Monday, May 26, 2025

✨ A Gentle Reset: Carrying Peace Beyond the Month

 


As May comes to a close, I want to remind you of something important:

You don’t need a new month, a Monday, or a meltdown to choose peace.

You can choose it right now.
In the middle of the mess. In the middle of the noise.
Even if this month didn’t go the way you planned.

This final post in our Mental Reset May series is for the woman who tried to do all the things—but life still felt heavy. It’s a soft landing, a fresh reminder that your mental reset isn’t over. It’s just beginning.


💭 What You’ve Already Done Matters

Before you rush to the next thing, pause and reflect:

  • Did you take one deep breath with intention?

  • Did you name your feelings out loud or in a journal?

  • Did you pray when you were overwhelmed instead of powering through?

  • Did you say no when your old self would've said yes?

That’s growth. That’s healing. That’s a reset.
Small shifts = big breakthroughs. Don’t minimize what you’ve done.

🧠 The Reset Is a Lifestyle, Not a One-Time Fix

Your mental reset doesn’t need to stay in May.
It can follow you into June, into summer break, into real life.

Here are a few ways to carry this energy with you:

1. Check in With Yourself Weekly

Every Sunday (or whatever day fits your rhythm), ask:

  • What drained me this week?

  • What restored me?

  • Where do I need God’s guidance?

Keep it simple. Awareness is the first reset.

2. Choose One Small Act of Self-Care Each Day

Not the trendy kind—the real kind.

  • Saying “no” without explaining

  • Drinking water before your coffee

  • Letting the laundry wait so you can sit with God

  • Speaking kindly to yourself in the mirror

3. Revisit the Truth When Your Mind Wanders

When lies creep in (I’m behind, I’m failing, I should be stronger)…
Come back to this:

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul.” — Psalm 23:2–3

Restoration is already promised.
You don’t have to hustle for it—you just have to return to it.

🛍️ Tools to Keep the Reset Going (Amazon + SHEIN Finds)

Your environment can either fight your peace or support it. Here are a few calming favorites to help carry the reset beyond May:

Amazon Favorites:
📓 Weekly Reset Planner Pad – Easy check-ins for your mind + schedule
🕯️ Calm-Scents Candle Set – Bring peace into your space
📖 One-Minute Devotional for Busy Women

SHEIN Finds:
👚 “Grace" T-Shirt – God's gift to us
💖 Soft Knit Blanket – Wrap yourself in calm
💼 Minimalist Tote – Carry peace with you, literally

(Affiliate links included. I may earn a small commission—thank you for supporting the blog!)

💌 A Final Word of Encouragement

Even if you didn’t do all the things this month…
Even if you started strong but fizzled out…
Even if the month flew by and your mind is still racing—

You’re allowed to start again.

Not just in May.
Every day.
Every moment.

And not because you need to fix yourself—but because you’re worth slowing down for.

Here’s your final reset invitation:
Take a breath.
Speak life over yourself.
And carry peace—not pressure—into what’s next.

You’ve got this, sis. And I’m cheering for you every step of the way.

With love + light,
Vernitra L. Dobbins, EdS, LPC
Therapist. Mom. Mental Reset Advocate.

Sunday, May 18, 2025

🧠 Faith Over Frustration: Resetting Your Mind with God’s Truth

Have you ever had one of those weeks where you’re doing everything right—you’re showing up, giving your best, staying prayed up—and still feeling like you’re barely holding on?

If that’s you right now… this post is for you.

Because the truth is, frustration isn’t just a random feeling—it’s often a warning sign. A signal that our minds, bodies, and hearts need a reset.

Let’s talk about how to spot frustration before it turns into burnout, and how to lean on faith—not pressure—to carry us through.


💡 How to Spot Frustration Before It Turns Into Burnout

Sometimes, we don’t even notice we’re on the edge until we’re already snapping at the kids, spiraling in our thoughts, or losing sleep. Here are some signs your mind is overdue for a reset:

  • You’re constantly overwhelmed, even by simple things

  • You feel resentful toward people you love

  • You’re easily irritated, anxious, or withdrawn

  • You’re doing “all the things” but feeling empty

  • Rest feels unreachable—even when you're exhausted

If you nodded “yes” to any of these, that’s your cue to pause and shift. Not with more hustle—but with honest reflection and truth from God’s Word.


