About Me

I am Meredith Hutton residing on Galiano Island, British Columbia (BC), Canada, with my husband, two kids, and our four dogs. Living on this small remote island void of major chain stores and traffic lights, we are surrounded by a multitude of artists and creatives inspired by Galiano’s unique beauty. Since moving here from Vancouver in 2017, I have found a sense of belonging within this artistic community.

I am thrilled to share the exciting projects I am embarking on. My unique creations reflect my personal journey and my merging my chronic pain with my creativity and self care activities. These projects can be found online under “meredithhutton79”. 

In 2023, I suffered a mental breakdown. Part of my recovery involved rebuilding the foundations I lost and adapting to the changes in my brain post-breakdown. By returning to basics, I granted myself the freedom to heal from years of pain and trauma and to start anew. Enduring severe chronic pain since 2008 has propelled me on this healing path and towards a new chapter that I am eager to share. In the course of my healing and growth, I fell in love with journaling as a way to cope with the physical and mental distress I was experiencing, and I incorporated it into my daily routine. Out of me doing an activity to help me heal from my trauma, two ideas blossomed:

My latest creative endeavor, "Galia-Notes," inspired by Galiano and my passion for journaling, entails crafting handmade journals, calendars, planners, and notebooks. These products feature my hand-drawn fine art and previously sold handcrafted greeting cards as journal and planner covers. I am also enthusiastic about incorporating my coloured in "Galiano Island" coloring pages I created in 2022 of local fauna that I created for my colouring pages and other various projects. Infused with the abstract patterns using a meditative form of art called Zentangle, are the words "Galiano Island". You’ll find the words hidden amongst the abstract patterns. These locally inspired hand drawn images total 12 pages. My long awaited projects under meredithhutton79 and Galia-Notes involve producing an undated Galiano Island wall calendar utilizing both my colored-in pages as well as my blank colouring pages, as well as using these images to produce stickers and all occasion greeting cards. I also plan to re-release my colouring pages. I’ve included a locally relevant write up for each image highlighting facts about the image and what it means to Galiano.

Additionally, I have created a blog that delves into my personal experiences with chronic pain, the treatments, and the insights I’ve gained. I offer a snapshot of what life is really like with chronic pain, do reviews and tutorials on utilizing apps, books, websites, and products that aid in managing the physical and mental health challenges posed by persistent pain. I discuss my healthy routines and habits and elaborate on the positive changes I have implemented, as well as emphasize setting realistic goals for personal success. I aim to give a raw and unfiltered look at the hard stuff one deals with and endures when they suffer from chronic pain and tips to manage. My goal is to be a supportive, educational and safe space for Pain Warriors, Spoonies and their loved ones. By candidly addressing topics often left unspoken, I hope this channel serves as an informative resource and a source of empowerment for my fellow Pain Warriors, Spoonies and their loved ones.

My Inspiration - A Fire Was Lit Within My Soul

In 2023, after navigating 15+ years of chronic pain and persistent mental health struggles, I experienced a severe mental breakdown. Struggling to cope, I decided to take a break from managing my previous arts and cards business, and focus on doing things that aid in my healing. In the midst of my crisis, I found solace in two new activities: coloring and journaling. The simplicity of coloring offered a calming escape from my overwhelmed mind, allowing me to focus on nothing painful, nothing distressing, just my focus on choosing colors and creating art in a different way. When I need some calm, I colour while listening to and following along with guided meditations in my fitness app. Blending both brings a sense of calm to my overstimulated senses.

Journaling became an integral part of my life after engaging in a mother-daughter journal with my daughter last summer. The act of journaling in a structured way clicked with my brain. Gradually, I explored other themed journals centered on self-love, healing, and self-care, aiding in processing my intense emotions through guided prompts. Despite the prompts not necessarily aligning with my circumstances, the act of writing proved therapeutic and soothing. Coloring and journaling provided a serene focal point amidst my trauma and journey of self-improvement, diverting my attention from the overwhelming pain and distress I was living with. Engaging in a regular journaling practice unveiled the profound impact it can have, and I am grateful for discovering this empowering outlet. It's ultimately what led me to creating this blog and starting meredithhutton79 Chronic Creative Lifestyle Management. 

Amidst the challenges, I have yet to resume my art and cards business the way that I used to. Given the circumstances, I feel compelled to start afresh and rebuild the personal and professional identities I lost during my breakdown. Creating meredithhutton79 is a tribute to my life’s passions, blending more of my personal life with chronic pain with my creative life.

I am at the inception of both projects, with a multitude of tasks ahead to bring them to fruition. Driven and inspired, with hard work I eagerly anticipate the creations that will emerge. 

Thank you for visiting my online platforms, and remember to subscribe, like, and share! Let's inspire and uplift each other as we navigate life's challenges and celebrate its beauty.