Tag: Live a Little

Blog

Another Year Older, Wiser, and Starting Over (Again)

Cherry and the Hoot

Hellooo Hooters!

Today happens to be the GREATEST day of all time- June 27th! Cheers to another year older, wiser, and starting over (again)! Finally, my New Year is here yet again- Happyyyy Birthdayyyy to meeee! 

Goodness, I have managed to survive yet another year of this “Life thing” and I’m honestly not sure how to feel about it. Overall, the greatest part about today is the fact that I’m finally able to fully reset my entire life. If you know me, then you know that I don’t celebrate January 1st as a “New Year” for me, but instead my actual birthday. I use June 27th for my New Year’s resolutions, cleanse, and overall self-improvement. 

Being able to reset on my birthday is important to me because I can reflect on my past year and observe where I need to improve, see where I went wrong, where I lost motivation, etc. In my previous post, I wrote about getting back on track and this is exactly what I meant by that. A fresh start at least gets me going on the right path and I always try to keep in mind- a good habit becomes most effective after 21 days. No matter what goals I set, I try my best to force myself to complete them for at least 21 days. 

Just like any other year, this year has been hectic and I’ve faced numerous challenges and exciting moments throughout it. The first six months I decided to let go of alcohol and I’m proud to say that I succeeded greatly. Halfway through the first six months, I gave the 75 Hard challenge a try and somewhat succeeded for the most part. My most creative task for my last year was to create a “Random Thoughts of 32” thread in my Notes app. I seriously can’t wait to share that in a future post. That is where I shared some of my hardest, darkest, and transparent moments in my life throughout the year. 

This last year I also considered and started new beginnings, repaired or tightened broken relationships, fell in love with a new hobby, explored Faith, and more. Of course, throughout my sharing my journey, I’ll be reflecting on the biggest setbacks I faced. I’m choosing to share my setbacks because I’m an honest person and if I can’t be transparent or real with my supporters- what’s the point of this blog right? 

My goals for this year would probably consist of the continuation of improving myself physically, financially, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, etc. I plan on blogging more and enhancing my overall content. Improving more relationships with my loved ones would be ideal- I’ll try not to be too pressed about that. Exploring faith on a deeper level would also be a goal. And then lastly, I’ll be focusing more on completing a few goals I started within the last year- very excited about that! 

Overall, I’m excited about my new beginning and a reset of life. I’m excited to overcome the challenges I may face and hope to deal with them accordingly. I’m excited to work on myself across the board. I’m extremely excited to accomplish the goals I’ve been working on. I’m excited about my upcoming vision for this blog. I’m just excited to succeed. This next chapter of life will be great and I’m claiming it. 

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

Blog

World Teen Mental Health Day

Cherry and the Hoot

Teenagers deal with mental health challenges as well, and it is vital they know it is okay not to be okay. Reach out to a teen today to check on their well-being, see if you can be of any help, and let them know they are loved.

Much Love Hooters,

-Cherry and the Hoot

Blog

A Simple Act of Kindness

Cherry and the Hoot

I’m often told that I’m “too friendly” to strangers. I for sure have a tendency of speaking to strangers, but I have a reason for doing so. One day, years ago, I happened to be at a Food Lion grocery store, and I thanked the bagger and told him I hope he’s having a great day. He thanked me for speaking to him and commented, “I wasn’t, but you just made my day,” with a huge smile. His bright smile warmed my heart and made me feel good inside. From that point on, I would begin to randomly speak to people and wish them a great day or even compliment them.

It became a habit to me because I absolutely love making people smile when they’re least expecting it. I also love making people feel special and appreciated. You never know how someones day is going, and knowing that a simple, “hello, I hope your day is going well,” can make someone’s entire day is amazing to me. Some folks may not have anyone to talk to on daily basis. Someone could be depressed or experiencing suicidal thoughts. Having a horrible day could cure one by my kind words alone. I’m thankful for my friendly and outspoken traits, because they help me help others.

Considering myself a healer is something I take pride in because I know I have uplifting spirits. It’s something like a magical gift I inherited. Whenever I see a janitor, cleaner, delivery associate, or anyone I feel doesn’t get appreciated enough, I thank them and let them know they’re greatly appreciated. It’s something a lot of humans are lacking. Kindness. You don’t need to show kindness by giving someone something. It takes about two seconds to make someone’s day. Even if they don’t respond, know it you did something amazing, and make it natural habit. I promise you could possibly save a few lives or make some happy.

It’s my FOREVER challenge to all reading this- THANK those who are least appreciated. ASK a stranger about their day. COMPLIMENT a stranger’s appearance, scent, clothing, etc. #MakeADifference #ShowAppreciation #ThankSomeone

I’d love to hear about your experience and how the stranger reacted so please be sure to reach out via the Contact form.

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.