Courtesy   Graceful magazine U.k-The   football playing children

I have  been  writing  books  for  children  and  I have come to  realise  how  my childhood  playtimes  did  play  a part  in my ability  to think  and write good  stories  for  everyone.It gives  me  so much  joy  , when I look back  to the  so many  childhood playtimes  I  had,  as a  kid.And  the  ability  to recreate  some of those times in stories , makes  me  a  very  joyful  adult.The cognitive,physical,social development  of kids  are being helped  by  storytellers  and playmakers, as  kids  are  able to imagine  what happens  in  the  different  parts  of  the  world , especially  those  places they have never  been to,  help them  to try  to know more  about how  other people live daily.Having times of  play  helps  children to  develop that feeling  of good  self worth.Adults  who  distract  children,  by bringing them to  topics  that  are too  complex for kids to  understand, are not helping them  to see the  world in the eyes  of  kids.Taking away the   innocence  that  helps  kids  to develop  into stable  adults , is not  good.Rather than  doing this ,it is better  to give kids  more  good  memories  through  playtimes .Adults do not need to shuffle kids about , bring them to listen to  adult talks .  The  children  do always  remember those  times of  being  shuffled  about to listen to quarrelling  adults  and they  relieve  those  times  with pains. Some looking  back  to their  childhoods  as not nice  and  they are always  sorrowful,  hence we hear lots of people telling everyone that they have  been through lots in life.Those sad  experiences  make such  people  difficult  people , who  have no love for others and they  live selfishly , with no care  for  anyone  and people  do ask - why are they  like  that? .They  are like  that mostly due to bad  childhood times  with no  sufficient playtimes and laughter  in their  homes. Some of them in their adult lives tell people that they can live with nobody,  because they  did not  learn  as  children to associate and relate  with others,  in meaningful  ways during childplays.Hence  we meet people who tell others that I've been through a lot  growing up .But when you look inside those sad    experiences  that  stop kids  from  having joyful moments  -they are  just events caused by  selfish  adults,    because the  adults  are not thinking deeply or working  in wisdom .They  do not care about the  effect  of what they are doing  to the kids ,they  just live recklessly  and do not care  about how the  young  ones feel  .England have  so many  well built playgrounds  for kids  to  play in. Most  parents  who understand  that play is good  for the  development of their  kids,  do take them to  the playgrounds  to play.Most  of those  children relieve that  playgroups experiences  with joy.Apart from the  school playtimes , playtimes  at home are  necessary  and help to create   calm beautiful atmospheres for growing kids to  thrive  devoid of ramblings  and unneeded  arguments  that affect the psychology of kids latter in life  during adulthood.As  adults  we talk mostly about  the marks the kids  had in school works and school exams.It is good for kids to excel in their studies, but  they also need playtimes  to thrive  and be happy children.When we look underneath , kids  who do well in schools grew up  having  quality  playtimes  and peaceful  homes  sorrounded  by lovely people.Having quality  times to playtimes.Having quality playtimes   have nothing to  do  with how much the adults  in the  kid's  lives are earning.It is all about creating  quality  times to play with the kids in different ways  whether  paid  for or free . Taking them to playgrounds  and the playgroups is free.  The kids  who latter become  adult  football players,basketball players,sprinters  and runners used  to do that as kids and  they  never  stopped  as adults  and that is  what  good playtimes  can do for kids  latter in adult life.Play is  important in helping children to  learn how to  associate  and interact  with other people.It helps to enhance their abilities to  associate  with others.There  are people  who find  it hard to  stay or live with others.Their problems lie in the fact that  they  grew up in hostile environments with angry adults and they become loners as adults.They  get along with  nobody and they find fault in everything that people  do  ,always  looking at how to find  faults  or something negative in others  or the  way they  do things.Some of them  become adults  with no one to talk to  and they like  to live like that.Marrying such  people  becomes an invasion of their precious  spaces  and they are the ones  always  complaining  about everyone instead  of

looking  for  ways to find joy  staying  with  the people  they meet,places they  go  to  or  the things they are  blessed with.

Here are some  reasons why play  is  good  for  children.

1. Play  helps children to develop  good language   skills as they  learn how to  speak , while speaking with  the more  grown up peers  playing along with them.

2. Play helps  children's   cognitive development, it supports good thinking skills in kids.

3. Most creative people  had  enough playtimes  as kids.The  actors ,the footballers,the singers,the cooks   and most creatives  practised what they  latter  did  in adulthood  as kids  making it very easy  for them  to transfer the skills  they learnt and developed as kids to adult life through  education  and further  training.

