“Be kind!” probably the most banded about words of 2019/2020. The most printed slogan on T-shirts - yepRoo Bettyalso has a tee especially designed with those very words. But what does it actually mean and are you really embracing the full meaning of those words?
Are you REALLY being kind?
Kindness is important, after all it’s in our DNA, it’s why we thrive. If we didn’t care and all ran around as individuals all humans would probably become extinct years ago. When you’re kind it’s like planting a seed, the roots spread out and start to affect others. But being kind isn’t as easy as you’d think.
“How are you today?”....a chorus of “Fines” may now be firing back at me ….and again I will ask that question…”How are you really? ”Don’t worry this isn’t a test, this is just me a mental health warrior, survivor if you wish, who through 30 plus years experience has navigated her mental health, analysed it, been to all the therapists and come out the other side a little wiser. Still learning but actually feeling more in control.
This isn’t a boast by the way, just an offer of help, a kind word of solidarity because I understand because I’ve been there, still go there. First hand experience if you wish that I’m giving to you because I care.
The nights are drawing in and there’s definitely an autumnal whiff to the air. However you feel about Autumn (or “the Fall” if you’re from across the pond) you can’t really escape the change of the seasons. Well certainly not this year, what with that Covid spanner in the works. There’s no jet setting to sunnier climes for a while (not for us anyway) and so we’re left in our Northern Hemisphere bubble and dreading thelooming clock changeso we ask -
“How can we make this clock change positive for our Mental Health”
Pondering my own mental health whilst writing a blog about World Mental Health Day…..Yep! The irony isn’t lost on me.
I know this mood, it’s defiant, restless, irritable, she wants to shout inappropriate things at inappropriate times. Reigning her in is hard, she wants to laugh and cry at exactly the same time. She’s the devil on your shoulder telling you to “go on” - to whatever that devil may care act, you’re about to perform. I’ve grown used to her, in fact I kinda know when SHE is gonna drop by. To make a point, I may be Bi-Polar or I may be Autistic or I may just, be ME.
If you’re reading this ….then Suicide may have been on your mind? I don’t need you to answer that by the way...but if you’ve heard a voice in your head , please don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed. I want to dispel some myths about suicide and also offer a voice of support and help to anyone who may be experiencing these thoughts.
Today isNational Suicide Awareness day. On this day we remember those lost…we think of those left behind and we reach out to those in the darkness (I try to do this most days but you know, a day is a day to sucker punch it to you).
Do we fail or just evolve? That was the question raised during a very generous chat with a lovely friend yesterday ….and it got me thinking, why am I no longer in love with being a Yoga teacher? Have I actually fallen out of love with Yoga? Or am I just transitioning into something new? Like a caterpillar into chrysalis and then onto a butterfly? That beautiful analogy of finding your wings and flying high…
Was I indeed a failed Yoga teacher or was I something new? Why couldn’t I see this as a positive move? Or am I just on the infamous ‘Yoga Journey’, that many find themselves on?
Today is like wading through treacle. Well that’s how it feels. Everything is on go slow like a bad film playing out in front of me. Even lifting my head hurts …..I just want to cry.
Anything and everything you suggest will be met with disdain, I want to shout, scream, cry, smash things up all at the same time. I just feel plain irritable over nothing in particular. It’s times like this I debate whether going back on my medication will be helpful? I feel very contrary and awkward and just plain NO!!!
Mental Health in the workplace is always in the spotlight and as someone who works for themselves and is also a stay at home mum, I have those dark days just as much as when I worked in an office, except this time there’s no chat in the staff room orbar of chocolateplaced on my desk by a caring colleague. But hang on in there my lovely, hear me out, for a little Procrastination doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom! I’m gonna stick my neck out and sayprocrastination could actually be your BEST FRIEND!!
