Mindful Monday Week 8

 Self Love

Hi, Thinking out loud here.

Welcome to Mindful Monday Week 8

I am starting these blogs different from now on. I will be putting a link for a playlist at the beginning of each blog which will hopefully go along with what I have written. It will be primarily instrumental, but some other songs may occasionally be mixed in. Here is the link https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1ZgkXgf7jXMIBNI8tETxst?si=d25c5d8d379b4269 

Get a drink, maybe even a snack, and find a comfy seat so you can relax. Let all worries go for the next little while; get ready for five deep breaths. If you have any problems with breathing, please take an extra mindful moment here. For those joining me in the breathing exercise, breathe out.

Now time for your first deep breath; take in one deep breath through your nose for five 1..2..3..4..5.. hold for 1..2.. breath out through your mouth for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1.. Breath in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. hold for 1..2.. And out through for five 1..2..3..4..5.. hold for 1.. Breathe in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. hold for 1.. two more to go; breath in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. hold for 1.. last one deep breath in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. hold for 1.. now go back to your regular breathing pattern. I hope you feel calm and relaxed.

Today is all about giving ourselves some self-love, we do so much for others that sometimes we forget about ourselves. It’s so easy to say, I’ll take the time for me tomorrow, but tomorrow always comes, and we don’t take the time out for ourselves. We get busy for one reason or another, and then the time we could have had is gone. So today, if you take anything away from this blog post, let it be this, take five minutes out of today to do something you love that is purely just for you and no one else. If it ends up being longer, that is even better; I say five minutes because that's more realistic than saying an hour out of your day, as I know many people don’t have that long to spare.

For the next few minutes, I want you to try not to think about what needs to be done today; I know it’s hard, but really try to let those things go for now; they will still be there when you have read this blog and had your five minutes. Let this time be your time, breath in love and breath out love, give yourself a massage on your feet or your hands, they do a lot for you during the day, they take a lot of weight and stress, maybe if you can massage your neck gently and the tops of your shoulders. Be slow and gentle; this time is for you. No need to rush; let the music play and guide you as you do for yourself what you do daily for others. Be kind to yourself as you are to others, not just today but every day. 

At some point today, write yourself a letter, make it separate from your five minutes, with pen and paper; don’t do it on your phone or any other device you have. Write down your name, your age, and maybe what you do daily, though this isn’t important. Write all the things you love about yourself, only kind words, maybe what you like physically, parts of your body that you love, what makes you feel good? What do you like doing but don’t do nearly have as much as you should? What makes you happy? I mean truly happy, the kind of happiness that you don’t ever want to lose because nothing will ever compare to it when you feel it. What keeps you passionate? What is your biggest dream that when you think about it you get the biggest smile and a little bit scared of the idea? But don’t let that stop you from doing that dream. 

Date your letter with today's date and this year, then in a year come back to your letter and read it, see if anything has changed. You could maybe then write another letter to yourself saying what you changed and how you felt about those changes or if things have stayed the same and how you feel about that. I hope this leaves you feeling more loved by yourself and not just by those around you.

Let's finish with a three-deep breath breather.

Take one deep breath in through your nose for five 1..2..3..4..5.. hold for 1..2.. breath out through your mouth for five 1..2..3..4..5.. hold for 1.. breath in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. hold for 1..2.. and out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. final breath in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. hold for 1..2.. last breath out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. no hold here you can now go back to your regular breathing pattern.

As always, thank you for reading this blog post. I hope you have fun finding your self-love today but remember it doesn’t have to be just today, every day can be a self-love day.

Love always Thinking out loud xx:D

After I had finished writing this blog post, I read a quote that I think is perfect; I would like to share it with you here before you go. ‘When we get too caught up in the busyness of the world, we lose connection with one another- and ourselves.’ By Jack Kornfield. I want you to focus today on the last few words ‘we lose connection with ourselves,’ don’t lose the connection with yourself or who you are, that is so important with being able to not only self-love but to keep being present and being there for others when they need us or equally when we need them.

NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month)

 

Hi Thinking out loud here xx :D

This week we are talking NaNoWriMo national novel writing month (though it happens worldwide.) this is for anyone who is maybe new to NaNoWriMo and maybe want to find out what it’s like from someone who has been doing it now for a few years. I haven’t been asked by anyone at NaNoWriMo to do this blog post; this is just something I have wanted to do and give my thoughts on it and my tips on what to do and how to prepare with it beginning this Sunday.

Every November writers all over the world come together to either finish a project, start a new one, or see what happens with any of their writing throughout the month. It’s a little challenge, a whole lot of fun and a lot of words, so why not join in. If you are new to NaNoWriMo that is fine, a lot of the time even I wing it with what I’m writing. This year will be no different. So what does NaNoWriMo mean? It is quite simply National Novel Writing Month an entire month to focus on writing, whenever you can write and however you choose to write the aim is to write at least 50,000 words, you can write more and of course, don’t beat yourself up if 50,000 words is a little out of your writing reach, any amount of writing during November should be taken as a win. You can start a new project or finish one you have previously started but never got round to finishing, so why not within the last few days of October sign up and get your NaNoWriMo project ready.

