MENTAL HEALTH REMINDER: YOU CAN LOVE YOURSELF RIGHT NOW

You can begin to love yourself right now, as you are, as God created you. There isn’t anything you’re lacking to stop you from loving, appreciating, and being the best version of you. Whatever you are feeling or going through it’s only temporary. That doesn’t define you, your life, and where you’re headed.

You can love the body in you’re in right now. Even if you aren’t as confident as you would like to be. Appreciate where you are right now and love the curves, cellulite, wrinkles, dark spots, and imperfections. So when you do reach your ideal weight, get a good nights rest, and reach the point you are confident, then you can appreciate how far you’ve come. Embrace and enjoy the journey.

Whatever amount of dollars you have right now, you can love yourself. You don’t need more to feel better, look better, or love on yourself. Love the small home you’re in now. That apartment, room, or wherever you live. The vehicle you have love it. Appreciate it. Loving on yourself and for yourself starts with gratitude. 10 DAILY SIMPLE SELF CARE ACTIVITIES THAT WORK

The way you were created is perfect. Therefore, you don’t need to lose weight, get a bigger bottom, smaller waist, million followers, luxury vacation, long hair, short hair, spouse, children, jewelry, and everything else superficial to love who you are right now. You are equipped with everything you need to fall in love with yourself as is. You are perfect just the way you are.

Make a choice and decision to put your best foot forward so you can present the current you confidently as is. When we live in the “when I get this…” we’re not enjoying the now. In actuality, where we are and what we have now, is actually what we hoped and prayed for long ago. Accept the now to appreciate the future. If we don’t accept, acknowledge, and appreciate the small gifts then we’ll never be able to appreciate the large gifts that’s waiting on us.

Starting today and this weekend love all of you as you are. Keep pouring love into you. The more you pour into you the more it pours to others. Have a great weekend.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

WHY MY BLOG IS STILL A SECRET AFTER 2 YEARS

So I saw this post scrolling on Pinterest and it totally resonated with me so of course I had to read it. “Why I kept my blog a secret?” It seems like something you would want to shout to the world. Well not so much. And I’m not just talking about family. I still don’t discuss my blog with friends or coworkers.

macbook air flower bouquet and magazines on white table

For me, one of the main reasons I kept it a secret was because my family thought I was wasting my time. It didn’t make me rich as soon as I clicked ”publish”. Because everyone else in my family was talking about starting their restaurants, t-shirt businesses, and makeup brand no one was interested in learning what a blog was. When I brought up my blog they completely ignored me and dismissed me.

Next, I kept my blog a secret because I just wanted to post and write what I wanted, how I wanted to express my feelings and thoughts. I literally thought, I could come on here write, and still be invisible. My goal was to be able to write, post, and publish without fear. Sometimes families can be more judgmental than friends or coworkers.

Another reason I kept my blog a secret was because I didn’t want to offend anyone. While I still want to love, respect, and protect my family, part of my journey is knowing where some of my thoughts, views, feelings, and emotions stem from. I didn’t want anyone to feel like I was pointing the fingers or blame. Sometimes people don’t understand or want to accept your experience of them.

Finally, I kept it a secret because I would get unwanted comments, suggestions, and advice on the topics I should write about. When I did bring up the idea of mental health, healing, and protecting your peace I knew by the comments and reactions they weren’t where I was emotionally. I got the hint to let it go and never push someone to look deeper internally. This was my journey, my truth, and my healing that I was sorting through. All while trying to help and motivate others.

I did end up telling like 3 people. But only one ended up being a family member. I’ve never been the type to like the spotlight, focus, and attention on me. Seems weird I know, to have a blog and be an introvert. FACTS ABOUT INTROVERTS YOU SHOULD KNOW But that’s the point, it’s my corner of the internet to motivate, encourage and inspire.

This journey for the last 2 years has taught me the importance to motivate and encourage yourself more than you can get from others.

Be well on your journey.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

THANK YOU FOR 100 POSTS

I posted 100 blog posts. YIKES!!!!!!! ❤️ Thank you for supporting 100 posts. I can’t believe it. I’m still pinching myself. Any and everyone who has clicked on, commented, followed, and read any of my post I say “thank you”. I truly am humbled and honored that you take the time to engage with me.

I for so long contributed to others blogs and guest posted. I had this longing desire to launch my own, in an attempt to inspire, encourage, motivate, and share. If I’ve done so to one person, then I’m ok. REMEMBERING WHY I BLOG, Motivation I hope to continue to grow and learn. Courage, confidence, and patience is something that is worked on and through.

