When I was young, I spent much of my days feeling afraid. When dark skies came, it meant a storm was coming and I would hide myself in our cement basement next to the scary furnace monster until it had passed. At firework displays I would hide under my seat or in the car until they were over (I have great sympathy for my dog when Guy Fawkes Day comes around). If I was walking down the road and saw a dog, I would walk across the road to avoid it or would even turn around altogether. Many things would set me off and my brain would turn a thought over and over until I was consumed by my fear. 

My dad recently apologised to me for not realising how scared I had been – he had no idea. As a child I didn’t have the words or the voice to talk about my fear. Now as an adult I have learned how my brain works and have understood how to better manage anxiety when it rears its head in my life. For me this is taking time to focus on being grateful, connecting with other people and spending time in nature. 

I think as a society we have gotten better about talking about what’s going on in our brains and many kids have tools that we never had to be able to give them a voice.  The sad reality however is that there is very little resources available to help our youth who need support. I also think we still don’t do a great job as adults in our ability to be able to communicate with those around us when thinks are not ok. Especially in the workplace. 

The last few years have been challenging and my general feeling is that many people are only just coping.  This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and I think it’s an important time to be able to take a step back and have an awareness of where our own mental health is at.  Each day of the week is focusing on a different theme that helps to boost your mental health. Five Ways in Five Days. You can find an in depth description for each day at www.mhaw.nz and follow me on my Instagram or Facebook account to see my own ideas for the different themes. 

Today’s theme is GIVE. It is all about kindness. To thank those who have supported my business since it has started – being my cheerleader or providing me with work, I have created themed cookies in line with each day of the week. I couldn’t do it without you! As my gift to you, my reader – I am sharing with you the recipe of these cookies. These are my very favourite and don’t last long in my house when they are made. I hope you enjoy! 

Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients (makes 5 dozen cookies)

2 cups confectioners’ sugar

¾ cup Dutch process cocoa powder

3 ¼ cup all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

1 ½ cups butter, chilled and cubed

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 eggs

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)

In a large bowl, stir together the sugar, cocoa, flour and salt until well blended. Cut in the butter until lumps are no larger than peas. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until a stiff dough forms. It may take some time to come together but don’t panic – it will. 

On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to ¼ inch thickness and cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters. If dough is too sticky chill in the fridge. Place cookies 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. 

Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven or until the surface appears dry. 

Allow cookies to cool for a couple of minutes on the baking sheet before remove to a wire rack to cool completely. When cookies are cool, drizzle with melted chocolate or decorate with icing of your choice.