Since joining NaNoWriMo back in 2018, I have started and completed four novels, all of which now are going through edits and being sent to varies literary agents. I haven’t done only the November months as this will be my third November writing month, I have done one Camp NaNoWriMo April and one Camp NaNoWriMo July all of which have helped make me grow and learn as a writer, they tested me, improved how I write and taught me not to give up when it gets a little hard, there have been long and late nights. Still, I keep coming back for more, so please join me along with many more writers as we venture into what hopefully will be time well spent, and the completion of past work, new works and works we yet don’t know what will be. 

On social media use the hashtags #nanowrimo2020 #NaNoWriMo #writersofinsta #amwriting #WritingCommunity #writer #WritersCommunity #writersofig #writing let people know, earn badges, write a novel and maybe meet some more writers along the way. 

As always thank you for reading this post and look forward to meeting new, old and in-between writers this NaNoWriMo

Love always Thinking out loud xx :D

Mental Health Monday week 7

Hey Thinking out loud here xx :D

I hope you take this time for you before we get started let's take three deep breaths in and out the deepest breaths you will take today One breath in all the way to your lungs through your nose hold it for a second and now breath it out all the way through your mouth, two more in all the way in through your nose, hold it for a second and out all the way through your mouth, last one in all the way in though your nose hold it for two seconds a lot can happen in two seconds and out all the way out through your mouth. Now you can find your regular breathing pattern and carry on as usual from here on in. 

Let all worries that have happened are yet to happen or aren't even going to happen go. This is your time for you, to be present with your breath, mind and body, for you to relax, find what works for you and let someone else worry for a bit. We don't need that right now, it isn't welcome whilst reading this blog post, but you. So please sit back relax I hope you are comfy as of recent weeks-long posts seem to be what is happening at the moment so while they last I hope you enjoy, I hope you have your drink of choice drink responsibly, and your snack of choice snack responsibly for you. With that, let's get this blog post started before I make it any longer with this intro which funnily enough, was written after the blog post. So it very much is longer than I intended, welcome to the life of a writer who loves to write and doesn't know when to stop. Also just have to say the procrastination was strong with this one by gosh it took a while, but here we are at uploading. Right seriously now let's get into Mental Health Monday, week 7.

This week in Queensland it is mental health week, previously though on Saturday it was world mental health day. I hope everyone took the time over the weekend to look at how you are going, if there is anything you can change to help get you to a place where you feel better if you currently are going through a bit of a hard time. Whether it's taking a break from social media, talking to a loved one, if you can safely visit a loved one, taking a day or two off from work providing you have days that you can take. Taking a little extra time for your morning or night routine (this I have been doing and the benefits mentally that I have noticed are amazing, I realise this won't work for everyone.) going for a walk getting a bit of fresh air again f you can do so safely (this once again I have done twice this weekend and the shift I have felt physically and mentally have been nice welcome.)

I know it is never easy but now more than ever our self-care has never been more important, we are still going through unprecedented times, and it is entirely understandable if you are finding it hard to relax, take time for you and thoroughly look after yourself, when I say look after yourself I'm not talking about once in awhile taking time out for you, I'm talking like a full-on weekly part of your normal routine looking after you. I know I don't do it enough (I am learning) since taking extra time on a night to look after my body as I said up at the beginning, I have noticed such a difference in how I am feeling. This I understand might not be for everyone, but once you find your way of looking after yourself in terms of your body, as in lotioning, or something that's relaxing for you. You will see some changes, I'm not talking full-on radical everything will be better but its a step to making that happening its an effort to seeing what works what doesn't work and changing knowing that changing up every few months your routine and not staying the same, as we change so too should our practices I find we can get again used to day to day life that sometimes the thought of change can be scary.

Along with a daily routine getting some fresh air I have found is an excellent mood boost, a walk is such a great way of getting out, exploring your local area and something we are still mostly able to do at the present time. Something that I for the past few years have dabbled in and this year have really allowed me to get into is yoga, a lot of the positions are designed for relieving anxieties, helping mentally and physically, connecting you back with your breath and aligning anything physically, mentally and spiritually that may have come of keel. It strengths everything and balances everything, it's not just a one thing workout it really does put everything back to how it should be though this I have to say happens over time like anything it doesn't just happen overnight or after one session. Nothing regardless of what it's called is a miracle worker everything takes its time to work. Significantly and I can't stress this enough things that claim to give you that perfect body, or glow or claim that its a life changer, those rarely work and if they do it will take longer than it claims it does.

As much as mental health is to do with your mental stability, it goes more in-depth than that, it like I've mentioned again above covers your whole body. Helping your mental health helps your physical health and vis versa. Health, as I see it from an unprofessional point of view, isn't clear cut, it isn't a one-way street however often it might be seen as being like that or even feeling like it is. And everything works differently for each individual, what works for me might not work for you, but please take everything I say as being an option, and understanding that it might and might not work. Don't beat yourself up if it doesn't work, it's OK. 

During this week, take the time to find what helps, and even what doesn't help because then you can honestly know what is right for you and what you can stay away from. I also find it's best going into something expecting it to be hard or challenging so it's not a shock for if it is and its a pleasant surprise if it isn't. But really do try and find those things doesnt matter how many things but if you find at least three things that work for you and can fit into a weekly or even daily routine to help in a way that as well doesn't cost a lot of money, time or effort, but can enrich you for the better and make you feel like you've made an effort purely for you and no one else. That's also another thing everything you do should be for you and no one else, it's easier said than done I know but doing it for you will make the benefit, and that want to do it more meaningful and hopefully will add to that accomplishment of having done something for you and will help in the process of yourself care and in with that self-love and self-worth, again all factors of our mental health.

