Life's challenges and its blessings come in waves. They ebb, they flow, and they crash. It's important to find balance, nurture our well-being, and keep our head above water. Breathe mindfully and don’t let the waves carry you away.

Surfing Life's Waves: A Journey Through Emotions and Change

Have you ever felt like life is a constant rollercoaster? One minute you're riding high, and the next, you're plummeting into uncertainty. Well, you're not alone. As someone who's moved more times than I can count on both hands and feet combined, I've come to realize that life's challenges and blessings come in waves. They ebb and flow, sometimes gently lapping at our feet, and other times crashing over us with unexpected force. But here's the thing – we can learn to surf these waves instead of letting them pull us under.

The Constant of Change

From my earliest memories, change has been my most loyal companion. Born in one place, whisked away to another, then back again – it's been a whirlwind of new faces, unfamiliar streets, and the constant need to adapt. Add to that the complex dynamics of family life, and you've got a recipe for emotional turbulence that would make even the most seasoned traveler dizzy.

I've faced my fair share of social hurdles, financial struggles, and emotional rollercoasters. There were times when I felt completely overwhelmed, wishing I could somehow reach back in time and shield my younger self from the intensity of it all. But life doesn't work that way, does it? We can't protect ourselves or our loved ones from every storm. Instead, we have to learn to dance in the rain.

Lessons from the Waves

So, what would I tell my younger (and let's be honest, my current) self when those old thought patterns start to creep in? Here's a little pep talk I've crafted over the years:

1. Your feelings are valid. Every single one of them. Feel them deeply and unapologetically.

2. You're not broken. You don't need fixing. You're human, and that's beautiful in all its messy glory.

3. You can handle tough times. You've done it before, and you'll do it again. Hope is your superpower.

4. It's okay not to be productive 24/7. Rest is not just important; it's essential.

5. Your worth isn't defined by how quickly you adapt or what others think of you. You are inherently valuable.

6. You can acknowledge life's darkness while still appreciating its light. Both can coexist.

Riding the Waves: Coping Strategies

When life gets particularly stormy, and you feel like you're being tossed about by waves of change or emotion, try these coping strategies:

1. Write it out: There's something incredibly therapeutic about putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). Whether it's journaling, blogging, or even jotting down quick notes on your phone, getting your thoughts out of your head and onto a tangible medium can help you process and make sense of your experiences.

2. Dance it off: Create a playlist of songs that speak to your soul and let your body move. It doesn't matter if you have two left feet – the point is to let those stuck emotions flow through you. Plus, the endorphins from moving your body can give you a much-needed mood boost.

3. Get hands-on: Engage in activities that keep your hands busy and your mind focused. Try painting, even if you're no Picasso. Pick up crochet or knitting. Grab an adult coloring book. Or dive into simple games like Tetris. These aren't just distractions – they can actually help your brain process challenging events.

4. Connect with nature: There's something grounding about feeling the earth beneath your feet or the wind on your face. Take a walk in a park, sit by a body of water, or simply stand barefoot in your backyard. Nature has a way of reminding us that we're part of something bigger.

5. Practice mindfulness: This doesn't have to mean hour-long meditation sessions (unless that's your thing). It can be as simple as taking five deep breaths when you're feeling overwhelmed or paying attention to the sensations of washing dishes. The goal is to anchor yourself in the present moment.

6. Reach out: Sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is ask for help. Call a friend, schedule a therapy session, or join a support group. Remember, you don't have to navigate these waves alone.

The Importance of Self-Care

Remember, taking care of yourself isn't selfish – it's necessary. It's like putting on your own oxygen mask before helping others on a plane. You can't pour from an empty cup, as they say. So whether it's through creativity, mindfulness, physical activity, or reaching out to loved ones, find what works for you and make it a priority.

Embracing the Journey

Life is a constant work in progress, and so are we. It's okay to not have it all figured out. It's okay to stumble and fall sometimes. What matters is that we keep getting back up, keep learning, and keep moving forward.

So, the next time you feel like you're drowning in life's waves, take a deep breath. Remember that you've been riding these waves your whole life – you're more resilient than you know. You've survived every challenge life has thrown at you so far, and you'll survive this one too.

Life may be unpredictable, but you have the strength to navigate its waters. Sometimes you'll ride the waves with grace, and other times you'll feel like you're barely keeping your head above water. But through it all, remember this: you are capable, you are worthy, and you are not alone.

So grab your metaphorical surfboard and let's ride these waves together. After all, life's greatest adventures often begin when we're willing to dive into the unknown.

Disclaimer: I'm not a medical or mental health professional, just someone passionate about self-care. This blog shares my personal experiences and research, with some help from AI to refine and organize ideas. It's meant to inspire, not to provide professional advice. Everyone's different, so what works for me might not work for you. For serious health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Ready to explore the five simple self-care practices that can truly make a difference in your life? Let’s dive right in!