This process has taught me a lot about myself. It has helped me communicate better, understand others more in depth, and boosts my self awareness.

If there is anyone out there who has a dream and think its out of reach or no one will support, just give it a try. The dream and desire was placed in your heart and no one else’s. One thing I know for sure, when God places something on your heart , its the right thing to do. You can’t lose. Follow your heart and dreams.

Have a purpose and goal to serve. Always fill your heart with gratitude. Know there isn’t a hurdle you can’t over come. The time is now. And, it’s never too late. Living your truth and doing what makes you happy is what you’re supposed to do. Having the courage to say this is “Me”, is the most powerful thing you can do and have.

Thank you so much for supporting me to 100!!!!!! I’m more than grateful. God Bless. 🙏Have a great week.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

REMEMBERING WHY I BLOG, Motivation

After watching a video with Sarah Jakes Roberts talk about remembering her why, I thought I’d answer my own question of remembering why I blog? Remembering why I blog was a great moment of reflection for me. When I began, I knew why in my head but to verbally speak it and make it make sense was different. But that is the beauty in the dreams that God places in us. We know and understand why we do what we do or what we want to do. However, that isn’t for everyone else.

Remembering My Why

First I’ve had this vision or dream for over five years now. To be honest with you all, it was out of pure fear as to why I didn’t start my own blog. I would write for others first as a hobby, then to gain experience, and finally as a form of expression. All the while, I knew deep down I still wasn’t completely satisfied. Alas, after much thought, prayer, and trials I decided to create my own.

Think about your trials and tribulations. That will give you answers and insight of remembering your why.

My first reason as to Why I Blog, was to motivate, encourage, and inspire. As an adult woman, wife, and mother of three I have experienced life and I was the type to hold things in. I never let anyone know I was feeling sad, anxious, depressed, or unfulfilled. Dealing with things on my own and internally was my mojo.

Even the thought of wanting to go back to school or make a career change I kept to myself. I was at a place where the slightest criticism or remark would make me question and sometimes change my mind. The biggest brick on my shoulders was my mommy guilt. Anything that took time away from me being available to my kids, I felt like I couldn’t do.

Remember when one area of your life is out of sync all areas are out of sync. I had this vision of what I wanted my life to be and how I wanted to live. The only options was for me to make it happen. My internal peace and happiness is beneficial to my marriage, kids, family and friends. I knew if I wanted to be that strong individual that everyone depends on then I had to be strong for myself.

I began to make decisions and choices without anyone knowing. Letting another’s opinion about my desires suede me in any way. In contrast, the thought of sparing their feelings was no longer an option. Also, understanding my dreams are mine and no one else has to understand them was essential to my healing process. Trusting and believing in myself was also the number one essential.

Why I Blog

Remembering why I blog is easy for me. I know for a fact there are many women and men who experience the same type of emotions. Putting it into words can be difficult. Expressing your concerns can be difficult. Not getting the support needed or understanding can be a blow to your mental and emotional health. If I can in any way say “hey I’ve been there and if I can escape you can too”. At then end of the day, if I only touch or inspire one person then I have done what God has asked me to do.

Putting yourself out there is very hard and vulnerable. But I do know, I want to grow and be the best version of myself. So that means I have to be vulnerable and embrace uncertainty. When you’re uncomfortable you’re growing. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable as I heard Steve Harvey say. I am someone who embraces changes and loves to take risks. So keeping those thoughts in the front of mind allows me to rely on my faith, capabilities, and desire to know there is someone out there who is depending on me to show a little vulnerability.

Another reason I blog, is for my mental health. Me attempting to motivate and encourage others helps me. So often we suffer in silence because we think we the only one going through something. Not realizing if we had the courage to speak up, we all could be healed. There is truly strength in numbers. In my years, I learned holding things in aren’t good for your emotional wellbeing. Therefore, I need to release it. What better way to release it, get it off my mind and help someone in the process. My number one thing I tell so many is “you are not alone.”

In a circle of friends or family, if everyone has their cup full, then there is plenty to drink from. Now, if one or two people only have something in their cup, then dehydration is going to set in. So why not make sure my cup is running over so I can help someone else begin to fill theirs. Notice I said help. We can’t completely take the cup from them. We can assist and we all can fill our cups together.

Lastly, in remembering why I blog, I noticed how happy, energized, and full I felt when I would talk to a coworker, friend, or family member out of sadness. When I would try to build someone up, encourage them to go after their dreams, or tell them they are worthy, I was the most happy myself. I knew that was my WHY. How I felt on the inside was all the confirmation I needed.