I hope wherever you happen to be and regardless of this being an MHM you may not be reading this on a Monday so in that case, I hope you have a lovely day and week ahead, I hope you get done what you want to get done, but don't stress if you don't, it will get done in time. I hope that you enjoyed this blog post, as always you can always find me along with my partner in crime over on our Instagram if you do ever need a chat @allthingspositive22 thank you again for taking the time out of your day to read this post, it really does mean a lot and I hope these MHM help in some little way. I will be back on here on Thursday but if not then next Monday will Mental Health Monday week 8 (shocked face, can't believe next week is week 8)

Before we go let's do a little calm down exercise as we did at the beginning of this posts lets do three final deep breaths. Breath all of the air out, now once your lungs are empty please only do this if you can, and you don't have any form of breathing problems, breath in deep taking it all the way through your nose hold it for a second, and out through your mouth all the way this time hold for a second, two more, breath in all the way through your nose, hold for a second and out all the way through your mouth, and hold for a second, last one in all the way through your nose hold for five seconds 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and out all the way through your mouth and hold for another five-second 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and now breath as you usually would if at all throughout the day you need to breath take three breaths allow yourself to calm and then carry on with whatever it is you were doing. Thank you again for reading this post.

Love always Thinking out loud xx :D

Mental Health Monday week 6

Before we get into this weeks post this is somewhat long so please get comfy, get a drink, relax and take this time for you. Let your mind be free, and put your feet up, this is your time, this is for you and this is our fortnightly catch-up.

First of just need to say I know its Tuesday but this is better late than never right, plus Mental Helth Tuesday doesn’t have the same ring to it as Monday does so sticking with Monday even though it is Tuesday. I also need to say that how have I lasted this long six weeks I have been writing these Monday uploads. I can’t believe I am still doing them, I have to say it has been an excellent cleanser for my mind and I hope they are helping you just as much as they are helping me.

This week is a catch-up week so let me know how you are all going whether it be in the comments below or on Instagram @allthingspositive22 where you can talk to us for a friendly chat or advice on any topic. It also happens to be mental health week this week, so please remember to look after yourselves. Take time for you, take rests and breaks where you can and know that it’s ok if you aren’t ok there is always someone to talk to, someone to help you. You never have to feel like you are alone.

During this week, remember to get outside, take in some fresh air, and really take the time to give your body what it needs, to love your body, and to love yourself. If you've been hard on yourself or your body recently, take a step back and rethink why you've been like that. Maybe try and think, does this way of thinking serve me any purpose? Does it help me? Does it make me feel good? Does it in any way lead me in any suitable manner in life? And can you carry on this way?

If your answer is no to any of those questions, you know you need to make a change, you know you need to change your perspective, your way of thinking and start living for you for your best life and for an experience that you want, this is your life live it your way and no one else's way. If you are an adult, make these choices first for you, if you aren't an adult then I know it's tough. Still, you do first have to listen to the adult who looks after you, talk to them listen to them and come to an agreement that works for both of you. It might not be comfortable or easy, no matter how old you are. Still, it will become easier as you move forwards and away from a way of thinking that hasn't helped or served any purpose so far.

These past few weeks (two weeks) have been a bit crazy, it’s been school holidays, and my mind has been all over the place so much so that last week I ended up cutting my thumb, of course, I wasn’t paying attention to what I was doing. I’m starting to realise this is from overthinking and not letting my mind rest (something I am still learning to do.) Needless to say, after a bit of blood a few tears (from the shock of cutting myself) and two plasters and help from my older cousin I am doing ok. A movie day was had and a little bit of feeling sorry for myself whenever I moved my hand which in turn came with feeling nauseous. But we are now into a new week my thumb is healing taking its time. Still, it is healing so that I am thankful for and that it wasn’t bad enough for stitches or medical attention. I am far from stopping overthinking everything but my lesson with focusing on one thing or at least trying to focus on one thing at a time is slowly being learnt.

With it now being term four the last term of the year here in Aus and NZ, it really does feel like everything is coming to an end, I will be going back to NZ towards the end of November with two weeks of quarantine I’m happy to do whatever it takes to make sure I don’t take COVID back to my family. Hence, two weeks and two tests are a small price to pay when spreading COVID is so easily done. This though has been playing on my mind a lot recently from what will happen at the airport, on the plane, or at the other end when I'm in Auckland. I think I am beginning to realise that I like to know every little detail before something happens. I am now on the list for quarantine so I will have somewhere to go on landing, I yet don’t know where that will be and that freaks me out a little, but knowing I will have somewhere to go helps. As much as I feel sick every time I think about not knowing where I will end up in NZ, best case scenario is Auckland worst would be bottom of the south island, but anywhere in New Zealand is better than not having anywhere to go at all. This is just something that shows to me that I need to learn to go with the flow, that whatever happens, happens. I have to be ok with that. This doesn’t mean that I have to be like that with everything in life. There will be a time when I can’t go with the flow for whatever reasons but for this, I need to let that not having control go because I don’t and can’t take control of this. Where I go will be decided on where everyone on the planes last destination is.

