Tag Archives: life

Dec19

Hats Off: Misny Merch Edition

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Hats Off: Misny Merch Edition

Hi darlings!! It has been forever since we’ve had a new edition of Hats Off because I haven’t bought a new hat in… Well, forever. That changes today, though, because we have a few hats from the Misny Merch collection to check out! Ohio’s favorite local celebrity, Tim Misny, is the man and it was such a joy to create content with him. We had so much fun showing off the Misny Merch line in its entirety and shining a light on the Cleveland City Mission. All proceeds from merch purchases directly benefit this amazing charity that helps battle homelessness in Cleveland. Tim is a huge supporter of the Cleveland City Mission and I tip my new Misny Merch hats to all of those who give their time and love to those who need it at the CCM. Let’s take a look at this swag!

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During the fall and winter, I feel like I am constantly rocking a beanie. They are such a classic cold weather staple and it’s just too easy to throw one on in the morning and call it a day. My go to beanie features the phrase “bad hair day” and, yes, it does cover up my crazy hair from first waking up but also assists in my pure laziness lol. During the work week, I am either up at three or four thirty AM and the last thing I am concerned about is the state of my hair in the wee hours of the morn! I am LOVING my new Misny Merch beanies because they are really similar in style to my bad hair day one and offer an infinitely cooler tagline: A variation of Tim’s signature catchphrase, “I’ll make them pay”.

Another fun item from the Misny Merch line are the baseball caps that say “Misny To The Max”. I think the slogan is absolutely hilarious and I also have this cap in black too. In fact, I wore it in the OOTD I styled to win the contest that put me into Tim’s orbit. Everything that Tim does, trust and believe he does it to the max. Whether that be helping the Cleveland City Mission, taking on a personal injury case, or even decorating Misnyland – he’d rather go big or go home. These hats are a fabulous reminder to do everything to the max and see what happens. It applies to me firsthand. If I didn’t have a “to the max” attitude, then I never would have secured the interview that made me and Tim instant besties!!

Live your life to the max and good things will come your way. Live your life in a “Misny To The Max” baseball cap and you’ll look cool while doing it. Buy yours today at Misny Merch and support the Cleveland City Mission!!

How do you live your life to the max? What is your favorite style of hat? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec13

Give Me A Boost

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Give Me A Boost

Hello!!!! Johnny and I had the misfortune of getting Covid late this September and it was about a bitch lol. The last time we had Covid was in 2020 and we were both completely asymptomatic. If I didn’t know I was exposed, we never would have known we even had it. This past time around, we had ALL of the symptoms and it sucked. The general rule of thumb is to wait three or so months to get a vaccine or booster shot post Covid and I finally was able to get my updated booster this past Friday and… it SUCKED!!!!!

I have gotten every Covid vaccine and booster available and I have never reacted well to them. I’m not sure why I expected this time to be any different and, bully for me, because this was probably my worst experience yet. Pretty much immediately after my shot, my arm was extremely sore but I was still feeling okay physically. Fast forward to that night after a delightful hang out with my bestie and I spent my slumber sweating to the oldies. My pillowcase is now a shocking combo of red and blue hair dye because of it SMH.

On Saturday, I woke up with a pounding headache, nausea, and a fever that flip flopped back and forth with chills. I spent all day watching Criminal Minds and My 600 Lb Life and despite them being two of my favorite comfort shows, I was not comforted one bit! I had no appetite, felt so run down, and couldn’t wait to go to bed with the hopes that I would feel better on Sunday. I slept and sweat for a solid twelve or so hours and somehow managed to wake up feeling worse.

Sunday was a doozy of a day and my nausea was at an all time high. I ralphed four times and only started feeling slightly better when I was able to keep some food down for dinner later that evening. Thankfully, after another super sweaty night, I am feeling much better as I write this Monday morning. I can only compare this booster experience to my day three or four of having actual Covid and it was a pretty miserable way to spend the weekend.

