Welcome to 7 days to inspire. I will be sending a daily message for 7 days. Using the word inspire to motivate and uplift. Today is part 4 of the mini-message series of inspiration. Day 4 is the letter “P” for practice patience.
I N S P I R E
Patience is a virtue right? Lets try practicing patience with ourselves and others. It can be easy to demonstrate patience with others but be so hard on ourselves, at times. We are all in this world trying to navigate and we are learning every day. That is the beauty of life.
If you make a mistake, forgive yourself. It’s not the end of the world. The easier we become at forgiving ourselves, the more we can open our hearts to forgive others. When we are sitting in traffic, have patience. Just think about arriving safely. If the barista is really slow at serving up your drink order, have patience. Maybe he/she is new and trying to learn the job. We all had a first day somewhere, right?
Patience affords us the ability to keep stress away or at least lessen the effects of it. If someone accidentally steps on your sneakers, there is no reason to bring violence into it. Let’s remember to be slow to anger and quick to forgive.
Welcome to 7 days to inspire. I will be sending a daily message for 7 days. Using the word inspire to motivate and uplift. Today is part 3 of the mini-message series of inspiration. Day 3 is the letter “S” for shoot the gift.
I N S P I R E
Shoot the Gift
If you have the gift of gab, use it. Let your natural talent be heard. Being lyrically inclined does not come easily to everyone. If you can come up with rhymes off the top of your head, show your skills. Write your poems and do not be shy about it. If you are too shy to perform your lyrical gifts in public. Do it at home, in the shower or in the mirror. Demonstrate your gift in verbal, written or both ways. Try practicing by recording your lyricism or post on your social media platform. The more you practice the more you will perfect your craft. There is so much power in words. If you possess the ability to flow with your words, consider yourself lucky. Speaking through your life helps to change lives.
Welcome to 7 days to inspire. Each day I will be sending a daily message for 7 days. Using the word inspire to motivate and uplift. Today is part 2 of the mini-message series of inspiration. Day 2 is the letter “N” for never say never.
I N S P I R E
Never Say Never
It’s never too late to pursue your dream. No matter how big or small. The key is to start. You don’t have to figure out all the details in a day. Just start. Never think you will get your dream home? Start saving and researching programs for homebuyers. Never think you will find love? It will come your way when you least expect it. That job promotion is in reach. You will make your weight loss goal. Just keep working for it and stay focused. Speak what you want into existence. Put it out there in the universe. Believe it will happen.
Welcome to 7 days to inspire. For the next seven days I will be sending a daily message. Using the word inspire to motivate and uplift. Today is part 1 of the mini-message series of inspiration. We will start with the letter “I” for infuse good vibes.
What’s on the exterior is not a reflection of the whole person. This message is to young girls and anyone who feels like they do not measure up. Society has women in this cookie-cutter image. Just know that we are versatile. Inner beauty, self-love and confidence is what we are made of. Do not let other people define who you are.
The world we live in today is very shallow and based on outer looks. People sometimes only look at the exterior with no further thought about the entire person. There is nothing wrong with being beautiful. After you get past the beauty what is inside? Do you want to be judged only by how you look? In some industries, beauty is paramount in your success in that particular field. But make sure you are being true to yourself.
Self-love is very important. If people gravitate to you because you look a certain way, but you feel like you are less than. Ask yourself, “what is wrong with this picture?”. Just remember that no one is perfect. At the end of the day, we are all human. Don’t beat yourself up if you feel like you do not “fit the mold” of what society says you should look like. Love the skin you are in.
If you have big thighs, so what. Embrace it and make it your strength. If your lips are fuller than the masses. Guess what; God made you that way for a reason. Love those lips, they are uniquely yours. It does not matter what your nose looks like or your feet. Have compassion and love for yourself. Accept yourself how you are. If anyone does not recognize the beauty you are inside, love yourself anyway!
“You can‘trelyon how youlookto sustain you, what sustains us, what is fundamentally beautiful is compassion; for yourself and for those around you.”