This is I guess another phase of learning about my own mental health and finding out what I am ok with and what I am not ok with but acknowledging that and maybe not accepting it just yet but allowing myself to take it on board and take the time to go ok this happening this is how you feel with this you don’t like this feeling, you don’t like feeling sick for two days in a row now, how can you change that? What can you do to help that? To make that feeling go away? Because I know I’m not going to be sick, but I do need to figure out how I can alleviate that sick feeling. I will get there I know I will, it might be later today, tomorrow or even when I’m sat in my seat on the plane on my way home. Either way, I know, I will get rid of the sick feeling and find a way that works for me. To alleviate these mental feelings and to calm what I guess is nerves for the unknown. Knowing though that I will have people to talk to at both ends family and friends when I am on my own in the hotel room helps. Knowing that as much as I'm physically alone, I won’t be virtually alone. 

I hope this catch-up helps in some little way. I feel like voicing it in away has started helping me. I have already begun to clear a little bit of the overthinking though I know it’s going to take a lot more time and working out on my part.

I hope you have a lovely week ahead or what we have left of this week. I, unlike last week, will be uploading next on Thursday, but if you don’t read my Thursday uploads, I will be back here next Monday for week seven which will be Queensland mental health week.

Thank you for reading and for taking the time to read this post.

Love always Thinking out loud xx :D

Mental Health Monday week 5

Hi Thinking out loud here xx :D

It can be hard to find the time, for work, daily life and self-care. All these things though deserve the time, but they can all sometimes take all the time you have. So how do we figure this out, how do we find away from being able to do everything that we need to do. We set aside allotted slots for each one, we maybe get up a little earlier and do a self-care routine in the morning, to start the day feeling like we have already accomplished something and at the same time giving ourselves, a little bit of love. Whether you do this in the morning or at night it doesn't matter but what does matter is that you still make space for your self-care, if that means it's after everyone else has gone to bed then so be it. Work naturally happens during the day and as hard as it can be to shut off from it when it starts getting late I know I struggle with this myself, but I'm learning that its ok if you don't get everything done in one day (of course there are some things that have to be done in one day and to those people who have to do that I appreciate you and I am thankful for you.)

Daily life is also one of those things that keep on ticking over, washing, cooking, cleaning, bills, gardening, renos. All these things happen daily sometimes without us realising as they've become an autopilot thing that we just now naturally do. It can become consuming, I also am learning that life isn't just fixing, or gardening, but spending time if you can with loved ones, taking time to be with them, not being distracted by anything else. If for you that is doing things around the house, and everyone helping each other then let it be that the saying more hands make light work really does feel fitting, but it is true, this can be said with anything in life. You ask for help, and you get it, you ask for many hands, and you will get them, whether they are friends, family, or strangers who are yet to become friends. Know that not everything is possible for one person to do, most things can wait until tomorrow but the one thing that cant is you, take at least ten minutes today to do a little self-care, it doesn't have to be elaborate, it doesn't even have to be that long, as long as you make sure that what you are doing is for you, your mental health, your well being, puts your emotions back in line, and spiritually aligns you back on a path that helps you with daily life.

Thank you for reading I hope you have a lovely day where ever you are, also a little bit of self-promo. (sorry) My little cousin Victoria and I have started an Instagram page and are hoping in the next few months to turn it into a business, our handle is @allthingspositive22 we hope to spread positivity and help anyone who needs anyone to talk to, we aren't here to counsel anyone, we are here to be an ear to listen and someone you can talk to so you don't need to feel alone during a time when we are all feeling a little lonely. We are thankful and grateful for any follow and for any sharing of our Instagram page.

Thank you again for reading

Love always Thinking out loud xx :D

All things positvie

 Hey Thinking out loud here xx :D 

Just a quick one today, as we are on two week school holidays here in Aus so haven't got a lot of time, and I in true Thinking out loud style forgot to write a blog post last night for uploading today.

Today's post is a bit of self-promo (a lot of people say shameless self-promo) but we shouldn't be ashamed to promote something we have worked hard on or worked hard for, spread your work, share your work and promote it without feeling embarrassed or self-centred for doing so. Little rant over now time for the self-promo. My little cousin Victoria and I have started an Instagram page, for spreading positivity and being a page where anyone can talk to us, so they don't have to feel alone, our dm is always open our handle is @allthingspositive22 we are hoping to in a few months turn this into a business, any ideas care gratefully take, and we would love a follow and a share. We want to make these uncertain times as easy as we can while spreading a little bit of positive as I'm sure we all could use some positive vibes right now. We don't want anyone to feel alone, or like they don't have anyone to talk to, we aren't counsellors, and we aren't claiming to be one, we are two adults who can listen and be a helping hand, again a share is beneficial, and a follow is welcomed, our handle once again is @allthingspositive22 

Thank you for reading this post love always Thinking out loud xx :D

Mental Health Monday week 4

Catch-up

 Hi Thinking out loud here xx :D

This week I thought I would do a catch-up, I'm thinking I might do this every second week, as a little check-in and then on the other weeks do a regular MHM.

