Five Simple Things (September 30)

Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This Day.

We celebrated Skylar's birthday this week and took him to Valley River Center in Eugene to let him pick up a few things he's been wanting. The jacket he got that he is wearing in the photo above is sold out, but here is one similar.

Above is the cake baking and icing video reel I created on Instagram. It was a lot of fun piecing all of the steps together. You can see the original video here.

2. This Wrap.

This is the falafel wrap that was delicious when I had it, but ended up giving me food poisoning afterwards. First time I've ever tried falafel, and it will probably be the last. Falafel is notorious for bacteria if it isn't stored, or cooked correctly, so be cautious. First time I've ever had food poisoning and it is rough.

3. These Clouds.

Sometimes storm clouds rolling in are beautiful. These clouds brought several days of rain with them, but definitely were pretty beforehand.

4. These Lamps.

We've had these lamps for at least 20 years, but this week we decided that their time in our house is over. It's weird not having them on the fireplace anymore, or randomly moved from room to room, but the lady I sold them to on Craigslist will give them a great home and their new adventures are underway. I've been on a downsizing track for quite some time and anything I feel that doesn't earn its place in our house ends up being donated, or sold. In 2023 we plan to get rid of a lot more things over the course of the year. Minimizing the things in your life really does have a great impact in your overall mental state, too. If you need tips, or a push in the right direction, check out my Minimalism page at the top of my blog.

5. This Maze.

This corn maze is a short distance from us here in the Willamette Valley and I absolutely love their corn maze message this year. With September being National Suicide Prevention Month it's such a great message to put out into the world right now. Suicide is linked to depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health issues and is definitely a huge crisis in the United States, and worldwide. Those that don't suffer from depression, or other mental health issues, it's hard for them to grasp why suicide is a choice with some that suffer. Finding a purpose in life isn't always the answer to depression. Trauma, mental illness, and life experiences that bring on stressors all contribute to depression and anxiety. With help people can get past certain depression-type symptoms. 988 is now available nationwide and will help in situations where the person suffering doesn't have immediate, present support in front of them. Licensed mental health therapist are available under 988 through calling, or even texting. Let's stop this stigma that depression isn't real, and anxiety is all in our heads. It's very real, and until everyone helps, we won't get better. Please pass along the 988 number to anyone and everyone, and please stop the negativity and harsh options of those that suffer worse than you with mental health issues. We can do this and we can get better with positive support and encouragement. Everyone is enough, we just need to keep holding up and supporting those that don't think they are. Be that change! Be that help! Be that voice they need!

Positive affirmations this week:

I always find it helpful to my mental health issues when I help someone else and see them happy. I try to give homeless people water, or a meal, or ask someone how their day is. I try to smile at strangers in my car when I'm driving and they are crossing the street, or even tell gas station attendants that I appreciate them. Kindness is free and we make a choice every day to be a better person. Try to make a point in one month to do something kind every day of that month. Start in October and make it a point to yourself to be a better person, even to yourself. You can do this!