MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS PA

We face so much as early childhood educators and teachers. We have the awesome responsibility to foster young children's learning, development and overall wellbeing through our everyday interactions. This can take its toll.

When you think of mental health, what pops into your mind? Is it the need to always be happy, to be in control of your environment and emotions, or is it that deep down feeling that, no matter what may come at you, you know you have the strength, determination, will power and support in place to conquer even the darkest moments?

Mental health is not just important for parents and caregivers, but for all people. Life will continue to throw each of us challenges along our journey, but it is our mental health that will decide how it affects us. It is something that I personally continue to work on daily.

It looks different for everyone. Whether it's through a song that speaks to you, a book that teaches and reminds you to let go of the control, reaching out to a friend for either a kick in the pants or a pat on the back, or something you carry on your person, an anchor if you will, that reminds you of why you get up each time you are knocked over, and continue to walk your journey.

So, as I sit here, thinking of what mental health means to me, I reach for my necklace, rub it for strength. I grab hold of my coffee, look towards my book that is always close by, and remember what a dear friend said to me not long ago...

"Don't you ever give up!"

So I say to each of my readers today. You are worth so much to someone, so never give up! Somewhere you have touched a person in a way you may never know

Continue to walk your journey, and remember that you have the strength to conquer and achieve your inner peace.

Janine