Tag Archives: mental-health

JustLj in September PART II

The Blog Post of Alignment

September arrived like a test of patience and clarity. It felt like the month wanted to ask me, Do you know what you’re really after? Opportunities came and went, some lifting me, others cutting a little deep. In the swirl of it all, I kept circling back to one word: Alignment.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, alignment is

“an arrangement in a straight line, or in correct relative positions; a position of agreement or alliance.”

It’s about things fitting together, whether in geometry, in groups, or in life. But alignment is not always about perfection. It’s about honesty. It asks us to notice when something resonates and when something doesn’t, even if rejection or loss is part of the process.

This month, I felt both ends of that spectrum. A job in New Jersey that I had quietly hoped for slipped away. I didn’t have the experience they were looking for. Rejection has a way of echoing louder than acceptance, and I’ll admit it stung. It raised doubts, making me wonder if I had misjudged my skills or if I would ever be seen as enough. However, almost as if it were a balancing act, another offer soon appeared. A position closer to home. On paper, it looked promising, and the fact that they wanted me felt like an ego boost. Proof that someone out there saw my potential. Yet when I sat with it, I realized it didn’t align with the life I’m building right now. Saying no was difficult, but it also reminded me that belonging somewhere doesn’t mean I should belong everywhere. Alignment requires discernment, not just acceptance.

Now I find myself waiting, hopeful, for another opportunity, one that actually feels aligned. The position aligns with my career path, academic studies, and personal values. It’s a waiting game, and waiting is never easy. But this month has taught me that being in alignment doesn’t mean rushing to fill the gaps; it means trusting that the right pieces will meet you halfway. Here are some famous voices that echo this truth:

Key Realizing Dream Focus Success Significance Small Steps Victories Path Greater Meaning Oprah Winfrey Walk Show Host

Im learning that alignment doesn’t guarantee smooth sailing. It doesn’t mean rejection won’t sting or decisions won’t feel heavy. Instead, it gives me a compass. A way to measure if I am moving in step with the person I am becoming. And as September closes, that compass points to patience, self-trust, and the reminder that alignment is not about saying yes to every door that opens, but about knowing which ones are truly mine to walk through.

Poem of the Month

by me

In Line With Myself

I used to chase every spark,

hands raw from holding flames

never meant to keep me warm.

Now I pause at the threshold,

listening

does the floor echo my name?

Does the air carry my breath back whole/

rejection cuts, yes,

but it also carves a path,

a sharper edge of knowing.

Alignment is not applause,

not every nod of approval

it is the quiet click

of self and circumstances meeting

without force.

And if the right door waits,

I will know it not by chance,

but by the steadiness in my chest,

the soft alignment of who I am

with where I’m called to be.

What I’m Currently Working on

To stay updated on my journey and what I’ll be working on next, feel free to visit the Works in Progress Page or follow the Facebook Page, where I share daily updates and fun tidbits.

JustLj in August PART II

The Sense Of Belonging – TAIT CLUB

The Blog Post of Belonging

August slipped away before I could catch it. Perhaps that’s how months pass when your life is in a state of transition. You look up and realize whole weeks have vanished into something new. This month, the rhythm of my summer gave way to syllabi, assignments, and log-in screens. I officially began graduate school at the University of North Texas, pursuing a degree in Library Science with a focus on Children’s and Young Adult Librarianship. It’s still strange to write that out. Me, a grad student. Because if I’m being honest, I never really saw myself as “academic.” My path hasn’t always followed the neat, linear lines of a textbook.

And yet here I am, with discussion boards and readings stacked up next to piles of ready notebooks, stepping into a space that demands more of me than I expected. It’s exhilarating, yes, but it’s also a bit terrifying.  Some days, imposter syndrome finds its way into the room before I do, whispering that maybe I don’t belong here. Which is why this month’s word feels so important. Belonging. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, belonging is:

“an affinity for a place or situation; the feeling of being comfortable and accepted.”

It sounds simple, almost effortless, as if belonging just happens the moment you arrive somewhere. But what I’ve learned is that belonging is rarely instant. More often, it’s something you grow into. Or something you create for yourself when the soil feels foreign. That tension is where I’ve been living for the past month.

