Dear nécessité,

Happy Day. Thank you for sharing this moment with me. I appreciate you! Thank you. How are you feeling emotionally right now? Physically? I am learning to keep breathing through it more often, like natural deep breaths where you breathe into the discomfort and slowly breath it all out.

For me, I find it helps. Not solely the magic wand, but it helps with some issues I have discovered. For instance, it calms me down. It helps get my nervous system calm and back to homeostasis. Thank GOD for each breath. I do not take my breath for granted anymore (I used to, because I never thought to thank it).

I know and understand things may seem hard in so many areas right now in our own way. (Yes, for me as well, I am human and have issues no different than you, it may be just on another day and other issues). For example, I went to order groceries recently, and my mouth dropped when I noticed the prices of groceries in a matter of one week.

The large bag of organic frozen mixed berries I often purchase (I like to make smoothies) is now $21.49 for ONE 32 oz bag. I could not make this purchase because it was not a true nécessité. I now have to rethink my grocery shopping expenses as I had to when paying for my college education because 12 items at $200.00 is a lot. Period.

Lately, my mother has been making comments about how everything is so expensive, and I knew about the gas. Still, because I have not driven a car in the last four years, I never felt the gas increase like my grocery increase (I eat daily, but I do not drive, so my impact is coming from a different area).

This is all adding to the mental load. Is it for you? Let’s not let it take over. I had to think of ways to better help myself and shop wiser and more thoughtful and not freak out but be more mindful and more economical during these inflated times and find helpful ways to keep myself calm and not in the fearful mode. Below are a few things I wanted to share with you that I hope may help you somehow.

Grocery shopping: 

I make a list and shop for nécessité items more so right now, and I am purchasing more items that can stretch during the week and create more meals rather than fewer meals. (making recipes that may be great leftovers too). I find this to help avoid spending more money. Think brown rice, beans, sweet potatoes, Gluten Free-Pastas, and Vermicelli noodles. Frozen veggies and fruit can last a bit longer when frozen, or you can take your fresh fruits, cut them up, and freeze them. I try to avoid foods that spoil quickly (Shelve life is a nécessité right now but without the preservatives). These items can help create some meal staples too.

Take a Bath: 

Create a special bath moment for yourself. Put some bath salts in the bath and make it warm so the muscles can unwind. Light your nécessité Gratitude candle if you have one. (Do not buy right now unless it is a nécessité for you. If you buy, please accept this gift of 10% off to help make your purchase less by using this code at checkout necessite2022) Breathe: Lay on your back 2-3 times a day and take gentle, deep breaths. A moment to pause is so divine.

Give with Generosity: 

I know this may sound crazy, but I feel GOD sometimes tests me to give more in challenging times like now, so I try to continue doing so right now. For example, I know there is someone that needs help buying some grocery items, so I have helped get groceries delivered for a few families.

Guard your impulse: 

Do not be tempted to give in to materialism (supposedly, we want 25% more than we already have). Instead, ask yourself, is it a nécessité right now?

Stay the course: 

Aim to remain calm and walk by faith, not by sight. Keep moving forward, but smarter!

Take a walk: 

Connecting outside with the birds, nature, and the sun may offer positive benefits like relaxation, Vitamin D, and more mental clarity.

Protect your space:

Avoid taking in conversations and news that mention constant reminders

Eat Healthily:

The more junk, the more you may feel simply yucky. Get as many quality nutrients in you as possible. 

Pray, Believe, Think Positive and Have Faith! Do not give up. Hug yourself and tell yourself you are a nécessité, and you will get through this. I know these may not be all the answers, but I hope this helps you find some calmness.

Thank you again for sharing your time with me.

Much Love & Gratitude,

Erica Reid, Founder of nécessité 

Certified Holistic Health Coach

Gut Health & Auricular Therapy (Ear Seeds)

Certified in Plant-Based Nutrition Certification T.Colin Campbell for Nutrition Studies.

Author of The Thriving Child and Shut Up and Cook!

Erica Reid, Founder of nécessité