Doing What We Can in Times Like These #MentalHealth

In light of all the heaviness in the world - as well as May being Mental Health Awareness Month - I have been doing more than my usual to regulate my nervous system and maintain my peace. In hopes that some of the things I have been doing may be helpful to someone else, I would like to share.

Our Plan or God's Plan?

I was doing some reflecting and thinking this morning on a few things, and my husband and I's relocation to another state came to mind. If you don't know the story, we got married and about 7 months later, I was pregnant with our son. We lived in Maryland at the time, and it was just us - no family. We agreed (before we were even expecting) that the best thing would be to move closer to our family so that when we do have a child, we would have help. Because, you know, it takes a village. As much as I loved Maryland, something in my spirit was telling me it was time to go. And I couldn't ignore it. 

It's Been a Long Time...

Hiii!! *waves excitedly* First off, I did not mean to be gone for so long, if at all. I have draft posts from September and November 2020 that I never finished. To be honest, the pandemic, the loss of my Grandmom in October 2020, and a close family member being sick kicked my entire a**. Thank God for therapy, a supportive and loving husband, and amazing friends. Speaking of husband and friends: Thank you all so much for helping me and encouraging me to get back to this. I kept feeling this creative block and you all continued to support and encourage in such a beautiful and non-pushy way. I love you all.

With that being said, before I start with my usual posts I want to update you all on some things that have been going on, because 2020 was a hot mess but there were also quite a few blessings! I am grateful.

Protecting Your Energy with Boundaries

I was having a conversation with a good friend some time ago about how she and I often attract people who seek advice or want a listening ear. It's a beautiful thing to have others see you as someone you can trust. But, occasionally it can also become draining of our own energy if we are not careful and fail to enforce necessary boundaries. Being someone who *used to be* a people-pleaser, enforcing boundaries with others hasn't always been easy. Especially for those I care deeply about, like close family and friends.

Working on My Fitness, Y'all

Ya know... I have to be honest. Exercise is just something I never really loved. Throughout my life, I have exercised here and there. Never truly consistently and for longer than maybe 6 months at a time. As I have gotten older, though, AND after having a child, I am finding it quite necessary to work out just to feel better physically, keep up with my toddler and my daily tasks, and to be healthier overall and tone up! In the last month, I have been implementing small changes to get myself active again.