Category: Mental Health

Home, Mental Health

365 Daily Dose of Happiness – Guided Journal for Mindfulness & Reflection

Cherry and the Hoot

365 Daily Dose of Happiness is a guided journal designed to support your mental wellness and self-care each day. With simple prompts and interactive checkboxes, this journal helps you pause, reflect, and nurture your emotional well-being- without pressure or perfection. Perfect for anyone looking to build mindfulness habits or take intentional moments for joy and self-care.

Book cover of '365 Daily Dose of Happiness' featuring the title and subtitle, along with decorative floral and abstract elements.

What This Journal Helps With

This guided journal is designed to help you:

  • Build a daily reflection habit focused on personal happiness.
  • Process thoughts and emotions in a safe, structured way
  • Practice mindfulness, gratitude, and self-awareness
  • Reconnect with yourself during overwhelming or quiet moments.
  • Create meaningful, intentional moments of happiness throughout the year.

You can use the journal sequentially or open to any page that resonates with you that day.

What’s Included?

  • Fillable digital PDF with interactive checkboxes for use on a phone, tablet, or computer
  • Printable PDF version for those who prefer writing by hand
  • Over 365 guided prompts focused on reflection, mindfulness, and daily happiness
  • Simple, calming design created to feel supportive- not overwhelming

How It Works

  1. Download your files instantly after purchase.
  2. Download your fillable PDF digitally and check off prompts as you complete them, or print the printable version to write by hand.
  3. Choose one prompt per day or return to any prompt whenever you need it.
  4. There is no right or wrong way to use this journal. Go at your own pace.

This guided journal is here to support your mental wellness and daily happiness, not overwhelm you. Take your time, skip prompts that don’t resonate, and celebrate every small moment of reflection. Even one prompt a day can create meaningful change for your emotional well-being and joy.

CLICK HERE TO START YOUR JOURNEY!

Blog, Mental Health

Getting Back on Track: Rebuilding My Blog and Mind

Cherry and the Hoot

Sup Hooters?

It’s been a while since my last real blog post, and I’m beyond happy to be back! Like many others around the world, life has been lifing — and kicking my tail to the max. I’ve faced countless ups and downs, setback after setback, and now I’ve finally decided it’s time to start getting back on track.

From relationship complications and distancing myself from loved ones…

To not being where I feel I should be in life — or where I want to be…

To losing everything I worked so hard for…

To drastic weight fluctuations, self-esteem issues, and stress so deep it caused hair loss…

To making progress at work, only to feel stuck in a position where growth seems impossible…

To personal battles within myself…

To the fear of failure when considering new beginnings…

To feeling lost, losing hope, motivation, and even the will to keep going — all while quietly battling the triggers of depression and anxiety…

Most days, I’ve managed to keep a smile on my face.

“Fake it until you make it,” they say. But behind the mask, it’s been rough — as I’m sure is the case for many people in this world. Some manage better than others, and that’s perfectly okay. Through it all, I’m incredibly grateful for my loving and supportive circle — they’ve helped carry me through this wild journey called life.

And now, with a full heart and a cautious sense of hope, I’m slowly rebuilding.

I’m looking forward to getting back on track with blogging… and more importantly, improving my mental health — one day at a time.

Last year, I made the tough decision to hide my blog due to ongoing struggles with my mental health. I couldn’t think clearly enough to express my deeper thoughts, and some things I simply wanted to avoid. I didn’t feel it was fair to my supporters to leave them waiting for months at a time for new content.

Over the years, so many people have reached out with love and gratitude, thanking me for sharing my stories — the raw, unfiltered truth about my darkest days. And in stepping away, I felt like I was letting them down by not staying consistent — even though I wanted to be.

But if I’m being honest, I felt like I was letting myself down most of all. Not because I didn’t care, but because I just didn’t have the motivation. I shut down. Completely. And I chose to take a break.

I always believed I’d return eventually, once I had “figured my life out.” But the gag is… I still haven’t figured it out. And I’m probably nowhere near. But I’ve come to realize — I’m not the only one. During this time away from blogging, I’ve learned that sometimes… You just have to go for it, even if you don’t feel ready. Even if things aren’t perfect. Even if you’re still healing.