Homeownership is one of the staples of the American dream. You work hard, you save money and pay bills on time. So, why is the purchase of a home out of reach for some people? It is partly due to the banking industry and unfair lending practices. Also, this is attributed to bad consumer credit and lack of funds.
We are living in times of inflation; again. It makes it hard to stay on top of basic living expenses and amenities. However, in spite of inflation homeownership is achievable. So is good credit. We can start by trying to reduce our debt-to-income ratio. This is one of the factors banks use in the application approval process. Lowering debt-to-income ratio means to have more money coming in than going out. Many times we spend more and save and/or invest less.
Paying bills on time also boosts credit scores. If you are in the market to make a home purchase, you may want to pull your credit report. By doing so, you have the opportunity to check for accuracy and any errors that may be preventing you from obtaining a loan. Also, you can assess what accounts you need to pay off. Correcting errors on your credit report takes a little effort, but it is within your power to change it in the best interest of your financial future.
Did you know? It wasn’t until the early 70s that women were allowed to purchase property in their own name. In years before that, a women could not own property without her husband co-signing.
Homeownership is lacking within minority communities. That brings me to the Focus on Finance for Women’s History Month. Benaisha Poole-Watson fits the theme of ‘Women Telling Our Stories’. She is a catalyst in the real estate market and understands the challenges. Being the owner of Prime One Home Loans, she not only owns the bank but helps to educate about building wealth. She has created solutions for people who are having hardship with obtaining a home loan.
To add to that, she is also a military veteran. She has served in the United States Air Force. Mrs. Poole-Watson, among many other African American women, have broken down the barrier of women serving in the military. Let’s salute Benaisha Poole-Watson for her contribution to the country through her military service. Also, for opening doors and creating change and help in obtaining real estate.
Did you know? At one time, women were not allowed to serve in the military outside of kitchen and domestic duties.
Focus on finance for women’s history month and learn more about the inspiration of Benaisha Poole-Watson at Home – Benaisha Poole Watson
Image by Beate from PixabayListen to Grow Your Mental Recital
Growing your mental
Opens minds; developmental
Love and consciousness are life’s syllabus
The syllabus which teaches us
Leading with eyes only
Robs the soul and results to lonely
Lonely, pretentious and superficial
Love and meaning are most beneficial
Ask yourself when you look in the mirror
Do I manifest what I am seeking?
Searching hard for the answer brings you nearer
Realizing that arrogance, pride and conceit are what you are reeking
Maturity and mental growth
Brings us closer to an oath
That tells us life is about much more
Fulfillment, gratification and enrichment are in store
Exit the false prophecy
Visualize the hypocrisy
Newfound treasures appear before your eyes
Things unseen before suddenly materialize
Wow, what a surprise!
Grow Your Mental first appeared on Inspire By O'Nika, March 22, 2023
March is Women’s History Month. There are some wonderful women out there making a true statement. These women have contributed to Arts and Science, Math, Entertainment, Education and various other areas.
Women’s History Month starts on March 1 and lasts for the entire month. Another important date this month is March 8th, International Women’s Day. Take a moment to celebrate what this day means to you.
The theme for Women’s History Month in 2023 is ‘Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories’. Every year the theme changes. This month became officially known as Women’s History Month in 1987. Before then, it was only a week-long occasion.
Women’s History Month is for taking note of progress and struggles of women, spanning back for years and years. Women now have the right to vote, get an education, join the military, among other achievements. Women still face discrimination in the workplace when it comes to wages. You do not have to be a woman to advocate for equity and inclusion. Everyone can ban together for this important cause to reduce and/or eliminate discrimination in the workplace. This can only have a positive outcome for the world at large.
It is important that people know and understand that women do not always have it easy. People may think that we have no worries, or we do not need to assert or apply ourselves. Don’t let looks fool you into thinking that we have things handed to us. Women work hard and juggle a lot. Some of us are mothers too. It is a joy to wear the hat of being a parent. Unfortunately, some people view motherhood as a crutch and therefore do not give all mothers the same chance as the male gender.
