Mental Note of the Day: Pay Attention to the Apology

The other day I was watching a video where someone was talking about emotional healing and discernment in relationships. One thing she said stopped me in my tracks.

She said:

“You can tell a person’s emotional health by the way they apologize.”

I have not stopped thinking about that.

So often we talk about healing in terms of cutting people off, protecting our peace, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care. All of those things are important. But this thought challenged me to look at something deeper — how accountability shows up in our words and actions.

woman with scissors cutting inscription i am sorry

Because apologies reveal a lot.

Some people avoid taking responsibility altogether.

Some give half apologies.

Some minimize what happened.

Some gaslight.

Some pass the blame.

Some say “I’m sorry you feel that way,” which sounds like an apology but actually avoids accountability.

And when we pay attention to those patterns, we start to understand where someone may be emotionally.

But what really stood out to me was the description of a healthy apology. 5 REASONS VULNERABILITY IS STRENGTH

It sounds like this:

“I’m sorry I hurt you. I don’t want you to feel that way, especially because of me. I hear you.”

That kind of apology doesn’t come with conditions.

It doesn’t come with excuses.

It simply takes responsibility.

And the more I thought about this, the more I realized something important.

This isn’t just a tool for discerning others.

It’s a guide for ourselves.

Sometimes when we talk about emotional healing or mental health, we focus so much on identifying unhealthy behavior in others that we forget to check in with ourselves.

But growth asks us different questions.

Do I take accountability when I’m wrong?
Do I listen when someone tells me I hurt them?
Do I apologize in a way that honors their feelings?

Healing isn’t just about what we avoid.

It’s also about what we practice.

Emotionally healthy people understand that apologizing doesn’t make them weak. It makes them responsible. It makes them safe to be in relationship with.

And that’s something I want to continue growing in.

Not just for others.

But for myself.

Because the goal isn’t perfection.

The goal is awareness, humility, and growth.

So today’s mental note is simple:

Pay attention to the apology.

The ones you receive.

And the ones you give.

Both will tell you a lot about where healing is happening.

Journal Prompt for Reflection

Take a moment to sit with these questions:

When was the last time I gave a sincere apology?
Do I sometimes defend myself before I fully listen?
What would it look like for me to apologize with clarity and accountability?

Growth begins when we are honest enough to look within.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

Your Mentality Matters: A Reminder on the Power of Perspective

Lately, I’ve been reminded just how powerful our mentality really is. As my mom prepares for surgery, her days have been filled with “I have to do everything before surgery” and “I won’t be able to do this or that afterward.” She even mentioned the little things she would miss—Friday night lights at the football games, routines she enjoys, and the independence she loves.

inspirational message on lightbox display

I gently reminded her: Yes, you’re having surgery. But life is going to get better—that’s why you’re having surgery.Recovery may feel like a step back at first, but it’s really a step forward. Healing requires slowing down, listening to the doctor’s orders, and trusting the process.

This is where mentality comes in. The way we think shapes how we experience every season of life. A negative mindset can convince us that we’re stuck, missing out, or falling behind. But a positive, hopeful mindset reminds us that setbacks are often setups for growth. FINANCIAL MINDSET: WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

It’s not just a cliché—do you see the glass as half empty, or half full?

Your mentality might be the very thing standing in the way of your happiness, progress, and growth. Choose to see challenges as temporary. Choose to see rest as part of strength. Choose to see your journey as unfolding exactly how it needs to.

Your mentality sets the tone for how you live. And sometimes the most important work you can do is to simply shift your perspective.

✨ Rooted in radiance means being rooted in a mindset that chooses hope, growth, and joy—even when life slows you down.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

It’s Never Too Late to Start the Day Over: Finding Inspiration from a Midday Reset

The other day, I came across a motivating and encouraging post that I’m going to use the next time I feel overwhelmed . It was from a mom of four children, all five years old and under, who’s juggling the demands of being an entrepreneur and homeschooling her kids this year. As you can imagine, her days are filled with chaos, stress, and exhaustion. But what really caught my attention was what she did when it all became too much. Instead of pushing through the overwhelm, she decided to do something many of us don’t think about: she started her day over—even though it was well into the afternoon.

young woman standing in front of a mirror in a bathroom

Feeling stressed and tense, she chose to reset. She took a long, soothing shower, exfoliated her skin, washed and conditioned her hair, and treated herself to a facial mask. Then, she put on clothes that made her feel cozy and comfortable . After this self-care break, she was able to proceed with the rest of her day feeling calm, joyful, and smiling again.

