”The final stage of healing is using what happened to you to help other people.”-Gloria Steinem
The greatest gift we can give someone is our story. So often we’re afraid to speak our truth out of fear, shame, guilt, and embarrassment. All the while, if we live in our truth and who we are, we will not only heal ourselves but others as well. Letting someone know they aren’t the only one going through a storm is music to their ears. Girlfriends…Why We Need Them Giving them peace and comfort to release frustrations, have an ear to listen, or just an outlet to be themselves is free to give with a priceless payoff. No matter how small you think your storm is, share it with someone you think it will help. Not only will it help them up you’ll have endless healing as well. Healing as a community invites confidence, motivation, and encouragement. Enjoy the rest of your day!!!!!!!
”It’s your road, and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you.”-Rumi
Two people can look at the same picture and see two different things. Why? Because no two persons see through the same lens. What we interpret is based upon our experiences, upbringing, background, and life circumstances. Therefore, your life’s journey is for you to walk. Not everyone will understand. But that’s perfectly ok. A hard lesson I had to learn is to not even attempt to make some people understand. In actuality, it’s not for others to understand. Just as you may not understand someone else’s lifejourney. The best thing to do is motivate and grow together. Embrace your lifejourney. Do it without regrets. Learn from the good and bad. They both are there for a reason. Be grateful for those who come along as well as those who doesn’t want to. Either way, there will be a lesson to learn. Enjoy the rest of your day!!!!!!
”All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.”-J.R.R. Tolkien
We all get the same amount of time in a day. It is what we do with that 24hours that makes us different. What do you spend the most time doing? What do you spend the least time doing? Is there something you need more time for? The answer is write down your priorities, needs, and wants. Take a good look at what you put the most time in. That tells you what you value, rather good or bad. Do you spend a great amount of time scrolling on social media? Or on the other hand spending too much time at the office. If you are wishing there were more hours in a day, stop wishing. Reallocate your time to fit your priorities, hobbies, and desires. The time is given to us. We have complete control and free will to spend those 24hours how we see fit. TIME AND PATIENCE ARE TWO IMPORTANT FACTORS FOR GROWTH Make the best of it. Because time is one thing we can’t get back or make up for. Enjoy the rest of your day!!!!!!!
Have you ever looked back and realized there are some things that you naturally do without thinking? Those are your selfcarehabits and activities that makes you feel good and get you through the day. I have some simple favorite selfcareactivities that makes a huge difference in my dailyroutine.
My Morning Routine My morning routine helps me start my day in a positivemindset, makes me feel good, and provides confidence. The simple act of telling myself it’s going to be a great day instantly motivates me to get out of bed. My morning skincareroutine is the most important selfcare activity I do. The act of washing my face, applying serum, and moisturizer gives me the confidence needed to put my best foot forward the rest of the day. I take my time doing my skincareroutine and enjoy the act of taking care of my skin.
Weekly Hair Mask I’ve always loved doing my own beautyroutines and rituals. I enjoy trying different hair products and masks to maintain the health of my hair. I’m always going back and forth in wearing my hair naturally curly and straightening it. Deep conditioning regularly has helped me maintain the health of my hair. MY NATURAL HAIR LOVE HATE RELATIONSHIP
Maintaining My Home I love being a wife and mom. Creating an environment to give my familypeace, love, and comfort is never ending for me. Keeping my house clean, smelling good with inviting with comfort scents, and visual peace is joy for me. Knowing when we’re on vacation and one of my kids says, I’m ready to go home, warms my heart. Having a home and a place to where myself and family can feel the most safe will always take priority. Also to whomever, comes over and needs that sense of peace.
Drinking Water The older I get the more in tuned I am in taking care of my body. Drinking an excess amount of waterdaily is my goal from the time I wake up. It allows me to flush out my system, eliminates bloating in my stomach, and keeps my skin clear. I feel much better when I maintain a certain amount of dailywater intake. Staying hydrated and drinking water is the easiest selfcare activity you can do for yourself.
Doing Nothing Having a moment to self and doing nothing is probably one of my favorite activities. I try to take advantage of moments when I can. I intentionally have a moment in the morning before I go to work. Sometimes I’ll sit on the couch, with my coffee, and look out the window. No phone or television on to provide distraction or interruption. The ability to not think about anything and just daydream is great for my mental and emotional health.