How Can You Celebrate Women Who Tell Our Stories?
Read about the motivating and inspiring stories that women have told through their sheer actions.
If you know someone who may benefit from hearing your own story, consider sharing, you just might save a life and inspire someone else to tell their story in the future.
Pay it forward with your heroic life story, and what another woman thought was not possible, will see that it is. You are the living proof.
Educate yourself on the issues that women still face today. Think about what you can do to effect change.
Send a quick thank you note to a woman that you admire.
Pass on the word about Women’s History Month on your social media platforms to raise awareness.
Support women-owned businesses.
Mentor girls and young women. Empower them with your knowledge so that they know that they matter, and they can make a difference in this world.
Let’s show some love for Women’s History Month! Lift each other up and don’t forget to hug yourself and smile. You deserve it!
March is national optimism month. It can be hard at times to be optimistic when life happens. Although, I think those are the times to have an optimistic outlook on things. Just think of the good you will be doing for yourself. In the long run, with a more positive attitude you will have lower stress levels, be more hopeful and have a more upbeat and cheerful feeling about life.
Optimism can be a challenge when the world spends so much time on social media. It is so easy for someone to see something on the internet and compare it to their own lives. We must remember that not everything we see on the web is as it seems. With that, know that we all have our separate paths in life and will not always arrive at certain destinations at the same time. It will take some of us longer to achieve certain things.
During March, we can start to take notice of our ways of looking at situations. If we take stock of how we perceive things we can then learn to change the negative thoughts into positive ones. Learn how to see the best case-scenario rather than the worst. We can team up with someone we trust and hold each other accountable. Help the other person change that negative into a positive.
March 12-18 Sleep Awareness Week
Did you know? Driving while drowsy slows reaction time just the same as driving drunk.
Sleep affects our health in many ways. Being well rested lets us excel mentally and physically. Lack of sleep has less than optimal effects on us. Try these simple things for better sleep; limit alcohol close to bedtime, no screen time before bed or while lying in bed, stop caffeine at least 4 hours before bed, try not to exercise close to the time you are going to sleep. Adequate sleep helps reduce stress, keeps our heart healthy and aids with weight loss. So, don’t forget to get your ZZZs.
March 12
Daylight Saving Time
Spring forward for Daylight Saving Time. It’s the time of year when we set the clocks ahead one hour. This practice allows for more hours of daylight during the warmer months of the year.
Celebrate the patron saint of Ireland today. People pay tribute to Irish history by attending mass and/or having a big meal. You will see a lot of the color Green. This represents the vast green land of Ireland. Although the 4-leaf clover is said to bring good luck, the Shamrock is one of the Irish symbols. Check out the web for some fun Green cocktails. You can make them with or without alcohol. Get the family together to make some recipes to commemorate Irish heritage.
March 20
First Day of Spring
Hello Spring! Milder days ahead. Also, the time of year when trees start to bloom. The pollen count rises also. Get your allergy medicine ready for those who are affected by this. In the Spring we have a lot more time to go for walks before or after work and enjoy some sun and outdoor time.
March 22
Ramadan Begins
Ramadan is a religious Islamic holiday observed by Muslims. From sun-up to sun-down Muslims fast and try to avoid eating, drinking, smoking and any impure behaviors and/or thoughts. Ramadan is when you will see increased prayers, time worshipping at the mosque and reading the Quran. This time of self-reflection helps to clean the soul and show empathy for those less fortunate. Fasting is a way to acknowledge that some people around the world are hungry. Those who practice the Islamic religion can find places of worship in virtually every state in the United States. Even though there are millions of people in the U.S. who are Muslims, the largest Muslim population can be found in Indonesia.
March 22
Día de la Abolición de Esclavitud
Did you know? It was once illegal to own or display the Puerto Rican Flag.