Remember your why. Why do you do what you do. When things aren’t seeming to pan out how you thought, don’t give up. Remember why you started. Always staying true to your why, will lead you down a path of fullness.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: ALMOND OIL

My product spotlight for the week is almond oil. Yes, I’m still a beauty junkie and continue to experiment with products. Product spotlight, almond oil has been giving me everything for the last couple of weeks.

Around February, I was experiencing unusual dry skin. My skin is already on the dry side but for some reason it was a little more dry than normal. Whenever I have a hiccup in my skin, I know its time for me to rotate some products or try another technique. Self Care Beauty Routine

Of course, I’m aware of the elements in the air can have an effect on your skin. The changing of seasons can also cause skin not to react to its normal routine. Your diet, stress, and everyday life can cause the skin to react.

My initial thoughts were to try oil cleansing. I wanted to see if I could get my skin back on track the ole fashion way. My usual go to is a cold cream and I didn’t want to use any (Ponds Cold Cream is my fave) or any other balm to put moisture back into my skin. I used to love coconut oil but as many esthetician’s have told me that is the worst oil to put on your face.

After much research and just having a knack to try something new, I thought about almond oil. I knew it to be a light weight oil with many benefits. The thought of seasons changes was a great consideration. I didn’t want anything to heavy or greasy feeling. I wanted something that could sink in. Also I knew I was going to use it for more than one beauty purpose.

Beauty Benefits of Almond Oil

-Prevents water loss from skin
-Great for sensitive skin
-Rich in vitamin E
-Helps protect skin from sun damage
-Reduces redness and itching
-Improves skin complexion
-Natural moisturizer for skin and hair
-Effective makeup remover
-Tame Frizz and relieves dry scalp

How I Use Almond Oil

First, I use it as the first step in my cleansing routine, at night. The smallest amount goes along way. Almond oil is light enough to blend effortlessly. It sinks into the skin without clogging pores. When rinsed away with warm water and a microfiber towel, your skin is left feeling soft, smooth to touch, glowing, and clean. Within a week my skin was back to normal but with a healthy inner glow.

Next, I add a couple of drops to my night moisturizer. I love the way it made my skin feel after oil cleansing. So I thought why not add a couple drops to my moisturizer and help the dryness. In the morning I noticed my skin was still moisturized and glowing.

However, in my morning routine I don’t oil cleanse with almond oil. But after I do wash and pat my face dry, I add a drop to my moisturizer, with SPF of course. For a couple of weeks now my skin has stayed moisturized without feeling greasy or even getting oily throughout the day. I’ve been going without makeup as well. That is how much I’ve really been enjoying the glow this almond oil has been giving.

Another way I use almond oil is for my hair care. This oil is perfect for split ends. I use it on my scalp and it doesn’t weigh my hair down. I add it to my shampoo to give my hair natural moisture and shine. Also I apply it to my conditioner and my hair mask. Mixing it with my hair mask gives me the hot oil treatment moisture and shine.

Lastly I’ve used it as a eye cream/moisturizer. Just a dab on the finger and rub it around the entire eye area brightens and lifts your entire face. I was able to see (You know when you use oil on your face sometimes it gets on you eyelids and then you can’t see.) and my face wasn’t greasy. The oil didn’t rub off on any of my pillows, blankets or sheets.

My final recap of my product spotlight almond oil is its a must try if you haven’t. I purchased my bottle off Amazon( https://amzn.to/3219scN )and the 16oz bottle last forever. The multipurpose beauty benefits you receive are instant and amazing. This oil is perfect for the warmer months and effective enough for cold weather months.

Oils are a natural way to add variety to your beauty routine without the harsh chemicals. If you haven’t already I encourage you to give almond oil a try.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

CREATIVITY AND MENTAL HEALTH GO HAND IN HAND

Tap into your creative side to help you figure out what you want to do next. So many of us are stuck trying to figure out what to do next, how to use this time we have to invest or invent something for ourselves. Creativity to boost mental health takes the chore out it. There is a true connection between creativity and mental health. When you begin to get creative it doesn’t have to be anything big.

Right now I’m having the time of my life learning and investing my time and energy into three new things to me. The first one I’m working on is to perfect my recipe for my version of Avocado Toast 🥑as well as my version of an Vanilla Iced Almond Latte🧋. The last is me working on my green thumb. I’ve always envied those who could nurture plant 🪴 and flowers 💐. One of my goals at the beginning of the year was to get some greenery in the home. I purchased one (an Aloe plant) and due to unfortunate circumstances, a death in the family, I ended up with three plants (a small peace lily and a large peace lily plant).

