I see you - I hear you

I see you – I hear you.

 “I see you on the days you move mountains. I see you on the days you can’t get out of bed. Whichever day that is today – you are brave, you are beautiful, you are strong.”

May – Mental Health Awareness Month – how can we pioneer change + growth + conversation? I asked and, wow, did you all deliver.  Here are some supportive tips to get you and/or your loved ones speaking about mental health, seeking self-care, and creating some different habits. Maybe one of these will speak to you.

Hopefully you recognize your own helpful special words in here – it DOES take a village, we heal in community, and we are most certainly better together. Remember you are NOT alone.

 1.   Be vulnerable and speak your truth.

2.   Speak to your “person” or “persons” - those that no matter what it is, they get it and you, they are there no matter what, and they never judge.

3.   Comparison is a trap - be you and let those who don’t like it leave.

4.   Talk about it more - drink about it less.

5.   Get outside, journal, move your body – give a hug, get a hug.

6.   Gratitude - name it every day - pick three things - write them down.

7.   Observe the mind (set a 2x daily reminder, "what am I thinking right now") for a week and journal the negatives. Then, flip the script on them and create positive affirmations - saying them often throughout the day.

8.   Throttle therapy – shred more powder – get on a bike – eat more cheese - pick up a barbell – do the yoga – play with a dog – go barefoot – get dirty – listen to music – sing out loud.

9.   Smile - even if you really don’t want to smile - it releases endorphins and makes you feel better.

10.                 Self-care comes in many forms; it could be massage at times or sometimes it could mean the gym or an amazing bike ride. But it could also mean paying someone to clean your house or buying a meal prep service so you don’t have to stress about dinner or setting boundaries - whatever it is, don’t feel bad about it. Do what you need to make yourself feel cared for.

11.                  Worry is wasted time - no amount of worry has ever changed anything. Complaint is wasted breath - any complaint should be accompanied by a positive idea for addressing the problem.

12.                  Talk to yourself as if you are speaking to a dear friend who is going through something difficult or who needs to hear positive, reassuring words.

13.                  Let others in your circle – connect – find your tribe - be aware of who you surround yourself with - finding joy in community.

14.                  3 main plans of action: 1. Mind - mental health support 2. Body - movement and meditation 3. Spirit - a spiritual program of action for my recovery.

15.                  Mind your intake. Physical and mental, nothing throws you off like waking up to social media, news, and such. Give yourself a chance to look at anything else - starting your day positive + meaningful will end it differently as well.

As per usual – don’t forget to do your burpees + yay it forward. There is always HOPE – take care of yourself a little extra this month. Then – do it all over again!