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I was tired today.  I’m not talking about being a little sleepy, either.  I’m talking about the kind of tired today where by 10:00a.m., I thought I was going to need toothpicks to hold my eyes open.  I stayed up late working on a logo for Crossroads and had to be up early for another round of state testing at the school.  As Tuesday dragged on, I noticed my mood sinking and my energy level withering.  My exhaustion had me reflecting about what I know professionally regarding rest and its affect on our mood.  That spiraled into thoughts of self-care and how easy it can be to avoid it all together.  The fact is, though, self-care is one of the easiest, least expensive ways to care for our physical AND mental health.  The National Institutes of Health reports the many benefits from exercise: better sleep, better intimacy, better endurance, less stress, better moods, more energy, and the list goes on.  The American Psychological Association says that adults who sleep less than eight hours a night feel more sluggish, lazy and irritable than their peers who catch enough Z’s.  I don’t even have to mention what we now know about lack of sleep and concentration.  There are endless reports of drowsy and/or distracted driving accidents each year.  I won’t bore you with another set of facts regarding diet.  I’ll spare you another lecture on meditation and relaxation.  Instead, I’ll leave you with a condensed list of all the things we (and I include myself heavily in that group) can do to take better care of ourselves….

1. Go for a walk
2. Eat your veggies (and fruits!)
3. Laugh with a friend
4. Dance with your spouse/partner
5. Color with your kids
6. Take a nap
7. Join a yoga class
8. Journal
9. Pray or meditate
10. Listen to your favorite music (whatever soothes you!)
11. Pet your furry friends
12. Go to bed early
13. Get up from your desk every hour and move
14. Eat protein
15. Drink water
16. Compliment others
17. Volunteer
18. If you can afford it, take a vacation (even if it’s a staycation)
19. Read
20. Find a hobby you enjoy

If someone would have told me twenty years ago that I would be quitting my full-time, full-benefits job to open a business, I more than likely would’ve questioned their judgment.  First and foremost, I know ZILCH about opening/managing a business.  Secondly, I like control.  Since I was fifteen years old, I’ve had a steady, monthly paycheck of some sort.  I prefer the safety and comfort of holding a pay stub in my hand.  Embarking on a new journey into the unknown is definitely out of my comfort zone.  My husband is usually the adventurous one, fearless when it comes to schedules and plans.  Interestingly enough, he is the one who pushed me to jump.  (And I’m so thankful he did!)  One thing I know, and always have, is that I thrive on helping people.  Even as a child, I was eager to talk to others — getting to know them, learning about the ins and outs of their lives.  Maybe that’s why being a counselor comes so naturally to me.  When I was younger, my favorite uncle would always say to me: “Amy Lynn…you’re gonna be the next Barbara Walters.”  I guess in some ways, being a therapist comes pretty close.  Learning to run a business will happen over time.  I’m a pretty fast learner and a perfectionist, so I’m know that part will fall into place…slowly, but surely.  What keeps my fire lit –and keeps the fear at bay– is knowing that each and every day, I will get to chase after my dream.  I get to use my own experiences (and heartbreak) in this world to help others who feel hopeless, downtrodden and alone.  I get to ask the tough questions, while also gently nudging the person to explore the inner workings of their mind, body and spirit.  Who knows where this new journey will take me?  I’m trying to step out of my norm of planning every detail and just enjoy the ride.  I invite you to take this trip with me.  Beginning July 16th, the doors to Crossroads Mental Health Services will officially be open for business.  Send me your tired, your weak, your weary.  Bring me the distressed, anxious and confused.   It’s my calling to help each of them navigate the twists and turns that life can bring.  ♥♥♥