WEEKLY MENTAL HEALTH REMINDERS

If I’ve learned nothing else along the way, I know exercising the mind daily is essential to a healthy lifestyle. Weekly or daily mental reminders are needed. Life is going to take us on a winding road, with curves, bumps, ditches, peaks, and mountains. Prioritizing our mental health will give us the stamina needed to trudge through each day.

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Weekly Reminders:

  1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. We all need support, love, and encouragement. When you need help ask for it. Don’t hurt yourself trying to do things alone. Seeking support is a sign of strength not weakness.
  2. Take a break. Give yourself time to rest. Not just for your body, but your mental as well. https://amzn.to/3HnrlqW Slow down and if it doesn’t get done, it’s not the end of the world. WELLNESS: EVEN THE STRONGEST NEEDS A BREAK
  3. Be good to yourself. Tell yourself good things. Stop pointing out the negative. Your flaws are your strengths.
  4. Find healthy outlets for your emotional well being. https://amzn.to/48T8PTd Do what soothes you. Journal, pray, meditate, gardening, coloring, binge watching a show, exercise , cooking, or whatever calms you.
  5. No is a complete sentence. You have the right to say no. Boundaries are good for your mental health and protects your relationships. https://amzn.to/3vLBjjh
  6. Pay attention to those who make you feel safe, calm, and you can be yourself. Listen to your body when it’s uneasy.
  7. Find activities to challenge your mind, motivate you, and make you feel full. Tap into your creative spirit. https://amzn.to/48X7oTC
  8. The smallest thing brings the most joy. Focus on the simple daily things that make you smile and comfort you. https://amzn.to/48Vwn9T
  9. Remember there will be days you’ll not be ok. Own it. Do what you need on that day to replenish.
  10. Worrying isn’t going to make things move faster. Change outcomes or stop something from happening. Be mindful and use your time to focus on the now.

Those are 10 mental health reminders to help you through the week. We don’t know what each week or day will bring, but we can be prepared mentally to not let anything over take our joy.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

MENTAL NOTE OF THE DAY

”As bad as you want to address it, somethings are better left unsaid.” -@lowkyluv

I saw this quote and instantly thought of the conversation I had with my mom on Christmas. It’s no secret we haven’t been on the best terms. But what I had to do was understand her why behind her actions. While loving from a distance and giving myself the ability to heal and figure how I was going to participate in relations with her, I found the peace I needed. EMOTIONAL HEALING: OPEN YOUR MIND FOR UNDERSTANDING

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So on Christmas when we were having a good conversation, she repeatedly asked if there was a way my brother and I could sit down and tell her everything she did so she can have a better relationship with us. She continually said she’ll listen and won’t get upset. I didn’t respond. I gave her the time and space to say whatever she needed. But I would not give in and respond to her request. As a matter of fact, thinking back, I didn’t give a millisecond thought of telling her what she did.

For me, I resolved whatever emotions and feelings I had. I didn’t need answers or an explanation. Nor did I need an apology. Lastly, I was ok with not having her acknowledge the past. It took me a while but once I understood and recognized it was my feelings and emotions to reconcile, healing and growth happened.

I knew I was on my aha moment, when she said I won’t even get into what you did to me. Typically that would have sent me over the edge, if I hadn’t already went there. Because I instantly thought I did nothing. I didn’t choose my father. But I let her continue and we ended with her saying she enjoyed Christmas at my house and she wants to do it again. Me: Ok you’re welcomed anytime.

Somethings are better left unsaid. Opening that wound isn’t going to get it to heal. Reaggravating an injury prolongs healing and adds unwanted infections. Find peace within. Resolve your own emotions about a relationship, person, or situation. Enjoy your day!!!!

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

SMALL HABITS I’M FOCUSING ON FOR THE NEW YEAR

Again, I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions. It’s a cycle of mental and emotional abuse. Large goals are set and within a couple of weeks a setback happens, and we forget what we set out to do. Each year, instead, I set small goals and habits I’d like to achieve.

person legs with motivational words on papers on white background

Last year my focus was self awareness . What I needed to do to remain emotionally focused and in control of my emotions. One of the most repeated quotes, scriptures, and advice that found me was to remain calm when you’re in the eye of the storm. That storm could be someone berating you, a tragic loss, unexpected circumstance, or anything that may cause a negative reaction. Next, I wanted to be intentional on how I communicated. One simple, but effective solution, was to be honest when someone asked me how I was doing. Often the response is “good and how you doing?” Answer the question honestly if they are asking. Also learning how to accept compliments, gifts, and appreciation without minimizing my own work. Just saying thank you is good enough. I would say I did well with those.

