by Rebecca Kochanek | Mar 25, 2021 | Featured Post, Healthy Lifestyles, Mental health, Staying Healthy, Teen issues, Teens
In a society that idolizes the idea of having the perfect body type, it is no surprise that at least 9% of the worldwide population struggle with an eating disorder. With that being said, where do you establish your validation? What is the foundation of your self-image? Do you find yourself comparing yourself to influencers that you see on Instagram? Do you feel trapped by society’s expectations for your pants size? How much time do we spend comparing ourselves to those impossible standards instead of focusing on what is genuinely important? I’m going to introduce you to Jess, a teen who is about to graduate high school who has a mission to use her voice to tell her story.
Introducing Jess:
Jess is a couple of months away from graduating from high school. She has plans to attend Liberty University, where she hopes to study Christian Counseling. She is involved in her church ministry by being part of the teaching program for kids. She has also taken on tasks to help with social media and fundraising for the youth program. On a personal note, Jess has developed a passion for disordered eating through her own experience. Below, Jess shares a part of her story.
Jess As a Young Teen:
I struggled with comparing myself to others and have always tried to meet society’s expectations and everyone around me, no matter what it took. Living in a household where I was taught to bottle up my feelings was carried to my adult life. My struggles became a barrier pushing away opportunities that were given to me. I lost who I was; I became a person living under a rock, shutting out the world, friends, and family. Slowly I was entering a deep dark space with vines dragging me down filled with thorns, cutting tiny bits off parts of me. Soon, I noticed I was attached and obsessed with the idea of being someone else instead of being what God made me to be. I would spend hours scrolling through social media, comparing my physical features to every influencer I came across. I would look at people in school, and my thoughts would always be, “why can’t I be this beautiful” or “why do they have a perfect life”? The truth is that no one’s life is perfect, and especially them being perfect does not exist. The harsh reality is that we are used to seeing the outside, and the inside is never revealed. People portray themselves as something they are to please others or be accepted in their circle. The honesty of it all is that we are all created full of beauty, and your worth is not determined by what people say or see. Our value is determined because someone greater who loves immensely said it from the very beginning, and that is God.
Questions for Jess:
What are some common signs of an eating disorder to look for in a loved one?
When detecting an eating disorder, some common signs are the fear of gaining weight, small episodes of binge eating without control, picking on food without exactly eating it, excessive exercising, and the unwillingness of a healthy diet. Other signs are developing feelings of shame and guilt when eating and having strong urges to lose weight through forced expulsion of food.
What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone struggling with an eating disorder?
One piece of advice that I would give to someone struggling with disordered eating is that looking for society’s validation is not worth it. You should not have to hurt your body, mind, soul, and heart for others to accept you. I encourage you to find love for who you are because you are beautifully made.
What helped you the most when healing from your battle with an eating disorder?
What helped me the most is that I realize spending so much time with others around me is not always the best. Sometimes, we need time for ourselves. Shutting the world for at least a day won’t hurt. You will understand yourself better and discover more talents and gifts when you focus on who you are without distractions and comparison.
Can you tell me what you believe God-confidence is?
God-confidence is placing your complete dependence on God, whether it may be your dreams, goals, validation, or your ultimate desires in life. It means genuinely giving God the lead and access to take control of all aspects of your life. Overall, you are telling God to provide the strength to handle things thrown to you in life.
What is one thing you wish people knew about eating disorders?
I want people to be aware that eating disorders can develop in any shape body. There are no exceptions when it comes to someone battling through this. Anyone at any age can encounter the urge to be someone else.
Source: Antonius Ferret
Can you give one resource that has helped you on your journey to self-love?
This book, Girl, Stop Apologizing because sometimes we can’t be sorry for pursuing or embracing the way we feel. We need to own it. We need to show authority and the power we have beneath us. This book has been an eye-opener because I have actively battled healing from bullying towards others and myself. This book is a great encouragement for someone who feels like they are not valued or loved. We all come from a place of being lost, and we all need to remind ourselves we have a greater calling, and it’s our job to search and dig for it with the help of meditating and praying to God.
Final Thoughts from Jess
My goal is to reveal that living an expectation of society rather than yourself is not worth it if you’re risking your life for approval. I want you to know that you are not in this battle alone. I want you to know that you were made perfectly. When you try to change yourself to be accepted by a corrupt society, you are setting yourself up to feel more broken. I want to help you understand that God doesn’t see you what people see. He sees beyond that. He knows us better than anyone will here on earth. I did it myself, and now I can speak to you that it was never the right path to follow.
