Tag: Self-Love

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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

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

Blog

Quote of the Week: Happy Valentine’s Day

Cherry and the Hoot

“The fact that someone else loves you does not rescue you from the project of LOVING SELF.”

-Unknown

Hooters,

Although today is the day of love, always remember to love on yourself each and every single day. Use this week to love on self a bit more as we sometimes tend to get caught up and forget to do so. Even if you don’t have someone special to spend this day with, use it for yourself. Take yourself out to eat somewhere nice (or simple if you don’t have the funds) and have a tasteful meal. If you don’t feel like going out to eat, try to make one of those meals you’ve saved from social media and test your inner chef or order something for take-out. You could also enjoy a peaceful environment to self-reflect on life. Or you could even watch a movie you’ve been wanting to see or watch one of your favorite movies. Let’s not forget a possible self-care day! Whatever it is you decide to do, remember to Live a Little while doing so!

Happy Valentine’s Day Hooters.

Much Love,

-Cherry and the Hoot

Blog

A Well-Needed Night Out

Cherry and the Hoot

While experiencing the unpleasant symptoms of our mental health illnesses, some of us tend to lose ourselves. Sometimes we won’t get out of bed simply because we lack energy. Not even to get up to brush our teeth, wash our faces, or eat. We won’t leave our homes for days at a time- neglecting work or other essential tasks that should be taken care of during the day. We’ll keep our phones on silent or do not disturb to avoid conversation with our loved ones. We keep to ourselves because we get so down that we don’t know how to get back up quickly. We lie there stuck in our thoughts and feelings, thinking of everything going wrong in our lives- what we can and can’t fix, etc. Not because we want to be down but because those are the symptoms that are challenging to overcome sometimes. 

Being stuck in these unfortunate moments can take on toll on anyone enduring them. Likewise, being lost can take a toll and then worsen by the month, week, day or minute. But sometimes, we must push ourselves as hard as possible to get out of those depressing moods, even if it is just for a brief moment. Sometimes we must take that phone call to get a small giggle out of ourselves from a loved one. Maybe they’ll bring up one of our favorite memories that we may have forgotten about. Perhaps someone wants to make us our favorite comfort food or dessert we haven’t eaten in a long time. Or maybe, we’ve been cooped in the house for so long we could use a fun night out to take our minds off of the things bothering or triggering us. 

A couple of nights ago, I was able to do just that. For a change, I was able to force myself to get up; I found a cute outfit with the tags still on it in my closet, I refreshed my hair, and then I drove an hour to hang out with a good friend. I even beat my face with some Fenty makeup for the first time in a while. For the first time in a long time, I felt beautiful. I felt good about myself. Although still fresh in my brain, I tried my best to put aside the things that had been bothering me for the past few months. I was able to go out, enjoy the great company and atmosphere I was surrounded by, and I was able to feel like myself for a change. It felt good. Even though I knew I’d be stuck back in my troubling ways the next day (as I was/am). Getting dressed up and out of my home helped me realize that better days are coming soon. At least, that is what I’ll tell myself to bring some sort of peace of mind. 

I write this to say even amid our troubles; there is still room for fun and excitement. The enjoyable moments might not last forever, but they are still there to happen. Of course, not every day will be “happy-go-lucky,” but at least getting out and trying to enjoy the moment is a start. So even if we have to fake it until we make it and are finally out of our depressing periods- find the time to try to “Live a Little” as best as possible.

#YouAreNotAlone

Much Love Hooters,

-Cherry and the Hoot           

Uncategorized

7 Quick Signs You Are Emotionally Drained

Cherry and the Hoot

-You are more easily irritated than usual

-Even small tasks feel overwhelming

-You feel restless and on edge a lot

-Your appetite has changed

-You’re tired all day but struggle to sleep at night

-You are making easy mistakes you wouldn’t usually make

-You feel like you could be stuck this way forever

Source: @myeasytherapy

Uncategorized

6 Ways To Improve Your Mental Health

Cherry and the Hoot
  1. Set healthy boundaries and ask for help when you need it
  2. Create habits that make your daily life easier/less stressful
  3. Try fun exercises such as biking, dancing, or skating
  4. Socialize with friends and keep in touch
  5. Keep things as neat and organized as possible
  6. Get enough sleep and make time to unwind during the day

Source: @selftime

Uncategorized

How to Boost Your Self-Confidence

Cherry and the Hoot
  • Focus on what you can change/improve
  • Do more of what makes you happy
  • Practice self-talk
  • Accept your weaknesses and work on them
  • Surround yourself with supportive/positive people
  • Celebrate your small wins
  • Instead of comparing yourself to others, practice self-compassion