I’ve been struggling with a couple of health conditions for a while, and I recently received some good news on both fronts. Big Bertha (my big toe) will officially be called Stubby come May — yes, another foot surgery! 

I’ve also been working through some mental health challenges. After talking things through with my team, we decided I’ll be starting a DBT class in April to help strengthen my mental well-being. I’m feeling hopeful and positive about this next step.

The program runs about six months and meets four days a week. One of those days includes therapy, and I’ll also have a little over two hours of bus travel. To help get through those long days, I put together a small list of things that would help — simple foods I can prepare myself, snacks for class and the bus, and a few comforting items to help with anxiety.

I also added a few things to help keep my mind and hands busy during long days of sitting around, especially while recovering and stuck on my butt doing a whole lot of nothing. 

If anyone happens to have any of these items around already or feels moved to help, I’d be incredibly grateful — but please don’t feel any pressure at all. Nothing is ever expected. These items don’t have to come from Amazon; I just used it to organize the list.

Thank you for always being such a kind and supportive community.