An Update on my New Self-Help Book Coming Out :)

Here's an update on my upcoming self-help book coming out later this year. I am now a little less than halfway through writing the first rough draft (as well as adding and deleting things here and there). It's been pretty simple to write but still a lot of work, especially with the research involved. I'm so used to writing children's picture books, so it's quite a leap and an adjustment! 😉

Although I'm really excited about this book, I have to admit that I'm nervous as well. I've always struggled with social anxiety and am a very private person (especially when it comes to expressing my feelings to others). This is going to be a really big step for me with sharing my own experiences dealing with mental health issues. Even though I don't go into a ton of detail as far as describing the situations I was in, it still makes me feel exposed. Am I really ready for that? Will people enjoy reading it and find it to be helpful? I'll just have to wait and see. I'm trying to focus on one thing at a time. Just keep on writing, and worry about the rest later. Don't think about the whole picture yet or whether or not I'll be "successful" (who determines that, anyway?). This helps me to feel less overwhelmed (just like with any big project). 

I also want to let everyone know that I really appreciate those who have supported me on my writing journey. It makes all the hard work worth it. I truly hope that I can give back to others and that they find my book to be helpful and enjoyable to read. I pray that something good can come out of what I went through in the past. I know inside that this is what I was called to do in life. I will keep on writing, learning, and growing! 

P.S.: I'm considering having the title be "Shimmering Hope: How to Find Peace Within." ("Shimmering hope" is part of my personal email address, and is meaningful to me.) Any thoughts?

The Benefits of Taking Mental Health Days

If you struggle with any type of mental health condition or are going through a difficult time in your life, sometimes you just need a break. Whether it be from work, school, a lunch date, or even a trip to the grocery store, your health comes first. There is no benefit to forcing yourself to work or go out if you aren’t feeling your best.

(I understand, though, that this is not always the case. Sometimes pushing yourself to be active and to find a distraction can be a good thing. Or there might be certain things you can’t avoid due to time constraints or an important event. Only you know what’s best for you.)

If you decide to take a day off to take care of your mental health, look at it in a positive way. You are doing something good for your health and learning how to take care of yourself. Some people feel guilty for taking a day off or see it as taking the easy way out, but that is definitely not the case. Plus, it’s not always a choice. There have been times in the past when I was struggling and unable to do certain things. I felt guilty and wondered if maybe I was just being lazy. No one should ever have to feel this way. If it were laziness, don’t you think I would have gotten tired of feeling so awful and alone?

It is so important for everyone to practice self-care on a regular basis and to learn to be patient and gentle with themselves. There are some days you need to focus only on yourself and your mental health and put other tasks aside. Treat yourself the same way you would if you were sick with a head cold or stomach virus. You would get plenty of rest and take care of your body. You might drink some ginger tea and watch a favorite TV show to help yourself feel better. So, if you are feeling down and hopeless, perhaps you can read a good book, whether it be self-help or a really good mystery novel. Help your mind heal and let go of any guilt you are carrying. Do some journaling, or use positive affirmations, or do any activity that’s therapeutic for you. Or simply take a nap, and then later, go for a walk. It isn’t so much what you do but how it makes you feel.

It’s also very beneficial to spend some quiet time by yourself each day as a regular form of self-care. Pick a time to relax and just be mindful (even if only for a few minutes), and stop thinking about what needs to be done next. Remember to stay away from your electronic devices during this time.

It’s worth taking a day off here and there instead of pushing yourself to do something out of guilt and anxiety and then just going through the motions. Learn to take the pressure off of yourself and try again tomorrow. You may just end up surprising yourself and learn something new along the way.