Small Habits I’m Focused On For This Year:

-Keeping my doctors and dentist appointments. Going to the dermatologist. If something doesn’t feel right make the appointment instead of waiting.

-Reading more. I have a ton of books purchased but haven’t read. I did well last year reducing my screen time. Now I need to be more intentional about picking up the book.

-Accept invitations. My husband and I are horrible about not accepting invitations. During the end of last year, we began to challenge ourselves and step outside the comfort zone and accept invites.

-Eating with more color. Unexpectedly I found myself on a vegan diet after I had some dental work done. I was trying to find tasteful, good, healthy, soft foods to eat while I healed. Thanks to Pinterest, I found many recipes to try. I noticed a difference in my hair, skin, energy, and body after that month. I’m going to keep it up through the year.

-Being more consistent with going to sleep. Many nights my kids want me to watch programs with them before bed. It’s great quality time and I’m happy they want to spend time with me, but mama needs sleep.

-Being consistent with my blog. I am very grateful for those who read my posts and follow. I still do love to inspire. I have pages of notes and articles. Staying motivated, balancing everyday life, and trying not to get burned out is my goals for this year. 3 SIMPLE SELF CARE TIPS THAT KEEPS ME SANE

-Being patient. No matter what it is or what’s happening I want to get better at practicing my patience.

-Provide a safe space for myself, family, and friends. I know what it feels like to need or want to talk things out. But having the safe space to do so often is the reason many people don’t reach out. Allowing others to vent, talk through their feelings, and feel heard is vital. It will help them, myself, and the relationships.

-Living intentional as my life transition. My son is graduating high school and I want to give him what he needs mentally and emotionally without hovering over him.

-Be good to myself. Towards the end of last year, I began to accept what was. When my hair didn’t turnout how I anticipated, I still said it was good. When my skin reacts I compliment how good it looks in the midst. My goal is to do more of telling myself good things.

-Saying “I love you”, instead of “Love you”. Seems miniature. But if I feel it when I say “I love you” instead of love you, it means more to the recipient.

Those are my intentions for the year. Will I have peaks and valleys? Yes. But that’s life. I’m going to give myself permission to take a break, pick back up where I left off, and adjust as needed. What are some of your intentions?

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

Daily Inspiration: YOU ARE ENOUGH

I know it seems cliche and you’ve heard this a million and one times. But what I learned this year was to be intentional every single day with positive thoughts, affirmations, and food for my mental. Life has us on a rollercoaster of emotions, challenges, and triumphs. In the midst of the ride it is important to remind yourself you are doing the best you can at the moment with what you have. Are we going to get it right every time, No!!! But that’s where we learn, grow, and gain wisdom. Each day celebrate yourself no matter how small it is and know you are enough.

scrabble tiles on blue surface

It’s essential to acknowledge you are worthy of everything your desire. The love, joy, financial freedom, acceptance, validation, family, house, car, forgiveness, vacation and everything else you desire. Often we get caught in the self doubt and comparison trap. When you hit that fork in the road remind yourself everyone’s journey is unique and different. What’s for you will find you.

”You are doing your best. You can celebrate all that you have accomplished, no matter how small. You are worthy of love and joy.”-@mirabellecreations

It’s important on a daily you find the time to empower, uplift, and motivate yourself. Through motivational videos, blogs, prayer, journaling, drawing, talking to a friend, reading, or anything that moves you . Stay intentional and be consistent on empowering yourself. I believe in daily encouragement with my personal style.

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You are enough because the creator said so. Therefore, remind yourself daily and nurture your mental and emotional wellbeing. Reminding yourself every day you are enough forces you to prioritize self care, find joy in the little things, and create a positive mindset. FINDING JOY IN THE LITTLE THINGS

In this new year, water yourself daily. We need food for nourishment, right? Drinking water daily is a must. Sleep is a requirement for us, right? Feed your mental daily and know you are enough. Don’t wait on anyone to tell you, tell yourself daily.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

END OF YEAR TIP: ENHANCE PERSONAL GROWTH WITH PRIVACY

We live in a fast paced digital world where sharing every aspect of our lives have become the norm. However, there is an immense power in keeping your life private. Protecting your mental health and emotional wellbeing while being intentional can lead to your personal growth on levels you couldn’t possibly imagine.

