1/22/2018
The way I play spades
Shows my life approach, always
Trying to go null
Always go for the
Longshot. It means you fail more
But have way more fun
Posts tagged ‘positivity’
New Year’s Resolution
I love lists, and I love resolutions. I often come up with overly ambitious lists for my New Year. 2017 has been a year of barely keeping my head above water, what with farming, Herbalism, two toddlers, construction business and getting to job of opening and running a café for a church. And then managing the Farmer’s Market was thrown in too. I have pahlenty (sic) to do. I may not make a big list this year. It may be something as simple as ‘have 2 days off a week’. Not quite sure yet.
In the mean time, I have decided to give a 20% discount on coffees, teas, and smoothies to people who come into The Cafe @ St. Stephen’s and write down one of their New Year’s Resolutions for us to display. We want to celebrate, encourage, and inspire everyone who is trying to make positive changes in their lives.
So come by 6000 Grove Avenue and get a discount from now until the end of January. I want to see what goals Richmond has for the new year.
Emotional Trauma and Stress Self Care
As the Richmond community received more bad news yesterday regarding the pedophilia of a local comedian I wanted to take the time to remind folks of some important self care. I know when I am stressed out or traumatized I often forget to do the things I usually know to do.
Emotional stress and trauma are real. They take a physical toll on the body. When you are reeling you can do physical things to support yourself.
1. Drink water. Especially since we are having extemely hot weather anyways. Water is so important and you can hrlp your coping ability a ton by increasing your water consumption. Consider if you are sweating or crying a lot, and increase even more.
2. Eat deeply nourishing foods. We feel drained during and after extreme emotion and stress because we are. Give your body back the vitamins, minerals, and nutrition it needs. Broths, bone broth, nettle tea or food, oats or milky oats, and more can all help you get the nourishment you need. Include some probiotic sources like yogurt or fermented foods and beverages.
3. Baths or showers. Wash off the sweat. Refresh and soothe yourself. Use bath salts or sugar scrubs or something you find luxurious.
4. Smudge. Using a sacred plant like sage or palo santo smudge yourself and your space. Use incense or an essential oil burner or whatever you have that works.
5. Take a nap. Rest. Reset your body.
6. Take an internet break. The internet is the worst.
7. Meet up with friends to talk in person. Talk about what is stressing you out if that helps, or just talk about other stuff if you need a break.
8. Exercise and/or go outside. Sometimes the best way to cope is to spend time in nature and get some endorphins going. A walk in the woods, pumping iron at the gym, or running may help you cope.
9. Look to the plants. If you are into herbal medicine at all go to your herbal teas and tinctures. Chamomile tea and other relaxing blends are available at almost all grocery stores these days. Try a tea to soothe your nerves.
10. Express yourself. Sometimes writing or making or or music can help you deal with the emotions you struggle with. Give yourself an outlet.
We can’t stop people from their bad behavior or always protect them from their demons. We can not know what is in others’ hearts. The best we can do is nurture ourselves and those around us. My heart is with everyone reeling today.
With Love,
Mo
Gratitude
I am thinking this week, in a stereotypical fashion, of things for which I am grateful. I am making a list, because I lurve lists!!! (Insert derpy face here)
- Friends who are good at staying in touch and do so even though I am unworthy and do not reciprocate well
- That inkling of uncertainty creeping into the minds of police and soldiers who are doing oppressive things
- The patience to discuss political issues with people who I disagree with, with the hope to find points of unity and educate along the way
- Water defenders at Standing Rock doing vital work I can not do at this time, fighting against the Dakota Access Pipeline
- Chulainn, my 3 month old baby, who is just so sweet and easy and amazing and has changed my whole world
- My partner David who is willing to navigate this crazy world with me
- Indoor plumbing and similar amenities we take for granted but are not available to many people in the world. Despite my stress and how hard chores feel, I have it easy compared to so many and should always be grateful. I think about Syria, Libya, Afghanistan, Iraq, India, Egypt right now in particular.
- People who let me bring my baby to jobs
- Plants and their medicine, and the knowledge I have gained this year about their uses which will help me keep myself, my family, and my community happy and healthy
Life has been stressful. Money, custody, divorce, marriage, jobs, moving, chores, broken vehicles, etc. Are some of the things I have to deal with in my life right now. Reflecting on the things for which I am grateful helps me gain necessary perspective and think more optimistically. I have a very good life and I am thankful for it and for all the people who are a positive part of my life.
I have several friends who make a practice of stating 3 things they are grateful each day, and I love that practice! I would encourage anyone who is feeling low to try this. It helps me a lot and seems like a healthy thing to do.
Mo Karnage 