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#seattle #jesuschrist Psalm 140: the Lord secures justice for the poor

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Let's be friends! Join the #sobermom club. #tyshorts #followme

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But im better now, Im stronger now and I'll be ok! #strongwomen #tiktok

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Setting Boundaries While Grieving: How to Prioritize Your Well-being

 

Grieving is a difficult and emotional experience that can leave you feeling lonely and vulnerable. During this time, it is important to prioritize your well-being and set boundaries to protect yourself from further emotional harm. Here are some tips on how to set boundaries even when you feel lonely while grieving just in case you didn't know how. Because , I didn't. 

1. Recognize Your Needs

The first step in setting boundaries while grieving is recognizing your needs. This means taking the time to identify what you need in order to feel safe and supported. Whether it's alone time, a listening ear, or a break from certain people or situations, it's important to be clear about what you need in order to prioritize your well-being.

2. Communicate Your Boundaries

Once you've identified your needs, it's important to communicate your boundaries to others. This can be difficult, especially if you're feeling vulnerable or lonely. However, it's important to be clear and assertive in communicating your boundaries. This means expressing your needs in a calm and respectful manner, and being willing to say no when necessary.

3. Practice Self-Care

Practicing self-care is essential for setting boundaries while grieving. This means taking the time to do things that make you feel good, such as taking a relaxing bath, practicing yoga, or reading a good book. By prioritizing self-care, you can reduce stress and anxiety, improve your mood, and increase your overall sense of well-being.

4. Seek Support

Seeking support is another important aspect of setting boundaries while grieving. This can mean reaching out to friends and family, joining a support group, or seeking therapy. By surrounding yourself with positive people who share your values, you can build a strong support system that will help you set and maintain healthy boundaries.

5. Be Willing to Say No

Setting boundaries often means saying no to things that don't serve you. This can be difficult, especially if you're used to putting others' needs before your own. However, it's important to be willing to say no when necessary. This means being assertive and standing up for yourself, even if it means disappointing others.

6. Take Breaks

Taking breaks is an important part of setting boundaries while grieving. This means taking the time to step back from situations or people that are causing you stress or anxiety. By taking breaks, you can recharge your batteries and prioritize your well-being.

setting boundaries while grieving can be challenging, but it's essential for prioritizing your well-being and protecting yourself from further emotional harm. By recognizing your needs, communicating your boundaries, practicing self-care, seeking support, being willing to say no, and taking breaks, you can set and maintain healthy boundaries even when you feel lonely. Remember, you deserve to prioritize your well-being, even during times of grief.

staying Sober While Grieving a Parental Loss: Being a Boss Ass Mom

Above is the last time I physically saw my Dad, before the world shut down for COVID. 

Im so thankful I have these Photos. 

Losing my Dad is one of the most difficult experiences ive ever gone through. It can be especially challenging for those in recovery, as grief and loss can trigger emotions that may lead to relapse.

LISTEN,  It is crucial to prioritize your sobriety to ensure that you are taking care of yourself and your family during this difficult time. Even when you want to run away. 

 Here are some tips to help you stay sober while grieving a parental loss and being a boss ass mom:

1. Allow Yourself to Grieve

The death of a parent is a traumatic experience that can trigger a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, and guilt. It is important to allow yourself to grieve and feel these emotions, rather than suppressing them. This can help you process your feelings and move forward in a healthy way.

2. Practice Self-Care

Self-care is essential for maintaining your sobriety and overall well-being during times of grief. This means taking time to do things that make you feel good, such as taking a relaxing bath, practicing yoga, or reading a good book. By prioritizing self-care, you can reduce stress and anxiety, improve your mood, and increase your overall sense of well-being.

3. Connect with Your Support System

Connecting with your support system is another great way to support your sobriety and reduce stress during times of grief. This can mean joining a support group, attending a therapy session, or simply reaching out to friends and family for support. By surrounding yourself with positive people who share your values, you can build a strong support system that will help you stay sober and thrive.

4. Embrace Your Emotions

It is important to embrace your emotions during times of grief, rather than trying to suppress them. This means allowing yourself to feel sadness, anger, and other difficult emotions. By embracing your emotions, you can process your feelings and move forward in a healthy way.

