Hi, my name is Annie and This book was born out of both restlessness and longing.

As a woman whose mind rarely sits still, I have often lived in the company of anxiety—its chatter, its shadows, its endless “what ifs.” For years, I searched for ways to quiet the noise, to remind myself that even in the mess and overwhelm, I was still whole, still worthy.

These drawings began as doodles in the margins of my own worry, little sketches that gave my hands something to do while my heart found space to breathe. Charlie began as my imaginary friend when I felt alone and lost; and the Silly Scruffy Old Bear was a gift that had no strings attached. Both them and the little girl inside me became real again when I couldn’t get the words out in therapy so I drew what I needed instead. The words came next—simple affirmations, written first as love notes to myself on days when I couldn’t believe them, and later, as gentle offerings I wished I could share with others - which is why I’d love to be able to publish my drawings and affirmations as a book to help others heal and grow into their own potential.

If my dream comes true what you and so many others could hold in your hands is a collection of those pairings—art and affirmations, created by an anxious, creative soul who is still learning how to soften, how to slow down, how to be kinder to herself.

My aim is that these pages meet others where they are: whether in a storm of overthinking, a quiet morning of calm, or anywhere in between. May they remind you that you are not alone in your spirals, that there is beauty in your sensitivity, and that even the most restless hearts can find moments of stillness.

So I am hoping to raise £800 to enable me to have this published and shared with others who find themselves stuck in their anxiety with the words just not coming out right.

With shaky hands but a full heart I thank you in advance;

Annie