Taking Action to Overcome Worry: A Lesson from My Friend's Cat

We all have big or small worries; sometimes, it can be hard to shake them off. For example, one of my friends recently came to me concerned about her cat, which had been showing some mild symptoms of illness. Although the symptoms were subtle and not severe enough to warrant a trip to the vet, she couldn't help but worry.

As I listened, I realized her worry was her lack of action. She felt there was nothing she could do, so she was trapped in a cycle of worry. But I knew that this wasn't the case. So I urged her to act, even if it was just calling the vet to ask for their advice.

To my friend's surprise, the vet was able to make a good assessment of what was wrong with her cat over the phone. He recommended that she bring the cat in, and if it was what he thought it was, he could give her something to clear it up right away. This small action on my friend's part not only helped her cat but also chased away her fear and worry.

This experience taught me an important lesson: fear and action cannot coexist. When there's action, there's no fear; when there's fear, there's no action. So, the next time you worry about something, remember to take action, no matter how small. It is the thing you need to chase away your fears and worries.

Here are some tips to help you manage your worries and take action:

• Identify the source of your worry: Understand what is causing it and try to put it into perspective.
• Break it into manageable chunks: Instead of focusing on the big picture, break your worry into smaller, manageable tasks. 
• Take action: Take small, concrete steps to address your worry. 
• Practice mindfulness: Focus on the present moment and let go of negative thoughts.
• Seek support: Talk to a friend or family member, or seek professional help if your worries interfere with your daily life.

Remember, taking action is key to overcoming worry. Don't let fear hold you back from doing something about it. With the right approach, you can turn your worries into something manageable.

A Battle Within

Anger and guilt, a battle within,

A war of emotions that never seems to end.

Rage that simmers, guilt that burns,

A heart that's torn, a mind that yearns.

Anger that's fueled by past regrets,

Guilt that's born from actions we can't forget.

It's a cycle that spins out of control,

A dance of fire that consumes the soul.

The anger screams the guilt whispers low,

A constant chatter that never let us go.

It's a weight that drags, a burden to bear,

A constant reminder of mistakes we can't repair.

But in the midst of this turmoil and pain,

There's a chance for growth, to break the chain.

To understand the root of the anger and guilt,

And to find a way to heal and rebuild.

So let the anger and guilt be felt,

But let them not consume. Let them not melt.

For in this struggle, there's a chance to grow,

And to find peace in letting go.

It's a process, a journey of self-discovery,

To understand emotions and learn to recover.

With time and patience, one can find a way,

To let go of anger and guilt and find a brighter day.

A Storm Within

Sadness and anxiety, a storm within,

A tempest of emotions that never seems to end.

Tears that fall, fear that grips,

A heart that aches, a mind that flips.

Sadness that's fueled by past regrets,

Anxiety that's born from future threats.

It's a cycle that spins out of control,

A dance of darkness that clouds the soul.

The sadness whispers, the anxiety screams,

A constant chatter that never let us go.

It's a weight that drags, a burden to bear,

A constant reminder of things that aren't fair.

But in the midst of this turmoil and pain,

There's a chance for growth, to break the chain.

To understand the root of the sadness and anxiety,

And to find a way to heal and recover, eventually.

So let the sadness and anxiety be felt,

But let them not consume. Let them not melt.

For in this struggle, there's a chance to grow,

And to find peace in letting go.

It's a process, a journey of self-discovery,

To understand emotions and learn to recover.

With time and patience, one can find a way,

To let go of sadness and anxiety and find a brighter day.

12 Unique Life Resolutions/Habits to Improve Your Life Today

 As we go through life, it's easy to fall into certain habits and routines that can hold us back from reaching our full potential. Of course, we all know that we should exercise more, eat healthier, and manage our finances better, but there are other habits that we can cultivate that can be just as valuable.

