Wow can you believe that November is on Monday? Wow! Time has been flying. So with that being said, we are going to recap this week on today’s Friday check-in. Also I am going to talk about mental health and how I have been dealing with checking in more with me.
Slow Week for Personal Care
I was invited to a few events and declined. When I got back from New York last Friday with events leading up to traveling and one the day I got back, I needed rest. So I shifted the week. I was noticing that I was exhausted. When I am tired my energy is depleted and it messes up with my creative flow. I notice how short I am with those around me. Increased irritability is a tale tell sign that I am burning out. So this week I woke up later than normal, rested. Read some good books and slowed my house down. These are things I learned in therapy. I am happy that I can recognize the signs and dive into the help that I needed
Communicate with my Husband
I used to bottle my issues up and then explode. That isn’t the most mature way to handle things. So now I openly communicate that I need rest, a break, or just me time. It’s inevitable that we will need to recharge. Not telling him is a move that will hurt everyone in my home. So I am grateful for the maturity that we have been experiencing in our marriage. He has been helpful in helping me by giving me the space that I need to be better.
Personal Tools
For me it helps to practice self care from the inside out. This means time to pray and journal. As a writer I can help myself see me by writing out where I am. I was able to discover that I was in a mental health crisis. Now for some crisis comes in many forms. I wasn’t in a state of emergency. But I was in the place that I can get where nothing will work if I ignore my true place of being. I haven’t had one of those moments in years.
But I am aware of the road that leads to it. So being honest with myself helped. After prayer and journaling, I decided to take a long shower and just have a good cry. I did an at home facial and then listened to music that made me happy. I also put a little concealer and avoided some coffee. Reverted to drinking tea more. I did this daily. This was my way of pouring into myself.
Intentional Self Care
I took less calls this week and less text messages this week. I didn’t ignore anyone just pulled back a little more than normal. This helped me to not feel like I had to carry anyone else but myself. I also went and invited a friend over for drinks and some talks. That was major. I wouldn’t entertain anyone prior years. Enjoyed making me some vegan lentil soup. I used my apps Calm and Audible. This helped me to be able to really dive into some mental restoration.
So although I don’t know what you need to get back to you I do encourage you to figure that out and do more of it. Put and block out some time daily, weekly, and monthly to be intentional about your self care. If you suffer from Seasonal Depression, please read that blog and do what will help you.
Candytopia
This is the last Halloween filled Candytopia. Candytopia is giving each child a bag of candy on their bulk candy wall for every child ticket. I went back last Friday for a media event with Aversa PR. It was an amazing time. Remember every room is filled with candy too. It’s immersive and loads of fun for all ages. So grab a ticket and let me know how much you enjoyed it. Candytopia was supposed to be a temporary fun place. It’s been here for 2 years and will leave the first week or so of January for good. So take full advantage of it. Its held indoors at the Fashion District.
Kids Parent Teacher Conference
I want to take a moment to brag a little on my children. All of them after not being in school for almost 2 years are adjusting well to school. They all have amazing grades so far and the older two have excelled and gotten Honors so I am one happy parent. I have been super concerned about them returning back into the building. I pray that they and all children are safe and excel. Even when their school tests my patience, I know not having them in the School District of Philadelphia was the best choice we as parents have ever made.
This week has also been the anniversary of my Mother in Law, Deborah Storr transition. We have been noticing on top of my own issues that the atmosphere of the house has been down. It get this way for the first weeks of November and then levels out by Thanksgiving. We continue to pray for my husband, the kids, and the entire family.
Conversations with Toi Next Friday Drop
This is week 2 of the podcast break. We will be back next week with my husband as the first guest. We will be talking about holidays, self care, relationships and all other topis surrounding loving each other. It will be amazing to hear his perspective as a couple. If you missed our last episode together-catch it here. Expect real conversations about mental health around the holidays. There are many who deal with grief and pain during these supposed happy months.
Upcoming Week Friday Vibes
I have an announcement coming in the coming days. Also my 7th Blogiversary is coming. We are celebrating all November. We are celebrating not giving up on a dream because other’s didn’t agree with or support. I have improved and will continue to do so. With that in mind, November will be a blog every single day. Yes, a daily fresh blog. I will showcasing all of my November content from past years on Facebook. This is where you want to focus on for announcements that isn’t announced in blog form. Also to get content when it drops consider being on my list so you don’t miss a thing. You will get a text message and you can text me back. How amazing!!
Top 35 Philadelphia Lifestyle Bloggers
Who was number 11 on the 35 Top Philadelphia Lifestyle Bloggers? Yup yours truly. I was honored to get that email this morning. What an hour. What I love its based on your views and not popularity. So check out those who you love and let me know if they got it right!
I hope that you are finding the content is something that you need. As always if there is something you need me to cover, email me at toitimeblog@gmail.com
Have an amazing week. I am back to events around the city. Stay tuned. Happy Friday!
