Three Signs of My Mental Wellness

A reflection on recognizing what's going right in life

A Shift in Terminology

If there's one positive thing that came out of the pandemic era, it's the fact that the conversation surrounding mental health stopped hiding. Though the stigma of being someone who (imagine this next phrase being whispered behind my hand) sees a therapist was starting to lift in the 20teens, it became so much easier to talk about in general company once nearly everyone realized what it's like to feel anxious every. single. day. of the week.

Even though mental health is much more readily discussed these days, one phrase that we'd love to hear used more often is mental wellness. It has a slant that turns our eyes to the things that are going right in our lives, not just the things that need to be addressed, fixed, or accommodated.

This year, we've had more time to be able to recognize the positive indicators that are telling us that we are currently - blessedly - mentally well most of the time. To be sure, I doubt there are many humans out there who are 100% mentally well every single day of their lives (and if those folks do exist, they need to bottle and sell that secret!). But being able to identify and name these things has become a new source of joy.

So to lead by example, I want to tell you about three signs of my mental wellness that I've noticed in recent months.

Sign 1: I Use the Word "Fun" More Often

Early in our relationship, Aaron pointed out to me that when I like something (usually in reference to objects, not actions), I tend to describe it as "fun." In a store, I'll see a pair of elephant earrings that I love and want to have and say, "Ooh, those are fun!"

When I'm not at my best self, I tend to take less joy in my favorite things (which is true for most of us).

Lately when I've noticed the use of the word "fun" in my vocabulary, I reflect on my mood and outlook and it tends to be a "glass half full" kind of day.

Sign 2: The Urge to Mop

Cleaning is certainly not one of my favorite things, but it's something I've come to see as very necessary for my mental wellness. That being said, with two dogs and a house full of hardwood floors, there's a lot to keep clean.

In general, I try to vacuum or sweep at least one room every other day to stay on top of the dog hair. I don't find this task joyful, but again, it's necessary.

Usually every other week, I have enough energy and positive vibes that I get the urge to also mop... because I want the house to reflect how sparkling I FEEL. I love the fresh scent of the floor cleaner, a fully mopped house, a cracked window or two if the temperature outside is nice (c'monnnnn FALL!), and a candle lit on the kitchen island. GLORIOUS!

A reminder we all need. Copyright 2025 Zen Coast Collective.

Sign 3: I Prep the Coffee Pot the Night Before

When I was a classroom teacher who got up at 5:00 AM, prepping the coffee pot the night before was an absolute, non-negotiable necessity. I had it set on a timer so it started brewing when my alarm went off and was there waiting for me when I walked into the kitchen.

Since changing careers, my routines have shifted. I don't have to wake up nearly as early or as quickly, and some days I don't even need or want coffee (though MOST days I still do just because it's so lovely and comforting). Because of this, it's just not as much of a requirement to prepare ahead of time.

However! Preparation of any sort brings my anxiety-ridden self a sense of calm, and when I'm at my best, I end my evenings by rinsing the coffee pot and grounds basket, refilling the water reservoir, adding a fresh filter and three glorious scoops of Pike Place to the basket, and then giving the sink a quick wipe-down so it's clean and dry (another tip I learned several years ago to help cultivate daily zen).

ZCC's Definition of Mental Wellness

I know these three things might sound incredibly simple and mundane, but that's the point. Simplicity is the path to daily zen.

Being mentally well doesn't mean you're on a speaking circuit talking about how to optimize your life, nor does it mean that you're consistently happy with every moment of every single day. It means that you're able to recognize the moments of joy you experience (when something is "fun"), the behaviors in which you engage (such as mopping), and the feelings that accompany those little habits (like a sense of calm that comes with being prepared for what comes next).

My hope today is that you - yes, YOU, the awesome person who took the time to read this! - might start to notice and recognize the importance of the signs of mental wellness in your own life.

Your signs will very likely be different, but I bet they'll show up in moments, behaviors, and feelings that feel ingrained in who you are. This will be true even if you feel a little distanced from the idea of mental wellness today.

What about you?? What are some of your signs of mental wellness? Leave us a comment or drop us an email (zencoastcollective@gmail.com). We'd love to hear from you!

And remember, if you'd like some help capturing the magic of your every day, CLICK HERE to contact us to book a photo session, make a reservation for holiday card services (don't miss out! slots are filling up fast!), or inquire about bespoke memory books and calendars. We can't wait to help you add a little Zen to your lives!

-Katie

Copyright 2025 Zen Coast Collective.