What did I learn after I neglected my mental health? What does neglecting my mental health look like? Why is prioritizing your mental health important? How can you improve your mental health?
In my Defying Shadows article, I navigate and discuss my difficult moments with my mental health, how I learned about what mental health is, and why it’s so important.
For some, the holiday season is especially difficult to deal with. So, what does it mean to prioritize your mental health during this time of year?
Check out my Defying Shadows article where I explain and express some helpful tips for dealing with the holidays like asking yourself important questions, navigating the best tactics to stay mentally stable, and embracing boundaries!
“I am” is the most powerful two words you can utter. The more you declare and affirm who you are, the more you will teach yourself kindness, empathy, love, power, and independence.
As we venture into the realm of declarative “I am” statements, know that we will do so with grace, forgiveness, an open mind, and strength.
We know who we are so, therefore, we know who we are not. We know that we are more and not less. Declare more while disowning the negative counterparts.
You are someone. You are someone with a journey. You are someone with a purpose. You are someone with a mind. You are someone with a voice.
So, tell me who you are.
Read this poem on The Mighty
When something or someone is causing you pain ask yourself, is this pain teaching me anything or opening up my perspective to ensure and guarantee my growth? In times where toxicity is present but not always apparent, you must determine whether that pain is necessary or toxic.
In terms of building relationships whether romantic, familial, or platonic, the occurrence of issues or disagreement is inevitable. When disagreements turn into manipulation, unnecessary pain, purposeful lack of communication, immaturity, lack of accountability, or one posing as “the parent” if not one is where a line must be drawn.
Remaining in toxic relationships or spaces do not determine your worthiness as a person. Your worth is not manifested by how much pain you can endure as you remain in toxic situations. Loyalty should not be painful. There is no need to wait around and stunt your growth for someone/something else. While pain is a teacher and in specific situations teaches you to become better, in others will cause trauma.
Always put your well being first before anything. If you find you are not benefiting from a relationship, space, or situation, relieve yourself of that pain
Making decisions with anxiety and depression can leave you in a weak and vulnerable state. Not being able to take every opportunity or apply for every job can be stressful as you may find yourself frustrated and less-than because of it.
I was faced with declining a job because I prioritized my mental health and here is what I have to say about it:
NEW WEBSITE ALERT!
I’m extremely excited about being a contributor writer for another website — DefyingShadows.com!
Defying Shadows Logo
My first article published on Defying Shadows is focused on two consecutive symptoms of depression that are often frustrating to comprehend for those who experience depression as well as their loved ones.
If you experience these symptoms, communicating can help others understand how to best support you.
Check it out here!
Take it slow as you become more and more patient with your progress. Take one step at a time, giving yourself small tasks to be proud of.
With grace, you will find peace and power in those simple accomplishments. That, in itself, is a step forward in your goals.
Some days are more difficult than others, but that does not mean whatever you do get done is no less wonderful and brave.
Your accomplishments are what make you stronger and capable of doing more. The joy you feel because you accomplished something will make it easier the next time you find yourself in a stuck space.
You did it before, you can do it again.
Affirmation: I can accomplish whatever I put my mind to.
You are beyond worthy of life and of happiness! Sometimes it’s difficult to see it or believe you are.
I’m beyond worthy because despite all I face I keep going. I fight using my writings and through my creations. I’m able to feel peace through what I make. I feel proud of my progress and believe in my healing journey. I will keep going and I will keep fighting.
Why are you beyond worthy?
Credit and Inspiration
**Inspired by a prompt from @themightysite #mightythoughts and @jacquelinewhitney_ (instagram handles).**
Pull back the face of defeat and see who you are under it. Peel the faces you let cover your potential and your power. Behind the cloud of defeat is the rainbow of recovery and success.
Allow yourself the chance to see what you are capable of. You are capable of more than you give yourself credit for.
Become more of yourself in your growth and see how much greatness can come if you simply think that you can.
Inspiration for this post is coming from the tiring always love notes of making money and finding your one true purpose in life. I decided to crush that motif and tell anyone and everyone who reads this that your purpose is yourself and drive, motivation, and contentment is greater than money and will always be your wealth.
I always hear the shaming of pursuing art related careers and the stress and strains of science base, business base, or any other career you get into, even those that have everyday retail jobs or jobs that seem to get them food on the table. No matter how hard you try, how desperate the need for money, its better to do what makes your skin form goosebumps or cheekbones hurt smiling from the feeling of pride once everyday is done.
The motivation you will get from tireless hours on that painting, song, article, working in a lab, helping someone with that paper, teaching those less fortunate will be effortless and flawless. Always do what makes you want to wake up in the morning and strive to reach the point where you’ve gotten the most out of that time and space. There’s no better feeling then finding that you crave the sweat that will get you to your next goal. Your ultimate purpose is to see yourself in your element of contentment.
How refreshed you will feel, how much work you will do, how many hours you will put in will be a reflection of the longing for finding yourself in whatever you like doing.
Remember always to work on yourself because you are your purpose and will always be your purpose. Working, meeting people, having experiences is all pieces in order for you to figure out how powerful you can be and the amount of potential you have by just being yourself.
Always remember to love, work, care, and push yourself continuously and in that you will already be pursuing your life’s purpose. Don’t let anyone tell you what you like to do is worthless. Keep going. You got this.
