Hey everyone,

Sorry about not posting last weekend. Things have been a bit busy over in these parts, which is why I wanted to take some time to talk about that and mental health.

The Mental Health Part of the Blog

I’ve been beating myself up for a bit because I haven’t been doing the things I used to do for my mental health.

When I was teaching from home, I would wake up, shower, journal, read from Simple Abundance, meditate, and do five minutes of yoga before going downstairs to start my work day.

It always made me feel so good to do these things for myself. I filled out so many journals over the course of those few quarantine years. And there was a part of me that wondered what life would feel like if I could do my morning routine and then not have to teach.

But life is dynamic, isn’t it?

As much as I hated the routine of teaching, it turns out I thrive on routine. And what that small mental health routine did for me was give voice to my thoughts and feelings while nourishing my body and brain.

However, when I left teaching, the routine shifted. And what once felt really good, started to feel like a lifeline to survival when I started having panic attacks again. That little morning routine combined with therapy helped me get through some tough times.

The thing that I realized recently though is that…I’m in a different stage of healing now.

What do I mean by that?

Turns out the things I needed before are not the things I need now.

I am grateful to have them when I need them again (because if there is one thing I am certain of, it’s that an arsenal of tools is better than an empty tool box), but right now I am doing different things for my mental health that are equally as helpful.

Taking medication has been a big part of this journey. It has enabled me to get back to myself, but it has also made it possible for me to get clear about what I need/want in my life.

Another part of what I’m doing now for my mental health is creating boundaries. As a lifelong people pleaser, I never want someone to be upset or mad. However, I have finally digested the fact that other people’s emotions are not my problem. That isn’t to say that I am not cognizant of someone’s feelings. But I am no longer afraid to say no. And that if I say no and it hurts someone’s feelings, they are allowed to feel however they want about the no. And their feelings about the no do not impact my day to day life.

So f**king freeing!

Because, here’s the thing…if the person whose feelings are hurt because of your no is important to you, and if you are important to them…they will get over it 100% of the time. Guaranteed. I’m serious!

And for those who are mad about your no hold onto the grudge, well…that’s telling too isn’t it?

What else have I been doing for my mental health?

The biggest thing I’ve been doing for myself is living my life.

I’ve been making plans (and sticking to them). I’ve been really thinking about the things and people and places and experiences that I enjoy. I am getting really honest and clear about what all of that means.

And then, once the plan is made…I show up.

To the Barbie movie (which was fabulous). To drinks and dinner. To the pool. To tea and trash talk. And all of it with my favorite people.

And I love every second of it.

As an introvert, it’s challenging to find social situations that fill your energetic cup. But over the last few weeks, I’ve spent time with friends I love and that has filled me up so much that I walk away from the experience feeling more myself than I have in a long time.

Which brings me to…

The Migraines Part of the Blog

As someone who has lived with a lifetime of chronic pain in the form of migraines, sticking to plans can be hard when a migraine pops up…which they have been doing a lot lately.

I’ve been taking Nurtec, as needed, for pain, and it’s been helping immensely. But like most migraine meds I’ve tried, sometimes it doesn’t take the pain away completely and I still feel incredibly tired and foggy headed. Symptoms that are hard to contend with when you are trying to be social.

There are certain things in my life that I am going to slow down a bit with. Mainly work, and taking much needed time to get myself together as I try to get a handle on this particular migraine season of my life.

But my migraines have definitely forced me to slow down in my life overall and be more conscientious of how I spend my good days. And maybe the migraines and anxiety are working together in some way to bring me to a best version of my life as I close out my thirties.

It certainly feels that way.

For those of you who deal with migraines, what’s your secret? What helps? How has it affected your life? I’d love to know!

Final Thoughts

That’s it for now, friends.

Wishing you a week of stellar mental health and a respite from pain.

Until next time.