Pockets Of Peace

Over the past year, it has been essential for me to check in with myself regularly. I am constantly taking time to balance my mental health and self-care; it's become a top priority. Naturally, we invest much in our careers, households, and relationships. Yes, the investment in all these things is important, but what about you? Give yourself permission to pause. It is ok to take a break from whatever you need to take a break from. It could be your family, friends, work, kids...whatever! You should not feel guilty about it. There is no need to feel like you must explain or defend yourself. My motto for 2020 has been to “Protect My Peace”. Investing and staying true to myself comes first and foremost. 

2020 has been rough from the very beginning. There has been so much hurt and pain from so many different angles. We've never experienced anything like this. This year has definitely shown me that we are working on borrowed time. Life changes with no warning and without explanation, so it's important for me to do things that matter to me. That's one of the main reasons why I started this blog. I have wanted to start a blog for about 4 years now. As time went on, the initial intent of it changed. I want to talk about random shit now, so that's exactly what I am doing. I hope people feel me and enjoy the content. This is a part of my self-care and I am happy about it. 

Life is heavy and we carry a lot. Small pockets of peace and happiness are necessary. Self-care is not selfish, so adjusting your focus more internally is beneficial. I have started to incorporate small pockets of peace into my life daily. Simple things that make me feel good. Here are a few pockets of peace that get me through:

Lauren's Pockets of Peace:

• Prayer- I am stressing less and praying more because God has never NOT come through for me. 

• Natural State- For the first time since I was a child, I have grown my natural hair. Focusing on these edges and just feeling free (I am not ready to show that just yet). 

• Gardening- This summer I grew cucumbers, squash, green beans, kale, and tomatoes. I just started my Fall Harvest of collard greens, broccoli, and cabbage.

• Flowers- Every Sunday, I buy a beautiful bouquet of flowers for my desk. When my day gets rough, I look at my flowers and immediately feel better. 

• The Vibes- A good playlist and candles get me through the day. Check me out on Apple Music, I have some bomb playlists (Shvone Green).

• Rest- I am asleep by 10p on weeknights (LOL). The only exception was the Brandy/Monica Verzuz on Monday.

• Skincare- I have stuck to my skincare routine and my skin is looking better. I am still working on my hyperpigmentation.

• Healing Crystals- Getting this energy and these chakras in order!

• Reading- I am currently reading The Autobiography of Malcolm X.

• Movies- Watching old movies always puts me in a good mood. The Color Purple, Life, Coming to America. 

• Wine Down- A glass of wine on the deck watching the clouds is always relaxing.

• Nothing- Some days I do absolutely nothing but lie on the couch and binge-watch Netflix. I am currently watching The Umbrella Academy right now. 

• Plant Mom- Since Sister Rona started, I have become a plant mom. I now have 8 plants. I talk to them, and play Anita Baker for them. Their names are: Sassy Baltimore, Shorty, Anita, Sade, Bessie, Ashford, Simpson, and Sideshow Bob.

So today, do one little thing to take better care of yourself....then repeat that tomorrow. 

What are some of your pockets of peace? How are you showing up for yourself? Let me know in the comments.