How have we all been this week, I personally have found it a bit mixed, but have jumped into several new projects which are helping keep my thoughts occupied and have made me able to think about multiple things as opposed to just one or two things. It seems to be the thing that works for me, and also keeps me from missing home which I have figured is what is getting to me at the moment. Of course, this is because of COVID (previous years away from home I have been absolutely fine.)

As much as it can be hard I have started looking towards the positives, I am with family as much as it isn’t my immediate family they are still part of my family, I have a job, I am able to still write (and upload blog posts even if they end up being late.) and for the most part, I am happy. I am able to realise a lot of people don’t have any of that at the moment and if you are one of those people please know you are not alone. 

Sorry this is only a short post this week, I will try and make next weeks a little longer, as always thank you for reading and I hope you have a lovely day wherever you are reading this from 

Love always Thinking out loud xx :D

Mental Health Monday week 3

Recharging our batteries

Hi Thinking out loud here xx :D

I recommend for every MHM you grab a little snack, a drink and a comfy seat and take this time for you. Take as long as you need on this beautiful Monday to read this post.

How are we already on to week three of MHM I'm surprised I have stuck at this for three weeks but I am proud that we are here, let's keep going. I know I did a check-in last week, but I'm going to do another one this week as well. I'll be honest I feel like I have written and rewritten this post five times already but I think I have found a topic to talk about, incidentally I got this idea from my laptop needing to be plugged into power so let's talk about recharging our own batteries.

It can be so easy for us to keep going, keep moving and keep being active, or our minds continually thinking none stop. This can be nice but eventually, we all hit that wall of enough is enough. Take this weekend for instance, on Friday it was my little cousins 8^th birthday so we spent all day getting ready for when she came home from school, her trampoline being built, birthday cake being made (its surprising how long it takes to make a cake, took me a good few hours, mainly waiting for it to cool enough to frost it and decorate it) then the big surprise and present opening, along with having a few friends over two from school and one from the street, on a typical day this is energy-sapping on a birthday and having so much excitement around we can times that sapping by two, so to recharge from that, comes an early night, for most people when your body though decides that your usual bedtime of midnight to one am is still a good idea (I beg to differ, but what works for you brain, you will one day learn.)

Then Saturday was party day (this is where an early night would have been a god idea) As a little note it was all COVID safe, everyone there kept their distance from each group, mostly, the tables were few and far between, parents were to a minimum as in most kids came with another kid, so it kept the numbers down, it worked at two kids pretty much to one adult. Then my cousin and I had booked into hot yoga on the Friday night (we might be crazy, but I regret nothing) If you haven't done yoga of any kind I can not recommend it enough. After a kids party I can think of a better way to charge your batteries than to do a yoga session, sixty minutes of heat, sweat, and time to heal your body, thank your body and allow any stress, anxieties and aches to be relieved, I would say the best way to recharge your body, as we say we never regret going to a class. Let's not mention the mess we came back to of unwrapped and most if not all presents out of packaging and packaging everywhere.

Sunday, was well let's not mention the mess from Saturday as it was spent mostly getting the house back into some kind of organisation and the living room back into a living room and not what can only be called a dumpsite, but it's fair to say it doesn't always look like that but I have to say making space for new things and being ruthless with old stuff felt pretty good being able to throw things away that had been long forgotten about. Another way to fully clear your mind, also a way I never knew could recharge your batteries, even if it was also a little tiring, not to mention the at one point having four kids with two adults busy cleaning, the constant asking for you to go on the trampoline. I also need to add the early night I didn't get on either Friday or Saturday I did get, I was in bed by nine-thirty and asleep by 11:59 I'll take that as a win on the sleep anything before midnight is good even if its a minute before.

Looking back now, I see each day had its own different way of recharging me and preparing me for the next day, I may have been fatigued, had a headache for half the day Sunday but regardless of each recharge worked in different ways and helped for those days. Would a one-child only day on Sunday have been good? Yes, but I can't say that looking back now I would have chosen that, as much as it was hard, at times annoying we coped, we had fun, and we accomplished what we needed to do. What works for me might not work for you. This is how I got through what was a hectic weekend, tiring. Still, fun, eventful, a time for celebration in a time of uncertainty, a little bit of normality, it was hard. Despite this, it showed me that there is always a way to find time for you. 

There is invariably a way of making it possible to recharge for the next day. Whether for you that is reading a book going for a walk, going to the gym, swimming, baking, cooking whatever it is that helps you relax and takes you away from life for thirty to sixty minutes do it today, use that time you carve out to recharge, take some deep breaths and relax. Set a timer, don't keep checking it, let the time tick on and really get into what you are doing to recharge your body, your battery that enables you to do everything else. 

If you don't have that long then ten to five minutes is just as good and better than no minutes. It can even be before you go to bed tonight you go to be a little earlier to fit in the time for you, and only you, let all worries of today and tomorrow go. Be present in the now only, be present with you and your breath. This is your time for you, for your body and for your health, physical, mental and spiritual. Like our devices every night or day get recharged, we also need to be recharged don't let your body run low, let those around you know that you need to take some time out to be able to join in and enjoy what is happening with those you are fortunate to have around you.

