Anne-Marie Norris - Licensed Professional Counselor

Have you been taking care of yourself lately? Or have you found yourself in a funk that feels hard to escape?

Something I’ve learned over the years is that self-love is less like riding a bike and more like playing the ukulele. If you practice every day it gets easier each and every time. But when you put it down for too long, it feels like you have to relearn it.

So instead of going full-steam ahead and thinking you’ll be able to start right where you left off, it’s important to go slow and give your mind and body time to adjust.

To help you ease back in, I wanted to equip you with some simple TLC tactics to brighten your day and give you a little serotonin boost. The best part is you can easily do these in the next 5 minutes!

☁️ Unclench your jaw and relax your shoulders.
☁️ Take 3 deep breaths.
☁️ Stand up and stretch your arms and legs.
☁️ Drink a glass of water.
☁️ Tell someone you love them.
☁️ Listen to a meditation.

Prioritizing yourself doesn’t have to be complicated, especially if it’s been feeling hard to do recently. But it’s important to prioritize some time to connect with yourself, because it can turn your whole day around.

Doing your best looks different every day. And on the hard days, we're here for you, 24/7. Call or text 988

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8 Powerful Lessons from "Boundaries":

1. Boundaries define who you are and who you are not: Recognizing your personal boundaries enables you to make conscious choices about how you spend your time, energy, and emotions. This empowers you to live authentically and avoid feeling drained or resentful.

2. Boundaries are healthy and necessary in all areas of life: They are not reserved just for personal relationships, but equally crucial in professional settings, family dynamics, and even with social media. Setting healthy boundaries fosters respect, protects your well-being, and prevents manipulation.

3. Healthy boundaries are flexible and adaptable: While having clear guidelines is important, be prepared to adjust them as needed based on context, relationships, and evolving circumstances. Rigidity can be as harmful as having no boundaries at all.

4. Learning to say "no" is just as important as saying "yes": Setting boundaries often involves refusing requests that drain your resources or violate your values. Saying "no" politely but firmly helps you prioritize your needs and avoid resentment.

5. Communicating boundaries effectively requires clarity and compassion: Explain your boundaries assertively but not aggressively, emphasizing your own needs and respecting others' feelings. Focus on solutions rather than blaming or accusing.

6. Setting boundaries can cause conflict, but it's worth it: Some people may initially resist or try to pressure you. Remain firm but kind, and remember that respecting your boundaries fosters healthy relationships in the long run.

7. Enforcing boundaries requires self-compassion and discipline: Sticking to your boundaries can be challenging. Be kind to yourself when you slip up, but also hold yourself accountable and gently guide yourself back on track.

8. Setting boundaries is an ongoing process, not a one-time event: As you grow and your life changes, your boundaries may need to evolve as well. Regularly revisit and adjust them to ensure they continue to serve you well.

Book: https://amzn.to/42A8wL5

You can also get the audio book for freee. Use the same link to register for the audio book on audible and start enjoying it

https://parade.com/1204851/kaitlin-vogel/how-to-make-friends/

Great suggestions on how to make friends at any age. Pick one!

102 Expert-Backed Ways To Make Friends as an Adult It's never too late to find the crew for you.

It's Not Just You: Making Friends After 60 Is Really Hard Finding your community as an older adult is possible, but it’s going to take some effort.

Get off your phone.

Get off social media.

Stop 🛑 comparing yourself to everyone’s highlight reel.

Give YOURSELF the validation you deserve 💥

Support You Can Rely On In 2020, Congress designated the new 988 dialing code to be operated through the existing National Su***de Prevention Lifeline. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) sees 988 as a first step towards a transformed crisis care system in America.

“The reality of grief is far different from what others see from the outside. There is pain in this world that you can't be cheered out of. You don't need solutions. You don't need to move on from your grief.⁠
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You need someone to see your grief, to acknowledge it. You need someone to hold your hands while you stand there in blinking horror, staring at the hole that was your life. Some things cannot be fixed. They can only be carried.”⁠
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— Megan Devine, "It's OK That You're Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn't Understand"⁠
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Thank you, Refuge In Grief, for these powerful words on supporting someone in your life who is grieving. ⁠
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When a loved one comes to you with their pain, resist the temptation to dive into problem-solving—your job is simply to express empathy and acceptance. Instead of comments that begin with “You should…” try “I know I can’t fix it, but I’m here for you no matter what.”

Please 🙏🏻 join us tomorrow at 6pm!