Emancipation Day (Puerto Rico)
March 22, 1873 marks the end of slavery in Puerto Rico. After colonization, disease and mistreatment wiped out most of the native people, this resulted in a major labor shortage. Gold mining was the popular trade at the time, so workers were needed for this reason. After gold mining stopped bringing in profits, sugar cane was the next thing to bring in money for the island. African slaves were used for enrichment of the land on plantations for the production of sugar. The African slave trade in PR lasted over 30 decades. Emancipation Day in Puerto Rico is an important day to celebrate freedom. Bomba and Plena music has strong African roots. Dancing to this music, along with native meals, festivals and parades are some of the ways to celebrate Emancipation Day.
Afro Puerto Rican flag and Resistance Puerto Rican flag
Puerto Rican Flag
Save Your Vision Month
Take the time to give your eyes a little extra TLC. It is better to preserve our eyesight as much as possible, rather than letting it get so bad that it creates things that cannot be reversed. Our eyes are precious. Besides, we only get one set. Try some preventative things like, limiting screen time. When reading make sure the room is well lit. Wear sunglasses to help against UV sun rays. Schedule that much needed eye exam. You know who you are… If you catch yourself squinting or needing to use extra bright light just to read certain things.
Unity is peace, Unity is the umbrella
Being united means coming together
Together for whatever comes our way
Differences, views and opinions
The issues will come our way almost every day
Unity will be the saving grace
Grace keeps our sanity together in every way
Grace begets compassion and understanding
Compassion for what is different than us
Understanding for things we don’t know
In our hearts grace and unity will overflow
Equality, acceptance, hope and love
Is what a sense of unity does
For communities both below and above
We may look different on the outside
But we all have blood running through our veins
Let not those things make us collide
When we have grace, love remains
Unity not division, lets love take over
What we thought we knew about one another
Take the time to speak
Speak to that sister or brother
Resist the urge that breeds
Hatred, violence and racial bias
We may not always agree
Unity is what frees
Black history month and year long
Promote unity not the same sad song
Songs of brutality, racism and wrongs
Unity pushes everyone along
---O'Nika McGill---
Unity was first published on Inspire By O'Nika
Feb 5, 2023
February is Black History month. In order to understand the present, we must look at the past. Let’s give credit where credit is due. The farmers, boaters/fishermen, and Olympians oftentimes get overlooked and left out. Although, we will never forget about civil rights leaders, freedom fighters who have paved the way, years ago.
Daisy Gatson Bates
Daisy Gatson Bates Day is Feb 21. We can credit this Arkansas native for being an activist against racial discrimination. During her civil rights work, she was the president of the NAACP, Arkansas chapter. In 1957, she played a major role in desegregation at Little Rock Central High School. Read “The Long Shadow of Little Rock: A memoir” and learn about her legacy.
NAACP Day
NAACP Day is February 12. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People sets out to help with equality and civil rights for all people. The NAACP is about addressing issues of racial discrimination. Throughout its history, this organization addresses immigration issues, misconduct by police, voting rights and economic development.
One way to honor the NAACP’s mission is by making a donation. This group has made strides for centuries since its inception in 1909. If you feel that you can contribute to their causes for job equality, voting rights, healthcare and education, please do. In an effort to combat fair education, they have partnered with other organizations to provide scholarships for African American students.
Farming-John W. Boyd, Jr, founder of the National Black Farmers Association is instrumental in advancing rights for black farmers. Agriculture is a very important part of the foundation for the entire world. Mr. Boyd had to take legal action against the government over financial relief for farmers that was promised but did not happen. He is painfully aware that African American farmers do not get the same relief and support. In light of that, he tirelessly champions on to get what is only fair for farmers.
Fishing-The Ebony Anglers is a black, female fishing team from North Carolina. This is a competitive fishing team who is making history. Look them up and see if they give you inspiration to branch into a field where both women and African Americans are under-represented. The Ebony Anglers have passed on their efforts to the youth. Black Boys Boat and Black Girls Fish was formed by this amazing group. They make what they do look easy, but it is still hard work. Kudos to them for passing down their knowledge to the youth about the fishing and boating industries.
