To Pee or Not to Pee

MIND

To Pee or Not to Pee

Mental wellness can be achieved through imaginative outlets. One only needs to define what works for them, then connect and commit to it.

BY KATIE MCCULLOUGH

Recently, I overheard a stranger telling her Tinder date how it feeds her soul to wake up in the morning and pee in her garden. She explained this to be a comforting practice of communication between her and Mother Earth. Apparently, by peeing in her garden, the Earth now knows how she is doing mentally and physically and is now better able to help her out. While I found this conversation to be a rather bizarre choice of ice breakers, I admire her ability to do what feels right for her. It sounds a bit silly to equate peeing in a garden to mental wellbeing, but why not? Becoming one with nature is certainly therapeutic (but maybe start by looking out the window instead? Or going for a walk?). Anyway, I bring this up to write about mental wellness that does not come from pharmaceuticals. Do not get me wrong – modern medicine is a beautiful gift that undoubtedly has its place in maintaining one’s health both physically and mentally but

learning healthy habits and putting in the real work of finding what is right for us and our own well-being is so important.

As we know, the LGBTQ+ community faces challenges unique to us, including a higher risk of mental health struggles and substance abuse as a result. As a young queer person, my girlfriend at the time turned to alcohol to numb the pain of confronting her sexuality. Growing up in a conservative Christian town, it was hard to see the silver lining while keeping your true self a secret. After a nearly fatal level of consumption, she began taking small steps toward pulling herself toward wellness.

In situations like this it is helpful to – as my therapist calls it – exterminate hope. Using violent language on purpose, in a world where being accepted and loved by certain groups is not likely…it is time to exterminate any prayer of change from them. By taking a flamethrower to any hope left in that situation, there is an opportunity to mourn and rebuild. So, let us rebuild with wellness practices that serve us and keep us checking in with ourselves. When I feel anxious, I like to go outside and look up. It gives me some much-needed perspective. Ultimately, don’t forget to rebuild and be kind to yourself. Whether that is taking a nap or peeing in your garden.

KATIE MCCULLOUGH, graduate of Flagler College, is currently teaching English Language Arts in Saint Augustine, FL, specializing in gifted and exceptional education. Prior to attending graduate school, Katie plans to pursue her passion for writing while finding time to travel the world.