Life at a "Swell's" pace

Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This Subscription.

Might Nest always is a pleasure to receive each month. These air purifying bags are a must in our house. I purchased two others for the refrigerator, and a smaller one for Skylar's backpack, and I look forward to finding a good home for this one, too. With living in a home that isn't the best at keeping musty odors at bay, these Moso bags are a must! The best part about these bags is that with a bit of time in the sunshine, they are good to go again. And, the Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day soy candle smells amazing! I love Mrs. Meyer's Lavender Body Lotion, so I was familiar with the scent, but having it in candle form sets a great tone in my bathroom on my selfcare days. You can sign up for Might Nest's Mightfix here.

2. This Book.

Skylar and I love coloring books and a lot of times we use them to wind down in the evenings. Contrary to what some may think, coloring books do not help with panic attacks, but for mild anxiety they do a lot to help calm the mind. I recently found this Colors of Kindness Coloring Book and Colors of Kindness Crayons and Skylar and I have been coloring our way through it. There's also Colors of Kindness Markers, if crayons aren't your jam.

3. This Cake.

The last of the birthday cake. I'm really proud of myself for baking, icing, and decorating a cake for Skylar's nineteenth birthday this year. I absolutely hate cooking and baking, but when it's for someone I love, I put everything into it. Skylar loved it and we probably ate way too much. ☺

4. This View.

We recently checked out another Macy's location and the center view of their store was mesmerizing. I hope Macy's is able to survive over the next several years. It's one of my most favorite stores. I see almost daily of more of their brick and mortal stores closing. I will keep my fingers crossed that they hold out just a bit longer. One thing is for sure, our family sure does miss Santaland that Macy's in Portland, Oregon, used to have. So many great memories with us in the last 15 years of going.

5. This Reminder.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the best way to detect breast anomalies is to do at-home self exams. The three images above can help get your started. If you feel anything different, or that shouldn't be there, check with your doctor. Better to be safe and it be nothing, than catch something too late. Your breast health is important and you deserve to be healthy and thriving.

One last thing:

We had a small, but worrisome earthquake hit us at about 6:00 a.m. this morning. It was the first time I've ever felt one actually shake the house. I woke up to the shaking and thought my cat had jumped on the bed and was either having a seizure, or was possibly playing with something on the bed. When my brain finally realized what was happening I immediately ran upstairs to Skylar to make sure he was okay. People with high anxiety find small inconveniences a huge deal, but when major stressors hit, we are literally on autopilot and will navigate through it as if we are on a mission. High anxiety individuals are the people you want on your side when there's a major event. We will stay on task and make sure everyone is safe, then we crash hard once it's over. That's exactly what I did. Made sure Skylar and the animals were safe, then I had a panic attack and crashed. But, this earthquake was small, only a 4.2, but the shaking with any of them is something you never get used to, and you never like.

Positive affirmations this week:

A bit of interesting information for anyone that struggles with "Christian values" keeping them strapped to a toxic family, or toxic family member. It's okay to let go and this is a reminder that even Jesus and God don't want us to be unhappy. I have pretty strict Christian family members and the comments that have been said to me are ones such as, "When you were picking family, you chose them, so it's your own fault for..." Or, "You should always honor your mom and dad no matter what, because..." It's always a blow to hear that, especially when reaching out to family growing up that certain abuse behavior, comments, or even physical abuse hurt me. There are times when I still want to reach out to these people on both sides of the family structure, because I miss them when they have said or done a couple of nice things. I think of those nice things and my kindness tries to convince me that, this time with be different, but it never it. It's always a hard one for me, but now I've found ways to redirect that moment into something to keep my mind busy. People that drag your mental health down, cause or trigger depression, anxiety, or even times that it sparks up PTSD symptoms are not people you should have in your everyday life. It's hard, but it's doable. You can do this!

Have a nice weekend.

Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This Day.

We celebrated Skylar's birthday this week and took him to Valley River Center in Eugene to let him pick up a few things he's been wanting. The jacket he got that he is wearing in the photo above is sold out, but here is one similar.

Above is the cake baking and icing video reel I created on Instagram. It was a lot of fun piecing all of the steps together. You can see the original video here.

2. This Wrap.

This is the falafel wrap that was delicious when I had it, but ended up giving me food poisoning afterwards. First time I've ever tried falafel, and it will probably be the last. Falafel is notorious for bacteria if it isn't stored, or cooked correctly, so be cautious. First time I've ever had food poisoning and it is rough.

3. These Clouds.

Sometimes storm clouds rolling in are beautiful. These clouds brought several days of rain with them, but definitely were pretty beforehand.

4. These Lamps.

We've had these lamps for at least 20 years, but this week we decided that their time in our house is over. It's weird not having them on the fireplace anymore, or randomly moved from room to room, but the lady I sold them to on Craigslist will give them a great home and their new adventures are underway. I've been on a downsizing track for quite some time and anything I feel that doesn't earn its place in our house ends up being donated, or sold. In 2023 we plan to get rid of a lot more things over the course of the year. Minimizing the things in your life really does have a great impact in your overall mental state, too. If you need tips, or a push in the right direction, check out my Minimalism page at the top of my blog.

5. This Maze.

This corn maze is a short distance from us here in the Willamette Valley and I absolutely love their corn maze message this year. With September being National Suicide Prevention Month it's such a great message to put out into the world right now. Suicide is linked to depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health issues and is definitely a huge crisis in the United States, and worldwide. Those that don't suffer from depression, or other mental health issues, it's hard for them to grasp why suicide is a choice with some that suffer. Finding a purpose in life isn't always the answer to depression. Trauma, mental illness, and life experiences that bring on stressors all contribute to depression and anxiety. With help people can get past certain depression-type symptoms. 988 is now available nationwide and will help in situations where the person suffering doesn't have immediate, present support in front of them. Licensed mental health therapist are available under 988 through calling, or even texting. Let's stop this stigma that depression isn't real, and anxiety is all in our heads. It's very real, and until everyone helps, we won't get better. Please pass along the 988 number to anyone and everyone, and please stop the negativity and harsh options of those that suffer worse than you with mental health issues. We can do this and we can get better with positive support and encouragement. Everyone is enough, we just need to keep holding up and supporting those that don't think they are. Be that change! Be that help! Be that voice they need!

Positive affirmations this week:

I always find it helpful to my mental health issues when I help someone else and see them happy. I try to give homeless people water, or a meal, or ask someone how their day is. I try to smile at strangers in my car when I'm driving and they are crossing the street, or even tell gas station attendants that I appreciate them. Kindness is free and we make a choice every day to be a better person. Try to make a point in one month to do something kind every day of that month. Start in October and make it a point to yourself to be a better person, even to yourself. You can do this!