(M)ental Health: May is Mental Health Awareness Month. I hope you are willing and able to check in with the people you love and please check in with yourself. There's no shame in it. On average, 1 in 5 people experience mental health issues. It may be temporary. It may be long-term. It may be nothing. Wouldn't it be nice to know? End the stigma.
(M)ani-pedi: This is the first month this year that I haven't had a doctor appointment. Instead I chose to treat myself to a trip to the salon. La Cure in North East, MD is my favorite. I've never had a bad experience there, and this was no exception. Spa music, muted tones on the walls, bubbling water, and that chair. It's the whole reason I go. Sure, the self-care behind it is a plus, and my feet no longer look like I've been walking barefoot my entire life....but that massage chair. It hits all the right spots. I end up with bruises on my back but it hurts so good.
(M)ask: In addition to my mani-pedi, I also tried a mask. I don't do needles well so in place of collagen shots I thought I'd try this. My inaugural attempt was a mess, but this one worked out well. Believe it or not, masks do work. My face feels better and looks a bit lifted for a few days. It's also a great excuse to lay in bed and read for 20 mins. Can't do dishes-I've got a mask. Can't flip the laundry-I've got a mask. Want me to commit a crime? Sure thing-I've got a mask.
(M)indfulness: My therapist and I have been talking about mindfulness and how to incorporate it into my day. I've been working on it at school when things seem to be coming apart. By the end of the week, Mindfulness turns into Apathy and I give up trying to reign in the crazy. However, the other day brought some success. I was in a hurry to get errands done and hopped into the car to check the next thing off my list. Generally I turn the car on, turn the radio on, click the seatbelt and peal out of the parking lot. When I left Kohls the other day, something caused me to stop and look.
A man parked in front of me got out of his car and removed his newborn son from the back seat. He was so new and very tiny curled up on Dad's chest. Next Dad opened the hatch to get something out. I waited and was going to offer help if he needed another hand. He then walked around to the passenger side and helped Mom up out of the car. Clearly this baby was brand new because Mom was walking like it still hurt to move.
This awesome husband/father/KING did everything he could to make life easier for Mom. He was so gentle and loving and I sat there in the moment and enjoyed this. That's being mindful. Tap the brakes, and take in the scene.
(M)om: Moms will never stop momming. At least mine won't. I spent the weekend downashore (#IYKYK) and hung out with my parents. I offered to treat them to lunch, dinner, a ballgame, and she wouldn't allow any of it. She also cooked a delish pork dinner and has a picture of my artwork hanging on the fridge. I hope you all have a mom like this.
(M)iddle Ages: While 1644 is not technically the Middle Ages (it's the Renaissance), this is where Justice Alito would have us return to keep his faith and conscience in tact. Let's go back 378 years to address a modern-day subject. Know what else they were doing in the 1600's? Treatments of illnesses with lead and mercury, and witch hunts. LITERAL witch hunts. Complete with burning stakes. Sure, let's go back there.
(M)onkeypox: SERIOUSLY?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? WTH?!
Next month it's back to the doctor appointments with two very special trips (insert sarcasm font here). Can't wait to tell you about them. TW: There will be TMI. Oh! And jury duty. Awesome.
