It’s October again! Okay, technically, it’s the middle of October now, but in my defense, there is a pandemic going on, so time’s been extra-wacky lately.

Still, we are officially in my favorite month of the year, a month that marks the start of everything I love: warm scarves, hot tea, leather jackets, combat boots, golden leaves, longer nights, and…my birthday!

To my fellow October babies, happy birthday month to us! Due to Covid, I have cancelled all my birthday celebrations this year, so here’s a flashback photo from my birthday party last year.

I hope all my fellow October babies have a restful day of self-care and relaxation. We may not be able to go out and celebrate, but remember to love yourself no matter where you are, sleep in a little, and treat yourself like a Queen (or a King!) mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Okay, here’s a second flashback photo from my birthday last year, because I like the reminder of a happier pre-pandemic time. I hope the Covid situation is better-handled where you are (and if you live outside the USA, then it probably is), but here in New York, we’re experiencing spikes and Governor Cuomo is in talks to possibly shut down the state again. So everyone, wear a mask. Wash your hands. Be a good example of humanity, please and thank you.

Since October is my birthday month, this tends to be the time I reflect on how I’ve lived and how I can move forward to a happier, healthier life. This has been a year of Big Real Life Accomplishments, and the one I wish to share with you all is that I have been going to therapy regularly for over a year now. Some sessions were more draining than others, and the particularly hard sessions were the ones where my therapist and I managed to make breakthroughs, after lots of tears and pain and open wounds. Since I’ll be losing my Real Life job (a result of budget cuts and supervisor retirement due to Covid), I’ll also be losing my health insurance, which means I won’t be able to pay for my therapy anymore (thanks, ineffective USA healthcare system). At least I’m equipped with better coping tools, so the hope is I won’t succumb to the endless storm that is my brain.

To all my fellow depressed and anxious souls, you are not alone. I am wading through the storm with you, so don’t give up on me, okay? Remember to focus on what you can control in the present. Remember to take deep breaths if you feel an anxiety attack coming on. Remember to calm the storm in your mind by practicing meditation, or starting the day with positive reminders. Remember to take time to do things that bring you joy—watch that show on Netflix, write fanfiction solely for yourself, learn the recipe for a dish you’ve been wanting to eat.

I know it feels like time is slipping away, but time spent doing things that make you happy is never time wasted. Instead of giving all your time to everyone else, give some of that time to yourself. In a world where time is the most priceless currency we have, giving yourself some time is the best way to treat yourself like a Queen (or King). Lastly, remember you belong here with all of us, your dreams are valid, and you deserve to live your life on your own terms.

Happy October ~