Here are 12 unique life resolutions/habits that can help you improve your life today:

1. Intentionally laugh every day - Laughter has been proven to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and exercise muscles. But, more importantly, it can change your outlook on life and bring you joy and hope. So make it a point to practice laughter daily, especially on tough days.
2. Practice solitude - Find time to be alone in quiet regularly. No books, no music, no outside voices. Just you alone with yourself. This habit can help you discover things about yourself you never knew and give you a better understanding of who you are.
3. Make gratitude a discipline - Express gratitude to someone or something each day. Gratitude refocuses our attention away from what we don't have and redirects it towards what we do. As a result, it naturally causes contentment and generosity to spring up in our lives.
4. Slow down - Take the time to slow down, whether while driving or in your daily activities. Life is not a race; by slowing oy the journey and being more present.
5. Fast one by slowing down day each month - Fasting has been practised in nearly every religious tradition, teaching us self-control, self-denial, and sacrifice. It can also heighten our senses and give us a better appreciation for the things we have.
6. Adopt a "Do it Now" mentality - Procrastination can result in unnecessary stress in our lives, so try to cultivate a habit of doing things right away instead of putting them off.
7. Eat more vegetables - Eating more vegetables is a simple and measurable approach to achieving weight loss goals. Additionally, it gives us more energy, more self-esteem, and more opportunity to fight off illness and disease.
8. Read classical books from different centuries - Books that have lasted centuries contain timeless human truths that can still apply today. Rediscovering how men and women approached life hundreds of years ago can give us a new perspective and help us grow.
9. Remove pornography - Pornography can limit our capacity to appreciate the natural world and its people. By sacrificing the temporal pleasure of pornography, we can live a life that can better appreciate the simple joys of the people and relationships around us.
10. Go to bed earlier - Changing just the first hour of your day changes the remaining 23, and the best way to change the first hour is to get a good night's sleep. In addition, going to bed earlier may surprise you with how it naturally benefits other areas of your life.
11. Give to a charity - Pick and donate to a cause you believe in. The act of giving can bring joy not only to yourself but to others as well. If you can spread that much joy by filling out a check, just imagine the joy you'll spread if you volunteer your time and talents.
12. Date your spouse - Take your spouse/partner on a date at least once a month. This can help you have fun, reconnect, and strengthen your union. It doesn't have to cost much, as plenty of low-cost or free date ideas exist.

These unique life resolutions/habits may not be mainstream, but they can be just as valuable in helping you live a life with full potential. 

Living Authentically

How to Break Free from Seeking Approval

Are you someone who constantly seeks approval from others? Do you need someone to push or tell you you can do it? If so, you're not alone. Many people struggle with the need for external validation, and it can be a challenging habit to break.

The need for approval can stem from various sources, including childhood experiences, cultural norms, and personal insecurities. In addition, it can manifest in different ways, such as constantly seeking validation from others, people pleasing, or avoiding disapproval at all costs.

While seeking approval can be beneficial in certain situations, such as building relationships or achieving career success, it can also be problematic when it becomes the sole motivator for our actions. If we constantly seek approval from others, we may lose touch with our values, principles, and goals. We may also become overwhelmed, overworked, and unable to refuse others' requests.

In this situation, taking a step back and evaluating why you seek approval is essential. Ask yourself questions like: What do I value? What keeps me awake at night? How do I prefer to spend my time? You can live a more fulfilling and authentic life by listening to what you genuinely want and aligning your actions with your values, principles, and goals.

Here are some tips for breaking the cycle of seeking approval:

First, be honest with yourself: When you take on a new commitment, evaluate whether you are doing it because it's right for you or because you want to gain approval and avoid disapproval.

Set boundaries: Learn to say no when a request doesn't align with your values or goals. Setting boundaries can be challenging, but it's essential for living a more authentic life.

Practice self-care: Make time for yourself and prioritize activities that bring joy and fulfilment. Self-care can help you reconnect with yourself and your values.

Focus on intrinsic motivation: Instead of seeking external validation, focus on intrinsic motivation. Set meaningful goals for yourself and work towards them because they align with your values and principles, not because you want someone else's approval.

Seek support: Breaking the cycle of seeking approval can be challenging, and it's okay to seek support from friends, family, or a therapist.

In conclusion, seeking approval from others can be a challenging habit to break. Still, it's essential for living a more authentic and fulfilling life. By reflecting on your values, setting boundaries, and focusing on intrinsic motivation, you can break the cycle of seeking approval and living a life aligned with your true self.