4. Playtimes help  children to  learn how to  express themselves without feeling  shy.

5. Playtimes help kids  to develop different types of sports  skills  e.g  running. Active play helps them to  develop good motor  skills,healthy   muscle development,  good  imagination skills and  good relationship/communication skills.It helps the kids to   have good  blood  circulation  and  their muscles  develop stronger because they  are exercising  constantly.

6. Play  helps  children to develop  a  natural curiosity, enabling children to make connections with  their environments, understand  what they see in the television  around the world.

7. Playtime enables children to develop mathematical skills  and  these  skills  go  with them throughout  their lives.Plays  like the  road  blocks,Ludo,  helps kids to  develop  building and mathematical  skills  that help them to forge  meaningful careers  in their  areas  of plays.

8. Arts skills  like drawing  are  developed  from childhood through  playing and drawing  which  help  many children to transit  as  illustrators ,  artists,architects  and builders   latter in life.

9. Keeping children  in places where they  can have green spaces  to play,  is  vital  in  helping them to stay  healthy and to  develop the needed skills  to become  successful  adults.Pretend plays are  vital  in helping children to  develop strong interests  in certain careers ,which they latter pursue  in  adulthood.

Graceful

Reflections

The  reasons why adults being angry at  playing kids  is  a fruitless  venture

  by  Chinyere  Nwakanma

 August   02/08/2025  20:20 P.m

In  this  new  world where  kids  seem to be more  sensible than  adults and adults  seem to think  that  there is  something to be   angry about kids  playing down the  garden I  have been thinking  deeply about the  way some adults sometimes  react to kids, letting out  their energies, especially those  ones who think that they will  become the  next  Ronaldo , which seems to  be the  smartest  thing to do  by the  kids  today.Kids do love  football  especially the  boys,who are  always  running about , but I  do not think  that the adults creating  unneeded  mess for others , over  football  running kids  do  understand that  life  changes  very fast  and  that the  football  running kids do not always  end up as footballers,  as  they sometimes do  change their  minds about  what they  wish to  do in few years time to come.Adults  sometimes behave  like the  angry  buffalos,  who saw the noisy little penguins  along the streets ,with  some  blaming  parents  for not tying the kids to the chairs.Part of the early years  developmental process   includes the kids,   especially  the boys  playing down the  gardens, with adults  watching them.I  used  to  be in town, to  see some of my childhood friends,  who  we used to play  with  as  kids and I do  remember  the  good old days  of plays after  school  or during  lunchtimes  or school  clubs which bring  good  memories and sweetness to my heart. Some of  the football  running tots  and girls clapping hands , while the  adult neighbours  are angry with them  by   then,   are now moms and dads with  good professions. It is  a fruitless venture  running parents  out of steam ,over  littles  tots making themselves  happy. I have these little tots that play football over our garden, with their parents panicking that we will be upset and we will be laughing .It was during the COVID 2019/ 2020  that we saw the grumpies,who are  angry at playing kids making football noises,because we had these crowd of kids playing football in the  garden in our  building .Today,the noisemaking football kids are driving down our street and waving goodbye to me,while going to work every morning.It is like a movie in my eyes . I told the panicking adults, that the little tots playing football in the garden, do not always play football over the garden forever,that soon they  will be playing in clubs or  develop other interests , adults do look back and wish that the noisy screaming football tots ,will be back to play .So these days we have the pin drop noise making levels in our former  flats and the people  there are  now   asking  -Is anybody in the houses as everywhere is quiet.I think  that adults fighting over kids are wasting useful energies ,that  would  have  been used to other useful  for  society.When I  pass the football over  my garden ,I know that in the next few  years  the noise over the garden will  become on the pin drop noise level , as  the tots  will be in clubs  or work and   will be driving down to  see  how  we are  faring as adults , who love tiptoeing  and living the pin drop noise level lifestyle.And over the years moving through  neighbourhoods and now seeing the football  running  lads , going  to  ASDA ,TESCO,BARCLAYS  BANK   to do city  work , while  waving at me,made me to  know that  adults being angry,  at the lovely   football  running tots ,might be on  time wasting ventures  as soon  everyone  will be going  away to  do other things.It is good  for  parents  to be considerate , by taking kids  to  the park  to  let out the steam, but  arguing over playing  kids, is  not  actually worth it.It  is something one could overlook , as  in few years  time  one will  be  thinking about seeing those kids play again,  but  you will be surprised to hear that the kids are now living in Japan ,  Cairo,New Zealand  or  Paris  and  sometimes  you will  pass them on the  London streets  and they  will  wave or  come around  screaming  -Oh ,Aunty  how are you?  and they  will be asking you questions  about everyone and relieving the good old playdays ,after  which  they  will  wave goodbye.You will  be there  as an adult thinking  how time flies some are passing with their own kids ,so  we have actually passed  the baton  of the screaming adults, angry  at  kids  to the little  boys  and girls who were  playing football next door,  just   few  years  ago.The anger with the football  playing  happy clappy tots , was  not actually  worth it , as we the adults are now  strolling  down the same street  lonely,wishing that  we can hear  the tots  again or watch them play football, but all the tots  have  moved on.

