If we talked about disabilities the stigma will lessen.  I say little because it would be a miracle for the stigma to disappear. Unfortunately, we live in a society that for the most part is focused on itself. This morning I retweeted a story about a Podcaster who went on a rant about having disabled people in ads as ridiculous. She went on but I haven’t heard any backlash.

She’s someone who needs an education. 

I wish you the best.

Melinda

References:

https://portal.ct.gov/DDS/Media/Latest-News-2015/March-is-National-Disability-Awareness-Month

It’s a new month and new writing prompts for March. I like participating because you meet so many great people who understand chronic illnesses. If you’ve been there, chances are someone has too.

Be sure to check out Sherly’s blog, A Chronic Voice, it’s a site with all types of information. She has an extensive archive too. 

This month’s prompts are Viewing, Experiencing, Reacting, Thinking, and Dealing. 

I have chosen three this month, Dealing, Reacting, and Thinking.

Dealing

I’ve been dealing with health issue after health issue, it’s like my body decided to slowly break down. At the beginning of the year, I put a list of doctor appointments I needed to get done in 2023. It does put a little fire underfoot if your list is long like mine. 

I deal with the frustrations of my health, the best I can, because chronic illnesses may never go away. There’s no black or white in life and illness, each day is grey with some grayer than others. 

When I’m just mentally worn out, I go lay down. I practice meditating, or at least to get my mind to stop for so long. I challenge myself to go longer the next time. The rest helps reset your brain and now you can get back in control. 

Reacting

Our government is fighting with each other, and the country is divided, what does that have to do with Chronic illnesses? While our government fights, Bills are not getting passed which means new services are being held up for the sake of politics. 

I read today that a major brand of Baby Formula is being recalled, WTH!!!!! Did they ever get fully stocked?

The DEA has failed miserably at stopping the Fentynal crisis so now they are going after prescription stimulants. The number of Pain doctors is dwelling fast. Be sure not to ask about medication! Your file may be marked as a Drug Seeker. Let the doctor talk and don’t say anything about meds until they run down what they think is wrong. At that point, ask what options you have. If you’ve taken a med for that health issue, I would say, “I’ve taken this in the past and it worked/not worked.” Then let the conversation goes where it will. 

One trick to try before you go, read their website and look for reviews. Then call the office, don’t say your name, “I’m looking for a Pain Doctor, does the doctor prescribe meds when needed? Once you get a Pain doctor, pay attention to the policies, you’ll want to know so you don’t screw up and getting kicked to the curb.

We have come so far and keep going backward! 

Thinking

When I’m out of energy, I lay down. It’s become a bit of a habit so I decided, I will only nap when I’m in severe pain. After months of sleeping late and taking a nap all afternoons, I feel like my life has passed me by. I started looking inward, just letting my mind roam. I am not happy, living inside 24/7, no longer driving and the list goes on, I have little to no life outside the house, it’s wearing on me. 

After spending several days thinking, I came up with some new hobbies to try, online advocacy, learning hand knitting, and picking up Ansestry again. I stopped there because I won’t set myself up by setting the goals too high.

I send my best wishes to you and hope you live your best life. If you’re not there yet, keep taking one step in front of the other and you’ll move forward. 

Melinda

Looking for the Light

If you’re in the market for a new home, you may be considering a move to a new neighborhood. This can be a great way to get into a new community and find the perfect home for your needs. But it’s important to do your research before making any decisions. This smart buyer’s guide will help you understand what to look for when choosing a neighborhood to call home.

Location

Location is one of the most important factors when it comes to buying a home in a new neighborhood. It is essential to consider the nearby amenities and services, such as schools, hospitals, public transport links, and shopping centers. Additionally, take into account the crime rate in the area and any other safety concerns you may have. You should also research how far away your new home will be from friends and family or if there are plenty of activities for you and your family close by.

Additionally, it is worth considering how quickly the properties in the area appreciate in value over time; this can help give you an idea of whether it is a good investment or not. Ultimately, location plays an integral role in determining whether your new neighborhood will be a good fit for you and your family.

Cost

The cost of buying a home in a new neighborhood can vary widely depending on the location and the amenities available. Therefore, it is important to do your research and compare prices between different areas before making any decisions. You should also take into account any additional costs such as property taxes, homeowner association fees, utility bills, and so on.

Additionally, consider whether you’re able to make a larger down payment or if there are special programs that offer assistance with financing for first-time buyers – these can help reduce the overall cost of purchasing a home. Attending an event like Concierge Auctions can let you experience another side to purchasing a property that has its own reward if you bid well.

Quality of Life

Ultimately, it’s important to look at the quality of life you and your family will have in your new neighborhood. This includes considering factors such as educational opportunities, job prospects, and recreational activities in the area. In addition, it would be best if you also looked at the diversity of the local population, as well as any community events and clubs you could participate in.

