I did this comic back in 2020, but it's definitely how I've been feeling lately.
JUST HIDING IN BED FOREVER!!!!
Between the horrifying world news, speaking up at my school board meetings, and trying to make upcoming deadlines on two picture books….just seems like staying in bed forever would be the BEST current option.
Except I have my children expecting breakfast tacos in the morning, and I don't want them to burn down the house as my BED is in it!
So I've been getting up,
and I wanted to make some suggestions on how to currently cope….
Don't want to do something that you can easily not do…
DON’T DO IT!
Allow yourself a sick day. I feel like we don't allow ourselves to be absent ENOUGH in life.
Don’t want to make dinner! Serve yourself/&FAMILY the worst lunchable ever, and BE PROUD OF IT.
Take yourself out to a really good coffee, or whatever is your favorite drink. From a local shop that cares about where the beans are from, or quality of ingredients. And just drink it and sigh heavily.
BONUS POINTS if you bring your personal screaming pillow there,
and let it all out.
AND if you have or even just know kids,
talk to them…
as they will most likely say something completely ridiculous.
Like I tried to talk to my kids about the war, and this happened…
Of course, I did have a more serious talk afterwards, and I recommend NPR’s guide on this! Also, work together with them to figure out where to donate to help if you have that extra income,
AND if you haven’t already, please consider calling your representatives to support a pause so necessary aid can reach Gaza.
And here are some things keeping me going at the momento….
Bess Kalb’s Mental Health List
Anyone who says “A muffin is a small cake it is socially acceptable to eat in public at dawn.” is a person after my own heart,
BUTT, they still can't have a bite of my muffin.Coffee at my favorite Austin coffee shop Flitch with Andy K Donuts in this cool morning weather.
How I've upgraded my Scanner!
Ahhhh I can scan most of my paper with no photo-merge with my new Epson Expression XL!
Gracias to everyone who gave me AMAZING recs at my instagram! Seriously check it out as so many good tips, and tricks too!This message from my amazing Art Director, and Editor at Kokila.
Let me know your tips for Self-Care, or how you cope during stressful times!
As I’m always looking for new ones! AND BIG HUGS to all of you!!
Hot cups of tea outside in my egg chair. Or inside on my couch if it’s cold or wet outside. Also walks in the woods. If I need a day or more I’ll start a ridiculous creative project just for myself. For example, one time I built a two story Lego doll house, completely furnished.