✝️ When Emotions Run High: Ground Yourself in God’s Truth


Frustration thrives on lies like:

“You should be further along by now.”
“If you were stronger, this wouldn’t bother you.”
“You’re failing at what matters most.”

But faith says something completely different.

Here are a few scriptures to help reset your mind when emotions feel louder than truth:


🕊️ Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation… present your requests to God. And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Let your feelings be an invitation to lean into Him, not proof you’re failing.


🕊️ Isaiah 40:29

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”

You don’t have to fake strength. God fills in the gaps where you're tired.


🕊️ Romans 12:2

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

That mental reset you need? It begins with truth—not toxic positivity, but real, steady, soul-level truth.


🧠 Reset Practices That Help When Frustration Creeps In

  • 🌿 Step away and breathe—literally.

  • ✍🏽 Write down the lie → then write the truth beside it

  • 🙏🏽 Pray out loud. Don’t overthink it. Just talk to God honestly.

  • 📵 Disconnect from the noise (text threads, social media, etc.)

  • 💬 Confide in a trusted friend or therapist

Remember: your frustration doesn’t disqualify you from peace—it just reminds you to go find it again.


🛍️ Calming Finds to Help You Reset Your Space + Spirit

Creating a peaceful environment supports a peaceful mindset. Here are a few Amazon + SHEIN finds to help you settle your nervous system and create a calm vibe around you:


Amazon Picks:

🕯️ Aromatherapy Candle Set – Soft Scents to Ground You
📓 Faith-Based Journal – For Writing What’s Real + True
🫖 Calming Tea Sampler – Herbal blends for evening wind-downs


SHEIN Picks:

👚 “Faith Over Fear” Oversized Tee – A reminder you can wear
🛋️ Cozy Throw Blanket – Wrap yourself in comfort
💖 Minimalist Gold Cross Necklace – A daily dose of quiet strength

(Affiliate links included. I may earn a small commission—thank you for supporting this blog and my mission.)


💌 Final Encouragement: You’re Not Failing—You’re Just Human.


Feeling frustrated doesn’t mean your faith is broken.
It means you’re in need of a reset, not a rebuke.

Take time to breathe.
Let scripture speak louder than shame.
Let rest soften what pressure tried to harden.

And remember—you’re doing better than you think. 🌿
Let faith rise over frustration this week.


Let me know in the comments:
What verse do you turn to when your emotions are running high?

With love & grace,
Vernitra L. Dobbins, EdS, LPC
Therapist. Mom. Faith-Fueled Encourager.

Monday, May 12, 2025

Mental Health & Mom Guilt: Breaking Free and Reclaiming Your Peace

Let’s talk about the heavy stuff that rarely makes it to the group chats or Instagram posts:

Mom guilt—that voice in your head whispering,

"You’re not doing enough."
"You should be more patient."
"Your kids deserve better than this version of you."

And when you’re already tired, stretched thin, or emotionally off-center? That guilt can feel like a weight on your chest.

Here’s what I need you to know:
You’re not alone—and you’re not a bad mom for needing care too.
This post is your reminder that you can prioritize your mental health and still be a good motherin fact, it’s what makes you one.

💭 What Is Mom Guilt (And Why Is It So Loud)?

Mom guilt is that deep-rooted sense of failure or inadequacy that creeps in anytime you choose something for yourself—especially rest, space, or time away from your children.

It shows up when:

  • You lose your temper after a long day

  • You put on a show for your kids just to buy 30 minutes of peace

  • You take time for a nap, a walk, or a prayer moment instead of folding laundry

The world constantly tells moms to “be strong,” “do it all,” and never complain. No wonder we internalize guilt every time we pause.

But here’s the truth:

You can love your children deeply and still need a break.

✝️ God Isn’t Asking You to Be Perfect—Just Present


Your value as a mother isn’t in how much you sacrifice—it's in how intentionally you love.

Even Jesus rested. He left the crowd. He went to quiet places.
He modeled that peace isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Let this verse ground you today:

“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

God doesn't hand out guilt. He offers grace.

🧠 3 Ways to Care for Your Mental Health While Letting Go of Guilt

1. Reframe Your Inner Dialogue

Instead of: “I shouldn’t feel this way.”
Try: “It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, and I’m allowed to ask for help.”