One thing is certain: to say an unconditional yes to the mutual belonging of all beings will make this a more joyful world". - David Steindl-Rast Let's bring in February! 🥰🙌🌞

On one hand, there’s the thrill of grad school: new knowledge, new goals, the possibility of building a life rooted in the things I love most. On the other hand, there’s the ache of dislocation. I miss New Jersey: the friendships, the little routines that grounded me, the confidence I found in navigating a place that once felt strange and then became familiar. I carry those streets and people like a second skin. And yet, I had longed to return to Texas. I wanted the closeness of family, the comfort of being near the people who know me from the ground up.

Coming home felt like it should be the cure to longing. But Texas has greeted me with complexity. Beyond family, the culture doesn’t quite click for me; the energy feels different, sometimes even unwelcoming. So I am caught between two landscapes: one that holds my history and one that holds my heart. Neither feels like a perfect fit, and maybe that’s what belonging really is. The constant negotiation between where you are and who you are becoming.

Maya Angelou once wrote, “You are only free when you realize you belong no place. You belong every. No place at all. The price is high. The reward is great.” I think about that often as I walk through my new routines. Perhaps belonging is less about perfect alignment and more about realizing that no place will ever feel complete without the courage to show up authentically. Brene Brown echoes this: “True belonging doesn’t require you to change who you are; it requires you to be who you are.” That’s hard for me as someone who is still learning to stand fully in myself.

It’s easier to shrink or to question if I’ve earned the right to sit in the spaces I’ve found myself in. But Brown reminds me that belonging doesn’t come from fitting into the mold. It comes from refusing to mold myself into something Im not. And Rainer Maria Rilke offers a softer wisdom: “The only journey is the one within.” Which makes me wonder if belonging is less about the external. City, state, campus, or community. And more about the internal. If I cultivate belonging within myself, perhaps every place I live and every role I take on becomes another layer of that belonging, not the definition of it. So here’s what I know as August closes:

I may not fully belong to Texas, and I may not be as deeply rooted in grad school as I hope to be one day. But I belong to myself, to my values, and to the journey I’ve chosen to take.  And maybe, for now, that is enough.

Poem of the Month

by me

I Belong to Me

I am the house I return to,

the key always waiting in my palm.

No city can lock me out,

no classroom can shrink my frame.

I carry my own doorway,

step through, and I am home.

The streets I’ve loved will fade into dream,

their voices stored in my marrow,

but they do not define me.

Even here, where the air feels strange,

my breath makes the map.

I mark the ground with presence,

not permission.

Belonging is not borrowed,

not granted, not earned.

It is grown like a flame in the ribcage,

a quiet fire that refuses to dim.

And when doubt comes knocking,

I light every window,

answer the door with my whole name.

I belong to me,

and in that,

I belong everywhere.

What I’m Currently Working on

To stay updated on my journey and what I’ll be working on next, feel free to visit the Works in Progress Page or follow the Facebook Page, where I share daily updates and fun tidbits.

JustLj in June PART II

The Shifting Blog Post

June didn’t crash or crescendo — it shifted. Quietly, slowly, almost imperceptibly at times. But I felt it. In conversations I didn’t force. In moments, I chose to sit with rather than fix. In the way I showed up for others, and maybe more importantly, for myself. This was the kind you notice when you’re brushing your teeth, staring at the ceiling, or standing still in a room that used to feel heavier. June moved me. Not dramatically. But definitely. And in a way that matters.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, to shift means “to change the place, position, or direction of something”— but it also means “to change gears,” “to assume responsibility,” or ” to move subtly in tone or meaning.” It’s a word built for motion, but not always motion you can see. As Maya Angelou once said, ” We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” And bell hooks reminds us, ” Healing is an act of communion.” To shift, then, isn’t just about you. It’s about adjusting in ways that let others breathe. Shifting can be an act of grace. A quiet apology. A new boundary. A softer tone. A deeper truth. A held silence.

