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The polkadots were born out of one of the darkest times in my life.
After years of pushing through illness, overworking, and hiding pain, my body finally said “enough.” A long, undiagnosed battle with Lyme disease, which was now causing neurological symptoms., the discovery of a painful family truth, and complete burnout forced me to stop.
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For the first time in my life, I had to sit still, something I had avoided my entire life.
I hated the silence and the stillness that surrounded me. I had built my life around being busy, but in the quiet, everything I had buried inside my entire life began to surface. I realized that I had spent years...decades, hiding my trauma and hating myself the entire time.
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With nowhere left to run, I had to look at myself in the mirror and unpack all of the SPOTS in me that I had been taught to hide. I began to feel, to process, to heal and to grow.
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During this time, it was difficult to look at a computer screen due to the unknown Lyme disease. Out of bordem...I started writing little children's stories and doodling. Just small, simple drawings to pass the time. I’m not an artist by traditional standards, but these little doodles became my therapy and a way to pass the time.
One day, I added a polkadot…
then another…
and another.
The Polkadots began to fill the clouds on my pages as the characters found kindness and gratitude through their journey....and just like that, it all began!
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The dots became little symbols of transformation. A new way to see life and a reminder you can change the world around you just by looking within, by seeing things around you in a new way and changing your view into gratitude!
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From this unexpected healing journey of mine, the Polkadot Pickle Books Series was born.
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And then....the dots kept POPPIN'...
and before I knew it,
I was surrounded in The Polkadot Space! Where all the dots came together!
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Whether you POPPED by for the mindful children's stories, the illustrations that I hope you will get lost in, The Dot Shoppe, where I am learning to let my art be seen and finally show the files of art I have hidden on my computer, to color outside the lines and to find beauty in the imperfection of it all! Or through the blog, The Polkadot Circle where I share some of my own stories and reflections I have learned and grown through. ​I’ve learned that when we own our stories and truly feel through them without shame is when we can truly grow and the real magic happens. My hope is that by sharing my story and the lessons I have learned that it can help you on your own journey as well. When we share that kindness and love with ourselves it also helps spread kindness and compassion to those around you. We are all on this journey together! The Polkadots represent authenticity, gratitude, kindness and love!
The Polkadot Space is where we can all learn to "Live in the Polkadot Way"!
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These days, the polkadots have taken over my world and I could not be more grateful for the unexpected journey they have taken me on. The Polkadots remind me every single day that healing is possible, creativity is powerful, that kindness can be found even in the smallest of places and that there is magic all around us if we just open our eyes to see it!
The dots are more than SPOTS they are a way of life!
Together we can change the world...one Polkadot at a time!
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Follow your Dreams, Enjoy the Journey, and
always spread Polkadots wherever you go!
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With Love, Light and Polkadots!​
Jenny
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Jenny Caldwell Westbrook is a creative soul, artist, and writer who rediscovered her light after years of feeling lost in life’s twists and turns. Through her unexpected healing journey, she found purpose in spreading kindness, gratitude, and connection all because of some little polkadots!
She is the creator of The Polkadot Space and founder of “The Live in a Polkadot Way” movement, a heart-led mission to inspire kindness, compassion, mindfulness, and self-love around the world.
Jenny is also the author and illustrator of the Polkadot Pickle Book Series, a collection of children’s books that help kids build emotional awareness, resilience, and confidence through a mindful and magical world of Polkadots. In The Polkadot Circle blog, and her art shop, The Dot Shoppe, Jenny shares stories, lessons, and tools for living a life filled with color, purpose, and kindness.
She lives in Missouri with her husband, Rob, their three children...Jaylee, Jayke, and Walker. Their two furry friends, Milo and Molly are always ready for porch time!
Jenny believes that we all carry gifts inside of us waiting to be shared.
Follow your dreams. Color outside the lines. And "Live in the Polkadot way"!
