Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Chronic Illness and Marriage

When you get married you commit to for better or worse and in sickness and in health. You don’t think those two things will happen early in your marriage if you think about them at all. Marriage is full of ups and downs, good and bad, and is very hard at times. When you add a chronic illness to the mix it can get complicated. Not every person is ready for the better or worse, or in sickness and in health.

Sacrifices are essential to living with someone with a Chronic Illness. There were years where my husband had to fill my medicine case each week, cook every meal, do all the laundry, help me shower, get me dressed, help me in and out of the car, walk me up and down the stairs, the list goes on and on. I haven’t seen the inside of a grocery store in years.

He gave up several hobbies he loved to make sure there was always time to take care of my medical and mental health needs. It comes at a cost to the partner’s mental health. I encouraged him to seek counseling which he did and it helped a great deal.

My husband has been caring for me and my health since we first married. Long before Lyme Disease, an Immune Deficiency Disorder, and Fibromyalgia, there was my Mental Illness to care for. I have Bipolar Disorder, which is a serious Mental Illness that requires constant monitoring and several medications to stay well.

From the very beginning, he had to keep an eye out for signs and symptoms. Ask gently if I had taken my medication and help me deal with my depression when the Black Dog moved in.

One of the things I asked from the very beginning was for him to sit in on my appointments with my Psychiatrist. I wanted him to understand how sick I was and hear it from the doctor, to hear me talk to the doctor. This would prove immensely helpful in the years to come.

I had to trust him with the darkest part of myself, my Bipolar Disorder and it was difficult at first but I knew it was needed if our marriage was going to work. I had to trust that he would listen and learn but not take over my healthcare unless I was a harm to myself.

One critical step my husband took is put my health before his career, it was a huge guilt trip for me. He passed up promotions and great opportunities to travel so that I would not be home alone. Just last week his boss asked all of the VP’s to lunch and he had to decline due to the rising cases of Omacrom. Ouch, that burns sometimes!

The truth is I don’t know what I would have done over the past 20 years without his sacrifices. If you have a chronic illness make sure you are transparent in the struggle and what may be required of them. If a dating relationship can’t withstand that challenge then a marriage certainly won’t.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Everyday Magic

 

Bella and Grace by Stampington

There are some people who appear to radiate light. Their kindness and spirit shine for all to see. Who are the people in your life that radiate light?

Why do they glow so brightly?

 

Enjoy your day! 

 Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Addicts and pain meds 1/30 — Guest Blogger The daily addict

This is a tricky topic. But I will share my own experience in this area because it is all that I truly know. Coming into recovery I was taught by those who went before me that to be clean means I cannot take any mind or mood altering substances. IF they are prescribed for me […]

Addicts and pain meds 1/30 — The daily addict
Celebrate Life · Fun

Today in History January 30, 2022

Welcome to the Weekend Edition of Today in History. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the post. Have an awesome weekend.

Gandhi assassinated

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the political and spiritual leader of the Indian independence movement, is assassinated in New Delhi by a Hindu extremist.

Born the son of an Indian official in 1869, Gandhi’s Vaishnava mother was deeply religious and early on exposed her son to Jainism, a morally rigorous Indian religion that advocated nonviolence. Gandhi was an unremarkable student but in 1888 was given an opportunity to study law in England. In 1891, he returned to India, but failing to find regular legal work he accepted in 1893 a one-year contract in South Africa.

1972

“Bloody Sunday” in Northern Ireland

In Londonderry, Northern Ireland, 13 unarmed civil rights demonstrators are shot dead by British Army paratroopers in an event that becomes known as “Bloody Sunday.” The protesters, all Northern Catholics, were marching in protest of the British policy of internment of suspected …read more

1933

“The Lone Ranger” debuts on Detroit radio

With the stirring notes of the William Tell Overture and a shout of “Hi-yo, Silver! Away!” The Lone Ranger debuts on Detroit’s WXYZ radio station. The creation of station-owner George Trendle and writer Fran Striker, the “masked rider of the plains” became one of the most …read more

1920

Mazda car company founded

On January 30, 1920, Jujiro Matsuda (1875-1952) forms Toyo Cork Kogyo, a business that makes cork, in Hiroshima, Japan; just over a decade later the company produces its first automobile and eventually changes its name to Mazda. Today, Mazda is known for its affordable, …read more

