Total Life Care Coaching

Reading is one of my favorite self-care practices.

I grew up in a literate-rich environment - we had tons of books and an encyclopedia set(!) and in addition to reading books of her own, I always saw my mom reading the newspaper. I also remember staying up late when I was in high school (like 2, 3am on school nights) reading Stephen King and Dean Koontz books.

It’s no wonder I became an English teacher.

I love books, bookstores, libraries, and words in general.

Hoping to devote more time to leisure reading, I set a reading goal of 24 books this year. And I’m right on track. I’ve read 13 books so far.

And Libby ( .app ) is my friend - haha. ‘Cause the way my bookshelves are overflowing - I have no more room to buy books.

My fav read so far for 2026 has definitely been “Bitter and Sweet” by Rhonda McKnight ( ). I loved the blend of history and romance. Although I’m late to the party, I’m also thoroughly enjoying the ACOTAR (“A Court of Thorns and Roses”) series by Sarah J. Maas.

What are you reading? Got suggestions for me? Drop them below - please and thank you!

SelfCare

I had such a full and fulfilling weekend!

Saturday I vended at the one year business anniversary celebration. Zaira is such a powerhouse. She’s also a social worker and through Minding the Mess she combines her insights on mental well-being to help her clients tackle their clutter and organize their spaces.

✨ The anniversary event was full of connection, inspiration, and purpose. During the vendor spotlight, I briefly shared TLC’s origin story, and my mental health journey resonated with many of the attendees.

Sunday I vended at the Newark Makers Mart behind the Krueger Mansion. It was the first outdoor market I’ve done and it was such a great experience! The weather was beautiful and sunny. The other vendors were friendly. And I connected with so many folks that either purchased a TLC product, signed up for our newsletter, or followed us on Instagram.

🛍️ The Makers Mart runs every Sunday from May 31st through the end of October. If you’re in the tri-state area (NJ/NY/CT), come through! I’ll be there once per month during the summer: June 21st, July 12th, and August 2nd. Hope to see you there!

Step into my office.

Let’s address the elephant in the room: The world is on fire. It is incredibly easy to feel like self-care is a luxury we can’t afford, or it’s too self-indulgent, or simply not important at a time like this.

But self-care is always important. As Audre Lorde reminds us, self-care is an act of self-preservation and…political warfare.

When you choose to care for yourself, even in tiny, imperfect ways, you are fueling your ability to show up for who and what you love. So choose you. Always.

Stop waiting for the “perfect” time to rest or to refill your cup. Start where you are, with what you have. Because you matter.

What are you choosing to do today to fill your cup? Let’s chat in the comments.

Spent the day at the Union County Women Means Business summit. The sold out event was beautifully organized from the venue to the breakout sessions and keynote and the lunch. Will definitely have to make this an annual event I attend. Both my mom and I had a great time!

Last night I had a workshop for Mental Health Awareness Month. 💚

Thank you to the folks that were able to attend. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I’m always so honored that I get to share my mental health story with others.

There’s power in our stories.

While I don’t record my virtual workshops, as a forever educator, I love creating resources to support you all.

If you couldn’t attend last night, you can still grab the resource guide from the We All Have Mental Health workshop here: https://totallifecarecoaching.kit.com/weallhavementalhealth

I hope it supports your mental health journey.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month 💚

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in my early 20s. So I’ve grown into adulthood with mania and depression and hospital stays and disability leaves from work and medication side effects.

The most devastating side effect was gaining 53 pounds in the span of one summer.

Almost overnight, I felt uncomfortable in my new body. I avoided taking photographs. I retreated.

Years later I still have the weight on my frame.
But now I am so very grateful to my mind and my body. Both allow me to show up in this life of mine unapologetically and completely. I’ve embraced my bipolar label. I’ve embraced my fuller frame.

This mind (and heart) of mine is compassionate, creative, and thoughtful. This body carries me to and fro. It quite literally supports me in everything I do.

Thank you. 🥰

What are YOU grateful for about your mind and body? Drop it below and let’s start a gratitude chain👇🏽

When I learned about the 5 C’s of Mental Health, I thought how convenient! The 5 C’s identify the major areas of mental health that we can attend to: connection, compassion, coping, community, and care.

So of course I wanted to find words of support for our mental health journeys. Swipe for encouragement 👉🏽

And join me on Thursday, May 21st for a workshop on positive mental health. Register at the 🔗 in bio or head to MentalHealthWorkshop26.EventBrite.com

🧠 Let’s talk about mental health.

𝑯𝒆𝒓𝒆’𝒔 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝑺𝑨𝑴𝑯𝑺𝑨 𝒅𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒕:
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒐 𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒄𝒆 𝒈𝒖𝒊𝒅𝒆:
💚 Reflect on how SAMHSA’s mental health definition lands with you, and consider what helps or hinders how YOU think, feel, and act.
💚 Use the suggestions for safeguarding your mental health as guidelines, and continue doing what you already do for your mental health and mind.
💚 Read the definitions of “languishing” and “flourishing” and challenge yourself to act in even more ways that align with flourishing.
💚 And save this post to refer back to as you strengthen and protect your mental health.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
How is this info resonating? Let’s chat in the comments👇🏽

And join me on Thursday, May 21st for a workshop on positive mental health. Register at the 🔗 in bio or head to MentalHealthWorkshop26.EventBrite.com

💚 Reminder: we all have mental health.

And there’s a lot we can do to maintain our mental health. By focusing on what is actually in our control, we bolster our self-agency and capacity to shape our lives.

If you’re having a bad mental health day, always return to the basics: rest, hydration, food, and movement. We have to keep our bodies strong and it’ll do its part for our minds. They are connected after all!

Or if you are being unkind to yourself, offer yourself some compassion and grace.

Need to let it out? Open your favorite journal or use a literal lifeline and phone a friend.

And if you need it, be open to seeking professional help and support. You wouldn’t tough out a broken bone on your own, so treat your mind and mental health the same way.

And join me on May 21st, for an interactive and informative workshop on positive mental health.

For 🎟️ click the link in bio. Or head to MentalHealthWorkshop26.Eventbrite.com

Welcome to Mental Health Awareness Month!

Mental health education should be accessible. So join me on Thursday, May 21st for an interactive session (part lecture, part workshop) on our mental health.

Who am I?
👋🏽 I’m Krystal: educator, licensed social worker, self-care coach, and bipolar warrior. I’ve been on both sides of the therapist’s couch and will be sharing both professional and personal insights.

Why attend?
🎯 You will equip yourself with knowledge about positive mental health, implement practical self-care strategies, and be in a supportive space.

What are the details?
💻 This is a virtual workshop, on Zoom, on May 21st at 6:30pm ET. Bring a friend with the 2-for-1 ticket deal!

So join us! 🔗 in bio!
(or head to MentalHealthWorkshop26.EventBrite.com)

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