So often, when we feel overwhelmed or frazzled, we think we’re stuck in that feeling for the rest of the day. We think we have to push through, even when our energy is depleted and our mood is off. But this post was such a beautiful reminder that you can start the day over at any time. It’s never too late to hit the reset button, take a breather, and approach the day from a place of calm and peace.

When we hear the term “midday pick-me-up,” we usually think of things like grabbing a snack, doing a quick workout, making a phone call, or even taking a nap. But this mom showed me that sometimes, the best way to reset is to do something purely for yourself. Take that shower. Exfoliate your skin. Change into something that makes you feel good. You don’t have to wait for the next day to start fresh—you can start over whenever you need to.

Live by Your Own Rules

What’s so empowering about her story is the idea that you don’t have to live by anyone else’s rules. Just because it’s mid-afternoon doesn’t mean you can’t restart your day. You’re in control of your time and your well-being. Sometimes, it’s essential to press pause, take care of yourself, and prioritize what you need in that moment. It’s not selfish—it’s self-preservation. SELF CARE IS A LIFESTYLE

As women, mothers, or entrepreneurs, we often feel the need to keep everything together and power through our days no matter how stressed or overwhelmed we feel. But we can flip the script. We can choose to take care of ourselves first and do what’s best for our mental and physical well-being, even if it means pausing everything to start the day over.

This post was a refreshing reminder to always put yourself first. Life is full of challenges, stress, and unpredictability. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of tasks, responsibilities, and the constant pressure to do it all. But the truth is, you matter too. Your peace, your joy, and your mental clarity are just as important as everything else on your to-do list.

Whether it’s a hot shower, a facial mask, or slipping into clothes that make you feel good, it’s important to give yourself moments of care and kindness. When you take time for yourself, you’re able to face the rest of your day with more grace and ease, just like that mom did after her reset.

This inspiring story is a reminder that we all have the power to start the day over, no matter how far along we are. It’s never too late to reset, take a moment for yourself, and return to your day with a clearer, calmer mindset. The next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember: you don’t have to wait for tomorrow to start fresh. Take a moment to breathe, reset, and do something just for you. Your day—and your peace of mind—are worth it.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

Monday Morning Humor: The Overthinker’s Guide to Conversations

Happy Monday, everyone! Let’s start the week with a little humor, especially for those of us who are seasoned overthinkers. You know who you are—you’ve probably planned out an entire conversation in your head with someone, only to have the real conversation go completely off-script. How could they not follow the perfectly laid-out dialogue you meticulously crafted in your mind? Oh, the audacity!

women sitting on the chair while having conversation

If you’re an overthinker, this scenario might sound all too familiar. You spend hours (or days) anticipating a conversation. You meticulously plan what you’ll say and predict how the other person will respond. You even rehearse various scenarios to ensure you’re prepared for every possible twist and turn. But then, reality hits. The conversation happens, and surprise, surprise—they don’t stick to your script! Suddenly, you’re thrown off balance, scrambling to respond because they didn’t say what you expected.

It’s like planning for a sunny picnic only to have a surprise rainstorm. Sure, it’s frustrating, but it’s also a little bit funny when you think about it. After all, how could they not know the script you had prepared in your head?

The Real Lesson: Letting Go of Control

This humorous predicament serves as a great reminder that we can’t control everything, especially not the words and actions of others. Overthinking and trying to script every conversation is not only exhausting but also sets us up for unnecessary stress. Here are some tips to help let go of control, embrace the unpredictability of conversations, and just be:

1. Embrace the Unexpected:
Conversations are dynamic and unpredictable. Instead of scripting them, try to embrace the natural flow of dialogue. Be open to wherever the conversation might lead.

2. Practice Active Listening:
Instead of focusing on what you’re going to say next, really listen to the other person. This can help you respond more naturally and thoughtfully, making the conversation more genuine and enjoyable. Remember the phrase “listen to understand not listening to respond.”

3. Be Present:
Stay in the moment during your conversations. Worrying about what might be said or how you’ll respond can prevent you from fully engaging with the person in front of you. We all want and need genuine connections. Release the anxiety, fear, and control of what can go wrong and embrace what will go right.

