The skin

Being that the skin is our largest organ, we need to take care of it. Some individuals have no regard for their skin. Others are concerned because it is something that defines our age and our lifestyle choices. It is important for our mental health to get 10 minutes of sun everyday. However, too much sun can really harm us and our health. Sun block is a very important step in a skin care regimen that can not be forgotten, regardless of someone’s Fitzpatrick classification. Although darker skin tones have more melanin and natural sun protection, skin cancer is always going to a risk factor for all skin tones and skin types.

Cleanse the skin, exfoliate, tone, moisturize and don’t forget to protect the skin with SPF. Keep yourself hydrated internally and externally. Your body will thank you for it.

Reflection….

As I sit here and reflect on the past year, I see a change in myself. I feel strong, I feel different, I feel empowered. It is unreal how grief can affect your psyche. So much doubt enters your thoughts. Some days, I feel like I’m on summer break. Other days, I feel like I’m right where I should be. I need to remember to give myself credit. I deserve love. I deserve to believe in joy. I deserve to let go. Let go of the pain that I’m holding inside. Let go of clutter that is making too much noise in my space. I feel relief in my heart and head and look forward to what is to come. Doing the work, I see more brightness. I feel weight lifted off of my chest.

Manifesting and invisioning positivity does bring positive change. Journaling and meditation does bring growth and calmness. Anxiety and depression can pull you into a deep negative space. It can be hard to escape. I am not alone, as you are not alone. Letting go of the pain inside becomes easier everyday. As I work part time, I make time to write, exercise, play with my dog, and go through my house to declutter the things that no longer serve a purpose. Asking myself, am I going to use this right now? Going to doctor’s appointments and therapists to really make a change and take care of my mental and physical health. It is ok when you change your pace. It is ok that priorities change. It is ok to let go and feel renewed and allow yourself to change and evolve.

Finding different outlets to release any pressures in life…and remembering to breathe and take care of yourself.

I love my Golden Retriever

My name is Rue and I have big beautiful brown eyes. My blonde eyelashes flutter and I smile when I run. I’m two and a half years old and I love watching and chasing squirrels and rabbits. I can lay on the porch for hours watching my squirrel friend in the tree. I love when my mom takes me to the dog park so I can run and socialize. I’m very popular with all of the other dogs. I was pregnant a few months back and had 8 healthy puppies. My mom worked very hard to help me with them and they all went to their forever homes. I love my home and have 2 great dog friends and my own cat. A little white haired old man and an energetic yellow lab are my great buddies. We share our toys and play. They are great company. In our house, we love to eat vegetables and ice cubes, as well as, sunbathing and snuggle time.

Makeup and your skin

Skin type can make a impact in determining what kind of makeup is appropriate and necessary for an individual. For example, if someone has oily and large pores less occlusive products are better for this skin type. A mousse-based, light formula that is breathable even mineral makeup is a great option. This choice selection allows the product to evaporate while on the surface of the skin and oil is not trapped beneath the surface of makeup.  The same concept is true for skincare. The opposite is true for dry skin. Dry skin needs the use of occlusive products, so less evaporation of the product occurs. This balance assists in the texture of the skin and helps reduce certain skin conditions like acne in oily skin. Other factors include a good regime, clean and sanitary tools and brushes and makeup that is not contaminated or expired, just to name a few. Having some knowledge of the ingredients deck or preparation of the product is important as well, to avoid any skin irritation.

Self check-in

Time to check in. When your heart feels lonely and you feel a little off, it’s important that you develop routines. If journaling or lists are important to you then starting your day with a check off list can be really helpful and satisfying. Checking things off of the list can feel very rewarding and can enhance your sense of self-worth. Make sure that self-care is maintained even if you don’t have much time in your day. This could be anything from a bath, a face mask or exercise to let go and ease your mind. A night time routine can really lift your spirits and give you satisfaction before laying down to rest. Proper skin health is very important and in these dry winter months. It is essential to give you a level of comfort that your skin and body deserve. Be good to yourself and talk to someone if you are needing that extra support. Also, check in on your friends and family, as this time of year can be very difficult for people.