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Boundaries and seeking validation from others can be exhausting and draining to ones mental health. I had to learn the hard way that even sharing something as profound as a promotion will lead to others counting your money and making assumptions about you. Setting boundaries and keeping certain things private allowed me to focus on my happiness and success without worrying about the opinions of others.

Another thing I noticed about keeping certain things private or only sharing certain things is I get to have some control over my narrative. I told my mom on Christmas Day, if someone says something about me it is completely made up because I don’t share anything. Therefore, if someone says anything your feelings won’t be hurt because you know they pulled it out of thin air.

”Solitude sometimes is best society.”-John Milton

Not sharing your personal business keeps your from looking at what others are doing. Which we all know getting caught up in the comparison validation is detrimental to our mental and emotional well being. One of my good friends recommended “I Hope You Fail: Ten Hater Statements Holding You Back From Getting Everything You Want.” https://amzn.to/3vkJLpB Please read this book if you’re needing more advice on how to stay productive and private.

As the new year approaches do some reflections to see if you need to pull the curtain back on some things. Are there any areas where you feel you need to set some boundaries. Always start small and build as your confidence builds. Once you begin to see personal growth, self esteem, and self improvement you’ll have the motivation to continue pressing on. FRIENDLY REMINDERS I TELL MYSELF

Lastly, being private isn’t about being secretive or keeping secrets. But about protecting your peace, energy, and mind. Setting boundaries and embracing privacy helps us create a safe space for ourselves and others around us. Happy New Year!!!

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

23 AFFIRMATIONS TO END 2023

As we approach the end of the year, it’s the perfect time to reflect and set our intentions for the future. Affirmations are powerful as they help us build self belief, enhance our positive mindset, and manifest our days. I too, thought they were useless. Until, I began affirming myself every morning or night, when I’m doing my hair, makeup, or skincare routine. Speak into existence. Believe the good you tell yourself.

close up shot of a pen on a notebook

Here are 23 affirmations to close out 2023. Let’s Go!!!!

  1. I am capable of reaching my goals. Believe in your abilities and know that have been equipped to achieve whatever you put your mind to.
  2. Every day I grow stronger and more courageous. Embrace the challenges and opportunities life brings you. Each challenge and opportunity is a lesson for growth.
  3. I am grateful for the opportunities that come my way. Express gratitude for the opportunities that come into your life.
  4. I choose to focus on the positive aspects of life. What you feed will come back. What you water will grow. Make sure to entertain the happy thoughts. When negative thoughts come, redirect to positivity.
  5. My potential is endless. Know that you are limitless and you have the world at your disposal. You can achieve whatever you dream of.
  6. I am worthy of achieving my dreams. Believe in you that whatever you desire to do, be, or create you deserve. You are deserving of all the happiness and joy life has to offer.
  7. I am enough, just as I am. The way God created you was how He wanted. Which means you are perfectly created in the most high image. Embrace self acceptance and love yourself unconditionally.
  8. I choose to surround myself with positivity. Be mindful of what you consume. What your family and friends brings to your attention or phone. Choose to be around motivating and encouraging people.
  9. I am proud of how far I’ve come. Progress is good no matter how small the step. Celebrate your accomplishments and achievements to build confidence along your journey.
  10. I am open to new ideas and change. Embrace change. We don’t know everything and never will. Just because something has worked for so long doesn’t mean there isn’t a newer, better, more efficient way of doing. CHANGE IS UNCOMFORTABLE
  11. I own my happiness. You are in control of your own happiness.No matter what anyone has said or done, you are responsible for reconciling your emotions and feelings.
  12. I am confident in my abilities. Trust yourself to conquer whatever obstacles and opportunities come to you. Believe in your knowledge, power, and experience.
  13. I am a magnet for success. Believe you deserve to be successful. Have an abundance mindset.
  14. I am committed to my personal growth. Make it a priority to continually learn, grow, and improve yourself.
  15. I am in charge of my future. You have the power to redirect your life on whatever path you envision. Only you can hold you back.
  16. I trust my journey. Trust your path is specially yours. Nothing happens by accident. Your journey is unique to you. Every thing is there to teach you a life lesson.
  17. I am learning and improving everyday. We can learn from the least person we expect. Embrace the differences and have a mindset of understanding the purpose behind it.
  18. I am patient with myself and the process. Patience is also a teacher. We’ll move to the next step when we have mastered the one we’re on. If you want more money, get great at managing what you have now.
  19. I am brave. Face challenges head on. Be proactive instead of reactive. Ignoring challenges only makes things worse. Facing adversity let’s us know where we’re strong at and where we need work.
  20. I treat others with kindness. Kindness is free. Kindness is simple. Kindness is loving. Kindness is comforting. Kindness is contagious.
  21. I radiate love and positivity. However, you want to feel, be.
  22. I release negativity. Stop limiting beliefs. Stop entertaining negative thoughts. Have hope and live with expectations of goodness daily.
  23. I am the author of my own story. Each day you are writing a page in your book. Make sure it’s your words and not someone else’s.