Swimming-Who is Simone Manuel? She is the first black woman to win an Olympic Gold medal in swimming in the year 2016. Simone is setting the bar and inspiring other young people to follow their dreams. Even though there are so few black swimmers who compete; she is proof that it is possible. Feeling left out at times in her swimming career, she is a strong advocate for inclusivity. Simone Manuel is a young, black athlete who can use her platform to influence positive change in the swimming arena and worldwide.
African American Coaches Day
African American Coaches Day is Feb 7. Coaching is not just related to sports. Today, we have life coaches as well. This is a lucrative profession. Coaching helps people attain their personal and career goals. It gives people something to strive for. Life coaching may be an avenue to explore for those who are known to be procrastinators. It helps with holding yourself accountable and sticking with a plan.
Coaching a sports team for the youth is a way of mentorship. It helps give the children structure, discipline and a sense of high self-esteem. Also, it teaches team building. When you have kids working together it also builds friendships and creates a positive atmosphere. Skills learned from playing on the team are skillsets that stay with them well into adulthood. Coaching is time well spent. Let’s continue to shape the future of our youth.
Black History Month Past and Present
As you can see, African Americans of the past and present are making history. While we might not have been around in some of the times when they were making their impact, we can still live and feel the effects of their hard work. Black history is history for all. African Americans have felt the strains of society for centuries. In the face of hardships and hard times, we have still managed to hold true to ourselves and make a positive difference in the world.
Lets continue to encourage and support our young athletes, farmers and communities to make for a better world. We can all benefit and live together and have more equality, if we put our minds to it and put in some effort.
Martin Luther King, Jr. said, ” I have a dream”
Malcolm X- “By any means necessary”
Harriet Tubman soldiered with the underground railroad. “I never ran my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger”.
Gordon Parks changed the world behind the camera. “The subject matter is so much more important than the photographer”.
Most of the time, activities are more fun when we do them with someone else. It can take an outing from a 4-5 experience up to a 7-8 on the scale of enjoyable. On the other hand, there are some things better left to be done alone. Like getting a haircut, an interview or going to the dentist. Let’s look at what activities you like to do alone.
Shopping, for example, is something that we like to do. When I say we, I mean women. We like to have someone with us to give their honest opinion on how an outfit looks, or someone to help us pick something out for that special occasion. Shopping can be an all day excursion. When it’s time for a break, stop for lunch and then continue.
For those who take a more practical or organized approach to shopping, they want to be alone. They know what stores they are going to and what they need. It makes for an easy in and out shopping experience. People who do this are not interested in browsing the store or lollygagging. Plus, they don’t want to waste time going store to store spending more money.
Some people make this a family affair. Which means that everyone in the house is going. Whether you want to go or not doesn’t matter, so don’t make a fuss. This can also be seen as a solo outing to go to your house of worship, to receive your blessings and to be a blessing to others. You may be going to ask for forgiveness for something personal and would like to be there alone with your thoughts. Also, some prefer to pray by themselves and enjoy the service in solitude.
For those people who still have theaters open, movies usually are a group or couple outing. You can laugh out loud or whisper to your friends or date about the movie. Afterwards, you can have a discussion about how you liked the film. Some people may not want to be talked to while the movie is playing. They zone out and want to focus on what the movie is about. They only want to enjoy their snack and take in the cinematic experience. Plus, you know those who can’t stop talking throughout and you miss key points of the movie.
Going to get a drink or two is fun when you go with someone. Also, this is when a designated driver is needed. For those who like to enjoy spirits, beer, wine it’s nice to have a friend or significant other with you to talk and laugh with. Also, to watch your back if you have one too many. You know who you are 🙂
Share stories, people watch, drink, dance and listen to music at the club. Whatever you do while at the bar or club. When you want to get on the dance floor it takes the edge off to dance with your friends and not alone.
