It’s been a few weeks since I’ve been on here. I have had a hard time just finding the thoughts behind what I want to write, as well as just finding the time to do it. I’ve started a small side hustle doing virtual assistant work, and while I’ve only got one client right now, it has been tough to find the time to get that work done. Little Man is still clingy, and has been doing full contact naps, which means I’m usually stuck just laying next to him, unable to even sit up and grab my computer. He’s also been on a potty training kick the past two weeks, asking to use the potty when he has to go, so I’ve been expending a ton of energy towards that. Squatch and I are also house hunting, and spent a few mornings out this past week viewing properties with a realtor. We have not found a good place yet, but are hopeful it will happen soon. I know I am looking forward to being a family again and having my own space, instead of the in-laws’ basement.

That being said, it is June, which means time for a new EQ strategy! This month’s strategy focuses on Self Management, and is “Visualize yourself succeeding.” Per TalentSmart, this strategy says to “use positive imagery by picturing yourself mastering a difficult emotion or interaction without the negative outcomes that have happened in the past.”

I’m really looking forward to practicing this strategy this month, especially with everything that has been going on. I’ve just been so emotionally drained that it has taken a physical toll. I’ve been exhausted, just completely exhausted, and have found myself being short with Little Man, when it is absolutely not at all needed. It is difficult to be positive when two of the adults you are around 24/7 are constantly and consistently negative about EVERYTHING. I have avoided the news as well, and I don’t even want to know how I would be feeling if I paid any real attention to what is happening out there.

Yes, I know about the protests and why they are happening. No, I don’t agree with the looting and stealing and damage being done and injuries occurring. Do I think something needs to be done? Absolutely. Do I believe that people have a right for their voices and opinions to be heard? I sure do, but not at the expense of others being completely shut down and ridiculed. There is no need to tear up a Target store, running out with expensive electronics and appliances, people. That has nothing to do with what you are supposedly protesting. I think my biggest issue with protests, and this has always been my view, is that there is not one clear cause. Multiple causes are thrown together and the result is just a big mess and muddle.

We are quite far removed from any protesting. I heard there were some sit-ins in Eau Claire, but nothing like what is going on just a few hours west of us in Minneapolis. There was also a protest scheduled here in my tiny town; according to the local FB group, a handful of people showed up. Speaking of the book of faces, I have been avoiding that as well. I’m just so tired of all the negativity and ignorance that is being shared so freely. I have been spending more and more time on MeWe, as I’ve said before. I enjoy being able to have conversations with people on there. In fact, in one group chat the other evening, we were discussing the merits of 1984, Brave New World, Atlas Shrugged, Lord of the Flies, and Clockwork Orange. For a group that is supposedly hillbillies and rednecks, we sure are an educated bunch!

But back to the topic at hand: this month’s strategy. Without realizing the strategy is to visualize myself succeeding, I have already been doing that. I can see Squatch, Little Man, and myself back on our own, in our own place. I can see us working in our yard, getting our garden prepared for the spring, making the house our home. I see my side hustle picking up and me being able to pick and choose what work to take on and having to say “No thanks, I cannot help you” to others. It has helped me stay sane.

How are you taking care of yourself this month? What areas can you visualize yourself succeeding in?