Well, it’s not quite the New Year, but I’m going to begin today with my Intention for the New Year. It is to write everyday and publish a blog once a week. I’m getting back to basics by first, making a schedule for myself that includes journaling, reading, writing and exercise. I’ve prepared my laptop and WordPress is functional on my phone, so I can make changes or write on the go. The success of any intention is to have a good plan that is doable. I’ve set the days up so I’m following a schedule for, at least, the mornings. There is also room for changes should something social come up like heading to town to see friends or family or to simply shop or go skiing as these things could get in the way and I don’t want to say “no” to them. They are important aspects of my life.
Why share all of this? Just to explain, I guess, how I go about getting back on my feet after months of unproductive ventures–and a week of eating and drinking that has resulted in 15 lbs of weight gain. Having a schedule has always worked for me in the past. It is an effective way for me to get back on track when I’m struggling to put meaningful and rewarding practices together. Of course, I needed, first, to figure out what holds meaning and value for me: socializing, journaling, reading, writing and skiing (in the winter). Blogging is a bonus and often comes out of my daily experiences with my mental health and life struggles mixed in with my longing to communicate with others who may be facing similar challenges.
I want this BLOG to be a place where anyone can explore their trials and errors as well as success and pride for overcoming these. It is, therefore, a valued and safe place with nonjudgmental communication intended to help each other. Comments and personal messages are greatly encouraged. Help me help others share tough life experiences and mental health struggles. We need to stand up for our personal experiences with mental illness and our rights as human beings living with these diseases. I, for one, no longer want or need to be chastised or criticized for living with this chronic illness. It’s real. It’s scary. It can also be extremely debilitating, to the point that some people simply can not understand. Having said that, it can also be an amazing shared experience between all people who experience similar and/or temporary difficulties with mental health.
So, do not be afraid of yourself. Instead, welcome ALL your parts to contribute to your mental well-being. My hope is that this blog helps everyone on some level. It is an exploration into our souls and minds, our thoughts and our feelings that may otherwise be ignored. It’s a journey of celebration not chastisement. Come with me as we explore our passions, our values and our mental health awareness.
What do YOU do to “get back to basics”?
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Life's Lessons and Mental Health 
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One of the most effective things I do to get back to basics is to actively focus on getting “just one thing” done, and trying not to think beyond that (because that’s the part that paralyzes me). It might be as tiny as putting a dish in the dishwasher or throwing out a kleenex or listening to 10 minutes of a breathing exercise. Just one thing. And that sometimes carries me through to accomplishing more things that contribute to my mental well being in various ways.
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Excellent information. I do that too when I’m struggling to get anything done and getting out of bed is tough. Taking a shower, even tougher. Thanks for your words of wisdom!
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Thank you Jaidan. Your blogs let me know that I’m not alone in the struggle against this horrible illness. As horrible as it is though, it helps me grow into the person I am. Without it I wouldn’t be constantly looking within and becoming the person I want to be. Advocating for mental health can be a frustrating one at times because of the continued stigma attached to it but with you and all of us together I feel like it’s possible.
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