Check out the links below for inspiration to help cultivate a positive mindset.
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End 2023 on a positive high. Stop these affirmations daily. Even if it’s only one. Watch your mind shift. Your confidence boost. Your shoulders are back. Believe in yourself, embrace the good and bad, and live for you. Happy New Year!!!

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

25 JOURNAL PROMPTS TO REFLECT ON 2023

One of the most impactful lessons I learned this year was to trust my instincts, follow my heart, and listen to my inner voice. Even when I was terrified and unsure. I had to make one of the most difficult decisions this year and going through the process was dark. But once I trusted myself and listened to me, it was the best decision I ever made. JOURNAL WRITING: BRAIN DUMP FOR MENTAL CLARITY

a person writing on a notebook

As this year come to a close and you begin to reflect, use these journal prompts to help guide you through.

1.What was the most impactful lesson you learned this year and how did it change you?
2. Write about a moment of joy that you didn’t expect? Where were you? How did you feel?
3. What’s the biggest challenge you faced this year? How did you over come it?
4. Write about a time you were proud of yourself?
5. If you could do it all over again, what one day you’d relive and why?
6. What are three things you did this year that you’ve never done?
7. What new habit did you pick up? Why?
8. What are some emotional milestones you achieved this year?
9. What did you regret? Why? How have you learned from it?
10. How did you take care of your mental health this year?
11. What’s the one person who motivated and helped you this year? What would you tell them?
12. What random act of kindness did you witness this year?
13. What were you able to let go of this year? How did it feel to release it?
14. What investments did you make into your personal development this year?
15. What’s your biggest accomplishment this year? How did you celebrate yourself?
16. Sum up this past year in three words.
17. What did you learn about yourself this year?
18. How did you nurture your relationships this year?
19. What are your expectations for the upcoming year?
20. What would you like to improve for the new year?
21. What are three goals for yourself this new year?
22. What relationships would you like to see grow this year?
23. What does fun look like to you as you grow through this journey?
24. Rate your confidence and self esteem level.
25. What movie are you looking forward to and why?

If you need some inspiration to get going. Check out some links below of great journals to help you jump start.

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Self reflection is good for us to see where we’ve been, where we need work, understanding the why, and let us know what we need going forward. As always be as detailed as possible. This will give you your guideline for the new year.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

15 RANDOM THINGS I’M GRATEFUL FOR

The one thing I do know is being grateful in the present will give you the comfort and peace you need to live with intention. I had to learn acknowledging, accepting, and trusting where I am in the now is the only way to live intentionally in the present. Not doing so will always have one desiring for more, leaving a feeling of never being satisfied. FINDING JOY IN THE LITTLE THINGS

a person holding a gray thank you signage

Have you ever had your eye on that one thing. Then you finally got it. Not too long after, you began thinking about something else, searching for that something else, and planning the time to get it. I’ll say it again, everything you have now is what you prayed or wanted for. Where you are is where you are supposed to be. When you conquer this level you’ll move up. In the meantime be grateful for the simple things and nurture it.

15 Random Simple Joys I’m Grateful For

-Without question, my mental awareness and state of mind
-My conversation with my older cousin the other day
-That bowl of cheddar broccoli soup
-Going to the dentist last week
-New level of growth my husband and I are on
-The activity of my limbs
-Waking up to sun shining through my window
-Being able to fix my kid’s breakfast every morning
-My home feels like home, safe
-Planning my Christmas decorations
-Enjoying breakfast and coffee with my oldest son while watching early football games
-Walking through Barnes and Noble with my husband
-Going for a walk
-Enjoying the new recipe I found on Pinterest
-Clarity and refresh after decluttering and cleaning out closets over the weekend

Those are 15 random things that brought me joy and I am grateful for. So often we think about health, home, car, life, and family. But focusing on the simple joys that may seem meaningless will provide us with more encouragement, confidence, and motivation to live intentionally in the moment.

