Mental Health Memes? You Get Me, Right?
We've All Been There, Haven't We?
Okay, let's be real. Adulting is…well, let's just call it a "character-building exercise." Some days, I feel like I'm absolutely crushing it. I get all the things done, maybe even squeeze in a walk, and dinner is actually something resembling a balanced meal. Other days? I'm pretty sure I'm fueled entirely by coffee and the sheer will to not set the kitchen on fire. And those are the days when my friends send me mental health memes. And those days, I feel understood.
It's not that I'm *actually* losing it, most of the time. It's more like…life is just a lot sometimes. The kids, the house, the job, the endless to-do lists that seem to multiply overnight. And then there's the whole trying-to-stay-connected-to-friends-and-family thing, which, ironically, often ends up feeling like another item *on* the to-do list. Can anyone relate?
That's where those mental health memes come in. That little burst of “Oh my gosh, someone *gets* it!” can honestly be a lifesaver when you are struggling with something! They're a reminder that we're not alone in this crazy, chaotic, beautiful mess. A friend sent me one the other day that was literally just a picture of a frazzled-looking cat with the caption "Me trying to remember what day it is." I snorted so hard I nearly choked on my tea. And suddenly, the mountain of laundry in the corner didn't seem quite so overwhelming.
My Little Sanctuary
I love the fact that there are things in my home that reflect parts of who I am. Take my living room, for example. It's my favorite space in the house. We recently repainted and added some new art prints for the living room. It makes me happy just walking into the room, you know? The colors we chose are all warm tones – yellows and soft greens – which I find really soothing. We have this one piece of abstract art that is mainly blues with pops of warmer colors, and for some reason, it always makes me feel calm. It’s like looking at the ocean on a summer day. We spent hours picking it out together.
My husband says I overthink these things, that I should just pick whatever's cheapest. But to me, it's worth investing in things that bring me joy. And honestly, doesn't everybody need a little more joy in their life?
Why I Treasure Wall Art
Speaking of joy, let me tell you about my wall decor. I have this one art print for my bedroom that says, "Breathe." I know, it sounds cheesy, but honestly, sometimes I just need that reminder. Life gets so busy, and I get so caught up in the "doing" that I forget to just…be. The placement matters, too. It's right by my bedside table so it is one of the first things I see every day and one of the last things I see every night. It’s nothing fancy, just a simple print with elegant lettering. But it makes a difference.
The other day, my daughter was over, and she was telling me about some drama at work. I could see she was getting really stressed out, so I walked her over to the wall print and pointed to it. "Just breathe," I told her. She rolled her eyes, of course. But then she actually took a deep breath. And another one. And you could see her shoulders relax. It was a little moment, but it reminded me that sometimes the simplest things can be the most helpful.
I actually have a little collection of bright wall art that I've gathered over the years. Each piece tells a story, reminds me of a person or a place, or simply makes me smile. It's like a visual diary of my life, displayed right on my walls.
The Power of Finding Your Tribe
It’s amazing how much better life can be when you find people who "get" you. Whether it's your family, your friends, or even just some random internet strangers who share the same love for ridiculous cat memes. I've been part of a book club for years, and those women are my lifeline. We read books, of course, but we also talk about everything else – our kids, our husbands, our jobs, our struggles, our triumphs. It's a safe space where we can be ourselves, without judgment. And honestly, sometimes just knowing that I have those women in my corner makes all the difference. I remember a time, years ago, when I was really struggling with some stuff, and they rallied around me. They brought me meals, they took my kids to school, they just listened. I don't know what I would have done without them.
If you don’t have that kind of support system in your life, I encourage you to find one. Join a club, volunteer, take a class, reconnect with old friends. It's never too late to build your tribe. And trust me, you'll need them.
Embrace the Imperfect, Ladies!
So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed, remember those 100 mental health memes. Remember that you're not alone. Remember to breathe. And maybe, just maybe, treat yourself to a new piece of wall art that makes your heart sing. Because life's too short to live in a space that doesn't feel like your own personal sanctuary.
And hey, if all else fails, there's always chocolate. Or wine. Or both. Just sayin'. You get me, right?