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.

10 MENTAL HEALTH REMINDERS

As I’ve embarked on my new journey there are some mental health reminders that I keep in the front of my mind. As we grow and go through different seasons of life, there are some gems that is picked up along the way. One of the best pieces of advice that I received years ago and definitely understand now, is you can learn from anyone and any situation. So often we used to think we can only learn from those that are of the church, our parents, teachers, doctors, politicians, and bosses. However, good or bad, right or wrong, or indifferent you can learn from it.

white printer paper with be kind text on plants

Here are a couple of mental health reminders:

-Stop carrying bags that aren’t yours to carry. You have enough to worry about. Don’t own other peoples opinions, problems, or circumstances.

-Try to put yourself in others shoes. Don’t be too quick to come to a conclusion. We never know what causes that person to think or act how they do.

-Understand your feelings are valid as well as your experiences. On the other hand, just as yours is valid so is the next persons. No one can tell us what we think or feel is wrong. Nor can we deny another person feelings or thoughts.

-Don’t put yourself in an emotionally uncomfortable position. Going somewhere feeling like you’re going to be walking on eggs shells isn’t the best for your mental and emotional health. So often we say it’s only for dinner or for two hours. However, being emotionally uncomfortable can take a week or more to overcome.

-Take a moment or break. We aren’t robots. Eat the cake, drink the wine, go on vacation, buy the shoes, get dressed up, and sleep in.

-Leave what happened that day, on that day. Don’t carry what happened on Monday into Tuesday. It’s a new day for you to start over, be different, try something different, and start fresh.

-Just because someone looks ok, doesn’t mean they are ok. Just because they say they’re ok, doesn’t mean they are. If you’re not doing well, then say so. You don’t have to go into detail. Acknowledging we’re not doing well is the first step to getting better. 12 THINGS TO GET RID OF FOR A BETTER MENTAL HEALTH

-Be kind to yourself. The more kind you are to yourself the more kind you are to others. Even if you know someone who acts like they don’t need a hug, they do.

-If a situation or someone doesn’t feel right then don’t do it. Don’t ignore it. Energy is real. Don’t wish for something else. Accept what is presented to you and act accordingly.

-Find little things that make you happy or help you mentally and emotionally. It’s the little things that add up and make a huge difference.

Those are a couple of mental health reminders to get you through the end of the year, the holidays, and starting the new year. Focus on you, your peace, and happiness. Be well.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

16 THINGS I WISH I’D KNOWN SOONER

When I was younger my mom used to tell me “when you get older you’ll understand.” I think we all heard that growing up at some point. Because when we’re teenagers and in our 20’s we know everything right. Well it’s some things that I wished were spoken to me sooner or I’d known sooner. They seem so simple and basic, yet it would have helped eliminate much tension, stress, and anxiety.

Things I Wish I Knew Sooner

-I will be ok and I will still live if no liked me
-It’s ok to say no to family and friends
-It’s ok to speak up, say how I feel, and express myself
-I am the only one in control of my life and career
-I control how my day goes
-Taking a break for myself and mental peace is essential
-Thoughts and attitude can change the course of your day and life
-Keeping my emotions intact and not reacting emotionally save heart ache
-I can start over as many times as I want
-I don’t have to be one thing, I can try and do everything that interest me
-Everything will work out
-No I could not have done more, I did what I was able to do with what I had
-You are suppose to enjoy life
-Sadness will come, bad days will happen, and I will get hurt
-I don’t need permission to feel how I feel
-Being different is good

Those are just a couple thoughts, feelings, and emotions I wish I knew sooner. Of course, when we get older and experience life certain things makes sense. Or, you’re more equipped mentally and emotionally to understand and process. Even now, that they are understood, doesn’t mean you may not have one of the above thoughts. That’s why life and happiness is a journey. HAPPINESS ISN’T A DESTINATION It’s how we handle the peaks and valleys of that journey. Don’t disturb your peace. Be patient, do what you can, and tomorrow is a new day to start fresh. Be well!!!!!!!

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

6 MENTAL HEALTH REMINDERS FOR BAD DAYS

We all are going to fall in life. But we all are going to get back up. That’s the name of the game. We won’t be able to avoid it. However, there are some reminders to keep in your file cabinet in the front of your mind. These 6 mental health reminders is what I tell myself when I’m feeling stressed, overwhelmed, anxious, and uneasy.

