February 18, 2025 - Priorities

Today I want to talk about the things which need to be priorities for us so we are able to live a healthy and joy-filled life - and yes, it is possible for us to live our lives in healthy and joy-filled ways. I know there are many things happening right now which are scary, and we do need to know what is happening, but we also need to prioritize those things which make us healthy and bring us joy. Consider the following priorities -

• Protect your mental health. You deserve to be healthy physically and mentally, so do the things which protect your health.
• Don't "doom scroll" online. Yes, as I mentioned we want to know what is happening so we are informed, but don't spend hours listening to or reading the news. There are going to be days when for our own mental health and well-being, we need to turn the news off.
• Connect with people who love and support you. As I often say, if you have parents, grandparents, extended family, and friends who love and support you, accept this love and support and love and support them in return. Surround yourself with these people and be there for them, too. You deserve to be loved!
• Take action as you are able. If there is a protest where you are safely able to participate, or even emailing or calling your elected officials to let them know what you think about the things happening in your city, state, country - do them. 
• Find things which bring you joy and prioritize these things. You deserve to experience joy, so make time for it.
• Spend time in nature. This is something which can renew and heal your mind and give you strength, so make time to spend in nature.
• Spend time in art/music. These are also things which are able to renew, heal, and give you strength, so make time for them as well.
• Be yourself. You are an amazing person. You have so much to offer. You make our world a better place. Be yourself - it is a gift you give yourself and the world around you as well!
• Connect with support groups in your area - this may be a great way to make new friends!

So, here is my virtual "hug" - You matter. You deserve to be loved and are loved - I love you! You make our world a better place - we need you in this world. I hope you have people around you who tell you these things, but if not, please let me be someone who does. Yes, I say this every day, but these words are true and will always be so. You will find the video at this link.