THIS IS WHAT FAITH, HOPE, AND BELIEF LOOKS LIKE

As I’ve progressed in my self awareness journey I’ve mastered the skill of being present in the moment and able to receive the messages as they come. If I ever have to question what faith, hope, and belief look like I witnessed it first hand. And more importantly there was action behind the belief.

As I sit and listen to her answer the question “So how is your mom doing?”, her voice doesn’t quiver. She doesn’t hesitate to say “it’s not the absolute worst nor is it better.” She confessed her mother had several mini strokes which led to her dementia. Then she delivered what faith, hope, and belief looks like: She said, “My hope is that mom has a final stroke and she goes in her sleep.”

Now on the surface you would clutch your pearls. But when you believe and have faith, you know living with a loved one who has no quality of life, has pain around the clock, loss of appetite, loss of movement in limbs, lack of awareness of themselves and loved ones, that isn’t the life you’d hope for for them. Yes, we want them around but at some point it becomes selfish. In result, whenever they do transition, we are left with the pain of what their last days reflected. MENTAL NOTE OF THE DAY

As she describes the emotional and physical toll it takes to care for her aging mother that has dementia, she’s still very self aware of her own needs. She told her mom, I have to go out and see people. She refuses to give up her life. Her hobbies, craft and book club weekly meetings. As well as church.

As she was speaking I could’t help but reflect on the countless family members and friends that gave up their life taking care of their loved one. After my grandma transitioned, all the arrangements and services were done, my mom sat at the table and said, “I don’t know what to do everyday.” Why? Because for months she gave up her entire being to take care of grandma.

Even in the midst of grief, her ability to have self awareness, emotional wellness, and boundaries inspired me to continue. We’re going to experience some raw emotions and experiences, but all the while it’s still priority to put ourselves first. No matter what the situation is, we are left with ourselves to move on.

Have faith, hope, and belief. Believe you have the power and strength to do all things and over come all things. Just because you’re having a hiccup doesn’t mean to lack self care. If anything, ramp it up.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

DON’T LET SOCIAL MEDIA KEEP YOU BROKE

Mindless scrolling will keep you broke. Consuming too much social media will keep you broke. The endless amount of content that people put out there and sell will have you thinking what you have is never enough, outdated, out of season, or just wrong. Please keep in mind they make a commission, receive products for free, and often times return product back to the store after posting.

We live in a world where over consumption is keeping everyone broke trying to keep up with the latest of latest.

News flash, you don’t need a tiny home size closet. Having a wall of shoes that you probably only wear once is unrealistic. That is a waste of money. No one needs 30 pair of jeans. 20 white shirts. Please take the fashion inspiration and filter the rest. Also wear what you want. Who needs a new wardrobe every season? All it takes is investing in a few good pieces to create multiple outfits. Think about it, many of us grab the same pieces to wear to work, do errands, lounge around, and even during exercise.

Next, take it from me, a beauty junkie, there’s absolutely no reason anyone needs 10 foundations, 15 eyeshadow palettes, 40 lipsticks, and 20 bronzers. First of all, you’re never going to use any one product until it’s gone. Money wasted. The product does expire. And the rate these cosmetic companies are putting out new products it’s just useless, wasteful, and unnecessary. Many of your favorite gurus don’t even use the product after posting. Again having a closet just for makeup is unrealistic. Get you the basics you need and replenish as needed.

Talking about social media keeping you broke, who has the time and money to go on 4 lavish and exotic vacations every year. In the real world, a family barely takes one vacation a year. Don’t let social media think you’re not living life if you aren’t jet setting across the globe. Spoiler alert: some of them aren’t either. Much of what you see is FAKE!!!!! You can have a great life experiencing local festivities and activities.

Ok, this is the last one and it’s a doozy. Before you check out of your Amazon cart, ask yourself if it’s a need. I love watching “25 Things You Didn’t Know You Needed From Amazon”, but I don’t go buy them. I guarantee, if you look around your home, there are items purchased that aren’t being used. Just gadgets that seem cool, fun to look at, or great concept for a one time use. Everything should have a place and there’s a place for everything.

