One Piece At A Time Puzzle Journal #MentalHealth #SensoryNeeds

With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, I feel it is important to focus on tools to help regulate emotions. The One Piece At A Time Puzzle Journal is a unique therapeutic tool designed to promote mindfulness, emotional regulation, and creative expression. This journal combines daily reflective prompts with a calming jigsaw puzzle format, allowing users to focus, self-soothe, and express themselves at their own pace.

Each day, you’ll fill in a puzzle piece with a prompt that encourages self-discovery, gratitude, and personal growth. Use colors, words, or drawings to express your feelings and experiences. By the end of 60 days, you’ll have created a vibrant picture of your life - a reminder that every moment, no matter how small, contributes to your unique masterpiece. We turned this in to a project that both Callan and I can do together. At the end, it will be a nice keepsake.

Tradara McLaurine is the creator of this unique journal. She is a child of God and a loving mother. She enjoys writing stories that inspire others, crocheting, spending time with family, and listening to music. Tradara is the author of Why Mommy Works, Why Daddy Works, and I Want a Nickname.

Check it all out at Tradara McLaurine on Instagram.

~Hayley

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I have used direct text from the website of the company/product I am promoting to facilitate in my review.

Little Renegades #Holiday2021

This holiday season, maybe more so than any other we have recently had, I think it is important to teach mindfulness to our younger generation. Heck, to everyone. And there is a good stocking stuffer in the Activity Cards I found from Little Renegades.

Mindful Kids Activity Cards - Daytime/Nighttime. Designed to empower young kids with basic techniques like awareness, breathing, meditation, gratitude, and stretching, the hope is to embolden their inherent capacity for calm, confidence, and joy available to them at all times. These two collections serve as great additions to your kids' morning rituals and bedtime routines.

●Mindful Kids Activity Cards: with 40 foundational exercises to teach children the basics of mindfulness with kid-friendly exercises like “Fox Ears” and “Pig Belly Breaths”.

●Mindful Kids Bedtime Cards: 40 evening visualizations and peaceful prompts to help transition into dreamland with ease and calm.

I do not think these are just for our littles. I use these with my teen. And for myself. And I am over 40. These are a good reminder for us all. Take 5 seconds at the beginning and end of each day and just.....be.

Check it all out at Little Renegades on Facebook, as well as Little Renegades on Instagram.

 

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I have used direct text from the website of the company/product I am promoting to facilitate in my review.

I Am Flawsome #Valentines2021 #SelfCare2021 #MentalHealth

Mental health is a big thing for me. It has been a hurdle really since high school, and while I had it all under control, everything unraveled when I lost a child in 2011 - understandably. There are so many different levels and types of "mental illness" and so many stigmas surrounding it that when you hear that term - mental illness - a lot of people automatically think "crazy person". And whilst I will admit I have been that person many times, there are also a multitude of other aspects to it as well. And taking care of your mental health is almost more important than taking care of physical health in my book. Because, a lot of times, it goes hand in hand. 

I Am Flawsome is a movement and a community that started, I think, as a way for a person searching to learn through music to have that as part of a mental health regime. But now I think it has moved beyond just musicality. It is a community that will support and encourage you to grow in order to be you, do you, share you - to be authentic and flawsome! And, what better a gift to give yourself this Valentine's Day than a space that promotes positivity, growth, and empowerment, and little self-care; and surround yourself with people who will encourage you to accept yourself, flaws and all. That's pretty Flawsome!

I got the I am Flawsome Self-Care Pack which includes a white t-shirt, journal, and digital activity book. I also got some other little goodies, like some candy and a sweet little pair of butterfly earrings. It made my day. And I have to say the journal is the bomb! It is pretty open ended and there for you to fill up! Lots of space to create and let it all flow! I love it!

Check it all out at I Am Flawsome on Instagram.

   

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I have used direct text from the website of the company/product I am promoting to facilitate in my review.

Solace Helps With #SelfCare2021 And #MentalHealth

Solace is a business formed by Megan Beck and Naomi Beck to provide an expression of care for those in hardship. The exquisite gift collections are designed to connect with the heart of the pain and provide practical, mental, emotional, and physical help through their storm. Whether it is a gift of self care for you, or for a loved one, Solace can help.

I got The Relaxing Set, which was much needed and I used immediately! The Relaxing Set includes: a relaxing tea blend made with peppermint, chamomile, valerian root, lemongrass and hibiscus, a cucumber-infused hydrating lotion, and a deep blue weighted silk sleep mask. Treat yourself before bed, and sleep soundly and peacefully.

Check it all out at Solace on Facebook, as well as Solace on Instagram.

   

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I have used direct text from the website of the company/product I am promoting to facilitate in my review.

Mimbleball

What in the world is a Mimbleball? Am I right? Mimbleballs are 5" round, plush therapy tools that benefit everyone who needs a little extra love, joy, laughter, and comfort. Really, who doesn't? A Mimbleball's wide-set eyes hold a steady, gentle gaze, making it the perfect listening companion and create an instant bond. At the same time, its incredible softness soothes and comforts.

