These last 2 weeks have been quite full for me. I’ve written an article for an outlet about grief while simultaneously seeing tons of mental health professionals also talking about grief online. I’ve responded to several requests to be featured on blogs and podcasts to discuss mental fitness, anxiety and my upcoming book. That’s right, I said, book! It’s the one thing I’ve managed to keep to myself these past several months, but it’s time to start talking about it, so stay with me for more about that soon. (P.S. Follow me on Instagram.com/ashatarrymental for where I’ll be sharing more about that!)
I’ve worked online to provide specific topics about trauma and grief via Instagram and Twitter to add language to some of what I see people trying to cope with. At the same time, I’ve been very creative and productive with shaping and reshaping my daily schedule to accommodate the growth with client sessions during the day, while also taking more mini breaks in between. Additionally, my team and I have been designing a few fun things that will also aid in healing. I’ll be sure to leave room for that in the next few months for those VIP members who enjoy reading it. With this much productivity, you may wonder have there been challenges. Certainly. I’ve known a lot of people who’ve been sick with the coronavirus, I’ve had a few people who’ve lost significant folks from it too. But, I’ve also known people who’ve recovered, thankfully.
Some days I’m so tired I can’t seem to rest well, but I make myself do it anyway. Every week there seems to be one deadline after another that keeps getting pushed back. Yet, I get it done anyway. I believe in committing to the commitment and doing what I’ve set out to do. I talk about integrity as a matter of character creation in my book. I’ll be sure to tell you when it drops so you can get your exclusive copy (cheese!).
This time has been like no other. Some days, I am spontaneously learning how to use my new tripod and camera for impromptu photo shoots for my platform, and on other days I’m in front of my computer for hours doing paperwork. And every day, no matter what, I’m grateful to be here, doing what I love.
What’s the point in all of this? Things could be worse. I could be working for an employer who doesn’t trust that I do my work every day. Sadly, I know a lot of people who have a manager like that. I used to be one of those employees who did. I could be starving for sunshine and good weather, yet every day this week the sun has been out and although the weather is fickle lately, it’s not raining or freezing cold.
Or I could be struggling with employment or looking for a job that I don’t want. I’m not saying that sometimes we don’t do what we must to meet our needs. I’ve been there before too, but right now I’m glad I’m here, running my small business from my kitchen most days, or sometimes my living room or bedroom with the windows wide open getting air and listening to the birds chirp.
I’m not going to tell you how to think or feel. But, if I could help you decide which way you can choose to be present with everything that’s happening I would suggest breaking down the things that seem impossible to deal with, with the slightly bigger things you can give thanks for, and then treat your life and the decisions you make as ideas that exist just for now. It may not be that way all the time so let’s stay centered with what we have right now. The way our minds race past these moments is most times what creates panic and sadness.
If this blog does anything to help you manage your mindset or transform your lifestyle even in small and noticeable ways let me know. I read your emails and I surely enjoy it when you leave a comment on the blog or email me about what stands out for you. Remember, we are all experiencing something, and they don’t have to all be the same things. Nevertheless, we have room right here for all of it.
*This blog is about becoming free. It’s a reflection of introspective thoughts and experiences that have crossed miles of self-discovery. I created this blog to inspire others to live life with less self-criticism, judgment and openness to new experiences. May you find that you learn how to live a life by design and on your own terms!*