Mental Health Moments: How to Find Your Own Version of A Renaissance

⌛ By Kaylin R. Staten ⌛

Words have always had power for me. They set the stage for my positive mental health goals, and as a writer, I use them to tell countless stories #behindthehourglass.

This year, I am focused on the words, “renaissance” and “regal.” According to History.com, The Renaissance “was a fervent period of European cultural, artistic, political ,[sic] and economic ‘rebirth’ following the Middle Ages. Generally described as taking place from the 14th century to the 17th century, the Renaissance promoted the rediscovery of classical philosophy, literature and art.” 

I truly feel that great things are on the horizon, and as an introvert, I busily line journal pages with my dreams and other musings to this effect. 2020 is full of professional and personal promise,

Thus, a renaissance is upon us, my friends. Your renaissance will look differently from mine, and that is perfectly and imperfectly OK! Here are three basic ideas that you can bring to the table when you’re ruminating about your own renaissance.

Find a word that inspires you.

Just like 2020 is The Year of Renaissance for Hourglass Media, find a word centered on your intentions for the year ahead. This can be a word that has always resonated with you or one you’ve been leaning on more lately.  This year, in addition to “renaissance,” I’m focusing on the word “regal.” Last year (I think it was last year, anyway), I met an older lady after a client meeting. I introduced myself, and she said, “You have the most regal name.” Needless to say, that stuck. Plus, Leia Organa was a princess, so… This year’s inspiration board will focus on the big-picture “renaissance” with the more micro “regal” to implement in each plan and action. The word you choose will be your theme. I don’t want to say “choose carefully,” but you also want it to be a positive word! 

Be creative when possible.

It’s vital to step away from analytics and the everyday humdrum of life in order to allow creativity to percolate. We get so involved in that next dollar or bogged down with what to make for dinner that we sometimes forget to allow our imaginations to run wild. Engage your inner child and daydream. Make a log of what you think about. Even if you just take 15 minutes out of your day, do something that allows your creative side to embark, whether it’s journaling, doodling during a phone call, or taking a photo with some really great lighting. 

Don’t be afraid to be human.

An instrumental component of a renaissance is the heavy emphasis on humanism. This could be an entire mindset shift or small steps taken to establish consistent change. Don’t be afraid to connect to your natural human side as you prepare your goals for 2020. Practice appreciation and learning. I try to learn at least one new thing every day, and I have made a concerted effort to be vulnerable as I pave uncharted territories in my mental health journey. We are not droids after all. 

Please note: These blog posts are not clinical, although we will provide symptoms and other information. These posts are based on my experiences with anxiety and mental health in general. If you or someone you know needs help, visit a website like Mental Health America to learn more.

Mental Health Moments blog posts are every other Tuesday of the month. Our CEO and contributors highlight what it's like to live with a mental health disorder and continue to fight the stigma through storytelling.

Kaylin R. Staten, APR, is an award-winning public relations practitioner and writer based in Huntington, WV with nearly 16 years of professional communications experience. As CEO and founder of Hourglass Media, she uses her compassionate spirit and expertise to delve into the heart of clients’ stories. She is a recovering perfectionist, mental health advocate, wife, cat mom and Leia Organa aficionado. Connect with Kaylin on LinkedIn.