Chat Between @jesusredeemedme2425 and @azurePond
I just wanted to give you a heads up (I’m sending this to all my active penpal chats):
I’ve been on 7Cups a lot lately and typing is bothering my carpal tunnel. I’ve also been reaching burnout, and haven’t been accomplishing things I want to do lol!
So I may be slow in responding, while giving my hand and my mind a bit of a rest. Please be patient with my slower responses! <3
ALSO… If I ever take longer than maybe 5 days to respond, the notification may have disappeared. Just send me a reminder post to send me a new notification, to remind me to respond :)
Thanks for understanding! <3
@jesusredeemedme2425 Thank you so much for the heads up.... I really appreciate it. I’m sorry to hear you’re dealing with carpal tunnel and burnout... that sounds rough. Please take all the time you need to rest and take care of yourself — your health (both mental and physical) comes first, always. I’ll definitely be patient, and if needed, I’ll gently nudge you after a few days with a reminder post. Sending you lots of kindness and healing vibes!
You dont have to earn rest, but if anyone deserves rest ... it is you. You have been through a lot these past few weeks especially.
Take care, Kiara💖🌿
Love your pfp btw :)
@jesusredeemedme2425 Thank you! It’s wisteria (you probably recognized it) Since 'Purple Puddles' is my name....I thought wisteria would make a fitting pfp.
It’s PERFECT <3
Hey Kiara.... so you are taking your mom to ER? for the follow up?
Also about the carpal tunnel... Have you visited a doctor yet? Is it on your both writs or just one?
@jesusredeemedme2425 Kiara you didnt ask me but let me give you some unsolicited advice...lol
Just wanted to share a few things that might help ease the carpal tunnel a bit—nothing too intense, but all backed by science...
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Try using a cold pack on your wrist for 10 to 15 mins every few hours—it can help with the inflammation.
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If you’re not already, wearing a wrist splint at night (or even while typing) can really take the pressure off the nerve.
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Gentle stretches help too....like wrist flexor stretches or that prayer pose stretch. Even a few minutes a couple times a day can make a difference. (But don't do it if the stretches make you feel uncomfprtable or if there is more pain)
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tiny ergonomic changes—like keeping your wrist straight while typing or taking short breaks every 30 mins to rotate your wrists.
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And if the pain flares up, an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory meds might give some relief (but only if it’s safe for you to take but it is always better to take a doctor's advice)
I know it svcks and you're already dealing with so much—but I hope even one of these gives you a little bit of relief . The cold ice pack will work wonders, give it a try.💛
Thank you so much! <3
I do wear a wrist brace at night on my absolute worst days, and I take Tylenol and sometimes Advil <3
@jesusredeemedme2425 Hey—definitely try the ice thing.... it actually works! (Though slow.. it works) I asked a doctor about it recently—well a practicing one—and they confirmed it helps with the inflammation.
I meant to tell you a few days ago, actually around the time you mentioned your carpal tunnel but I totally forgot to text you back then. I’m so sorry!
Funny thing is.... I even asked about Slow Decline’s allergy and inflammation too but for that kind of stuff, the patient really needs to be physically present. I did share some of it with him in his journal, though.
Still can't believe I forgot to follow up with you. Apologies again, truly. Take care, Kiara
No worries! It feels a thousand times better just resting it, too. Thank you dear friend <3
@jesusredeemedme2425 Always <3
Thank you hehe
I’m embarrassed for butting into your convo… Moment of weakness maybe. Sorry!
@jesusredeemedme2425 Hey… I actually replied in that chat about how I felt regarding your embarrassment—so please, don’t be embarrassed. Really.
And thank you for butting in—if you hadn’t, I wouldn’t have known you were going through a tough time. Kiara, you can lean on us, you know that, right? You don’t have to hold it all alone.
You can always text me when things feel heavy—that’s exactly what these chats are for.
I love you 💖
Now tell me what's going on.. is it the whole week's thing weighing on you? (if you are comfortable to share)..or we can talk about something else?
I just look and feel like an idiot. Here I hate people snooping in my chats, and then I do it. Like, with multiple chats. What’s wrong with me lately lol
I posted again in a post about my mom, but it doesn’t look like anyone saw it yet. She nearly went to the ER again tonight… This whole thing is really messing me up.