Thank you for reading I hope you have a lovely day, and I hope you do take the time to recharge your batteries I would love to know how you go please if you like let me know in the comments and any suggestions of what I can write next is gratefully accepted, please also feel free to share this post around to anyone who you think might need to read it. (little note all comments get moderated, so if you wish for you comments to not be public let me know and they won't be published it will only be me who will see it, if you don't say then comments will be published.)

Love always Thinking out loud xx :D

Mental Health Monday week 2

Hi Thinking out loud here xx :D

This week I thought I would do a bit of a check-in on how we are all feeling and coping with how things are currently given COVID and the bizarre year we are having, so at the bottom of this blog post comment how you have been coping and let's try and help each other, and say what has been working for us in keeping things as normal as we can, in a time where nothing seems to be normal.

I started at the beginning of COIVD with finding it a breeze as an introvert I couldn't have wished for anything more, having to stay in a dream come true. Like everything there becomes a point where enough is enough, and you eventually find yourself needing to take a break and take some time out from what you initially thought you could deal with as being a new normal. The first wave I'm sure we all found it easier to cope with, we didn't know what to expect from going outside unless it was essential, masks were talked about as much, and washing hands become more talked about, something I think we can all agree on that we should have and should still do regardless, of any bugs and viruses being around. Now we are having second waves, we know a little more about COVID but as far as viruses and bugs go it is still new, it's still in its infancy and we still have so much to learn about it. As much as we maybe don't want to admit it, more of us who maybe haven't experienced as much anxiety/depression and other illness are starting to experience them. It's ok to be feeling like this as many of us are away from family, friends and we don't know when we will be able to see them face to face and not on a screen. I for one can not wait to be able to give my parents, brother and friends the biggest hugs, I'm still hopefully for November/December, this is possibly the only thing keeping me a little sain.

I have over these past months, found ways of coping, for me, those are writing, blogging (this year I have uploaded the most blog posts than any other year since I started this blog back in 2015,) watched more Netflix than I usually would have, even venturing into watching some horror films. I have found that doing a couple of sudokus which has been relaxing and reading when I've had time. I am also slowly getting into a skincare routine and nighttime routine both of which remind me how important self-care is and how much it is needed. Before COVID, I was going to yoga since COVID I have been twice in the past month and both times realised how much I had missed it and again how much it helps as a head clearer as I said in last weeks #MentalHealthMonday. I also have found gardening specifically weeding to be such a good destresser and work out, it's rewarding and you can instantly see a change unlike some tasks where the change happens overtime.

These are a few things that have helped me during this year and something I am going to continue doing, if they also help you let me know in the comments also let me know what works for you; I hope we can help each other as we find our way through COVID and keep on track with our mental health.

I hope you have a lovely day where ever you are and hope these mental health Mondays will help and come in useful if you have any suggestions of what I can write about in future MHM leave your suggestions in the comments, also share these blogs around so we can reach as many people as possible.

As always thank you for reading Love always Thinking out loud xx :D

Mental Health Monday week1

Hi Thinking out loud here xx :D

It feels like it’s been a while since I’ve done a post that hasn’t been a poem, its also been two weeks since I last uploaded so feel like this is going to be a much-needed upload. Plus it’s early and on a Monday which never happens. So grab a drink, a snack and a comfy seat this could get long.

I like a lot of people I think have found this year to be a weird one, my brain is starting to get a little bored of itself, I think being an introvert and staying in is suitable for a little while, but even we need to remember that the outside world isn’t completely bad and getting some fresh air and exercise is very much needed. (Note to self here that getting out of my own thoughts is always needed.) It is a little more challenging with COVID and second waves seeming to be happening in more places, but that shouldn’t stop us from being outside, open areas and distancing is doable and is relatively easy as I have found this weekend with the fam.

Towards the end of last week, I was starting to let my thoughts take over, I was starting to overthink everything, something that doesn’t happen often but when it does, it’s like everything is hitting all at once. I allow my thoughts to build up, and it’s hard to not let that happen. That’s when I start to get so into writing and forget about other things that are good for me and help clear my brain.

Because of the nature of the things I write, it’s so easy for my thoughts to go into overdrive, so when my cousin said on Saturday about booking into yoga I allowed myself to book as well, (I say allowed myself because a lot of the time I talk myself out of going when I know how much I love it when we go.) Plus who wouldn’t want to go when you have your favourite Scotsman teaching the class.

Saturday was the start of head-clearing, and a very much needed and overdue hot yoga class, and my best one yet, my body had clearly missed it and was very ready to be back in the hot and sweaty studio. I actually for the first time followed my breath, allowed myself to enjoy it, despite forgetting one of the positions involved standing on our knuckles, the day before the recycling bin lid had slammed partly shut on one of mine (I had to miss out standing on one finger but pushed on with the others, it made my balance a little off, I was happy with myself that I persisted, something that before COVID, I would have sat down on my towel and skipped completely.)

I was able to do all the bending back movements, including the one that really cool guitarists do. I knew I could do it, but as I said to my cousin whenever we got to that part I was always getting to the point of being over that part of the class, but Saturday was different. Saturday made me appreciate what I knew I was able to do, what I knew I really do enjoy and what I had missed, I don’t know what was different maybe my mindset, perhaps the physical and mental need of yoga. Perhaps it was knowing how good it is both physically and mentally or simply, being with a teacher who genuinely loves yoga, loves teaching and loves helping us with our practice as much as we love helping him with his.