Social media can be a great tool for inspiration. But leave it there. Keep things in perspective. Be realistic. And while they are making a great living don’t you go broke buying everything they recommend because “it’s a must have.” ALL MY SOCIAL MEDIA APPS DELETED

Ironically this will not only help your wallet, but your mental and emotional wellness also. A few years ago I began getting irritated by all the clothes that still had tags on them in the closet. Shoes, especially tennis shoes, that I forgot about because I had too many options or my lifestyle just didn’t provide me the opportunities to get a good wear out of all I had. It pains me to talk about the amount of half used makeup I threw out because I had too much or it was sitting for too long.

I took my own advice after looking around my home and seeing money laying around and wasted.

That’s when the lightbulb went off. The first step in getting to a great place mentally and emotionally is going bare. I began selling clothes and shoes that I didn’t wear. If I had’t worn it in a year I was selling it. If I forgot I had it, I sold it. Let’s get to know me and heal me without all this “stuff”. It’s an amazing feeling. No distractions, you making some money on the side, and learning to be comfortable as you are.

Don’t let social media keep broke or make you go broke. Use it for inspiration, ideas, and entertainment. But just like they do, use a filter and get rid of the excess. Be well!!!

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

SINGLE MOM SELF CARE TIPS: SIMPLE AND EASY

To all my single moms out there, you guys rock !!!!! However, single mom self care is vital to your well being. Yes, you can practice self care if you are a single mom. Furthermore, you deserve a moment, you are doing an amazing job, and single mom self care is possible, here are some easy and effective tips for you.

In No Particular Order…

You already possess the time ⏰ needed to practice self care. Get rid of the idea that you don’t have time because you don’t have a partner. You just have to allocate your time differently. Believe and know you have what you need.
Scheduling 📝 and using a calendar 📅 will make your life easier to manage. Use a calendar to keep up with activities 🤾🏽‍♂️, appointments, and other obligations. Be sure to adjust the time if the appointment changes. Schedule everything. Your hair 💇🏾‍♀️appointment. Nail 💅🏾 appointment. Spa appointment. Even schedule exercise.
Piggy backing off of single mom self care tip # 2, exercise 🧘🏾‍♀️is a must for you. It’s more for your mental and emotional health than anything. Use this time to get creative and do different classes 🤽🏾‍♀️. There are many resources online to take advantage of and do with friends. That way you are exercising, having some time with friends, and getting a break from the kids at the same time.
This probably should have been first, but wake 🛌 up before the kids 👩‍👧‍👦. Use the hour or two before they wake up to just sit and be. Shower and get ready for work in peace. Have a cup of coffee. Check emails in peace. Meditate. Read. Pray.
Make plans to go out. Have a set time, rather it’s once a month 📅or weekly. Whatever you need to fulfill your need to socialize with adults, do so.
I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again, get creative. Find a hobby🎨 or something that sparks your interest. Keep your mind going and have something substantial to occupy your time.
Volunteer. Be of service👩🏾‍💻 to something or someone. While you’re lending a helping hand to someone else your spirit is being filled. On the plus side, you get to meet amazing new people.
Have a date with the 👩‍👧‍👧kids. Get them out the house and do something fun. Learn their interest and what’s on their mind as they are growing. A different scenery🏖 for the family will open everyone up.
Meal prep. Make your life easy with planning 🥗meals. This avoid eating out as well as keeping the family on a healthy lifestyle.
Rest, relax, and 🛋take a day off. Give yourself some credit and plan a day off to do nothing. Do so while they are at school. You can binge watch all day in peace in quiet. How To Boost Your Confidence With Daily Self Care

Bonus Tip: Kiss the kids every night.

These are just a few quick and easy self care tips any single mom can do. It doesn’t matter what your budget is or where you live. Know that you worthy and deserving. You are an amazing parent. Most importantly your kids will benefit from you practicing self care. So go ahead do what you need to do to make yourself feel good.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.