Having said all of that, I am SO happy to be boosted up just in time for the holidays. I consider these booster shots to be a necessary evil because of how poorly I react to them. However, I know that if Johnny and I were to get Covid again, it would be so much worse without the added protection. Even though it was a major bummer to spend the weekend feeling like ass, I knew that I would feel better soon and that was good enough for me. I’m just glad to be over and done with it and now I have the pleasure of taking care of Johnny when he gets boosted this upcoming weekend! 😀

Unfortunately, Covid is something we’re always going to have to deal with. The vaccines and boosters make me feel much more comfortable with that fact and I am proud to do my part to keep myself and those around me safe. ❤

How did you react to your Covid vaccines and boosters? So so or oh NO? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec6

Why You Should Embrace Your Inner Child

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Why You Should Embrace Your Inner Child

Adulthood was once considered the time to ‘put away childish things’ as a famous poet once wrote. But why? There are so many benefits to embracing your inner child that we should all be making more time to get back into the kid headspace more often. Let’s discuss:

Laughter is the Best Medicine (and It’s Free!):

Remember when you used to laugh so hard that milk would shoot out of your nose? Okay, maybe don’t aim for the nose-milk part, but laughter really is good for you, and science says so, so there (see I’m getting childish already). It relieves stress, boosts your mood, and even burns calories. So go ahead, watch that cartoon, giggle at silly jokes, and let your laugh be as loud and unapologetic as a child’s.

Playtime Isn’t Just for Kids:

Play isn’t just for the under-10s; it’s a crucial part of being a happy, well-rounded adult too. Yes, really! Okay, so what does this play look like? This could mean anything from board games and sports to arts and crafts, or maybe even building up an army of your favorite collectible toys and letting them battle it out whenever you need to de-stress. Speaking of stress, ever tried adult coloring books? They’re like therapy, but with more crayons and less awkward silences.

Curiosity Didn’t Kill the Cat; It Made Life More Interesting:

Kids are curious about everything, and somehow, as adults, we lose that. Well, now it’s time to reignite your curiosity. Ask questions, explore, and try new things. It keeps life interesting and your brain engaged. Remember, it’s never too late to learn how to play the guitar or speak another language. Unless it’s Klingon. Maybe draw the line at Klingon. This will keep you feeling young, but more importantly, it will keep your brain healthy as you get older, too.

Emotions: Feel Them All:

Kids feel their emotions deeply and aren’t afraid to show them. As adults, we often bottle things up, and this is not, for the most part, a good thing. It’s okay to be vulnerable, to feel sad, happy, or even throw a good old-fashioned tantrum (preferably not in the middle of a supermarket, though).

Imagination: More Valuable Than You Think:

Our imagination seems to shrink as we age, but it’s one of our most powerful tools. Use it! Dream big, think creatively in your job, or just daydream about being a pirate. Imagination adds color to the mundane grayness of adult life.

Say Yes to Adventure:

Remember when a simple trip to the park felt like an adventure? Bring that feeling back. Be spontaneous, say yes to new experiences, and see where life takes you. It’s about making memories, not just to-do lists.

Your hair might be grey and your knees might ache like never before, but that doesn’t mean you can’t embrace the child within every day!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov1

How To Learn A Brand New Skill In Middle-Age

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How To Learn A Brand New Skill In Middle-Age

Middle age is nowhere near the “can’t teach an old dog new tricks” stage yet, and that adage is hardly even true in the first place. Sure, nootropics like Fasoracetam can give you a leg up, but nothing beats diligent hard work and motivation. So, let’s say you want to dive straight into embracing your novicehood in a brand new skill. How might you go about it? That’s not an easy question to answer, but in this post, we’ll help you get there. Let’s begin:

Don’t Over Complicate It:

Your age doesn’t mean you have to swim before you can walk, so never over complicating your pursuit is healthy. Say you want to learn how to draw – using anatomy figures and learning very basic perspective tips with YouTube tutorials or even sketchbooks can be tremendously helpful. Perhaps instead of learning a new hobby, you would like to try a different career. You can do this no matter what your age is and all you need to do is start. You can look into local colleges, certification programs, or community services courses online so you can learn in your own time and give back to those who need it. Remember that you have nothing to prove to anyone but yourself.

Fall In Love With The Craft:

As we get older, we tend to learn skills for practicality. This is because we all have to earn a living, or refine ourselves in certain roles, be that parent, homeowner, business person, etc. But obligation can often make you feel disconnected or even tired of the skill or habit before you even begin. That’s why it’s good to fall in love with the craft, even if it’s learning basic DIY so you can improve certain aspects of the home more cheaply and integrate your own aesthetic changes.

Join A Social Group:

This is an optional step, but you’ll find it’s much healthier to learn alongside and make mistakes with novices just like you, who may be in the same boat. For example, you can definitely learn yoga poses and take classes online, but there’s something connective about being in a studio with people from all walks of life and trying not to fall down among them during increasingly difficult poses that yes, you one day will pull off. Not only does this turn the skill into an event, but let’s face it, it can be harder to make friends as you get older. As such, this provides a golden opportunity to get started and socialize while doing it.

With this advice, you’re sure to not only learn, but excel in a brand new skill, no matter your age!

Oct30

Reduce Your Stress In 5 Steps

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Reduce Your Stress In 5 Steps

In life, we all deal with stress for various reasons. However, we do not need to live life feeling stressed. We should live life feeling happy and calm. If you feel that you are overly stressed and do not know how to reduce it and regain your quality of life and happiness, follow these steps:

Consult a chiropractor:

Many people assume that a chiropractor can only help with back pain and neck aches. But they are capable of so much more. If you are feeling stressed out, they are a great person to talk to. You will be shocked at how much assistance they can provide. Reducing stress and improving your daily well-being can be achieved by making minor adjustments to your joints and muscles. If you are interested in visiting a chiropractor, simply enter a search for “Chiropractor Near Me“. Seek a practice that has excellent reviews and customer testimonials.

Strive for a harmonious work-life balance.

It is essential that you achieve a healthy work-life balance; otherwise, you can risk experiencing a lot of stress for no reason. For example, you are doing nothing but working if you are not taking enough breaks during the workday and taking your holidays. Taking pauses can help your mind clear and concentrate, keeping you composed and preventing unneeded tension.

Make every effort to enhance your work-life balance if you believe that your job is giving you a lot of stress. You will discover the mental and physical benefits of an exercise class after work, as well as the mental benefits of a ten minute break. And, be sure to pamper yourself during your downtime too. Whether that be taking a long soak in the tub or even booking an appointment for acupuncture to soothe stress. To begin finding a practitioner near you, simply enter a search for “acupuncture clinic London” (or your local area) and explore the different services available.

Breathe deeply and meditate:

Some people do not realize the amazing effects and benefits of managing stress through meditation and deep breathing techniques. People can stay calm and in the present moment by engaging in these mindful practices. All it takes to control your cortisol levels and ensure that you do not experience needless stress during the day is a few minutes of deep breathing or meditation each morning.

For some people, vape devices may offer them a complementary means to supplement their deep breathing practices. When they choose vape liquid with soothing flavors or aromas, they may find it easier to relax and focus on their breathing exercises. While meditation and deep breathing alone are powerful practices, when combined with tools that enhance relaxation, it can create an even more enjoyable and tailored experience. It’s important that you are mindful of both the quality and composition of the vape liquid to make sure that it aligns with your overall health and well-being goals.

Cut down on screen time:

Cutting back on your screen time will be very beneficial for stress management and relief. The extent to which screen time can negatively impact your stress levels and mental health will astound you. You will undoubtedly feel more at ease and content when you go to bed and throughout the evening if you cut down on your screen time each night.

Get more rest:

When it comes to lowering your stress levels, one of the best things you can do is to get more sleep. Your body and mind may feel extremely stressed and exhausted if you are not getting enough sleep. Setting a daily goal of 7 to 9 hours is crucial. That is okay if you can not get this much sleep or if you need less. On the other hand, you will worsen your health and experience more stress if you do not prioritize getting enough sleep. You will undoubtedly feel more at ease and be able to sleep for a longer period of time if you go to bed earlier and put down your phone a few hours before.

These simple steps can be incorporated in your life immediately to help start reducing your stress!

Featured Image By: Leah Kelley

Oct16

How To Bring A Little Joy Into Your Life

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How To Bring A Little Joy Into Your Life

Many times in a person’s life they can find themselves feeling stuck in a rut, deflated, or that there is nothing positive happening. If you feel like this, then it could be for many reasons. One of which could simply be that you are not giving yourself the time you deserve to enjoy the possibilities that life is presenting you. So, whether it is cutting out negative habits, creating new and healthy ones, or simply allowing yourself time to relax, here are several ways in which you can bring a little joy into your life:

Limit your time on social media:

Social media is still a relatively new thing as far as human existence goes. Although it has brought about many new and exciting possibilities, it also has some fairly negative attributes associated with it. Many people can find themselves consuming social media for hours, and letting the days slip by without doing the important things that make them happy. When consuming a large amount of social media it can be hard to detach from what you are consuming, and many people find themselves constantly comparing their lives to those they see online. Both of these situations can impact your mental health in a negative way, and suck the joy out of your life. To combat this, you should consider limiting your time on social media, and instead give that free time to yourself. Even if you do nothing and simply relax, this is better than an all evening social media session.

Find something fun to do outside:

It is no secret that many people, whether they realize it or not, gain huge benefits and satisfaction by spending time outside. If you can couple that with doing a fun activity or having new experiences, then you will significantly increase the joy you experience in life. Whether you live by the sea or a lake and want to learn the basics about paddle boarding, or perhaps if you live near the woods and want to explore your local areas and find out about all the wildlife, consider getting yourself outside and doing something fun to live more fully.

Make time for your loved ones:

Humans are meant to be social creatures. Although it’s perfectly fine to spend time alone, often you will experience a larger amount of joy when spending time with loved ones. This could be anything from taking a vacation together, to simply eating regular meals together. As long as you are enjoying each other’s company is all that matters!

Treat yourself:

If you want to truly boost your happiness in life, you need to learn how to be your own best friend. Do you need to take a break? Take it. Do you want to have that treat? Have it. Do you want to do something different? Do it. Self-love is one of the best ways in which a person can bring a little extra joy into their life.

There are many other ways in which you can bring joy into your life, but why not consider these first?

Featured Image By: Pexels

Sep25

A Busy Person’s Guide To Fitness

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A Busy Person’s Guide To Fitness

Are you always on the go, finding it hard to sneak in a workout session? Do you feel like there are not enough hours in a day? If you answered yes to both, then you’re not alone. With busy schedules and endless responsibilities, prioritizing fitness can become tedious. However, staying active and healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few simple fitness tips for the time-constrained individual:

Plan ahead:

The key to staying on top of your fitness routine while having a busy day is to plan ahead. Schedule a workout session into your daily schedule so you allocate a specific time slot to exercise. Knowing what workouts you need to do and when can help you stay focused and hold yourself accountable. You can also keep track of your progress by writing a fitness journal outlining the workouts you have done and what goals you would like to achieve.

Optimize time:

If you’re limited on time or can’t get to the gym, optimize your schedule to fit in some sweat time. You can combine your workout with tasks or activities you’re already doing. For instance, do some lunges or squats while brushing your teeth. Try using public transportation or bike to work instead of driving. You can also opt for an active lifestyle, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.

Incorporate HIIT:

High-Intensity Intervals Training (HIIT) is an exercise that combines short, intense periods of activity with less intense rest periods. HIIT workouts are perfect for busy people because they are quick, efficient, and can be done anywhere. You can choose from HIIT workouts like burpees, jumping jacks, and sprints.

Make it a group activity:

Working out in a group can be motivating and enjoyable. It’s also an opportunity to multitask while spending time with friends or family. Schedule cohesive workout sessions with your buddies or family members and test out different classes until you find one you love. This could be a danceathon Zumba session, yoga, pilates, or even boxing! You can also join a boot camp or group fitness classes at the gym.

Eat well:

Getting fit isn’t just about exercise; it’s also essential to eat well. Eating nutrient-rich foods and taking supplements such as those produced by STEEL can help you to feel energized and improve your overall health. Some of the foods you should include in your diet are:

Whole grains:

Whole grains such as whole wheat, oats, and quinoa are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They provide energy to power your day-to-day activities.

Lean proteins:

Lean proteins like chicken breasts, eggs, and legumes are an excellent source of protein that helps build muscle strength. Protein also keeps you full for a more extended period of time.

Fruits and vegetables:

Fruits and vegetables are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Eating them regularly helps keep your body fueled throughout the day while improving overall health.

Healthy fats:

Healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, and olive oil provide essential nutrients to your diet. It’s important to include healthy fat sources in your meals for optimal health.

You should also avoid foods high in saturated fat, sugar, and sodium. These foods can slow you down and interfere with your fitness goals.

Employ the help of professionals:

Sometimes, it can be daunting to create an effective fitness plan all by yourself. If you don’t have the time or knowledge, consider employing the help of professionals who can put you on a weight loss program that works for you. An option that might be recommended is the fat mobilization system, which is a clinically proven weight loss program that is designed to help you reach your health and fitness goals. This program effectively minimizes excess fat by utilizing the process of thermogenesis. By naturally stimulating the body to generate heat energy, it facilitates the burning of calories. With a program tailored to your fitness goals, you can be sure that you are in good hands.

Remember, fitness isn’t a destination but a way of life. Embrace the journey and enjoy every step towards a healthier, fitter you. With these tips, you can surely make fitness a part of your lifestyle, no matter how busy you are. Keep going, stay motivated, and never give up on your fitness goals!

Sep20

Going To Therapy Update

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Going To Therapy Update

Hello!!! Last month I announced that I was going to start therapy and I was really looking forward to it. I thought it would be most helpful after this extremely difficult past year to have a third party to talk to. Unfortunately, I did not care for the therapist that I was seeing after my second session. It just wasn’t a good match at all and that’s okay. Sometimes you have to shop around to find a therapist that works for you.

To be honest, I was kind of put off immediately during my first session with the person who I was seeing. The meeting was brief – barely over a half hour and I don’t think she fully listened to what it was that I wanted to get out of therapy. At twenty-nine years young, I know myself enough to know what it is I needed and that was simply someone to talk to and unload all of these pent up emotions. During our following session, it felt like the therapist wasn’t really getting it. Instead of hearing my saga, she assigned “homework” and offered solutions for statements that were beside the point.

It wasn’t that I minded hearing ways to overcome stress in the now, but I thought I made myself clear enough that the issue was, first and foremost, issues in the past. I felt really disappointed after our second session because I didn’t feel heard and that is the entire point of therapy!! I decided to cancel my upcoming appointment that was scheduled and didn’t plan on trying a different therapist out. However, the receptionist who I was speaking with encouraged me to give it one more chance with someone who might be a better match for me.

I begrudgingly accepted the new appointment for early next month and I am proud that I did. I also am very appreciative to the receptionist who nudged me forward in that direction. I told myself beforehand that I would wait a few months for another shot at therapy and I’m glad that I didn’t drag my feet. Now, I feel hopeful for my upcoming session and I know it will do me a world of good. What’s that old saying? If at first you don’t like your therapist, try, try a new one? Lol.

Although it is discouraging for a therapist to not be a good fit, it’s a normal thing. My initial instinct was to give up for now and that’s not going to help me one bit. If you are in a similar situation, try again! I am lucky that the receptionist said the same to me and this is me encouraging all of you! ❤

Did you have to shop around for a therapist that worked for you? Who do you like to talk to about your problems? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug25

Mental Health Day

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Mental Health Day

Hello!! This past Monday, I enjoyed my first mental health day in I don’t know how long. Granted, it wasn’t necessarily my choice but it still counts lol. This weekend, I was in a crazy freak accident – no one was hurt, but my car was so I was out of commission to get to work anyways. I would have loved to have had a mental health day under different circumstances, but I guess I’ll take what I can get? Haha and I used my time off well!

On Monday, I slept in until… SIX AM!!! It was great and definitely beats my normal wake up time around 4:30. Melvin and Penelope weren’t thrilled to have postponed their super early morning outing, but once I was up they got to hang out outside of their hutch almost all day. I also was able to get my car set up for its repairs because who knew auto body shops were closed on the weekend? Not me and it was a big relief to get all of that sorted. Also, I took my car to a mom and pop shop and the owner was just adorable. 🙂

Once I was home from my errands, I got to work doing lots of cleaning and that felt fantastic. When my life was really crazy, it was hard to find the time or energy to do a good deep cleaning of the apartment. I got to do that and more with my day off and I felt so accomplished and proud of my efforts. Maybe I needed this day for me more than I realized because I knew it would be nice to clean, but I didn’t appreciate how nice until I proudly surveyed a sparkling space.

After my chores were done, I completed the last item on my agenda which was finishing my Independent Provider annual training. Every year, we must do eight hours of additional online training to maintain our certification. I was on hour six of mine so I didn’t have too much left to do, but it was cool to not have to do it once I was home from work. I also don’t mind the online training at all because they’re always super interesting and it’s fun to learn something new!

Once all of my checklist for my day off was accounted for, I got to spend the rest of my afternoon FaceTiming with my bestie, Kate, of Live In The Nautical. It was the perfect way to end my Mental Health Day. If you are feeling like you need a day for you too, then I can’t encourage an MHD enough. We all need one from time to time and it’s important to listen to what your mind and body needs!

How do you like to spend a day off? When was your last mental health day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug22

Steps Of Growth: Responsibility & Life’s Challenges

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Steps Of Growth: Responsibility & Life’s Challenges

Raise your hand if you’ve ever been confronted with the question: “How can we teach our lovely little ones about responsibility?” Now, raise your other hand if life’s unpredictable challenges make you feel like you’re herding cats. Yep, thought so. Both hands up in the air! Here’s a little secret: there’s no one-size-fits-all guide to this. But there are a few things that might help you teach your kiddos about responsibility and the art of embracing the challenges life sometimes throws at you:

Plant A Garden And Watch It Grow:

Gardening, apart from being therapeutic, can be an amazing teaching tool to allow your kids to understand that even the littlest flowers need love, care, and patience. Let your little one pick a plant or flower they’d like to grow. Let them water it, take care of it, and patiently watch it bloom. Through this, they learn that consistency, responsibility, and love can lead to beautiful results. And when pests come along or when the weather isn’t ideal, they will learn to understand that challenges are natural parts of life.

Add A Little Twist To Everyday Chores:

Ah, chores! The word itself probably makes your kids want to run for the hills. So how about creating a chore chart that’s actually fun? Add some glitter, stickers, and quirky tasks. Muddle the regular chores like tidying up toys or setting the table with something fun, like the floor is lava or last one to tidy up is a rotten egg. This way, while they’re diving into whimsical adventures, they’re also learning the art of daily responsibility.

Share Stories From Your Book Of Life:

We all love a little story. And children even more so – they adore stories, especially real ones that involve the people (or characters) they actually know. Share tales from your family’s past, about a time when you overcame challenges or how you learned from mistakes you once made. You might think these anecdotes are mundane, but for young ears, they’re exciting tales of adventure and learning.

Pass On A Job Of Personal Responsibility:

You might be tempted to protect your little ones from the big, vast world out there, but every once in a while, you need to trust them with just a smidge more responsibility. Maybe it’s letting them decide the menu for the family picnic, taking care of a new puppy companion, or even managing their pocket money without being told they’re wasting it on something they don’t need. These small steps of trust can work wonders in teaching them about the responsibilities of life. And don’t worry if they stumble a bit. Those mini missteps? They’re just stepping stones towards their remarkable journey of growth and understanding.

Lastly, remember to shower your kiddos with loads of love and encouragement even when it feels tough to do so because you’re frustrated by your circumstances. Let them know that every challenge they face is an opportunity to grow!

Featured Image By: Pexels