Xiqu Cards

All cards

Low Tide

Cards for low days

Some seasons feel heavy for weeks at a time. These cards are for the person in it, for friends who’ve been there too, and for the people beside them. Every card is free to send, save, or print.

Beside You

To send to someone in a low season. Nothing to answer, nothing to fix.

Low Tide card from Xiqu Cards, a blue sun-print illustration of two cups side by side on a windowsill. It reads: You don’t have to reply to this. I’m just thinking of you. No pressure, no deadline. I’ll check in again next week, either way. Low TideLOW-01 Low Tide card from Xiqu Cards, a blue sun-print illustration of two shells side by side on wet sand. It reads: You don’t have to explain it. I believe you. However it feels from the inside, it’s real, and it’s heavy. Low TideLOW-02 Low Tide card from Xiqu Cards, a blue sun-print illustration of two stones leaning together on sand. It reads: You’re not a burden. Not to me. Leaning on me isn’t too much. It’s what I’m here for. Send me one word anytime, even just “hi.” Low TideLOW-03 Low Tide card from Xiqu Cards, a blue sun-print illustration of a covered bowl beside a closed door. It reads: I’d like to drop off some food this week. I’ll leave it at your door and text you. No need to tidy up or talk. Just reply “yes” or “not this week.” Both are fine. Low TideLOW-04 Low Tide card from Xiqu Cards, a blue sun-print illustration of two coats on neighbouring hooks by a door. It reads: Take all the time you need. I’m not going anywhere. There’s no deadline for feeling better, and no test to pass. Low TideLOW-05 Low Tide card from Xiqu Cards, a blue sun-print illustration of two chairs side by side facing a window. It reads: If you ever want someone to talk to, I’ll help you find them. I can sit with you while you look, or make the call together. Only if and when you want. No need to decide now. Low TideLOW-06

Been There

For two friends who are both going through it: company, one small thing to do together, and a little borrowed hope.

Low Tide card from Xiqu Cards, a blue sun-print illustration of two lines of small footprints side by side on wet sand. It reads: I’m having a low day too. Sending you some company. You don’t have to reply. I just didn’t want you to be alone in it. Low TideLOW-07 Low Tide card from Xiqu Cards, a blue sun-print illustration of two small birds resting side by side on driftwood on the sand at low tide. It reads: Some days, getting through is the whole job. I know, because I’ve had them too. You’re doing it. Low TideLOW-08 Low Tide card from Xiqu Cards, a blue sun-print illustration of two glasses of water side by side. It reads: Want to do one tiny thing together? I’ll drink a glass of water if you will. That’s all. It counts. Send me a thumbs-up when it’s done. Low TideLOW-09 Low Tide card from Xiqu Cards, a blue sun-print illustration of a curved tide line on wet sand. It reads: The low has lifted for me before, even when I didn’t believe it would. I’m holding on to that today, for both of us. You can borrow some of my hope until yours comes back. Low TideLOW-10 Low Tide card from Xiqu Cards, a blue sun-print illustration of two small tide pools joined by a thin channel. It reads: We don’t have to fix each other. We can keep each other company. And I hope we both have a few more people in our corner too. Low TideLOW-11 Low Tide card from Xiqu Cards, a blue sun-print illustration of a small shell and a piece of sea glass on sand. It reads: Let’s trade one small okay thing from today. Not good, just okay. A warm drink, a song, a minute of sun. None today? That’s okay too. We’ll try again tomorrow. Low TideLOW-12

Tiny Steps

To keep for yourself, each with one very small thing to do. The last one is a reply you can send when you can’t say much.

Low Tide card from Xiqu Cards, a blue sun-print illustration of a curtain drawn back a little. It reads: One minute of daylight. That’s my whole task right now. I can open a curtain or stand by a door. I don’t have to feel like it first. Done counts. Not yet is okay too. Low TideLOW-13 Low Tide card from Xiqu Cards, a blue sun-print illustration of a single glass of water. It reads: A glass of water is a real way to take care of myself. Small care is still care. Just one glass. That’s enough for now. Low TideLOW-14 Low Tide card from Xiqu Cards, a blue sun-print illustration of a smooth small stone on the sand touched by a warm glow. It reads: I’ll talk to myself like I’d talk to a friend on a low day. Not “What’s wrong with me?” but “This is hard, and I’m doing what I can.” Low TideLOW-15 Low Tide card from Xiqu Cards, a blue sun-print illustration of a low stepping stone on wet sand. It reads: Today the bar is low on purpose. Washing my face counts. Eating something counts. Resting counts. I’ll pick one. That’s plenty. Low TideLOW-16 Low Tide card from Xiqu Cards, a blue sun-print illustration of a tiny seaweed sprout in a small tide pool. It reads: This is a low season. It isn’t the whole story of me. Heavy feelings can still change, even when they say they never will. For now, I’ll take the next hour gently. Low TideLOW-17 Low Tide card from Xiqu Cards, a blue sun-print illustration of a small glowing lantern on the sand. It reads: I got your message. It reached me. I can’t say much right now, but I’m glad you reached out. This card is my reply. Low TideLOW-18

For a worried friend

If a friend tells you they’re thinking about ending their life, don’t keep it a secret. Tell someone you trust, and help your friend contact local help or emergency services. You don’t have to handle this alone.

More

The Tiny Steps cards come as phone wallpapers. For other hard times, like illness or loss, see Hard Days.

These cards are words of care, not medical or mental health advice.