–It’s only temporary. No matter what you’re going through or what the “it” is, it isn’t going to last long or forever. Yes, because you’re going through a trial at the moment, it’s going to seem like a lifetime. But in actuality, the storm passes and we realize it too late. Tell yourself “this is only temporary”. I am stronger than anything trying to hold me back.

–Perfection doesn’t exist. We’ll save ourselves some heart ache if we stop trying to be perfect. You know what, it’s mostly unconsciously and unintentionally. There is something lacking from our childhood or past that has us thinking we need to be perfect. Your flaws is what makes you, perfectly you. Just be you no matter what. HAPPY SUNDAY FUNDAY: JUST BE YOU

–No one is ever positive 100% of the time. It’s impossible to be this jolly cheerful person 24/7. If you see someone like that, then you need to run. Because they are a ticking time bomb. Someone is going to upset you, frustrate you, get on your nerves, or make you sad. That is normal. You are human. The key is to know your triggers and how to manage them.

–You are where you’re supposed to be. Yes, you may not like where you are in life, and working towards a goal. But appreciate where you are. You once asked for this position. Own it, grow in it, and learn from it before you move on to bigger and better.

–These bad days are supposed to happen. They are here to teach us where we need to evolve, grow, learn, and continue on. It shows us what we’re lacking mentally and emotionally. On the other hand, it also shows where we thrive and what we’re good at. Listen to your emotions. The good and the bad.

–You are not alone. Don’t ever think you are the only one who have bad days. Everyone has them. We all just manage them differently. Even those who walk around and act like nothing ever bothers them or everything is always together. It’s false. Being vulnerable and honest about your feelings and emotions is the true strength. 5 REASONS VULNERABILITY IS STRENGTH

Those are six mental health reminders I tell myself when my day isn’t going as bright as I like it. No one has it all figured out nor will they ever. Don’t compare yourself to others and they’re situation and circumstances. Live for you and learn from your bad days. We are going to have them. More than once. But keep those reminders handy to help you through them. Be well!!!!!!

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

6 THINGS TO STOP WORRYING ABOUT

Worrying is a major cause of stress and anxiety. Most of the time what we’re worried about isn’t even a ”thing”. Here are 6 things to stop worrying about that’s stopping you from being happy.

Other’s Opinions
Everyone has an opinion and that’s something we can’t stop. No matter what you say or do you can’t change someone else’s opinion. Trying to, will negatively effect your mental health and the relationship. What someone else’s opinion of you is, is none of your business. It has nothing to do with you. 5 REMINDERS ABOUT SELF LOVE
The Past
What has happened, happened. It can be changed or have a redo. Dwelling on it, replaying it over and over again, is stressing you out and robbing you of your happiness. Take the good from it, learn from the mistakes, and grow through it. Leave it in the past, it’s back there for a reason.
The Future
On the other hand, worrying about next month, next year, or 10 years from now is useless. That means you aren’t living in the moment and enjoying what you have now. Tomorrow isn’t promised. I know in the past, I’ve made plans, and when that time came, life happened and my plans went out the window. I’ve learned we can hope, pray, and prepare. But to worry is pointless.
What Others Are Doing or What They Have
Worrying about what others have, how much they have, where they are going, and what they are doing is taking time away from you. Focusing on what others have going on directly effects your mental health. You are in a constant state of comparing yourself and striving for something someone else have. It’s robbing you of your happiness and time.
Failure
Worrying about ”failing” is preventing you from living in your authentic self. The fear of failure stops you from starting your business, dating who you want, or moving where you want. The more you worry about failure the more you are going to focus on failing thus bringing your fears true. What we focus on is what we become. Focus on what you’re good at and ask for help in other areas.
Mistakes
Never be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes is how we learn. It’s actually the best education. Once you learn, what not to do you’ll become a master of that thing. Your confidence is instantly boosted. We all are going to make mistakes in life.

Those are just six things that we are worrying about that’s stopping us from being happy. Make a conscious effort to be present in the moment, be grateful for what you have now, and grow in the process. With each step you’ll find yourself being happier more each day.

Be well on your journey.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

5 REASONS VULNERABILITY IS STRENGTH

Being vulnerable is like disease to some. However, what we all shall know is being vulnerable takes strength, courage, and confidence. Not only does it help release any negative energy, but it encourages others to do the same.

