[Lucas Lameth] Worry Dolls

So I have a lot of anxieties. Sometimes it gets so overwhelming nothing makes sense. I'm in my thirties now and you know, you'd think anxiety only lasts during your teenage years but sometimes it never goes away. I've been anxious about my career, my future, my love life, my body image, my social image, gosh, you name it. I can only assume some of you may feel anxious about something or other and I can also only assume your coping mechanisms.

One day as I was exploring every nook and cranny of New York City I stumbled upon a New Age shop (I love New Age shops) called Stick Stone and Bone. They had amazing precious stones, and petrified rocks, and incense, and tarots cards, you name it. But what I remember specifically were these little stick figure-like dolls wrapped in a colorful fabric called 'Worry-Dolls'. The story goes, that in Ancient Mayan civilization (or modern Guatemala), they were given to children so they could confide their worries. One doll for each worry. After, the children would place the dolls under their pillows and then sleep through the night. When they woke, the dolls would have worked their magic and the children's worries went away! I was instantly enchanted! I had goosebumps and even felt calmer after learning that and holding one of the dolls in my hand. A lot of people don't have access to therapy or anti-depressants, or maybe they don't have a close friend circle they can confide in every time they encounter a life hurdle. Sometimes, something really simple, like a fabric and stick doll can make all the difference. Sometimes all you need is something small to believe in but in fact, you're really learning to believe in yourself and invest in your own power. I'm all about that.

Follow us on Social Media!
www.flickr.com/lucaslameth
www.facebook.com/lucaslamethsl