Self-Care Corner: Returning to Center

"Our heads are round so our thoughts can change direction."

- Francis Picabia

This year marked Mama’s passing, unexpected health problems that have baffled doctors, and other life lessons.

My innate motto is “no worries!” there isn’t anything that can’t be worked through, but this year we had problems, Houston. All the stuff of life became overwhelming. Grief, depression, anger, and sadness were becoming familiar companions; and I couldn’t see through the fog to grasp the light again or even see if it was still there. Sifting through these emotions, I resorted to the usual practices that bring me back to center, but was still missing the mark. It’s an unsettling feeling. I usually have a keen sense of direction, and I couldn’t find North.

It took a while to wade through and process, until finally I came to understand that grief, depression, anger, and sadness exist as profound indicators that it’s time for change. During this September’s “Suicide Prevention Month,” I continue to discover that the safety planning that goes into maintaining physical health is just as crucial for mental health.

New releasing techniques (i.e., a DIY hope kit, a return to a love of cooking, walks outside); and creative outlets (i.e., journaling, making God’s eyes, knitting, etc.) were necessary to pivot my thinking. Attending a grieving class helped further dig into understanding its effect on mental health. These new insights helped me recognize when I need a bit more help, how to quiet the mind at 3:00 a.m., and places where the smallest rays of light, joy, and playful curiosity can still be found.

This month while creating the school to-do list, take a moment to also develop a mental health to-do list. Be it new uplifting insights on your Pinterest board, attending a class, a 5-minute alarm set for a moment’s peace, finger painting, or hanging out on your friend’s sofa - whatever helps to keep you centered.