Also, remember to research what types of homes, properties, or real estate are available in your preferred location. Of course, your preferences should guide this search. For example, are you looking for a villa, a townhouse, a bungalow, or an apartment? You can work with real estate companies to identify your best property. Some real estate companies offer a wide variety of property options to pick from. For example, companies such as Peebles Corporation, the largest black owned real estate company, have a wide portfolio, including residential properties that might suit you. 

Finally, if you have specific needs or requirements for your new home, make sure to take them into consideration when choosing a neighborhood. This could include things like finding a place that is pet-friendly or close to public parks.

Making the Move

Once you’ve researched all your options and made a decision, it’s time to make the move with a professional company like North American Van Lines. This can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience, but with the right preparation, you’ll soon settle into your new neighborhood. Make sure to keep an open mind and get involved with local community events and clubs – this is a great way to meet people and start making friends in your new home!

In conclusion, buying a home in a new neighborhood requires careful research and consideration. By following this smart buyer’s guide, you’ll be well-prepared to make an informed decision and find the perfect place for you and your family to call home.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

As we have just celebrated Women’s Day, it is important to acknowledge that women’s stereotypes still exist and need to be challenged for us to promote growth. This blog post will discuss 5 of the most persistent women’s stereotypes and how they limit and reduce women’s potential. 

We will also explain why it is important to break these clichés in order for us to continue to progress and promote gender equality. 

Women Don’t Know Anything About Cars

This is one of the most common stereotypes about women, and it’s simply not true. Women are just as capable as men with cars, whether in terms of knowledge or skill. Many women have played a decisive role in bringing the automotive industry forward, such as Florence Lawrence, who created the brake lights, for instance. 

Women are taking on DIY car repair projects and are becoming experts in their own right as much as men. Women are often seen as passive passengers, but the reality is that they can be just as involved and knowledgeable when it comes to cars. 

The first step in breaking this stereotype is for women to become more directly involved and knowledgeable about cars. This can start with simply becoming more familiar with the specificities of their vehicles via the owner’s manual. You can also buy a manual online if there is none with your car, such as here for the Ford Transit Connect owner’s manual. Learning about basic car maintenance, researching car parts, and troubleshooting easy faults are steps supported by the manual that can dismantle this cliché. 

Women Are Weak

The stereotype that women are weak has been perpetuated by society for centuries. This notion has been reinforced by the fact that biologically speaking, women have less muscle mass than men. However, this does not mean that women cannot be strong. In fact, with proper strength training, they can become incredibly strong. Take a look at some of the strongest women in history, starting with Abbye Pudgy Stockton, who balanced her husband above her head. 

Women Aren’t Good At Math

The stereotype that women are not good at math has been around for centuries. Its origin dates back to the 1600s when it was believed that women did not possess the intellectual capacity to comprehend complex mathematical concepts. This idea was perpetuated through cultural beliefs and stereotypes that favored men in intellectual pursuits.

Ultimately, the stereotype that women are not good at math or science, in general, is both outdated and incorrect. Girls and women can be just as talented in mathematics as their male counterparts, but they may need more resources and encouragement to reach their full potential.

Studies have found no difference in intelligence or math ability between men and women. The same studies have also found that girls typically perform better than boys in elementary and secondary school mathematics courses. The real issue is that girls and women are often held back from pursuing careers in the sciences due to a variety of gender-based barriers. These include a lack of access to high-quality education, a lack of support from family and peers, and even a lack of female role models in the sciences.

Women Don’t Make Good Leaders

It’s time to break the stereotype that women aren’t good leaders. While it may be true that there are fewer women in leadership roles than men, this does not mean that women cannot lead effectively and successfully. History counts many successful female leaders, and countless modern businesses have also chosen female CEOs as their heads. 

In fact, research suggests that women tend to have different qualities that make them better leaders. For example, studies show that women have greater emotional intelligence, which can be an advantage when leading a team. They are also more likely to focus on collaboration and communication, which helps to create an open and productive work environment. Additionally, research indicates that female leaders are more likely to be seen as nurturing and supportive of their employees, leading to higher morale and greater productivity. 

Women Are Mothers

This is an important stereotype to break. More and more women choose against having children for a variety of reasons. They are often at the receiving end of harsh criticism. Social expectations have not evolved during the past centuries and continue to perceive women’s role as being a mother. Motherhood doesn’t define an individual’s purpose in life. Women can be anything they want to be, whether this includes being a mother or not. Not having children doesn’t make you any less of a woman. 

Sisters, mothers, and besties, it’s time to unite our voices and break these stereotypes, one after the other.  

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda