For the past few weeks, things have been unusually silent across my blog, TikTok, and Instagram, and I sincerely apologize for my unexpected absence. The truth is, I've been navigating a significant period of burnout, which has left me with little energy for creating content. As many of you know, mental health is the main focus of this blog, and experiencing this firsthand has reinforced the very message I often share: one crucial part of the mental health journey is acknowledging the profound sense of physical and emotional fatigue that can feel overwhelmingly heavy, often more so than it truly is. My prolonged absence has led to a loss of momentum and connection with my wonderful community. However, I'm now committed to re-establishing a consistent posting schedule with renewed energy. My hope is not just to regain lost ground, but to continue growing this supportive community and reaching even more people with honest discussions about life's challenges. 

Alright, friends, it's time to take a collective deep breath and exhale all the hustle. Today's post is here to offer a little dose of light-heartedness and healing. It's the height of summer, after that sweet time when the days stretch out, inviting us to slow down and soak up every warm ray. Let’s shed the heavy stuff, breathe, and find a more intentional rhythm. It's a wonderful time to focus on your well-being. What better way than a personally curated list of uplifting recovery songs, insightful mental wellness podcasts, and audiobook recommendations to add to your listening queue. Let's dive in!

My post holds a deeply personal significance for me today. On July 3rd, 2025, I celebrated a big milestone: three years of sobriety. A sobriety birthday isn't just a date on the calendar; it's an affirmation of my strength, a powerful reminder that even through the hardest days, the challenges, and the lowest moments, I remained resilient, While the initial decision to get sober was a crucial step, the daily commitment to maintaining sobriety often challenging. Yet, it's a fight I would choose every single time, for it saved my life. Without sobriety, I would not have the privilege of sharing this journey with you all. Let’s get into why sobriety anniversaries are so important.

Hey y’all,

Throughout my recovery journey, I've participated in a variety of resources, from attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and group therapy sessions to engaging with online mental health forums, listening to addiction and recovery podcasts, and exploring self-help books. These experiences have provided me with invaluable insights and knowledge. As I continue to dive deeper into self-reflection and continue to explore my recovery, I consistently encounter a recurring theme: learning to live life on life's terms. I wanted to discuss this topic for today's post. 

I am struggling with writer's block this weekend. I have not been able to write anything that felt inspiring, but this is real, and life happens, but I want to pop in for a quick note of gratitude:

"Those of us who struggle with depression are all too familiar with the act of creating justifications to others and ourselves to avoid simple situations, often leading towards further isolation and a deeper depression.