Guilt often stems from unrealistic expectations. Replacing them with truth sets you free.

2. Create 10-Minute Mental Health Moments

  • Journal your feelings without judgment

  • Sit in silence with worship music or prayer

  • Drink your coffee hot and slow

  • Take a mindful walk or deep breathing break

These aren’t luxuries—they’re lifelines.

3. Talk to Someone

You don’t have to carry your emotions alone. Whether it’s a friend, therapist, or support group, opening up is one of the healthiest things you can do.

🛍️ Comfort Finds That Remind You to Rest

When your environment feels calm, your mind can follow. Here are a few Amazon + SHEIN picks that encourage stillness:

Amazon Picks:

SHEIN Picks:

(These are affiliate links—thank you for supporting this blog and this mission!)

💌 Final Thoughts: You’re Not Failing. You’re Human.

If mom guilt has been creeping in, this is your reminder:
You’re allowed to need space.
You’re allowed to cry, breathe, ask for help, and say no.
And you’re still an amazing mom for doing so.

Let this be the month you reset—not just your schedule, but your heart.

Trade guilt for grace. Trade chaos for calm. And walk into each day knowing you are enough.

Let’s talk—what part of mom guilt hits you the hardest? Or what has helped you release it? Drop a comment or share with a fellow mama who needs this.

With love & understanding,
Vernitra L. Dobbins, EdS, LPC

Therapist • Mom • Encourager of Rest 

Monday, May 5, 2025

🧠 Mental Reset: How to Slow Down, Recenter, and Refresh Your Mind

It’s Mental Health Awareness Month—so let’s pause and talk about something we all need more of:

Rest. Re-centering. Mental clarity. Peace.

If your mind has been racing or you’ve been running on autopilot, this post is your permission slip to breathe, reset, and come back home to yourself.

💭 Why We All Need a Mental Reset

Between work, motherhood, relationships, and responsibilities, it’s easy to lose track of you in the middle of everything.

A mental reset isn’t about escaping life—it’s about reclaiming your peace within it.
It’s about giving yourself the space to pause, reflect, and return to your center before burnout takes over.

Reset Tips You Can Do in 5 Minutes or Less

Mental Reset Checklist
You don’t need hours to care for your mind. Try one or two of these quick mental resets during your day:
  • Step outside. Feel the sun. Breathe in fresh air. No phone. Just you + nature.

  • Box breathing. Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. Repeat x3. Instant calm.

  • Journal dump. Write down everything on your mind—no editing. Let it out.

  • Move your body. Gentle stretches, a quick walk, or 20 jumping jacks in your kitchen.

  • Pray or meditate. Ask God to calm your thoughts and restore your strength.

🧘🏽‍♀️ 5 minutes is enough to shift your energy and take back your peace.

✝️ How Faith Plays Into Rest

Rest isn’t laziness.
It’s spiritual.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.”
—Psalm 23:2-3

When we slow down, we give God room to speak. We silence the noise so we can hear His direction. We remind ourselves that we don’t have to carry it all alone.

If your mind is cluttered, your heart is heavy, or your spirit is tired—He sees you. And He’s calling you to rest, not run.

🙏🏽 Try this prayer today:
"God, help me quiet the noise and rest in Your presence. Clear my mind, settle my spirit, and remind me that peace is my portion."

🛍️ Amazon + SHEIN Finds to Help You Feel Like YOU Again

Sometimes a small shift in your surroundings—or your self-care routine—can make a big difference in how you feel.

Amazon Picks for Peace:

SHEIN Picks to Reset Your Mood:

(Affiliate links included. I may earn a small commission—thank you for supporting my blog + mission!)

💬 Final Words: Your Peace Is Worth Protecting

Resetting your mind isn’t just a one-time thing—it’s something we get to do regularly.
To pause.
To breathe.
To ask, "What do I need right now?"

So this week, I challenge you to schedule a 5-minute mental reset every day. Set an alarm if you need to. Don’t wait for the breakdown—build in the break.

You deserve peace. You deserve clarity. You deserve time to just be.

With love & light,
Vernitra L. Dobbins, EdS, LPC
Therapist. Mom. Mental Reset Advocate.

📖 Did this resonate with you?
Leave a comment or share your favorite reset tip—I’d love to hear what’s helping you stay grounded this month.

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