Let’s jump right into this month’s speedlink.

We start with a rather poignant post by Gary Stotler from Outrun Your Excuses. In it, he starts by discussing if and how we can get past labels and still understand who we are. Without labels, can we really figure out who we are? Can you really believe in yourself and just be you without applying any labels? How do you know where you belong?

For a little lighter fare, we turn our attention to Bryan Alkire of Kzoo Dad. I’ve talked about all sorts of parenting products we need (and ones we don’t), but he lists off parenting products that don’t exist but probably should. Like a Keurig cocktail, “because sometimes coffee isn’t enough.” That’d probably go really well with the “whine” glasses he proposes too.

When we first became parents, we were hesitant to go out. The relative safety and convenience of home meant we always had everything on hand if we needed it. Things have changed, of course, and we go out all the time. You may have seen the food pics on my Instagram. Andrea Firmani of Mama in the City offers some tips for fellow parents out there who want to eat out with the kids too. It’s all about planning and mitigating expectations.

“No, I’m good. I’ll be able to manage on my own. I don’t need any help.” There’s something to be said about the typical, almost “macho” ego of a man. I know I can be guilty of this. And so Jason Dykstra of They Call Me Dad questions why so many men have trouble asking for help when they would so clearly benefit from it. Does it make me “less of a man” if I ask for help? These are the quiet questions of men’s mental health that we need to be asking. Why do we choose to suffer alone?

Speaking of suffering, this time of year can have a lot of people feeling down. Dylan Cutler of Phruitful Dish lists off some “mood boosting spices” that can help in beating the winter blues. I’m thankful that it’s been sunny these last couple of days, but that’s not usually the case in January for us. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a very real thing and there are ways to combat it.

Working from home isn’t as easy as many people think it is. Take it from Carol Tice of Make a Living Writing. She’d been at it for some 25 years, so she knows a thing or two about what it’s really like to work from home. I know that I can speak from personal experience as a work-at-home parent that balancing responsibilities isn’t easy. And finding the space to focus (and rest!) can be a burdensome challenge too. But it’s worth it.

And finally, perhaps echoing a bit of the sentiment expressed by Jason Dykstra, maybe a little help isn’t as unattainable as you might think. Matt Richard of Dashing Dad had the chance to interview The Good Nanny, debunking some common myths about getting a nanny. Many of us assume that nannies are only for wealthy families, but that’s not the case at all. And they’re certainly more than glorified babysitters.

Now, get out there, believe in yourself, and ask for help when you need it.