Famous Quotes By Maya Angelou. QuotesGram

This June, the shifts were personal and real. My year of service came to an end— closing a chapter that stretched and shaped me in quiet, relentless ways. I moved back to Texas, returning with more clarity, more softness, and a deeper sense of who I am and who I’m still becoming. And maybe most meaningfully, I embraced my genderqueerness more boldly than ever before. During Pride Month, I didn’t just show up — I showed. I claimed space with both softness and strength, and I wrote it all down. Here’s a poem I shared this June, that still echoes in me:

May be an image of text that says 'I wore the shape they gave me. Stood where I was told to stand Flexed in all the wrong directions and wondered why it hurt to hold what never quite held me. then- You were there even quiet, soft-shouldered, waiting in the margins of the mirror with a knowing I didn't yet know. (But oh, I felt you. Felt me.)'
May be a graphic of text that says 'Il. NEUTRAL (Yellow & Smoke & Stillness) Now, I stand in-between with dirt under my fingernails and light in my lungs. No need to choose a box when I can be the space between them. Not undecided -just unbottered. Not hiding- -just humming. I build my breath here, in rooms with no ceiling, learning to be both door and key.'
May be an image of text that says 'III. FLUID (Lavender & Wild Water) Some days I shift mid-sentence. Some days I am sentence and song. Some days I am the question. Some days the poem. I move like weather. Like wonder. And you- You move with me. You always did. There's nothing broken about changing. There's nothing fake about becoming. There's only freedom in it. And it fits you like breath.'
May be an image of text that says 'IV. (Soft & Bright & Clarity) When she shows up in you, in the swing of a word, the curve of a wrist, the joy in being clocked right- don't flinch. She is not a mask. She is a mirror. She is your voice in another octave. Let her dance. Let her shimmer. Let her rest On you like sunlight and stay as long as she likes.'
May be an image of text that says 'V. QUEER (Color Compass) This is not a phase. This is not confusion. This is not for them. This is for you. This is you. The you who is too real to define, too full to simplify, too alive to settle. You are the space between binaries. You are a story truth in every silence. So turn it up. And let yourself sing'

Shifts are constant. That’s why, over the past two years of writing this monthly blog, a recurring theme has surfaced again and again–under different names like change, growth, and now shift. Each word marks a moment, a feeling, a phase of moving forward, even when the steps aren’t clear or easy. Change and growth have been anchors before, but this shift feels different — more fluid, less about arriving and more about navigating the in-between. It reminds me that to live authentically, we can’t settle. We have to keep moving, even when it’s uncomfortable or uncertain, because that movement is what shapes who we are becoming.

As the poet Rainer Maria Rilke wrote, “Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final.” This echoes the necessity of embracing shifts — not resisting the tides of life, but flowing with them. Similarly, Virginia Woolf observed, “Life is not a series of gig lamps symmetrically arranged; life is a luminous halo, a semi-transparent envelope surrounding us from the beginning of consciousness to the end.” The halo is never static; it moves and changes shape, just as we must. Even the philosopher Heraclitus famously said, ” You cannot step into the same river twice,” reminding us that change and shift are the very nature of existence. To live authentically, then, is to accept that we are always in motion, always becoming something new.

At the heart of all these shifts, growth, and changes is one undeniable truth: we are all human — imperfect, evolving, and beautifully complex. No one’s journey should be judged or rushed. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Our vulnerabilities, our shifts, and our slow growth are not signs of failure, but of life’s grace working within us. Jesus himself said in John 13:34, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” That love includes compassion for ourselves and others as we move through seasons of change. So whether you’re shifting quietly, growing boldly, or changing completely, remember: this is your sacred path. Your pace is your own, and every step is worthy of respect and kindness— because being human means never standing still.

What I’m Currently Working on

These days, my schedule feels like a careful balancing act as I shift from teaching to focusing on writing and refining my craft. I returned to Texas around June 20th after completing my year of service in New Jersey. I’m no longer tutoring, as that was part of my program there. With middle school testing behind me, I find myself eagerly awaiting the start of my graduate school classes at UNT on August 18th. This past year has been quite transformative, and I’m excited to share my plans and the progress I’ve made during this time. To stay updated on my journey and what I’ll be working on next, feel free to visit the Works in Progress Page or follow the Facebook Page, where I share daily updates and fun tidbits.

Poem of the Month

by me

Unworthily Worthy

— all about being human and still deserving to be seen.