1649

King Charles I executed for treason

In London, King Charles I is beheaded for treason on January 30, 1649. Charles ascended to the English throne in 1625 following the death of his father, King James I. In the first year of his reign, Charles offended his Protestant subjects by marrying Henrietta Maria, a Catholic …read more

 

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Another Anxiety Story — Guest Blogger Webbblogs/Ocd and Me

I have written about anxiety before.  I have even written about some of the things below.  I am writing about it again because I know someone out there has been through it or knows someone that has. Someone out there needs to know they are not alone. The Strange Feeling In My Head Many years […]

Another Anxiety Story — Webbblogs/Ocd and Me
Celebrate Life · Fun

Fun Facts That Will Amaze You

I’m so glad you are enjoying Fun Facts. I learn something new each week, even if it’s weird. I love hearing your comments! 

The green code in The Matrix was actually created from symbols in the code designer’s wife’s sushi cookbook. (cnet.com)

The wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles was watched by 750 million people worldwide in 1981; sadly, 2.5 billion watched her funeral in 1997. (bbc.com)

With 3.572 billion viewers, half the world’s population watched the 2018 FIFA World Cup of soccer (or football, as many international fans call it), which is held every four years. That number is on par with the 2016 Summer Olympics; but only a quarter of the world watched the less-popular Winter Olympics in 2018. (fifa.com)

There are no muscles in your fingers: Their function is controlled by muscles in your palms and arms. (assh.org)

The hardest working muscle in your body is your heart: It pumps more than 2,000 gallons of blood a day and beats more than 2.5 billion times in a 70-year life span. (heart.org)

 Enjoy! 

Melinda

 

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Curried Winter Vegetables — Guest Blogger Micro of the Macro

I learned to make this dish during my travels.  It was at a hostel in Moab, Utah, where I first had a Thai curry so tasty that I decided I had to learn to make it myself.  It took me several attempts, but I managed to create one that hit all the right notes.  My […]

Curried Winter Vegetables — Micro of the Macro
Celebrate Life · Fun

#Weekend Music Share *Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Bono and others — “Let It Be” (Live)

 Original Video



Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the ‘Weekend Music Share‘ banner in your post, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Grief Journaling Prompts Guest Blogger Don’t Lose Hope

Don't Lose Hope's avatarDon't Lose Hope

There are losses that rearrange the world. Deaths that change the way you see everything. Grief that tears everything down. Pain that transports you to an entirely different universe, even while everyone else thinks nothing has really changed.” – Megan Devine

Grief and loss come in a multitude of forms. It may be the death of a person you have loved. The end of a meaningful relationship, for you. The loss of a job or the end of a career. A tragic accident or receiving shocking news.

Whatever kind of loss you are grieving for right now, it can help to be real and to process how you feel.

The questions below might help you with this:

1. What losses am I grieving? Who am I grieving for?

2. What is the most difficult time of day, for me?

3. Where in my body do I hold the…

View original post 132 more words

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

No one has the Right to Judge you — Don’t Lose Hope — Guest Blogger Coaching Skills International

“No one has the right to judge you, because no one really knows what you’ve been through. They didn’t feel what you felt in your heart.” Keep these words in mind the next time you feel that someone has some view, or opinion about you. – No one has the right to judge you. Absolutely […] […]

No one has the Right to Judge you — Don’t Lose Hope — Coaching Skills International
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Understanding the Second Trimester — Guest Blogger Dr. Lori Gore-Green

Dr. Lori Gore-Green discusses the second trimester of pregnancy.

Understanding the Second Trimester — Dr. Lori Gore-Green
Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Self Improvement: Invasive vs Non-Invasive Cosmetic Surgery Options

The world of cosmetic surgery has recently seen an increase in the number of procedures becoming available to patients interested in improving their appearance. With the boom in popularity, a certain amount of controversy has come surrounding these surgeries. The rise in some non-surgical options leads to questions about which type is best for people considering enhancement.

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

Invasive vs non-invasive cosmetic surgery options have been a hot topic in the media. In some cases, the controversy about which is better for patients has led to botched surgeries and malpractice claims.

The most common question people ask is whether or not an invasive surgery is automatically better than a non-invasive procedure. While it might seem like there is a simple answer and that invasive surgery would be the preferred option, sometimes it can vary based on the person and their specific needs.