4. Accept Imperfection:
Understand that not every conversation will go perfectly. And that’s okay! Accepting this can relieve a lot of pressure and make interactions less stressful. No one is perfect. You’ll begin a conversation about a recipes and end up down a rabbit hole talking about different size sewing needles. Ah, you get the point. Be confident in you and enjoy your connections. Overcoming a Moment of Social Anxiety: My Father’s Day Experience

5. Laugh at the Missteps:
When conversations don’t go as planned, find humor in the situation. Laughing at the unpredictability can make the experience more enjoyable and less daunting. Not taking ourselves too seriously, and pointing out our flaws is the best reality check self reflection you can have. How many times have you walked away from something and said, “what was I even thinking?”

6. Let Go of the Need to Control:
Recognize that you can’t control how others will respond. Letting go of this need can free you from overthinking and help you enjoy conversations more. Control keeps us stressed. The anticipatory anxiety will have us guiding the conversation instead of it organically happening. Then we’ll be upset because we don’t feel a genuine connection. Well it’s because we’ve mapped this whole thing out and now we have to steer it to ensure it goes that way.

Just For Giggles…

Imagine you’ve been overthinking about a Monday morning meeting all weekend. You’ve anticipated every question your boss might ask and have your answers ready. You walk into the meeting, and the first thing your boss says is completely unexpected: “Did you see the game last night?” Suddenly, all your preparation feels useless, and you’re caught off guard.

In moments like these, it’s important to take a deep breath, go with the flow, and remember that conversations aren’t meant to be scripted. They’re meant to be spontaneous, organic, and sometimes a little messy.

So, for all the overthinkers out there, let this be a lighthearted reminder to let go of the need to control every conversation. Life is unpredictable, and that’s what makes it interesting. Embrace the unexpected, laugh at the missteps, and just be. After all, the best conversations often happen when we’re not trying to control them at all.

Happy Monday, and here’s to a week of unplanned, authentic conversations!

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.

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!

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.

WHAT THEY MEAN WHEN THEY SAY “YOU NEVER KNOW”

It’s almost become a cliche when you hear “ you never know what people are going through “. We hear it so often, but how often do we think about it, exercise it, and give others grace. Although it’s probably an over used point, it still rings true. People only tell us what they want us to know. We only see what people want us to see especially on social media. Just think about your favorite celebrity, athlete, or influencer that have such a great presence but suffers from depression.

white printer paper with be kind text on plants

You never know what people are going through so be kind. That rung true and reminded me on my morning commute to work.

As I’m driving, I had to do a double take in my rear view mirror. A woman who also appears to be driving to work. She had on a nice ivory blouse. Beautiful jewelry and her long thick hair was bouncy with big curls. Yes, I saw all of this because I have great attention to detail and it was a beautiful sunny morning. Anyway, on my double take, I notice she’s wiping her eyes. Hmmmm. This wasn’t a typical I have allergies wipe or anything.

So I doubled back. This woman was sobbing. When I say sobbing, she’s doing the ugly cry. The light turns red. And I’m siting there contemplating getting her attention for her to pull over. Number one, we don’t want an accident. And number two, baby you need to let that cry out. But she took advantage of this red light because she sobbed, wiped her face, and fixed her banes. That’s my girl!!! So I opted not to get her attention. My heart just ached for her. Light turns green, she wipes her eyes, and hit a left turn while I keep straight.

I get to work and immediately thought you really never know what people are going through. My mind began thinking about her mental and emotional wellness throughout the day. She’s full of emotions, they’re all over the place and when she hits work, immediately shut them off. Hence her constantly fixing her banes and making sure she didn’t mess up all her makeup. Then pretending like everything is ok, try to be productive, and professional.

You know you’ll always have the coworker’s to ask are you ok. If you say yes, they may pressure because they can clearly see your face is flushed, swollen, and your demeanor isn’t the norm they are used to. On the other hand, you may have a coworker that think you’re having an attitude, not being polite, or great to work around that day. When all you’re trying to do is make it through the day without crying and do your job.

Then, when she gets off, whatever had her sobbing emerges to the front again and now she’s an emotional wreck all over again. Can you imagine the emotional roller coaster and the ride she’s taking? So when people say you never know what others are going through, BE KIND. Here’s a reminder. Even if she wasn’t going to work. The fact is we all have emotional roller coaster rides, act like nothing is going on, and then getting back on the ride.

Remember some handle the ride well and others take a while to calm down. You never know. Be well!!!

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!!!!!