Black Diamond Strong Starts with Self Care!
Often we are our own worst enemies because there are others to care for. In the process of parenting, looking after aging parents and finding our way as a student while showing up for work, we lose sleep, skip meals and no longer know what relaxation looks or feels like. Add the pandemic to the mix and life in our fast paced society life becomes exhausting. How do you charge your battery?
The world looks different if you have the energy to be creative, enthusiastic and confident. It starts with being honest with yourself about what you can handle. Explore your values, set boundaries, learn to say no and ask for help. Taking this time for yourself is time well invested and ensures you are in for the long haul. Would you take your car without checking the tank to see if you have enough gas to last for the journey?
When there is too much going on in your head, you are pulled in all directions at once. Solutions might be in front of you, but you are blindsided by the noise in your brain. Eventually reality catches up and you find your tank empty. Do not let it come that far. You can be there for others, but make sure to be there for yourself to start with. Before you get that car on the road, check the controls and know it is up for the trip.
If you find yourself being hard on yourself and demanding more than you can handle, picture the little child you once were and find the patience and empathy to tap into for your adult self. Keep in mind: if all our brain can do is worry about others, it does not get to recharge. Sometimes we have to let things be for a little while, and in the space that is created we recharge and find solutions that can be surprisingly simple.
Black Diamond Strong is about learning together and inspiring each other through exchange of experiences, ideas and thoughts. We cannot do it alone. We need people to take part in the discussion and design a community path for wellbeing. Residents are invited to connect by email to diamondvalleystrong@gmail.com or in writing at Black Diamond Strong, p/a FCSS 301 Centre Avenue West, Black Diamond TOL 0H0.
Riny Tuithof de Jonge
Community Animator
Black Diamond Strong Mental Wellness Movement
