Erin Lodes

In order to get myself back on track while working on my next book, I am kind of trying to get my whole life back on track in a sense. This means going back to taking care of myself, which is one of the things that fell to the wayside during my nice depressive slump. (Reader, it was not fucking nice.)

As part of that, I am going to focus on some good things and why they are good for me. First up: Charlie.

Have ya’ll met Charlie? He is a good boy. He tries to be most of the time anyway.

Charlie helps me in many different ways:

1) Look at how freaking adorable he is. Just his face and his undeniable cuteness make me feel better.

2) Cuddles. He cuddles me while I write, while I watch TV, while I read. Cuddles are scientifically proven to be a form of self-care. No, like, honestly they are.

3) He makes sure I get exercise. If Charlie doesn’t get exercise, it is impossible to live in the house with him. He wants to play and play and play and play. So we run, and we go to the dog park, and we hike. And all of it is good for both of us.

4) He loves me. Being greeted by an excited puppy (he’s nearly two, but I will call him a puppy forever) when you get home does great things for your state of mind.

5) Just look at him being his handsome self. Just look.

Anyway. It’s true that I think having Charlie has been good for my life and mental health in all sorts of ways, but mostly I really just wanted to share pictures of him with ya’ll.
PS: If you want to see more, follow me on Instagram @erinprendy.

Go take care of yourselves people. Everything else can wait a little while. By the way, Charlie thinks naps are an excellent form of self-care.