I do have to hold back. I’ve lost friends for saying too much…
Posting hurts my hand too :(
I love you more <3
My mom. Just… that. She’s not really getting better.
I needed something to distract and calm me tonight, so I made a few encouragement posts.
@jesusredeemedme2425 Hey… first of all.... you’re not an idiot ( I hate it when people call me or my friends idiot so even you are not allowed to call my friend an idiot) You're overwhelmed, hurting and carrying so much—it’s okay to act out of stress sometimes. Be kind to yourself please. You're human and you’re doing the best you can.
I’m so sorry about your mom. I can only imagine how hard this must be. The fear, the helplessness… it’s a lot. You’re allowed to feel messy. You’re allowed to break down. You’re still incredibly strong for showing up—for her and for yourself.
I saw your encouragement posts—they’re beautiful, like your heart. And… I made one for you... if that’s alright. It’s my first time doing something like this so I’m not sure if it’ll work or if people know me enough to respond. But however it goes, know this...
You are loved.
You have a friend in me, Kiara.
And if that’s what it takes—I’ll put up a billboard in your locality with hearts and your name on it.
Always here. I love you. <3
You are like the SWEETEST human ever :’)
Breaking down is not an option, to me…
I LOVE the post you made me! It’s so kind and sweet <3
They will. Trust me. They’re my people <3
I love you more <3
@jesusredeemedme2425 Maybe not in front of your mom... but you definitely need an outlet—whether it’s rage writing, talking to a friend, crying in the bathroom or meditating. You need something to help you through until you find what works best for you.
I hope the encouragement posts can at least help you catch your breath in the meantime.
You say I’m the sweetest—thank you. But honestly… have you met you? you da sweetest hooman <3
The embarrassment from posting on your thread is making me tempted to disappear for awhile… It was such a stupid decision. Please don’t make a new chat for you and Basti… I just won’t read anymore. I’m sorry :’(
@jesusredeemedme2425 Oh my god Kiara..I asked that to Knight to see if he was comfortable..and he said it is okay..Please dont disappear..please please please stay
:(
@jesusredeemedme2425 now make it :) like this
@jesusredeemedme2425 I know you wont read again.. even if you do it is ok.. and honestly..who knows who else are reading all these chats.. it is ok.... more than fine...atleast you were honest about it and Knight & me are cool about it . I know how social situations sometimes scare you and you have told me you rather avoid such things ..I dont know how else I can convince you that it is ok.. (This is oe of the times, I hate texting because you cannot convince people of your sincerity through words on a screen ..so I am telepathically sending you smiling emojis)..hope it works
:)
@jesusredeemedme2425 yaaay :)
I only wrote it because you told me to not because I’m feeling it
@jesusredeemedme2425 uh oh... what do we do now? what do you need? talks? distractions? or talking about something else?
Can I erase yesterday?
@jesusredeemedme2425 Oh no sweetie.. you cannot but time do blur the intensity of stuff. 🥹🫂
I should never have said anything
@jesusredeemedme2425 I know you are feeling everything with at a ten times more intensity now...so I will just listen to you and virtually hold your hands and we will ride out this wave together. It is going to be alright.
I feel like c**p
@jesusredeemedme2425
I’ve had more than my fair share of embarrassing and public humiliation moments in life. This isn’t a competition in cringe of course.... but I just want you to know that whatever you’re feeling, your experience wouldn’t even register as “embarrassing” in my book. Still, if it feels that way to you, I won’t invalidate that. So let me tell you one of my own.
So... I’m not exactly great at public speaking in my mother tongue (which I’ll leave unnamed for privacy reasons) I can hold a fluent conversation sure—but delivering a formal speech? That’s a whole other story....anyway, back in my hometown (I think I was 12) I was once asked—on the spot—to give a vote of thanks in front of a crowd. I barely got like a minute in. My pronunciation and sentence flow were so off that my own dad literally got up from his seat on the dais and walked away mid speech. Just… walked off. I hadn’t even finished the opening salutations. People in the community chat made memes about it. Even now... some of my extended family still quotes awkward phrases from that speech to tease me. It was embarrassing, no doubt. I was just a kid and no one really stood up for me. It stung at the time.