Before you go to bed write down at least 10 joys.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

BEST THING I HEARD ALL WEEK

“You’ve done what the Lord has asked us all to do. What someone does with your gift or what intentions they had isn’t for you to worry about.” Once again I perked up at my desk. When my antennas go up my mind, spirit, and heart is open to receive.

be a friend a friendship quotes

Monday morning I had an email that read “I’ll have to explain it to you in person.” Come to find out a couple approached a lady that came to visit church Sunday morning. At the end of service they approached and welcomed her. Upon approaching, we’re going to call her “Tina”, they noticed she didn’t look well. So they asked if they could help her with anything.

Tina only communicated through a notepad, had 4 large bags with her, and it was cold and rainy out. After limited communication, the couple decided to place her in a hotel for a couple of nights until she could get to a shelter. Well after some thought they had buyers remorse and felt like they had been scammed. 10 MENTAL HEALTH REMINDERS

Meeting with them and hearing Tina was dressed in beautiful trench coat, high heals, hair done, she wasn’t wet when she came in, didn’t have body odor, and her bags of stuff was nicely clean and organize they felt like they were scammed. This couple wasn’t asking for their money back, I think they just wanted to vent their frustration. Get some confirmation of their feelings and simply process the events.

In the meeting the Pastor explained you did what our boss, God, told us to do. We opened the doors of the church. We gave them coffee and a bite to eat. Placed them in a room for comfort. You did the right thing and what you were supposed to do. Thus, your spirits and conscious is free, clear, and open to receive blessings. What another person does with our gifts, generosity, and kindness isn’t for us to deal with. That is their payday.

I needed this because I had been battling myself on how to proceed with certain relationships in my family. I’ve felt duped and bamboozled by my aunt. Betrayed by my brother of him directing his anger at me. Hearing that message gave me confirmation on continuing to do the right thing. Throughout the week I read twice on different media, don’t stop doing the right things, just because the wrong people didn’t appreciate or receive it.

Is it hard. YES!!!! But be good to yourself and others. Don’t worry about their payday. As long as you make sure you get paid when it’s time. Being good to others is good for the soul.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

GRATITUDE REALLY DOES WORK

After listening to many motivational videos, the one thing that was repeated consistently was exercising gratitude. No matter who was speaking or what they were speaking on, gratitude really does work and get you out of a funk instantly. This is something I had to work at and exercise in my daily life.

photograph of a person s hand holding a gift box

We get many examples of this in our daily life. There was a point of 2 months span, we had to get both our vehicles fixed. One vehicle we had to get fixed twice in one month. And the other vehicle once. Was it frustrating. ABSOLUTELY!!!! Did we have other plans we wanted to do. YUP. But I had to quickly remind my husband, let’s be grateful and thank God we had the ability and finances to get them fixed. Neither one of us had to miss work and we are still alive and breathing. What was supposed to happen, happened. How we respond is up to us. MENTAL HEALTH REMINDER: YOU CAN LOVE YOURSELF RIGHT NOW

But this thought of gratitude really working came to me when a woman, 92 years young, came to my office to have a thank you card published in the monthly newspaper. She had been in the hospital the previous week and she wanted to thank her family and friends for their well wishes, cards, visits, and prepped meals. However, repeatedly she kept saying how grateful she was to be alive. She really thought her time was up. She said being able to wake up in her home in her bed was the best gift God gave her to do again. All she wanted to do was give her thanks while she’s still here. https://amzn.to/41FE15S Lastly, the best part she said , “you know He really didn’t have to save me”.

I froze at my desk. Ros what do you have to complain about? I responded to myself quickly, nothing at all. I have a home with air conditioning. There are people sleeping on the streets in this hot summer heat. I have food to eat. Many families are going to shelters and Salvation Army’s to get meals. I have a job. My husband has a job. We have vehicles to get to work. Our health is good. Our kids smiled today. I had a drink of clean water. Most importantly I have the ability to pass this on.

So if you’re unhappy about your current situation or going through anything, look around, write down 10 things that you are grateful for. Remember every situation is temporary. Learn what you need. That’s how we grow. We are forced out of our comfort zones when we’re stubborn. Each day practice gratitude. In order to increase and reach our full capacity we must be grateful now so we can appreciate more later. Be well!!!!

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.