Mental Health + DEEP Self-Care

Not gonna lie- I’ve been struggling to find something “uplifting” to share.  I see ICE abductions from men in plain clothes, who refuse to identify themselves, who drive unmarked vehicles, and who are using what I consider to be unnecessary force in these abductions. Many of these human beings being abducted are in the process of becoming U.S. citizens and I cannot get the poem, “First They Came“ out of my mind.

The reality is, I’m sad and angry. So, I must focus even more intently on my well-being and self-care.

Because here’s what I know: If we want to have capacity to help others, our self-care is critical. Having capacity (and tolerance) for others requires us to take excellent care of ourselves. It’s not indulgent. It’s necessary.

Below are a few things I’ve streamed that I found helpful.  Some gave me hope; some reminded me to take better care of myself; and others reminded me to stand up for what is moral, ethical, and humane – even if I’m scared.

  1. Now through June 30th, 2025, PBS is streaming the play, Next to Normal, for free. This is a play that was done on London’s West End. It focuses on mental health, grief, and depicts the impact of grief that’s not addressed.
  2. This talk left me feeling hopeful and inspired: Barack Obama on June 17th, 2025 at The Connecticut Forum in Hartford, CT. (68 mins long and worth every second of your time!)
  3. Here’s a music video of a song I LOVE – The Line – by Twenty One Pilots. This reminds me that all of our bodies are on the line right now.
  4. This YouTube channel – The Enemies Project – by renowned Peacemaker, Larry Rosen, helps enemies find the human in each other. ♥
  5. Lastly, this music video – Take Me To Church – by Hozier is a difficult reminder that history is once again repeating itself. Reminds me of the quote that Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere (MLK).

While there’s an intense amount of fear, sadness, pain, and hate being shown across the medias, there’s also equal amounts of hope, joy, celebration, and love that is countering. I’m not giving up. And in fact, I’m anchoring more deeply to what’s important, each and every day.

Before you leave, click on one (or all) of the links above and let yourself be moved. Whatever you choose, start with you. Let your choices nourish you. Maybe you want to create your own backyard haven, or your in-home sanctuary, or simply hug your family a little tighter. Focus on what matters to you.

Take a breath. Then take the action that creates the world YOU want to live in – one heart, mind, and home at a time.

PS – Want to get in touch? Just reply here. ♥♥

In peace and love,

By |2025-06-26T01:46:31-04:00June 26th, 2025|Uncategorized|0 Comments
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Change Your Closet, Change Your Life. A TEDx Talk to Share

I’m so excited to share this TEDx talk I found on YouTube:  Change Your Closet, Change Your Life. 

In the video below, Gillian Dunn talks about her own wake-up call when she went into her closet to get a candle that she was saving for a special occasion, only to find a big ball of blue wax inside the box.  The candle had done exactly what it was supposed to do – melt – but it did it without her.  This spurred an inner exploration that changed her life.

This video had me reflecting on how we live our lives in our own self-imposed chains. 

These chains show up as limiting beliefs, excuses, fear, worry and doubt.  These chains stop us from living the life we say we want.  We find ourselves saying, “I’ll do it when…. ____.” and “Someday I’ll …____.  Fill in your blank.  We need to consciously shift our mindset and behaviors if we want to truly change.

 

Change is messy, and not always easy.

The next morning after watching the video, I leapt out of bed to start my day. During the elimination process, my 15-year-old daughter asked me why she’d never seen all these ‘fashionable’ things! She started trying them on, claiming them for her own. 😉 In the end, I donated two large bags to my favorite non-profit, and it was just the catapult I needed to re-fuel my desire to live with less.

Here’s what I want you to do:  Take the next 15 minutes (and 37 seconds) to watch this Video, and then come back and answer this question: 

What’s one thing you’re willing to commit to this week to allow yourself to step into the life you want to live?

Maybe you’re willing to….

  • Have that ‘hard’ conversation that’s been lurking over you.
  • Clear your closet of items that don’t fit (to make room for things that do).
  • Use your “good dishes” or wear your “nice clothes.”
  • Donate your excess belongings to someone in need.
  • Express your needs to someone in a loving, compassionate way.
  • Set a boundary with yourself around what you’ll no longer tolerate.

No more putting things off until “Someday.”

Life is far too short to leave our most cherished belongings tucked away in a box, or our dreams hidden in the back of our minds.

Looking for a great cause to donate to?   Here’s a non-profit I LOVE:  Katelyn started this non-profit when she was just 12 years old after being on the receiving end of an outpouring of support when her family needed it.  Now, more than a decade later, The Angels Community Outreach supports thousands.   They’re located in Pitman NJ, you can contact them here.

 

By |2022-01-30T21:44:37-05:00January 30th, 2022|Uncategorized|2 Comments
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