As a First Responder Crisis Intervention Specialist and counselor, I have found myself wanting more joy and connection in my life. I love what I do as a Crisis Responder, but it is also very intense and I crave something that lights my soul up, as well.
After much research and thinking, I decided to do something vulnerable and exciting and something that lights up my heart.
The first thing is is that I started my own YouTube Channel called @DoingLifeWith Linnea. It is a place where you can see and hear me talk about my personal life but also provide practical coping skills for mental health and wellness. I also provide Nature Therapy Videos of walks that I take with my grand-dogs, Atticus and Soren.
The most recent thing I have done (and brings so much joy to myself!) is that I have started a Snail Mail Club called, "Notes of Hope Mail Club." Once a month, I send out real, tangible letters in envelopes with goodies to those who would like some hope, humor and encouragement to show up in their mailbox. I am really excited to connecting with my community in this way. It fills that creative part of me and hopefully it will bring lots of joy to those who also sign up for it in my store.
Connection is healing. We all need it. Whether it's a text a phone call, a kind gesture, a smile, a personal note or even personal email, it's so important that we don't lose connection with each other. We all need each other.
So, as you go about your day, I hope that you can be mindful of doing kind, small acts of kindness for those you know and those you don't. You don't know what someone else is going through and a simple kind, "hello" can literally save someone's life. Trust me.
I have had individuals in crisis who said that they were on their way to attempt to suicide, but if one person looked up at them and said, "hi", they would not go through with the attempt. Thankfully, someone said, "hi" to them on the street. A stranger. That stranger saved that person who was in pain - they saved their life without even realizing it.
Be love and kindness in action today as you go about your day. Someone needs your kindness.
Much Love,
Linnea