Two Common Types Of Cosmetic Surgeries Can Be Classified As Either Invasive Or Non-Invasive

  1. Invasive (or “open”) surgeries typically include more risks than non-invasive brethren. 

These surgeries are performed through cuts made in the skin rather than around or through it. The benefit of this cut is that the surgeon will have direct access to what they need to correct.

Because invasive surgeries require cuts, patients typically need to spend more time recovering from them and may not return to work as quickly.

  1. Non-invasive surgeries are often known as minimally invasive or surface techniques. 

These surgeries do not require any cuts in the skin, but instead, they create small incisions around the area they are working on.

The main difference between invasive and non-invasive cosmetic surgeries is where doctors make their incisions. While one requires cuts into the skin, the other allows surgeons to make small incisions around the area they need to work.

Typical Examples:

  • Liposuction is done through an invasive surgery that requires cuts into the skin to pull the fat out of the body. The benefit of these types of Weight Loss Surgery is that they allow for more accurate removal of fat cells. This means less pain and better-looking results than surface techniques that rely on suction alone.
  • Laser hair removal options like laser tweezing and pulsed dye lasers can be done through invasive and non-invasive procedures. Typically, the more invasive option involves making an incision over the skin area where the procedure is being performed. New techniques allow for less invasive surface surgeries that include breaking up the hair follicle with an electric current.
  • Cosmetic procedures like chin implants and facelifts are less common surgeries typically performed through invasive methods to get more accurate results. This requires making incisions in the affected area of the face or neck, but they offer greater accuracy than techniques like surface fillers.

In Conclusion

Invasive and non-invasive surgeries offer patients benefits and drawbacks, which is why it’s essential to talk about their differences with a surgeon. While some invasive surgeries may require more recovery time or have higher risks of complications, they often lead to better results that last longer. Non-invasive procedures are generally considered less risky, but they can often offer less accurate results that don’t last as long.

As with all medical procedures, patients need to understand which type of surgery is right for them before making a final decision about their cosmetic enhancements. Before choosing either invasive or non-invasive cosmetic surgeries, it’s helpful to speak with a surgeon about the risks and benefits of both to get the best results possible.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Understanding Childhood Trauma

Did you know that over 60% of Americans have experienced childhood trauma of some sort? Yes, trauma faced while growing up is more common than you might think.

So common that you may have experienced trauma of some sort too. Perhaps you’ve repressed the memory, forgotten it, or even processed it – but it is essential to know where you’re at so you can move on in adulthood.

You may be wondering, how exactly can you measure trauma? Well, that’s where the childhood trauma test comes in. Below, we share the essential guide to the ACE childhood trauma test and everything you can learn from it.

Photo by Engin Akyurt on Pexels.com

What Is The Childhood Trauma Test?

The ACE childhood trauma test for adults is a score summing up the extent of difficult childhood experiences. The ACE test questions for childhood trauma include a series of 10 questions about various incidents that occur during the earlier stages of life.

According to the test, the rougher your childhood, the higher you’ll score on the quiz. This, in turn, has implications for experiences well into adulthood. For example, this may manifest in symptoms that range from headaches and heart disease to depression and substance abuse.

If you are interested in taking the test please use the link.

Please pass along if you know someone who may need some answers.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Understanding the First Trimester — Guest Blogger Dr. Lori Gore-Green

Dr. Lori Gore-Green discusses the first trimester of pregnancy.

Understanding the First Trimester — Dr. Lori Gore-Green
Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

The Cost Of Creating A Self-Sustaining Home

Recently, there has been a big change in the way people think about the environment and about how they’re living on this planet. While not the norm as yet, self-sustaining homes are certainly becoming more popular because of this. And the idea of living ‘off-grid’ is something that many people are starting to consider. Although there will be plenty of challenges associated with this kind of lifestyle, the long-term positives outweigh the negatives.

One thing that you would need to consider, of course, is the cost of creating a self-sustaining home. Read on to find out more about what this would cost you and how you can offset those costs in the end. 

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Cost Of Land And Building 

Assuming you want to buy a property from scratch, you will need some land to build it on, and this will be the first cost to consider. How much you spend will depend entirely on how much land you need to buy and where you need to buy it. When you have a budget in mind, the best thing to do is to speak to a land expert who can source you the ideal plot. 

Once you have the land, you’ll then need to build the property. Again, this will differ from place to place, so it’s worth speaking to Philadelphia architects to get some idea of how much it might cost. 

