By: Chelsea Landaverde, WPICC
Please consider reading my story. I know it’s a bit long but if it helps one family during such a weird couple of years, then it’s worth feeling vulnerable for
Love Bells. The story behind the creation…
As I sat in my office wondering how I would get myself out of the situation I found myself in, my focus fell on a bell for a client’s wedding. You know the bells to “Ring for a Kiss” at a wedding reception?
I was a wedding planner and travel agent running a successful business planning destination weddings when Covid-19 hit. I had hundreds of clients and wedding guests packing their bags for paradise, and call after call I felt like I was breaking people’s hearts as I cancelled their weddings. My business was crumbling and I felt my mental health was going down with it.
In addition to Covid, I had just left an abusive relationship that left me struggling with a brain injury, PTSD, and a handful of other injuries. I worried about how all of this was affecting my young son and his mental state. Covid had limited his time with friends, school, and seeing his grandparents. Play and laughter with his peers were no longer an option. Was he able to express himself? I know I was having a hard time doing so.. what was it like to be a child at this time. In this age of technology are we putting our phones down often enough to express our love? How many times was I too preoccupied in my own struggles to provide the comfort and nurturing that he needed?
With those thoughts flowing through my mind I had the urge to ring the bell that sat on my desk. As the sound echoed through the house so did the pitter-patter of my son’s feet as he came barreling down the stairs to see what was going on. At that moment all I wanted to do was hug him… hug him with all my heart and soul. I announced that from now on, whenever one of us rang the bell we would drop everything, no questions asked and hug each other. We would hold space for one another and offer unconditional love.
As I hugged my son the healing began. With every ring of the bell, our hearts opened a little more to let the light in. We don’t have to discuss if we have a problem or not, it’s simply a safe space to offer and receive love. Often we end up in conversation but not always. Sometimes you just want a hug.
We hope your bell brings love and light into your home as it has ours. Remember, you don’t need a reason to ring it Thank you for supporting our small business!
10% of the proceeds from each bell will be donated to domestic abuse survivors. Painting mandalas has been a form of meditation and healing for me during my journey. All bells are hand-painted with love $25 ea (custom colours available).
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