My Final Thoughts:
I want to thank Jess for her time and perspective on answering these questions. It’s vital to see the value in young people’s voices because they are creating our future. It has been wonderful to hear where Jessica’s heart is, and we wish her the best as she continues to spread the positive messages placed on her heart.
Conclusion & Resources:
Breaking free from an addiction can be terrifying and overwhelming. Struggling with disordered eating can be scary and isolating. What is important is that we look at the root of the problem. We have to be cautious of the media that we are taking in, especially when it comes to social media. As difficult as it is, there is so much freedom in unfollowing accounts that don’t contribute to our self-love. Remember, you are worthy of being loved- no matter what shape and size your body is. You are beautifully created to be you. Comparison is the thief of joy, and you are needed in this world, just as you are.
Here are a couple of resources if you or a loved one are battling an eating disorder:
The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) is a free resource that offers a free hotline with calling, texting, and instant messaging options. Check out their website for more information.
Call 1-800-931-2237
Text “NEDA” to 741-741.
Jessica’s Favorite Book – Girl Defined
Written by Rebecca Kochanek, Intern Coordinator, and Jessica Tlacuatl, High school intern. For more articles, visit ww.safeharborim.com/articles/
by Rebecca Kochanek | Feb 23, 2021 | Domestic Abuse, Emotional abuse, Featured Post, Mental health, Physical abuse, Sexual abuse, Wellness, Words of Encouragement
This post is going to discuss some heavy topics related to disordered eating. If you or a loved one are struggling with an eating disorder, please remember that you are not alone.
The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) is a free resource that offers a free hotline with calling, texting, and instant messaging options. Check out their website for more information.
Call 1-800-931-2237
Text “NEDA” to 741-741.
The relationship between trauma and eating disorders
Did you know that trauma, such as bullying, sexual abuse, and domestic violence, can lead someone to participate in dangerous eating habits? According to a 2018 study in Psychology Today, 5% of eating disorder diagnosis patients were directly affected by domestic violence trauma, 5% make up physical abuse, and 8% have been victims of sexual abuse. There is a direct relationship between a person’s self-image and the environment that they are surrounded by. Check out Safe Harbor International Ministries’ blog post, “Trauma and Identity: Who Am I?” for a more in-depth look at how trauma directly affects self-image.
Domestic violence plays a significant role in disordered eating because of the detrimental effects the abuse has on a person’s mental health. It is common for survivors of abuse to try to control their bodies in dangerous ways because everything else in their environment feels so out of their control. It is important to note that abuse can lead to multiple problems, including mental illness, addiction, and disordered eating. Also, keep in mind that eating disorders are not solely caused by abuse. Other factors are at play. I also want to bring awareness that it is relatively easy for individuals to fall victim to disordered eating if their partner is verbally and physically abusing them, causing them to feel unlovable in their current body.
What do eating disorders look like?
It is necessary to talk about what eating disorders look like. It’s a common misconception that those who struggle with an eating disorder are often thin women. From a young age, most of us are taught from health class that eating disorders are romanticized and pretty. We need to understand that victims of disordered eating come in all shapes, sizes, sexual orientations, and colors. Although it is common for teenagers to struggle with eating disorders, they are just as prevalent in adults. Disordered eating is a real, serious battle. They are more than the quirky images we see of women looking in the mirror. There is no bias in abuse or disordered eating.
Gemma Chua-Tran | Unsplash
My Personal Note to You
On a personal level, I want to encourage you to hear how worthy you are. Your value doesn’t depend on your weight or your ability to control your body. The opinions of others do not define you as a human being. You are a beautiful creation of God, just as you are.
Helpful and Unhelpful Things to Say to Someone with an eating disorder:
As I wrap up this article, I want to provide some examples of helpful and unhelpful things to say to someone struggling with disordered eating. Eating disorders are a sensitive topic, and it’s crucial to know what kind of language to use with our loved ones.
According to the Center for Discovery, some phrases to avoid when conversing with a loved one suffering from an eating disorder are:
- “You have put on weight; you look great!”
- “You look so healthy.”
- “Can I have advice on how to lose weight?”
- “I wish I had your level of self-control…”
- “If you would just eat normally, you would be fine.”
