Let's Talk About a Couple Things

Hey, guys! It's Dai! And it's April (the month, not a new person)! April is a month full of lots of exciting things, such as my blog's second anniversary, for starters. But besides that, April is the celebration/commemoration of several other things. Three of those I really want to talk to you about today.

Yes, we all know that April is National Poetry Month. So put on some Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Robert Louis Stevenson, Shakespeare. Or read it. But I'm not going to be talking about that today, so let's move on knowing I set the record straight.

The month of April is also National Child Abuse Prevention month. This is a serious issue that is very near to my heat. I know that hearing this month acknowledged this way can be triggering for some. I completely understand that. I didn't want to discuss this because I wanted to cause anyone to feel uncomfortable. The reason why is because I want victims of abuse to know that it's okay to talk about it. I have not experienced abuse, but if you have, this is your month to move toward freedom.

This is your month to pursue healing through counseling, prayer, and relationships in which you can confide and find support. Even if you're now an adult, it is still necessary to begin the process of healing your inner child. Until you come to peace with your past, you can't be the full you. Whether you're young or an adult, find out where you can get the support you need to heal, if you haven't yet.

Next, I want you to know that April is National Autism Awareness Month. Autism is a mental disorder (medically speaking) that exists in many capacities. This is why autism is referred to as a spectrum. Some people are high on the spectrum, and others are very low on the spectrum. Some, like Morgan Nichols, one of my favorite artists and the inspiration for my own art, are somewhere on the middle of the spectrum. Because of the great diversity of the existence of autism, it's important not to stereotype people who are on the spectrum. This month is a great time to analyze your beliefs about those on the spectrum as well as all people who seem different from you. Whether or not someone is "like you", they are still a human and are created by God, just like you. You and every other person in the world are equal. Pray that God would change your thinking during this month, so that you can love and see everyone equally.

Finally, April is the Month of the Military Child. Just kidding. It is, but I'm also not talking about that today.

Okay, back on track. April is National Emotional Overeating Awareness Month. No, no, no. Don't click the back arrow. Don't close the tab. Please. I struggle with emotional overeating, too. Not to the extent that I'm overweight, but definitely enough to say that I eat when I am bored, sad, or numb. I know this is a struggle for many, and I just want you to know that you are not alone. I've had a taste of all the hurtful ways people try to get others to top emotional eating: they tell you "it's a sin", they tell you "fast or go on a diet", tell you "think before you eat". Basically telling you, "do it alone". But what if, instead of saying those things, someone sat down and admitted that they struggled with emotional eating, too?

That's what I'm doing today. We're broken people with sometimes broken coping mechanisms. I just want to tell you to tell yourself this: "It's only a season". And do your personal best to ease yourself out of this season, knowing you're not alone. This is the month to begin your healthy consumption of food. You can do it! Don't do this to lose weight. You're already beautiful. Do this out of love for you.

Well, guys, thank you so much for reading this post today. I want to give you a hug, but I'll settle for this little smile emoji. 😁 I'm really proud of you, and I pray blessings over you this month. Amen. Please be sure to subscribe to the DaiDreamer blog to get emailed my posts when they come out. (If you liked this post, then you want to subscribe for more advice, book reviews, and movie suggestions.) Love you guys.

'K, bye!