I also got some vacuuming done, it’s mundane I know but seeing little crumbs and purple feathers everywhere (the little cousin has been practising a dance that she hopefully has coming up, that is all dependant on how COVID goes, in the next little while. Her costume has these purple feathers that come off every time she moves.) So that was Saturday the start of head-clearing, something I don’t think I have needed more than I did, a little side note the way I described it to my cousin after yoga was I had been getting so into my thoughts and as we always say we never regret going to yoga, we are always thankful for it, and always say we need to go more, something I am determined to do.

Our yoga place has all the required restrictions, they do a deep clean after every class, and some positions have been changed for now, and teachers aren’t allowed to help with moving us into the correct position if we are a little out. They are so aware of how much yoga is needed, classes are much smaller, and the need for booking is now required. We have taped lines for where our mats go, so we don’t touch our neighbours, it’s a little weird considering sometimes in some positions we do end up touching, those have been altered slightly, so we don’t touch. A bizarre concept to get your head around for sure.

Sunday I carried on with the head-clearing, we went for such a lovely earlyish morning walk to see some wild kangaroos and koalas, something I will never tire or get bored of seeing, the kangaroos were everywhere though we only saw one koala spotted by me, I earned the dollar (still waiting for it.) We then did gardening in the arvo, clearing and tidying the front garden which ended up being four trailer loads of green waste to add to the drying pile at the bottom of the garden to burn before fire restrictions set in, I have a feeling they will be put in place soon given today is the last day of winter.

We all agreed that on weekends we need to go for a walk, especially as soon we will hopefully be having a little puppy joining the fam. We all noticed that we’ve been getting tied down with work, renos and gardening, not necessarily being together as a fam during those times. But this weekend has put in motion a new plan, and one I think will be beneficial. I guess me partly voicing me getting too into my thoughts helped.

I don’t talk about my overthinking a lot I do keep a lot of things to myself, I always have, and I know I still will, part of the reason why I started writing was so I had an outlet for the overthinking, granted that was through the form of lyrics, which with now going onto novel writing has over time changed that outlet, and I have let the lyric and thought writing slip. With having let it slip, I will help myself more by getting back into that. Its shown to me that with talking and saying what I think we’ve all in away needed was good. I’m not good with opening up, I find it quite confronting, talking about feelings, emotions and general well being, it can be overwhelming which is why I’m happy to write it all down in lyrics that I no know one will see. It at least that way gets it out of my head and frees up some space, take it as if you were to clear space on a computer, Ipad or your phone because you are running out of space, we also need to do that with ourselves if only to minimise the mental build of the daily intake of new information, that happens unknowingly every day.

It’s also been nice getting away from social media, even though I have still in part been on over the weekend. The few hours over both days away from a screen was refreshing, and again something I know I need to do more of to help calm the overthinking.

It’s so easy to let excuses get in the way I know a favourite is “I’d love to do that, but life happens” life does happen, but that shouldn’t mean we should stop living because of work, renos, gardening or other things that over time become mundane, and a little boring. We need to remember that those things will still be there tomorrow or next week, but life will pass us by and what we can do now we won’t always be able to do it. It’s slightly more problematic in some places with restrictions I realise. Still, if you can take time this week or this weekend to spend time on your mental health, whether you struggle with your mental health or you don’t, I think we could all do with a mental detox, step away from screens, step outside, spend time with people in your bubble, and do something you really love, or have been meaning to do but haven’t given yourself the time to do it. There isn’t a better time than right now. This goes without saying but keep COVID in mind keep the distancing if that applies but don’t let it be a thing that stops you from living. Unless you are in lockdown, or in a restriction, there are things you can do at home that allow you to be away from a screen and help clear your mind.

If you are like me, then a mind clearer is much needed and if not a little overdue. I have for a little while been thinking of starting a new series I guess you could call it, a little bit of a kick start to the week, where each week I ramble on about something mental health-related, there is so much to talk about especially at the moment. I know for me as I’ve already said as much as it seems daunting talking about it, it helps. It is hard to talk about, but I want to start getting out of that mindset of we can’t talk about it, it’s taboo to talk about it because honestly, it shouldn’t be, it should be apart of everyday conversations. It should be talked about more openly and not be seen as us not coping because its a subject that isn’t touched. This could involve other things that lead to other topics, which also are seen as unspoken topics. If this year teaches us anything it should be that we need to open up more, we need to talk about what gets us down what helps us when we are down and away of moving forward and looking to things that can and will happen in the future from the good and the bad and ways of coping with everything that happens. It will be called Mental Health Mondays with the week number, so this will be week one. If this is a series you would like let me know in the comments, share it around #MentalHealthMonday and let’s get talking about things that shouldn’t be taboo, let’s help each other, whether we are physically together or supporting from afar, spread the virtual love and hugs and share the happy moments along with the ones that you might need help with, we are stronger and better together so Kia Kaha, Kia Maia, Kia Manawa, Me Te Aroha. Be strong, Be brave, Be Steadfast, with love.

Also, if there is anything specifically that you would like me to talk about, please let me know in the comments, this is something I would like as many people as possible to join in on.

Thank you as always for reading. I hope you have a lovely day. 

