Love Is Love & So Is Self-Care

Mirralle Bennet, MHRM

Self-Care & Wellness Associate

​Here we are halfway through the year.  First, Happy PRIDE month! I want to start with honoring the SHERO’s of the fight for equal rights and prominent leaders of the African American and LGBTQIA+ community, Marsha P.  Johnson, and Moms Mabley (Loretta Mary Aiken). So often in history women are left out. Yet, they are an integral part of the larger story we tell, and therefore should be honored for their contributions and the power in their voice to bring equality. 

This month in self-care let’s take a look at the pride flag and the meaning of the colors,

Red for Life. In reflection of all we have in life, I am going to encourage you to go back to the gratitude jar, or journal about what you are grateful for in life and reflect on those things when you need some encouragement. It is ok if you have not added anything to the jar every day. Take a moment to read what you are thankful for since the beginning of the year. Lean into that feeling of gratitude, and let it fill your cup with life. Remember you are creating a gift for yourself, so continue to add to the jar or journal each day if you can.

Orange for Healing. There is power in healing, though it may be painful, this is the time to shower yourself with words of comfort and affirmation. Change is beautiful, focus on loving every second of your life. If you are struggling with changes, care for yourself by embracing your growth and healing journey. Here is a simple mantra  I am good with change. I comfort myself as I grow through the process. I am open to what is to come.

Yellow for Sun. As we removed the layers of winter and move into summer, take some time to soak up some sunshine. Enjoy lunch outside, take a moment and allow the sun to energize and bring new purpose in a healthy way. Let yourself glow this summer. You can make a simple sugar scrub to help relax after a long day.

​Sugar Scrub Recipe
1 glass jar
1 Cup brown sugar - (you can use any of your choice I find brown best, because it is course, raw is the most abrasive)
2 or 3 tablespoons of vitamin E oil or almond oil (you can use any oil of your choice)
Essential oil - 10 - 30 drops of any oil of your choice I used lemon.
 
In a mixing bowl add the sugar, add in your oil one tablespoon at a time, once its all combined it should be the consistency of sand not runny, add in your essential oils and mix, lastly transfer to a glass jar, can be used for unto a month.

Green for Nature. What a better time than summer to get outdoors and enjoy nature. Take a hike, spend the day at a local park. Try naked feet, walk in the grass barefoot.  I remember as a kid when I would get a little rambunctious my grandfather would take me out and let me play in the grass with no shoes. It was calming. Back then I never understood his reasoning but now as an adult I still do this when I feel unbalance and need to reconnect.

Royal Blue for Harmony. With self, self-care is not a luxury, or a reward or a privilege it is a necessity for a healthy self, a moment to care for your needs. Harmony is doing what is pleasing to you. Remember you are taking good care of yourself, and you shouldn’t have it any other way.

Violet for Spirit. Be Flawsome! Consider your biggest flaw and acknowledge why it bothers you. Find the strength in your flaw and embrace it. What you may see as a flaw, others may see as a strength and may admire your strength to overcome.

On my summer reading list, I have Hood Feminism Notes From The Women That A Movement Forgot By Mikki Kendall

The Beauty in Breaking A Memoir by Michele Harper

Have a wonderful PRIDE month, remember to continue to honor and provide safe space for loved ones in the LGBTQ+ communities we are stronger together, Love is Love! 

MIRRALLE BENNET, MHRM

I am a small home business Owner of Global Threads Quilting. Professionally I am in the U.S Coast Guard Reserve, full time I am a civilian for the Army, Logistics Specialist. Both jobs keep me on the go a lot and can be draining at times. In 2017 I got divorced right before an overseas deployment, I had no idea the toll this took on my mental health. I threw myself into work and being there to support shipmates, without taking the time I needed for myself. In a few short months I lost my voice and was forced to take the time I needed to recover. Which brought me to self-care and the importance of taking care of my mental, physical and emotional health. Being away from home and not having my usual outlet, of quilting was difficult, but I had to adjust and learn new ways to care for myself in the most stressful times, listening to my body, and giving it what it needed. I’m excited to share on the go self-care tips with you lovely ladies. Instagram: @Justmirralle_