Millennials, Remember Self-Care

Adulting, Author: Kerrin Frappier, Author: Kristin Frappier, Author: Mary Grace Donaldson, Author: Michelle Ioannou

We’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about self-care. I’ve seen it discussed by the likes of The Huffington Post as well as our friends at GenTwenty (which devotes an entire, highly informative section to it).

Why? Well, some would say it directly correlates with our recent Presidential election. Additionally, with greater awareness of mental illnesses, more voices are recognizing the importance of self-care.

All of that said, we couldn’t ignore the need for us to discuss self-care any longer. Here are some of the tried and true methods that work for us.

Growing up in a household where two out of the four people are confined to wheelchairs, you tend to learn quickly to put others before yourself. I am the first to admit I’m not good at self-care, and I do tend to not make time for it like I should. How did I figure out a way to change this, though? I try and take a couple vacations a year. That’s right, I need to get away from everything and be in my happy place — on the beach, with no wifi, with no care in the world. This is how I rejuvenate myself, finally am able to relax, and come back to real life with a fresh new perspective.

Now I know that this is not feasible for everyone. But what’s your happy place? Is it simply laying in bed with a good book? Eating a bowl of ice cream while watching your guilty pleasure? Going for a walk and getting fresh air? Figure out what activity makes you happy — preferably one that gets you away from real life for a while — and go for it. – Michelle

I’ll admit — I’m not particularly good at self-care, and as a Highly Sensitive Person, I truly shouldn’t avoid it as much as I do. But when I do make time for it (or when I have no choice but to make time for it — part of the HSP life is emotional and sensory overload) I have a few favorite activities that help me get out of my own head. Of course, writing — for #NAMB and just for my eyes only — is my first, somewhat obvious, go-to activity. I also have a somewhat secret passion for crafting (ironic because I can’t even draw a straight line with a ruler), especially collaging, scrapbooking, anything that has to do with photos and making homemade greeting cards. Photos are good reminders of just how many people in my life are always there to support me. – Mary Grace

First thing’s first: A regular sleep schedule. You laugh! But sleep is our most vital pastime! It helps us to organize our thoughts and keeps us feeling well. Haven’t you noticed how grumpy and sometimes irrational and sick you feel when you are low on sleep and coffee? Keeping a regular sleep schedule can help make you feel more productive and make the most of your nights and days. So, limit your caffeine intake after dinner, try not to snack too late, shut your phone off at least an hour before bedtime and get some shut eye.

Pamper yourself! I am the queen of showers! I love feeling fresh and clean but I also love being warm and having a place that is quiet and relaxing to collect my thoughts. I seem to come up with the best ideas in the shower! Take 20 minutes to yourself to paint your nails, do your makeup, take a bath, dress up to the nines, cook yourself a favorite meal (one that reminds you of college, or even a Thanksgiving favorite) or an indulgent treat (holiday throwbacks are perfectly acceptable)…whatever makes you feel good about yourself! – Kerrin

Let go of the drama! As painful as any separation might be, toxic people have no place in your life! You do not need someone who lies, puts you down or uses you. Life is too short and we millennials are busy enough without the added stress of people who treat us poorly.

Have a hobby. We all need our (healthy) outlets! When we are working hard to achieve our dreams it is important to remember to do the things we enjoy! Whether it’s hiking or heaving heavy stuff at the gym, reading a book or both mine and Kerrin’s favorite hobby — writing. You can journal about your day, wax poetic, write creepy stories about the patients you took care of (as Kerrin did). You can play an instrument, or listen to boy bands (also Kerrin) or volunteer to better yourself and your community. – Kristin

Where it All Began: My Journey Into Self-Publishing

Author: Kristin Frappier, Career Advice

There are a number of misconceptions out there surrounding self-publishing — some of the biggest being that “printing books is expensive” and self-publishing your book won’t “get the book to the masses” — therefore, not giving you any income as a result of self-publishing your book.

Here’s the story of how I got into self-publishing, and how I am making money at it, too.

About five years ago, I had just graduated from college. By November 2012, I was frustrated with the job market. This frustration led me to feeling discouraged. Not only was the economy not in the best place, but I already had difficulty and obstacles that I faced and continue to face personally in terms of employment and transportation. Naturally I was feeling down about the entirety of the situation.

