Because I Thought Somebody Said...

 

Our Unk, Dennis Edwards, said, "In my mind, I want you to be free." This is just your friendly PSA to remind you that it is your season to invest in your health and well-being. It doesn't have to be the holidays for you to experience merriment, joy, and matching pajamas. Mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression are daily factors for many people. Yet the holidays can exacerbate feelings of angst and depression which could lead to physical ailments or substance misuse (American Psychological Association, n.d.). Don't allow pressure to burst pipes (especially right before this Winterpocalypse situation).  

Please don't allow societal norms and glossy social media edits create an environment for you to overthink, overanalyze, overthink (yup, said it again), and overspend. Your life isn't a Hallmark Christmas movie & that's perfectly okay. Remember to be mindful of the blessing and amazingness that is you. You are a gift to so many!! This is a great time to focus your attention on you and yours. 

Protect your peace & protect your edges... Happy Holidays, Peeps 🧡💚

... It's like Sunshine & Rain

Minute by minute by minute, I keep holding on... ~Michael McDonald 

There are 1,440 minutes in one day. There are 10,080 minutes in one week. There are 43,800 minutes in one month. Now ask yourself, how many minutes do you dedicate to doing things that bring you joy or surrounding yourself with people who elevate your joy factor (that includes starting with the Man in the Mirror). While 43,800 minutes may seem like the time needed for a commute from North to South Houston, it is important to name that often we spend A LOT of time doing things we have to do and we spend an exorbitant amount of time doing things we don't want to do. Make it make sense... 

My granddaddy would tell me, "Granddaughter, you can stop the clock but you can't stop the time sugah." I think sometimes we get in our own way in thinking that joyful experiences have to be grandiose to make them count. OR, we hold our joy hostage, bartering for completing a task like working out, drinking a gallon of water, or some other quantifiable goal. Don't get me wrong, a healthy lifestyle is definitely important. But, equally important is investing time in your emotional and mental well-being too. 

Y'all know I have embraced my auntie status and if I attend one more Maze concert, I'm sure I unlock a new auntie level that gives me permission to show up to functions in matching outfits à la Sadie Hawkins  with the Hubs. However, the great philosopher Frankie Beverly knew what he was talking about. The man told us that there will be sorrow but you will endure; that line alone should make you want to put on your white linen! 

So again I remind you that there are 1,440 minutes in one day; 10,080 minutes in one week; 43,800 minutes in one month. Self-reflect and if you have spent more time in the past month feeling more adverse emotions and less joy, whew chile get you one of those chicken salads (IYKYK).

So what is it going to be... joy or pain?