Month: April 2024

I have had my Barbie case for about 40 years. For the last 20 years or so it has been just sitting in a closet.

Until recently, when I decided to gift it to a Barbie-loving child. I knew it was the right decision because she would really enjoy it. Yet part of me also hoped it wouldn’t get even more worn or worse, lost or discarded. Was my real hope that the Barbie case could live on even longer and bring joy to future generations? Or at least earn someone a small fortune at an antique store?

The reality is…I don’t know. And I had to become ok with that. How did I do that? By realizing that gifting my Barbie case would allow me to experience the joy of knowing someone might enjoy it. There is also the joy, freedom, and peace of mind that comes from accepting that it will be for however long they want it. After all, it’s their gift and their choice!

Ok, it’s “just” a Barbie case. But this bit of a dilemma is preparing me for the deeper reality that I will not be on this planet forever. I cannot take my things with me nor can I hope that others will want my things when I’m gone. This makes sense theoretically.

But when faced with decisions to gift material possessions away, why is their sadness? Maybe it’s grief. Grieving the loss of an enjoyable or carefree time of life. Or maybe it’s just part of reliving joyful memories. I’m not ever going to play with that Barbie case again but I sure do relish the memories of when I did. So I reminisced with my sister about the fun and weird ways we “played Barbies”, as we called it. Afterwards, I felt so grateful that one, I had those memories, and two, I can still remember them!

In the end, what I really want is that my family and friends remember my immense love for them. I wish them peace and joy beyond measure. If it comes in part from an old toy or piece of jewelry, then so be it. And if not, that’s ok too.

How are you becoming “ok” with leaving your material things behind?

For many of us, Sundays are relaxing, enjoyable, and maybe spiritually renewing. A continuation of the weekend and time to spend as we wish for ourselves or with family and friends.

Rather recently, I’ve heard the phrase “Sunday Scaries” as describing some generalized angst or even a sense of dread for the upcoming work week. And some Sundays, I sure can related! I might wake up early, feeling anxious mentally and physically for no clear reason. I recognize there are some who live hectic and stressful work lives and there may be angst regarding the tasks, conflicts, or even unknowns of the week ahead. If that is you most often, I am sorry you are experiencing that and I hope you can find a healthier relationship with your work. [See my other blog posts for inspiration]. I have weeks like that from time to time too even though I love my job and my work life! It’s no picnic.

On the other hand, maybe I’m not dreading the upcoming week but instead, I’m sad that the weekend is ending. Realizing that all of the projects, tasks, and connections with people won’t get done today. Unfinished business, if you will. And the clock keeps ticking.

Whatever the cause, I don’t want to waste what’s left of my weekend feeling that way. It’s important to remember that when we sleep well and give ourselves time to rest and replenish our mind, body, and spirit, we are better equipped to face the challenges of the week – and face them with healthy energy, positivity, and innovation. I am more likely to have creative solutions when I’m rested and rejuvenated.

Regardless of whether I’m dreading the upcoming week or sad about leaving the weekend, I decided that I need to actively take back this precious day. Here are a few things that help me, offered as a “Sip of Hope” for you (coffee and cup from Sip of Hope Coffee which supports mental health education):

• Spend time strengthening my spiritual relationship with God. Read, attend service, prayerfully meditate, or do some Reiki energy healing
• Enjoy time with loved ones, allowing chats to meander unhurriedly from topic to topic
• Stop watching the clock and thinking I only have “X” number of hours left in the day
• Do low intensity exercise, preferably outdoors
• Engage in art or other form of creative expression
• Minimize chores other than meal prep for the week. Reserve them either for Saturday, a couple of evenings after work, or a Friday night.
• Read or listen to mental wellness experts to gain insights. I recently learned this from the Balance meditation app: View negative thoughts with curiosity – what are they trying to show me or prepare me for?
• Likewise, spend time learning from experts in your field of work. Odds are, they’ve been where you are and can share solutions to try.

I hope this “Sip of Hope” helps you fully enjoy your Sunday!

April is National Stress Awareness Month. *If you are experiencing distress or thoughts of harming yourself or others, call or text 988 anytime day or night for help and resources.*

Stress – we hear about it everywhere and for many of us, feel it most days or even most of the day! It can make us physically ill, exhausted, irritable, and possibly, not the most productive or pleasant person.

While it might sound nice to escape to a remote island or a relaxing bubble bath, the stress is usually still there when you return. Vacations and self-care are vital for our health. But are there other ways to combat the effects of daily stress to help us be more joyful? Is it possible to live with stress and experience good health and joy?

Yes! And now is a great time to rethink your relationship with stress because April is National Stress Awareness month. I’ll be sharing tips this month on how to shift from stress avoidance to confident acceptance. Also, The American Institute of Stress has informative, action-oriented articles, assessments, podcasts, magazines, and a mobile app guide to help you learn about and manage stress. 

Recently, I’ve been experimenting with ways to bolster my inner self so I am better equipped to respond to stress in healthy and yes, even joyful, ways. It’s not always easy in the moment…but it’s worth a try. Here are just a few ideas from you to try:

• Learn to identify what stressors are in your control and how to release the rest. Offer a listening ear and resources to loved ones who are experiencing stress instead of taking it on.
• Minimize unexpected stress as much as possible by preparing ahead. For example: pack lunches, set clothes out, and gas up the car the night before.
• Practice positive, assertive communication to decrease exposure to unnecessary stressors or to take action. MindTools has great tips to help.
• Meditate! It might look like you are “doing nothing” but meditation rewires pathways in your brain to help you focus, feel calm, and be less reactive to stress.
  • Use an app to guide you: Try this no-cost InsightTimer app or visit this Mental Health Apps site for reviews of apps by topic.
  • Learn to label your thoughts or view them with curiosity instead of criticism: what are they trying to tell me?
  • Try a guided meditation walk
• Keep a gratitude journal. Recording and reflecting on Three Good Things that went well each day is powerful. Expert Dr. Brian Sexton has a great, short 3 Good Things video that describes how.
• Stop and assess your 5 Senses: what do you…see, hear, feel, smell, and taste? This pause helps to lower your reaction to high stress.
• Eat well and get good sleep. Visit eatright.org for healthy eating tips and recipes and take the Sleep Foundation quiz to learn your sleep score and tips to improve.
• And most importantly, if you feel overwhelmed by life stressors, talk with your primary care provider (PCP) or mental health provider. They can help!

Changing your response to stress can make a big difference.

*If you are experiencing distress or thoughts of harming yourself or others, call or text 988 anytime day or night for help and resources.*