It’s Okay to Use Screens Right Now (and Other Ways to Relieve Stress)

It’s Okay to Use Screens

Let yourself us screens right now. Yep, I said it. And yes I know what these guys say about it. All good parents want to give their children the best of themselves. They want the time they spend together to be educational, recreational, or some other kind of high quality time.

And that’s important.

Right Now is Different

But during a time such as this, we have to give ourselves grace and prioritize. That’s why I’m writing this post. Even before all of the COVID-19 chaos, I noticed my parenting peers feeling such shame about ever using screens (myself included). And now, so many parents view other people’s quarantine schedules and beat themselves up, or strive to do things the way someone else is doing them, etc. instead of looking at their reality and making a plan that works for them. Oh and by the way, making a plan takes focus and time and how are you going to get that? There’s nothing that makes more sense than allowing yourself to use screens. (And yes high quality screen time is best , but just for now a little extra Disney movies aren’t going to have any long term damage.)

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Feeling Discouraged About Your Finances? Read this.

First of all, let me tell you this post is not professional advice but experiences I’ve had and lessons I’ve learned in the past 4 years living on one income in California. Now back to the post.

You just had a huge unexpected expense. Your car needed new tires. There goes $800. You wonder why you even try, you feel like you’ll never reach your financial goals.

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Emotional First Aid Kit

Bad moods come and go. That is one thing we can count on in this life. There will always be storms, but we can choose how we go through them. That is why I wrote this post, it’s about the actions you can take when you are in a funk, are going through a tough season, or are just having a bad day. You need a plan. You need a first aid kit. A collection of things to focus on, healthy reminders, and uplifting things to watch and read. Please know, however that it is totally fine to feel down sometimes and it’s normal and sometimes time is the only thing that will heal those feelings. The first aid kit will not fix you, but it will put you on a good path of “next right things” that will help you recover faster. Here’s what’s in mine.

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My New Book – Don’t Forget About Me

My dear readers, I have some exciting news to share with you..

I wrote my first book!

In this quick read, you will learn a little more about me, and be comforted that you are not alone in the trials of life. It is my hope that you will leave reading the book inspired and with a renewed sense of hope.

Interesting facts:

  • The title is close to one of my favorite 80’s songs by the band Simple Minds. I chose this because the book is about me learning not to forget myself in my journey of loving and serving others.
  • I drew all the art on the cover. Each symbol represents something about me. For example, people who have inspired me, and hobbies I have like reading.

Below you will find a link to my book as well as be able to see a preview of it. It’s available on kindle, or paperback. Please enjoy!

Knowing When and How To Stop

I have been studying about how to be a more assertive person for years, so anything that has to do with setting boundaries and self-advocating is always fascinating to me. It’s such a blessing to chat with someone on the phone, have someone over for a party, or visit someone at their house. But sometimes, it can be awkward – especially when it comes to knowing when to stop and/or leave. No one teaches you how to handle these situations, and in my research there isn’t a whole lot out there about this subject, but I’m going to share what I’ve found.

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