Sending the Right Messaging to Ourselves…

MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH!

Dear Reader:

Don’t we see more and more news on the escalating mental health crisis among Americans… especially our young adolescents?

First coronavirus was the targeted nemesis for this increase but now many other changes in our ” normal” daily activities tend to increase individual stress levels… like environmental issues resulting in destructive weather destroying homes and communities, inconsistencies in school learning styles, daily mass homicides at theaters, school classrooms, parks, workplaces, and recreational centers to name a few. Our children wonder where they can be safe and feel secure physically and physiologically … how can they fit in and not feel isolated?

Psychologists remind us that we all have intrusive thoughts – that we aren’t good enough- but some individuals get stuck.

The key to overcoming intrusive thoughts is to observe them for what they are and accept that they are there… But-you must refuse to allow them to dictate and control your life!

Helpful messaging is the key to overcoming anxiety. The most common thread is that you have to face your fears and REFUSE to allow your fears to win! Remembering this ” formula” and repeating it daily to yourself helps!

WHAT IF = FEAR

EVEN IF = FAITH

So until tomorrow… ” Miracles start to happen when you give as much energy to your dreams as you do to your fears.” -Kim Vincently

Today is my favorite day-Winnie the Pooh

Even though we all know that Winnie’s fear of ” Heffalumps” and ” Woozles” is silly because they are imaginary… they are real to Winnie… his ” security blanket” against them is clutching his honey jar.

We need to realize that what may seem scary to you is not scary to me. But what always remains true is compassion and reassurance for each other.

Love Star petunias
My ” Easter” lily opened completely on Mother’s Day! Thank you Tommy and Kaitlyn for giving the gift that keeps giving… third season!!!
My new planter John and Mandy gave me is nestled in and getting acquainted with its new neighbors!

Eloise is getting ready to go with her girl cousins to Disney World next week… she is so excited!

A new Minnie Look!

About Becky Dingle

I was born a Tarheel but ended up a Sandlapper. My grandparents were cotton farmers in Laurens, South Carolina and it was in my grandmother’s house that my love of storytelling began beside an old Franklin stove. When I graduated from Laurens High School, I attended Erskine College (Due West of what?) and would later get my Masters Degree in Education/Social Studies from Charleston Southern. I am presently an adjunct professor/clinical supervisor at CSU and have also taught at the College of Charleston. For 28 years I taught Social Studies through storytelling. My philosophy matched Rudyard Kipling’s quote: “If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.” Today I still spread this message through workshops and presentations throughout the state. The secret of success in teaching social studies is always in the story. I want to keep learning and being surprised by life…it is the greatest teacher. Like Kermit said, “When you’re green you grow, when you’re ripe you rot.”
This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply