Overcoming a Moment of Social Anxiety: My Father’s Day Experience

Father’s Day was meant to be a day of celebration and joy, and my husband had decided that a trip to the pool would be the perfect activity for our family. I had to overcome a moment of social anxiety before I could have some fun. Thankfully the kids were on board, as they are older and we’re no longer cool to hang out with. We were all excited, especially since it was his special day, and he had chosen something we could all enjoy together.

It was early afternoon when we arrived at the pool, and to our surprise, it wasn’t crowded. We took off our swimsuit covers and applied sunscreen. My husband and the kids immediately headed towards the slide, giddy and ready to race each other on the slide.

However, as I stood there, ready to join them, an unexpected wave of social anxiety washed over me. I found myself frozen, unable to remove my swimsuit cover. For reasons I couldn’t explain, I was suddenly overwhelmed by self-consciousness and the fear of being judged.

For two minutes, which felt like an eternity, I stood there telling myself, “I’ll just sit here and watch them.” I watched as my family, full of energy and excitement, made their way towards the slide. It was supposed to be a fun day, and here I was, stuck in my own head, unable to move. 4 EVERYDAY EXPERIENCES THAT GETS US ANXIOUS

Then, a voice inside me snapped me out of it: “Girl, what are you doing? They’re almost at the slide!” In that moment, I realized that my fears were holding me back from enjoying a beautiful day with my family. I decided not to let my anxiety ruin the experience.

With renewed determination, I took a deep breath, removed my dress, and sprayed myself with sunscreen. I was ready to join in the fun. To immediately overcome and take my power, I walked in front of everyone that was lounging on their cots and took the long way to get into the pool. I ran towards the slide to catch up with my husband and kids, I felt a sense of liberation. The anxiety that had paralyzed me moments before seemed to vanish with each step I took.

Once I joined my family, we had an amazing time. We laughed, splashed around, and made memories that I will cherish forever. Overcoming that brief moment of social anxiety allowed me to fully engage in the day’s activities and enjoy the happiness that comes from being with loved ones.

Reflecting on that day, I realized the importance of pushing through moments of discomfort. Social anxiety can be debilitating, but it doesn’t have to control our lives. By challenging our fears and stepping out of our comfort zones, we can experience the joy and fulfillment that lies beyond our anxieties. That Father’s Day at the pool taught me a valuable lesson: sometimes, we need to remind ourselves to live in the moment and embrace the joy that life has to offer.

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.

Daily Inspiration: YOU ARE ENOUGH

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

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

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

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

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

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

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

10 MENTAL HEALTH REMINDERS

You can have a great week or 2 days. But when that bad day happens out of nowhere, it throws our balance off. Keeping mental health reminders daily, weekly, or monthly is essential to keeping your mental bank in the green. I was one that thought I could make a deposit every once in a while, but quickly realized to get where I wanted mentally and emotionally I had to do daily deposits.

10 Mental Health Reminders

Be happy in the journey. In every stage and step enjoy where you are. Remember the step you’re at now is where you once prayed to get to.
Document your process or journey. This road is going to go on a roundabout, curve, highway, through, valleys, mountains, and on a dirt road. This journey isn’t linear. You’re going to get off course for a reason.
Set small goals. Don’t overwhelm yourself with going 100 miles. Get to 10 miles, celebrate it, document those 10 miles, and push to the next 20.
Do something every day. I don’t care how big or small. Do something for your well-being everyday. Read, write your thoughts, talk to a friend, educate yourself on something you want to do.
Let go of what you can’t control. It’s wasting time worrying about something old, done, and you can’t change. 7 MENTAL HEALTH REMINDERS FOR EMOTIONAL DAYS
Eliminate stress. Whatever it is that soothes you, use it and release tensions. You can’t operate dehydrated, overworked, tired, and stretched thin. Boundaries.
Work on not entertaining negative self talk, negative interactions with others, negative thoughts, negative content, and immediately replace with affirmations, prayer, and happy thoughts.
Write 10 things you are grateful for everyday. This will put your spirit in a place of peace and comfort. In turn, will allow you to enjoy where you are.
Do not respond emotionally. Nor respond to anyone who is emotional. Let things simmer. Feelings are temporary. No one is receptive when emotions are high. That’s why when things calm down backpedaling happens.
Be patient with yourself, the process, and where you are. When it’s time to progress you will. Get all you need at each step to fulfill yourself.

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Those are 10 mental health reminders that I repeat when times are good and times get tough. Feelings and emotions are temporary. So are situations and circumstances. Have a great day!!!!

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY 2023

Today isn’t just for those who are suffering or going through something. World mental health day is for people to increase their awareness, knowledge, and understanding regarding mental health. There are many stigmas, still, regarding mental health. On this world mental health day, here are a couple of reminders to keep in mind.

the phrase mental health on a sheet of fabric

-You don’t have to be clinically diagnosed to experience anxiety, depression, panic attack, or any other type of disorder. Our everyday life experiences may cause us to have a bout of anxiety or depression. It doesn’t have to be something big or major life event. I had a coworker just express how she wasn’t doing well. It wasn’t anything specific. But she said I turned 60 this year, mom just passed, dealing with insurance and packing her home, my daughter turned 18, I’m in a long distance relationship and I don’t know if I should downsize or move. Sorting through all that at once does takes away some of the spunk she usually has.

-Mental illness doesn’t have a “look”. We should get rid of this idea that there is a look. Often times it’s the least person we expect to battle a mental health issue.

-Fighting through pain and tears isn’t a sign of strength . Actually saying I’m tired, stressed, need a break, confused, have too much going on, feel off, is a sign of strength. Just think back to when someone found out you were going through something and you didn’t tell them right away, they were upset . Why? Because they wanted to help. They love and care for you. Even if it’s just to be an ear. You’re never alone.

-Your courage to speak up and say “I’m not ok” will inspire others to say “you know I’m not either.” That goes for women and men. Then guess what, you all can work through and be each other support systems. You don’t have to do it alone. 6 MENTAL HEALTH REMINDERS FOR BAD DAYS

-Find you a safe space. Most people probably grew up with a family or environment where saying I’m not ok wasn’t supported or welcomed. Therefore, they learned to suppress and deny their feelings. Find a friend or two, coworker, journal, pastor, or even stranger. I’ve come to learn most of the time we just want to get it out . No response needed. A solution doesn’t need to be offered. Just hear me out. I don’t know how many times working from home and talking to people all over the country I had lengthy conversations with. I’m talking 2 hours. Yes, I eventually got a policy written, but allowing them to vent their frustration and anger, validating their feelings, and offering encouragement through sharing something similar left them with hope and motivation. Many times I heard thank you for listening and talking to me. I can’t talk to my family because they just blow me off. Sometimes talking to strangers is easier than talking to family. No judgement, fear, or gaslighting.

-Learn to cope through the experiences and emotions. Acknowledge whatever you are feeling or thinking. Ask yourself why am I feeling like this or responding in this manner. What do I need to feel better. Is it attainable. If not, how can I ensure I’m ok without it. What can I do on a daily to help me mentally prepare myself. Denying or delaying your emotions only makes it snow ball. Which can lead to other unhealthy behaviors.

-There’s absolutely nothing wrong with talking to a therapist. Some go monthly, weekly, or when needed. One day at work a coworker said I’m going to be late coming back from lunch because I needed an appointment with a therapist. I’m just crying too much and overly emotional. PERFECT!!!!!!

If you feel ok that is amazing and awesome. Please share with others how you do it. In the meantime, check on your loved ones. Those that are short fused, always seem triggered, overly emotional, not showing any emotion, angry all the time, never have anything good to say, sleeping too much, not sleeping at all, drinking or binge eating, no appetite, always happy, never angry or sad, nothing ever bothers them, or withdrawn all needs to be checked on.

Lastly, on this world mental health day, check in with you. You come first. Make sure you’re available, overflowing, and whole before pouring into someone else. How are you doing? What do you need? Nothing is ever too small or too big.

World mental health day is a day for us to increase awareness, understanding, and knowledge to support ourselves and others.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.