My blog has been back online for the past three months, quietly waiting — and now I’m finally building up the courage to start again, right where I left off. This time, with major growth and intention. I’m ready to focus on what I love: sharing my mental health journey, helping others through my experiences, and offering creative tools and gentle encouragement for those who need it most.

What I’m most excited about as I return to blogging is reconnecting with the hobbies and passions that once lit me up inside. My favorite highlights have always been my exploring adventures and crafting — the coping mechanisms that grounded me. Unfortunately, during my lows, I often lose interest in the very things that bring me the most joy. But now? I’m slowly returning to those activities… and I can’t wait to share a brand new hobby I’ve picked up along the way!

I originally started this blog to help me cope with life and to be vulnerable with strangers across the world. I wanted my supporters to know that they aren’t alone in dealing with mental health struggles. I wanted to remind you that it’s okay to not always be okay. It’s okay to fall short in life. And it’s always okay to start over as many times as you need to.

No matter how many times I’ve wanted to give up completely, somehow, I’ve always made it through. And I will continue to — just like you will. Even when it feels like there’s no way out, or nowhere to turn, trust me — you will make it through this hectic journey called life.

I’m rooting for you.

This next chapter of the Cherry and the Hoot blog will be better than ever. And this next chapter of my life is going to be even bigger and brighter. Thank you for being a part of my journey. If you’re feeling lost right now, I hope you find your way back too. Let’s rebuild together: our goals, our hearts, and our minds. Let’s keep improving our mental health — fully and intentionally. But always remember to “Live a Little” along the way.

Much Love Hooters,

-Cherry and the Hoot

Home, Mental Health

Summer Beach Calming Activities: Summer Mental Wellness

Cherry and the Hoot

Summer is just about here, and while the season brings sunshine and longer days, many of us are still navigating our mental health journeys. The good news? There’s a therapeutic place waiting for us- the beach. With its soothing waves, open skies, and calming energy, it offers the perfect setting to slow down and reconnect. It’s a sacred space to pause, breathe, and come back to yourself. If you’re craving peace this season, these summer beach calming activities are a gentle invitation to relax your inner calm… one mindful moment at a time.

1. Walking Along the Shoreline
-Take off your shoes and stroll where the water meets the sand. Feel each step, listen to the rhythm of the waves, and let your mind drift. This barefoot walk will help ground you and quiet inner noise.

2. Drawing or Writing in the Sand
-Use your finger or a stick to create messages, doodles, or mandalas in the sand. Let the waves eventually wash them away as a symbol of releasing what no longer serves you.

3. Beach Breathing Meditation
-Sit or lie comfortably on the sand. Breathe in as the wave comes in and then breathe out as it flows out. Match your breath to the tide to create a calming rhythm that quiets anxiety and recenter your focus.

4. Listening to Seashells
-Place a shell to your ear and listen. This simple act can bring you back to the current moment. Use it as a grounding ritual- a reminder to pause and truly hear what’s around and within you.

5. Watching the Waves
-Find a comfortable spot and do nothing but watch the waves rise and fall. Let each wave carry away tension. This quiet watching helps you become more aware, more still, and more at peace.

6. Beach Picnic with Mindful Eating
-Bring something light and refreshing like fruits, iced tea, sandwiches, etc., and eat slowly as you focus on flavors, smells, and textures. Enjoy each bite with gratitude while listening to the ocean nearby.

7. Gentle Beach Yoga or Stretching
-Roll out a towel or mat and stretch slowly. Try child’s pose, seated twists, or deep breathing postures. The ocean breeze and natural sounds enhance relaxation as your body unwinds.

8. Stargazing by the Shore
-Visit the beach after sunset. Lay back on a towel or blanket and look up. Let the stars remind you how expansive and beautiful life can be. This is a great time for slow breathing or silent reflection.

9. Ocean-Inspired Journaling
-Bring a notebook and write near the water. Reflect on how the sea mirrors your emotions- always moving, sometimes stormy, always returning to calm. Use prompts like, “What do I need to let go of today?”

10. Writing a Message and Letting It Go
-Write a thought, memory, or emotion you’re ready to release- in your journal or directly in the sand. Then let it go. Watch the tide carry it away. It’s a symbolic, gentle form of emotional release.

