Five Simple Things (September 2)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This Bear.

On a recent yard sale hunt looking for random bus things I found this lopsided teddy bear. I gave it a good wash and placed inside Quappy's box to keep her company. She didn't take to it at first, but now she cuddles with it and loves it. I have always loved homemade bears that different people make. I'm sure this lopsided bear's story is a cool one, and now it has more to add to its story, too.

2. These Items.

Kiwi Eco Box on the left and Pyrex silicone reusable snack bag in Star Wars on the right. Skylar just loves Star Wars and this adds to his enjoyment of it. He takes lunch and we add trail mix, small crackers, carrots, or other quick snacks to these silicone bags and go. They are washable, and reusable for endless items, over endless amounts of uses. At this moment Kiwi Eco Box is sending it's proceeds to help with troops on the ground in Ukraine. The founders of KEB are from Ukraine, so they are doing all the can to help in the war efforts. Please consider purchasing a box, or items from their shop.

3. This Route.

Getting better at keeping time for my mile runs. It's getting easier and I am definitely seeing the changes. Progress is key, not perfection.

4. This Day.

 

August 28 marked 45 times around the sun for me. It's a bitter-sweet moment, but I welcome each year, because I'm still alive and I am still thriving. Not all this past year as been great and at times I've really struggled, but I did it and I am super proud of myself for each day I try. Every day I wake up with thoughts that shouldn't be there, but I keep going through all the negativity in my head. Here's to 45! What a year it's been, though. Last year on this day, I had wishes of travel, adventures, new opportunities, and a lot of fun and joy. We did a lot of great things over the past 365 days and it has been such a great year when I look back on everything I did, accomplished, and overcame. This year, following my 45 years, I am hoping and manifesting growth, stability, clarity, and a lot of self-love. Cheers to another year for me around the sun!

IKEA is always the first email I get from companies on my birthday. I'm part of IKEA Family and when it's your birthday you get $10 of a purchase and a free ice cream cone. Twitter gets a close second. One of the positive things of social media is when your birthday is remembered. It really does mean a lot more to me that most people take for granted. It's such fun things that I look forward to each year. And, I love Skylar's personality when it comes to gifts. He is always the best gift-giver and he is clever, too!

5. This Cat.

Eleven a.k.a. "The Snatch" is always so photogenic. She is such a curiously awesome kitty. One of a kind, for sure!

Positive affirmations this week:

Don't ever sacrifice your self-care and peace for others that can't seem to find theirs. There are people in this world, some of them we share bloodlines with, that don't know how to take care of themselves correctly and WILL seek out your peace and good vibes and ride your coat tails. This is not okay and it crosses boundaries. Again, be strong in your boundaries and stand by them. If you have self-care and down time on Fridays, or even Sundays, stick with it. If others in your life can't respect that, it's time to cut them off. You can do this!

One last thing, September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (SPAM) and September 4 - September 10 is National Suicide Prevention Week this year. September 10 this year is World Suicide Prevention Day, as well. There are so many things that can be done on this day, and throughout the week to help those that struggle with suicidal thoughts, but sometimes this time of year is hard for many people and actually could bring about feelings of self harm to those that suffer with thoughts throughout the year. There are things to remind ourselves of and others that find this month and week hard. We need to be forgiving of ourselves and others and allow what we feel to happen and tell ourselves it's okay. Also getting away from the topic is also beneficial. Small walks outside, spending time with pets, and friends does a lot of good. Lastly, reaching out for help is never shameful. Support is always at hand at 988 and 1-800-TALK. We can and will get through this and you are strong, beautiful, and very much wanted. 

Have a nice weekend.