Stop Your Money Worries From Overwhelming You

February 13, 2025 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

Money can be one of the worst things for making you worry; indeed, a lot of people can feel like their mental well-being has been effectively ruined by their financial insecurity. It’s a very serious thing – almost half of the people currently in debt also report having mental health issues.

If that also sounds like you, being able to take more control over your finances is key to achieving greater peace and stability in your lifestyle. Of course, learning to live with and/or manage your money worries is only part of the solution, but it’s essential to do. But don’t worry, you don’t have to take this challenge on alone – here are some tips for stopping your money worries from overwhelming you.

Pexels Image – CC0 Licence

Stay Aware

Don’t ever let your finances go unchecked; face your fears and confront the problem head-on by keeping up with how your bank account, credit scores, and any other financial platforms you’re a part of our functioning.

Because when you’re aware, you’re in control. You’re able to face the problem and prevent it from becoming a bigger problem before it ever gets the chance. And you can make this easy for yourself. For example, if you’ve got car insurance to pay for, be sure to make it easy to check in by using something like a direct auto insurance account to keep up to date straight from your phone.

Be Realistic

The next step is to be realistic, which can be a hard thing when you’re finding it very hard to face the reality of your finances. However, when you’re realistic, you’ll be able to put together a workable budget, that allows you to take care of yourself and pay for any debt and other financial obligations you have.

Start with your income, and then take away your expenses, both fixed and variable. If this all fluctuates, use a monthly average. Whatever you’ve left over is what you can put towards those credit card bills, and use to bump up your credit score bit by bit. Even just a couple of regular debt payments can turn it green again.

Don’t Let Yourself Be Alone

Finally, if you’re someone who has serious money worries, don’t let yourself be alone in facing them. Talk to friends and family about them, or work with a professional such as an advisor, who could help you to see the light in your struggles.

Most of all, make sure you feel supported, and like you’ve got some strength behind you. Even if you need someone to be there with you when you check your bank account for the first time in months, ask someone to come round and sit with you. It could really change how you see your finances.

Money worries can be overwhelming, at their worst. Be sure to reach out for help, and always try to face your fears, as you have the power to take control of a problem like this.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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

Financial Planning For Life’s Emergencies

February 12, 2025 Looking for the Light6 Comments

Making plans for the future is something that’s natural to do. It keeps you moving forward, helps you stay motivated, and makes you work harder too. But life can be unpredictable, and sometimes it’s those unexpected events that can bring the most difficulty, especially financially.

Having a plan for emergency situations can help your family stay afloat, even when things are difficult. Take a look at the following tips to help you get your finances in order and feel prepared for whatever might come your way.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Build up emergency savings

Having an emergency fund can bring you a lot of benefits, serving as a cushion if you ever face a financial emergency. Being unable to work or facing unexpected medical expenses can really hit your finances, but your emergency fund will see you through.

It’s worth reading all about emergency funds to learn more about them and to see how to get one started.

Consider expanding or adding value to your home

Your home is one of your biggest investments, and you never know when you might need to lean on it in the future. By expanding or renovating your home, you could increase its value, giving you a nest egg for the future.

Another reason to consider expanding your home is to cope with future situations. You may need to take care of an elderly parent or support a loved one after an accident, and additional space could help make things a little easier.

Get insurance that provides extra protection

There are different types of insurance that can help you plan for future emergencies. Health insurance is a must to make sure you’re covered against accidents and illnesses while having some life insurance can be critical for your family if the worst were to happen.

There is also insurance in place to help you should you need to take a leave of absence from work. Explore the different levels of cover that are out there to make sure you’ve got all the protection you need.

Have a plan for your retirement

Have you worked out a financial plan for your retirement? It can help you work out how much money you’ll need to live on once you’ve finished work. Making investments and savings now can benefit you a lot in the future when that money becomes necessary.

While working out your retirement plan, you’ll need to consider different possibilities, including if you’re faced with ill health. Home health care and other expenses can have a big impact on your future finances, so you’ll want to plan for them, just in case. With a retirement plan in place, you won’t have to worry about your future.

You can never predict where life will take you, but it’s good to have a plan in place so that your future is taken care of. Careful financial planning will put your mind at ease so that you can focus on enjoying every moment.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Mental Health · Photography

Wordless Wednesday-Spiky

February 12, 2025 Looking for the Light4 Comments

I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and I hope to see you soon.

The last photo looked great in the Editor but it’s blury here, I included so you could see the entire arrangement.