Worthy Pictures | Download Free Images ...

They said I stood too close to the

wrong people.

But I only ever stood beside

humans.

And that’s what we all are—

not right or wrong,

good or bad,

just…human.

Messy,

misunderstood,

changing shape in each other’s

eyes.

We lie sometimes.

We love sometimes.

We lash out and we let go.

We grow and we grieve and we

get it wrong.

That’s being human.

Not better. Not worse.

Just—

born into brokenness,

carrying light in some rooms

and shadows in others.

And if being close to someone

flawed

makes me questionable,

then we’re all guilty

of being human together.

You can’t know someone’s worth

by who they sit beside.

You can’t measure a heart

by another”s history.

We are not math.

We are not clean.

We are not pure or impure.

We just are.

And that is.

We all walk with contradictions—

mine just showed up in who I

chose to see.

But still,

I believe we’re worth the seeing.

JustLj in May PART II

The Remembering Blog Post

Hi friends, We’re at the end of May, and if you know me, you know I always land on one word to hold the month’s meaning. This time, the word is remember.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, remember means “to have in or be able to bring to one’s mind an awareness of (someone or something from the past).” And today, on Memorial Day — a day we set aside to remember and honor those who’ve gone before, particularly those who gave their lives in service — that word feels even heavier, even more alive. I’ve been sitting with that weight all month. Maya Angelou reminds us: “We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated. I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”

This May has been a month of looking back and looking forward. Exactly one year ago today, I was standing in cap and gown, graduating from SNHU — heart full, future wide open. Now, I stand at the edge of another goodbye — wrapping up my time with the GOLegacy Foundation fellowship, preparing to part ways with students and staff who have shaped my days, my work, and honestly, pieces of who I’ve become this past year.

There’s something sacred in this moment — the in-between space where you hold the past close while stepping into what’s next. To remember is not just to look back. It’s to choose which parts of yourself you carry forward. It’s to let memory shape you, but not chain you.

It’s to honor who you’ve been — and then dare to become someone even braver, even fuller, even more yourself. So here’s to remembering — and to being memorable, not because we chased it, but because we showed up fully.

Thanks for walking this month with me. See you in June.

What I’m Currently Working on

These days, my schedule feels like a careful balancing act as teaching, writing, and refining my craft take center stage. With testing for middle schoolers beginning, work has slowed down a bit, but it remains high maintenance as I navigate these critical weeks. As I look ahead to the end of my one-year contract on June 13th, I have only 3 weeks left. I’m eager to share my plans and the progress I’m making during this time, such as my acceptance into UNT for graduate school this fall. To stay updated on my journey and what I’ll be working on next, feel free to visit the Works in Progress Page or follow the Facebook Page, where I share daily updates and fun tidbits.

Poem of the Month

by me

Remembering to be Memorable

The importance of a memorable brand

remember:

you were here.

you mattered.

you left fingerprints on the hours,

on the rooms you walked through,

on the hearts you met and mended.

remember:

you won’t get it all right,

but you did get some things right.

you stayed.

you tried.

you softened when you could have hardened.

you listened when you could have turned away.

remember:

being memorable isn’t about being loud.

it’s about leaving something behind

that’s gentle,

lasting,

felt in the quiet moments

when no one is watching.

remember:

as you go —

the best parts of you are not over.

they are unfolding,

becoming,

waiting

in the next place,

the next face,

the next you.

JustLj in April PART II

The Blog Post of Momentum

This season of renewal is a poignant reminder of how momentum manifests in our lives, both literally and metaphorically. Just as the world around us springs back to life, I find myself in a space of transition, bidding farewell to my fellowship program while also stirring with anticipation for the new journey of graduate school ahead.

Spring is that beautiful time of year when everything seems to awaken from its slumber—flowers bloom, trees bud, and the days grow longer, symbolizing hope and resilience. In the same way, I am moving through my own cycle of endings and beginnings. Ending my fellowship program feels bittersweet; I’ve cherished the connections and experiences that have shaped my path. Yet, as I say goodbye, I also feel the undercurrents of momentum pulling me toward the exciting prospect of further education—an essential step in my personal and professional growth.

