#bravekidsclub

[magic-circle]

😲 Jacket Goals!!! Featuring for our pastry & watermelon patches! Check out Stephanie's original post to find out where to get these other super cute patches 😘😘😘#Repost @frillypopsshop ・・・ Saturday Sewing, sorting out the back to match the craziness at the front! All makers tagged, if not ask me🌟 #frillypops #dontcare #patchgame #patches #kawaiipatch #vallycruisepress #magiccircleclothing #bravekidsclub #darlingdistraction #flair #pinkcoat #pastelgoth #mebeingme #represent #supportsmall #deadcute #kawaii #sewing #patchgamestrong

[sheisrecovering]

I'm Beginning to Enjoy the Holidays Again: How I Cope + Magical Gift Ideas

Happy first of my December, my loves! 💝✨ I went to therapy yesterday for the first time in months!! I may have talked about my cat for half an hour... but I had another successful session and I'm super proud of myself for going. I think about my mindset on therapy leading up to the past few years and I'm so glad I kept trying. Having many disappointing experiences with therapists had me believing that they didn't care or help anyone. It really does make a huge difference when you find a therapist who makes you feel comfortable and who works well with you!!!

I'm getting extremely excited about the winter holidays. It's been a while since I've felt like this even though my birthday is on the 18th. I felt indifferent about all of it last year. It was the first year I began to heal from domestic abuse, and with all of my other problems I genuinely despised everything about the holidays. But this time it feels different. Even though the holidays are a very stressful time, it feels nice. I thought I'd share some key tips on how I've dealt with holidays while recovering.😊

Coping with Holidays While In Recovery

1. Keep up with your basic needs. This is a personal struggle of mine when there's a lot going on. I forget to eat, hydrate, brush my teeth, etc. I have a few ways to help me stay on track:

Set reminders on your phone.

Use a daily self care checklist. (custom + premade)

Keep sticky notes, a cork board or a whiteboard in a visible place.

Ask a good friend or family member to help remind you.

2. Don't downplay your negative feelings or your positive ones. Pretending we're okay when we're not will make us feel worse. Sometimes we even downplay our happiness for the sake of others, but if we feel good we should let it show. We deserve it!

A big part of overcoming this is by just doing it. 

You can say anything you want. For example "I've been better but I'm holding on".

Remember that everyone has good and bad days. You don't have to hide your true feelings for anyone.

3. Be selective about the people you make time for. It's always okay to say no, and this season is busy for everyone. Don't feel bad if you can't make it to every event; you can always send a thank-you note to the host wishing them a good year. Surround yourself with friends and family that make you feel loved. 

4. I used to get really nervous when people ask me what I've been up to, and that seems to happen often during the holidays when I'm spending time with extended family. If you also struggle with this, try practicing what you want to say before attending an event where you'll be asked lots of questions. Talk about your recovery journey and speak proudly of your progress if you haven't already. Starting the conversation about mental health is scary— but it's worth it.

5. Dealing with difficult family members is another huge stressor for a lot of people. We unfortunately can't always avoid people we don't want to spend time around— but that doesn't mean you don't deserve to enjoy yourself. There are a few things you can do:

Think about your triggers, and have your most effective coping skills ready.

Consider how you'll react to sensitive situations before the event.

Bring a good friend with you!

Bring something that makes you feel comfortable. For example a stim toy, a photograph, a blanket, your phone, a pair of socks to wear, etc.

Hang out with the people at the event who don't make you feel like crap.

Kill them with kindness. If someone is being rude, just be polite and walk away. You deserve better and their negativity has nothing to do with you.

Dealing with abusers at holiday events is a much tougher situation. There is definitely no quick fix for this, but staying close to someone who makes you feel comfortable and safe at the event is a good start. Know that you can use literally anything to excuse yourself from a conversation. Take extra trips to the bathroom to breathe, call or texta friend, or step outside for a few minutes when you need to .

Ignore everything else and just enjoy yourself!

Remember that this event will end. You can make it through. You are much stronger than you give yourself credit for.

6. Take special time for yourself. Do what you love, whether it be spending a night in bed watching Disney movies, reading a good book, going for a walk, painting your nails, spending time with a pet, taking a bubble bath, etc. Holidays are not only for celebrating with family. You deserve to celebrate YOURSELF in ways that you enjoy, too.

7. Remember that it truly is the thought that counts. You don't need to spend any money on presents to express your gratitude and love to someone. If you have the spare time and want to do something special for little or no cost, search for DIY gift ideas or make a cute card. I listed a ton of great ideas below!!

Do-It-Yourself Gift Ideas

Emergency self care kit

Paint and bake mug

Tea Christmas Tree 

Mint suger scrub

Upcycled jewelry magnets

15 diy Christmas card ideas

More Magical Gift Ideas

All prices have been converted to CAD (Canadian). These are not paid advertisements!

BRAVEKIDSCLUB

CLUBCLITORIS

DRAWNBYMARY

HANNAHDAISY

MADEBYGEORGIAMAI

RECIPESFORSELFLOVE

SPECTRUMCOLLECTIONS

WEAREEXTINCT

I want to know what you're doing for the holidays, how you cope, and how your own personal experience has been with therapy!✨

Don't forget to connect with me: Instagram • Pinterest��• Twitter

All of my love, Sarah Lee💕

[gem-tian-violet]

Luna was a complete boss for her ear piercings done tandem by Steve and I! She picked out super cute purple opals from @neometaljewelry anodized purple; she obviously has impeccable taste! 😉 #piercingsbyjesslane #pincushns #qualityjewelry #kidsearpiercings #consentiskey #earpiercing #titaniumbodyjewelry #yourbodydeservesthebest #implantgradetitanium #purpleopal #piercedkids #downtownholland #femalepiercer #hopecollege #legitpiercing #legitbodyjewelry #neocult #michiganpiercer #bravekidsclub

[pinlord]

Girl Power pin from @bravekidsclub 💖 Did someone say CAKE?! Available to purchase through their link in bio! http://ift.tt/2tHLYLf

[fanclubzine-blog]

Look at this AMAZING poster that Alanna of @bravekidsclub did for our Fan Club Birthday!! Isn't it great? From the glitter on the cheeks to the 'SLAY' friendship bracelet, we LOVE it. <3 #fanclubnotts #fanclub #roughtradenottingham #girlpower (at Rough Trade Nottingham)

[hellofruits]

To all our fierce, fabulous babes of all wonderful genders, we love you. ( rg: @bravekidsclub)

[pinlord]

The Goddess of Growth pin from @bravekidsclub ✨ Abundance! Buy it through their link in bio! http://ift.tt/2rYNmok

[pinlord]

The Goddess of Power and the moon pin from @bravekidsclub🌜Power to the Goddesses! Buy it through their link in bio! http://ift.tt/2saX5a9

[pinlord]

Frida Kahlo pin from @bravekidsclub 🍉 Viva 🍉 la 🍉 Vida ✨ Buy it through their link in bio! http://ift.tt/2pGiZko

[pinlord]

Jumped-Up Feminist Unicorn pin from @bravekidsclub ✨🦄 Who doesn't need a feminist pin that features a sparkly show-jumping Unicorn?! Buy it through their link in bio! http://ift.tt/2mR3SE5