Being in recovery means being comfortable. With your mental illness. In your skin. In your home. I'm concentrating on the in your home part today. This is an issue because many of the mentally ill are lower income. I consider myself very lucky. I came from Orlando with one box. I sold my car. I had no job. Although things were precarious, the love from my small family carried me through. It was incredible. With faith, and support, I solved the problems. One thing at a time. I got a job. And I eventually found a space to live that I could afford. It truly meets my needs. And fulfills my wants.
But even though my space is comfortable and cute, I don't want to base my mental health on this one place. Which made me realize....I can make a house a home if I put my heart into it. I can make my home what I need. In this house, I have little money. Things aren't new or fancy. But they fit for me. I made my bed comfortable. I have blinds that let in plenty of light...which reminds me that Tennessee is beautiful. I have a few plants to nurture. It was easy because I have generous and loving people surrounding me. I find material things comforting. But the things I have aren't the whole story.
The love is. I have lots of love in my life. Not from a male partner...but from family and friends. My home is in my heart. I know that where you lay your head is important for the mentally ill. Especially since many of us are homeless or jailed. But what we have to recognize is that love can lead to comfort. For all of us. Even in the worst of physical spaces. Things can change. With love and support. I'm grateful for my friend N. who helped me realize this. I love you N. For the rest of my 'family', how can you relate to this discussion? What do you see about the relationship between home and mental health? Let's talk!
But even though my space is comfortable and cute, I don't want to base my mental health on this one place. Which made me realize....I can make a house a home if I put my heart into it. I can make my home what I need. In this house, I have little money. Things aren't new or fancy. But they fit for me. I made my bed comfortable. I have blinds that let in plenty of light...which reminds me that Tennessee is beautiful. I have a few plants to nurture. It was easy because I have generous and loving people surrounding me. I find material things comforting. But the things I have aren't the whole story.
The love is. I have lots of love in my life. Not from a male partner...but from family and friends. My home is in my heart. I know that where you lay your head is important for the mentally ill. Especially since many of us are homeless or jailed. But what we have to recognize is that love can lead to comfort. For all of us. Even in the worst of physical spaces. Things can change. With love and support. I'm grateful for my friend N. who helped me realize this. I love you N. For the rest of my 'family', how can you relate to this discussion? What do you see about the relationship between home and mental health? Let's talk!
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