We do have those who go clubbing or to a bar to meet people. In this case, I would say they don’t want any extra weight hanging around. They would prefer to go alone and do what they do.
Going out to eat at a restaurant is usually spent together with someone. The next time you go to a restaurant look around. You will notice that most tables have at least two or more people per table. Singles also go out to eat but you don’t see this as often as groups. It can feel awkward or lonely when you are at a restaurant full of people, and you are there solo. To each their own.
Exercising can be either a group or solo activity. Some people prefer to buddy up with someone else to help keep them accountable. It also makes keeping in shape more fun when there is someone else to do the work with you. Other people prefer to work-out alone. They have no problem keeping up with their physical activity. What is your exercise style?
What activities do you like to do alone?
Tell us about the activities you prefer to do alone. There is nothing wrong with going solo and just doing your thing, alone. Sometimes we do our best work while being alone.
January O Enero, New Beginning. Happy New Year! It’s 2023 and time for a new beginning. What do you resolve for the new year? This is the chance for new goals, new wishes and a time to reflect. Reflect on the year gone by and how you want to spend this next year. Pledge to yourself to add a new skill and/or hobby, pledge to make your health a priority. Pledge to be a little nicer to others as you are to yourself. Think about what you can change to make this year better than the last.
Women Rock! Day
January 3
Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels
Women Rock! Day brings to mind, Tina Turner, Pat Benatar, and Aretha Franklin. Women have blazed a trail into the male dominated industry of Rock N’ Roll. Aretha set the stage for being the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Other women to join the ranks of the Queen of Soul, Aretha, include Stevie Nicks, Janis Joplin, Tina Turner, Gladys Knight, Etta James, Debbie Harry, Madonna and a host of others. A notable performer is Pat Benatar who came on the scene in the late 70s with her debut album, “In the Heat of the Night”. Tina Turner, Queen of Rock N’ Roll, has been in the music industry for about 40-50 years. These women, among others came in and made their stamp on music for women performers today.
Braille is a form of writing for the visually impaired or blind. This was created by Louis Braille who himself became blind, at 10 years of age, due to a self-inflicted accident. The Braille system uses touch and a six-dot formation. The creation of braille is invaluable to those who cannot see. It has allowed the visually impaired the ability to communicate and read like those who still have sight. Since 2018 the United Nations General Assembly declared this a national holiday. On World Braille Day help raise awareness. Learn Braille so that you can help people who may not know how to read it. Braille helps to make people who have lost their sight feel inclusive. Even though individuals may not be able to see, they have other senses to use in order to go about their daily lives. January is also Braille Literacy Month.
Did you know? You can buy toys in Braille. Also, Math and Science has a form of Braille called the Nemeth Code.
Epiphany, Three Kings Day, Día de Los Reyes is January 6th. It marks the last day of the extended Christmas holiday in many Latin American countries. On this day, it is said that the 3 wise men gave gifts to Baby Jesus. Of course, good food is involved for this occasion. Some families enjoy a meal outdoors. More like a feast which includes dishes of beans with rice, slow roasted meat, plantains, soups and other traditional Latin cuisine. Also, king cake is a part of this celebration. This is a ring-shaped cake with a hidden doll baked inside. The doll symbolizes Baby Jesus. Should you be the one to get the doll inside it means that you have to bring the next king cake. Also, it signifies that you will have prosperity and luck.
Today we observe the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr who was born on January 15, 1929. He was a non-violent, civil rights leader.
Why is he celebrated?
He had a hand in desegregation. Gone are the days of separate water fountains, bathrooms and seating on public transportation among Black and White people.
Dr. King fought to eradicate racism. He fought for civil and economic rights of people.
MLK was the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
The voting rights act of 1965 is to his credit. Had he not persisted and held the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in Selma, Alabama, this law might not have been passed.
As you can see, he is responsible for bringing people together and effecting change for the better. And not just Black people, but all people.