The above phrases should be avoided because it enables the sufferer to view their illness positively. Healing from the trauma of an eating disorder is complicated and involved. Although many people believe that disordered eating revolves around food, it is a problematic imbalance in the brain.
Some phrases that are appropriate to say to an individual enduring the healing process of disordered eating are:
- “I know that this is difficult, but I am proud of you.”
- “You are worth more than your eating disorder.”
- “I might not completely understand, but I am here to support you in any way that I can.”
- “Let’s do a *chosen activity* together!”
- “I trust you.”
These statements are validating the human behind the illness. It’s important to remember that mental illness, including eating disorders, does not define a person.
Aarón Blanco Tejedor | Unsplash
Conclusion
I want to tell the person struggling with disordered eating; you are loved. You are needed. You are important. I hope that you feel encouraged and wrapped in support.
Written by Rebecca Kochanek, an Intern Coordinator at Safe Harbor International Ministries. For more articles, visit ww.safeharborim.com/articles/
by Rebecca Kochanek | Feb 5, 2020 | Abuse, Domestic Abuse, Emotional abuse, Family Life, Family Violence, Human Trafficking, Physical abuse, Sex Trafficking, Sexual abuse, Spiritual Abuse, support groups, Teens
Last month, Rebecca Kochanek, one of our 2019 Office Administration interns, attended a seminar on our behalf about human trafficking in Dayton, Ohio. There were presentations from state representatives, detectives, and local sex trafficking awareness nonprofit directors. The point of the seminar was to raise awareness about the signs of sex trafficking and how to combat the problem that is happening right in front of all of us. She wanted to share some things that you need to know about human trafficking.
Definition of Sex Trafficking
The first thing that you need to know about human trafficking is what exactly it is. The definition of human trafficking is an “act of recruiting, harboring, transporting, providing, or obtaining a person for compelled labor or commercial sex acts through the use of force, fraud, or coercion. It’s important to note, though, that human trafficking can include but does not require movement. You can be a victim of human trafficking in your hometown.”
What Does Sex Trafficking Look Like?
The terrifying thing about sex trafficking is how much it has changed in recent years. Many people assume that it only happens in low-income areas on the streets. When you see prostitution happening on the streets, it is highly likely that these women are addicts feeding their drug addiction. The sad reality is that 97 percent of trafficking is now happening online. Because traffickers have an image to protect in their community, they disguise their behavior by using sites that sell a “girlfriend experience.” This term refers to men who use the usage of buying sex to fulfill emotional needs while purchasing sex. Selling sex is becoming increasingly popular on platforms such as Patreon and OnlyFans, so it is becoming more challenging to nail down trafficking in the online world.
Profile of a Sex Trafficker
Another thing that you need to know about human trafficking is what a trafficker looks like. Unfortunately, a human trafficker does not have a specific profile. Many people have misconceptions about what a trafficker looks like because of the media. In reality, a trafficker is anyone looking for control and financial gain. Traffickers are average looking people who have status in their community. What is even scarier is that it is common for traffickers to be people who have a good image in the eyes of their community. During the seminar, a detective mentioned how common it is for men with a wife and kids to be the most involved in trafficking young women.
Red Flags that Someone May be a Victim of Human Trafficking
These were the signs that we were taught to look out for. These can be seen in adolescent children, teens, or adults. If you even suspect that someone may be a victim of human trafficking, you are encouraged to reach out to the human trafficking hotline: 1-888-373-7888
- Having two phones or secret photo/texting apps on a phone
- Naked photos on their phone
- Unexplained expensive gifts
- Series of chronic runaway situations
- Having an older boyfriend(s)
- Signs of physical abuse (or emotional abuse)
- Addiction
- Someone who is restricted from their family
Never be afraid to speak up. If you end up being wrong, it is better to tell a trusted, authoritative figure still to make sure everything checks out before the situation gets worse.
Process of Human Trafficking
Human traffickers are continually looking for individuals who appear to be vulnerable and easily manipulatable. The reason why so many victims struggle to become free from these situations is that they feel psychologically trapped due to feelings of guilt.
These people are often manipulated into agreeing to do things out of fear, and they tell people that they volunteered to get involved in these rings. A victim will rarely identify as a victim because they are brainwashed into believing that they chose this lifestyle.
