What is Poem in Your Pocket Day?

Today is Poem in Your Pocket Day which is about sharing a poem with someone. Poem in Your Pocket Day began in 2002. In 2008 the Academy of American Poets officially declared it to bring awareness of sharing poetry. Every year on April 18th, you can share a poem that you carry in your pocket which can uplift and motivate someone. Reading poetry and sharing poetry is inspirational, comforting, and encouraging.

You can draft a short poem on a piece of paper. Then, you can fold your poem into origami or a simple folding technique to carry it in your pocket. After that ask someone if they like poetry and read them the poem from your pocket. Sometimes reading poetry can be an icebreaker to begin a group project or to begin a friendship with someone at school. Also, you can write poetry with your friends and read each other’s poems. 

Another way to celebrate poetry month is by drinking tea and reading poetry aloud. Have a poetry book club with your friends. Read a poem at night before going to sleep. Write a romantic poem and put it in your partner's pocket for them to read during their work break. Draw or paint and write a poem to go with your artwork. 

Although Poem in Your Pocket is celebrated in one day; You can continue writing poems and putting them in pockets throughout the entire month of April. Write and express how you feel.  Make a paper heart, snowflake, or another shape to write your poem. Surprise your partner with a romantic poem to make a stronger emotional bond. Hand written poems can make your partner feel appreciated. 

Frame your poem after sharing it with someone. Write a poem based on your dreams. Print out poems to put in your pocket to help you feel optimistic. Nevertheless, you can share your poem anytime to feel relaxed and to make someone smile. Here are website links about Poem in Your Pocket Day. 

Poem in Your Pocket Day-Academy of American Poets:

Poem in Your Pocket Day | Academy of American Poets

Poem in Your Pocket-Poets House:

Poem In Your Pocket - Poets House

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Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month 2024

 

Autism Acceptance Month began in 2011 to bring an understanding of Autism. Yet, Autism Awareness Month was changed to Autism Acceptance Month in 2021. Therefore, this momentous change has brought more awareness of autism spectrum disorder through education and a better understanding of ASD. Also, with acceptance there is a respect for one’s uniqueness and special abilities and talents. This year’s theme for Autism Acceptance Month is “Celebrate Differences.” 

You can participate in Autism Acceptance Month by sharing resources that educate and resources of community events in your city or town. Use the hashtag, “# Celebrate Differences” on social media. As well as wearing a pin, necklace, or a bracelet with the infinity symbol. You can also wear a puzzle piece ribbon or a puzzle piece pin that is a symbolism of autism and it brings an awareness of ASD. Additionally, these symbols symbolize acceptance and understanding of autism.

Often acceptance is difficult for a parent, for a family member, or for a friend. However, the more resources and educational resources available, it becomes easier to understand ASD and to learn to respect. At the beginning it might seem frustrating as a parent but one must understand autism to take care of your child. Use free resources, infographics, and other researched information for adding messages for Autism Acceptance Month on social media. The other hashtags that are used are “#Autism Acceptance Month,” “#Autism Awareness,” and “#Neurodiversity.” 

If you are an adult with autism, find out about resources, support services, and student services in your college. Also, find out about jobs through your college job resources day. Do not feel discouraged. There are many jobs such as data entry, journalism, accounting, and other careers that are excellent for getting a college degree. Lastly celebrate your accomplishments and abilities. 

Throughout the entire month of April, you can learn more about autism and get resources at your child’s school about ASD. Donate for autism research. Read books about autism and participate in walking marathons. Participate in events in your community and take online seminar classes about Autism. Here are resources for Autism Acceptance Month. 

Autism Acceptance Month-Autism Society:

Autism Acceptance Month | Autism Society %

Autism Education & Resources-Autism Speaks:

Autism Education & Resources | Autism Speaks

* Free Clip art for Autism from Vecteezy: 

värld autism medvetenhet dag. färgrik pussel hand design tecken. symbol av autism. medicinsk platt illustration. sjukvård 21437130 PNG (vecteezy.com)

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Painting Birds on Canvas (World Art Day)

 

Painting birds on canvas can take one or two days to paint. However, it is an easy painting project to do. It makes a nice decoration for any room or for decorating a desk. You can add a frame or use a picture pedestal to display the painted canvas. Here are the instructions for painting these love birds. 

Materials:

5 × 7 Canvas

Acrylic painting

Varied sizes of Paintbrushes

Q tips 

Gold Acrylic Metallic Paint

Paper towels

Bird stencil (optional)

Mod Podge 

Picture pedestal 

Instructions:

First, remove the plastic wrapping from the canvas. Paint the canvas one color. In this example, blue paint was used to paint the entire canvas. Then wait for the acrylic paint to dry. Next, draw and paint the birds with black paint.

You can use a stencil or draw the birds by hand. Use a thin paintbrush to draw the birds with the black paint. Paint the entire birds. Then paint the beaks and the feet. Using the same paint, paint the branches.

After that paint with a paintbrush the branches and the feet of the birds. Continue painting and adding the clouds. Use several colors to paint the two love birds. In the example, yellow paint, black, white, and gray paint was used. Last, continue shaping the bird feathers.

