April 9, 2025 - The Relationships Matter

I often talk about ways to find strength and confidence - things all of us need, but especially  those in the queer community and those who deal with loneliness, bullying, physical and/or mental challenges, and the difficult things which come with life, so today I want to talk again about how relationships are able to help us with these things.

April 8, 2025 - Make Time for Hugs

Hugs are good for you and for the people who love you, so I'd like to encourage you to make time today to receive and hand out some of those good-for-you hugs! Mindbodygreen.com says, "The benefits of hugging can be nearly as beneficial as the benefits of your other healthy habits like exercise, meditation, and more. Here are some of the proven benefits of reaching out to someone for a warm embrace:

April 7, 2025 - Good Deeds Day

I think it would be an excellent "policy" to do good deeds every day; so while yesterday was, "Good Deeds Day", I'm talking about it today! Nationaltoday.com says, "This initiative seeks to promote people giving back to their community however they can. You can volunteer, donate to a charity, or help people in your area whichever way you see fit. The beauty of Good Deeds Day is there’s no set way to celebrate it. The goal is to help others and do good for your community, fostering a sense of kindness and compassion around us. Acts of charity are never forgotten by their recipients. Spread the love on this holiday." So, let's make every day a day to do good things, Oh, and please be especially sure to do good things for yourself on this day, too! What kind of good things, you ask? Well, just a few good things could include . . . 

April 4, 2025 - Tomorrow is National Self-Care Day

I'm a mom and grandma and I often tend to spend my time caring for my family, and while this is a wonderful thing, I also need to spend time caring for myself - and model this for the ones I love so they do the same. Self-Care is a vital part of the things we all need to do each and every day. This is not being "selfish", self-care is essential for our own well-being as without it we will not be able to do the things we need to do for our own lives and we are not able to do the things we do to care for others. Nationaltoday.com explains it in the following way, "Our minds and bodies require adequate rest and care for optimal health and well-being. National Self-Care day emphasizes the importance of self-care as the basis for good health. It’s also a day when individuals are encouraged to prioritize self-care and make it a habit." Let's look at a few facts about caring for yourself and some ideas on how to do so - 

April 3, 2025 - Spend Time in Nature!

I have talked about finding strength by spending time in nature, but since Spring is upon us and the weather is finally getting warmer - at least here in Michigan, I thought I'd recommend spending time in nature again as it is absolutely a way to help you find comfort and strength. I found a wonderful article on this from the Mayo Clinic and thought I'd share it again - just look at some of the ways nature helps us -

April 2, 2025 - Hope for Every Day

April is National Month of Hope, so let's look at ways we are able to be people who live with hope and extend hope to others throughout April and all year long. Daysoftheyear (dot) com says, "The  National Month of Hope seeks to act as a reminder that there can always be brighter days ahead!" 

April 1, 2025 - Today, and Every Day, Listen to and Believe the Truth

Today, and every day, the truth matters. If you are lonely, marginalized, bullied, experiencing physical or mental challenges, or are part of the queer community, you likely hear negative things directed your way. First of all, I am SO sorry this happens to you. You do NOT deserve to be treated badly for any reason. I want to share just a few words of truth to hopefully encourage you today -