This tool's for you...

Given all the overwhelming sadness in the news this week, there is one particular 'gardening tool' that our family heavily relies on in times of stress and sadness. 'Count Your Flowers' is a simple tool you can use whenever your mind starts to wander off to a scary and overwhelming place. By gently redirecting your thoughts back and focusing on all the things in your life you are grateful for, gardeners of all ages can help themselves get back to a calmer and safer space.

Count Your Flowers-How It Works:

Start with things the day to day things that you are a grateful for-a walk with your dog, a sunny day, hearing your favorite song, having dinner with your family. You can then let your mind drift to things you are grateful for overall...family, friends, your home, your school/or profession. You can also focus on all the things you are grateful for in your own body...the air in your lungs, the strong beat in your heart, your feet that get you around, your ears for hearing beautiful sounds, etc. As you can see gardeners, no matter what kind of day you are having, there are always flowers to be grateful for.

Tragedies like what happened this week in Texas represent issues our society as a whole is facing together. We need to raise awareness to the mental health struggles our young children are facing on a day to day basis. We need to empower them with tools at a young age to help them identify and manage stress through positive outlets. As human beings we need to do our part to raise a kinder, calmer and more inclusive generation. There are so many ways we can help and we need to help together. We are sending loving, peaceful and healing prayers to the children, families and educators of the Uvalde community.