The Edition: No. 58

When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength.
Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living.
If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself. — Tecumseh

Gratitude. A practical guide to being thankful (it’s about perspective).

Cozy. Two words: Thermal Pajamas.

Fitting In. Tips for getting over imposter syndrome, because you belong.

Ringed. This $8 pie shield will keep your pie crust golden, not burned.

Rest Days. Is the pressure to make plans ruining weekends?

Shape Up. My new favorite socks for working out. So supportive.

From Scratch. I had my very first date at age 28.

Puffed Sleeves. How stylish is the embroidery on this dramatic sweater?

Poison. 7 Habits of Well-Meaning Women That Can Prove Toxic.

Sparkled. The shine on these loafers makes them perfect for the holidays.

Plugging Away. The nano-influencers are coming to sell you things on Insta.

Relaxed. The stripes on this sweatshirt and pants from Gap make it the funnest loungewear ever.

In the Air. Flight attendants dish on how to stay healthy on the airplane.

The holidays are often incredibly difficult for people with anxiety and depression.  But it is also a time when many of people struggling with mental illness feel most connected to their friends and family, and perhaps we can keep that going all year?

Recently, I read an article that proposed an interesting way to lower our nation’s suicide rate.  What if therapists and loved ones simply sent occasional, but regular letters to people who struggle with thoughts of suicide.  The idea being that often what pushes people to the edge is the feeling that they are alone, unable to reach out and unable to get better.

A study from the 1970s, recounted in the article, found that the suicide rate dropped by half among people who received the letters.  Half.

So if someone in your life struggles with mental illness, think about sending them postcards, emails, or regular messages just to say hello and check in.  Perhaps just the knowledge that they’re valuable to you could be enough to maintain their tether and their hope.