Maat E's Mental Health Message

Make sure your name is remembered when you are gone.

One of the greatest honors is to be remembered. Living a life of service to help other people is one way of achieving the honor of remembrance. Think about what it is that you are or want to be doing with your life. Then ask yourself, am I doing my best being committed to my purpose. Next, ask yourself who knows about my service. You do not need to affect massive or large groups of people, but aim big and influence as many people as you can. Whether in moments of crisis or everyday life be someone worthy of remembrance.

Ma'at (Erica) Lewis, Ph.D.

Ma'at E's Mental Health Message

According to many wise cultures learning to just be---the state of living or existing (as opposed to doing)---is one of the greatest ambitions we can have. Instead of approaching life's activities with an attitude of always doing or staying busy try existing with the flow of the life. Try being present in every moment and taking in the experiences you have. Slow down on the multitasking. For example, when it's time to eat, just eat. When it is time to listen to quiet music, actually relax. As the fall season approaches this is a great time to renew and do new things, but remember to approach life activity with an attitute of being.
Peace,
Ma'at E. L. Lewis

Maat E's Mental Health Message

Count your blessings, good luck, second chances, windfalls or whatever form of grace you are given. In an instant life can not only change but it can end. Events like natural disasters give us reason to pause and reflect on life. Take time to give thanks for surviving, living or staying out of harms way. Focus on making the best of your time here on earth and putting forth your personal best in everything you do. Have a peaceful day.

Ma'at (Erica) Lewis, Ph.D.

Maat E's Mental Health Message

Go back to school!

It is time to learn something new. It dosen't matter if you are a toodler preparing for head start, a teen preparing for high school, a young adult going to college, a late bloomer or mature person reinventing yourself. It is time to learn something new, time to go back to school. Your classroom can be formal education or a life experience. Just open yourself to learning something new and let the lessons present themselves.
Peace,
Ma'at E. L. Lewis

Maat E's Mental Health Message

The main thing we have to fear in life is our own negative thoughts.

It is not what happens to us that we have to struggle with but our own thinking about what happens to us. When tragedy strikes or bad things happen it is natural that we feel pain, sadness, anger or frustration among other feelings, but it is important to note that thoughts are not the same as feelings. For example, if you lose your job it is natural to feel angry, sad or frustrated emotions. It is another thing to call yourself names or beat up on yourself with negative thoughts. The emotions will come the negative thinking does not have to follow. Replace negative self-talk with supportive affirming statements. We can do anything despite any of our shortcomings.

Peace
Ma'at (Erica) Lewis, Ph.D.

Are you hoping what you want is possible or making possible what it is you want?

Anything is possible! That is a strong statement, yet for most of our dreams and aspirations it is true and there is a way for them to be fulfilled. Many times it is more the fear of our success than than failure that keeps us from our dreams. What are you afraid of? What is the worst that can happen and what will you do if the worst does turn out? Ask yourself these questions and use the answers to overcome your fears.

Ma'at (Erica) Lewis, Ph.D.

Maat E's Mental Health Message

It is righteous to distinguish what is right from what is wrong, yet it is more noble to be right and not have the need to always prove it.

Letting go of the need to be right can be difficult. We may feel like we have something to prove or just out of habit have to argue to be right. Releasing that need is easier said than done, but learning to do it can set you free from pain, anguish and heart ache. To start letting go of being right practice during your next conversation. Pause for a moment when you feel yourself arguing your point to no end. Ask yourself what am I feeling at this moment to make me think I have to push the issue so hard. When we can let go in that moment even if we know we are right our spirits are able to be more free.

Ma'at (Erica) Lewis, Ph.D.