To paint the eyes of the birds, you will need a Q-Tip to make the small eyes. Also, in the example, a Q-Tip was used to paint the bird’s head yellow and the rest of the body. Nevertheless, a thinner paintbrush was used to paint the other half of the eyes and the body of the bird feathers. You can use any color to paint your love birds and for the flowers. Continue painting the rest of the birds, the beaks, and the feet. 

Add gold acrylic paint to emphasize the bird feathers. Continue painting the birds slowly. Painted green leaves. Wait for the paint to dry. Then paint flowers.

The flowers were painted with orange pink paint, white paint, and gold acrylic paint on the center of the flowers. Then gold acrylic paint was painted on the sides of the bird feathers. The branch was painted with black paint. While the beaks and the feet were painted with the same gray and white paint. Nonetheless, have fun painting your love birds on canvas. 

After everything is painted, paint your initials on the painted branch. Wait for the paint to dry before framing it or before displaying it on a picture pedestal. Use Mod Podge or a sealant spray to protect the acrylic paint. This painting tutorial can be done on World Art Day or anytime of the year. Happy World Art Day!

Every year on April 15th is World Art Day. This day is about the importance that art brings to our lives. Also, it is a day to enjoy art. Furthermore, it is a day to create your artworks and to express yourself through your artworks. Nonetheless, you can visit a museum online or in person to celebrate World Art Day. 

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Parkinson's Awareness Month

Approximately four percent of people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s before they become fifty years old. It is estimated that ten million people are living with Parkinson’s which is the second neurodegenerative disease that affects the nervous system. The first common neurodegenerative disease is Alzheimer’s. Parkinson’s disease progresses slowly and makes one hand to have tremors. Also, the body feels stiff and makes it difficult to walk, run, or do other body movements.

Parkinson’s disease affects sleep, body movement, and balancing. It affects the brain because there is a decrease in dopamine, and it impairs the activity of the brain which causes tremors. Dopamine is a natural hormone and a neurotransmitter that helps the brain to send messages to the body. The tremors are involuntary movements that causes the hands, arms, legs, and the body to shake and it is the first symptom of Parkinson’s disease. However, dancing, tai-chi, yoga, and other exercises can help improve balance and help with body movement.

Mindfulness can also help with the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Nonetheless, the entire month of April is recognized as National Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Grey or silver ribbons can be worn throughout the month of April to bring an understanding of this disease. Also, red tulips are a symbol of Parkinson’s disease since the 1980s. You can donate to Parkinson’s foundation or participate in walking marathons.

In addition, you can share infographics and other researched information on social media for National Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Begin a conversation about Parkinson’s disease. Get screened for Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, or other neurodegenerative disease. Although there are no specific prevention tips for preventing Parkinson’s disease; It is recommended to have a balanced diet, regular exercise, and discussing with your primary doctor about Parkinson’s disease. Always consult with your primary doctor before practicing tai-chi, yoga, dancing, or other exercises especially if you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s may be due to genetics, the environment, pesticides, stress, and other factors. However, there is no specific cause for Parkinson’s disease. Limit the number of fried foods, processed foods, and too much sugar. Avoid getting dehydrated. Here are resources for National Parkinson’s Awareness Month. 

Parkinson's Tips and Tricks-Parkinson's Daily:

Parkinson's Tips And Tricks - ParkinsonsDaily.com

Parkinson's Awareness Month-Parkinson's Foundation:

Parkinson's Awareness Month | Parkinson's Foundation

Benefits of Dance Therapy for Parkinson's Disease-Parkinson's Disease:

Benefits of Dance Therapy for Parkinson's Disease (parkinsonsdisease.net)

Mindfulness and Parkinson's-Parkinson's Organization UK:

Mindfulness and Parkinson's | Parkinson's UK (parkinsons.org.uk)

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Affirmations for Hope (National Month of Hope)

Recovering from addiction takes time and self-acceptance. It also helps to have family and friends to give you support through your process of recovering from your addiction. The entire month of April is dedicated to having hope in addiction recovery. Remind yourself the reasons for recovering from addictions and remind yourself why you want to end the addictions. Positive affirmations can motivate you and encourage you to continue recovering from addictions.

There is hope for recovering from addictions. During challenging times, positive affirmations can help you have hope. It allows you to have hope in yourself and hope for your family. Dedicate some time to give yourself encouragement or to someone who is recovering from addictions. Use the hashtag, #National Month of Hope to encourage and motivate someone with hope quotes or hope affirmations.

Practicing positive affirmations permits you to believe in yourself and to have hope. Positive affirmations can also help you to feel hope. To have hope gives you encouragement and self-acceptance. Hope makes you believe in your abilities, your strengths, and believe in possibilities. Here is a list of positive affirmations for your addiction recovery and for having hope throughout the National Month of Hope.

1. My addiction does not take charge of my life.
2. I am loved, appreciated, and have hope.
3. I am respected, loved, and a treasure.
4. My addiction does not strengthen me.
5. I have unconditional love for myself.
6. My addiction does not control me.
7. Hope encourages me.
8. I express my hope, love, and strength.
9. My strength is stronger than my addiction.
10. Hope is the tool that permits me to end my addiction.
11. Hope is the energy that fills me up each day.
12. I am strong and shimmer with hope. 
13. I have hope and believe in myself. 
14. The world gives me cheers and hope. 
15. My family and friends give me hope and smiles.

