When I am constantly functioning on life overload and pushing to the extreme to meet the elevated standards I've set for myself, it is super easy to put time for self on the back burner. However, I have come to realize over the years that self-care is not self-indulgence. I give myself permission to consider it an essential part of my mental health and well-being (a Day 1 of many). Checking in with myself daily allows me to do a self-scan of sorts and evaluate my needs. Maybe it's as simple as turning my bathroom into a spa for 30 minutes or taking a short solo drive to my favorite consignment store (I love to see what I can do with only $20). Other times I may need to make serious adjustments to dietary habits and modify my interactions with others to reduce stressors and/or enhance meaningful connections. Or, stop the crank from turning completely and genuinely reset. All of this to say....I love the concept of a Day 1. It allows you the ability to be kind and forgiving to yourself. Something in which we ALL deserve everyday.

"A smile is the universal language of kindness." - William Arthur Ward My work setting is such that I see people daily. As we do our part and don our protective facial coverings I find I'm longing for glimpses of what Abigail has shared..."Even the smallest moments of social connection". I have become acutely tuned in to my internal dialogue surrounding what's going on under the masks passing me by. I await the eyes to answer the questions yet find the opportunity passes by ever so quickly. In such an unexpectedly short period of time the desire for human connection, that energy exchange between people who are tuned in to one another, has become an internal longing. "It has the power to deepen the moment, inspire change, and build trust." In the absence of a visual smile individuals who are consciously taking action to create those simple, sweet moments of human connection are gifts beyond in measure.