When I first moved out on my own I felt MASSIVE overwhelming feelings because not only is there the grocery, food, cook, repeat… there are so many other things way before you get to eat. Ulities to have tutned on, apartment rental contracts, or home buying. Home, rental or car insurance and so many other responsibilities.

For me, I eventually started to give myself a Gold Star

For Every Single Time I had a happy thought about my new life. And I mean EVERY TIME! Gold stickers?  Get them from Dollar stores or even Walmart.  I covered my bedroom wall with gold stars. I asked my friends to NOT give me stars. I had times when a dozen stars would go up on my wall in just one day.  Not in rows but just random. All over! I would jump up and smack them as high as I could for a really good thought! Pretty soon… I had the happiest wall I’d ever seen. I then started getting other colors. I started to realize I was not giving my other feelings their due. Blue when sad, green when anxious, red for anger, purple for disappointment. If I “found” a star, I would put it on my wall too! Sometimes I needed tape, or a hook. Sometime a pin or nail! When I would gaze at my wall of stars, I found my true self. I found that sadness and anxiety are just fine! They bring wisdom… which brings more stars. I put up a BIG silver star when I felt my wall of stars was done. I didn’t need the “pat on the back, good job” stars to put up any longer. I had a gorgeous wall to look at to remind me. I hope this helps anyone anywhere in the world dear friend! ©2026 LadyKat J Phillips