You Become Your Most Authentic Self
When you show vulnerability in any sense, you are being honest with your truest self. In that moment or moments you’ve chose you. The decision to choose self eliminates the disease to please. It shows character, self awareness, and comfort.
Promotes Compassion and Sympathy
Because of your self awareness, the ability to process and feel emotions are easier. Even the negative emotions that come, they don’t startle you like before. In turn, your awareness and understanding for others become greater and more clear. We have the ability to feel for others, show love, understanding, and compassion. EMOTIONAL HEALING: OPEN YOUR MIND FOR UNDERSTANDING
Step To The Front
Being vulnerable give us the strength to be proactive instead of reactive. We step into situations and grow through them. The need or want to run from them or ignore them is no longer. Our confidence and awareness gives us inner strength and power to conquer and not let problems consume us. Vulnerability allows us freedom to exercise good mental and emotional wellness.
Exercise Muscles
Vulnerability requires us to take risks. Therefore, our muscles of courage, confidence, and self esteem are being exercised. With each wave, we get stronger, wiser, and better. We heal and grow through. Taking the risk builds stamina, get out our comfort zone, and expand our emotional horizon.
Build Relationships
When you choose to be vulnerable it give others confidence in you and their relationship with you. It builds trust, compassion, and communication. The more communication the better our relationships become. The better communication we have the more fulfilling our lives will be.

Those are 5 reasons showing vulnerability is strength. It takes a huge leap of faith to begin. But once you do, it will get easier each time. Do yourself a favor and let your guard down just a little bit. You’ll feel free, lighter, and better instantly.

Be Well!!!!!!

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

MENTAL NOTE: YOU CAN’T GET AWAY FROM YOU

No matter what happens in this world or where you go, you can’t get away from you. Mental note to remember, write down, and never forget is you are the one person that’s going to be around forever. That’s why self care is important. Your mental health check-ins are important because you have to be around you 24/7. HAVE YOU HAD YOUR ANNUAL MENTAL HEALTH CHECK UP?

Let’s think about this. You wake up with you. Every time you eat, shower, exercise, work, laugh, cry and sleep you are with you. You have to answer to yourself. So why not make it a great relationship. If you are stuck with yourself, have the greatest laughs, memories, and fulfillment form within. In the meantime, if you have a great relationship with yourself, you’ll have great relationships with others.

Check-in with yourself every so often. Fulfill your urges to love and receive love by being around family and friends. Mostly importantly love yourself first. Believe you can do whatever you put your mind to. Have faith that you can over come. The good and the bad. When we have a great experience it’s easy to ride a high or wave. But eventually we’re going to come back down. So how do you handle that high wearing off? On the other hand, don’t run from adversity, fear, guilt, or shame. It’ll only come back around to you.

You are the one you talk to the most. Have great conversations with yourself. Ask yourself questions. I know they say it’s not good to answer yourself, but answer yourself. I found it’s the best thing I could have done. Tell yourself the honest Gods truth. You can’t get away from you.

The one person that you inspire the most, is yourself. What you tell yourself you are going to believe. Furthermore, how you motivate from within will show on the outside. Finally, take care of your body, trust yourself, believe in you, and listen to yourself. Mental note: you can’t get away from you.

Be well on your journey.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

HAVE YOU HAD YOUR ANNUAL MENTAL HEALTH CHECK UP?

You don’t have to be sick, ill, sad, depressed, or anxious to have a mental health check in. Just as we have our annual check up with our doctor and dentist, we shall have a mental health check up as well. It is best to be proactive than reactive. Preventive measures allows us to catch symptoms early.

There is this misconception that you have to be “suffering” from something in order to practice mental health self care. When in actuality, your mental health is just as important as your physical health. We need to treat our mental health like we do our physical health, oral health, financial health, and spiritual health.

Once a year we go to the doctor to check blood pressure, weight, aches and pains, hypertension, diabetes, and other preventive health measures. In the same, we shall check in with a therapist at least once a year. Sometimes we don’t even know how the events of the year may have effected us. There is absolutely nothing wrong with speaking with a therapist once or twice a year. If you can’t see a therapist someone at church, a family member or friend you trust, or journal every so often will help. You’d be surprise as to what comes out.

We take many measures making sure our oral health is in tact. We brush, floss, and gargle on a daily to keep our teeth and gums healthy. Well, having a daily self care routine, moment, or habits is one in the same. Daily Self Care Habits To Boost Your Mental Health Having an hour to yourself each day is essential for your mental health. It doesn’t have to be extravagant. Whatever you need to do to ensure you show up the best version of yourself is your daily self care check list.