Graceful

REFLECTIONS

How to survive challenging times

culled  from  Graceful Issue 9  May 2024

by  chinyere  Nwakanma

July  02/08/2005   16:20 p.m

 

Nobody is immune to challenging times, unless they are not in this world.But tough times do not last, but tough people do.Tough people do,because they are able to navigate the negative waters of life, by first accepting that there is a challenge before them.The first thing to do with challenging moments is to ask for  help and wisdom  and to look up.The second thing to do is to look for help from families and friends and tell those you can trust about the moment.Then you can look for  help from experts.Most importantly is having a mindset of faith ,that the moment will pass.There is no one person who is in a situation, that nobody has never been through before , so look up. Your situation will not last forever,there is an expiry date for every challenge ,so be hopeful Think about the people you are looking after and how depression will affect them.What about if you get sick or exit due to heart attack?.Those depending on you will suffer greatly,so there is a reason to be here-Look up !!.Do not despair.be hopeful.Have you lost a fortune?-Many people who have lost it all still recovered A living fly is better than a dead one.Are you bugged down by illnesses?Other people have been there.Put on faith and be hopeful.Life  goes on when you believe that all things are possible to those who believe.There is always room for recovery and change.Do not give up.Be positive.When you are facing challenging moments run away from negative news and negative people.Look for inspiring books and read about overcoming challenges with practical help.Seek help from the divine, because you are not here by mistake. Know that you are not alone.Do not join the crowd confessing negative.Listen to those who have something good to say and look for practical help.Avoid conflicts at such times and run away from people bringing conflicts to you as that will make the situation to worsen.You will be fine at the end of it all.Such situations are there to humble you and make you a better person.Do not listen to people who put you down, when you are down.Look for genuine people to share your woes with and look for genuine shoulders to cry on.At the end of it all, it is your   life and no one will live it for you.You are also accountable for how you handle difficult moments ,so handle them well and may you pull through with cheers and victory .Read good books.

Stand strong while rowing inside the turbulent waters
always have hope that you will win every difficult r

GRACEFUL

The reasons why you must not succumb to the pressures of life

culled from Graceful  issue  6 April  2023

Republished  12/07/2025   18:38  p.m

GRACEFUL

REFLECTIONS

Wisdom for the young by Innocent Adiele

 

Culled from Graceful  Issue 3   2021

Republished on  Sat 13/07/2025 01:42  a.m

THE COURAGE OF THE SQUIRREL

The Squirrels are members of the family of Sciuridea, a family that includes small or medium sized rodents. The squirrel family includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunk’s squirrels, marmots, flying squirrels and prairie dogs amongst other rodents.

Squirrels in Africa are eaten as a source of protein. For the most part of my childhood, I watched squirrels thrive in the woods near my house. However, there was one strange thing I watched the Squirrels do in my village. Most times, I would watch a small squirrel shout and then set out to pursue snakes as they crawled through the bushes. I have also seen squirrels being swallowed by snakes. But, never in my life have I ever seen a squirrel fight a python.

I once watched the National Geographic Channel which streams Wildlife experiences. On this fateful day, I watched keenly as a squirrel fought a big python. The squirrel was in an old desolate Anthill when the Python located it. 

Something amazing happened as I watched on. 

Instead of the rodent to run, it stood and screamed viciously at the invading Python. I was confused as to the reason why little rodent has so much courage So, the squirrel watched the Python menacingly approach, yet, it stood its ground. You could feel the squirrel had a defence plan. Not until the python came so close that the squirrel with every strength in its body started raising dust from the ground into the python's eyes. 

