Living with a foster family Maya struggles with depression and anxiety when around new social settings. In the book Maya informs the reader of this and reassures them that it is ok and she goes over the different ways that help ground her/self regulate emotionally. 

Calming Currents: Peaceful Paints for the Mind

Maya waking up in a cozy room, with Foster Mom smiling warmly at her. Miguel and Lilli playing in the background.

Maya woke up in her cozy foster home feeling a mix of hope and worry. She knew that every new day came with its own challenges. Foster Mom greeted her with a warm smile and a gentle hug to start the day. Miguel and Lilli played nearby, making the house feel lively and safe.

A New Day at Home

Maya sitting by a window, looking calm. Foster Mom preparing breakfast in the background.

In the morning light, Maya sat quietly by the window. She listened to the soft sounds of birds and felt a little bit calmer. Foster Mom prepared a delicious breakfast and spoke kindly about the new day ahead. The peaceful start helped Maya feel that today could be a good day.

A Gentle Morning

Maya and Foster Mom sitting at a table talking, Miguel playing with Lilli nearby.

Later, Foster Mom and Maya spent time talking about feelings. Maya learned that everyone feels a bit nervous sometimes, especially in new places. She watched Miguel play happily with Lilli, and their laughter made her smile. With her family beside her, Maya felt less alone and more understood.

The Warm Embrace of Family

Maya walking outside with her family, friendly neighbors waving in the background.

Maya decided to join a small walk outside with her family. The neighborhood was full of friendly faces and kind greetings. Although she felt a flutter of anxiety, she remembered that it was okay to feel that way. Step by step, Maya learned that going outside could be both gentle and brave.

A Brave Step Outside

Maya in a park, surrounded by trees and gentle breeze. Leaves rustling around her.

As the family strolled through a park, the sounds of nature wrapped around Maya. The rustle of leaves and the gentle breeze helped ease her tight feelings. She took deep breaths and listened to the quiet moments of nature. The day was filled with soft colors and calm moments that made her heart lighter.

Finding Calm through Nature

Maya at a table with paints and brushes, creating a colorful painting.

At home, Maya found a box of paints and brushes waiting for her. She decided to create beautiful pictures that expressed her feelings. With each stroke on the paper, she felt a bit more relaxed. Painting became a magic tool that helped ease the worries inside her.

Magic in the Paints

Maya mixing paints, creating a vibrant painting with blues, greens, and yellows.

Maya mixed different colors to show how she felt inside. Soft blues and gentle greens painted her calm, while bright yellows told a story of hope. With every color, she learned that every feeling was a part of her story. Maya’s painting became a bright map of her emotions, showing that all colors mattered.

Colors of Emotions

Miguel and Lilli playing joyfully, making Maya laugh.

Miguel and Lilli added a dose of joyful energy to the day. Their playful antics made Maya laugh and forget her worries for a while. In their fun and simple play, she learned that small moments of joy could light up a cloudy heart. The lively energy of her little brother and his puppy reminded her that happiness can be found in the simplest of moments.

A Little Buddy's Joy

Maya and Foster Mom practicing deep breathing exercises together.

Foster Mom taught Maya a simple trick called deep breathing. Slowly, she filled her lungs with air and let it out, calming her racing heart. With a few deep breaths, the heavy feelings started to fade away. Maya discovered that taking time to breathe helped her face any challenge.

Learning to Breathe

Maya imagining calm ripples in a river, feeling peaceful.

Maya imagined her worries as little ripples in a quiet river. She pictured the water becoming still and peaceful. This calm imagery helped her feel secure even in busy rooms or loud places. By focusing on calm currents, Maya found a way to navigate her feelings gently.

The Calm Currents

Maya sitting quietly, appreciating the present moment with a gentle smile.

Maya learned the importance of staying in the moment and appreciating now. She noticed the gentle hum of life around her and found comfort in the present. Every small moment was a chance to feel safe and joyful. With mindfulness, she celebrated the simple magic of everyday life.

Peace in the Present

Maya lying in bed with a peaceful expression, feeling hopeful for the new day.

By the end of the day, Maya felt much braver and more at peace. She understood that it was okay to feel worried and that gentle steps could lead to comfort. Her art and gentle breathing were reminders of her inner strength. Maya closed her eyes that night, knowing that every day was a new beginning filled with hope.