Love always Thinking out lout xx :D

Number and Letters

By Freya Anastasia Hatfield

I sometimes mix up my numbers and letter

A capital A turns into a 4 

B’s turn into 8’s and E’s turn into 3’s

I sometimes confuse my p&q for 9’s maybe even g’s

My T’s turn into 7’s even O becomes a 0 

2’s and 5’s can be an S or Z 

A lower case b becomes a 6 

On the rare occasion, even a 7 can be an L or a lower case l turns into a 1

A capital I can trick my brain and turn into 1

The strangest though is when I say 9 instead of n.

It doesn’t often happen maybe once in a while

when it does, please don’t rush or laugh at me help me 

give me time to correct myself 

I often realise my mistake when I say it a couple of times

I often say out loud 4 when I mean to say A 

I don’t know if it has a name, but I do know I’m not alone

In confusing my numbers and letter that look the same.

It can be down to how it’s written or my brain can be having an off day

I don’t know why or how it happens but all I have to say

Is sometimes on the rare occasion I mix my numbers and letters that look the same.

S0 1f y0u h4v3 7h3 54m3 pr0613m 4s m3, d09’t w0rry y0u’r3 9ot 41on3, i7’s r3411y 9ui73 fu9 wri7in9 1n num63rs 4nd l3773rs wh3n y0u kn0w wh1ch 0n3s l00k 7h3 s4m3.

If you can read what it says above you have an amazing brain 

don’t worry if you can’t I’ll repeat it for those who struggle to understand letters with numbers

though it’s probably fair to say you don’t have the same problem as me

So if you have the same problem as me, don’t worry, you’re not alone, it’s really quite fun writing in numbers and letters when you know which ones look the same.

It’s not dyslexia, and it’s not dyscalculia I think it’s something in between 

Perhaps it’s unknown or doesn’t have a name 

I suppose I’ll just keep on mixing up my numbers and letters

It doesn’t need a name; I quite like not knowing as I know others have the same  

So I’m a writer who confuses numbers and letters when I say them out loud

I know I’m not going insane or the only one, 

I just have a brain that sometimes likes to have some fun.

Christmas Time

Hey Thinking out loud here xx :D

This week I have decided to upload a poem, given that we are now less than five months away from Christmas I feel like it ok to post a Christmas poem, it’s a little reminder that Christmas in NZ and in the rest of the southern hemisphere is a little different to the cold snow-filled Christmas up in the northern hemisphere. 

 

Christmas Time

By Freya Anastasia Hatfield

Presents sitting under a tree

decorations hanging for all to see

its that special time of the year

Christmas is once again here

St Nicholas, St Nick, Santa Clause, Father Christmas

these are the names that are known

for the man in the red suit, black boots, and long white beard

the man with the twelve flying reindeer,

the sleigh that goes faster than the speed of light,

takes him all of one night.

Children screaming, families rejoice, its the happiest time of year

the sun is shining the beaches buzzing, that’s right its summer here

sometimes it rains but it’s still hot out, singlets, short and jandals are whats worn

put away those jumpers, scarf gloves and woolly hats,

no snow will ever be found here, not in New Zealand at this time of year.

Its the arvo on the beach, swimming in the surf and sandcastle competitions

slip, slop, slap and wrap up don't get burnt, as the sunbeams down

this is Christmas in the southern hemisphere

barbecues are plenty, maybe a pavlova or two,

we still have the Christmas cake and pudding

some British traditions still remain

don't forget the arvo nap, the smelly farts, feet up

kids don't wake dad he's been up all night

the night draws in its time for the Christmas films

none though show Christmas in the southern hemisphere

so snow again it is, no sunscreen there, its woolly hats, gloves and scarfs

give us the sunnies, beachgoers and surf that’s are Christmas, down here

Santa in his Christmas suit, jandals on his feet no snow boots here, please

this is a New Zealand Christmas

this is the Christmas way in the southern hemisphere

Winters Calling

 Winters Calling

By Freya Anastasia Hatfield

The wind is howling, its blast is icy

cold daggers hit with a winter chill.

It’s dark mornings and cold nights

they creep in so silent yet have a sharp bite

this is the winter calling and the endless nights.

The moon is bright, the night sky is crisp,

the only lights needed, are thousands of miles away

twinkling shining stars, scattered throughout the night sky.

Trees blow in a gentle night breeze now that the night dwellers have left,

the water is calm as it’s inhabitants sleep beneath the unbroken surface.

snow settles for some, and others it’s a mere dream that never comes,

rainfalls for most, some places it floods some it’s a thankful reprieve.

the sun still shines, but the air is crisper and colder than in its sister months

this is the winter calling and the biter months to come.

Trees lose their leaves, the branches standing bare

birds that ones housed there escape migrating to a warmer climate.

Branches cover with frost, turning into glass as they glisten in the suns rays.

Leaves turn red and brown as they lay on the ground,

they turn crisp in the winter air, they crunch beneath unsuspecting feet.

It only lasts for three months a year, yet can feel so much longer.

Animals hibernate, some are more awake,

it makes us wrap up warm, it’s more cozy days indoors.

Movie days, game days, more days spent inside as the bitterness thrives

it’s icy, it’s chilly, it cuts through your clothes,

this is the winter calling.