Orange Butterfly

"The orange butterfly is believed to carry the message that there is life after death and that death is but a transformation like that of the butterfly."

Grieving a loved one is the most challenging. Long ago, when I lost a baby and then a parent, I never thought I would choose to work in grief in the future. We lose our loved ones, uncles, aunts, cousins, friends or grandparents. Still, sometimes it doesn't hit that hard because we are not aware of the significance of that relationship. As a child, we have been told that they are in a good place, and we don't understand what a good place means and why they have to leave us and go to that good place. Long story short, I do not have a more profound emotional attachment with who passed earlier than the first death I remember, and it's always in my thoughts when my best friend lost her parent one after another.

I can see that emptiness in her eyes, her craving for that warmth, and her loneliness. I always try to be with her in the ups and downs of her life. But I can not fill that void of losing both parents at that tender age.

Time passed a little more, and I sailed through my life. Then the first whirlpool of my life was when I lost my baby in late pregnancy; it was a shock. After that, I could not express my feelings and was pushed to live everyday life with the same sentence. She is in a good place, and as a parent, I think, what !! A good place … why and how …

Finding in my thoughts what I have missed, how this happened etc. I still feel I missed that grieving part or suffering inside. And again, when I lost my father, I still grieved him even after 17 years. Some days it feels like I am healed and accepted it. There are some days when I think it doesn't happen, that loss is still in the denial phase, and then there are days and times to relive the story or just like it happened yesterday.

But now I work with grief every other day: a new loss, a pang of guilt, a wave of anger, either delayed grief or just happened a few weeks back. I stay with them in their pain and longing and listen to their stories and grief. I tell them they do not have to follow a to-do list provided by society or religion on how to grieve and what to do.

Just live in the moment, a day at a time. It's never too late or too soon in grief. I learned how to respect and live my relationships to the fullest; I may have some regrets, but still, so many moments to cherish. Grief is the price we pay for our love, and it will never dim down or go away. It stays there. We just build a life around it brick by brick every day.

Orange butterfly

Flying around the sun

Orange butterfly

Flying through the sky

Orange butterfly

Touching me softly

Dance with me

Float with the wind

Fly with the birds

Come to my side

Just for a moment

Touch me softly

Dance with me

Float with the wind

Fly with the birds

Just for a moment

Before you say goodbye

by Zahra

A poem about Grief and Bereavement expressing Loss and Death

Optimism in the Storm

In the face of life's darkest storms,

When the winds of change blow wild and warm,

When the road ahead seems rough and long,

Remember to keep your head held firm.

For in the midst of every trial,

There lies a glimmer of a smile,

A spark of hope that can ignite,

A fire that burns with all its might.

So when the clouds obscure the sun,

And all around is dark and done,

Think of the rainbow that awaits,

Beyond the tempest and the straits.

For every night, there comes a dawn,

And every seed must crack and spawn,

So hold on to your faith and dreams,

And let your heart and spirit beam.

Life is full of ups and downs,

But with each step, new hope abounds,

So let your optimism guide you,

And in the end, you'll surely thrive.

So keep your head held high, my friend,

And never let your spirit bend,

For in the end, the sun will shine,

And all will be yours, the sweet sunshine.

Giving Advice is not Advisable

 As human beings, we are always ready to be helpful, telling around what to do or our personal stories about how we do something, and it turns out all right. So by sharing our experiences, we advise friends and family on every occasion. It's second nature for some people to tell others what to do and choose even a simple scarf or dress. Darling green is your colour. You must wear green when you want to choose purple as we feel like wearing purple and that green 'advises' fill the wardrobe with three different greens. Life is full of bits of Advice or reviews about 'which school', 'what diet' or where to go and 'what to eat. Earlier, this Advice came from parents, friends, or dear old aunts in the neighbourhood, but now it is everywhere on social media or online shopping reviews. All this controls what we think, what we like, and who we are.