As individuals we work hard to earn income to pay our bills, take care of our families, and to do the things we enjoy. Banking affirmations, knowing your worth, and creating boundaries is building your wealth for your mental health. We have to have so much in the bank, that when something do happens to us it doesn’t break us. Also when we do hit a bump in the road our bank isn’t depleted.

Lastly, we go to church and worship. Keep believing and having faith is how most of us make it through the day. Just as we believe our Lord will carry us. We must believe in ourselves. Don’t doubt yourself, trust yourself, believe in your talents, and be good to yourself.

Having a mental health check up isn’t just for those who aren’t feeling 100%. All of us should check in with ourselves. That is the only way we can be a great mom, wife, sister, friend, coworker, husband, father, man, or woman. Once we have checked in, it’s important to give back, spread the love, and encourage others to check in as well.

Be well on your journey .

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

MENTAL HEALTH REMINDER: TRUST YOURSELF

To trust myself has been a very important part of me maintaining mental health. A great mental health reminder for us all is to trust ourselves. I’ve learned to trust instincts, thoughts, feelings, emotions, and experience.

When you are faced with a decision, trust that first thought or instinct. That usually is the right one. Sometimes it may not be the best or easiest choice for you, but it’s the right one. Trusting our instincts prevents us from second guessing or questioning. Also it eliminates the Monday morning quarter back. You know, when you knew what choice you wanted to make but you backed out to make the easy one. Now in hindsight you wish you could reverse course. Listen to your instincts.

black typewriter machine typing on white printer paper

Trust your thoughts. Remember our thoughts controls us and leads to our actions. If you’re having good thoughts and thinking positive feed that. On the other hand, if you’re having negative thoughts quickly acknowledge the source of pain, hurt, or anger then correct the course and move forward. Either way our thoughts will tell us where we are headed. Be honest with yourself and trust yourself to get through it. MID WEEK MENTAL HEALTH REMINDERS

Trusting yourself and listening to your feelings and emotions will lead you on a great path to healing and understanding. Both our good and bad emotions shows us how we are being. Listen to them, ask yourself why am I having said feeling, and then you’ll be able to heal. Trusting your feelings and emotions will allow you to learn behaviors, triggers, and patterns about yourself.

We’ve all been in the low valleys and highest of the peaks. Trust your previous experiences and how you conquered the highs and lows. Rely on your experiences to pull yourself through and become better for yourself. Your experiences will help guide you mentally and emotionally. Finally trust yourself to be better for yourself.

Be well on your journey.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

WHAT DEPRESSION LOOKS LIKE…

I’ve read many stories and watched many videos on individuals trying to explain their encounters of people questioning if they are really depressed. There are many misconceptions on what depression looks and feel like.

I was reading a comment, forgive me I can’t remember which site, but she caught an Uber ride home. The driver naturally sparked a conversation and asked her about her day. She explained to him she was leaving her appointment with her therapist because she’s battling depression. His response was, ”you don’t look depressed.”

Of course, she felt the need to explain why she doesn’t look depressed. Furthermore, proceeded to briefly explain to him not everyone carry’s their depression on the outside.

That lead me to thinking. There are many people walking around dealing with depression and life and we have no clue. Depression isn’t always ugly, sleeping all day, crying, not eating, and withdrawn.

Depression Can Also Look Like:

The car pool mom that’s always smiling wishing the kids a great day and cheering them on, on the way to school.

That single mother working two jobs, making it look easy, and doing it with hair, nails, and makeup done.

That office worker who make sure the company doesn’t miss a beat. The go to person in the office that make sure everyone is ok.

That coach or teacher coming to school everyday giving all they have to ensure our kids has the best education and chance possible.

That waiter or waitress who is always smiling and looks happy to be at work serving your favorite dish.

The bus driver greeting you on the bus every morning, afternoon, or evening.

The kid that is the star athlete at their school.

The kid who has a 4.0 and makes it look effortless.

That stay at home mom that everyone wish they can have the life of.

And a million others out there, doing an amazing job hiding their depression.

The point is, just because someone isn’t crying, doesn’t mean they aren’t having dark thoughts and emotions. Usually, it’s the person we least expect. It’s important now more than ever to check up on your loved one’s, coworkers, and friends. WELLNESS: EVEN THE STRONGEST NEEDS A BREAK Unfortunately, what depression look like isn’t always the same.

To be clear, there are many forms of depression. If you or anyone you know are having dark feelings or thoughts and need to talk to someone please seek professional help. You are worth it. You are special and you matter.

Be well on your journey.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be fee.