Side note: For quite some time now I’ve longed to have the talent on how to sew. I’ve been looking for the perfect pair of pants but can’t seem to find them. I’ve had many thoughts of purchasing a sewing machine and making my own.

But anyway….

We’ll be surprised to see when we challenge ourselves how much it lifts our mood and spirits. Begin figuring out what you want to invest your time in learning or perfecting. We’re so quick to say “I don’t know how to do that” or “I can’t do that” or “That’s not something I’m good at”. Well now its time to try something new. Don’t worry about how big or small the adventure may be to others. It’s not for them or about them.

Your creativity is something personal to you. The more creative you are the better your mental health become.

This is essential to your mental and emotional health because it’s keeping you busy, learning a new skill, figuring out new things about yourself, it’s challenging you to step out your comfort zone , and you’re growing in the process. You never know where your hobby may take you. Use new activities and adventures as a free therapist. Good Luck and Have some Fun!!!!!

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

FEELING STUCK Here Are 30 Questions To Ask Yourself

Knowing you want to improve certain areas of your life is half the battle. Don’t know where to begin and feeling stuck, here are 30 questions to get your mind running.

When was the last time I gave myself a compliment?
What is one of the biggest fears that’s holding me back from doing what I want to do?
Do I treat people how I want to be treated?
Am I living the life I want?
Are there limits I‘m putting on my life, dreams, hopes and the way I think?
Do I live or just exist in this world?
Are the choices I’ve made been with my mind or heart?
Have I been good to myself: my mind, body, and spirit?
What is the one thing that makes me uncomfortable?
When I make a mistake, how do I handle it?
Am I an inspiration to myself and those around me?
What are my biggest accomplishments that I’m most proud of?
My biggest goal I’d like to accomplish this year is…
What is the one thing that happen last year that I’d like to continue?
Is there one thing I’d like to change, fix, or get better at?
If I had a magic wand, and was feeling stuck the one thing in the world I’d like to fix is?
How do I define success?
What are the three things I value most?
What is the one thing I’m really good at?
Do I enjoy what I do?
What can I do right now that will have a positive impact on my life?
When was the last time I stepped outside my comfort zone?
What is the one thing I enjoy doing in my free time?
Do I have any hobbies or favorite activities?
If I were completely honest with myself, what is my confidence level on a scale of 1-10?
How do I deal with change?
How do I respond to negative situations or negative people?
What is the one place I’d like to vacation if money wasn’t an object?
Am I a happy person?
Do I like myself?

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

Women Are Powerful

She doesn’t think she’s better than anyone, nor does she think anyone is better than her
She will give you a chance, but if you muck it up you won’t get another
She doesn’t mind being different
She doesn’t mind being alone
She is strong
She knows her own strength
She knows what she wants
She minds her own business
She mourns in silence
She doesn’t have, need, or want a lot of “friends”
She is natural
She is caring
She can keep a sercret
She makes her own decisions and sticks with them
She doesn’t care what others are doing
She loves hard…and hurt hard
She is a gentle lion
She is educated
She’s always thinking, analyzing, and plotting up something new
She isn’t afraid to try something new or step outside her comfort zone
She knows how to balance her life
She doesn’t sweat the small stuff
She is confident
She is comfortable in heels
She is comfortable in sweats
She is proud
She is talented
She’s always switching up her look
She never lets you get too close or comfortable with her
She doesn’t stop once she get started
She is unique
She doesn’t seek advice, she trusts her instinct
She validates herself
She share, give, and love unconditionally
She is unapologetically her
She is woman

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

Random THOUGHTS…Happy Friday Y’all

We’re 15 days into the new year and it seems it’s been a long one already. I’d thought I give a random post of all my thoughts random thoughts. There is so much going on around the world, in our homes, and on our jobs that can easily get us into the state of “How in the world did I end up here?”

Right now more than ever taking a moment to ourself is crucial to all of our wellbeing. Even if you can get five minutes in, it’s better than none. For example, turn the news off, do not consume that all day. Also turn off your social media notifications for a day or so. If you feel you can’t turn off your notifications just don’t respond, read, or look at them for a day. The goal is to give yourself a moment for clarity and to be with one in your own thoughts.