The action was very furious that the evading python turned around and escaped. An armed snake with deadly stealthy movement and speed lost a duel to the poor squirrel.

The Python is a general constricting snake in the Pythonidae family native to the tropics and subtropics of the eastern Hemisphere. The namepython was proposed by Francois Marie Daudin in 1803 for non-venomous snakes. 

Pythons are dangerous. And just like the poor squirrel, our everyday life is threatened. Circumstances come at us like a big python; dangerous, rebellious and wanting to devour. 

How can one confront these financial, health and even social threats? What are we confronted with today? Divorce, suicide mindedness, domestic violence, unemployment, among many others. Notwithstanding, there is a word for you today that says “take courage, the Squirrel succeeded!”

I could remember the fateful days my world stood still. Many people were dying in my family. I lost two sisters in one year. Since the death of my beloved, I have never been that empty and lonely. 

As I wondered and pondered on what lay ahead, I quickly remembered the Squirrel fight with the big Python. I also heard the song “Courage brother, do not stumble though your path be darkest night”. I took courage in the fact that once there is light, there is hope. The thing that blooms must blossom... a state in time of beauty... freshness and vigor, an opening to higher perfection.

So, courage is defined as the quality of a confident character not to be afraid or intimidated easily but incautious or inconsistent. It is having the ability to do things which one finds frightening. As the earth passes through this pandemic, courage must stand out as a pillar upon which our judgments must stand. Everything is on the lockdown, economic, spiritual, and healthcare and other social indices.

But, just like Joshua the captain after Moses, God is asking us to be courageous. He is asking us to move forward. He is backing us and we must win in the face of the menacing Python called “Life”. 

When we act under divine command, victory is assured.

The INSENSITIVITY OF A HARE

Insensitivity is defined as a lack of concern for others, feeling or lack of response to physical sensation. It is also an unwillingness to give importance to something, or a lack of reaction to something.According to Wikipedia, a Hare is a fast-running, long-eared mammal that resembles a large rabbit, having very long hind legs and typically found in grassland or open woodland. Hares and rabbits are laporids belonging to the genus lepus. Hares are classified in the same family of rabbits. They are similar in size and form to rabbits and have similar herbivorous diets, but generally have larger ears and live solely or in pairs. Most are fast runners (60km/h), have native to Africa.

THE HARE EATEN BY THE PYTHON

 

I have an inclination for watching the National Geographic Wild channels. I do gain much wisdom from watching the behaviour of animals. This helps

me to compare their behaviour to that of humans and draw out life lessons.

This day, as I was watching my favourite channel, I saw a hare lurking carelessly in the forest, about 3pm I supposed, probably looking for what to eat. It was alone in a solitary forest.

Unfortunately, a python spotted it and started moving towards it until there was little distance between the both animals. The python moved slowly, but focused and daring.

As the reptile got close, the hare was insensitive, actually oblivious of her environment. The summary was that the python launched at it in a fluid motion and had the hare swallowed up.

Compared to what I have always known, the Hare is notably faster than the Python, but it allowed itself to be destroyed by the evading reptile.

Life experiences could be like the story of the insensitive Hare. The Hare has the capacity to escape danger by speed. By experience, it knows

that the Jungle and its hazards. This might not have been the Hare’s first encounter with these threatening reptiles. However on this day, it chose to be careless and eventually lost its life.

When I think about this, my mind runs to young people who leave for higher institutions. At home, they are taught morals and family values. Some even come from calm quiet families.

Most young people get carried away dancing to the sound of freedom and liberty from home. Probably, they may have been warned about the influences of peer  groups, societies that may not help them further their goals in life.

This new-found freedom exposes them to all forms of corruption and parental ideas become old school stuff. Statistics has shown that drug addiction, prostitution, cultism, street fight and other violence are attributable to their insensitivity to their environment.

If young people know that “not all that glitter is gold”, they will learn easily to manage today's toxic environment. But, like the Hare, they are insensitive.

I am not advocating that there should be no social interaction. No!

My interest in this scripture is that the "righteous" mentioned there could be pursued by something. The knowledge of what is chasing you defines the extent to which you run to escape danger. Until you understand this, your life becomes as endangered as the Hare.

In this rat race called Life, it's important to pause and find out what is pursuing you. Could it be the menacing Python? How have you evaluated your environment?.

