Mindful Living: Embracing Self-Care as a Lifestyle Choice

In a world that often monetizes self-care as if it’s something you can buy, I’ve found it essential to be intentional about living purposefully. My self-care journey lately has focused on staying present, maintaining boundaries, and allowing myself to feel and learn.

Media Consumption with Purpose

I started by re-evaluating my media consumption. Instead of passively consuming content, I choose media that aligns with my personal growth goals. I prefer watching videos like “How I Overcame My Social Anxiety” over “The Daily Life of Living With Social Anxiety.” I follow a few therapists who offer valuable insights, and I’m currently engrossed in content about perimenopause and menopause. I also consume media about overconsumption, helping me to maintain a healthy lifestyle that promotes critical thinking, accountability, and growth.

Prioritizing Rest and Sleep

Sleep has become a cornerstone of my self-care routine. As I age, I realize the importance of allowing my body to recharge and my mind to rest. I’ve learned to stop trying to do everything in a day. When I feel mentally and emotionally drained, I start my wind-down routine, giving my mind and spirit the rest they need.

Healthy Eating and Physical Activity

Maintaining healthy eating habits and daily physical activity has kept me motivated. I focus on eating colorful foods, drinking plenty of water, and limiting sugar, salt, and caffeine. Pinterest has been a great resource for finding new recipes to keep my meals interesting. By nourishing my body and mind, I’m able to thrive daily, fight off toxins, and prevent diseases.

Decluttering and Simplifying

Another aspect of my self-care has been decluttering. Over the past few months, I’ve cleaned out closets, kitchen cabinets, junk drawers, and end tables. I used to love having photos and knick-knacks, but now, if I don’t use it daily, it doesn’t belong in my house. One Saturday, I even suggested to my husband that we sell our deep freezer because we no longer buy in bulk. Simplifying my environment has brought me clarity and peace. 6 MENTAL HEALTH REMINDERS FOR BAD DAYS

Embracing Peace and Letting Go

Ultimately, I’ve reached a point of peace by not taking things personally and learning to let go. I focus on experiences rather than material things, which has been incredibly freeing.

Processing Life’s Moments

An experience over Memorial Day weekend highlighted the importance of processing life’s moments. On our way back from a trip, we had a tire blowout 30 minutes into our drive home. It was dark, and we were on a two-lane highway. My husband changed the tire, and we made it home safely. Reflecting on this later, I realized how calmly we handled the situation. Whether it was my effort to stay composed or my instinct to assure our kids, we moved forward without letting it disrupt our peace. The next day, we simply bought a new tire.

While social media pushes for the latest trends and products, I encourage you to focus on your feelings and reactions to situations. What can you do to improve your well-being? Is what you’re consuming good for you, or is it reinforcing insecurities and fears?

By being intentional with your self-care, you can cultivate a lifestyle that promotes mindfulness, simplicity, and true well-being.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

GROWTH BEGINS WITH UNLEARNING

After watching a show last night and a young lady kept saying she wanted to change and not be closed off, harsh, mean, aggressive, and short with others, I was thinking she can’t change until she unlearns to relearn. This seems to be the most common theme amongst those who want to change, heal, grow, and be better. The simple factor to understand at the beginning of every journey, is growth begins when you start to unlearn. In order to be better you have to unlearn all the habits, thoughts, behaviors, and actions that you were taught or picked up as defense mechanisms.

quote on signboard on shabby wall near bright green leaves

Unlearning to relearn will take you down a road where you’ll meet pot holes, detours, speed bumps, and construction. You’re going to begin to question what you were taught. Why you were taught certain things. This will build mixed emotions. We don’t want to believe what we were taught or experienced was wrong but our behaviors and mechanisms were picked up from childhood. Keep in mind what we were taught or picked up wasn’t wrong per say. This young lady expressed she acts in such a harsh manner because that was the only time she received high praise from her mom and family.

Side note: When I used to watch my favorite show “Iyanla Fix My Life”, she would often ask guest “What did your mother teach you about being a woman?” Food for thought.

Unlearning to relearn takes time and more patience than you can bargain for. Your path to growth isn’t linear. Growth is a journey that takes you down many side roads and some you may have to double back on. It’s also important to remember it took your childhood, teenage years, and possible some adult years to develop those habits. So give yourself some grace. It won’t happen over night.

Relearning is going to require actively seeking new knowledge, skills, and experiences that align with your personal growth journey. In turn, this will open the doors of curiosity and your willingness and openess to try new things. Will you be out of your comfort zone? Yes. But that’s where the change happens. SPRING, BLOSSOM, AND FLOURISH

While relearning you’ll be required to humble yourself and admit you were wrong, don’t have all the answers, and need help. Thus forcing us to seek help and realize we need help to understand, organize our new thoughts, and find resources of support. Relearning is an ongoing process and will require a persistent commitment from you for your growth.