To sum up, please be mindful of what and how much you are consuming for the benefit of your mental health . This includes your conversations with family, friends, and coworkers. If you have someone at work like I do, who loves to talk about politics every moment of day, find a way to recenter. For me, I either completely ignore them, turn on my radio really low, and zone out. Eventually when I don’t respond or engage they stop or switch the subject. Another way I deflect is to simply say “I’ve had my fair share of politics I’m really not interested in discussing it right now.” Finally, my last resort, is to literally refer the conversation back work or another subject.

That goes for any subject matter that you are tired of talking about or hearing about.

Another random thought that has been heavy on me is to ask yourself what are you condoning, participating, accepting, and accommodating? Right now there are many things that we normalize and gloss over as if its ok, knowing deep down it’s not. Stop twisting yourself into a pretzel, to keep the peace in fear of being left out and talked about.

If it ain’t right, don’t sit well in your spirit, and you don’t want to, then exist gracefully. Just another random thought I’d like to share to help those feeling pressured to do certain things.

I’ve had to come to grips with this subject matter this week. Unfortunately, my mother in law passed away, and me knowing my role on when, where, and how far to extend my support had to become clear to me. I had to step back and say it’s not my mother, my husband has siblings, and I don’t have a say so. The most important was for me to make myself available. I was beginning to struggle on if I was being a good wife. But I had to realize my support is to my husband and my children, who lost their grandmother.

Finally, I come to know and understand that I can’t fix people or save people. I can’t and will not break myself down trying to fix someone else. Also if it has nothing to do with you, it doesn’t concern you, it’s none of your business, it doesn’t effect you or your family, it’s out of your control, or you can’t change it, then let it GO. Don’t be mad, angry, upset, bitter, or hold a grudge. Just be done and let go. And don’t look back.

I’m pretty sure I’m not the only that have some random thoughts that doesn’t seem to all fit. But thats ok, as long as you can acknowledge them. Those random thoughts will fit together one day. Bet on yourself first, this one time, and give yourself a chance.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

DIY Cucumber Lemon Water GREAT REFRESHER

So we know how important it is to drink water throughout the day as well as the benefits of drinking the proper amount of water daily. Try this recipe for DIY cucumber lemon water. However, there are many of us who don’t like the taste of water, which can discourage us from drinking it.

Yes, there are many options available for flavoring our water on the store shelves. On the other hand, I’ve found making a gallon of cucumber lemon water is much more refreshing. Not to mention, the natural and healthy nutritional benefits of having cucumber and lemon in your water. And because it’s a DIY cucumber lemon water recipe its going to be served and enjoyed with love.

Benefits Of Lemons	Benefits Of Cucumbers
Good Source of Vitamin C	Antioxidant Rich
Flavor Promotes Hydration	Excellent Source of Hydration
Improves Health of Skin	High in Vitamin K-Aids in Bones Health
Aids in Digestion	Potassium Aids in Blood Pressure
Helps With Weight Control	Aids In Skin Health

Healthy Benefits

The recipe is simple, little to no prep time, and very inexpensive.
To make a gallon of cucumber lemon water you’ll need the following:

-1 Gallon of Water
-Pitcher
-1 Cucumeber
-2 Lemons

Preparations

Thinly slice the cucumber and lemon. Place both the cucumber and lemons into the bottom of the pitcher. Pour your gallon of water into the pitcher with the cucumber and lemons. You can give it a little stir to mix everything together, but it isn’t necessary.

Next, you can refrigerate for about an hour to cool or fill pitcher with ice if you’re needing to serve right away. The longer you allow the ingredients to penetrate the water the more flavorful it will be.

If you don’t want to make a full pitcher, a glass of ice water recipe calls for:
*2 Slices of Lemon
*3 Slices of Cucumber

Please note: This is how I like my cucumber lemon water. You may increase some ingredients or decrease some depending on your taste buds.

This is a great refresher if you don’t like the taste of water, if you plan on entertaining and would like a spin on plain water, great of course in the summer, and if you need a detox at the beginning of the year to start your fitness journey.

I first tasted this flavor of water three years ago at a Hotel in July while we were on vacation. Every time we walked into the lobby we couldn’t wait to stop at the cooler and get a cup, and I’ve been hooked ever since then. When I drink cucumber lemon water I can’t stop and therefore my body thanks me. For example, whenever I feel like I need to cleanse or dehydrated I spend the weekend drinking this mixture and by Sunday I can literally see the difference in my body, energy, and skin.DIY…Starbucks Medicine Ball

To sum this all up, this is a healthy way to get in the proper amount of water. Please give it a try and let me know how you enjoyed this all natural refresher.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.