This month at the clinic, we're hosting a theme. You've heard of No Shave November right? Well in a slip-of-the-tongue during our Monday Team Meetings, the thought of No Shame November came about.
The idea is for this to be a month to ditch the negative self-talk and instead imbibe radical self-care, take the puppy nap, ask for help, and remind yourself that asking for help is one of the highest forms of strength.
In Monica's weekly workshops and a few times in your inbox, the intention will get repeated. We hope it helps during this time of political transition, holiday rush, and any internal turmoil that might be happening for you right now.
It feels important to acknowledge the history this burly tradition since we're borrowing the name! It originally started as a campaign in Australia where a group of people stopped shaving for 30 days to help raise awareness about prostate cancer and depression in men.
The movement spread worldwide and got traction in the United States when a family engaged in No Shave November to raise money & awareness for cancer research after losing their father to colon cancer.
No-Shave November, and come to find out, No Shame November, is alive & present today to help encourage awareness around men's physical and mental health!
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One of the Hardest Things to Say
Becca found this cartoon for us, and it feels perfect! The pace of today's world goes FAST. With this pace as the norm, it's easy to get overwhelmed and feel like you have to do everything on your own.
That is a way, but it doesn't have to be the only way. Embracing vulnerability and reaching out to others is a testament of strength and self-awareness.
Radical self care comes in all shapes and sizes. It can simply be saying "I'm feeling overstretched right now. Can we pause this conversation for later?" or "My bandwidth is low. Would you be willing to help me with ____"
A few years ago, when I was going through a particularly stressful transition, this book, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse, came across my radar as a "must read".
'It's a children's book!', I thought to myself. 'Why would I read a children's book?'
I found it on audible, and it was only 57 minutes, so I thought 'what do I have to lose?'
I started tearing up within the first 2 minutes and quickly realized it is not a children's book. This book touched my heart and shed light on the sheer beauty of vulnerability and friendship. I highly recommend listening to the author, Charlie Mackesy, read it to you. "It's like listening to a hug", my partner, Ian says! P.S. Ian is the loving, bearded man pictured above. Can you see how those eyes melt me?
Lastly.
With the holidays coming up, we have some clinic rules for you:
Take good care of yourselves out there. Talk to you very soon!