn’t on my to-do list. But, one day while having coffee with a colleague who is a retired psychotherapist and certified journaling instructor AND a published author, I complained that I really wanted to write a book on self-help but was concerned that the people who needed it most wouldn’t have the time to read what I had to say. She looked at me sagely and mysteriously, then suggested that if I created a card deck, I could reach more of the stressed-out and over-scheduled women who might receive my message well.

Then, as it turned out, she knew someone who teaches therapists and coaches how to create cards. In addition, this person only teaches the class once a year, and my friend thought that window of time might be coming up soon.

Not only was it soon, it was just a few days later. I found myself caught up in a whirlwind, because I knew very well that I was not an artist, not that creative, and not really ready, but there I was, online with other people who had more creative talent in their pinky fingers than I had in my whole self. In addition, I still wasn’t even entirely sure what card decks were or how to use them.

I might have known all that in my head, but my heart led me along the path. I threw everything I knew from my years as a counselor and decades as a neurofeedback practitioner (and entire life as a bookworm). I also found inspiration from an art-nouveau exhibit I’d recently gone to with a dear friend. I learned how to use AI, how to use imagery and symbolism to inspire myself, and how to vet publishers.

I am most likely going to create an online course for how to overcome hurdles to self-care (you know—time, fear, and resources) within the next year. For now, I hope you’ll try and benefit from these cards.