Many people assume that trafficking on the streets is the primary profile for human trafficking. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, trafficking that is happening on the streets usually only happens in low-income areas, and the victims are addicts feeding their addiction. Victims of human trafficking can be anyone, and are generally recruited from social places such as:
The recruiting process usually involves four tiers of people. They are:
- Bottom: Teaches people how to recruit. This is generally seen as a “friend” figure.
- Recruiter: Approaches the victim when trust is gained.
- Groomer: Prepares victims for prostitution.
- Watcher/Runner: Their role is “security” and to make sure the money is made and secured.
Phases of Human Trafficking
It is important to know the phases of human trafficking. By being aware of what the process looks like, you can be more confident in reporting potential incidents.
Phase 1:
This phase is essential in preparing a victim to become a victim. It is where a relationship is established to manipulate individuals.
- Establish a relationship
- Identify vulnerabilities
- Exploit those vulnerabilities
Romeo Pimping is a common tactic to build trust with a victim. This is when a man (pimp) tricks the victim believing that they are in a romantic relationship to gain trust to enslave them.
Phase 2:
The grooming stage is where a victim is manipulated into trusting his/her pimp through the following:
- Purposeful conversation
- Compliments
- Gifts
Phase 3:
The seasoning stage is where the abuse and trafficking begin to take place through the following:
- Starving
- Isolation
- Branding (tattoos)
- Rape
- Physical beatings
What Can We Do as a Community?
Because most victims don’t have an ID on them because it is taken from them, they are unable to get resources that they need to get help. It is up to us as a community to partner with domestic violence resources to surround these women with the support they need. As a community, we need to have better communication between state resources. A speaker at the seminar mentioned how she had to drive across Ohio to find a woman safety because there was no room in their local shelters. The collaboration of resources will be a huge way to combat the issue.
If you suspect someone may be a victim of human trafficking in any compacity, tell someone. Do not be afraid to call the police or a hotline. If it is suspected in a workplace, be careful telling a manager, because workplaces are common places to recruit victims. It is better to go to a professional who is trained to handle these situations.
I encourage you to get involved in human trafficking classes and nonprofits in your cities. Multiple states offer training for free through police stations to people in education, nonprofit, or any public-facing jobs. Many nonprofits that deal with human trafficking allow people to take training courses to be aware of how to combat sex trafficking in their city. It is essential to be educated and informed.
A major misconception is that sex trafficking happens through the idea of “stranger danger.” We all have seen the Facebook posts that circulate about women and children being stalked and snatched at stores. Unfortunately, that is not the typical way to recruit. What makes trafficking so scary is that it happens from people we know and trust in our communities.
Written by Rebecca Kochanek, an Office Admin Intern at Safe Harbor International Ministries.
Sources:
- https://www.crs.org/stories/stop-human-trafficking
- https://humantraffickingsearch.org/can-candidly-discuss-girlfriend-experience-sex-trafficking-girls-intellectual-disabilities/
- https://humantraffickinghotline.org/
- https://dworakpeck.usc.edu/news/7-facts-you-didnt-know-about-human-trafficking%3Futm_source%3Dtest
- http://oasisforwomen.org/
Safe Harbor blog post links:
- https://safeharborim.com/?s=The+7+Effects+of+Spiritual+Abuse
- https://safeharborim.com/should-i-monitor-my-kids-social-media-accounts/
- https://safeharborim.com/programs/
- https://safeharborim.com/how-to-get-help-if-you-are-a-victim-of-abuse/
- https://safeharborim.com/nonprofit-training-workshops/
- https://safeharborim.com/blog-post/what-is-the-cycle-of-violence/
by Rebecca Kochanek | Dec 30, 2019 | Dating, Family Life, Family Living, Holidays, Parenting, Singles, Staying Healthy, Teens, Wellness, Words of Encouragement
I don’t know about you…but I’m not much of a partier when it comes to New Year’s Eve. I live in a small military town and the closest large city is about an hour away. Traveling with children can be a headache, especially on one of the most dangerous nights of the year. Whether you are celebrating as a family or by yourself, New Year’s Eve doesn’t have to be boring… not by a long shot! Thankfully, you don’t have to go out in order to find fun ways to bring in the new year. Here are some creative ways to have fun and make some special memories, even from home.
