What have you laughed at today?   In a world where there is so much to agonize over and fear, many of us forget to just be and find the joy and happiness in the smallest things.   I know it is not easy with remote learning, remote work, illness, and the world happenings, but there is always something we can find that can bring a smile to our faces and give us a moment of inner peace and joy.

What, you ask? Listen to the children around you laugh as they play a game or interact with their peers even remotely. Making funny faces in a mirror will bring laughter rolling out, yes even as an adult! Find a moment to sit in the quiet and reflect on all that you have.  Your worst days are actually someone else’s best day.

Even a commercial on TV can bring you a smile.  One of my favorites is a car insurance commercial where the parents start dancing while 3 other people are making ice cream sundaes and singing.  My son and I laugh every time we see it and I now do part of the ditty while scooping ice cream, minus the throwing of sprinkles in the air.

Life is stressful and there are many difficult days, some days are unbearable, but we need to take the time to find something in each day that we can say “that made me smile.” Time to breathe and believe there is hope and light at the end of the long tunnel, because there is.

So, what have you laughed at today?

In January, NAMI National education trainers virtually trained and certified (8) New Hampshire and (1) Maine parent and family caregivers to teach the NAMI Basics program.

NAMI Basics is a free, six-session program designed for parents and other family caregivers of children and adolescents with challenging behaviors. NAMI Basics helps parents and other family caregivers understand the illnesses that are causing those behavioral difficulties and the critical role families play in the treatment of those illnesses. In addition, participants get support from those who understand what they are going through and gain hope for the future.

NAMI NH is offering the first NAMI Basics class in NH starting April 7th. See the flyer below for details or go to the NAMI NH website for more information.

Every year during the NH legislative session, NAMI NH trains individuals on how to share their stories to become better advocates for themselves, their families and the community through the It's Your Move 1.0 & 2.0 Advocacy Trainings. Some participants use their skills at doctor's appointments or in IEP meetings, and others use those skills to testify at hearings in front of NH legislative bodies. This year the trainings were held virtually via Zoom in January, February and March. For more information about It's Your Move or other ways to advocate, go to the NAMI NH advocate web page or email advocacy@NAMINH.org

NAMI NH's Annual Conference is going virtual again this year. There are a number of sessions that will be of particular interest for parents and caregivers including:

For the full list of workshops and to register, click here.

The NH Children's System of Care Communications Committee mission statement:

"With the NH System of Care values as our guide, we promote community advocacy, outreach, and awareness while working toward positive mental health outcomes for New Hampshire children, youth, and their families"

email Michele Watson.