Staying Off My Phone It’s no secret I’m not a fan of social media. But intentionally staying off my phone has become an increasing selfcare activity for me. I don’t have the images and thoughts of others constantly in front of me. Staying off the phone allows me to avoid consciously or unconsciously comparing my life to others. Lastly, it forces me to do something else creative or productive. ALL MY SOCIAL MEDIA APPS DELETED
Walking/Exercise Of course, walking had to make this list. I walk more for my mentalclarity and peace than to lose weight or stay fit. After a walk I’m relieved mentally and emotionally. I no longer feel tension or the anxiety from the events of the day or week. If I don’t walk, my body feels weird like somethings missing. Getting in a good sweat and releasing toxins is good for your overall wellness. Walking is the easiest, free, and most beneficial exercise for everyone. 10 LITTLE THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY
Night Routine In the last couple of weeks I’ve noticed my night routine I do without thinking. While I’m washing off my makeup or just cleansing my skin I reflect on the day and release. I’m in a mental state of clearing my mind and feeling lighter. I always have to put on some type of facial mask which makes me feel like I’m pulling the entire day out of my skin. The shower or bath I take, washes the day away and get me prepared for the next. I’m calm, settled, and have a freemental state to head to bed. The goal is to not go to bed heavy.
Those are just some selfcareactivities I noticed I do without thinking and in routine. So often you hear people ask how do I get into routine or habits. Well sometimes if we pause, look at our dailyhabits, we’ll notice selfcare is already being practiced.
”The six best doctors: sunshine, water, rest, air, exercise, and diet.”-Wayne Fields
Everything you need to feel better, look better, and heal is right at your finger tips. The best resources that are available to us all is free and limitless. Going outside for a simple walk provides fresh air for you to breath, activity for your limbs, new scenery for you to recharge, and a distraction from all the problems holding you down. Dieting doesn’t mean deprive yourself of all the good food. It’s about moderation and portion control. Simply cut your portions in half, drink more water, and add activity. You will begin to see a difference in your body. To begin healing and feeling better it all starts from within. Open the blinds and curtains to let natural light in. I guarantee you the instant boost to want to do something with yourself and for yourself will kick in. Secondly, give yourself permission to rest and unplug from work, home, and technology. It will clear your mind and heart to move forward with a clear lens. JUST TAKE ONE DAY AND BE WORRY FREE Lastly, get outside and get you some fresh air and look at a life from a different perspective. You’ll feel lighter and brighter instantly. Enjoy the rest of your day!!!!!!!!
”Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow.”-Plato
It takes a lot for someone to make a change, stick through it, and see their vision through. Any type of life altering decision will have it’s ups and downs. No one needs to hear judgement or criticism on how slow they are in reaching their goals. If a friend has a weight loss goal and doesn’t seem able to reach it by the date desired, they don’t want to hear negative feedback. Keep encouraging and motivating them to continue on with their goal. Giving unwanted or negative feedback doesn’t feel good to the person receiving it and in the long run no one feels good after giving it. Life is a journey and not a race. 10 WAYS TO LIVE HAPPIER Each one of our journeys and paths takes us on different twists and turns. The more you encourage, motivate, and inspire others the more you feel motivated yourself. Enjoy the rest of your day!!!!!!
”If you can’t do anything about it, then let it go. Don’t be a prisoner to things you can’t change.” -Tony Gaskins
Worrying about things you can’t change is what has you stuck. You’re twisting yourself into a pretzel trying to fix or change something that isn’t yours to fix. If we think about it, we’re trying to fix things that’s not even ours most of the time. Worrying isn’t going to speed up the process, change the potential outcome, or make you feel better. In actuality, worrying so much is what gets us depressed, stressed, and tensed. We spend every waking moment trying to manipulate the process. Thus we aren’t living in the moment and allowing ourselves to learn through the process. If it’s out of your control or not your “thing”, to fix, then let it go. MOTIVATIONAL AND INSPIRATIONAL: JUST LET IT GO Do yourself a favor and trust that it’s going to work out how it supposed to. Enjoy the rest of your day!!!!!!!!!
Practicing selfcare is all the buzz right now. However, there are some unpopular opinions about self that may help someone out there who is struggling to get a handle on this thing called selfcare. As always, do what works for you. Engage in activity and self love practices that brings you joy and peace. I thought I’d share some unpopular opinions about selfcare.
You don’t have to wake up at 5a.m. If you are a night person, then sleeping in may be what is best for you. As long as you get a good amount of sleep. As well as, be the most productive you, you can be. If you are a 7a.m. Person that is perfectly fine.
Along with waking up at 5a.m. You don’t have to exercise that early either. Me personally, I’m an evening workout person. It best suits me and I get the job done. The goal is to get in some kind of physical activity daily to ensure you’re taking care of that part of selfcare.
Donuts, chips, candy, ice cream, and cake you can have. You don’t have to deprive yourself of sweets. It’s called moderation. Enjoy life, and the sweets it has to offer. You know what you can handle and what you can’t. So the next time you’re on vacation enjoy all the food that is offered.
