HELLO! My Kings & Queens
I've been away for a while, and it's mainly due to not feeling my BEST. Feeling tired, unmotivated, and just drained with everyday responsibilities has prevented me from hanging out with friends (mainly COVID) and doing things I enjoy, like creating content that supports the black community. The other day I had a friend text me saying she felt like she was failing in life, and nothing seemed to be going right. We talked about her situation, and by the end of our conversation, she felt better. All because we began discussing more of the positives she has going on, and less of the negatives.
This year hasn't been the BEST time for anyone-- to be honest, so I wanted to share the 7 things I do to get myself back on track:
#1 GIVE YOURSELF TIME TO RELAX & REFLECT
It's ok not to be ok! If that is the case for you, take the necessary time you need to relax and reflect on your situation. The one critical thing is not staying in a low state for too long. That has it's potential to be unhealthy and cause other issues. Take your time without an apology or an explanation. We all need a break from the world now and then.
#2 PRAY + MEDITATE
You can never go wrong with getting on your knees to pray. This is EXTREMELY important. The bible says the battle is not yours, but the Lord's. Give it all to God through the good times and the bad. He will never leave or forsake you. If you don't know anything else to be accurate, God loves you and wants you to prosper.
Mediation is also an excellent way to cleanse your mind, body, and spirit. All you need to do is find a nice and quiet place to lay upright in silence. Or, if you are like me, I like to listen to a recording that specializes in whatever you need to calm your spirit. I recently found an app called Liberate Meditation.
It's an app designed by Julio Rivera, an Afro-Latina who created a platform to empower the black, indigenous, and people of color communities (BIPOC). The content is made specifically for the black community. It's free to download on iOS & Andriod, but you can purchase a subscription to unlock premium features.
On Instagram, I began following @Londrelle + @eternalsunshinebrand. Londrelle Hall is the creator of the mindfulness and meditation app Eternal Sunshine. I didn't realize the gem until I came across one of his breathing exercises the other day reposted by @alldaynicco. I then reposted it to my Instagram because it gave me serenity. Hall is also a poet, musician, and self-published author. He has written two books (Eternal Sunshine + Sunflower Soul), all of which can be purchased on his site at eternalsunshine.shop + Amazon.com. Check out his urban meditation and mindfulness albums that are streamed on Apple Music + Spotify.
#3 FIND ACTIVITIES THAT BRING YOU JOY
Ask yourself, what do I enjoy doing? If you can't come up with anything, then maybe it's time to try something new (positive + constructive things) like:
Writing your thoughts in a journal
Spend time with a friend(s)
Go shopping (not too much, where it becomes a bad habit)
Go on a vacation
Help someone else who may be going through worse
Workout
Read inspirational books
Get pampered (nails, hair, spa treatment, etc.)
Treat yourself to dinner
There are all kinds of things you can do that can take your mind off anything harmful to your peace of mind. Be creative!
#4 SURROUND YOURSELF WITH UPLIFTING PEOPLE
When you are going through a rough time, you don't need to be around people who tear you down or are simply NEGATIVE. That doesn't help with your healing. Decide to have like-minded people in your circle, so whenever life gives you lemons, you will have positive influences to help you make lemonade...LOL! Yall get what I am saying.
#5 HAPPINESS BEGINS WITH YOU
Understand that your happiness is entirely dependent upon you. No one can make you happy. It has to come from within, and you have to make a daily effort to be nothing less. People & material things can add to your happiness, but it will NEVER bring you real joy. If you have issues beyond what you can fix on your own, it's ok to ask for help.
#6 ALWAYS PRESS FORWARD
Never EVER give up and never give in to your trials. Trouble doesn't always last + joy is sure to come in the morning. The enemy wants you to quit and feel all is lost-- you can't allow demons to manifest.
#7 KNOW YOU ARE NOT ALONE
Keep in mind that you are never alone in the struggle. Someone somewhere is either dealing with the same situation or worse. There are plenty of support groups you can join. I am currently apart of several on Facebook. This summer has been a little hard for me. Besides my immediate family + close friends, the support groups I've joined are inspirational and informative. Depending on your specifics needs + concerns, I would recommend using joining help groups as resources. It can help.
There you have it kings & queens - 7 things I do to get myself back on track. Hopefully, you find these tips helpful. As the amazing Iyanla Vanzant would say, "Go in PEACE, not PIECES." Thanks for reading.
Did you enjoy it? Leave a comment, like, or share and let me know if this was helpful. I would love to hear from you.
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