World Mental Health Day
I hope you find some peace and comfort today
Hi all - Wanted to write a note to you on World Mental Health Day to encourage you to take the best possible care of yourselves, given what you're able to do at this time. This does not mean perfection. This does not mean a "cure."Â
For some of us, "the best possible care" may mean going to some private spa retreat in Alaska or Arizona or SPAIN that combines EMDR with gel manicure-pedicures and somehow also there's a goat that does interpretive dance set to Marlo Thomas's iconic 1970s album "Free to Be You and Me."
For others, "the best possible care" may involve: playing basketball; eating Top Ramen and sleeping on the kitchen floor; going to an emergency room; going to a meeting; calling out of work; doing a job interview; singing a comforting song to oneself...there are about a bazillion options.
Maybe you just need to keep breathing. Even if it's hard.
I just want you to know that whether you're struggling, feeling fucking wonderful, or somewhere in the vast middle, your kind and respectful presence is appreciated here. Even if you've never left a comment. Even if you don't read these missives usually. Whether you are a free subscriber or a paid subscriber, I am grateful.
This season of my life has delivered many changes, that's for sure.
I'm still here, you're still here. I wish you comfort and decency. Yeah, I wish you joy and all that, too, but at the very least - comfort and decency.
I guess we are never done working on ourselves, huh? Look at that! Maybe we'd be bored if we decided, "Nah. I'm good. I'm done growing."
A few resources that have helped me lately...
The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker
The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, MD
The focus @ will app
The Brainwaves app
I am looking at what feels best for my mental and physical health these days, and I may take a couple weeks off from posting. We shall see. Right now it is a day-by-day experience. I am fortunate to have a lot of help and I wish you the same.
If you don't hear from me, it’s because I'm resting and taking time away for some digital minimalism (here's a great book on that). Please know that you don't need to worry about me. I have good folks around me. And I'm doing the best I can with the tools I have today.
I know I may lose some income as a result of taking time off to take care of myself, since folks understandably often want regularly published missives! I get it. You gotta take care of your finances and your own life too.
One day I hope I make a gazillion bucks so I can just make sure everybody who needs it has access to mental healthcare. And non-scary, helpful dentistry that hurts as little as possible. But first, the mental health stuff.
But in the meantime, helping out a little bit here and there sure is great. Check out INARA and Miry's List and The Loveland Foundation for more.
Best wishes,Â
Sara
A favorite nonprofit: Miry's List
Another favorite nonprofit: RAICES Texas
Book me to speak about mental health and creativity