Cost To Run 

The house is going to save you money in the long-term due to its sustainability factor – that’s one of the big benefits of building this kind of property in the first place, as well as the fact that it will help the planet hugely. However, that doesn’t mean that there won’t be other things to pay out for, at least initially. 

Energy bills still need to be paid out until the house becomes entirely self-sustaining. It can take anything from months to years to become completely self-sufficient, so be aware that you might still need to ‘import’ electricity and water until you have enough for yourself. The same goes for your food. 

Plus, you’ll need to spend money to ensure that the house is self-sustaining in the first place. This might mean installing solar panels, digging a well, or creating a vegetable garden – or all of the above, plus more. Many people choose to take out a short-term loan to cover these initial costs, knowing that the money they save overall will help them to pay it back more quickly. 

Conclusion 

There’s no doubt that building a self-sustaining home is going to cost you money. From the land to the labor costs and materials to the fact that self-sustainability doesn’t happen overnight, you could be spending many hundreds of thousands of dollars. Yet when you consider that you would have spent the same on a normal house but that ordinary house wouldn’t be good for the planet and wouldn’t eventually pay you back and allow you to live off-grid, you’ll see that it’s money well spent

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

10 Signs You Need To Visit A Dentist: Dental Health Warning Signs

It’s no secret that good oral hygiene is key to maintaining overall health. However, many people don’t realize that there are warning signs that can indicate a problem with your dental health. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s time to visit a dentist

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

1) Bleeding Gums

If your gums are constantly bleeding, it’s a sign that something is wrong. Healthy gums don’t bleed easily and should only occasionally bleed after brushing your teeth. Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease, which, if left untreated, can lead to other health problems.

2) Receding Gums

If your gums are receding, it means that the bone and tissue supporting your teeth is being lost. This can be a sign of gum disease but can also be caused by other factors such as brushing too hard or smoking. Receding gums can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.

3) Tooth Pain

Pain in your teeth can signify many different problems, from cavities to gum disease. It’s important to have tooth pain checked out by a dentist, as it could be a sign of something more serious.

4) Bad Breath

Bad breath is often caused by bacteria in the mouth and can signify dental problems such as gum disease or tooth decay. If you’re experiencing bad breath that doesn’t go away after brushing your teeth, it’s time to visit the dentist.

Smoking also causes bad breath, so it’s especially important to visit the dentist regularly if you smoke.

5) Dry Mouth

If you’re experiencing dry mouth, it means that your mouth isn’t producing enough saliva. This can be a sign of many different problems, such as gum disease, Sjogren’s Syndrome, or medication side effects. In addition, a dry mouth can lead to tooth decay and other dental health problems if left untreated.

6) Swollen Gums

Swollen gums can be a sign of gum disease and should be checked out by a dentist. Swollen gums can also be a sign of other health problems, such as diabetes or HIV.

7) White Spots On Teeth

If you notice white spots on your teeth, it could be a sign of tooth decay. Tooth decay is a common problem and can lead to other dental health problems if left untreated.

White spots can also be a sign of fluorosis caused by too much fluoride in the water.

8) Loose Teeth

If your teeth feel loose, it could be a sign of gum disease. Gum disease can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, leading to tooth loss if left untreated. If you’ve already lost a tooth, speak to your dentist about your options regarding dental implants. Anything can be fixed with the right solution.

9) Tender Gums

If your gums are tender to the touch, it could be a sign of gum disease. Tender gums can also be a sign of other health problems, such as diabetes or HIV.

10) Change In Teeth Color

If you notice that your teeth are changing color, it could be a sign of tooth decay, fluorosis, or other dental health problems. Teeth can change color due to many different factors, so it’s important to have them checked out by a dentist.

Visit your dentist if you’re experiencing any of these warning signs! A routine dental check-up can help identify any problems with your dental health and prevent them from worsening.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

January Writing Prompts

The Chronic Illness Writing Prompts are hosted each month by Sheryl at A Chronic Voice, please check out her awesome website and helpful archives.

This month prompts are:

RECUPERATING

REVERSING

DAWNING

MAPPING

DEFINING

I’ve chosen Recuperating, Mapping, and Defining as my three this month.

 

I’m recuperating and dealing with lingering issues with swollen salivary glands. I don’t have symptoms of a blockage or stone so I skipped the scan. There are other illnesses that can cause swelling of the glands and I hope to know more when I see a new Rheumatologist in march. I don’t want to be a hypochondriac or self diagnose but do know that Lupus can cause this problem. I’ve been tested for Lupus twice before and came back negative. This time I have many more symptoms and we’ll see how her test turns out. There are other illnesses besides Lupus so the test may surprise me. 

