[NFB-of-Delaware] FW: Your Mind is Like a Stretchy Band—Are You Pulling Too Hard? [Safety Saturday]

Mon May 12 15:30:07 UTC 2025

Hello all,

I hope this email finds you well.  I receive these emails weekly.  I am sharing with you because May is Mental Health Awareness month, and I thought this was a thought-provoking email.  If you would like to continue to receive these emails, go to the bottom of the email and follow instructions for joining their listserv.

They cover some interesting topics.

Sincerely… Carol

Live the life you want with love, hope, and determination!

From: The Safety Positive Foundation <info at safetypositivefdn.org> 
Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2025 10:46 AM
To: Carol <cmkries at comcast.net>
Subject: Your Mind is Like a Stretchy Band—Are You Pulling Too Hard? [Safety Saturday]

Learn to recognize when you need rest vs. when to push forward  ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ 

  <https://embed.filekitcdn.com/e/u3LKbqixPe47mBb5ayN3kb/imxpS3vTVAdBipEjzWpVci> 

Safety Saturday

Mental Elasticity: How Far Can Your Mind Stretch?

  <https://embed.filekitcdn.com/e/u3LKbqixPe47mBb5ayN3kb/m2jtqmreNfQf54HijtT7FN> 

Ahoy and Happy Safety Saturday Carol! 🧭

Have you ever been told how "strong" you are for navigating life with a disability? While this might sound like a compliment, many of us know the truth: it's not about being strong—it's about survival. 💪

The Stretchy Band Theory of Mental Health 🤔

Those of us with disabilities often become experts at finding workarounds for life's challenges. But have you considered what this constant adaptation does to your mental health?

Recently, I came across this powerful metaphor from Dr. Gene Parker that really resonated with me: Instead of thinking your mind might "break" under pressure, imagine it as a stretchy band. If stretched too far for too long, it won't return to its original shape.

This isn't about fragility—it's about understanding the natural limits we all have. 

Recognizing When Your Band is Stretched Too Far 

Our minds, like stretchy bands, have incredible flexibility. Sometimes when we feel that stretch, it's an opportunity for growth. Other times, it's a signal that we need to pull back and practice self-care.

Some signs your mental stretchy band might be overextended:

*        Finding yourself more irritable than usual 😠

*        Having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much 💤

*        Feeling emotionally numb or overwhelmed 🌊

*        Difficulty concentrating on tasks 🔍

*        Physical symptoms like headaches or tension 🤕

Finding the Right Balance ⚖️

There's wisdom in knowing when to push through challenges and when to pause for self-care. Neither choice makes you weak—both require courage, self-awareness, and a safety positive mindset!

When you feel that mental band stretching:

*        Take a moment to assess: Is this growth or strain? 🌱

*        Remember that rest is productive too 😌

*        Consider what resources might help you navigate this challenge 📚

*        Connect with others who understand your experience 👥

Join Us for This Week's Teatime! 🍵

In our upcoming Teatime session, we'll discuss:

*        How to recognize your personal "stretching" signals

*        Strategies for mental resilience in challenging situations

*        A fun interactive exercise (be sure to bring an actual stretchy band if you have one!)

Remember: Understanding your limits isn't weakness—it's wisdom. We're excited to explore this topic together! 💚

Until then, keep it safe. Keep it positive. Keep it Safety Positive!

Amy SP Wilson, SPF Founder

  _____  

🤝This Week's SPF Community Opportunities:

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*        Teatime Q&A will meet on Wednesday, May 14, at 6:30 pm CST. This Teatime is open to all who have questions about personal safety. Join us via the link in The Safety Positive Guide

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*        Join us for our first-ever virtual Safety Positive Summit, an online conference dedicated exclusively to personal safety for the blind community, organized by and for the blind community. 

On June 6th and 7th, don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue and learn from experts in the field. Together, let’s pave the way for a safer future for all!

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Join us on Circle to become part of the Safety Positive community and unlock the full potential of the Safety Positive Guide!

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