When I worked in the Bay Area and had a long commute, before going into the house I would leave all my worries with the 'worry tree' outside. I took a moment to

When I worked in the Bay Area and had a long commute, before going into the house I would leave all my worries with the 'worry tree' outside. I took a moment to decompress, and to make sure I had energy and excitement prepared so that when my kids come running shouting daddy's home, I was able to give to them the attention they craved and needed. When my mom was dying of cancer alone and I was in prison and unable to help, even though I don't believe in magic/whatever, I told myself certain musicians playing on my MP3 (https://youtu.be/vhRk12bsggg https://youtu.be/vhRk12bsggg) was the universe telling me things. Tom Petty was that is going to go a good day, Fleetwood Mac that my mom was doing to somehow be OK (thank you Tiktok for bringing Fleetwood Mac back to the radio right when I needed it), etc. Just having these outside triggers that could reset my worry/anxiety was huge and got me through the day. I took away from that that I need to build habits to break negative feedback loops I can easily get stuck in. I also check in with myself now. Not cleaning up the kitchen after meals, not keeping my car clean, not having the energy for something simple like brushing my teeth (I know gross) are all actions I take when I am in a bad place. But with awareness, they are now signals to myself that help me know when to reach out/take action/etc.