My journey in the creation of The Feeling Bag is a long and personal one. In 2009, I found myself raising my very young daughter alone. I was learning how to navigate life after a divorce, trying my best to manage and endure all the pain and hardship the family break up had caused in our lives. During this time I began to notice my daughter, a toddler at the time, having difficulty expressing her feelings in an appropriate way. Even with my constant love, support and encouragement, she was still having a hard time communicating her feelings to me in a way that was acceptable. Her demeanor and behavior on the other hand were definitely saying it all. That’s when I decided to write a very simple story for her. I wanted to illustrate and define some of the feelings she was surely experiencing. She needed to understand that everyone has these same feelings from time to time, but there are positive and healthy ways to appropriately communicate and express those feelings.
I could see the positive effects that the “feeling” story was having on my daughter, so I decided to take it one step further and The Feeling Bag was born! The Feeling Bag was ultimately created for her to use as a tool to provide her comfort, security and another way to share and express her feelings. She LOVED her Feeling Bag! It was so soft and cuddly and she could take it anywhere she went! When she was feeling happy or just being silly, she would dance and hug her bag! When she was frustrated or mad, instead of squeezing or pinching mom, she would take those feelings out on her bag. The Feeling Bag ended up being her outlet that was safe, comforting, appropriate and fun!
My now teenage daughter has grown to be a kind, loving, happy and secure young lady! We both truly believe there are reasons and seasons for everything in life and we believe there has never been a better time than right now to share our Feeling Bag with everyone. Children are struggling in so many different ways. Whether it’s the stressful circumstances that has surrounded the global pandemic, being a child within a Military family or of a First Responder, these kids need The Feeling Bag. Kids who have experienced any family trauma, loss of a loved one, childhood illness, or just the day-to-day chaos that exists in today’s world, The Feeling Bag can provide comfort, security and a way to express all of those feelings!
I have been so blessed with an amazing, supportive family and wonderful friends who continue to encourage me to share The Feeling Bag with everyone. I am also extremely proud to say The Feeling Bag is being made in the USA, by the loving hands of a grandma and a Firefighter Owned/Family Operated custom embroidery shop in the sweet little town of Justin, Texas!
We look forward to hearing about your experiences with The Feeling Bag and how it’s become an important part of your family!
Love and Hugs,
Jennifer