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.

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.

WEEKLY MENTAL HEALTH REMINDERS

Hope you had a great weekend. It’s a new week and time for some simple, quick, and easy mental health reminders. Whatever happened yesterday or last week, it’s done. Stop dwelling over it and focus on the new opportunity this day or week is offering you.

Weekly Mental Health Reminders

Celebrate and focus on your progress. Something could have broke you, but you didn’t let it. Focus on your journey and don’t compare yourself to others.
Go to the doctor. Make that dentist appointment. Get that lab work done. Take care of your physical health. It has a great impact on your mental wellbeing.
Set small goals you can achieve. Starting big leaves room for disappointment, lack of motivation, and easy to let go. Starting small allows room for growth and improvement.
If you didn’t break it, it’s not yours to fix. If you can’t do anything about it, stop worrying about it. Release what’s out of your control. GENTLE REMINDER ABOUT SELF CARE
Set a time daily to unplug and disconnect from technology. Give yourself periodic social media detoxes. This will enhance your productivity.
Mistakes, setbacks, and challenges are all apart of growth. They are going to happen. They need to happen. How you learn, respond, and grow is the test.
You grow when you step outside of your comfort zones. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself to do different.
Forgive yourself. Forgive others. It’s better for our mental health to let the grudges go.
Take time to unwind each night. Put a period on the day. Each day is a new opportunity.
Therapy is a good thing. If you aren’t getting what you need with what you’re doing. Seek additional resources when needed.

Take care of yourself. You owe it to yourself. You can’t get a redo on any given day. Keep it simple and enjoy this one life you’ve been given.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

DECLUTTER YOUR SPACE & RENEW YOUR SPIRIT

What is on this weekend self care list? Declutter, spring cleaning, renewing the energy and refreshing the spirit in the house. Cleaning closets, getting rid of old clothes and shoes, shredding mail, cleaning junk drawers, cleaning the deep freezer, and refreshing the linen for spring. 3 SELF CARE REMINDERS FOR THE WEEKEND

woman in brown jacket and blue denim jeans standing beside white wooden shelf

Have you been feeling overwhelmed, chaotic, anxious , can’t remember your to do list, and not with it? Well, take a look at your surroundings. Your home, car, office, closets, junk drawers, and any other space you occupy may have something to do with it. If those places are cluttered, messy, and everything is out of place, well it’s no wonder you are feeling stressed.

It’s no secret that a cluttered, disorganized space can leave us feeling overwhelmed and uninspired. However, by taking a time, day, or weekend to clean, declutter, and donate old items, we not only refresh our homes but also rejuvenate our spirits.

Declutter Your Space: Clutter has a way of weighing us down, both physically and mentally. When our homes are filled with excess belongings and disorganization, it can be challenging to focus and find motivation. That’s why decluttering is such a powerful tool for refreshing our living spaces and our spirits. Start by tackling one area at a time, sorting through items and deciding what to keep, donate, or discard. As you clear away the clutter, you’ll create space for clarity, creativity, and renewed motivation to flourish.

Tip: Give yourself a time limit based upon your lifestyle. Ex. If you haven’t worn it in a year or six months get rid of it or donate it. If you can’t fit it, donate it if possible. Don’t keep things for “just in case.” If that “just in case” hasn’t happened, then it won’t. Everything should have a place and there’s a place for everything. Too much STUFF can be overwhelming.

Donate Old Clothes to Charity: As you declutter your home, consider donating old clothes to charity. Not only does this act of kindness benefit those in need, but it also lightens your load and refreshes your wardrobe. When we let go of items that no longer serve us, we make room for new opportunities and experiences to enter our lives. Knowing that your old clothes will find new life with someone else can bring a sense of fulfillment and purpose, motivating you to continue decluttering and giving back to those in need. Self Care: Declutter and Make Room for Growth

In donating old clothes, this will give the push or confidence needed to step outside your comfort zone and dry different style ideas. Open your mind to new ways of living and being.

Refresh Your House: Once you’ve decluttered and donated, take the opportunity to refresh your home with a thorough cleaning and organization session. Clear away dust and grime, rearrange furniture for a fresh perspective, and add small touches like plants or artwork to breathe new life into your space. As you transform your home into a clean, inviting safe space, you’ll find yourself feeling more motivated and inspired to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead.

Cleaning, decluttering, and donating old items may seem like simple tasks, but their benefits goes far beyond a clean home. By clearing away physical clutter and refreshing your space, you create room for mental clarity, creativity, and renewed motivation to think and just be. So, the next time you’re feeling stuck or uninspired, consider taking a look at your surroundings and embark on a journey of cleaning, decluttering, and donating. You’ll be amazed at the transformation that unfolds – both in your home and in your spirit.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

SPRING, BLOSSOM, AND FLOURISH

Hello there…

I thought I’d pop in here and remind you to continue to plant yourself with seeds of faith, hope, inspiration, love, and joy.

white printed paper with four white roses

We’re four days into March and spring is quickly approaching. As the days grow longer and the world begins to awaken from its winter slumber, let this be a reminder that just like nature, we too have the power to bloom and flourish.

March signifies a fresh start, a chance to shed the old and embrace the new. The flowers are pushing through the soil, the trees are budding with new life, and so can you. Push your way out of whatever is holding you back. Take this opportunity to plant the seeds of your dreams and watch them grow.