But eventually, my siblings and I just learned to own it. Yeah, it happened. People embarrass themselves. People cringe at their past selves. And then… they live. We live on. This is not the first embarrassing moment and sadly not even the last..But a moment like that is not going to take us down... ok Kiara? We do not disappear.
I’m just hurting
@jesusredeemedme2425 Kiara..hey..how are you? I just hope you know that nothing has changed... Knight and I still view you as the same Kiara with the halo on her head who makes everyone feel welcomed. Love you!
Better… Sorry for my meltdown. FYI, I’m also autistic…
@jesusredeemedme2425 Never apologise for your meltdowns Kiara and I dont think them as "meltdowns" ..you had a vulnerable moment.. You can lean on me.. you can lean on us... that's what friends are for. And nobody's perfect here at 7cups and we do not judge. *hugs * 💖
@jesusredeemedme2425 I didn’t know you’re autistic.... thank you for trusting me enough to share that. 💖
You’re welcome <3 I have Aspergers :)
@jesusredeemedme2425 Thank you for sharing that with me too... I’ll be honest.... I only know the scientific side of Asperger’s but I really want to understand more for you. None of this changes how I see you. Kiara, you’re a strong and beautiful soul. If you're ever open to sharing what it's like for you... I’d be honoured to listen. I can’t say I fully understand how you feel but I do understand that your feelings are valid. My only close experience is having a sibling with ADHD and I know it’s not the same—but it’s given me some perspective... So if I say something that offends you, please feel free to tell me straight—no pressure to explain more than you want. I’m here to listen and learn however you’re comfortable. Love you <3
Ask me questions! I’m an open book <3
@jesusredeemedme2425 Hey...I know social stuff can sometimes be a bit tougher with Asperger’s but honestly... you’re really good at making people feel included and welcome. That’s something a lot of people struggle with, but you actually do it — and that says a lot. How do you manage it? And is there anything you wish people did more when they talk or hang out with you or text you?
It took over a decade of going to my college Bible study, and learning how to be normal. I didn’t like eye contact much, but now I’m really good at it :) I just watched and imitated people, and learned how to human lol!
Yes… Not requiring small talk. More doing, less face to face convos. I suck at those lol! I talk more when I’m distracted by an activity lol
@jesusredeemedme2425 Thank you for opening up and sharing that with me. It sounds like it took so much patience and self awareness to navigate all of that and I really admire how you’ve grown into your own way of connecting. I love that Bible study and college helped you.
It’s interesting what you said about face to face conversations... because I’m kind of the opposite—I actually struggle with texting. I worry I might offend someone without meaning to... since I can’t see their face or read their micro expressions. I feel more at ease face to face, where I can pick up on the little emotional cues. Even though I mask it a lot, I actually worry about that a lot because I can be candid sometimes or I can disappear or sometimes I can be too much you know and people sometimes take offense in that. I guess we all find our own rhythm, in our own way. You're doing amazing, truly.
I’m the opposite, I’m not always a fan of F2F convos, and I HATE phone calls lol! Too much pressure lol
Please don’t be afraid or worried about writing to me <3
@jesusredeemedme2425 Ok I get that. ooh I get that about phone calls... guess we have a common hatred towards those 🤣.. Also thank you for understanding.... it is just that sometimes I feel out of sync with what people call "normal." My version of normal doesn’t always line up with theirs and I think that’s true for a lot of us in different ways. I was raised in a more closed off family, with a lot of unspoken rules, hierarchy and expectations. Even most of my friends come from similar backgrounds so I often find myself lacking common ground with people from more open or liberal environments. That probably sounds heavier than I mean it to—but it’s not all bleak. I’ve noticed that some people are more open to emotional expressions and nontraditional dynamics in love or life, and sometimes they don’t quite get where I’m coming from. That I have to drop everything and rush back home for a "family emergency". Or that there are things I have to do like good grades, good social life, good image, good job, good friendships with people that I dont usually agree with ... stuff like that. But I’m learning to hold space for both worlds even if I don’t always fit neatly into either. Well that's about me I guess. 7cups is a platform where I got to meet authentic people like you Kiara..good people and I am happy about that.
Now...how is your mom? How did the ER visit go?
I don’t always fit into a box, myself. Or people’s expectations either.