No one said you have to have 2-3 jobs to be successful or productive. If your one job is great and you love it, it takes care of you and your family then you are good. Juggling many jobs or side hustles isn’t for everyone. There is this thing called life you still have to enjoy.
Working a 9-5 is ok. Not everyone is an entrepreneur or wants to own their business. Don’t feel the pressures to create a business or become an entrepreneur. Make sure you love what you do and enjoy going to work everyday.
Journaling isn’t for everyone. Not everyone has the patience to sit down and write out their thoughts. Or feel the need to purge thoughts. It’s perfectly ok, if you don’t journal, have no interest, and isn’t your thing.
You don’t have to have a master plan or grand vision. Waking up and living life as the day come is amazing in itself. Actually, doing this will lead you to what really makes your heart flutter.
Having friends are a good thing. Knowing your boundaries and setting them is key. But we all need friends to get through life. The love, laughter, and sheer companionship both male and females need. Not one person on this earth can do life alone. Girlfriends…Why We Need Them
Social media can be a good thing. Not every aspect of social is media bad. Find what works for you and leave the rest. Moderation and filtering out the negative is key.
Those are just some unpopular opinions about selfcare and self love. Hopefully, this will help some not feel so pressured, confused, or overwhelmed when finding their routine. Remember to enjoy your one life. Go at your pace and enjoy the journey.
One of the things I’ve really been trying to do is appreciate the “small” wins in my life. Happiness doesn’t come from some grand gesture or thing. It’s built in your dailyhabits. Those small things that you do without thinking or look over is apart of the bigger happiness in your life. Here are my 5 wins this week.
Wins of the Week
Earlier in the week we did a family trip to the store and got all the school supplies the kids needed. Typically I would wait until the last minute or just pick them up a little at a time. But I wanted to do something different and take them along and let them check the stuff off the list themselves. JUST TAKE ONE DAY AND BE WORRY FREE As a bonus I was able to already have 2 backpacks ordered, still waiting on my oldest son to tell us what he wants to do.
Had a really good conversation with a childhood friend. She’s an assistant principal and I always like to check in on her to see how she’s doing as she prepares for the upcoming year. It’s been mentally challenging the last couple of years for her and we actually help each other get through the year. Also it was great catching up and picking up where we left off since the last time we talked. Great friendships are so needed right now.
Began publishing my “Mental Note Of The Day”. MENTAL NOTE OF THE DAY I’ve always wanted to do this but I didn’t know if anyone would want to read it. One of the best ways I get through my day is to indulge in quotes, scriptures, and passages. Then I take those small tokens and apply it to my current life situations. It helps me put things in perspective and give me inspiration to get through each day. They are little nuggets of motivation that takes one minute to read but provide an endless supply of comfort.
Had a day to go out to dinner. My youngest son had been asking us to go out to eat. So finally, we all had a day to where we were available. After not going out for a while, it was very refreshing to hang out with the kids and see where their head is before school begins. As my kids get older, I know I won’t have too many more times they’ll want to hang out. My husband and I take the chances as they come.
This week I gave myself permission to just be. The last couple of weeks, I’ve been experiencing some heart palpitations more than normal. I decided at the beginning of the week to focus on my diet, exercise, and not have a care for anything or anyone. I didn’t think I was stressing but I wanted to focus on what I can do that’s in my control. After eating clean for the week, still exercising, going to bed a little earlier, and just not worrying about what others need, think, or feel I’ve had little to no palpitations.
Those were my 5 wins of the week. I was able to have some quality familytime. Was productive in getting some things done off my list. In addition to having accomplished tasks for my blog, my hobby, and its for me. Good conversation and focused on my mental and physical health. Not every week will you be able to hit every aspect of selfcare. But, hitting one prong of selfcare is a win.
Not every week will I have 5 wins. Some weeks, I may get so overwhelmed to where I only get one or three. Either way, a win is a win. Celebrate your wins. In your next journal session talk about your win or wins of the week or day.
“Focus on the solution, not the problem.”-@meditationmoments
One of the biggest factors that keeps us in a funk or dark place is dwelling on what happened. We’ve told the story a million times over. The situation is on repeat in our head. We can’t sleep, eat, work, or do anything else. What we focus on and put our energy into is what we become. So instead of repeating the problem or situation that happened, think of solutions to correct the problem. What do you need to learn from it? How can this problem be avoided in the future? Focusing your attention and energy on the solution will lift your spirits, give you motivation to move forward in your dailylife, and heighten your awareness. WE HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE A CHOICE Yes, we do need to acknowledge the problem. How it happened and what our role was in it. After that, redirect your attention to the solution. Enjoy the rest of your day!!!!!!!!!
