Looking at Self in The Mirror

Hey Royals,

Here we are in the month of May! I don’t know about you, but time is flying by, especially given these unprecedented times.  We were just in a strict state of shelter in place in April and now that has been lifted.  WHOA! Outside is beginning to open up ya’ll and I am NOT ready! There were so many people reported on the news at the parks, in the gyms, and in the restaurants not wearing a mask! Say what now?! As for me and my house, we will remain shelter in place until further notice.  Who’s with me?

I know for some or even most, we’re ready to get back to our “normal” way of life.  The weather is beautiful, flowers are blooming, the trees are full and green, and my allergies are knocking me out every chance they get.  May is the month when summer officially kicks off for us educators. I tend to celebrate the end of the school year by participating in the annual Jazz Festival that takes place on Memorial Day weekend.  We get together with friends and have a massive picnic with all our favorite food and beverages; we play games and just listen to the sweet sounds of the horns from the stage- issa vibe! But due to this pandemic, we’ve all been forced to pivot and adjust to a new way of life. Yeah, we can’t really go outside without gloves and a mask and we’re all on the struggle bus without our regular scheduled cosmetic appointments but there has been so much beauty in this- well at least for me.

Being home and being still has brought so much fulfillment. Without even trying, I have been getting to know myself just a little more through various activities that I will discuss throughout the month but it all points back to my spiritual, social, and emotional well-being.  In the spirit of Mental Health Awareness Month, I invite you to journey with me to build and/or improve your self-awareness.  Being self-aware is the first step in being socially and emotionally competent.  It’s understanding yourself, your emotions, your thoughts, your cultural identity, ways in which you feel about certain situations and why you feel that way, understanding how you fit into your family, community, and the broader world. Knowing and understanding who you are, how you relate to others, and how others see you promotes self-confidence, healthy self-perception, and a growth mindset.

We’re constantly changing and evolving in the various seasons of our lives.  Let’s claim today that May is our month to grow! Let’s be intentional about breaking down the many layers of our self so that we can live holistically with our family, friends, children, spouse, co-workers, and anyone else we cross paths.  Life becomes more meaningful and purposeful when we live up to our potential and beyond the face of our current circumstances. 

Here’s to living holistically!

XO- Tinesha