Happy Wednesday. Cheers to making it through to the midweek check point. This past weekend was a long one since the kids were off all weekend long including this past weekend. However we did so much that I will update you on Friday. In the meantime here is what I want to discuss on this mid week wellness check in.
Wednesday Joys
My husband has been asking each of us daily about what is bringing us joy. For instance we have noticed that we needed to ask our kids more detailed questions to their day. When you ask a child or a person for that matter how their day was they may give you a general answer of good. Our kids tell us detailed answers down to whom they interacted with and more. So we also ask them did they feel scared, sad, down, angry, and more. These questions offer a more direct conversation about how they felt. We noticed that we are able to talk to them about stress and more. These are the types of questions and dialogue that are needed with individuals. Also we offer our day and are honest about the fact that in our day we felt the same types of feelings and offer ways to process and help get through the day better at the same time.
What Brings you Joy?
Anything can bring you joy. For me it’s the fact that it’s getting darker later in the evening. There is a sense of calm with the Spring that I can’t describe. A lot of that has to do with that seasonal depression. I am treating it with therapy and medication with no shame. I am finding joy in seeing things line up for me in my life. The hard work is paying off and I love seeing progress. I am joyful over the life I can contribute to for my kids. Little things in my day like making a good lunch or increasing my water intake. Since today is also Wine Down Wednesday I am excited about the wine that I will have tonight. Little things that add up help your mental health and state. See the joy in little things until the bigger joys come in and provide an overflow.
Wednesday Wellness Moment
This week I have been trying to find moments of calm. For instance last week I kept noticing an increase of irritability that lasted until Monday. Again for me irritability is a sign of depression or anxiety yet not alone. Meaning you can be irritable and not have depression or anxiety. My symptom along with others are how I know I am not where I need mentally and need to take a step back. I spoke to my therapist as to why it was happening. I have been keeping a journal of the moments it happens. We are working on solutions which means that I will have to practice the skills she gave me to see a change. If you are in therapy you know that is not important only to attend and talk you have work to do outside of it as well. What are you willing to do to help you get to a better state.
Moments of Clarity
I don’t think we talk enough about taking a moment to get clarity. When things go wrong we focus on what we don’t have, need, and more. There are some things that come up that are beyond the solution to pay attention to. For instance when I noticed the irritability I saw that I need more patience and to find a way to slow down answering when I was in that state. It was teaching me to slow down in general. Had I been focused only on the fact that the person I was interacting with was getting under my skin, I would have missed the lesson. Slow down! Take in some peace. Let those around you know that you will get back to them later.
Wine Down Wednesdays
I want to introduce you to a new wine that I have been drinking. As always drink responsibly. The company is called Viniamo. It’s a family owned winery that produces Italian wine. They are delicious in addition that for every bottle sold, $1 will be donated to Metavivor which is an organization helping Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer. Often times when you get to Stage 4 of any cancer they just focus on making you comfortable as if the fight has ended. Use code TOI15 to save 15% while helping those in need of that extra support as they fight.
Happy Wednesday to you all. May the rest of your week be just as blessed if not more. Sending good vibes your way.
