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Motivational Monday: Quote of the Week

“If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or objects.”

-Albert Einstein
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Happy International No Diet Day

That’s right, Hooters, let go of those diets for the day! You’ve been overly stressing yourself entirely too much now about being fit and healthy. Put down the fruits and veggies and indulge in some of your favorite snacks and meals. For one day, rid yourself of your self-esteem flaws and mental health stressors because good food makes everyone cheerful. Eat whatever you please, enjoy the moment, and forgive yourself later! Regardless of whether you eat too much or too little, you are fine just as you are. Eat whatever makes you happy and savor the moment. You deserve it! Enjoy yourselves today, and don’t forget to live a little.

Much Love Hooters,

-Cherry and the Hoot

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We’ve Hit a Milestone Hooters!

There are times when I’m overly tough on myself because I feel like I’m not producing as much content as I would prefer to. There have been times when I felt like giving up and deleting everything because I couldn’t control my own mental health symptoms- lack of motivation to do anything. There have been times when I felt like I wasn’t receiving the support I believe this blog deserves. I stopped asking close family and friends to share any content because why beg to get out such a positive message for those dealing with mental health illnesses? I had to take a few days to reconsider my role and why I created this blog in the first place.

After re-evaluating, I thought the one thing that always keeps me going is knowing that I have a purpose and a goal to accomplish with this blog. I will continue to stay consistent with pushing the word and importance of mental health. I will continue being transparent with those who feel alone. I will continue to be the voice for those who think they’re too ashamed to mention their mental health illnesses. I will continue to help educate those who don’t know the severity of mental health illnesses. I will continue to be there for anyone who desires to vent or needs guidance. 

With that being said, I want to take this time to thank every one of my supporters for believing in this creative mental health blog! Thank you to all who have helped contribute to the traffic flow of this site. Together we have been making a significant difference in lives all over the globe! Lastly, TOGETHER we have hit our first meaningful milestone for the Cherry and the Hoot blog with 5,000+ all-time blog views! I’m beyond thankful for anyone who has made this possible, and looking forward to the next 5k views. Although, I can not thank you enough- THANK YOU, Hooters, for making this accomplishment possible!

Much Love Hooters,

-Cherry and the Hoot

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21 Days of Hope Challenge

April happens to be the Month of Hope. Hope is what we need to keep ourselves going each day. Hope is believing in ourselves and wanting the best outcome of our lives. Hope allows us to overcome some of our most challenging moments. Sadly, when one loses hope, they might feel there is nothing left to live for. However, one should never lose the feeling of hope when it comes to their life. Life is a beautiful thing and should always be cherished. Unfortunately, so often, we as people tend to forget the good we’ve already encountered. Instead, we take the things that once made us happy or previously provided us with hope for granted.

I created this 21 Days of Hope challenge to provide hope to those in need. Each day should remind one of the little things in life they may have forgotten or taken for granted. The goal is to think deeply about each question and consider how it truly made you feel at that moment. I suggest writing your answers in a notebook or the Notes app on your phone, so they’ll be readily available when you need them the most. Give yourself 10-15 minutes each day to cherish these occurrences, and if you’re able to, try to recreate newer memories.

Day 1:
Who is someone who brings you happiness? What is your connection with this person? How do they make you happy? What are things you enjoy doing with this person?

Day 2:
What is the best part of your physical health you’re grateful for? Why? What are you doing to upkeep your physical health?

Day 3:
Describe a time you were able to overcome a challenging obstacle you were uncertain about. How did overcoming the obstacle make you feel? Are you confident you’ll successfully overcome that obstacle again if faced?

Day 4:
Describe your happy place. When and how did you discover this particular place? What about this place makes you happy? How often do you visit?

Day 5:
A time you were experiencing one of the darkest moments of your life and someone special was able to uplift your spirits. How was this person able to help? Have you been able to express to them how it made you feel?

Day 6:
What is a song that brings happiness when you’re down? Is it repeat-worthy? How long does it make you feel good? Did you listen to it today?

Day 7:
What is a small achievement you’re proud of? How were you able to accomplish this goal? Have you been able to set higher goals to achieve? What are you waiting for?

Day 8:
A smell that brings you happiness. What does this smell remind of you? Why is it so significant?

Day 9:
A time a stranger put a smile on your face. How were you feeling before that moment? After?

Day 10:
A fun, memorable moment with a close family member or friend. What was the occasion? How did you feel at the time?

Day 11:
A time you were down at work, and a coworker cheered you up. What did they do to help? Can you still count on them today?

Day 12:
What is a movie that makes you happy? Why is it so unique? How often do you watch it?

Day 13:
Name a book that inspires you to better yourself. When’s the last time you read it? Have you been able to apply any advice to your life?

Day 14:
Consider something physical you enjoy doing that others aren’t capable of. Are you grateful? How would encourage an incapable individual?

Day 15:
What is your favorite part about technology? Does it help contribute to your happiness? How?

Day 16:
What are some of the most encouraging words you’ve ever heard? Who delivered them? Do you live by those words?

Day 17:
Describe a time a professional helped you overcome something troubling. What was their occupation? How long did it take for you to overcome the matter? How thankful were you at the time?

Day 18:
Describe something at home you’re grateful for others may not have. Have you ever taken this for granted?

Day 19:
Think about the person who’s always there when you need them the most. Who is this person? How often are you in communication? Have you ever expressed your appreciation to this individual?

Day 20:
Think of a time you were able to bring joy to someone else’s life. Who was this person? What did you do? Did their reaction make you feel good?

Day 21:
Consider a moment you put a smile on your face. How were you able to accomplish this smile? How did you feel after? Are you keeping yourself happy by staying consistent with this act of self-happiness?