1. Hydrate so you don’t “die-drate” - the Emotional Support Water Bottle:

One thing a lot of people seem to struggle with is getting enough water. Drinking water regularly is an important aspect of self-care and mental health. For one, it’s crucial for overall physical health, which is linked to mental wellbeing. Proper hydration can help with regulating mood as dehydration can lead to fatigue and irritability.

Proper hydration supports cognitive function, which helps with focus, clarity, and overall better mental performance. It helps reduce stress levels in the body and can serve as a mindfulness practice by helping you stay present and attentive to your body’s needs.

To make it easy, I like to keep my water bottle nearby at all times. I have several that I keep in rotation. Sometimes, drinking plain old water can get a little boring so I’ve started to implement flavored hydration packets such as these (https://amzn.to/3LgBY0T) which add an extra boost to your water with various different flavors to choose from. Just one a day is enough to level up your water intake.

2. Unleash your creative side: the power of self expression

Embracing your creativity can be a wonderful form of self-care. Commit to at least one personal creative project per day (doesn’t have to be every day), no matter how small. Whether it’s writing a poem, painting a picture, drawing in a notebook, crafting a short story, or even singing and dancing to a song that resonates with you — it can be a powerful way to boost your confidence and mood for the day.

Adding even just a few minutes of creativity to your day can be beneficial. As you’re immersed in the activity you chose, you may find that your stress melts away and your mind becomes clearer. By doing something creative, you can freely express emotions that might usually be difficult to communicate, providing a healthy outlet for your feelings and enhancing your mood. The beauty of creativity isn’t just the end result but also lies in the process itself.

There’s no right or wrong way to express your creativity — the only requirement is that you let yourself enjoy it and let your imagination flow freely. Nurture your inner self and promote mental wellbeing by making time for creativity in your routine.

3. Stretching your way to wellness

A simple, yet powerful, form of self-care you can implement is stretching. Try to stretch when you wake up, before bed, or whenever you remember to. There are plenty of guided stretching videos available online for varying levels of difficulty that you can use to help you whether you prefer to use something like Youtube, TikTok, or a dedicated mobile app for stretching/exercise.

While stretching does offer the benefit of physical flexibility and reduced risk of injury, its benefits extend far beyond that. It increases range of motion, helps strengthen muscles, and also plays an important role in mental wellbeing. It can help with relaxing tense muscles where stress is often held like areas in the neck, shoulders, and lower back.

When combined with mindfulness, or focusing your attention on the present moment, stretching becomes a form of meditation which calms the mind and provides stress relief. Over time, this practice can greatly improve your overall health, mobility, and peace of mind. The key is to start slowly and listen to your body. Don’t overstretch or push yourself to the point of pain. Instead, aim for gentle and comfortable stretches.

Just 5-10 minutes a day can make a noticeable difference in how you feel, both mentally and physically. So consider taking a moment right now to give your body a nice, wholesome stretch.

4. Keep it moving

Building on the benefits of stretching, incorporating regular movement is an essential component in maintaining optimal energy levels, enhancing physical and mental health, and boosting cognitive function.

For some of us, even the idea of exercise can be intimidating and even off-putting. While some people enjoy putting in ample time at the gym everyday, others prefer to opt out. I don’t know about you, but I have found myself tied to a gym membership I hardly ever used more than one time in my life. I like to save money so I am currently not enrolled in a gym membership, but to each their own.

Thankfully, there are other ways we can get our bodies moving that can still be beneficial for our health and wellbeing. I’ve mentioned this in other posts and I’ll mention it again — dancing. For one, when movement is fun you’ll be more likely to engage in it regularly. Dancing, like other forms of movement, helps release endorphins which produce “happy feelings.” It’s a form of stress relief and an emotional outlet when you’re feeling angry, sad, frustrated, stuck, or bored. Physical activity in general increases energy, improves mood, helps improve brain function, and can increase your flexibility.

Another great thing about using dancing as a form of movement and exercise is that there’s no special equipment needed and you can customize the intensity to match your fitness level, making it suitable for moderate or vigorous activity.

So keep it simple or make it fancy, do it however you like and get your dance on today!

5. Make meditation a regular practice for a calmer and clearer mind

Before you click away, let’s talk about meditation and it’s various forms. That’s right, there is not just one form of meditation, so if you’re the type to get bored by the idea of “just sitting there with your eyes closed,” keep an open mind and stay with me here.

Meditation isn’t a one type fits all kind of practice. Some of us struggle to sit still and empty our mind, and that’s totally okay! While many people think you have to be completely still to meditate "properly," that's not actually the case.

