Nakeshia Shannon
Mechanics recommend getting your oil changed in your car every 3,000 miles. Routine maintenance checks ensure the longevity of your purchase. They show you the signs to look for every day with your particular vehicle. Just in case they happen, you’ll know how to respond and hopefully fix it.
When was the last time you had a #mental oil change as a #parent? Life itself can be very draining – long hours at work, picking your #children up from daycare or #school only to receive 10,000 questions per child, fast food, and new toy requests, like they don’t have them at home.
As a #parent, I’ve realized that my #mentalhealth needs to take priority. Sometimes I need a few hours not to be in work or #parent mode. I could get my nails done, get lunch with a friend, sit outside somewhere in the back of my car in the middle of an empty field, enjoying nature while writing or reading. Sometimes I feel like imposter syndrome as a #parent takes over. I compare myself to my #socialmedia timeline of Pinterest moms.
My favorite “me time” adventure is speaking with my #therapist to make sure that my “check engine light” isn’t on and that I can communicate with myself and others positively by managing expectations and #stress levels. Routine maintenance for my #mentalhealth ensures that I can be a better version of myself and a better for my family.
Sometimes we’ve got to take the adventure solo.
Nakeshia Shannon is a photographer and mother of three. Visit her online at NakeshiaRenee.com.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Always an Adventure: #Mental Oil Change
#JamesDonaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