Melinda

Book Review · Celebrate Life · Family · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Book Review For Back Yourself By Lildonia Lawrence

February 11, 2025 Looking for the Light2 Comments

I want to thank Andrea Marchiano, Managing Editor at Trigger Publishing for sending me Back Yourself by Lildonia Lawrence for review. The publish date is April. The book is about Lildonia’s experiences with racism, the racism she’s seen, and she shares a traumatic experience that gave her the idea for the book.

My Thoughts

Lildonia has been working as a mental health and well-being coach since 2010 and she has experienced racism herself. This particular day cemented the idea for this book. Lildonia went to the nearby Recreation Center to use the hot tub, she had encountered verbal abuse in the way of racial slurs in the past but on this Monday there were eight men and two women already there. She took her place and these thugs ripped into her until she was crying, her teacher came over to see if she could help and they started demeaning the teacher the same way.

One mission of the book is to educate people on how black people and people from other countries with dark skin are treated. She counseled students at university and heard many stories of how people were new to the school and the dorm hall was all white people. He tried to mingle and introduce himself but he was not accepted by his classmates, leaving him feeling very alone and frustrated.

Another case study was on a man who started a new job in Italy. He was a black man who had been adopted by an Italian father and a French mother. When he told his co-workers that he was from Italy his boss said so-so Italian. The boss never let up.

There is a lot to learn from the book even if you haven’t experienced racism.

We live in a multicultural world where everyone needs to be treated equally. Many people can make offensive or racist comments and not know it, that’s when it’s time to extend some grace and not admonishment.

About Trigger Publishing

Our mission

At Trigger Publishing, our mission is to empower individuals on their mental health journey through the power of lived experience. We are dedicated to publishing real stories by real people, showing our readers that they are not alone and that recovery is possible. Our books and digital solutions, available through our parent brand Trigger Hub, provide hope, support, and practical tools for mental wellness.

Melinda

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

Making Sure Your Medical Care Is Safe and Sound

February 11, 2025 Looking for the Light4 Comments

When you’re a parent, the last thing that you want to worry about is whether or not your kids are receiving quality medical care. Unfortunately, there are many instances where people have gotten subpar care because they didn’t know their rights.

It’s essential to be proactive and ensure that your family has access to medical treatment while also ensuring it is safe and sound. In this blog post, you will get information on how to do just that!

Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

Have Regular Checkups

Having regular checkups is something that everybody should do. Even if you feel well, it is always good to make sure your body is functioning the way it should be and take steps towards any issues before they become serious problems.

If, for example, your family has a history of certain conditions like cancer or diabetes, regular checkups are something that everyone in your family needs to do regardless of their age or health status. Checkups will allow doctors and nurses to catch things early on while still fixing them efficiently instead of waiting until more extensive damage is done.

Always Be Keen and Ask Questions

Asking questions is essential. Your doctor will not think you are troublesome, and it is their job to answer your questions anyway! If they do not, ask another doctor until someone can provide satisfying answers that give you peace of mind. The same goes for nurses and other medical professionals: the more information all parties have available about your treatment plan, the better care everyone gets as a result.

If something goes wrong due to a breach on the doctor’s part, you can always seek legal advice from a medical malpractice attorney to help you acquire damages for violation. By doing so, you will not be negligent about your medical rights.

Ensure That Your Medical Rights Are Respected

Your healthcare providers should understand that you are a vital part of the medical team. You should ask questions and communicate with them about any concerns you have without feeling judged. Staff members at hospitals and clinics should treat you with respect.

When doctors order tests for you as a patient, they need to explain what they are for you to make informed decisions. If there’s something wrong with how things work in this area, speak up! Like other rights citizens enjoy, your right to advocate for yourself will only strengthen if you exercise frequently.

Other medical rights include having access to quality healthcare providers and receiving advice on navigating the system. You also have the right to get satisfactory answers to your questions concerning insurance coverage and everything you need to be an active participant in making good choices about taking control of your well-being.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is crucial to make sure that your medical care providers do everything they can to protect you from harm. Remember, this means not just getting treatment for a severe injury or illness — it also includes making sure you have all the information and resources available to take steps toward preventing health issues before they become emergencies.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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

Just Pondering

February 10, 2025 Looking for the Light16 Comments

Hi, I’m glad you stopped by and I look forward to seeing you soon.

“i would rather be the one who loves too much than not enough. who laughs too loud than hide behind a closed mouth grin. who rambles on about the universe. The ache in heart. or how the sound of rain still reminds me of the times we ran through it; skin drenched but happy. i would rather learn the hard way. take the narrow road. reminisce awhile longer, stop to smell a flower in bloom. i would rather grow wise with endurance than give up and grow bitter. i would rather aim high and know I tried than shoot low and be praised for settling. i would rather live a simple life than a fabricated one. and may I always remember this. my soul will only ever be as beautiful as the lowliest person I’ve carried.”

