I’m Slowing Down, Way Down
Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Illness · Moving Forward

I’m Slowing Down, Way Down

Looking for the Light

I’ve been slowing down the past 6 months by working hard to stop multi-tasking and be in the moment, listen, and communicate clearly. My new medication is at full power, I’m feeling better than I have in over 5 years, and taking in every minute. I’ve kickstarted my indoor and outdoor plants, and have been repotting those who are long overdue. I’m a plant and flower person and treasure my outdoor standbys that come back every year. I am testing my skills to revive a Gardenia plant.

I had the same amount of time before but it was spent aimlessly on health crises, new diagnoses, unstable mood, and Infusion Treatments. I was not able to mentally or physically do it.

                                                                                                                                                     My favorite Rose

This idea started when I looked at the number of posts I’ve written since 2014. The numbers show I am slowing down, and it feels great.                                                                                                                                                     

Here’s a quick look at the numbers

2014 25

2015 1,031

2016 4,812

2017 5,984

2018 7,041

2019 21,414

2020 52,466

2021 45,619

2022 42,787

2023 23,814

2024 as of June 18th 14,312

I’m proud of the post I’ve written and at 61 years old next month, I’m glad I got in touch with what is important to me, and slowing down is important for my ongoing health issues, Bipolar Disorder, Cognitive Impairment, and Immune Disorders. Above all my Mental Health.

Thank you to all who have visited my blog over the years, it’s been a wild ride, you’ve seen me grow as a person, shared my health struggles and all that life has brought my way for 10 years. Your posts and connections have opened my mind, warmed my heart, reinforced what is important and you have filled my life with joy. I don’t plan on stopping, just writing at my own pace, not my uber-driven mind. You can look for more posts on travel, art, and photography.

                                                                                                                                  Peter the Great in St Petersburg Square

Hoofs up means they lost their life in battle, my friend Gavin taught me.

Melinda

 

 

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58 thoughts on “I’m Slowing Down, Way Down”

  1. Love that you’re using your newfound energy to nurture your green friends! Those revived plants are going to be a beautiful testament to your journey. Good luck with the Gardenia – those can be tricky, but your newfound focus is definitely a good sign!

    Would love to hear more about your plant revival journey in the future! Maybe a post on reviving a Gardenia or tips for keeping those outdoor standbys happy?

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  2. SO glad to hear that your health is improving! Congratulations ❤️. You wrote this post on my birthday, and I am one year older than you are.

    I greatly admire the fact that you have had the courage to share the story of your incredible challenges. I have no doubt that you have helped many many people. ❤️

    Blessings – Paul

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  4. Wow! So in awe with the number of posts you’ve made. You are so right in slowing down. And i guess i also need to reflect on how much time I devoted to my blog as well. Thank you for this lesson, dear friend.

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          1. People with mental health illnesses (myself included) need to do what you are doing. We need to share our stories in order to get rid of the stigma associated with mental health problems.

            It’s just common sense that the brain is another organ in the body where things can go wrong. For some reason, many people don’t understand that. It’s a strange phenomenon. As I get older, I am sharing my story more to try to help people understand that having chronic depression is really not that much different than having diabetes (for example)

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          2. I have Treatment Resistant Biploar Disorder, anxiety and host of other mental illnesses. The Bipolar is the most difficult to manage. You right, the bottom line is it’s a Brain Disorder and requires specialized medical attention to stay healthy. I’ve written about my illness since the beginning and hope I’ve helped a few understand who they have to take control and stay on their meds. It’s a life long journey. :)

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          4. I can imagine the depressive side of OCD, any anxiety disorder is tough. I take 3 Xanax a day for anxiety and some days I need more. I have taken on a regular basis and for a short time took 5 a day. My current ass of a Psychiatrist does not believe in more than 3 a day and thinks he is going to get me off of them, he’s crazy.

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          5. I went through a few psychiatrists, and was very fortunate to find one who I think is excellent when I lived outside of Orlando Florida. I stayed with him via phone conference when I moved back to Vermont. That’s how highly I think of him. I have stuck with him for 18 years now. Extremely intelligent guy (not that that necessarily means he’s good). Photographic memory. Medical school was easy for him. He keeps up with the medical journals. He’s about 67 years old, and I dearly hope he doesn’t retire too soon!

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          6. After a few false starts I found an excellent Psychopharmacologist. They go to school a few maybe 4 extra years of school to learn the pharmacology of medicine and how it affects the brain. I saw him for 32 years but when he retired I was forced to picked the jackleg I have now. I’ve been with him a year but never had plans to stay. I’m looking at 2 highly recommended people now.

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          7. Sorry. First reply was incomplete.

            I have treatment resistant OCD (an anxiety disorder that can have a very wide range of symptoms). Frustration over coping with OCD causes depression as a secondary problem. This is also a lifelong journey and requires constant maintenance. 🙃

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    1. Thanks you, writing is natural to me, I started at a young age by keeping journals. In 5th grade I set a goal to be a Journalist, but my ability to go to college along with the lack of interest in English the goal didn’t happen. I did write for our high school paper and the local city paper which was affirmation enough. Blogging is where I’ve seen my writing ability grow. My spelling and grammar are much better thanks to spell check. I’ve become a decent photographer which was part of my Journalism goal so I have made it through a different path. :)

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  10. That’s an incredible number of posts! I am very glad to hear that you are getting health issues resolved. I know how frustrating it can be to deal with fibromyalgia personally. Thank you for sharing.

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    2. I too a peak at your blog and I love it. I’m drawn to India although I’ve not visited. India is intimidating to this American. I have many people from India follow or visit my blog. I’m more enlightened because of the warmness of the people. :) I’m following you.

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      1. As someone who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder around 4 years ago, I’m super aware of how it can affect day to day life and the strategies that an individual needs to manage their condition. I’m a regular reader but wanted to comment today as I know what a big achievement finding yourself in a better place is. It’s certainly not just medication that keeps us there is it? And finding what works is a big part of staying well and should be applauded! Go you.

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        1. So glad you commented Laura, you words are on point and I’m learning to celebrate the victories. they feel so good inside and build my confidence in myself. I hope to see you more often, we have much in common but let’s explore the things outside of mental illness we enjoy. :)

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