Self-improvement

Passion & Growth

/ caseylmatzke / Leave a comment

At the end of 2022, I was looking for something to add to my self-care package. I love journaling and that practice has stayed with me, but I wanted something more. I am an avid book reader, so I was already hooked on the Book of the Month Club. By the way, this has been a great opportunity for me to read other genres and learn about some great authors that I would not have read before. If you like to read, I suggest checking it out.


I was putting some thought into what I could do when I came across this Passion & Growth post on Facebook. It immediately caught my attention. As I went to do some more research on it, I saw that it was a subscription box, which I like these concepts. It seemed like this box would be right up my alley. Promoting small businesses, encouragement, growth, passion, everything that I shoot for. It took me a few months, but I finally pulled the trigger, and I couldn’t have been happier with my decision.


I think the thing that I like most about this subscription is that it is a new present every month. I am treating myself to something, and I have no idea what it is, but I know that it is going to be great and right up my alley.


I know that I will most likely be getting a book, which I absolutely love. Avid reader remember. I have gotten journals and sticky notes. I have received lavender in a rolling stick to help you sleep, which at times I need! A protein bar that tasted exactly like a cinnamon roll, and I mean exactly like it.


Seriously, there is something special in each box that touches my soul and I am not just talking about the books! There is nothing better than receiving a package in the mail that you know is going to lift your spirits and you are excited to open! If you are interested in learning more about Passion & Growth, check it out here!


If you are on a journey, find something that helps you along the way, find something that brings you joy, passion, and make sure you keep it around.


As always share some love, we could all use a little more love.

XOXO

Casey

Anxiety – Let’s Talk About It

/ caseylmatzke / 2 Comments

Not too long ago, I was laying down with my kiddo and she looked over at me and asked me if I had anxiety. I quickly closed my book and thought about the question. My first response was do you know what anxiety is? She replied, not really. This told me that this was something that she picked up or heard from somewhere. I preceded to tell her that I don’t think I have anxiety but that anxiety is when you worry about things that can sometimes be out of your control. 

She asked me if I had panic attacks and what they were… she was coming with the big questions. I told her a panic attack was when you got so worried and stressed out about something that sometimes it got hard to breathe. I then told her I would do some research for her and come back with some better answers. 

Anxiety – “A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.”

Some symptoms of anxiety according to Mayo Clinic – 

  • Feeling nervous, restless or tense
  • Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom
  • Having an increased heart rate
  • Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
  • Sweating
  • Trembling
  • Feeling weak or tired
  • Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
  • Having trouble sleeping
  • Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems
  • Having difficulty controlling worry

Home Remedies to help combat anxiety according to Mayo Clinic – 

  • Keep physically active
  • Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs
  • Quit smoking and cut back or quit drinking caffeinated beverages 
  • Use stress management and relaxation techniques
  • Make sleep a priority
  • Eat healthy

I have been pretty fortunate to not have anxiety play a huge role in my life. Now, I will admit that I am an over-thinker. I can go down a path quickly and get lost in thought and future conversations that may never even happen. For me, focusing on the present seems to help. I tell myself to stop, relax, and try to think about something else. To not make assumptions but to wait and see how things play out on there own instead.

For me, this was a great reminder that – You never know what someone else is going through or what they are having a hard time with. Choose kindness next time you get frustrated with someone. Choose joy next someone gives you a hard time. Choose grace next time someone cuts you off. You never know what they may be dealing with internally. 

Also, if you have kiddos, just assume, they are consuming everything that goes on around them. Have the tough conversations with them. Heck, I didn’t even know what anxiety was until my later 20s, now my 11 year old is asking me about it. Don’t be afraid to have the conversations, we need more of these conversations. 

As always share some love, we could all use a little more love.

XOXOXO

Casey 

You are Beautiful

/ caseylmatzke / 1 Comment

The other night I was getting ready for bed and scrolling through social media (terrible idea, I know!) (Side note, I did put my phone down and pick up my book!) As I was scrolling, I ran across this quote and stopped mid-scroll. I saved the picture and my intention was to keep scrolling but I kept thinking about the quote.


“The sunrise, of course, doesn’t care if we watch it or not. It will keep on being beautiful, even if no one bothers to look at it.”


What if for once, we did not care what other people thought? What if, like the sun, we just kept shining and being our beautiful self, regardless if people paid attention to us or not? What if people paid attention to how they treated others instead of how others were treating them? What kind of world would we live in? What kind of space would we create, if people were 100% genuine and not just trying to gain a social media presence. Heck, I doubt social media would even be as half as popular as it is now, if this was the case.


Some thoughts as we start this new week.


Keep Shining. There is a beautiful light in you. LET IT SHINE. Even if no one else sees you, keep shining.


Keep knowing your beauty inside and outside, regardless of who else may or may not think you are beautiful. Don’t depend on the words of others to validate yourself. Instead grow in confidence and know that YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL inside and out.


Be confident. When you are confident, there is something magnificent that radiates off you.


Above all, keep chasing your dreams.


You never know who is watching you, who is cheering you on, or who’s day you are brightening. So, like the sun, I am choosing to keep on being beautiful and shining my light.

As always, share some love. We could all use a little more love

XOXOXOXO

Casey