Open Ended Rebellion: Altered Books
I grew up a rule follower, a teacher's pet, a "good girl" 🤮. Through my own journey of healing and self-discovery I have come to realize I haven't experienced enough rebellion.
I'm not talking rebellion just for the sake of rebellion. I'm talking the kind of rebellion where one decides to not take any $h!t from anyone. The kind of rebellion where speaking up and speaking out are more important than compliance or maintaining "good" behavior. The kind of rebellion that fights for justice and equality, kindness and compassion, fairness in a world that is so unfair.
We queer and NeuroDivergent folx are skilled at looking past limited cultural norms and bringing the root of things into focus. We have a way of pointing out the bs and creating a different way of living, of loving, of existing in this massive mess of a world.
So what's a recovering rule follower to do when they need to exercise some rebellion (and are still very cautious by nature)?
Destroy something small...like a second hand book 🤷
This may sound silly and a bit of a let down compared to all of the big justice talk from above but hear me out.
If you're reading this you aren't here because you are looking for another huge commitment or responsibility. You don't need more causes to fight for.
What you need is some care and TLC for your weary soul that spends day after day tending to others while your own essence struggles to keep it's head above water.
You need a space where you can prioritize yourself and allow others to hold space for YOU in community. In our safe little virtual space we can gather with all of our anger and grief and pain that we keep hidden away from our clients, patients, loved ones and unleash it for a bit.
The act of destroying something as fixed and clear as a book is defiant and rebellious plus it's safe and very low-stakes. Every time I sit down with a book I'm altering I have this fierceness start to radiate within and beyond me. I feel in control, in charge, powerful. I also feel so free. Whatever I want to try out I can go for it and try it out.
Cover it in dripping paint? Sure!
Rip out pages one by one with my hands? Yeah!
Explore the words on a page to create a new message? Oh yes!
If you are looking for some of these experiences or emotions, why don't you join us while we rage a little and create something beautiful - a community that is warm, safe, and affirming of your needs and focused on your self- care - ?
I would love to have you join us on Monday, September 22, 2025 from 6:30-8pm ET online! Your materials care package will come to you in the mail, for most likely delivery by the workshop date register by Friday, September 12, 2025 at 11:59pm Eastern Time and get all included materials mailed directly to you in time for the event at no extra cost!
Care packages will include a small used book and a collection of supplies you can use during our workshop. This is one workshop where having some other materials of your own could enhance your experience if you like lots of options. But you can also have a fine time participating with what comes to you in the mail. 💌
If you need some non-judgemental open and accepting space where you can exercise a little rebellion, come join us virtually on Monday, September 22, 2025 from 6:30-8pm ET and we will hold space for whatever you need to unleash.
More details below or if you're ready to get your spot reserved you can just click the button right here!
Our next virtual Burnout Care & Creativity Workshop for Helpers & Healers will be happening on Monday, September 22, 2025 from 6:30-8pm ET on zoom.
We will be engaging with altered books! Open to all skill levels and all materials included and mailed directly to you!
Register by Friday, September 12, 2025 at 11:59pm Eastern Time and get all included materials mailed directly to you in time for the event at no extra cost!
For more info and to find the registration tier that fits your budget you can click here:
Burnout Care & Creativity Workshops for Helpers & Healers
Have questions? Please feel free to reach out at any time with questions, comments, or suggestions!
Not ready to come to an event? Follow me on Pinterest and this email list and lurk to your heart's content! Whenever you're ready to join us we will be oh so happy to welcome you in!
I hope you can find some time to honor your need for rebellion and I can't wait to connect and create with you soon!
💜 Jen
Here’s what some workshop participants are saying…
“The best part about my workshop experience was just feeling as though I was part of a group with no strings attached...Not feeling pressured or judged for my level of participation and feeling encouraged to come as I was. The vibe of the group.”
““The openness and “come as you are” environment. I also enjoyed this in conjunction with the structured flow. I thought it was cool to learn a bit, then apply it to self care in the direct moment. I also really enjoyed having the supplies all ready to limit the demand load.””
You can read more testimonials here!
