It Isn't Too Late To Try Again

        So, that last post was kind of heavy.  I'm so grateful for the positive feedback I have received, by the way.  It's a bit strange to find out that someone reads these posts, and another thing altogether to have someone give really heart-felt feedback!  So thank you.

        I figured, since I waxed a bit whiny this last time, perhaps it is time to pull out some healthy coping mechanisms.  At nearly 3 am, I'm demonstrating the opposite of one such mechanism: getting enough sleep.  But I'm balancing that by trying to think of some more healthy ones, especially since I could use a few, tonight.

        On the PB Facebook Page, I posted a while back a request for healthy coping mechanisms that you, the readers and participants, have used to help you through those tough moments.  There have been some amazing ones, so far!  And the request still stands, which means feel free to post your suggestions either in the comments below**, or even just post them on the FB page!  We'd love to see more of them!

So far, some include:

• Listening to music.  Personally, I find this can be done in multiple choices of ways.  Either play music that moves you to action; that which vents your emotions that threaten to overwhelm you; or that soothes and/or comforts you.  Any or all can be used, to help get you to a more centered and grounded state of mind, if used wisely.
• Talking to someone.  Connecting with a friend, family member or other(s) who can listen and share with empathy, love and without judgment can be incredibly powerful!  Being able to reaffirm that you are loved, appreciated and supported in your efforts to keep going when you feel like giving up, can give you the strength to do so.
• Helping someone.  People say all the time, that the best way to ease your load of troubles is to help lift someone else's.  And it is actually true - by focusing with concern to the needs of others, it can be very healing to yourself, as well.  Be sure to work on creating mutually-supportive relationships, so you can be nourished as much as you give.
• Getting creative.  Even if you don't consider yourself a Master of The Arts, doing something creative can really boost mood and add new flavors to life's experience.  You can even take a class or join a group that shares the process with you, and/or teaches you something new.
• ~ breathe ~  When you get stressed, or in pain, take a few deep, slow breaths, concentrating on feeling the air as it makes its journey through your body, and being sure to breathe out slowly.  The extra oxygen and focus can help relax tension, ease anxiety, and promote a more restful state of being, which helps relieve pain by releasing tension.
• Meditating.  Spending even 5-15 minutes of the above-mentioned breathing, in a quiet state where you can relax and focus on being calm and empty of extraneous thought, can allow the mind to reset, allowing you an opportunity to feel more clear-minded and generally focused, even after the state of meditation is ceased.  There are many, wonderful sites (and apps; some free) that help guide meditation.
• Being mindful.  Taking a moment, several times a day, to touch base with how you feel can actually help relieve pain and anxiety.  It seems counter-intuitive, but it really does work! 

        There are many websites that offer more information about these concepts and more, and perhaps if you find some you feel are helpful, please share with us!  We can all benefit when we share the path of Life, together!

        Okay, time for me to sleep!  Enjoy a more relaxed, more focused, more enlightened sort of day!  And remember, someone cares about *you* enough to get out here and share this stuff!

Better day tomorrow, my friends!

**Update 9/2017: For some reason Blogger doesn't let me log in and post responses to comments here on the blog, but feel free to contact me via Facebook or thephoenixandthebutterfly@gmail.com .  I try to respond to every message/comment in both as soon as I can!