If you don’t know where to begin, start journaling some behaviors and habits you’d like to unlearn. How did those develop, how they make you feel, others feel, and why you want to grow from it. After self reflections, challenge your perspective and narrative about it. Then seek new ways of thinking and being. Finally be patient and kind with yourself.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

YOUR NORMAL IS GOOD ENOUGH

I heard this while watching the basketball game the other day and can’t get it out of my head. The reporter asked the coach what was the advice given to the players in the highly intense game. “Your normal is good enough.” You don’t have to do anything extra or different. Do what got you here. When you try to do things differently or switch your game up, you lose your authentic self. Those talents, gifts, knowledge, and experiences is what makes you great.

Thinking about this, this also applies to this long game we’re all playing called life. However, for us, we only get one life. There isn’t another chance like those players have another game. So to understand that you’re normal, whatever it is, is good enough. ALL THE TIME!!!!!

As I adopt this mantra, your normal is good enough, I encourage you to explore your “normal”. What exactly does that mean to you and for you? It means embracing your authentic self. What you’re great at. What you have challenges with. The small things that makes you unique, quirky, different, and fun. It’s knowing how you show up is good enough and more than enough. Knowing your normal is good enough means you lose the idea of perfectionism. MARCH TO YOUR OWN RHYTHM

Along with losing the idea of perfectionism, it means sticking to your game plan. Don’t try to adopt anyone else’s game plan. Just because it works for them doesn’t mean it will fit into your scheme or your end goal. You can be encouraged and inspired to tap into your own and grow within yourself.

In the office, your relationships, and within yourself your normal is good enough. Do what you’re great at, ask for help when needed, and know that what you possess is good enough. No one on this planet will have it all, be it all, do it all, know it all , or even be able to attain it.

Each day do what you normally do and see how much better your mental health becomes. Your confidence will grow. Giving you the ability to become the person you envision. How much at ease you’ll feel. The need to please is released. Thus leaving room for growth and development. Acknowledging your normal is good enough doesn’t mean we don’t challenge ourselves to greater heights.

Embrace your imperfections, celebrate your uniqueness, and live your life authentically, because in the end, it’s the journey that matters most, not the destination.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

CONSISTENCY: FINISH WHAT YOU STARTED

In a world that is forever changing with new technologies, trends, and aesthetics , it is very easy to lose patience, gratitude, and interest . No matter if you’re starting a business, blog, family, new career, savings, or self development journey you’ll need consistency, patience, and focus to finish out what you started. You never know how it could have been if you don’t see it through. This, I had to remind myself, that what we need and want is often right within our grasp – if only we pause, appreciate, and persevere.

As I began to research, plan, and build my Etsy store, I had to pause and think I have everything I’m looking for in front of me. I haven’t been consistent on the blog, I’m still selling on Poshmark, and still a freelancer. Not to mention a mom of three teenagers and an husband. With great hesitation I put my Etsy store on pause. Whenever starting something new it takes great effort, time, and resources. Instead let’s harness the power of staying in the present and being consistent. What we need and desire might be right in front of us.

If you ask any millionaire or celebrity the key to their success, it’s always staying the course when you don’t have motivation, no one believes in you, you don’t see results, and keep doing even if you’re tired. Success is often a product of small, consistent actions accumulating over time. Will there be times you slip?! Absolutely. But the beauty is you get back up.

The satisfaction of completing a project or seeing something through should remain motivation enough to be consistent. Remember your why. Being able to recognize, own, and share your growth is invaluable. Finish what you started – the rewards extend beyond the immediate task.

When faced with obstacles, it’s tempting to abandon ship and chase new adventures. This I have to remember and tell myself when I don’t get views, a contract, or bad review. I remember my why. What my purpose is. Don’t give up too easily; every obstacle is an opportunity to refine your skills, resilience, and determination. MENTAL HEALTH REMINDER: TRUST YOURSELF

Sometimes, getting that instant gratification isn’t what we need or desire. Patience is a virtue, and trust in the process is paramount. When there is an obstacle, I know there is a lesson that I need to learn. It’s important to get that lesson before moving on and understanding the work that needs to be done. Instant success isn’t sustainable.

In the pursuit of our dreams and goals, it’s crucial to remember that success isn’t just about starting new ventures but about completing the ones we’ve already embarked upon. Let’s celebrate consistency, embrace the art of finishing, and trust that what we need and want is already in motion – we just need to stay the course.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

HEALING THROUGH PAIN

Yes, her son is laying in an hospital bed awaiting another surgery as he battles through cancer. She’s put him on the prayer list, fast, and took him communion. But our plans aren’t God’s plans. As he takes his rest and falls asleep, she decided to go to the Dollar tree buy applesauce, green beans, pop tarts, noodles, and corn to deliver to the church for their monthly Salvation Army donation.