Most people have lost their lives just because they are simply insensitive. Take your time to check out the friends you keep. Consider their values and reconcile them

It is worth staying alive rather than being swallowed in the belly of Insensitivity. Examine your circle today and stay safe.

Do your ideas, visions, goals and commitments appear the same? If not, like a wise mother monkey, it's time to escape with your young one because of the Pythons .

 

Graceful                      

The Reasons why we need to stand firm and strong

 by  Chinyere  Nwakanma culled  from  Graceful  Issue  2  2021

Republished Monday  13/07/2025  01.21  am  BST

 

Life can throw surprises at people, but as a man thinks in his heart so is he. No matter  who you are   your ability    to navigate  the storms  of life, decides  the journey of your life .The   storms of the last  one year  have seen many broken into pieces,  but  you do not need to allow  the issues  of life to break you. The men who triumphed in life,like Joe Biden are men who live on hope. Even as  president  Barack Obama has  always  raised  the topic of hope in his  speeches and books  Hope  and faith are what  made  them the men they are today. Many people might think otherwise, but if you must succeed in life, you need to always have it in  your mind, that no matter what is happening today, that tomorrow will be better.

If  you  surround  yourself with  people who can only  see your failures  and mistakes then  you will live your life forever in  self  pity  always  seeing  yourself as  a failure.

The man that failed is the man that went to sleep inside the bed of failure, after failing so many times.                                                            

Successful people are always positive and forward looking. If you have to listen to the people or voices of failure or that you are already a destroyed person based on past events, which means that you will always be looking backward and not forward. If you go back to make the same mistakes that made things to go wrong, then you did not learn any lessons. You will consign yourself to a lifetime of sorrow and pillow crying. But you are bigger than that, because there is hope for every living person. Hope only dies in the graveyard. Many people have gone to commit suicide for others, because of pettiness and bullying.  You can do better. Move on and do not look back.

 

• This is your life and not another person’s life. So you need to make the best of your talent, time, money and everything given to you as you will render an account of them all. Many people are in places they do not like today, because they have misused the opportunities given to them.
• If you fail you will have no one to blame. Even if you have people who made you to look backwards and fail, they will move on, while you are crying.
• Nobody can determine who you will become unless you have  offered up your life to them. You  are on a  journey  and  at  the end of the journey you will be leaving this world alone and rendering your account.
• If you end up having kids, no child will listen to the reason and excuses why you failed.

                                                                                   

• You have a legacy to keep for generations to come so if you keep a bad legacy you are on your own. History will remember you for the negative and your great grandchildren will see what you have done with disdain .The name calling by people do not make you what they are saying. But staying positive means that you can rewrite your own history.
• Whether you succeed or not is up to you. When you have no money in your pocket, the hunger will be yours. This is the reason why you must hold your job and be the  best at it.

If you are consigned to a mental hospital people will come and visit  you for  few times  and after  sometimes  you will be on your own , so why are you worried  to the point of breaking  down. You can only have a mental health breakdown, if you give in to situations that keep you stressed out. You will develop high blood pressure and the hospital bed is for you alone, if you are thinking too much about past events. There is nobody that has gone away from this life with what they have on earth.

REFLECTIONS

Beyond Feeling  The Blues:

A Practical Guide to Navigating Low Mood and Emotional Dip

Monday  27/05/2025  16.02  Pm  BST

Life throws curveballs. Sometimes, the weight of the world seems to settle on your shoulders, casting a gray shadow over everything. These low moods are a normal part of the human experience. But when those dips become persistent, disrupting your daily life and sapping your joy, it's time to take a closer look. This guide aims to navigate the space between temporary blues and potential depression, offering practical strategies for lifting your mood, recognizing warning signs, and knowing when to seek professional help.

Understanding Your Emotional Landscape:

Before diving into specific techniques, it's crucial to understand your own emotional landscape. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• How long have you been feeling down? Is it a fleeting cloud passing overhead, or has it been a persistent storm?

• What are the triggers for your low moods? Stressful events, lack of sleep, or even certain weather patterns can play a role.

• How is your low mood impacting your daily activities? Are you struggling to get out of bed, complete work tasks, or maintain healthy relationships?

• Are there physical symptoms associated with your low mood? Fatigue, changes in appetite, or headaches might be additional clues.

These questions can help you assess the severity of your situation. If your low mood is fleeting and doesn't significantly disrupt your life, self-care strategies can be incredibly effective.

