I'm trying to learn better ways to deal with my anxiety. 'don't run away again, it's okay' refers specifically to my social anxiety which puts me in a state of fear, leading to my "fight or flight" response kicking in- I tend to go with flight. I have started seeing a new Pyschologist, it's very exciting but also quite scary. I've learnt new breathing techniques which I try to practise daily. The animals & insects in this painting refer to different parts of my anxiety- butterflies (like in my stomach), a snake who hides & slithers away (me when I'm anxious), a bird (who can fly- my "flight" mode), & of course the aardvark, a typically shy creature, (much like myself). This painting features my stress as well as the calm words I repeat to myself & need to remember when I get in a state. 'don't run away again, it's okay' is painted using colourful, acrylic paint on paper & is shown in a wooden frame handmade by my nice, supportive boyfriend Alexander & his dedo, Peter.