This new doctor is promising! She takes 1-4 hours on your initial appointment, who does that? It could take a year or more to get that much face time with a doctor. I’m hopeful this is a sign of how thorough and knowledgeable they are. 

I’ll let you know in March. In the meantime, I’m dealing with tender glands and lots of fatigue. 

2022 is all about coming to terms with the fact that this is the new normal and how to navigate life with a chronic illness thru an ongoing Pandemic. I went two years without going to the dentist for teeth cleaning, I can’t do that moving forward. I have to keep my appointments in order to stay as healthy as possible. I won’t be going out to eat or socializing with a group of people but do plan to get out more. 

I’m getting braces this year, Invsilines and I’m so excited. I had braces as a teen and thank goodness they are very different today. My teeth have changed over the past ten years and though I don’t have to get them I’m doing it for self-love. 

Me and My Pony

A moment of true joy as a child on my birthday. 

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Ways to Get More Self Care into Your Life

Ensuring that you are getting the right level of self-care is essential to your overall sense of happiness and well-being. By doing this, not only will you enhance your quality of life, but you will enhance the quality of life for the apple who are closest to you. No one needs you to be on top form more than your partner and family. The truth is you should not feel guilty about devoting some time to your care. This is because your health, both mental and physical, should be your top priority. 

Photo by Monstera on Pexels.com

Minimalism

Minimalism is about adopting a new approach to life that will enable you to cut out all the things that are no longer of any value. A lot of people keep things around, objects, people, activities, etc., when they are well past their sell-by date. You may feel that this is positive, but actually, it is extremely negative. Not only does it fill up your time with things that no longer serve you, but it can actually bring you down too. If you are ready to embrace a minimalist lifestyle, start with decluttering. Decluttering is such a great way to physically remove objects from your life that are no longer relevant, cause you stress, and keep you tied to a point in the past. After you have got rid of all the useless objects in your life, then you can begin to remove the mental, emotional, and other ties. Freeing yourself from these stresses is essential for your well-being and helps you focus on your self-care.

Exercise

If you don’t already have an exercise regime, then it really is time you started one. Most people know that exercising is good for our bodies. It can help prevent illness and disease and keep the pounds off. It is also essential for your mental health too. Exercise can actually make your brain happier. It does this by naturally increasing the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Main antidepressants actually work but help the brain hold on to serotonin. But natural is a far better approach as it has other benefits too which are much more reaching. Exercise can also reduce the amount of stress you feel by targeting the cortisol in the body and getting rid of it. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone. Not only that but exercise makes you look physically more attractive by reducing fat and making your skin shine. 

Don’t Deny Yourself

A lot of people may feel that they have to neglect themselves and go last in everything, especially if they have a family. Although this is clearly true n some cases, it is not always true. You need to show yourself that you care. One way to do this is to treat yourself. A new handbag or pretty top every once in a while isn’t going to hurt anyone. Or maybe you need something more intensive like dental implants. Whatever it is that will enhance your well-being as long as it is within reason, go for it., 

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

5 Ways To Support A Loved One Recovering From Surgery

Surgery has never been easy. It’s not always easy to watch a close one get through the surgery and recovery. It’s hard to watch them fight to recover their mobility and health, but there’s a lot you can do to support them.

Photo by Andres Ayrton on Pexels.com

To help your loved one recover from surgery, here are six ways of showing your love and support.

Complete Some Of Their Task

Following surgery, your friends or family may have more trouble with daily tasks that were once simple. Doing for them something they can’t do for themselves is the most practical method to show support. Small gestures can go a long way in assisting. Offering to take their kids to school, care for their pet, or cooking for them allows them to rest and avoid overexertion and re-injury. Their bodies will be able to rest, but their minds will be able to focus on their rehabilitation.

Support Their Recovery 

Depending on the procedure, a patient may have to stay in the hospital for a few weeks after surgery. Simply being present shows how much you care. You can show them you care by bringing them flowers, a favorite book, or simply sitting next to their bedside and watching TV with them. Nobody likes to be alone when healing. Even those who are naturally loners and need extra space want to know someone is there for them. Knowing someone is there for them in times of need helps alleviate stress and anxiety while promoting a happy mood.