As a way to reverse my own negative thinking, I started investigating different projects to stay busy. I had always used poetry as an outlet, so it seemed like the perfect “keep me happy hobby” to start up again. Just on a whim, I decided to Google “how to make money publishing poetry.” That’s how I got the idea to self-publish.

From that point, I Googled self-publishing platforms and one of the top searches was createspace.com, which is the platform I still use today. It provides a step-by-step self publishing process. I started with just a free account and now I have ten completed books, as well as one book in the process of publication. Additionally, I have worked to edit others’ works, and help others realize their dreams, all by using the same platform.

I feel so lucky because what started out as something just for me has not only created income, but also has made a difference to all my readers! When I go to write I do so with an idea, a theme and more often than not…country music blasting.

I hope other millennials looking for a place to publish their writing in print will take this story to heart, and learn that self-publishing is not only creative but can also bring income.

Want to know more? My books can be found right here at Amazon.

January 2017 Poetry Section

Author: Kristin Frappier, Literary Mag

Hope

Honest excitement for what’s next
Open eyes to new opportunities
Possibility of building a complete picture puzzle
Eager to embark on new road

Dream

Determination to achieve
Respect for what is but always striving for what could be.
Endless evolving
Always there
Meaningless is no vision, hope or dream
Stainless is a dream even in times of defeat.

Trip Around the Sun

One spin
One ride
One life
Through showers of sadness
Through clouds of confusion
Through bright day of bliss.
Along the way curveballs may be thrown
And strikes may replace home runs
But as long as travel continues
We can make our own wild ride .

Holiday Movies and Love

Author: Kristin Frappier, The Dating Game

As Christmas gets closer, all Christmas movies seem to be playing around the clock. It can be said that there are misconceptions about relationships found in Christmas movies.

Many holiday movies are sugary sweet and like fairy tales. In many romantic comedies with a Christmas theme, it is the man who saves the day, or purchases the perfect gift that will make everything alright. In some cases, Christmas movies paint the illusion that if you wish for something hard enough, it will turn out better than you ever thought possible.

Many Christmas-themed movies, including Love Actually, The Holiday and even Miracle on 34th Street, give the impression that the perfect holiday starts with the “love of your life” — though it’s presented differently in each of these cases. They also give the impression that everyone is most happy and at a pivotal point in the relationship right around Christmas. These are nice sentiments, but not always the most realistic representation of relationships. In fact, many times, these are not accurate representations of reality. Your love life doesn’t play out like these particular movies do, as much as we may want them to.

Relationships tend to be more like It’s A Wonderful Life, if anything, especially in the way that relationships have their ups and downs. There are fights from time to time, there are hardships from time to time and sometimes you have to be on the verge of losing everything to really see the value in even the smallest of things. Every relationship progresses at its own speed the “perfect” time. This time is not always at Christmas time, but, it can be said that each relationship has its own greatness at every stage.

Go ahead, enjoy these romantic holiday movies. But remember, your life doesn’t have to mimic it.

December 2016 Poetry Section

Author: Kristin Frappier, Literary Mag

Merry Christmas

Mistletoe
Evergreen trees
Ribbon
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
Young and old waiting all year
Christmas cookies
Hot cocoa
Red Sacks
Ice skating
Stars are angels a top the train
Tinsel
Merry memories with family and friends
A search to find the perfect gift for the naughty and nice on your list
Silver bells ringing in the snow

Silver Bells

Sounds of the season.
In the dark a sound of hope
Love to hear them ring
Vanished only when the ringing stops.
Everlasting symbols of the season!
Ring with cheer
Bell of beauty
Evening under the stars
Lovely
Lasting not loud
Serenity even in a snowstorm!

To My Love

You give me hope that can float!
You make my heart happy.
You make me feel like a butterfly who is bright who soars above all clouds!
These are the gifts you give to me at the holidays and beyond!
These gifts have no price tag or dollar value!
These gifts cannot be bought, sold or exchanged!
These gifts will be treasured forever!
These gifts make me feel rich with only a penny in my pocket!
All I want is you!