5. Prioritize Your Health

Prioritizing your health is essential for staying sober and being a boss ass mom during times of grief. This means eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. By taking care of your physical health, you can reduce stress and anxiety, improve your mood, and increase your overall sense of well-being. IF YOU NEED EXTRA HELP , ask your dr about medication. DONT FEEL EMBARASSED! 

6. Set Boundaries

Setting boundaries is important for maintaining your sobriety and being a boss ass mom during times of grief. This means saying no to things that don't serve you, and prioritizing your own needs and well-being. By setting boundaries, you can reduce stress and anxiety, and create space for the things that truly matter.

7. Seek Professional Help

If you are struggling to stay sober while grieving a parental loss, it may be helpful to seek professional help. This can mean attending therapy, speaking with a counselor, or seeking treatment at a rehab facility. By seeking professional help, you can get the support you need to maintain your sobriety and thrive as a boss ass mom.

In conclusion, staying sober while grieving a parental loss can be challenging, but it is possible. By allowing yourself to grieve, practicing self-care, connecting with your support system, embracing your emotions, prioritizing your health, setting boundaries, and seeking professional help, you can stay sober and be a boss ass mom during this difficult time. Remember, your sobriety is important, and you deserve to prioritize it, even during times of grief.

My first fathers day without my Dad.

 A short story written by Annie-Kelsey 

In a small town nestled in the heart of the countryside, a young boy named Liam struggles with emotions that are too big for his small frame. At just nine years old, he finds himself unable to control his anger, leading to trouble at school and even at home. Despite his sweet and kind nature, he simply doesn't know how to express himself without lashing out.

As Liam navigates the ups and downs of childhood, he finds himself facing one challenge after another. His teachers are at a loss for how to help him, and his classmates often shy away from him due to his unpredictable behavior. But despite all of this, there is one thing that remains constant: his love for his mother.

As the weeks turn into months, Liam's struggle with his emotions only seems to intensify. He lashes out more frequently and with greater intensity, leaving those around him feeling helpless and hopeless. But just when it seems like there is no hope left, something happens that changes everything.

One day, as Liam is walking home from school, he stumbles upon an old man sitting on a park bench. The man looks up at him with kind eyes and begins to speak in a soothing voice. For some reason, Liam feels drawn to this stranger and finds himself opening up to him in a way that he never has before.

Over time, the old man becomes a sort of mentor to Liam, teaching him how to manage his emotions and express himself in healthier ways. With each passing day, Liam becomes more confident and self-assured, no longer feeling like a victim of his own emotions.

Finally, the day comes when Liam is able to return to school with a newfound sense of purpose. He is able to connect with his classmates in ways that he never could before, and even his teachers begin to see him in a new light. And through it all, he knows that he has one person to thank for his transformation: the kind old man who showed him the way.

He goes back to thank the old man but he is no where to be found.. day after day.. week after week. He tells his mom worried about the old man. His mother asks him to show her where he usually saw the old man and what they talked about. He took his mom to the bench in the park where he always talked with the man and in his mothers face he knew something was wrong..

His mother said what was the old man's name son? Liam responds with "He said his name was Larry but people back home called him Jim. He said I could just call him PaPa."

His mother started to cry.. explaining that was her Dad who passed away and this was his favorite bench they used to sit on when she was his age and talk about their feelings.

No matter how big your feelings are, we love you.. and they lived happily ever after.

The end.


Happy Fathers Day DAD 

I love you. 

Annie-Kelsey Art

 

Dear Reader,

I am writing to introduce you to Annie-Kelsey, a Canadian-born and PNW-based abstract artist, whose work is not only unique and beautiful but also has therapeutic and healing qualities.

​

Annie-Kelsey's abstract art is a reflection of her unique perspective on life, which she translates onto the canvas through her creative expression. Her artwork is not only visually appealing but also has an intrinsic calming effect on the viewer, making it a form of therapeutic art. She believes that art can be a powerful medium to heal and transform lives, and her work is a testament to that philosophy.

​

Annie-Kelsey's artwork has gained a reputation for producing high-quality abstract art that resonates with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

​

I highly recommend Annie-Kelsey's work to anyone who is looking for high-quality contemporary art that not only meets aesthetic standards but also has a deeper emotional and therapeutic value.