These positive affirmations can help you feel optimistic and encourage you. Seek professional help for addiction recovery. Be honest with yourself. Practice self-acceptance, self-love, and self-care as you recover. Here are resources about writing your positive affirmations for hope and addiction recovery. 

100 Positive Affirmations to Recover from an Addiction-Happier Human:

100 Positive Affirmations to Recover from an Addiction - Happier Human

Hope Affirmations to Stay Positive & Not Give Up- Motivation Ping:

Hope Affirmations To Stay Positive & Not Give Up (motivationping.com)

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Taking Care of Your Feet in the Spring

Taking care of your feet in the spring can reduce sweat, odors, and blisters. Sweat and odors are common during the warmer months of spring especially when exercising. To reduce sweat and odors from your feet, you can wash your feet with black tea or with apple cider vinegar. It is recommended to wash your feet once or twice a week to reduce sweat and odors. Corn starch or baking soda can be used to reduce odors from your feet and your shoes. 

Change your shoes and rotate the shoes your shoes every two weeks. Spray rubbing alcohol or a foot odors spray in your shoes. Clean and wash your shoes with baking soda and lemon juice. Have two pairs of clean socks especially after exercising. Use cotton socks or moisture wicking socks that reduce sweat. 

Use shoe insoles with charcoal or other ingredients to reduce foot odors. Clean your shoe insoles when you clean your shoes. If you get blisters on your feet, use bandages to cover them. Use foot powder, lotion, or oil to prevent odors or blisters from your feet. Wear the right size of shoes for your feet and avoid too tight shoes.

Make sure you are comfortable wearing your shoes. Check the spaces from the front and back of the shoes. Purchase an arch support insole for your shoes. Walk slowly when trying on shoes in the store. Select shoes with canvas, cotton, or other materials that make your feet sweat less. 

Change your tennis shoes every six to eight months. Some shoes might need to be replaced every three months depending on how much you wear your shoes. Make sure your shoes have no holes, nails, or threads hanging out of the materials. Also, inspect your shoes for cracks. Avoid wearing too tight toe rings when wearing sandals. 

Inspect your feet. Remove nail polish from the nails of your feet. Do not leave old nail polish on your nails for a month. Check your feet with your primary doctor. Here are resources for preventing odors, blisters, and sweaty feet. 

 

Blisters Be Gone-Seven Strategies to Prevent Blisters:

How to Prevent Blisters on Feet: 9 Tips to Keep in Mind (verywellfit.com)

Sweaty Feet-12 Ways to Prevent and Get Rid of Them:

Sweaty feet: 12 tips to prevent and get rid of them (medicalnewstoday.com)

8 Ways to Get the Smell Out of Shoes-Health: 

8 Ways To Get the Smell Out of Shoes (health.com)

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How to do Mindful Touching?

Mindful touching helps couples to spend time together and it increases an emotional bond. Touching your partner can help you practice self-compassion, self-confidence, self-assurance, and self-acceptance. It also communicates trust, love, respect, and helps build a stronger relationship with your partner. As well as giving a boost of satisfaction in your relationship and relaxation for both partners. Yet, Mindful touching is about being aware of how you touch your partner and how you connect with your partner’s emotions.

It permits you to slow down, take your time, and to observe your partner. Observe your partner’s reactions and how your partner responds to you in a nonverbal manner. Sit in front of your partner and practice mindful touching before going to work or before going to sleep. Mindful touching can be done by closing your eyes while your partner holds your hand. Breathing slowly and relaxing for five minutes.

Ask permission from your partner before doing mindful touching. Create a comfortable environment before practicing mindful touching. Add cushions, pillows, and enough lighting to the room. Use pillows to support your spines. Also, include a gratitude journal to write in it after practicing mindful touching.

Take turns practicing mindful touching. Touch your partner’s face while your partner has their eyes closed. Observe your partner’s face, wrinkles, birthmarks, and other imperfections. Then, touch your partner’s hair, earrings, and accessories on their hands. Last, touch your partner’s feet.

End the mindful touching with a hug. While you practice mindful touching, focus on your breathing and your partner’s breathing. Mindful touching can be done in silence or with soft instrumental music. Aromatherapy can be incorporated if your partner has a tough time relaxing. Also, mindful touching can be done by standing up or by laying down in a comfortable position.

Another way to end mindful touching is giving your partner a rose or their favorite flower. Hold the rose for five minutes and hug your partner. Touching your partner in silence can help you focus more on your partner. Mindful touching for couples can improve your relationship and make a couple feel closer. Here are more resources about mindful touching for couples. 

Nic Kolbe- Touch Meditation:

Touch Meditation Technique for Mindful Sensations (nic-kolbe.com)

Psychology Today-Finding Balance in Mindfulness:

Finding Balance in Mindfulness: The Technique of "Touch & Go" | Psychology Today

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