Fear is a funny thing. It’s a mix of psychological and environmental factors, all rolled into one. Some people thrive off of fear. Not true fear, mind you, but the idea of being scared gets some people's adrenaline going. It’s the reason horror movies have such a significant Fanbase. Although I don’t quite understand it [...]
We all do it… sometimes weekly…. usually daily… the mindless social media scroll. Our time to unplug without expectations or responsibilities. A safe, easy way to disconnect from our responsibilities and check in with those we know, and often times those we don't. Except it is never that easy or safe. In fact, if we are not careful, it may be the most detrimental thing we do all day.
I am angry, upset, and speechless. This past week, a historical error was made in the United States supreme court. It took me time before I could even prepare to write this. I had to let the information sit with me, and mull it over for a while. This is the first time in a long time that I needed to formulate my thoughts before I could even begin to put them down on "paper".
In the past, therapy has been viewed as something crazy people needed to do to get well, or that addicts needed to do in order to recover. It was mandated... necessary to become a better, more functioning member of society. But the truth is, we are complex beings. A lot is going on in our minds and the ability to resonate with our thoughts and be the strongest we can be mentally is so important.
So how do we do that, as women who have to constantly fight an uphill battle? How do we find and celebrate our worth? If we wait for society, or the patriarchy to do so, we'll have to wait for generations to come. The best way is to celebrate each other. Somewhere along the way, women decided that we needed to compete with one another.
Those who know me, know that butterflies are my spirit animal. A butterfly on my shoulder blade was the first tattoo I designed, the first thing that was important enough to ink permanently on my body. Butterflies symbolize change and the metamorphosis that is possible when you give in to new experiences. The idea that a caterpillar goes to sleep and becomes a butterfly is nature's way of telling us change can be beautiful. And yet, it doesn’t make it any less scary.
I know there are times when we all feel like we’re a little crazy. The word itself is fraught with negative connotations. Being called crazy implies a lack of control, and an inability to regulate. And yet, there is this incredible juxtaposition happening. It has become more socially acceptable to talk about your feelings and inability to cope 100% of the time.
And then comes magical January 1st. The shiny date of eternal optimism. The promise of a new year and all the potential that it holds. We can do anything on January 1st! We can accomplish all our goals! Anything we set our minds to! We are SUPER PEOPLE! January 1st makes things easy - we can eat all the kale, do all the push-ups, and dream-board all the vacations.
What I didn't realize is just how much the breathwork and meditation components would mean to me. Mindfulness is such an important part of good mental health, as is an awareness of one's self. I love that you don't need tools for the breathwork - it is the most portable form of self-care.
This post comes with a trigger warning. I am about to discuss when a child gets sick - every parent's worst fear. I wish what I was writing was fiction, but it is our reality.
Life Love Mom 