HEALING

We survived one more election. Kudos to us.

To be honest, I cannot wrap my head around the behavior of privileged adults who sell their souls to win—what? Power, control, prestige???  I would like to believe they do it for good of all of us, but I know that’s a stretch. I don’t get the warm fuzzy feeling of someone looking out for me. Do you?

I’ve read stories about hermits living in a desert cave or in the tundra of mountain ranges, and I get it. Trying to survive lion attacks or rattle snakes couldn’t be much worse.

Enough of that—it’s behind us, thank goodness.

I hope each of you used your voice and voted, and I hope our best men or women won.

Let’s get back to the topic of mental health. I think healing is the right word. The true meaning of healing or recovery is a personal, ongoing process of positive change and growth.

As in most things in life—getting back to basics, letting go of what we have no control over, and taking care of ourselves physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and economically is one way to feel more anchored and stable. Let’s repeat those:

CARE for SELF

• Physically—eat colorful food, rest, move your body
• Emotionally—hang out with your top list friends, read, write, walk, sit, sing, dance.
• Mentally—Choose activities that help your heart and head work together. Shut off the noise. Visit your happy place more often. Unplug. 
• Spiritually—meditate, pray, appreciate.
• Economically—put spending on a budget, and save what you can. It’s like getting a to-go box at a restaurant before you take a bite—put half of your meal in the box and then clean your plate. The same applies to your paycheck—put $$$ aside when you first get paid and live on what’s left.

Mental health is simple if you keep it simple. We are all adult children, so parent yourself with love, affection, forgiveness, and grace. Discipline yourself kindly, say the words, allow yourself to cry, and ask for hugs. Play fair and be safe.

Sharing a poem I wrote years ago while needing a reset:

HEALING

I watch the fire blazing,

sending warmth throughout the room,

it sends my thoughts to places

where dreams can really bloom.

I feel the touch of snuggles,

the quiet, peaceful calm.

I dream beyond my magic,

Write lyrics to great song.

Colors are brilliant orange and gold,

with just a touch of blue.

There’s promise in its every wisp.

Answers come and they seem true.

Hours and minutes pass in a flash

As I gaze into its flame.

It heals and speaks and helps me grow.

It heals my heart and brain.                                                                      

                                                                           Jennifer Goble, Ph.D.

Until the next time: Live while you live