Fun ways to bring in the New Year as a Family:
There are so many things you can do at home with your family to celebrate the New Year. Here is a list of fun ways to bring in the New Year with your family:
- Make a memory board of all your favorite moments of 2019
- Go to church with your family to remember the blessings that have been given to you and yours
- Have a PJ dance party (Bonus points for jamming out to your top 2019 Spotify playlist! )
- Make all your favorite snacks and have a movie marathon
- Make a confetti bar to ring in the new year
- Take photos to capture all your favorite moments
- Have a sit-down family dinner
- Make hot chocolate with marshmallows, sprinkles, and whip cream
- Play board games/ have an indoor treasure hunt
- Get some photo props to take funny photos
- Make DIY noise makers and decorations
- Make a blanket fort
- Make your own balloon drop
- Milk and cookies toast for kids let them cheers to the new year too
- Make countdown bags to open every hour, fill these bags with treats, disposable cameras, and craft kits.
- Sing karaoke as a family
- If you have little ones that have a bedtime, find a video online from a different time zone, so they can still do the countdown.
- Bake something yummy
Fun Ways to Bring in the New Year With Friends:
If you don’t have kids or have young ones that go to bed early, ask some friends to come over and they can help you celebrate without going out. Remember to be responsible if you choose to have alcohol. Make sure transportation arrangements are made prior to your get together.
- Make it a BYOA (Bring your own appetizer) [1]
- For all adults that are over 21, serve champagne and sangrias for the midnight toast
- Have a sleepover, so no one is driving home after drinking, and/or spending money on an uber
- Sing karaoke
- Play board games
- Take Polaroid photos to capture all your favorite moments with your friends.
- Make it a themed party, such as the roaring 20s, the classic 80s, hip-hop ’90s
- Movie marathon
- Have everyone make their own predictions for the new year
- Make fun snacks and drinks
- If you have friends and family that are from different cultures, throw a party that celebrates all of them. This can be everyone dresses up from their culture or they can bring a native dish.
Fun Ways to Bring in the New Year With Yourself:
Whether you are single or just craving a relaxing time in, there are still plenty of ways you can have a fun solo time bringing in the New Year. Don’t feel guilty or sad that you are spending New Year’s alone. Sometimes, alone time can be the best thing to help you feel like your best and healthiest self. Don’t let anyone tell you how you should celebrate, it’s your life!
- Make (or order) your favorite meal
- Watch your favorite movies while eating your favorite snacks
- Get crafty and make something that helps you remember what you love.
- Learn something new, whether that be a new craft, food, or language
- Start a new journal or write a letter to your future self to open in a year.
- Change your hair just because you want to
- Online shopping without the guilt
- Sleep in or go to bed early
- Start a new book or video game [2]
- Redo your living space
- Face time with family or friends that can’t be with you
- Set your resolution and write down how to maintain it
- Reflect on all the accomplishments you made in the past year
- Take a bath
- Workout
- Go for a walk
- Volunteer
New Year’s is one of the most magical times of the year. Everyone is celebrating in unique ways through fireworks, music, friends, parties, alone time, or other traditions. Whether you choose to celebrate alone, with your family and friends, or out on the town; remember to stay safe and be responsible. Celebrating from home can be just as fun and special as going out. Do whatever makes you excited to celebrate. Hopefully, you found some inspiration on some fun ways to bring in the new year.
From myself and everyone at Safe Harbor International Ministries, we wish you a Happy New Year! Thank you for being apart of our year.
Written by Jessica Christian, a blogger at Safe Harbor International Ministries.
Sources:
- https://holidappy.com/holidays/11-Ideas-to-Spend-New-Years-Eve-When-Youre-Alone
- https://www.moneycrashers.com/new-years-eve-party-ideas/
- https://www.wikihow.com/Enjoy-New-Year%27s-Eve-at-Home-With-Your-Family
- https://mixingbowlkids.typepad.com/family_bites/2011/05/milk-and-cookies-cocktails.html
- https://ideas.evite.com/diy/diy-balloon-drop/
Safe Harbor Links:
- https://safeharborim.com/best-new-years-resolution-ideas/
- https://safeharborim.com/how-to-give-back-during-the-holidays/
- https://safeharborim.com/yummy-holiday-recipe-ideas-for-everyone/
by Rebecca Kochanek | Dec 13, 2019 | Family Living, Gratitude, Healthy Lifestyles, Holidays, Mental health, Staying Healthy, Wellness, Words of Encouragement
As we enter a new decade, the pressure to start coming up with some New Year’s resolutions is starting to build. Here are some of our best New Year’s resolution ideas. This should help you in deciding the best ways to make a resolution – and keep it.