Be Strong

Whether it’s a procedure such as Cataract Surgery, a hip replacement, or even cancer treatment. Your loved one will look to you for support. It helps to remind them that you will stand firm for them. This is their time to recover, and yours to assist.

Equip yourself psychologically to be the one people turn to for advice and guidance. Withdrawal and depression may occur depending on the length of recovery. Anticipating this can help them feel more optimistic about their recovery. Also, be an example in how you talk about their rehabilitation, concentrating on the positive rather than the negative.

Be Positive

Before the procedure, tell them what to expect from you throughout their recuperation. Let them know you’ll be there to support their choices. Finally, allow them to be vulnerable during their recuperation. Assuring loved ones that they are not a burden will relieve tension and help them heal faster.

Be Available Throughout

It’s easy to have good intentions when your family member or friend is recovering after surgery, but it’s crucial to remember to stay there for the entire recuperation. Depending on the procedure, the patient’s mobility may improve as they begin to heal. An excellent indicator of healing, but not a sign that the patient can return to normal activities.

Be available to help take out the garbage or carry groceries until they have fully recovered. If it’s a friend you don’t see much, remember to call and see if they require any assistance. You may think like you’re questioning them endlessly, but asking questions will ensure that they don’t ruin their recovery by doing too much too soon.

There are so many varied personalities and types of people that no two procedures are alike. So, during recuperation, the level of treatment will vary based on the individual. Some will require round-the-clock care and appreciate the companionship of loved ones. They’ll need additional room. There is no incorrect method to offer your support for a recovering loved one. Sometimes just being present is enough.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Holistic Ways to Handle Migraines — Guest Blogger Chuck Schmalzried

A migraine refers to excruciating head pain that varies in intensity. It’s commonly linked with sound and light sensitivity and nausea, lasting anywhere between four hours and a few days. The main causes of these are genes, as the symptoms run down through families and chronic stress. Therefore, it is important to handle them holistically […]

Holistic Ways to Handle Migraines — Chuck Schmalzried
Celebrate Life · Fun

#Weekend Music Share *Aerosmith – Sweet Emotion (Live)

 

 https://youtu.be/33ClrPlzuVQ



Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the ‘Weekend Music Share‘ banner in your post, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun

Wordless Wednesday*Dragon Flies

Thanks for stopping by today, I appreciate your comments each week.

 

This is the new stained glass I have hanging in my office windows.

Melinda

 

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Travel

Preparing To Travel: What Do You Need To Think About

There are a number of things you need to know before embarking on a travel adventure. For many people, going on a trip is something they’ve always wanted to do, but it’s not something you can simply just start without any preparation. You need to do a lot of planning and research, and you also need to learn how to control your expectations. Because every location and journey is unique, it’s important to brush up on the essentials before you go; read on to find out more. 

Photo by Leah Kelley on Pexels.com

Saving Money 

If you want to spend less money when traveling, you need to learn how to save money. There are a lot of things that might add up if you approach your adventure like a typical vacation, so it’s vital to spend some time thinking about what’s most important to you. To save money, you may have to give up staying in posh hotels and dining out every night.

Reducing the amount of luggage you bring, learning how to get inexpensive flights, and even traveling in the off-season can all help you save money when you travel. When you’re planning a trip, it’s a good idea to look for ways to save money and tailor your trip accordingly. 

Pack Carefully 

What you can and cannot do while you’re gone will be dictated by how you pack, so prepare accordingly. Of course, if you’re just going to stay in one hotel, it doesn’t hurt to bring a few extra things with you since you won’t be dragging them around from place to place. If, on the other hand, you want to travel, you’ll want to learn to pack light since you don’t want to be carrying heavy baggage from place to place and run the risk of losing things on the way.

It’s difficult to pack lightly if you’ve never done it before, but a general guideline is to bring just what you need, bearing in mind that you can purchase some items at your destination if you really need to. Check that you have adequate room for your crucial papers and gadgets that you will need while you are there. You’ll most likely need your phone, a power bank, a camera, and a travel adapter to charge all of your electronics. If you’re planning on camping or hiking, you’ll also need your specialist equipment from ECOGEAR FX

Important Documents 

Depending on where you’re going and the country you’re coming from, you’ll require a different set of paperwork. You may be required to travel with a certain passport and a visa in some cases. If you don’t do your homework in advance, your trip will be a disaster; you might not even get to go in the first place. You should always double-check your understanding of the requirements before proceeding so you aren’t disappointed and don’t lose a lot of money. 

