Last week, I was cleaning my room when I came across a dusty blue box. I had no idea what was inside. When I opened it up, I was met with a flood of middle school memories.

When I first bought my rainbow loom, it was during a difficult time in my life. My dad was arrested for substance abuse. To keep myself from panic or anxiety attacks, I bought the loom as a fun toy.

Little did I know, those rubber bands would put me in touch with my creative side in the best way. I was making eight to ten bracelets a day, each with more intricate design than the last.

The loom brought me a easy way to put my worries to the side and focus on something that didn’t necessarily matter I could make as many or as few bracelets as I liked. I could do something easy or work really hard on a new design.

Working on the bracelets gave me a newfound sense of control. I could choose the colors and the design, I could choose to wear it or sell it.

I started to save up to get new bands every few months. This taught me financial skills at the young age of 12. It also gave me goals to work towards. I would be so proud of those little bags of rubber bands.

Now, almost five years later, my loom has started to help me through life once again. I wiped the dust off of the little blue box. I got out my hook, bands, and the plastic piece that is the loom itself. I turned off the news and the radio. I spent hours making bracelets for my little cousins to wear. Surprisingly enough, the bands still give me a creative outlet and a fun distraction.

So, if you too find yourself overwhelmed by the current state of our nation or the world, dig around in your closet. Search for that friendship bracelet maker or your own rainbow loom. Maybe you too will find solitude in the relaxing act of looping bands into fishtails. Happy looming!