Exercise
Exercising more is one of the most common resolutions people make. It’s also one of the most common ones that people drop. Here are some practical ways to help you keep on your resolution and keep your sanity.
- Take a look at your schedule – if you’re trying to fit in a little extra exercise, a great way to make sure that you stick with it is making sure it makes sense with your routine. You may only time for a 15-minute yoga session or, if you have time, an hour-long gym session. What matters is that you’re staying active.
- Keep it simple. Avoid burnout by not committing to too much too fast.
- Set goals that make sense for you. If you’re not sure where to start, speak with your doctor or a trainer to come up with some realistic goals.
- Use things that help motivate you. Go to a class with a friend or create a playlist that gets you in the groove. What helps keep you accountable is being excited to reach your goals!
Diets
Changing your diet is another common resolution. Remember that when you make big health changes, you should always make sure that you’re doing what’s best for your body and mind. Here are some ways to make your resolutions realistic, healthy, and attainable.
- Make sure your diet changes are right for you. There are many “fad diets” that are poorly researched and not backed up by science. Always speak to your doctor about your questions or concerns when it comes to what foods your body needs.
- Have realistic expectations. An “all or nothing” attitude causes many people to slip back into old bad habits. Remember that one hamburger doesn’t mean you have to wait until next week to start over. Health is about daily choices in the present – and cutting yourself a little slack for the ones in the past.
- Choose a diet that motivates you! Just like when you start a new exercise routine, starting a new diet might take a little motivation. Choose foods that are colorful and exciting. Experiment with recipes and have fun in the kitchen! No one said healthy eating had to be boring.
Get Organized
The new year is the perfect time to get organized and feel put together by being productive and having a set routine. Here are some ways to help you achieve your New Year’s resolution of getting and staying organized.
- Make lists, schedules, and deadlines. One of the easiest ways to stay on track is to write it all down! Getting your thoughts out of your head and onto some paper can really help you realize your goals.
- Don’t procrastinate. Although this seems obvious, you would be surprised at how many people don’t realize that waiting until the last minute elevates stress.
- Declutter as often as possible. You can purge clothes, your children’s toys, and just about anything else. If you haven’t used it in the last six months, donate it or toss it out. Keep only what you use!
Get a Hobby
Starting and keeping up with a new hobby can be difficult. Whether you’re trying to hone a new skill or simply want to try something new, here are a few tips to stick with it!
- Try starting it with a friend. Having someone to share your new hobby with can make it much more fun. If you can’t find someone to join you, find a local class or group. This is also a fantastic way to make new friends.
- Stick with it…but don’t force yourself. Hobbies and new skills are supposed to enhance your life. If it is only frustrating, remember that you’re allowed to drop it and try something else. Make sure you’re doing it because you like to do it – not because you feel like you have to be the best at it.
- Stay patient with it. Though not all hobbies are for everyone, sometimes all you need is a little extra patience and practice to push through and really start enjoying your new hobby.
Save More Money / Spend Less Money
Once the holidays are over, you can find your bank account looking a little emptier than you remembered. This may urge you to start saving more than you spend. If your New Year’s resolution is money-focused, here are some ways to help maintain healthier spending habits throughout the year.
- Make plans to purchase purposefully. If you’re struggling with saving, make sure you have a list prepared. Getting in and get out of the store will help to make sure you don’t waste time wandering around the aisles and making unnecessary purchases.
- Remember that sales can still be splurges. Just because it’s a bargain doesn’t mean you aren’t wasting money. Beware of clearance racks and bargain bins!
- Check around for the best deal ahead of time. Taking a peek at online stores can be a great way to shop prepared.
No matter what your resolution is, remember that staying positive is the best way to stick with it. All changes are gradual and imperfect. Remember to allow room for error, and to take care of your mental health along the way.
Written by Brooke Smoke, a blogger at Safe Harbor International Ministries.
Related articles: https://safeharborim.com/10-ways-to-stay-mentally-healthy-during-the-holidays/
Safe Harbor blog post links:
https://safeharborim.com/10-ways-to-stay-mentally-healthy-during-the-holidays/
https://safeharborim.com/self-care-tips-for-the-holidays/
https://safeharborim.com/3-benefits-of-fitness-for-victims-of-trauma/