Each of these summer beach calming activities offers a small, sacred moment of peace and sometimes, that’s exactly what we need. Whether you spend five minutes or five hours, let the ocean remind you that calm is always available. No matter which activity you decide to do, always remember to “Live a Little” while doing so.

Much Love Hooters,
-Cherry and the Hoot

Mental Health

August Mental Health Check-in

Cherry and the Hoot

As I sit in this peaceful hotel room with a city view of Las Vegas, I reflect on the past month and what it has brought to me. My mental health has declined dramatically, but I have pretty much mastered concealing it. I’ve also mastered bearing with everything bothering me- not letting things get the best of me, or allowing anything to affect my life more than what it needs to. I must say, I have come a long way with how I react to specific dilemmas. I suppose my therapy is paying off after all- who knows?

My August was compressed with tremendous anxiety, confusion, pain, anger, betrayal, disbelief, and aversion, but one would never know unless I disclosed my troubles. I tend to express joyous vibes to keep my family and few friends from worrying about me. This was for sure a month where I’ve found myself staying in my “own zone” and focusing on self more than anything else. It was an eye-opener, and I will for sure be elaborating on that in a future post. I did find that being consistent within my early morning workouts and listening to Apple Music really helped me get through this month and snatched my mind away from a lot. I decided to end my month in Las Vegas because I made a promise to self to use my days off to the fullest. The good thing is, it was only a three and a half drive away from home, plus there was no traffic. I plan to hike a few trails while I’m here and start or publish a few posts on the blog.

I hope August was a much more enjoyable month for you all! If not, may September bring everything you wish for. Always remember, you are not alone, and help is there- you just have to seek it. Take care of your mental health no matter the circumstances, and do not allow anything or anyone to determine your happiness. Live for you and be happy in the process even if you have to fake it. It is okay to cry, it is okay to seek professional assistance, it is okay to ignore a few phone calls, texts, messages, or emails for a few days. If you need a break- take it! I wish you all the best when it comes to your mental health.

If you ever need advice, words of encouragement, or coping skills- I am only one email away in the Contact tab.

Mental Health

July Mental Health Check-In

Cherry and the Hoot
21 motivational quotes about mental health • The Anxious Empath

Although the world is suffering from a pandemic, do not allow that to hinder you from enjoying your life as adequately as possible. Yes, times are difficult for most due to losing their employment, not being able to pay bills, struggling to feed families and the homeless, losing loved ones, stressing about children going back to school, worldwide protests, and much more. Lifting yourself either for you or your family is what matters right now. Positivity is key during these tough times. It isn’t just you experiencing this pandemic, it is everyone. Some may have it easier than others but we’re all impacted as a whole.

Rather waiting for a miracle to emerge, do as much as you can to see some sort of change. If you need help, ask your family, close friends, community, church, or the state for assistance. Let your pride go for a while. Right now a lot of states are providing extra resources under the circumstances, you just have to put in the work to find all available options and offerings. If you need to talk to someone because you feel alone or on the verge of depression, research your options for therapists if your family and friends aren’t available. Go outside for daily walks or yoga sessions to keep a clear mind. Write your thoughts, concerns, or plans in a notebook- it’s relieving. Read inspiring books to help you get motivated or have some kind of hope. If you’re able to, start filling out job applications because more places than you think are hiring. Stay active at all times to keep your sanity!

The resources are there and available, you just have to go for it. Although everyone’s situation isn’t the same, we are all in this together; you are not alone!

Mental Health

Stop Soldier Suicide

Cherry and the Hoot

Being an advocate and voice for those who experience mental health illnesses or periods, I try to support non-profit organizations such as ones for suicide. Stop Soldier Suicide is a non-profit organization aimed to help support those who have fought or are currently fighting for our country (United States). They help by providing mental health support, providing resources and referrals, and educating and training to all service members, veterans, and military families from every branch.

Today, I found out an Air Force member is helping to support the organization by starting a fundraiser plus a 100-mile jog for the entire month of July. With that being “said,” if you’ve experienced or know someone who has experienced suicidal thoughts, attempts, or success (for them), to push yourselves and join the movement!

I will be donating as well as hopefully accomplishing the challenge! Once you’re able to succeed, I’m gladly going to be accepting photos via email to feature you on the blog!

Good luck to all and thank you for the support.