Talking about Mental Health is something I am striving to embrace more in my life. Not being ‘okay’ all the time needs to be something we aren’t afraid of talking about, or hearing about. Expressing our feelings should NOT be taboo.
The challenges we face personally in our lives can sometimes weigh heavy on our minds, and our hearts. I struggle all. The. Time. I am not perfect, and never will be. I know I am broken, but I am still working to convince myself that I am still beautifuL.
On a particularly sad day for me, a friend asked me what things made my soul feel happy. They suggested I should try embracing those things, whenever I could, to maintain the levels of joy I allowed into my life. By focusing on something positive, I could ward away the negative feelings clouding my heart. Even if what I chose to focus on was something small, or seemed silly.
I started designing my list, excited to have something written I could refer to when my days seem bleaker than others. And I often feel like this a LOT. As a Mom, Teacher, Author…it never seems to end.
Items on the list do not have to be extravagant. They can be easy, simple things that have the ability to set your soul ablaze, or at the very least, allow for some peace. Even if for a brief time.
Here are some of mine:
✨ Music
✨ Warm Hugs
✨ Sloths
✨ Tattoos
✨ Reading uninterrupted for a full hour
✨ Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate
✨ Peanut M&Ms
✨ Drawing/Coloring
✨ Pedicures
✨ Dinners with Friends
✨ Red Velvet Cheesecake
✨ Movies
✨ Flowers (Succulents, Lilies, Sunflowers)
✨ Warm blankets, straight from the dryer
Even ‘small things‘ can turn out to actually be BIG things, that can impact us in amazing ways. Embrace your list. Refer to it often.
You do not have to share things you would put on your list, but if you feel comfortable to do so, please share away! I would love to read what works for you!
PS. If you ever find yourself struggling, please reach out. I am here for you. ALWAYS!
PPS. This post was inspired from a dear friend (thank you Tonnye! ♥️) and my responsibilities with the amazing #MightyKidLit author community. Each day, members create discussion posts that helps us reflect, grow and connect as author’s. There is so much to do and see in the community as well. It is a safe space and I recommend joining, if you haven’t already.
Link to join: https://mighty-kidlit.mn.co/share/o5_n-lcnorIF-uyU
See ya there!
Lovely post! I'm so happy we can inspire and encourage each other. Life is definitely better with friends! Chatting with a friend is on my list, as is coloring and lying in the grass looking up at the clouds. So important to have little things that bring us joy when life gets overwhelming. Thanks for sharing, Brandy!😘