Some of us may not currently be precisely where we’d like to be, but we should cherish and always consider the positives we’ve already endured throughout our lives. I hope this challenge can help someone find their happiness again or give hope to anyone who feels they lack it. To all reading this, you matter, your happiness matters, having hope matters, and your life matters- please never forget that!

Much Love Hooters,

-Cherry and the Hoot

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Focus on Your True Happiness

Happiness is the state of being happy, and it can be associated with joy or satisfaction during the present moment or overall life circumstances. One’s happiness can come from another individual, a particular place, material things, foods, achievements, and everything else that makes people happy. But, while some may appear satisfied, are they or are they settling for what they think is happiness?

Lately, I have had a few individuals express that they aren’t happy with certain things; they have been experiencing family or relationship complications, hate their job, aren’t satisfied with their appearance, or their financial situation isn’t ideal. In addition, they feel their accomplishments of life are slacking or something else keeping them from enjoying themselves, such as lack of physical energy or even ambition. Yet, no matter what they may be going through, I still try my best to encourage and motivate them to be the best they can be. Regardless of what anyone believes, life is life, and as long as one is breathing, you have the remainder of your life to accomplish the things you want most out of it. Sure, it can seem like it is taking forever to find happiness again, but it is there- one must seek it.

Honestly, I believe true happiness lies within oneself, starting with self-love. How are you treating yourself and your well-being? How often are you celebrating your current accomplishments to remind yourself you can achieve the things you put your mind to? Have you ever taken a moment to sit down and brainstorm about what truly makes you happy? What about questioning your current state of happiness? Seriously, are you genuinely satisfied with your life? Self-love is key because how can you expect others or materialistic things to bring you something you can’t feel within yourself? Start with yourself, and everything else will come with ease. Learn to stop doubting and being hard on yourself because if you do not believe in yourself, who will?

Relationships with others can seem like a roller coaster at times. Each relationship, friendship, or “situationship” has its ups and downs, but never entertain one that offers more downs than ups. Let it go if it affects your overall mental health or happiness! That goes for family members, childhood friends, close friends, significant long-term others, etc. Life is too short to allow others to affect our happiness. If those close to us can not respect our boundaries, what we want out of life, or our time, they don’t deserve a space in our lives. Do not allow others to drain you of your peace and happiness. Do not allow others to make you feel wrong about what you enjoy doing or find interest in. Do not allow others to make you feel a certain way about things because they are unhappy with themselves. Be happy being who you are, do what you love, live a little while doing so, and be safe. Often people get caught up in these relations and begin to lose themselves because they’re constantly trying to please others. They forget the things that once made them happy, and they grow to settle. Do not settle or lose yourself for the satisfaction of others. We must learn to surround ourselves around those with good intentions who motivate, support, and uplift us. Healthier relationships lead to increased happiness in our lives, so refresh your associates if need be.

If you’re unhappy with your place of employment or need a career change, start thinking about what you want to do. Consider your top skills and talents in the process and research opportunities based on those qualifications. It would be ideal to weigh out the pros and cons of your options to be sure you are making a practical decision overall. Maybe you’re tired of working for others- write out a business plan and focus on starting a small business. Research other successful businesses, such as the one you’d prefer to build, and see what makes that business so unique. Think of ways to make yours more different and unique from the others. Anything is possible, but I suggest keeping your 9-5 until you have fully executed your plan and are off to a great start. You love your employer, but not your position or salary, and you don’t want to quit or start your own business. Consult with your supervisor and see what you can do to get promoted. Maybe you need a few more qualifications, have them point you in the right direction towards a step closer to the top of the company chain.

Being tough on ourselves about our appearance can be a challenge. If you’ve been down about your weight, stop stressing and lose those pounds! Self-motivation is critical because only you can work out for yourself. Create a daily schedule and incorporate a time slot that works best for you to work out. I find early mornings my preferred and most effective time to walk each day. Maybe you aren’t a morning person and prefer to exercise during the afternoon or night- whatever floats your boat, make it happen! Get into a steady routine, and you’ll be losing those pounds in no time. While working out can help us significantly, don’t forget to pay attention to your food intake because what you put into your body matters and affects your overall appearance. Cut back on the unhealthy and greasy foods, midnight snacks, and alcohol (for the drinkers), and watch those inches and pounds shed from your body. Of course, consistency is ideal and vital during this process.

For those experiencing unhappiness due to financial mishaps, I’m not suggesting getting a second job as most people do. More power to those who choose to work multiple jobs- I have done it twice before, and it is beyond exhausting. Yes, you have an additional source of income, but you’re literally working your life away. However, I will suggest better spending habits, saving whatever you can save, seeking a better and higher paying job opportunity, researching and investing in stocks or property, or researching the various sources for additional income. Create a source of income you can generate in your sleep- think smarter, not harder! Sure, it is easier said than done, but it is possible. You could even start a blog and create another source of income. And let’s not forget about starting a business, as I mentioned earlier, that you could start!

This post aims to encourage those currently experiencing a sense of unhappiness in their lives to go out and find happiness. Clearly, I can’t touch base on everything that may cause one to be unhappy, but I know I was able to touch on the main reasons. The principle is to start within one’s self. Learn to stop overworking by listening to your body when it needs a break and rest yourself. Learn to stay away from toxic individuals who do not benefit your life in any shape or form. Learn to seek better professional employment opportunities where your work ethics matter and are appreciated. Learn to stop being hard on yourself when you’re trying your best and already have so much to show. Big or small- overpraise your current accomplishments of life. Those are achievements you worked hard to complete- celebrate them every chance you get! More importantly, learn to put your happiness first. Put yourself first. Love yourself first. Improve your joy and keep it that way, all while living a little!

Much Love Hooters,

-Cherry and the Hoot