Strategies for Lifting Your Mood:

1. Prioritize Sleep: A well-rested brain is a happy brain. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Develop a relaxing bedtime routine to wind down and prepare for restful sleep. Prioritize getting 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Develop a relaxing bedtime routine and create a sleep-conducive environment in your bedroom.

2. Embrace Movement: Exercise releases endorphins, natural mood boosters. Find an activity you enjoy, whether it's a brisk walk in the crisp morning air, a heart-pumping dance session, or a gentle yoga flow.

3. Connect with Others: Humans are social creatures. Social interaction and connection are vital for mental well-being. Reach out to friends and family, join a club or support group, or volunteer for a cause you care about. These connections can provide a sense of belonging and support.

4. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques like meditation and deep breathing can help manage stress and improve emotional regulation. There are many free apps and online resources to get you started. Integrate mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga into your daily routine. These practices can help manage stress, improve emotional regulation, and cultivate a sense of calm.

5. Fuel Your Body: Fuel your body with nutritious foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and complex carbohydrates. Limit processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats, as these can negatively impact your mood. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides your body and brain with the nutrients it needs to function optimally. Don't underestimate the power of a healthy diet for positive mental health.

6. Embrace Nature: Spending time outdoors has a proven positive impact on mood. Go for a walk in the park, sit by a river and listen to the water flow, or simply open a window and let in the fresh air. Immersing yourself in nature can be a powerful mood booster.

7. Engage in Activities You Enjoy: Make time for things that bring you joy, whether it's curling up with a good book, listening to your favorite music, or pursuing a creative hobby. Schedule time for these activities and prioritize them in your week.

8. Practice Gratitude: Focusing on the positive aspects of your life can improve mood and overall well-being. Start a gratitude journal and write down 3 things you're grateful for each day.

9. Challenge Negative Thoughts: Our inner critic can be a harsh taskmaster. Learn to recognize negative thought patterns and challenge them with more realistic and positive self-talk.

10. Limit Screen Time: Social media and constant exposure to screens can negatively impact mood. Set boundaries around screen time, especially before bed. Prioritise real-world interactions and activities like spending time with loved ones or engaging in hobbies

Recognising Depression Warnings:

If your low mood persists for more than two weeks, significantly impacts your daily life, and involves several of the following symptoms, it's important to seek professional help:

• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed

• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns (sleeping too much or too little, changes in eating habits)

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Fatigue or lack of energy, even after a good night's sleep

• Increased anxiety or irritability

• Suicidal thoughts or plans

Seeking Professional Help:

Depression is a treatable mental health condition. There is no shame in seeking help. Effective medications, psychotherapy options like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and support groups are available to help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.

Remember, You Are Not Alone:

Feeling down is a normal part of the human experience. We all experience life's ups and downs. But you don't have to suffer in silence. There are resources available, and people who care about you. Here are some additional tips to support your journey:

• Create a Self-Care Plan: When you're feeling low, it can be hard to know where to start. Develop a personalized self-care plan that outlines specific techniques you can employ when you're feeling down. This might include your favorite mindfulness exercise, a list of people you can reach out to for support, or a calming activity you find particularly helpful.

• Be Patient and Gentle with Yourself: Recovery, whether from a temporary low mood or from depression, takes time and effort. Don't expect instant results. Celebrate your victories, no matter how small. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.

• Talk Openly and Honestly: Talking about how you're feeling can be incredibly cathartic. Share your struggles with loved ones who care about you. Their support and understanding can be a powerful tool for healing.

• Take Breaks and Avoid Overscheduling: Burning the candle at both ends can exacerbate feelings of burnout and low mood. Schedule time for rest and relaxation. Don't be afraid to say no to additional commitments when you're feeling overwhelmed.

• Seek Professional Help if Needed: There is no shame in seeking professional help. Therapists are trained to help you understand your emotions, develop coping mechanisms, and work towards a happier and healthier you.

Remember, you are not alone. Millions of people experience low moods and depression. By utilizing self-care strategies, recognizing warning signs, and seeking professional help when needed, you can navigate these emotional dips and create a life filled with joy and fulfilment.

 

 

 

 

When you  feel like  giving  up  remember that  there are many people  who  love you  and are  depending on you  for food,for  shelter  and for  love.Remember  the  people  who  your  phone  calls mean  a  lot to.Difficult moments  do not last  forever.Always  look  to the  sunny  sides  of life  and  embrace  hope-

Do not give up!!!!

Graceful 26th  May  2025