Her healing through her pain comes as she watches her third son battle cancer. She lost her husband to cancer. She’s not as stable herself as she go through her golden years. But she said, “I just take my time you know, I’ll get there.” WOW!!!! 5 REASONS VULNERABILITY IS STRENGTH

GO FIND YOU SOME STRENGTH!!!!!! She said I can’t do anything while he sleeps. I might as well go make sure some kids have something to eat and don’t go hungry. I can’t let myself go. Who’s going to be there when the doctor needs to speak with next of kin. I can’t control the cancer, I’m not a doctor, and God still gave me strength to get up.

Sure, getting up, having breakfast, going to the store, talking to other shoppers, getting some sunlight, and getting some exercise is a mental refresh. Continuing to choose to live provides endless amount of strength. Healing through pain is the only way to get through.

If you are going through anything painful, know that it is temporary. You will get to the light. Find a source of strength to grow through your healing. There is a purpose and reason. It’s not just a cliche, but our loved ones doesn’t expect us to stop living because they are ill. They truly would want you to continue living. Live for you. Live for them.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

MENTAL HEALTH REMINDER: YOUR PROBLEM IS YOURS

I know I know, it seems very harsh to tell someone your problem is yours. Well when I heard it, I felt and thought the same thing. She said no one cares that your feelings are hurt. Why are you constantly complaining about something that happened last week, last month, last year, or when you were thirteen. Within two days I heard this from two different people on two different media. It had me pondering.

They are right!!!!!

We can’t erase or undo everything that has been said or done to us. In turn, we make it about what they said, what they did, how they made you feel, and nothing is about us. What someone else say or do has nothing to do with us. It has everything to do with how they feel about themselves.

In our anger, hurt, and sadness we freeze and wait for that person to make everything right. When, if they thought they did something wrong they would have done it. If you get an apology the problem is still yours. On the other hand, if you don’t the problem is still yours. What is the apology going to do for you? Because emotions are raw, will you be in a place to receive the apology, accept it, and forgive? Everything was made about them and not you. 10 FUN JOURNAL PROMPTS TO GET YOUR MIND OFF YOUR PROBLEMS

We can pour our hearts out and the problem is still ours. Either one one of two things. They will understand and empathize. Or completely gaslight and blame you for taking it the way you did. In result, you’re left with fixing the problem.

No matter what, your problem is yours. You are the only one who can make yourself whole, process, and get through. A large mistake is waiting or expecting others to solve our problems. We’ll be waiting forever. I had this breakthrough when I had to ask myself what kind of relationship was I going to participate in with my mother. I’m not going to get the mother I wanted when I was little. No matter how much I’ve expressed to her my feelings nothing has changed. So what am I to do. I had to reconcile all that and accept the mother she chooses to be and engage on my terms.

If you’re battling some problems. It’s yours. Take your power back and fix it for yourself.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

HELLO SEPTEMBER

Yup, it’s September 1, 2023. Where has the time gone? For some September is about pumpkin spice latte’s, apple cider, fall festivals, pumpkin patch visits, and my favorite, decor. However, September is exciting because football is back, a plethora of new fall TV shows, and back to school. Lastly, who doesn’t love fall fashion? Fall can be the best time of year for fashion. You get to wear sweaters, boots, layer, and get creative.

While all of that is exciting and great entertainment, September reminds us that the end of the year is quickly approaching. Some stress over Christmas holiday shopping, have they reached their goals, and what are they going to before the clock strikes midnight on December 31. You’ll probably going to see an increase of content on what to do these last couple of months to achieve your goals. How to set yourself up for next year. Or, you should already be thinking about next year. Either way it can be stressful.

Please remember that it’s great content to keep you motivated, on track, and getting your juices flowing for your life. However, consuming the content without filters can cause some to feel like they aren’t doing enough, they have failed at their goals, it’s too late, times running out, or they aren’t working hard enough. When it comes to consuming that information, take the tips and tricks that apply to your lifestyle and create realistic systems and goals to live your life. Leave the rest.

As we say hello September, think about what you need to feel free and light. Just like the leaves fall for the season, what do you need to get rid of that isn’t serving you. If you’ve been stressing over the same thing for months, nothing has changed, let if fall with the leaves. You’ve tried something and it wasn’t what you thought, OH WELL, you tried. Take the good lessons you learned from it, and move on to something else. Get rid of what you need to sleep, rest, and have peace at the end of each day. 7 HEALING JOURNAL PROMPTS FOR A PEACEFUL WEEK

With our hello this month, we’re going to see some new colors bring life to nature. That’s our hint to add some color and life into our daily routine. If you haven’t been one to attend a fall festival find one close to you to visit. Have you been apple picking, to a pumpkin patch (yes we plan to go this year even though my kids are teenagers), or an hayride. The goal here is to find something local, free or close to free, do something that you never done, and explore.

This is a trick I started last year and have enjoyed. This summer we stopped by our local Ford Enthusiast festival that is held every year, but have never went. They had food, live bands, games, and endless Ford cars displayed for one weekend. We had a blast. All it takes is to try.

Say hello to September. Enjoy your lattes, soups, chili’s, and cobblers. Get comfy cozy in your favorite sweaters and live colorful. Your heart, mind, and body will reward you.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

MENTAL NOTE OF THE DAY

”I pray you feel from things no one ever apologized for.” – Nakeia Homer

Sometimes you won’t get the apology you need to heal, move on, or get closure from. We have to heal ourselves and be ok with not getting the apology. Yes, this is a very difficult thing to do. LET GO!!!!! You’ve been hurt, wronged, taken advantage of, mistreated, and abused. You didn’t deserve it. You did nothing wrong. In my quest to heal myself, I’ve come to learn that as long as I’ve done what was in my power to do, I have to leave it where it stands. I can’t do my part and someone else’s. Neither can you. Reconcile with yourself you’ve done what you can do. Sometimes they aren’t able to see what you see. Some are just stuck in their ways. They don’t want to see it in a different perspective. 7 HEALING JOURNAL PROMPTS FOR A PEACEFUL WEEK Maybe they’ve been so unfairly treated that it’s too cloudy for them to see clearly. Whatever the circumstances are, being ok without an apology frees you. It also frees them. In the event they do apologize at a later time you’ll be able to receive it and be emotionally strong. No matter what occurred you are responsible for your own healing. Even if you did receive an apology you still have to heal yourself. Enjoy the rest of your day!!!!!

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

MENTAL NOTE OF THE DAY

”Self care is how you take your power back.”-Lalah Delia

woman wearing white sleeveless lace shirt

When I took my break, yes I needed a break. I participated in every self care activity that promoted good mental and emotional wellness for me. SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO UNPLUG However you choose to self care, is your business. Depending on what you need, your self care will change. Not only do I practice self care for myself, it’s for my family and friends. It’s about me being the best for me while also giving them the best and most I have to offer without compromising myself. Self care will always be a journey. There isn’t a destination to happiness therefore, your self care will evolve as you grow through seasons of life. For me I keep my self care simple. Don’t make it complicated. Listen to what your body tells you. Last weekend we had so much on our schedule that we had a few moments to breathe. I found myself walking around getting a little anxious. I knew I wanted to do something until it was time for us to go again . However , I didn’t want to start something and then we had to leave again. My husband said, “what are you about to do?” I said, “I’m going to go outside for a walk to clear my head and regroup”. On some days cleaning will help, doing my hair or nails will help, reading, watching something funny, calling and talking to someone on the phone, or taking a nap. Whatever you need to do to remain calm and clear, do it. You’ll be available emotionally to handle your day. Enjoy the rest of your day!!!!!

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

AFFIRMATIONS TO RELIEVE ANXIETY

Throughout the day or at some point we’re all are going to have a moment of anxiety. It’s normal. It’s important for us to have some tools or positive affirmations to help us in those moments. I use this technique when I’ve really connected with a client, had an amazing conversation, and they feel like I truly listened to them but then for factors out of my control I can’t issue them a policy. The moment when that “Due to underwriting guidelines…” pops on my screen I instantly get tensed. Now I have to deliver some bad news. I take a deep breath and tell myself at least 3 positive affirmations. https://amzn.to/48k2y36 No matter what the circumstances are, we are in control. Here are some positive affirmations to get you through.

I am okay.
I am safe.
I am not in danger.
I can do this.
I am good enough.
I am strong.
I am confident.
I have everything I need to withstand.
I let go of what I can’t control.
I am in control of my emotions.
I will get through this.
This is temporary.
This doesn’t define me.
I am letting go of fear.
I am calm.
I believe in myself.
I am growing in this moment.

Those are some positive affirmations that you can repeat to yourself or aloud if you’re faced with a situation you may feel you’re losing a grip on. 17 THINGS I DO WHEN I’M FEELING ANXIOUS Pause. Take a deep breath. Remind yourself you are in control. https://amzn.to/3vqmpiv Those thoughts aren’t valid and this too shall pass.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.