Y’all, my schedule is so full I don’t usually even cook for myself these days. I make myself salads. Yogurt bowls. Oatmeal. Smoothies. Maybe some pasta (if it will cook in less than 10 minutes). So as much as I would like to detail all the ways I am grateful for the special education team and the staff at our son’s school, I just don’t have time to do any of it justice. Some day soon, but this week isn’t that week, so what I will leave you with is the most concise thing I can say, which is that I feel like they have seen my son and his needs and every single person has been supportive in a way that wants to wring tears from deep within my heart every time I think about it. I am grateful and touched by the way they have worked with him, with me, and with our family. You guys rock <3

Some Self-Care For Stress Viewing & Stuff

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Tapping, by Ridley-Tree Cancer Center (YouTube Video)

When finding self-care feels like the quest for the Holy Grail, sometimes I want to internally shriek like a banshee when someone says I ought to make more time from myself (because there just isn’t much of any such thing that can be carved from my schedule right now). If that sounds like you, but you would be interested in trying something quick that is evidence based that might help calm the pounding from the waves of stress, maybe consider giving EFT a try. I found this video to be especially nice because the presenter is using a very soothing voice. As an additional recommendation, I add to my “even though” statements an additional piece: for me, it is not enough to stop with loving myself unconditionally, I like to add a positive leaning statement about how I’m going to find a solution, or get through something. This helps orient me to being open to the best even when I’m dealing with the worst and gets me in the best frame of mind to problem solve if need be. (Click on the title for a link if you are interested).

Dental Guard Recommendation: SmartGuard Elite Dental Guard, Front Tooth Design

So, I broke that crown grinding my teeth in my sleep…something that started with the pandemic and hasn’t let up yet. So, if the stress is causing you to do this also, read on. I know I should have a night guard, I’ve even had one made by my dentist, but they are too expensive in this economy for me to keep having done professionally (because I grind through them enough where replacement costs would be over a thousand dollars yearly at a minimum). I have literally hated pretty much every over the counter mouth guard I have ever tried, except for this one I found last week doing public therapy. I can close my mouth with it, because it only covers the front teeth it isn’t too thick in the back (but it definitely does keep all the teeth from contacting), and because it’s smaller, it’s quicker to clean in the mornings- win, win 😀