Self-care

How to take care of YOU in our time of change. 

Let's get one thing out of the way. I know I'm writing from a position of privilege. I have a roof, comfortable bed and food in the fridge. This is all true for now anyway. The future may or may not be very different. Some of you may think this blog is too dark and or down-right depressing. I agree. That's the point of this blog- giving out information you may or may not know already that can be deeply troubling at times. People living out their lives in massive garbage dumps is pretty damn horrific. I know a blog post or two is not going to change that. Hopefully, it can help reach that critical mass of unacceptable outrage where positive change has to occur. It is only a tiny ripple. Enough ripples can hopefully build into a storm of transformation. Here are four ways to help stay mentally healthy.

1. Find your purpose...

We need a reason(s) to get out of the bed in the morning. For now, mine are writing and art. I can create goals and work through them. Here's a cool thing; it is entirely possible to create goals that have nothing to do with money. I think it is true that to help others you first must help / take care of yourself. You don't have to start off finding a cure for all cancers. Start simple, exercising two days a week, reading some or learning a new skill. Don't reach all your goals? No worries, some days and weeks will be better than others. Sunday will roll around again soon. Just keep moving forward.

2. Turn off...       

Turn off the damn news and take social media breaks! I think too much of both is harmful and addictive by design. There is a line between being informed and overwhelmed. Find the right balance for yourself. We are not responsible for every bad thing going on, nor can we fix them all by ourselves. Instead, turn on to talking AND LISTENING to people you disagree with. Social media and news silos make it easier to dehumanize those who may think differently. There is actually far more agreement than most of us realize. 

3. It is okay to grow and change...   

"You've changed," is usual said in a negative way. Guess what? We's supposed to change! Change is about the only certainty there is. We learn more and grow. Even our tastes in food and drinks evolves. So surely how we think and feel about the world will also. If a politician changes a position, cries of flip-flopper ring out. It should be acceptable for then to evolve as well. Along our journey of growth, people come and go as well. A few will remain for decades growing along with us. Some we know briefly can still have huge impacts. I think it is always good to meet new people and learn something from them. The more different, the better in my opinion. Embrace change, don't fear it. 

And #4. Hang on to humor and humility... 

Nobody like a humorless know it all. If you want to change the world, it helps to be someone people like to be around. Add a little humor, and others will be more likely to lend their ears. I don't know most things. I like to ask questions for hopefully the right reasons, getting others to question and learning more. The best thing we can do for each other is listen with intention to understand (not wait for a pause to jump in).