We got Ira. Wise, kind, and a wonderful listener, Ira loves making new friends and can't wait to be yours! Ready to make you laugh on command, just give Ira a pat or a little shake and try not to smile!

Mimbleballs are a good therapy tool for Autism, for the elderly, for kids who are scared, for stress, for mental health. The secret power of the Mimbleball: gently shake or pat underneath, and the hair stands straight up. We dare you not to laugh! The reaction of almost every person who encounters a Mimbleball, young and old, is instantaneous joy.

Callan holds Ira while he is reading and without even knowing it, strokes his hair, squeezes him, etc. Idley the Mimbleball comforts him and calms him when he needs it. It is pretty cool to see. Because without the Mimbleball, Callan will fidget and cannot sit still.

Check it all out at Mimbleball on Facebook, as well ad Mimbleball on Instagram.

   

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I have used direct text from the website of the company/product I am promoting to facilitate in my review.

MindBodyFaith #VeteranOwned

There is no question that with the state of world lately, many of us have become weary in so many ways, about so many things. Some have been on a search for things to help comfort the mind, body, and soul. I know I have. And I came across MindBodyFaith.

MindBodyFaith caught my eye first because it is Veteran owned, and if you follow me, you know my hubby is one of our Wounded Warriors. And we highly support and love our veterans. But the more I learned, the more I like about Miss Sherrell, and her company. Sherrell is the creator of MindBodyFaith. She resides in the D.C metro area with her family and has always had a passion for educating and helping those in pain. Sherrell has had her fair share of challenges with arthritis, depression, anxiety, and racial trauma - as hers is also a proud female Black owned company. But through it all Sherrell held onto her faith, incorporating contemplative and wellness practices to support her health and well-being. Her personal wellness journey and renewed relationship with Christ birthed MindBodyFaith with a mission to promote health and healing through faith, holistic wellness practices, and products. Sherrell is a proud military veteran, author, and mental health advocate. She has taught over 1,000 hours of yoga and is considered an experienced registered yoga teacher (E-RYT 200) with the National Yoga Alliance. She holds various certifications in the area of yoga, meditation, and natural and spiritual health. She is a member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and a certified natural health professional (CNHP) through Trinity School of Natural Health. With over 10 years of experience in the wellness industry. She loves traveling and teaching communities and families how to live a more meditative life using contemplative and natural health practices for living well, inside and out.

I was gifted the Candle Gift Set and I love it! It includes two hand-poured perfume-grade candles, in the Presence and Rest scents, plus a set of meditation prayer cards. When God feels far away and you're running on empty it's time to reconnect with an intention of resting in God's presence. In Genesis, the Spirit of God hovered over the face of the waters. Light the Presence candle, pause, and meditate as you allow the presence of God to hover in you, through you, and around you. Presence Candle: Exclusive blend of fine fragrances of mahogany, amber, and lavender. Rest Candle: Blend of blend of sandalwood, bergamot, tropical fruits, vanilla, caramel and patchouli. Vegan - Poured in the USA! Meditation Prayer Cards: Cultivate a Christian meditation practice using scriptures and meditative affirmations categorized by the face cards: Presence, Blessings, Breath, Rest. The candles smell great and who doesn't love a candle? I sure do. And I enjoyed the cards as well, as a way to reflect with some one on on time with myself and my thoughts and the Lord.

Also, there is a quiz on the website that helps you determine a good way for you to meditate and reflect. My results were Moving Meditation. Moving Meditation is great for those who enjoy the outdoors. Consider creation gazing while walking around your neighborhood or at a park. This technique allows you to connect with God by observing and reflecting on his wondrous creation. Also, consider a labyrinth. Walking a labyrinth is a kind of moving meditation.

Check it all out at MindBodyFaith on Facebook, as well as MindBodyFaith on Instagram.

   

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

I do not think it is a secret that I suffer from mental health issues. I've never been quiet about it, because simply - I am not ashamed of it. My son, who is 12, also has mental health issues - for very different reasons than myself, but suffers still the same.

I am on meds. And also not ashamed of that. My son, however, is not. He sees a grief counselor and does really well maintaining and using the tricks she teaches him to cope with his emotions. Of course, sometimes that does not always work. And we struggle. But we get by. We have to.

I think the majority of people have mental health issues on some level, even if they don't want to admit it. Jason, my husband, has mental health issues from the military, but he refuses to call them that. He says it makes him sound weak. But I feel like a warrior and am anything but weak when it comes to my struggle. 

Do you struggle from mental health issues? If so, do not be afraid to ask for help, even from a stranger, because chances are they might understand what you are going thtough.

 

My #MentalHealth

Well, as you can see, this blog has been pretty quiet. I have lots of great posts coming up. But they are posts that should have been up earlier. Much earlier. But I have been dealing with some stuff. Turns out I have Major Depressive Disorder. Which is a big label, but basically anxiety and depression. I have made the choice to finally see a psychologist, and I go next week. I know I have not dealt with a lot of things, including major things like the death of my son, and also the death of my father. Among other things as well. So, here's to the beginning of getting healthy, in mind, body, and spirit! Thanks for sticking with me! It means a lot!