​

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter..

Sincerely.

Let me show you my #plants #planttour

Healing Bath Ritual & Fairy Bread for Beltane

Healing Bath Ritual 

&

 Fairy Bread for Beltane

Baths have been around for centuries, and for good reason. They're not just a way to get clean, they're a way to relax and unwind. Plus, they have some serious health benefits. From reducing stress to relieving muscle pain, a good soak can do wonders for your body and mind. And let's not forget about the ambiance. Candles, bubbles, and maybe even a glass of wine can turn a regular bath into a spa-like experience. So, if you're feeling stressed or just need some me-time, I highly recommend taking a bath. Trust me, your body and mind will thank you.

Taking a bath on Beltane is a great idea! It's a time to celebrate the coming of summer and the renewal of life. Plus, it's a great way to cleanse yourself of any negative energy and start fresh.

Try to use essential oils and bath salts or minerals and oils in your bath. Rose and lavender or geranium are great for this time of year.

Fairy Bread

We do it gluten free around here

 To make fairy bread, you will need white bread, butter, and rainbow sprinkles. First, spread a generous amount of butter on the bread. Then, sprinkle the rainbow sprinkles on top of the buttered bread, making sure to cover the entire slice. Cut the bread into small triangles or squares and serve immediately. Fairy bread is a popular party snack in Australia and is loved by both kids and adults.

The Importance of Slowing Down in a Constantly Moving Society

It can feel like our lives are constantly moving and we are pressured to do more, faster. We live in a world where it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and it’s easy to forget the importance of slowing down. In this blog post, we'll explore why taking time to slow down is essential in today's society. We'll look at how slowing down can help us become more productive, reduce stress, and even increase our enjoyment of life.

We live in a fast-paced society

We live in a world that is driven by the need to achieve, perform, and constantly succeed. Our society is fast-paced and everyone is competing to make something of themselves; this leads to stress, fatigue, and lack of quality time for relaxation and personal growth. Everywhere we turn, we're bombarded with messages about how we should be living our lives and what accomplishments we should strive for. 

This fast-paced environment puts us under a tremendous amount of pressure, which can lead to feelings of overwhelm and anxiety. Our lives are full of tasks, obligations, and deadlines and it can be hard to keep up with the pace. Even when we take breaks, it seems like we have too much on our plates. We're constantly connected to our devices and being inundated with information, which only adds to the frenetic energy. 

It's easy to get caught up in the fast-paced lifestyle of our society and feel like we must always be doing something. But it's important to take time out for ourselves and remember the importance of slowing down.

The pressure to do more

This pressure comes from a variety of sources: media, advertising, our peers, our parents, and even ourselves. 

This relentless pressure has led to a phenomenon known as “keeping up with the Joneses”. We often find ourselves trying to outdo others in terms of material possessions and accomplishments in order to make ourselves feel better. We feel the need to keep up with those around us by buying the latest gadgets, taking expensive vacations, or having the nicest cars. 

The pressure to do more can also come from our parents. They want us to succeed and may pressure us to pursue certain educational or career paths that they deem necessary for success. They may encourage us to work long hours in order to get ahead, or to join extra-curricular activities that they believe will help us to stand out. 

Our own ambition can also lead us to pressure ourselves to do more. We strive to be perfect and expect a lot from ourselves. We often push ourselves too hard and set unrealistic goals for ourselves that can lead to burnout and unhappiness. 

The pressure to do more can be overwhelming and can lead us down a path of exhaustion and discontentment. It is important that we take the time to slow down and remember what is important in life.

How to slow down

Slowing down doesn't have to be an overwhelming task, it can actually be quite simple and enjoyable. Here are a few tips on how to slow down and create more moments of peace and serenity in your life:

1. Set Boundaries: One of the first steps in slowing down is to set clear boundaries around your time and activities. Be sure to say no to things that don't feel right or won't benefit you in the long run. Also, take the time to unplug from electronics like phones and computers and just relax. 

2. Prioritize: Prioritize what tasks you need to complete each day and focus on those instead of trying to do everything all at once. You can also give yourself permission to not do something if it’s not absolutely necessary. 