Momentum is often defined in physics as the quantity of motion of a moving body, but it also represents the drive and energy that propel us forward in life. It’s that powerful force that keeps us moving, especially through times of uncertainty. As Arthur Ashe famously said, “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” This embodies the essence of momentum. It’s not always about being at full speed; sometimes, it’s about taking that first small step, even when it feels daunting.

I’ve sensed this struggle vividly—the challenge of starting something new often feels heavier than the act of keeping it going. The inertia of beginnings can be overwhelming, as we contemplate the vast terrain of possibilities that lie ahead. Yet, once we begin, once we harness the energy of our intent, the sheer act of engaging pushes us forward. Like Newton’s first law of motion states, “An object in motion stays in motion,” this principle resonates deeply; once we find that initial push, momentum carries us with grace.

As I move through this transitional period, I am learning that the power of momentum is especially vital when motivation wanes. There are days when I might not feel inspired, or the weight of uncertainty clouds my perspective. It’s during these moments that I rely on the momentum I’ve built through focus and dedication, reminding myself that even small strides add up. The slow build to action is just as significant as leaps forward; every step nurtures the growth I seek.

The intersection of goodbyes and new beginnings can be emotional, but it’s also rich with potential. Each farewell carries with it the lessons learned, while each new endeavor is filled with hope. As I reflect on my journey, I’m grateful for the support of friends and mentors who have fueled my momentum, encouraging me to embrace change with open arms.

I encourage you all to consider the role of momentum in your lives. Whether you’re ending a chapter or beginning a new one, recognize the energy that springs forth in these transitions. Allow yourself to feel the rhythm of motion that invites growth, and remember that while the start may feel slow, the journey often gathers speed over time.

What I’m Currently Working on

These days, my schedule feels like a careful balancing act as teaching, writing, and refining my craft take center stage. With testing for middle schoolers beginning, work has slowed down a bit, but it remains high maintenance as I navigate these critical weeks. As I look ahead to the end of my one-year contract on June 13th, I have only 6 working weeks left. I’m eager to share my plans and the progress I’m making during this time, such as my acceptance into UNT for graduate school this fall. To stay updated on my journey and what I’ll be working on next, feel free to visit the Works in Progress Page or follow the Facebook Page, where I share daily updates and fun tidbits.

Poem of the Month

by me

First Push

Person Pushing Vector SVG Icon - SVG Repo

It’s not the motion.

It’s the moment before it.

That stillness that

sticks to your skin.

That breath you hold

because starting feels

like breathing something.

You don’t want to fail.

You don’t want to fly either.

Too much wind

It’s just as scary as the wall.

But then–

A toe shifts.

A breath, let’s go.

A truth unclenches.

And the body remembers

what the spirit forgot:

How to move.

Not fast.

Not clean.

But real.

You don’t need speed.

You need the push.

You need the nudge.

You need the small voice

That says,

Go.

That’s momentum.

Not magic.

Not easy.

But alive.

And already in you.

JustLj in December PART II

The Reset PH

The Reset Blog Post

A mental reset can involve techniques that help you feel rejuvenated and recharge. Here are some things you can try: 

  • SleepGetting enough restful sleep is important for both physical and mental health. A 2021 study found that people who sleep less than 6 hours per night are more likely to report mental distress. 
  • Eat healthyThe brain and gut are connected by neurotransmitters, so what you eat can impact your brain. 
  • MeditateMeditation can help reduce stress, improve focus, and clear your mind. It also produces serotonin, a hormone that stabilizes mood. 
  • Practice gratitudeTake time each day to focus on things you’re grateful for. This can help shift your mindset and make you more positive. 
  • Practice mindfulnessMindfulness and meditation can help you stay present and reduce the impact of negative thoughts and feelings. 
  • Connect with othersSpending time with friends or family, talking to someone about how you’re feeling, or helping others can improve your mental health. 
  • ExercisePhysical activity that increases your heart rate can help preserve your mental health. 
  • Walk in natureSpending time in nature can make you happier. 

