My sweatshirt // My leggings // Similar tank // My shoes
This year has been full of some really dark and heavy things in the world from COVID to the terrible and racially driven events and murders. A lot of it has been hard to watch, hard to take in. But there is always a light. COVID has given us extra time, the anti racism movement is powerful and needed.
In times like these finding joy is hard. We can feel guilty even for looking for it when so much of the world is suffering.
But as a mama you have to.
You cannot be fully encompassed with grief and fear. Your babies need you to be strong and to be a leader for them. They are counting on you and watching how you handle things.
This is not to say to brush anything off or forget what’s going on. It’s more important than ever to fight for what is right and to educate our children on what’s going on. But you have to still find the joy in life. They are counting on you to be their rock. Finding those small moments of joy is a way of caring for yourself to allow you to have the strength to be that rock they need. You still have to fill your cup so you have something to give to others.
Find the joy, so you can be the light.
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1// Gratitude. I start my day with this (more on morning routines here), and always come back to it when my mood feels off.
2// Move your body. Workout. Go for a run or walk. It’s hard to fight those endorphins.
3// Water. It’s crazy what dehydration can do. Drink a whole glass of water!
4// Laughter. It doesn’t matter what it is, but find something to laugh at.
5// Coffee. Go get a coffee. Make a cup (try my iced latte recipe!) with the special creamer and just enjoy it.
6// Get dressed in a cute outfit. I’m a big believer in ‘look your best, feel your best.’
7// Call a friend. Some good girl talk is always good for the soul.
8// Order take out. Take a break from routine and let someone else do the cooking. Relax.
9// Get some extra rest. Go to bed early. Sleep is another sneaky one that messes with our moods when we don’t get enough.
10// Dance it out. Turn on some music and dance!
11// Music. And then just have music as the background to your house!
12 // Podcasts. Be careful here, but there are some great ones to kick you in the pants and get you moving
13 // Fuel your body with good, healthy food. Junk wont actually help you. Gut health is linked to mental health, and when you eat good, you feel good.
14// Create something. Whether it be a painting, writing, or a craft project creating something always pulls me out of a mood.
15//Flowers. Get some flowers to have on your counter or table. These can be from the store or backyard, but flowers are always something that brings cheer!
16//Get outside. Go for a walk or hike. Sit on your patio and soak in the sunshine.
17//Meditate. The app Insight Timer has great guided meditations and it is free.
18//Write out happiness. I love the book 52 Lists for Happiness. It gives you 52 topics to write about that get you thinking about happiness. You can also just get out a pen and paper and write out a list of things (small things and big things!) that bring you joy!
19//Play with your kids. Like, really play. You ARE the Paw Patrol. The ground actually IS hot lava. The messes are caves and artwork. Forget about anything else and just play.
20//Do something kind for someone else. Buy the person behind you’s coffee. Leave nice notes scattered. Find something nice you can do for someone else.
Is there anything else you would add to this list that helps you?
Thank you to Cameron of Cameron Storie Photography for the photos for this post!
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