Growth in life

Grief and self-love has blessed and afforded me the luxury of becoming my own best friend. I’ve always spent a lot of time alone. Through the loss of my brother, my dog, my business and beauty school, my students, clients, employees and my identity I have learned some lessons in self-worth and preservation. This year has been one of the most difficult and eventful years of my life. I have taken time to reflect and heal, to talk and gain clarity and direction.

Being in therapy and journaling has helped me process my grief. Taking the time to do affirmations and manifesting my thoughts and goals has helped me focus my energy in a positive way. Prayer has helped me say goodbye and writing helps me to be active in my thoughts and promotes growth and a true investment in myself.

Being able to blog and share my a piece of heart connects me to any who read my thoughts and hopefully allows someone to not feel so alone. I love writing. I love being an advocate to others. I have made self-care a priority. It feels good to love myself and be good to myself. The past year is now behind us and the year to come shall bring true peace of mind and happiness. Letting go of clutter will bring such freedom and relief. I am proud of myself for making my mental health a priority. I hope that everyone can spend time promoting self-care. We deserve it. Our world has been turned upside as our society continues to change and be challenged.

It’s been awhile

My heart has been heavy and I’m surprised that I haven’t written. Currently, I’m carrying for eight 4 week old golden retriever puppies. It’s always been a very humbling experience to assist in delivery and care for the puppies. It definitely lights up my life. Not working full time allows me time to give to the puppies. I am Doordashing, going to therapy, physical therapy and going to the gym. A little savings, a roommate and Doordash has allowed me to concentrate on my mental health which is so important and something I really need. This year has given me three major lessons in loss…my business, my dog and my brother. The loss of business has really taught me to value the present and the reality that you can bust your butt and overwork yourself and circumstances may give a 180 degree twist to your reality. I miss my dog and brother so much. I am strong, they are hurting and are no longer tired.

I have also dealt with the frustration of identity theft which has added high levels of stress and anxiety. Breathing and taking time for my own happiness and recognizing my own self-worth has kept me grounded and not allowed worry or self-pity to take over. This I am truly grateful for. I love this outlet and connecting with readers who relate and will continue to learn, grow and be grateful and hope that you remember to breathe and know that you are not alone.

New roommate

I have a roommate now. This is the first time that I’ve lived with someone in over 5 years. This year has been the biggest challenge for me. It is a sign of my growth and ability to accept change. I’ve been staying positive and I really value my growth in coping. So much loss and financial and emotional change.

My 45th year…I love myself…I want to keeping loving myself, respecting myself and making myself proud. I am learning to let go of my material possessions and feel like many of them have served their purpose. I want to let go, not only for myself but to make room for her things. I want us to live in a comfortable space. So many things that I’m not ready to let go of but, if I can’t find a place for it….maybe I don’t need it. Less stuff equals less clutter. Less clutter equals less stress and things to be responsible for. These thoughts calm me to think what will I fill my time with.

I’ve been a little sad…had an anxiety attack earlier this week. I want to be free of the emotional and physical clutter and I want to find the space that I belong.

I miss you brother, everyday…I wish you didn’t have to go so soon.

Skin health and self-love

Stress, grief, lack of sleep, over exfoliation and damage from the sun are all things that have an impact on the health of our skin.

It is important to remember to take time to truly care about ourselves. Cleansing, exfoliation, proper extractions and toning, moisturizing and using sunblock are going to be the best regimen to keeping our skin more youthful and taunt. Great skin health also in an act of self-love.

Other acts of self-love can include yoga, stretching, meditation, grounding, soaks in the tub, getting a massage, manicure or pedicure, exercise and getting out in nature. All of these behaviors can benefit our mental health. Healthy socialization can also have a positive impact on us as individuals. These choices, along with things reading a good book, journaling and getting a short healthy daily dose of Vitamin D can greatly improve our outlook and overall mental health. It can also lower depression and anxiety and help us gain self-esteem and self- worth.

Believe that you are worth it and that you are somebody special. It all starts with taking care of ourselves by creating lifestyle choices that improve our quality of life.