Also, it’s a good idea to keep a copy of your papers in a separate location just in case. On top of this, always have all your passport information and additional passport photos with you on any trip. This could save you a lot of trouble if yours goes missing. Having a backup plan in case you lose your passport while traveling might make things a lot less stressful.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Survivor

Happy Birthday Granny

You would be celebrating your 101st birthday today if God hadn’t called you home at 85 years old. Boy, what life you had. From being born very poor, to losing your father at nine years old, being a single parent with a newborn baby, raising my father single-handled until he was 10 years old and burying your son. 

One of the most important lessons life taught you at a young age is to appreciate what you have and to work hard for what you want. You passed those lessons on to me and they are my foundation. 

You were shy, not easy to get to know, and liked to be home. You didn’t need things or places to make you happy as long as you had Gramps. I’ve never seen someone love another so much as you two loved each other, every day until the end. 

You saved all the cards Gramps bought you over the years, he didn’t know and one day we were cleaning out a cabinet and there they were. He melted, his blue eyes were shining so bright. 

You were my backbone, you loved me when my mother didn’t. You raised me, worked hard to provide a better life than you had, and taught me lessons that helped me in life.

I’ve never known the unconditional love of another like yours.

I miss you every day and have so many great memories of our time together. Like when I was three years old and you were teaching me how to do laundry and I had my sunglasses on and dropped them in the washer. I just knew they were ruined. As I got a little older you put my little step stool by the sink next to you and I would rinse the dishes and put them to drain, as you cleaned the stove I would dry. 

As I grew older, you knew what I was doing on weekends, so you went behind Gramps back and would tell me not to take any medicine if it might interfere with alcohol.

You let me make my own decisions and let me deal with the consequences. When I said I wanted to get married at 18 years old, you approved. When I divorced at 19 years old you told me life was hard. 

Thank you for every lesson and every day we had together, I would not be the person I am today without your love and support. 

HUGS

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Introducing plant based foods — Guest Blogger Happy Healthy Me – a Journey

‘The most ethical diet just so happens to be the most environmentally sound diet and just so happens to be the healthiest’ – Dr Michael Gregor If you are thinking about introducing more plant based foods into your diet for health, ethical or environmental reasons, there are some really easy ways to start. Don’t be […]

Introducing plant based foods — Happy Healthy Me – a Journey
Celebrate Life · Men & Womens Health

Let’s Celebrate Martin Luther King Day

On January 15, 1929, Martin Luther King Jr. is born in Atlanta, Georgia, the son of a Baptist minister. King received a doctorate degree in theology and in 1955 helped organize the first major protest of the African American civil rights movement: the successful Montgomery Bus Boycott. Influenced by Mohandas Gandhi, he advocated civil disobedience and nonviolent resistance to segregation in the South. The peaceful protests he led throughout the American South were often met with violence, but King and his followers persisted, and the movement gained momentum.

Photo by Fred Thomas III on Pexels.com

Here are some of my favorite quotes from Martin Luther King Jr.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
“The time is always right to do what is right.”
“Be a bush if you can’t be a tree. If you can’t be a highway, just be a trail. If you can’t be a sun, be a star. For it isn’t by size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are.”
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

I like the last two the best, they really get down to the point of life.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a good man, a man of God who sought change without violence.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

It’s My Fake Birthday

I always use a fake birthday when filling out forms on the Internet, just one less piece of info some stranger has on me. January 19th is my fake birthday, actually, it’s my granny’s birthday and I’ve set up a fundraiser. I’ve never done this before on Facebook and don’t know if anyone will donate but I’m putting it out there.

Photo by Lum3n on Pexels.com

I’ve chosen the ASPCA to receive all the funds directly and Facebook administers the process.

A little about the ASPCA

From rescue to recovery to adoption, the ASPCA is there for animals every step of the way. We pride ourselves in not just saving lives, but in changing them for the better—and none of it would be possible without the support of people like you. When you donate to the ASPCA today, you can help us continue to fight for animals on all fronts. Please make a gift right now. www.aspca.org

Based in New York, New York

Learn more at Guidestar.org

You can find my page on Facebook Mel Sandor

Thank you from the bottom of my heart and the animals in need thank you. This time of year is especially hard on animals.

Melinda