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Pupdates from the morale officers
Although they tend to both spend their time sleeping, eating, and looking for a good lap to sit on (please don’t tell Oscar he’s too big, it’ll break his heart) Fred and Oscar spend a lot of their time also encouraging positive mental attitudes. Pests Production works with artists to develop new work, but also to create an environment where this can be achieved whilst considering the challenges mental health presents. As a company, we believe that the mental well-being of those we work with is a top priority, and Oscar and Fred are here to make sure that this approach is properly managed and enforced.
This month we'd like to talk about how you support your friends.
Oscar and Fred offer a huge amount of support to humans; they're both very sensitive to changes in people, Oscar having done a small stint as a therapy hound, and Fred having sat on many a lap in his time (a sad lap is an uncomfy lap).
The important thing to remember when it comes to supporting your friends is that everyone is different; some like space, some prefer conversations, some enjoy material gestures, some just want the presence of someone else there whilst they figure out their next step. The way to figure this out? Talk to them. It's not terribly British of us, to talk, but take the advice of a Spanish rescue and a Siamese. Talking is key, and British traditions aren't getting us anywhere fast, if the current political climate is anything to go by.
Talk to your friends, open a dialogue, whether this is in person or digitally (or in a letter if you prefer, but we like to keep things green here and save a few trees now and then). Discuss with them what they think they need right now. Moreso, your friends might be super duper, happy go lucky, care-free individuals, maybe they don't need a big chat or a support journal. Maybe what they'd like is just a catch up. Or an extra audience member at their latest show, or a proud boast from their best friend about how amazing their new painting is. Hey, Christmas is coming up, and I'm sure you've got plenty of pals on Etsy who'd love the extra support around this time of year, not to mention how amazing it is to know that someone in your life thinks that your creations are good enough to give as a gift.
The point being, this month, think of your friends. Think of the extra mile you can go, think of the hard work they've poured into something and help them to celebrate that! Not only in the arts world, but in all spheres of life, we should be celebrating the accomplishments and creations of our loved ones. We owe kindness to each other, it is not something to be given sparingly, we cannot run out of kindness, only help it to grow.
Support your friends, cheer them on, pay extra for an item from their new business, celebrate the creativity around you and be proud that you are part of it.
We can make the world so much better with such simple steps. Take your first one today.
We hope you enjoy good naps, good belly rubs, and good mental health this month.
Love,
Oscar and Fred
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