Last Night of September

It seems like this month came and went in a flash. I view September as a month of newness. School starts and the weather begins to change. As a student and someone who is very close to school age students I feel like this is kind of like a new year. You set new goals, you have new books to read and blank pages to fill, new teachers, and new classes. It's all very exciting. Everything is brand new and it's a sign of how far you've come.

I get excited when this time of year comes around. I love all the fall holidays, going back to school and watching students go back makes me very happy, and I'm so grateful for the cooler weather that's coming.

I started working towards my Masters degree this September and the nerves and excitement are still here. I haven't been in school since last December so this is a very interesting change for me. I'm still getting the hang of being back in school. A new month begins tomorrow so we'll see what October brings me. Every day brings its gifts and I hope that some of these October days can find me a cure for procrastination.

I had to put this song here because it makes me so happy. So in case you needed to dance your way out of September, here's the perfect jam for you!



Be well♥

World Suicide Prevention Day: I'm so happy that you're alive

Today, September 10th, is World Suicide Prevention Day. The love and support and compassion shown on this day has always meant so much to me. I think this day serves as a reminder that mental illnesses are real. I think this serves as a reminder that you're not alone in what you're going through. Seeing love written on someone else's wrist reminds me that there's someone who cares and they'res someone who has possible been in the same place that I've been. There's a possibility that we'll all rise above our thoughts that trap us in the middle of the night. Today is a day to be aware and spread awareness. This day is reminder to share resources and be there for one another. Every and any ounce of your strength and hope can help another person and you can achieve that just by being yourself and being there. Listen, talk, share your experiences, spread hope. Every bit counts.

Your life matters always. You deserve to be here always. Every bit of you is important and every bit of you deserves to be here. In your pain, your stress, your sadness, depression, you matter and you deserve to be here. At 4am, 5pm, 3pm, 24/7--you matter, your life matters, and you deserve to be here! During finals week, first week of school, first day at a new job, or in between careers---your life matters and you deserve to be here! When you don't know what you want to do with your life or when you're finding that adulthood is not what you expected, remember that your life matters and you deserve to be here! Bad day, bad week, bad month, bad year--your life matters and you deserve to be here. No matter what, you matter. Your life matters and you deserve to be here!

♥

"You are a child of the universe! No less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here."

 --- 

Resources:

• suicdepreventionlifeline.org
• 1-800-273-8255 (Suicide Hotline US)
• thenicestplaceontheinter.net
• talkspace.com
• 7cupsoftea.com
• thequietplaceproject.com
• http://thequietplaceproject.com/thethoughtsroom/
• Crisis Text Line: Text “SUPPORT” to 741741
• Suicide Prevention Help Guide 
• 11 Facts About Suicide 
• International Association for Suicide Prevention
• Dealing with Suicidal Thoughts

Happy Motivation Monday!

"I am stronger than my past experiences, downfalls, mistakes, rough days, bad habits, disappointments, anxieties, and sadnesses. While some days they may get the best of me, I am continually growing and learning how to cope with what comes my way."

This line in Pearl Cleage's lastest book found a special place in my heart. I read it over a few times before I moved on.

"I will claim myself for myself..."

♥

Celebrating Me: September 6th

I took my selfie yesterday on the 6th but I never got the chance to upload it! I had a great day. I went to a family potluck and really enjoyed myself. There was great company and great food so no complaints.

So yesterday, and this past month has been very interesting. I feel as though now I'm becoming a lot more comfortable with myself. I finally feel like I'm settling after having moved from Florida to New York last December. I'm really getting the hang of things.

I also have been experimenting more with bright colors and accessories that I feel compliment my personality more. So I really wanted to make sure my new favorite lip color made my September selfie!

This month I've been making sure I edit myself less. As I'm growing, a daily process, I realize the importance of being my authentic self and loving my authentic self as much as I can. I think it's really important to be myself. I can't edit myself for anyone. Take me as I am!

I started grad school last week and while I am a bit nervous, I couldn't be more excited to be going back to school and furthering my education. I would say 60% excitement and 40% nervousness. I'm only in my second week though so I believe that will change.

I go back to work tomorrow so that's one major thing I'm looking forward to. I missed my students so I'll be happy to see them again.!

I'm happy to be alive and I'm ready to see what this month brings me.

Goals for the this month:

• Stay focused
• Spread happiness and positivity
• Avoid procrastination

Self Care Reminder: August 23, 2014

Remember this: It's perfectly fine to remove toxic people from your life. It's okay to walk away from situations and relationships that make you feel anything less than the wonderful and deserving person that you are.

Under no circumstances are you obligated to keep negative and toxic people in you life. You do not owe anyone a relationship. You don't owe friendship to anyone who does not value you. You should not have to be something you're not to make someone else happy--especially when they are negatively impacting your life.

I think that one of the most important things to remember about "toxic people" is that they may not necessarily be bad people and sometimes these people are not always negatively affecting your life. It's important to know yourself and know when you need to take a break or when you need to be selfish with yourself. People's personalities tend to change. Think of the wide range of human emotions. Some people release very harmful and negative energy when they are stressed or overwhelmed or angry. Sometimes they say things that they don't mean. If you love these people, it's important to be there for them always but you have to be very careful not to get hurt in the process. Take breaks when things are uncomfortable for you. If it's not someone you love or feel any attachment to, walk away. You don't even need that stress. It's important to try to avoid negativity that hurts you when you're only try to love someone else.

You deserve the best.