3. Take Breaks: Take regular breaks throughout the day so that you can step back and reset your energy levels. This could include anything from having a snack break or taking a few moments for yourself to read a book, listen to some music, or just close your eyes for a few minutes.

4. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of bringing your attention to the present moment without judgment. Taking the time to be mindful can help reduce stress and bring more calm into your life. Some simple mindfulness practices include deep breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation. 

5. Connect with Nature: Spend some time outdoors in nature and take in the beauty of the world around you. Whether it’s taking a walk or going for a hike, connecting with nature can help restore balance and bring a sense of peace. 

These are just a few ideas on how to slow down and enjoy life more fully. By taking the time to prioritize what’s important and setting clear boundaries, you can find more moments of peace and serenity in your life.

How to do all this while being a parent

Being a parent is one of the toughest and MOST IMPORTANT jobs out there. With all the demands that come with parenting, it can be difficult to find the time to slow down and take care of yourself. However, it is possible to make slowing down a priority for both you and your family. 

Start by making sure your children understand why it’s important for you to take care of yourself. Explain to them that if you’re not taking care of yourself, you won’t have the energy to take care of them. Encourage them to practice self-care too, so that they can grow up in an environment where slowing down is seen as a positive thing.

In addition to teaching your children the importance of slowing down, you should also focus on carving out time for yourself. Whether it’s a few moments of mindfulness or an entire weekend of rest, make sure you’re setting aside some time to relax and recharge. And when you do get some time for yourself, don’t be afraid to use it wisely. Read a book, meditate, go for a walk — whatever it is that brings you joy and helps you destress. 

By carving out time for yourself and teaching your children the importance of self-care, you can give your family a healthy and balanced lifestyle that will help everyone stay calm and relaxed in a constantly moving society. One final tip is to try and involve your child when you’re practicing self-care. Doing activities together, like yoga or painting, can help you both relax and reconnect. You can also try giving them chores that allow them to practice mindfulness and self-care, such as setting the table for dinner or helping you water the garden. By spending quality time with your children while practicing self-care, you can help them to better understand why it’s important to slow down.

Thanks for reading

Annie-Kelsey

What is slow living and how did it save my mental health?

 

Practicing slow living has been an essential part of saving my mental health as a mother in my 30s. From the time I was a small child, becoming a mom was something I'd always dreamed of. But the reality of motherhood was
much different than my expectations.

First of all dont get me started on my the birth of my son or our 3 month Nicu stay. That is just too much to go into here and now but right away.. The sleepless nights, endless responsibilities, and overwhelming pressure to be the perfect mom had taken a toll on me.

One day, I decided to take a step back and reevaluate my life. I searched for ways to simplify and slow down my routine, and that's when I discovered slow living.

Now, I take the time to appreciate the little things in life. THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS TO BE THANKFUL FOR!.

I've also learned to let go of my need for control and perfectionism.

I've become more patient, compassionate, and present with my family and As I continued on this slow living journey, I started to notice a change in my mental state. The constant anxiety and stress began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of contentment. I felt more grounded, more centered.

And with this newfound peace came a greater appreciation for the world around me. (Even with the grief of losing my Dad) I began to notice the beauty in the small things - the way the sun filtered through the trees, the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves, our morning walks and when my son brings me nature gifts.

I started to prioritize what was truly important in my life - my family, my health, my happiness. And in doing so, I found that I was able to let go of the things that didn't matter as much. The laundry could wait, the dishes could pile up. What mattered most was being present with my loved ones and enjoying the simple moments that life had to offer.

Now, as I sit on my bed writing this at the end of the day, I am grateful for the peace and calm that slow living has brought me.

I am grateful for the ability to let go of my need for control and perfectionism. I no longer feel the pressure to be the perfect mom, wife, or person. I am learning to accept myself just as I am, flaws and all.

And as I lay down to sleep, I know that tomorrow will bring its own set of challenges and responsibilities. But I also know that I will continue to practice slow living, to appreciate the little things, and to prioritize what truly matters in my life. Because in the end, that is what will bring true happiness and fulfillment.

Thank you for reading

Love, Annie-Kelsey