For one, you could meditate while walking, doing the dishes, sweeping the floor, stretching, folding your laundry, etc; Activities that don’t require a lot of thought. To make it a meditation, focus on your breath and/or the task at hand and allow your thoughts to float away. If a thought demands your attention, give it a moment of your time and then gently let it go and return your attention to your body, breath, and the task at hand.

These simple activities could make a significant difference in your health and wellbeing, mentally and physically. Remember that self-care isn’t selfish, it’s a necessity. Whether you’re working on staying hydrated, expressing your creativity, stretching, moving your body, or practicing mindfulness and meditation, each of these practices have benefits that could contribute to a healthier and happier you.

The key is to let yourself start small and build up consistency. Don’t pressure yourself to instantly be able to do everything at full force every single day. Feel free to choose one or two practices that resonate with you and gradually add them to your routine. Your future self will thank you for taking these steps toward better health and wellness.

Ever feel like your confidence and motivation are slipping through your fingers? You're not alone. Whether you’re trying to make progress on your goals and get things done or you’re working on your self and self-image, it can be hard to stay consistent. That's where affirmations come in – they're a powerful tool to redirect our thoughts and keep us moving forward.

What are affirmations?

Affirmations are positive statements we repeat to ourselves. They affirm that something is possible, that we possess certain qualities, or that things are the way we want them to be. By using affirmations, we can shift our mindset to align with our goals, making us more likely to adopt the attitudes and take the actions necessary for success.

The Science of Affirmations

While I'm not a neuroscientist myself, research suggests that affirmations can indeed rewire our neural pathways. A study published in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience found that self-affirmation activates brain circuits associated with self-related processing and reward. This suggests that positive self-talk can indeed influence our neural pathways. By consistently repeating positive statements, we can train our brains to adopt new, empowering beliefs.

Additional studies have demonstrated that affirmations can lead to positive behavioral changes. Research from the University of Sheffield showed that people who practiced affirmations were more likely to increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables. Other findings show affirmations can decrease stress and increase physical activity. This supports the concept that affirmations can not only change our thoughts but they can motivate us to make healthier life choices.

I use affirmations and they have been life-changing for me. They've helped me snap out of negative mindsets and thinking patterns and snap into more positive ones. I believe our mindset, thought patterns, and beliefs contribute significantly to our outcomes by influencing our behavior, choices, and actions.

So, decide what you want to think, do, feel, or believe and affirm it over and over so that your brain gets the memo, re-wires those neural pathways, and catches up to your new status quo so that you don’t hold yourself back or stand in your own way.

It’s one thing to try to repeat affirmations in our head over and over but sometimes it helps to have a visual or audio assistant to remind us of how we want to be thinking. That’s why I’ve created products and videos that include affirmations to help others, like me, who need some help to keep their mind in order.

Affirmations and Manifestation:

Some people believe in concepts like the "Law of Attraction" or "Manifestation." While I'm not claiming to be a "Manifestation Guru," I've found that affirmations can be incredibly useful in making internal shifts that lead to external changes. These concepts basically indicate that, if we choose to, we have the ability to change our lives and bring whatever we’d like into fruition with the power of our minds, beliefs, energy, etc. If these concepts hold true, affirmations could be a powerful tool for creating the life you desire.

Effective Ways to Use Affirmations:

1. Display them visually (on walls, desks, or refrigerators)

2. Play audio affirmations in the background

3. Use affirmation-based products in your daily life

4. Repeat them to yourself throughout the day or during your morning routine

5. Write them down in a journal daily

I find it helps to have affirmations where I can see them, on my wall, on my desk, on the fridge, and/or on one of my screens playing in the background while I do other things. Here are some of the affirmations that you can find on products on my shop to help with working on your goals, self expression, confidence, and creativity.

• I can do anything I set my mind to.

• I am doing my best and that’s enough.

• It’s easy to express myself.

• I deserve to be seen and heard.

• I believe in myself.

• Being creative comes naturally to me.

• The more i practice, the more i improve.

• I am capable of creating great things.

To create personalized affirmations, focus on areas of your life you want to improve. Use present tense, positive language, and make them specific to your goals and values.

Incorporating affirmations into your daily routine can be a game-changer in achieving your goals, boosting confidence, and nurturing creativity. Remember, the power to change your mindset and, consequently, your life, lies within you. Start with these affirmations and watch as your perspective and achievements transform.

Ready to give affirmations a try? Choose one from the list above or create your own, and commit to repeating it daily for the next week. Share your experience in the comments below – I'd love to hear how it goes!

I'm not a medical or mental health professional. This post is based on my personal experiences and research. I also used AI to help organize and refine my writing. This blog is meant to inspire and offer ideas, not to diagnose or treat any health issues. Everyone's journey is unique, so what works for me might not work for you. If you're dealing with serious mental health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.