Personal struggles.

Relationships.

Anxieties.

And lately, the state of the world.

Recently, I found myself in a sort of depressive “slump” wherein I was wrestling with each of these continually. They invaded every thought I had and every action I took. I could no longer brush them aside and busy myself with a day’s work. Rather the opposite in fact. I found myself unable to do even simple tasks. One day in particular was so bad that I could not will myself out of bed. It was all consuming.

The slump was deep but I practiced self-care. I went to my therapist. I journaled. I was proactively mindful during the day. I listened to calming music. I gave myself extra space and grace. I wrote down affirmations. I indulged in things that brought me joy.

And if you follow us on Instagram, you’ll know that I went on an impulsive streak and got two new tattoos.  Little by little, I felt the fog lift. I could still see and feel everything surrounding me, but none were dictating my journey.  At times, my slump was deep and dark. And while I did arrive at the other side of it, I arrived a changed woman. For that, I am actually very grateful. In the darkness you see, I discovered (and re-discovered) things that made my life brighter. Lighter. Happier.

I learned that life gives us respite. In fact, each day has a built in period of rest. We can toil all day, but the sun eventually relents. So too should our anxieties. Give them a break. You can pick them back up in the morning. But each night, lay them aside.

I learned that I accomplish more if I focus on less. Spreading yourself thin — even just mentally — diminishes your overall effectiveness.

I remembered the power of small pleasures. Each is more than a moment — they are tangential reminders of a life well led.

I learned that acceptance is not the waving of a white flag. Rather, it is merely acknowledging the path before you so that you can see the briars instead of becoming ensnared by them.

I remembered that less is more in most aspects of life. Brushing aside the unnecessary leaves you more space to enjoy the needed.