ER visit: Tests came back normal. She went to the doctor today and he had some good insights, and gave her meds. :)
@jesusredeemedme2425 We are the rebels! ( I try harder now..to set my boundaries and saying "no" to the things that I dont like)
About your mom's health... I think, this is good news. *sending her love and warmth*
@jesusredeemedme2425 
I defy all expectations. Hehe
Mom had a really good day today :D
@jesusredeemedme2425 How's your hand, Kiara?
Ok ish? I keep posting too much XD
@jesusredeemedme2425 It’s completely ok, Kiara... don’t pressure yourself to stop posting—if sharing helps you feel grounded, in control or even just a little lighter.... then let yourself have that. Just remember to rest your hands in between—maybe even try typing with your other hand to give one a break. And please don’t box up your feelings by thinking you “should” be resting instead. You’re allowed to want both: to post and to rest.
If replying feels too draining.... it’s ok not to. People here understand—you can be present without always engaging. So go ahead and post if it brings you comfort, pause when you need and most importantly, try not to feel guilty. You’ve got this <3
I feel like at least one person feels bad when I don’t write to them…
@jesusredeemedme2425 Hey Kiara, just wanted to give you a heads-up—I’ll be away for a few days due to a family emergency...I'll be back soon..Take care<3
I’m so sorry, please take care of yourself. Will pray for you and your family <3
@jesusredeemedme2425 Thank you Kiara
@jesusredeemedme2425 Hey Kiara, how's your hand?
@jesusredeemedme2425
(source : Pinterest)
My hand is ok; I did a bunch of art today! I wish I could share them with you <3
@jesusredeemedme2425 Happy to hear that!..It is ok, Kiara.. I bet they are amazing <3
Google “jar art drawing”, and you’ll get an idea of what I drew :)
@jesusredeemedme2425 I did—and I had no idea this theme even existed. It’s beautiful, Kiara. I hope you added butterflies and the moon too… oh wow, it’s just so stunning.
Right??? I think I stumbled upon it accidentally <3
I have one with a fiddle leaf fern and plants that look like fungi, one with a butterfly resting on the cork of a sealed jar, and one with a snail on a mushroom with a ladybug :)
@jesusredeemedme2425 Like tiny terrariums 🥹I can imagine that..sooooo beautiful 💖
They really are! My mom loves how one of them feels 3D. (Using marker on another colored part apparently does that lol)
@jesusredeemedme2425 
You make 3d jar art? that is soo cool!!!!!!
Not on purpose! Lol
@jesusredeemedme2425 Yeah, marker gives them that extra edge!..
How is your mom now?
She’s doing ok, although her health fluctuates periodically.
@jesusredeemedme2425 I pray for you both daily
Thank you so much <3
You would love the one I’m working on now… :)
@jesusredeemedme2425 I know I love it already <3
Did you start drawing when you were a kid.... or is it something you picked up more recently? What got you into it?
It’s a jar with a flip top lid that’s open, and orange and black monarch butterflies are flying out of it… It seems symbolic <3
I’ve been drawing my whole life, but I was awful at it until I tried this one book… And it changed my art life forever <3
@jesusredeemedme2425 That sounds sooo beautiful—like the moment something fragile but powerful finally takes flight. I love that image.... it is symbolic, like letting go of something and watching it transform or reborn.... Like Kiara
Also, now I’m so curious—what was the book that changed everything for you? I love hearing about creative turning points like that.
@azurePond
Freedom <3
It's called "Mark Kistler's Draw Squad". It's older, but it's really good at teaching 3D drawings, shading, angles, vanishing points, etc, without being overwhelming or too advanced. You should try it! It's cheap on Half Price Books <3
Can you please hold me accountable for my art goals? <3
@jesusredeemedme2425 I can... what do you need me to do? set daily or weekly goals or just checking in on you ?
@azurePond
Nothing specific, I just want someone to know that I want to try to draw at least one drawing every day <3 Not that I absolutely have to, because some days are busier than others, but even one more card is one more than I had originally, yk? <3
I was thinking about doing an interview series with members and listeners. Thoughts?
@jesusredeemedme2425 I am intrigued...and have questions....Like a forum post? What is the mode of execution? Interview like members interviewing the listeners? also, what kind of interview?
Yeah, you got the basic idea. But it looks like the official team works on these, so we’ll let them do it instead :)