Tender Tuesday Don't Be a Bully

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 Don't be a bully; be tender with yourself. That statement is the most important thing I have learned on this mental well-being journey. I have also discovered that it is the hardest thing to do in any form of recovery. I understand the struggle, and I hope this blog will help you be kinder to yourself because when you are kind to yourself, you will also be kind to others. 

Many, including myself, struggle to be tender with themselves. This challenge transcends mental well-being issues. I've personally grappled with both cognitive well-being and self-kindness for many years. While medication has been a part of my process, I've also come to understand the importance of cognitive work. You're not alone in this struggle. 

The most essential thing in this process was for me to forgive myself. I have to do it daily, sometimes even multiple times a day, but I remind myself that I forgive myself. If my higher power can forgive me, I can, too.

Forgiving yourself is not an easy task—it could be the hardest of them all—but you have to in order to be tender to yourself. 

A few other things you can do to be tender to yourself are to allow time to relax. This is not being lazy. It is required to function at your best and talk positively to yourself. Stop saying things like I'm not good at that. Say something like I need to learn how to do that better. 

Try these things: forgive yourself, talk positively about yourself, and allow yourself time to relax. See if they don't give you an excellent foundation for being more tender to yourself. We can add more later, and if you fall off track, get back on and continue being kind to number one, you. 

You have heard the saying, "You can't pour from an empty well," so please

remember this quote when you think about being kind to yourself, "We win by tenderness; we conquer by forgiveness. -F.W. Robertson

Motivation Monday 1

 

Motivation Monday is in full swing. This morning, I woke up determined to reset my mindset. I adopted a new routine to stay motivated daily, not just on Mondays. The strategy is simple yet vital: getting ready daily. Having battled depression all my life, I've discovered that dressing in something other than pajamas—actual outfits—daily can significantly lift one's spirits. It's been effective for me, and I recommend trying it if you haven't already.

In this new approach, I'm not just dressing up but also grooming myself as if I were heading out. While it may seem routine for those who commute to work, it's different for remote workers who might need to prepare themselves more regularly. Dressing up has never been my thing, or wearing much makeup. However, old advice suggests that you should always leave the house with a touch of powder, mascara, and lipstick. With that in mind, I've started dressing for the day, styling my hair, applying minimal makeup, and brushing my teeth right at the start to enhance my mental well-being and focus.

Today marks the first day of implementing this idea. I set my alarm and was up and ready by 7 a.m. Although it's just the beginning, I already feel more positive about myself and today's tasks. It instills a sense of professionalism in me, which is easy to lose when working from home or managing household duties. I did take a picture of myself holding a paper that says Day 1. I plan to post updates and photos as I do this over the next thirty days. I hope the pictures show any changes in my demeanor, as this routine has the potential to bring about a positive change in me. 

We have discussed the need to motivate ourselves to get ready every day. We have also discussed my plans for the next thirty days. I do hope you will join me on this journey. Your support and shared experiences will be invaluable. I will leave you with this quote, "Either you run the day or the day runs you." -Jim Rohn. Nilizadeh, S., Labreche, F., Sedighian, A., Zand, A., Fernandez, J., Kruegel, C., Stringhini, G., & Vigna, G. (2017). POISED: Spotting Twitter Spam Off the Beaten Paths. https://core.ac.uk/download/111033542.pdf

No Concentration

 

Engrossed in my art,
Dogs bark at the emptiness.
Evening descends.

-Kelsey Sidebottom

Toby the Terror

 Tender Tuesday 💖

Welcome to Tender Tuesday 

It is a place where you can truly be yourself and be reminded to love yourself, especially on Tuesdays. It is a space to simply breathe and immerse yourself in positive affirmations.

The affirmation for the day; 

"You carry so much love in your heart; give some to yourself."

This encompasses our emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. The most important thing to remember is to initially direct these affirmations towards ourselves. We must love ourselves to be able to genuinely love others. Keep in mind that self-care is not a luxury; it is essential. Nurturing your mind, body, and spirit fosters resilience and improves overall health.

Feel Good FriYay!

Today is Friday, a perfect day to embrace positivity and gratitude. As you celebrate the end of the week, take a moment to reflect on the simple pleasures that bring you joy. Jot down three things you're thankful for – it could be the sunshine, a cup of warm tea, or a kind smile from a stranger. Keep your list short and sweet, and place it somewhere visible to serve as a gentle reminder throughout the day to feel good and cherish the little things.

Cherishing moments with loved ones can elevate your mood and enhance your Friday experience. Engage in sharing a chuckle, an anecdote, or a heartfelt dialogue. Social bonds are a boon to our emotional well-being. And if you need a quick pick-me-up, watching puppy videos is a surefire way to brighten your day.

Remember, our day is shaped by our actions and reactions to the uncontrollable. Life is a journey filled with highs and lows. Practice patience with yourself and cherish the fleeting moments of happiness. Smile today, celebrate that it is Friday, and try to remember this quote. Friday: "Every day is a gift. But some days are packaged better." -Sanhita Baruah

Monday Mental Health Moment

 Monday Mental Health Moment

2Fishes Studio, All Rights Reserved

I want to take a moment today, Monday, July 15th, to share this quote with you: "Your mental health is as important as your physical health." This quote is a crucial message for anyone dealing with mental illness, and it's a great mantra to start each day with. Remember to tell yourself this at least once as you start your day. If you have trouble remembering, write it down and post it where you will see it, or set an alarm on your phone. And remember, this mantra is not just a saying; it's a truth you should hold onto daily. 

Falling Off Track into Depression: My Journey

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Life can be incredibly challenging at times, and for many of us, navigating the ups and downs can sometimes lead to feeling off track and lost. For me, this struggle manifested in the form of depression, and I'd like to share my journey with you in the hopes that it may offer some comfort or insight to those who may be going through similar experiences.

 Falling off track into depression was a bewildering and isolating experience. It crept up on me slowly, like a dark cloud moving in front of the sun, and before I knew it, I found myself engulfed in a sense of hopelessness and apathy. Simple tasks that used to bring me joy became insurmountable obstacles, and I struggled to find meaning and purpose in my days. I had been here before and hated to know I had returned. 

One of the most complex parts of this experience was feeling as though I was alone in my battle. It's important to remember that depression can affect anyone, regardless of their external circumstances or perceived strength. Seeking help was a significant turning point for me. Opening up to a trusted friend or professional about what I was going through was a crucial step in my recovery process. Talking about my feelings and experiences helped me realize that I wasn't alone and that there were people who cared about me and wanted to support me through my struggles. Even though I know this, I can't seem to understand it when I am suffering. 

Finding healthy coping mechanisms was another essential aspect of my journey. Engaging in regular exercise, meditation, and creative outlets gave me a sense of purpose and helped me regain control over my life. It's essential to experiment and find what works best for you, as everyone's journey to healing is unique.

In addition, challenging my negative thought patterns was crucial in reorienting my perspective. Exploring therapy and cognitive behavioral techniques gave me the tools to recognize and reframe my negative thinking patterns, allowing me to develop a more positive and adaptive mindset.

Lastly, building a solid support network was indispensable in my recovery. Surrounding myself with understanding and empathetic individuals who offered unconditional support and encouragement was pivotal in my healing process. It is not always easy, but it is possible. Connecting with others who had experienced similar struggles helped me feel less isolated and gave me hope for the future.

While my journey through depression is undoubtedly challenging, it has also been incredibly transformative. I've learned to be more compassionate toward myself and others, and I've gained a deeper understanding of the complexities of mental health. Suppose you find yourself feeling off track and struggling with depression. In that case, I encourage you to seek help, explore healthy coping mechanisms, challenge negative thought patterns, and build a supportive network around you. You are not alone; hope and healing await you on the other side of this challenging journey, no matter how often you find yourself in this position.