A blast from the past.
Almeta’s Porch offers hope that we can still find simplicity in life through the small things. Our world needs healing, and I want to provide you with the space and resources to feel like you can tune out the noise and recognize what is needed for you to restore your peace.
When our elders would say, " Things were different back in my day, held alot of weight. It echoed different lives that were lived in every aspect. People like to relive those moments, but they also feel that those moments are now too far out of reach.
Remember those days when life felt easier? Imagine yourself relaxing on the porch, chatting with a neighbor about the latest news, sharing stories, or spending more time with your family. Despite the adversity, the warmth of community support was always there, offering comfort and connection. Before mental health awareness had notoriety, porch conversations were how people would have their '“unofficial therapy sessions”; the value of togetherness was deeply ingrained, reassuring us that we were not alone.
Where appreciation for the older generations, connection to the community, and values were a part of our identity! Even if it may feel like there is no space for this lifestyle to exist anymore, we can always make space.
I am exploring ways to enhance mental health and wellness using organic methods that have been utilized for decades. Our society has been dealing with mental health for a long time, but the manifestation of it looked differently because people made others' business their business.
Imagine a world where people are not seen as threats but as potential friends. This was the narrative that once prevailed, transforming social gatherings into enriching experiences. The authenticity of conversations was such that you often found yourself in awe.
We need to get back to that; we need to figure out how we can decrease our social anxiety in fear that someone is a threat. We need to recognize that continual isolation can lead to depression. This recognition is crucial for our mental well-being, as it enables us to take steps to connect with others and build a supportive community. We also must recognize that we have shared experiences waiting to be expressed.
I’m unsure why, regardless of social media, there was a point in our lives when we felt like we could handle life on our own.
I find myself in an exciting position as an older millennial who still has the luxury of embracing the old-school ways of life. I had the opportunity to spend time on my grandma’s porch and witness the strength of communities standing up for one another, so firsthand, I knew the power of belonging.
Although the need for social connection is not as strong as it once was, I believe people are unsure where to start. As much as we have discussed aspects of life that impact our mental health, we also need to take note of some of the natural ways people have healthily coped with challenges in the past.
So here I am, as a person wanting to restore some of humanity. In the field of mental health, I want others to understand the importance of drawing on the wisdom that has been passed down and applying it in the modern world we live in.
It’s not too late to implement some of the core beliefs from the past and use them effectively in the present to find the peace we sorely need in this world.