I have one central theme in my training: a counsellor giving Advice is not ethical, "You are not there to give a solution; Your job is to be empathic and listen. You have to be genuine". The person sitting opposite the seat asks you 'what you think about it and what you must do. Pause and repeat, of course, in your head boundaries, ethics And then, sorry, I am not here to tell you what to do. What do you think about it? Someone and something constantly probes us as the therapist, pushing us sometimes to say something, but hardcore training makes it firm. All those long essays we write and all those books we read, our tutors and supervisors make every effort and peel that layer off from us, and we always say we are not here to tell you what to do.

On the other hand, I am on the other side of the therapist's thoughts. I was feeling stressed, and I called everyone, and they told me I must see a therapist. They are trained and help you. So my idea of therapy was for someone to give me a tailor-made solution or a pill, and then everything became rosy, and my therapist asked me what I thought about it.

No one ever asks me what I think. My parents told me, do not to do it, or my teacher, 'Why don't you do this in that way? Then society, this is the norm, and this is not.

Ok, let me think …

Why are my eyes getting teary? What's wrong with me. Why am I crying about it? It's simple; just someone first time asks me what I think about it. It's not a big deal.

Why is the room so quiet…

Why is my therapist not saying anything? Where is the clock? Is time up? Can I run without saying goodbye and never return?

But …

What about the solution I need. Who will help me …

Oh, it's me who has to help myself. Why did someone never tell me about it? Its simple answer is in me, which is what I think about my issues, not someone else. So I sipped some water, looked up and said I needed to slow down and guess what I wanted, then what someone else told me to do.

Therapist, you look so calm, as if you have discovered something. Would you like to talk about it?

You just told me you must slow down. What do you mean by it…

You are beginning to be compassionate towards yourself. We are almost approaching the end. Why don't you tell me what you think of the self-care routine so you feel less stressed?

by Zahra

The Path of Life's Sorrows

The path of life's sorrows, we tread it every day,

With heavy hearts and weary souls,

we find our way.

Through darkness and despair,

we search for the light,

But often times it seems so far,

out of reach and out of sight.

Regrets and memories linger in our minds,

Reminding us of what once was,

and what we left behind.

But still,

we press on,

through the pain and through the loss,

Hoping that one day,

our feet will find a way across.

We long for hope and happiness, but they elude us still,

And all we feel is emptiness,

a feeling that we can't fill.

But even on the darkest night,

a glimmer of hope shines,

Guiding us through the sorrows,

helping us to find the lines.

So let us journey on,

my friends,

through the hardships and the tears,

For though the path may be rough,

it is the journey that we must bear.

For in the end,

we'll find the light, and all our sorrows will subside,

And we'll look back and realize,

it was worth the path of life's sorrows to abide.

Art of saying ‘NO.’

The main point of saying ‘No’ is to say ‘yes’ to something else. But how to say it frequently and gracefully. Usually, we avoid saying ‘No’ because of social awkwardness and pressure or say ‘yes’ to everything. So how can we make it easier to say ‘No’?

1- When people ask us to do something, we think saying ‘no’ will impact our relationship with them. It seems incorrect or pleasant, but we must remind ourselves not to deny the connection or person. It will help us to make the right decision with courage and compassion. Soon people will know that you do not over-commit.

2- Do not find fancy ways of saying ‘No’ and keep it simple and blunt. Like I would like to help you, but I’m already overcommitted.

3- Remember what is essential and what needs to be done first. Give value to your time and commitment, as no one can do everything simultaneously.

4 by saying no, the first short-term impact on relationships is the reaction of annoyance, disappointment, or anger, but you will get respect and professionalism in the long run. We must choose between being popular by saying yes all the time or being respected only when we can do it but saying no often.

5- Make saying no consistently and gracefully and make it your lifestyle. Do not hide your no in silence or pause it and think if another person is getting your unavailability; otherwise, be bolder and say it. Don’t use a soft no like using the ‘word but’.

6- Email/text is an excellent point to start saying no and using a planner or digital calendar to clearly view your available time.

7- Of course, we cannot say no on some occasions, and persons like a manager or depending on what someone is asking at that point take a pause and tell them you have rescheduled some things to put this in, and you might need to make some arrangements, and you will let them know once you do it.

8- Use humour where you can or offer an alternate.

Empty Your Head by Journaling Daily

You learned how heavy our mind’s workload is; thousands of thoughts run through our heads every hour. In our journey to build a happier brain, we must consciously generate more optimistic thoughts. But our minds are still in primitive age and inclined to think of negative reviews more than positive ones. So, what do we do about it? The solution is to create another brain out of our brain: a brain that does the ‘storage’ work on paper, where you can dump out whatever is going on in your head and make your head empty once again. This process is called journaling. Having a separate paper brain outside will empty your head and allow you to control your thinking process by directing your thoughts in the way you want. In fact, journaling is considered the most beneficial kind of writing “expressive writing”, often connected with journaling, is incredibly therapeutic. The study found that participants who wrote about traumatic, stressful, or emotional events were significantly less likely to get sick and were ultimately less seriously affected by trauma than their non-journaling counterparts. You can distance yourself from your thoughts and emotions if you consistently start seeing them on paper. Precisely, your conscious memory and RAM (just like a computer) should not be used to store the running thoughts; instead, they should be used to create new ideas.

Writing empties the conscious space so that much better work can be

undertaken by the mind, such as generating fresh ideas and thoughts.

Moreover, you can now see what’s going on more objectively. You can

distinguish if something is just a fearful, negative thought or if it is really

worth paying attention to.

Journaling also makes you more grateful and happier because you can see all the good things happening in your life now.

What should you write in your journal?

What one should cover in one’s journal is as follows:

What are you grateful for regarding your previous day?

What are your specific accomplishments?

What are your particular desired areas of improvement?

What are the top five things that you must do today to take your life

to the next level?

Journaling is a technique to bring happiness. Here is how it works:

Sit in a quiet place, and take twenty to thirty minutes to think about what you expect your life to be one, five, or ten years from now. Visualize a future for yourself in which everything has turned out the way that you’ve wanted. You have tried your best, worked hard, and achieved all your goals. Now write down what you imagine. This writing exercise, in a sense, puts your optimistic ‘muscles’ into practice. Even if thinking about the brightest future for yourself doesn’t come naturally at first, it may get there with time and training. Amazing things can come about as a result of writing. Also, researchers recommend a 20 minutes replay exercise. He says writing for 20 minutes about a positive experience is a GREAT way to boost your happiness. I’ve told you many approaches to journaling, as I didn’t want you to limit what has worked for me only. Everyone is different, so you may prefer a different technique to express your thoughts and emotions. This journaling exercise aims to empty your head and help you see your thoughts and feelings from afar. Again, ten minutes of daily journaling will start to enhance the level of your clarity and bring a smile to your face. You become more focused and action-oriented since you can see clearly on paper and identify what matters and is worth ignoring.

by Zahra

Inked Imagination

Inked Imagination: Exploring Mental Health through Photography and Walk and Talk Therapy

As humans, we all have our struggles and hardships that we go through in life. Some of us may have experienced traumatic events or have ongoing mental health issues that we are dealing with. While there are various ways to cope with these challenges, one avenue that has been particularly helpful for me is photography.

I began my photography journey a few years ago as a hobby, but it quickly became much more than that. Through my camera lens, I captured moments of beauty and inspiration in my surroundings that I may have otherwise overlooked. It gave me a sense of purpose and helped me to find joy in even the most minor things.

But it wasn't just about the act of taking pictures. The process of editing and manipulating the images also became a form of therapy for me. It allowed me to express my creativity and emotions in a way I couldn't do with words alone. Through editing, I could take a photo and turn it into something entirely new, transforming it into a representation of my Imagination and emotions.

As my photography skills improved, I began to use my camera as a tool for therapy in another way - through the walk and talk therapy. This approach involves going for a walk with a therapist and using walking to release stress and engage in conversation.

For me, combining photography with this approach has been incredibly beneficial. During these walks, I bring my camera and take photos of anything that catches my eye. It helps shift my focus from my thoughts and worries to the beauty around me.

As I take pictures, my therapist and I converse about my thoughts and feelings, which helps me to process and work through them. Then, we use the images I've captured to visually represent and explore these emotions, allowing me to better understand my thoughts and feelings.

Through this combination of photography and walk-and-talk therapy, I have found a new sense of purpose and meaning in my life. It has allowed me to connect with my surroundings in a way I never thought possible and has given me the tools to manage my mental health healthily and productively.

Inked Imagination has become more than just a photography project for me - it's a journey of self-discovery and healing. I have found a way to express myself and work through my emotions by capturing and manipulating images. And through walk-and-talk therapy, I have found a way to connect with my surroundings and find peace in my mind.

I encourage anyone struggling with mental health issues or looking for a new way to express themselves to consider taking a camera and exploring the world around them. Who knows, it might just lead to self-discovery and healing like mine.

Label: "Mental Health," "Photography," "Therapy," "Self-Discovery"

Inner Lense

   

The Power of Poetry to Express Emotions

There is something unique about poetry that captures the essence of human emotions. Unlike other forms of writing, poetry allows for a deeper and more expressive exploration of the human condition. No wonder poetry has been a means of expressing one's feelings since the dawn of human civilization. In this blog post, we will explore the power of poetry to express emotions and why it remains a vital art form for individuals to connect with their innermost selves.

Poetry is a form of art capable of conveying complex emotions through language. Unlike prose, which often relies on logic and reasoning, poetry emphasizes imagery, metaphor, and symbolism to evoke feelings in the reader. Using words to paint vivid pictures and convey abstract concepts, poetry allows readers to connect with the author's emotions on a deeper level.

One of the most remarkable things about poetry is its ability to capture the fleeting nature of emotions. Emotions are often fleeting and difficult to express in words. Still, poetry allows for a more permanent representation of these feelings. Poets can use their words to immortalize their emotions and allow them to live on beyond the moment they experience.

Poetry can be a cathartic experience for both the writer and the reader. Writing poetry allows individuals to explore and process their emotions creatively and expressively. By putting their feelings into words, individuals can better understand and come to terms with their emotions. For readers, poetry can provide a sense of validation and comfort in knowing someone else has experienced similar emotions.

In addition to its emotional benefits, poetry is a means of artistic expression. It allows for the exploration of language and encourages experimentation with different forms and styles. Poets can create unique and memorable works that leave a lasting impression on the reader by playing with words and sentence structure.

In conclusion, poetry remains a powerful means of expressing emotions and connecting with one's innermost self. Its ability to capture the fleeting nature of emotions and provide a cathartic experience for the writer and the reader makes it a vital art form. So, the next time you struggle to express your feelings, consider picking up a pen and trying your hand at poetry. You may be surprised at what you discover about yourself in the process.

Inner Compass

  Navigating Life with Writing: How Journaling Can Help You Find Your Inner Compass

In the modern world, getting lost in the day-to-day chaos of life can be easy. However, it's essential to take time for self-reflection to explore our inner thoughts and feelings. Writing and Journaling are potent tools that help us stay connected to ourselves and our inner compass.

For centuries, writing has been used as a means of self-expression. From carving hieroglyphics into stone tablets to publishing online poetry, writing has allowed people to explore their emotions, experiences, and ideas. Journaling is a form of writing that allows individuals to track their thoughts and feelings over time.

We gain insight into our minds by writing down our thoughts and emotions. Writing can help us identify patterns in our behaviour, uncover hidden beliefs, and explore new ideas. It can act as a map that helps us navigate the terrain of our inner worlds.

Journaling is particularly effective as an inner compass. Individuals can track their moods, thoughts, and experiences by Journaling. It benefits those struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. In addition, Journaling can help individuals identify triggers for their negative emotions and develop coping strategies.

In addition to its mental health benefits, Journaling can help individuals stay on track with their personal goals. By writing down their goals and tracking their progress, individuals can stay motivated and focused on what's important. In addition, Journaling can provide a space for individuals to reflect on their values and priorities, helping them stay aligned with their inner compass.

Writing and Journaling are powerful tools for self-discovery and personal growth. Whether through creative writing, Journaling, or simply jotting down our thoughts throughout the day, writing can help us stay connected to our inner compass and navigate life's journey with greater clarity and purpose. So it's time to start journaling and find your inner compass today.

Label: Self-Discovery and Personal Growth, innercompass