Check Out Kai Johnson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kai Johnson

Hi Kai, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey began with my search for guidance around age 17. I grew up sheltered from many afflictions. However, when I went off to college and entered my first relationship, I quickly landed face first into sharp nuances, which challenged my perspective of right and wrong, but began building the foundation of my own discernment and boundaries. This experience sparked a need in me to document the lessons I was learning. After finalizing my degree on Illustration, I began pairing my reflections with drawings to better understand and solidify these insights for myself. Over time, I realized that others might benefit from my observations, and I discovered a deep passion to spread the importance of mental health, self-awareness, love, and compassion. These values have become the foundation of my creative journey.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not a smooth road! The process of picking and prodding my mistakes while being face to face with them to illustrate is not an easy thing, but it balances out when I realize I’m human and I’m sure there’s someone else out there experiencing the same feelings. It’s okay to be vulnerable. The challenge I’m aware of now comes from not knowing when to stop the cycle of learning and producing finished pieces. Ironically, I find myself trying to learn how to play again.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I started my professional career at Wyandot Behavioral Health Network as a Peer Support Specialist earlier this year. I feel like I got lucky–peer support found me through my artwork and it aligns perfectly with my values and goals with mental health. As a peer support specialist, I meet with a variety of people from many backgrounds and literally support them with challenges they may have, as well as their goals. I’ve taken people to the Nelson Atkins Museum, roller skating, support groups–anything that helps them in their recovery journey.

I am most proud of the group that I facilitate with WBHN twice a week: Mark Making with Kai. I developed Mark Making as a coping tool for my own mental health journey. The process includes doing a head to toe body scan, becoming aware of any and all feelings in the body, and creating “markings” of how those feelings would look to you on paper. The goal is to reconnect your physical self with your emotional self and understanding what you’re feeling, why, and how to support yourself through those experiences.

Any big plans?
My plan for the future is to continue growing as a person. I have ideas and projects I want to finish, but the most important thing in my life is personal growth. Without it, I’m blind to opportunities; I’m blind to what is best for me. I don’t want to deprive myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kaistoodios.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaistoodios/