This week has been amazing. It feels like one of those weeks that starts a shift in life. For the first time in a long time, I’ve felt happy with everything I’ve done the whole week.
It started with being on vacation with people I love in a place that’s calm and beautiful. Then, after weeks of moving between two apartments, I finally handed in my keys to my old place. I also spent a full day of strategic planning with the 1N5 team, which left me energized and excited for the future of the organization. Finally, this weekend has not one, but two holidays. The U.S. recognized Juneteenth as a federal holiday for the first time, and Father’s Day is this Sunday.
There’s so much to celebrate, and it feels so good to be in a place where celebrating feels appropriate. I’m happy with life, with the opportunities it’s granted me, and I don’t feel overwhelmed by it all.
Living with mental illness, my weeks, or even my days, don’t always feel like this. I usually wake up, check off my to-do list, go to sleep, and do it all again the next day. Even if it is a good day, I usually don’t have the time or the energy to celebrate it. I’m working on giving myself that space, though. Over the past year and a half, I’ve been focusing a lot on gratitude. As I grow and evolve, my self-care practice also needs to grow and evolve. This week, I’ve had plenty to be grateful for, which makes it the perfect opportunity to practice celebrating the positives in my life.
Since this is going to be posted on Father’s Day, I wanted to take some time to celebrate my father. My dad is a strong, dedicated, loving man. He is such a positive force in my life and in all the lives he touches. When I was at the lake on vacation, I had the opportunity to get out on the water and go paddleboarding. It reminded me how much I used to love going canoeing, kayaking and just spending time on the water. My dad is the one who introduced me to that.
I’ve been so lucky to have two supportive parents who encourage me to explore new opportunities and try new things. My dad has always been the type of person to help me with any project I set my mind to, encourage me to get out and enjoy life, and understand when I’m having a hard time.
He doesn’t just encourage me to the best version of myself. He also works as a Boy Scout Leader, and the way he works with those kids is so inspiring. He’s so passionate, and he cares about each and every child he works with. He has three children of his own, but he’s a father figure to so many more. Thank you, Dad, for all that you do, not only for me but for so many kids who need a positive influence in their lives.
Stay healthy, stay safe, and celebrate the good in your life.
Xo,
Kayla W.