Other things you can try include: Taking a break, Seeking out laughter, Changing your scenery, and Writing it down. 

a person standing in front of a waterfall with a quote about re - set, re - adjust, re - start, re - focus as many times as you need to

Can you believe it’s December already? As we approach the end of the year, I’ve been reflecting on the importance of hitting the reset button, especially during this time. We all need a moment to pause, refocus, and destress, and there’s no better opportunity than now.

For me, this past year has been quite the adventure. Moving to a new place, diving into socializing and rebuilding friendships, all while navigating the delightful chaos of working with kids, has been exhilarating but also quite exhausting. I definitely feel it’s time for a break! Thankfully, with winter break right around the corner, I have two weeks off to recharge.

I’m heading back to Texas to spend some quality time with my family and my beloved dog. This getaway couldn’t have come at a more opportune moment. I pride myself on being self-aware, and lately, I’ve noticed signs that I’m nearing my limit—irritability, sensitivity, and just not feeling like my usual self. It’s clear to me that a mental reset is necessary.

As we wrap up this year, I encourage everyone to take a moment for themselves. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a cozy day at home, or simply taking a breath, let’s embrace the idea of resetting. After all, we owe it to ourselves to enter the new year feeling refreshed and ready for new opportunities!

“This is an awful thing that’s happened to you, but it’s also presenting you with a rare opportunity. You have the chance to rebuild yourself from the ground up, to make a completely fresh start.”
― Gordon Korman, 

This insightful quote speaks to the heart of not only grief but to the broader challenges we face in our mental health journeys. We all experience stress for various reasons, and how we navigate that stress can greatly impact our well-being. As Korman suggests, when we encounter a setback or create a meaningful pause in our lives, we’re often gifted with a rare opportunity to rebuild and refresh our mental state.

It’s vital to seize these moments. Taking a step back can help prevent feelings of burnout, frustration, or harm—whether to ourselves or to those around us. So, to everyone reading this, if you haven’t already carved out some time for yourself, I encourage you to do so now during this holiday season. Before the new year unfolds, consider the importance of a reset. We all need a little breather—from the hustle and bustle, from the pressures of life.

This season is a perfect time to relax, recharge, and surround yourself with those who lift you up (or in my case, it’s my beloved dog!). Embrace this chance for renewal. Wishing you all a delightful holiday season filled with joy and love. Here’s to catching up in the new year, rejuvenated and ready for new beginnings!

What I’m Currently Working on

These days, my schedule feels like a balancing act of teaching, writing, and refining my craft, especially as I prepare to reset my focus during the upcoming winter break. I’m excited to return home to Texas, where I’ll recharge and reflect on the new poems I’ve been crafting alongside my students. Their voices and experiences resonate deeply with my own journey of learning and discovery.

As I look ahead to the year winding down and the prospects of what comes after July, I’m eager to share my plans and continued progress. To stay updated on my journey and what I’ll be working on next, feel free to visit the Works in Progress Page or follow the Facebook Page, where I share daily updates and fun tidbits.

Author Recommendation

This week at work, my 8th graders read Langston Hughes’s “Let America Be America Again.” While the poem isn’t directly related to the holiday season, I found it particularly relevant as we approach this much-needed break. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of reflection and the opportunity to reset our perspectives. Langston Hughes is a compelling voice for introspection, making him a fitting author to feature in this month’s post about resetting and envisioning a better future. Despite the challenges of teaching it during this busy time, I love Langston’s work, and I felt it was essential for my students to engage with his message.

Poem for the Month

If you follow the Facebook page, you might have seen this poem I wrote, which resonates with this month’s theme of resetting. As I prepare to return home to Texas for winter break, I feel a sense of renewal and reflection.

To be Home

Home,

where my heart still resides,

a place I long to be,

where love abides.

Home,

how I have missed your gentle glow,

a warmth that only grows, as christmas lights begin to show.

Away,

I’ve grown, yet yearned for what’s past,

to share my newfound self, with love

that forever lasts.

Away,

I’ve found myself, and others who care,

yet Home remains,

where love’s pure flame is always there.

I’m grateful for the journey, for growth, and lessons learned,

More grateful still to return,

to the love that forever yearns.

Home,

where my heart beats strong,

a place to rest,

to recharge, and belong.

JustLj in March

How to Cope with Change (and the Stress That Comes with It) - YouTube

The Blog Post of Change 

Although change is inevitable, it is by far the most common struggle we all share. The process of change is hard for everyone, and we all have our methods of dealing with it, whether healthy or not. Like the brain in the picture above, many of us just choose to ignore the stress of the struggle while others spiral visibly and noticeably due to the anticipation of change. This month, this struggle of the anticipation and stress of change has been at the forefront of my mind.

I have always had a hard time dealing with and adjusting to change. Both at small and small volumes, change has been a trigger of stress in my chemically imbalanced and anxiety-filled mind, and I have dealt with change poorly on both spectrums of too much and too little. Change should not be downplayed or played. Change just simply is and should always be viewed that way, it is neither good or bad it just is. Change happens and is transitional. We all started as a change in this world. This is a hard concept to grasp, though, because we are human, and all humans are reactionary. So how do we really deal with change properly, then? How can we make it less of a struggle? How do we prevent the stress it usually always brings on?

Well to be relatable I googled searched those questions to share here, and the top result took me to The British Heart Foundation, where it had an article of twelve tips on coping with change: #1- Learn to accept what has happened #2- Pace yourself #3- Ask for help from loved ones #4- Look for new opportunities #5-Carry a self-help reminder #6- Have a strategy for dealing with stress #7- Have a story that you can tell easily #8- Give yourself time #9- Be involved with others #10-Get into a routine #11- Avoid self-medicating with alcohol or drugs #12- Don’t make major life changes. While that’s all well and good, and some of those are good suggestions, I honestly wouldn’t recommend searching Google for all your struggles (sorry for tricking you). Struggles are personal and should be treated as such, and the internet, while great, doesn’t solve everything but can be a helpful resource. At the end of the day, everyone is different and will need to do different things to cope with their struggles.

Currently I have been stressing with upcoming changes coming with my undergraduate career coming to an end next month. The stress of figuring out what to do next weighing heavy on me. As someone who knows my mental health limits, I have developed the ideal coping methods and tools for myself in these moments, but that doesn’t mean it’s any easier; it just means I have lived and struggled long enough to know myself; this was not always the case. I find, for me personally, writing such as poetry or journaling, reading, praying, and talking about the triggers of change and stress to others as my prime was of coping for mostly anything but especially in regards to change. More often than not, talking out and through your struggles to someone will give you a new perspective and reassurance about the circumstance. Friends and family are great resources to utilize so utilize them. Change can be scary, and that’s exactly why it makes sense not to do it alone.

That last sentence is also a good transition to discuss the flip of that in regard to friends and family. Just as you should utilize and lean on them in these stressful moments, remember that they should also be able to do so on you. Coping, seeking, and asking for help is more difficult for some. I know that for a fact. Sometimes, even the most independent people are the ones in the most need of help. I have had a few people currently in my life going through different levels of stress due to change or anticipation leading to change. Although it is inevitable, our support and awareness of change and the potential stress it may bring to ourselves and others should be just as reliable as that inevitability.

What I’m Currently Working on

Currently, I am in week four of eight of my last two courses at SNHU, Advanced Creative Writing and Popular Culture, instructed by Professor Molly Sutton Kiefer and Phillip Wagner. As always, to follow my progression or what I am doing, you can head over to the Works in Progress Page or follow the Facebook Page where I post updates and share fun tidbits daily.

Author Recommendation

What would you do to inherit a million dollars? Would you be willing to change your life? Jason Stevens is about to find out… | The ultimate gift, Book worms, Gifts

I was first introduced to this story by watching the movie adaptation staring Abigail Breslin years ago, but just recently bought the book at my local library’s book sale, and I think it is very appropriate to use it as my recommendation for this month’s blog post as it has been appropriate for me to read during this time. The story is told by a lawyer navigating a recently passed client’s nephew in following the client’s last will and testament. It is a story of the true meaning of life, meaning the small things. This story really puts life into perspective, and regardless of your age, race, gender, and beliefs, I highly recommend it.

Poem for the Month

A4 Size Parchment Poster Classic Poem Elizabeth Barrett Browning Change Upon Change : Amazon.co.uk: Home & Kitchen