Did you know?
Samuel L. Gravely (1922-2004) was the first African American to command a United States Navy Warship. He also joined the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity., the first fraternity for African Americans. He accomplished a lot of first achievements in the military for African Americans.
National Puzzle Day is a way to exercise your brain. Whether you like Jigsaw puzzles, crosswords or Jenga it does not matter, they all provide benefits for the brain. Doing puzzles are stress relievers and fun. You can do a jigsaw puzzle by yourself or with friends and family. You can start off with a small jigsaw and work your way up to 500-1000 pieces. Enjoy yourself, these are not just for kids but there are plenty of adult puzzles out there.
Stalking– the act or crime of willfully and repeatedly following or harassing another person in circumstances that would cause a reasonable person to fear injury or death especially because of express or implied threats.
In January we bring attention to this important topic. Stalking is a crime in all 50 states and Washington D.C. This is not limited to physical stalking but cyberstalking as well. Women are stalked almost 3 times more than men. In 2011, former President Barack Obama made the first proclamation for stalking awareness. If you feel that you are being stalked and are in immediate danger, call 911. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut. Let your family/friends know if you feel like you are being followed, receiving threats, getting unwanted attention. Do not engage with a stalker. If you can, gather evidence. We all have the right to feel safe at work, home or anywhere we go. Spread awareness and be safe.
When you think of home does it make you smile? Home is a safe haven away from everything else. It is the place where you can be yourself. It’s where you go to rest and recharge after a hard day at work. Think of it as your sanctuary.
What I’m saying is that a home is more than just bricks and wood on a cement slab. It’s a place to relax while watching a good movie. Also, one of the best places to enjoy a meal with family. A peaceful place to gather your thoughts and meditate, if you want to.
If home does not resonate in a positive way, think of ways to change that and make it a happy place for you. It’s the least you can do for your wellbeing. 😉 I know it is not always possible to have a quiet moment if you have small children. Just find a space and/or corner of the house to call your own. Make it your go-to place in those moments of stress. Call it whatever you want in order to recharge your mind.
Inside the shell of the human is complex. Humans are made up of more than just a shell. More than what you see on the outside. Beneath the skin, lies character, emotions, and the essence of a person. What we see is not always representative of what is inside. Some people are good at camouflaging their feelings. You would never know that something horrific was going on.
If something seems off about someone you know, stop for a minute to ask. Not to say, do an interogation but stop to check on that person. You can’t tell from the outside what people are going through. This time of year brings a lot of emotions and triggers for people. It is not always the happiest of times for everyone.
How to be there for someone
If you see someone going through a hard time, you want to help. The question is, “how do you help?”. It can be tricky when you worry about how the person may respond to your concern. Some people may take it as you being intrusive in their life, some may be offended that you said something, some may be relieved that their feelings are being seen by someone else.
When in doubt about how to help someone who is depressed, grieving, sad or just not themselves, here are some suggestions:
Listen, just let them talk and you listen. Sometimes they just want to be heard. Be that ear and/or shoulder to cry on.
Be there, let them know that you are there mentally and physically. It is therapeutic for some just to be in the presence of someone who cares. It brings comfort for them to not be alone.
Offer to help with everyday chores. If they need help with housework, or a meal or two. Maybe they have errands that they need help with. Make sure to keep your word with this and don’t offer anything you are not willing to actually do.
Don’t judge; it might seem like something small to you but it obviously feels different for them.
Offer resources like any local places, online sites, or phone numbers where they can connect with someone.
Unless you are a licensed professional, it is hard to tell what a person needs in order to feel better. It is difficult to see a friend or loved one going through something and not know what to do. Just use your best judgement and try your best to help.
Inside the shell of the human holds many things. This time of year can be extremely difficult for many people. Just be mindful of this and keep that in the forefront of your mind. Mental health is not something a lot of people want to discuss, but it is very important. Of course, take care of yourself first. Otherwise, you cannot be good for others if you, yourself are not good.
