Sitting, listening to the rain

"Always be a little kinder than necessary." --J.M. Barrie

Does anyone else get into a funk with music? Like you're too scared to try to listen to new songs, albums or artists, and at the same time, you need something different? Yeah, that's how I feel right now.

When I find songs I enjoy, I end up listening to them several times to the point where I don't really want to play it anymore. But when I feel in the mood, which is rare, I'll just not care what I'm listening to and find some new genres that I really connect with.

Anyways, some things I've tuned in to this past month:

I saw a little girl with a huge pile of books she was picking out from the shelf at the library. It reminded of me of my childhood, always cozed on a couch with a novel I could escape into.

The dewdrops of fresh rain on the trees just after it rained when I was walking my dog.

Staring at a gorgeous sunset in my favorite place.

A generous gesture of a free salad after two pretty long closing shifts at work.

It's small things like this that remind me that even though I've been feeling pretty alone, that this won't be forever. Healing isn't linear. I'm making myself a promise that I will put myself out there more when I get back to college. I want to make some genuine friends and make fun memories while I still try to find my place in the world.

This has definitely been one of the longest summers of my entire life, and not necessarily in the best way. It's been a journey that is essential for my next steps as a changing person.

The highlight of my day today was eating breakfast, listening to the steady falling of the rain, listening to the Happy Times most recent podcast, as of July 15th. It helped ground me and keep my overthinking in check.

When I know things are out of my control, it helps me better realize that I shouldn't worry about what I can't control. It's difficult and frustrating to accept, and I'm still learning my way around it.

So, taking time for self care (yoga, going for a walk), drinking water (sounds cheesy, but doing it makes you feel clearer, I promise) and affirming that you are getting through whatever life is throwing at you.

Don't give up, and keep going, no matter what anyone says! It's worth it.