In the gentle warmth of spring, find the inspiration to spread your seeds of potential. Let go of any doubts that may have held you back and step into this season with confidence. Release any fear or negative doubts preventing you from watering the garden of you. The world is full of possibilities, and March is the perfect time to seize them. 2022 SPRING SELF CARE CHECKLIST

Embrace the energy of this colorful, warm, windy, and fresh season. Allow the blooming flowers and the budding leaves to symbolize your own growth and resilience. March forward with determination, knowing that every step you take is a step towards your goals.

Remember, just as March marks the end of winter, it can also mark the end of any stagnation in your life. Embrace the changes, embrace the challenges, and embrace the opportunities that come your way.

This is your season to shine, to blossom, and to flourish. Happy March, and may this spring be the beginning of something beautiful in your life!

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.

Weekly Reminders:

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.
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
Be good to yourself. Tell yourself good things. Stop pointing out the negative. Your flaws are your strengths.
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.
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
Pay attention to those who make you feel safe, calm, and you can be yourself. Listen to your body when it’s uneasy.
Find activities to challenge your mind, motivate you, and make you feel full. Tap into your creative spirit. https://amzn.to/48X7oTC
The smallest thing brings the most joy. Focus on the simple daily things that make you smile and comfort you. https://amzn.to/48Vwn9T
Remember there will be days you’ll not be ok. Own it. Do what you need on that day to replenish.
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.

DAILY INSPIRATION: PATIENCE WHILE WAITING

In the last couple of months and my goal for the new year is to be patient. Not just to be patient but in good spirits, positive energy, and anxiety free. We all know that feeling. When we’re anticipating something or wanting something to happen quickly, the universe has a way of putting you on pause. I’ve learned to patiently wait with a good mindset.

The anxiousness in us is pushing for an outcome and most of the time the outcome we want isn’t the right one. Life has a way of working itself out. I’ve always said, “It may not work out how you want or thought it would, but it worked out how it was suppose to.” When it’s your time you will know. Many times what we’re wanting or expecting we’re not ready for.

While waiting do the right thing. Continue to expect good news and things to happen. Be positive. Motivating. Encouraging. Give your time, lend an ear, and give back what you can. Have faith that it’s going to work out. https://amzn.to/3RMWgSs Meditate, pray ,and journal for the strength to handle the outcome even it’s not your desired one. TIME AND PATIENCE ARE TWO IMPORTANT FACTORS FOR GROWTH

Mantra For Patience:

”I embrace the journey, knowing that the right things will come to me at the right time. I release the need to rush and trust in the timing of my life.”

When we release the need to rush the process, we open doors for unexpected blessings, miracles, and joys to enter. Therefore, we create a space for us to enjoy every moment as they come and not feel guilt, shame, or worry. Thank you for peace and clarity.

Take a mental note and remind yourself you are exactly where you need to be. You have exactly what you need each day. Your path is specially designed for you. Every twist, turn, peak, and valley is necessary for your personal growth, journey, and fulfillment.

As you go through each day remember to let the universe guide you. Don’t rush or worry. Embrace the moment you are in presently. https://amzn.to/47BXPZg Practice self love, self care, and gratitude. Lastly, reflect back on a time when things worked out perfectly and it wasn’t what you expected. How did you feel? What did you learn about yourself?

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.

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.

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

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.

https://amzn.to/4aGv14w
https://amzn.to/3TCnm1b
https://amzn.to/47c3SDK
https://amzn.to/3vospIi
https://amzn.to/41HxQhM

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.

FINDING JOY IN THE LITTLE THINGS

I saw this video where this girl discussed her pleasure and joy in having a Starbucks drink. How do you find joy in the little things. This young woman explained after having less than $2 in her bank account for a week, she decided on payday to get her a drink at Starbucks. Her Caption: “After surviving a week with $1.23 in my bank I decided to treat myself to a starbies drink.” As she took big gulps you can see the exhale and relief the drink was providing. As she sat in her car, gazing out the window, you can feel her joy and pleasure with the zen moment she was having.

shallow focus photo of coffee in a starbucks cup

5 Little Things I Enjoy

-Sheet Mask
-Going For A Walk
-Watching Football with my husband
-Listening to music
-Having a good cup of coffee

She had a mixed response. Some went the route of saying purchasing that coffee is the reason why she only had a dollar and change. She’s keeping herself broke while buying those kind of drinks. They have lots of calories anyway. While others understood her point, finding joy in the most simple things in life can bring you peace and comfort. It wasn’t about the money. After having an intense emotional rollercoaster of a week, she needed something to pickup herself up. She found it in a drink. It could have been found in something else worse.

But isn’t that what self care is about. When tough times approach you, how do you self soothe. What is the one thing you can do that gives you that instant boost of energy, courage, and motivation to tackle on the next week. The truth is we all have our vices. 10 DAILY SIMPLE SELF CARE ACTIVITIES THAT WORK

So often we look for the big house, Paris vacation, nice car, large diamonds, large closets, and more stuff to bring us joy and peace. When, if we paused for a moment it’s the most simple pleasures in life that brings the greatest amount joy. Finding joy in the smallest things will give you meaning, purpose, encouragement, inspiration, joy, happiness, confidence, and self worth.

Finding joy in the simple things allows you to experience the happiness guilt free. It doesn’t have any attachments. We’re in the month of November. Gratitude is the attitude. What are some simple things in life that brings you joy and happiness?