Let Your Inner Light Shine

When that darkness seeps over your soul, there's a second - a moment - where you forget those around you, those that love you......but when that light clicks on again, you might reach out to someone or think, "Never again."

I hate to break it to you all, but sometimes.....that light never comes back on. But please - don't think anything is YOUR fault - you can't stop certain things from happening. No one can......all you can do in times of someone else's moments of weakness is simply let them know you are there for them and that you love them. Trust me....it's enough. :) Depression/Mental illness IS a thing. Don't let it take over you and your mind! Let that light bulb click on!

Below, I've made a list of my "Lights" - the things that help me get through those moments. Maybe some of these things can help you or someone you know.

1. Chess!

- I list Chess first, even though it's still something new to me. But chess makes me think - and I notice that in my weakest, saddest moments, is when I fight harder on the board. I beat my chess coach just yesterday and I have a LOT going on right now mentally. (Although HE may have another story!! Haha!)

Chess reminds me of my father and his strength. At times, I feel like I'm playing him... other times, I feel he's playing through me, like yesterday. I was catching some CRAZY positions several moves ahead that normally I stumble on!

 (My lovely fossil and red onyx chess set, given to me on my birthday by my fiance, Niko <3 br="">

2. Dance/music

- Dance is my heart, my soul. When I dance, I feel whole. There are some dancers that manage to move me to tears because of where their heart is at at the time. I feel it. It's beautiful and a great way to get out extra stress and anxiety. Just move!


3. Meditation

- Some may have issues with meditation and wonder how it works, exactly. But meditation comes in many forms, some being Martial Arts. Martial Arts is just as mental as it is physical. Though I am a huge fan of different fighting styles (Tai Chi, Aikido, BJJ, Muy Thai..) I have yet to learn one particular style (it's on my list!). So I meditate spiritually (at a resting state) and sometimes in my Nia dance class. Nia combines modern dance, Tai Chi and Yoga into one expressive art form.

More on Nia here: http://www.nianow.com/practice

Also, shot of my friend, Theresa's shop in Terre Haute (Kamikaze Karate!):

...because Bruce makes me happy. (http://www.kamikazekarate.com/)

4. Family/friends/pets

-All of the above are key. I try to tell the ones I care about that I love them all the time. After my dad died, I remember thinking about how short our time is on this planet. What are we doing with our lives and why aren't we enjoying it more? Why do we find it so hard to tell the people around us that we care? 

(Dog-Jitsu! Niko and Athena Dog-Jitsu-ing on the floor. Yes.... oh yes.. it's a thing.)



There are other things that I use to settle anxiety/depression (like my tea!), but these are the big ones for me.

Okay, another shameless plug of something that manages to combine all of my Zen moments into one, an organization that some of you may have heard of: The Hip Hop Chess Federation. These people do AMAZING things. I ask each and every one of you reading this, please read this:

HHCF Summer Camp Program

 ... and donate if you can. "The HHCF fuses Hip-Hop Chess and Martial Arts to promote unity, strategy and nonviolence." And guess what? It works :)

I'm hoping one day soon, Cincinnati will have its own branch of the HHCF. We have so many youth here that have so much talent!

Similarly, we have Elementz Hip Hop Youth Center (http://elementz.org/wp/about/), another amazing organization right here in Cincy, helping youth remain off the streets and putting their minds in more positive places.

If you've read this far, I thank you. Stay positive and know that you are loved. <3 p="">
~S