Ullie-Kaye

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Family · Fun · Health and Wellbeing

Good Times On The Highway to Hell *Part 3

February 10, 2025 Looking for the Light7 Comments

Another blast from the past that I thought you would get a kick out of. You can read Part 2 here.

At five years old I loved my baton and was quite good. One day I got mad at my mother and bashed several holes in my closet door. There went the baton and the dream. No anger issues here!

A large group of friends and I would tube down the Nacogdoches River every year. It’s a 6-8 hour trip if you do the full stretch. There is a dangerous waterfall along the way. In previous years I would get out with others and haul the beer coolers around the waterfall. It was so hard on my back. One year I decided to go over the waterfall. As I came over to the other side people were taking photos, clapping, and cheering me on, I was acting like I won a marathon, then someone said to look down, no more two pieces bathing suits after that.

This is one story I debated telling in case my brother ever reads my blog. He was about six and taking a bath. He starts yelling for me to come in the bathroom, I hurried in to find he had found a washer and put it on his penis. I’m trying to pull the thing off, you know the rest of the story. I gave up and left him to figure it out

I wore a beautiful white and light-flowered long dress for a school formal and had a florist make a head flower wreath that matched my dress. I thought it looked beautiful, everyone kept calling me Mother Earth. I didn’t take it well at the time, today that would be a huge compliment.

My granny watched my boyfriend and his friend paper our house, never interrupted them, just enjoyed with pleasure. The next morning she wakes me up at 6am to go clean it all up before the neighbors see.

In my bedroom, there was a street light, a street sign that said Goodnight, and 12 orange cones. Granny kept asking where this stuff was coming from. It was on the street was not a lie.

My girlfriend and I took all the orange cones and scattered them randomly in the neighborhood of a certain person on our shit list that week. It was a great payback.

In high school, I spent an hour on my hair every morning. Granny was the alarm clock for the household. One day she overslept and there was only time to dress and go to school. I said I can’t go to school today unless I do my hair. Gramps blew a gasket, “school was more important than my hair, you’re going to school!!” I started washing my hair in the sink, we didn’t have a shower. By the time I came out of the bathroom to blow dry hair granny managed to help Gramps understand how important a girl’s hair is in high school. Yeah, Granny!!!!!!!

I like to end with my favorite story.

I was in love with a Purple Elephant pantsuit my granny made. During recess, I tell the teacher I have to go to the bathroom. No, she said go play. A few minutes later I’m back begging to go to the bathroom, NO again, go play. The third time she said No I said “I’ll use the bathroom right here”. To her surprise I had diarrhea, it ruined my favorite suit, and she never even said sorry.

Melinda

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Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Self-Care

Homemade Dry Shampoo For Dark Hair

February 9, 2025 Looking for the Light6 Comments

Materials

1/4 cup raw cacao powder (add more or less to match the exact coloring for your hair)
1/2 cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch
2 tbsp bentonite or kaolin clay
1 tbsp baking soda
30 drops lavender or lemongrass essential oil
measuring cup
small metal funnel
shaker container, glass or metal lid, or repurposed salt or spice shaker

Instructions

Combine all ingredients together in a measuring cup and mix using a whisk or fork.
Use a funnel to transfer the mixture into your repurposed shaker or spoon it into a shaker container. Tighten your lid.
Sprinkle generously onto your roots as needed.
You can rub the mixture in with your fingers or a brush.

Making your own dry shampoo will save you money in the short and long run.

Melinda

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Celebrate Life · DIY · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Self-Care

Homemade Dry Shampoo for Lighter Hair

February 9, 2025 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

Materials

1/2 cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch
2 tbsp bentonite or kaolin clay
1 tbsp baking soda
30 drops lavender or lemongrass essential oil
measuring cup
small metal funnel
shaker container, glass or metal lid, or repurposed salt or spice shaker

Instructions

Combine all ingredients together in a measuring cup and mix using a whisk or fork.
Use a funnel to transfer the mixture into your repurposed shaker or spoon it into a shaker container. Tighten your lid.
Sprinkle generously onto your roots as needed.
You can rub the mixture in with your fingers or a brush.

Melinda

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Celebrate Life · DIY · Fun · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Self-Care

Chocolate Coconut Face Mask

February 9, 2025 Looking for the Light4 Comments

I can smell the chocolate already.

You Will Need

Yields About 11 Treatments

Small bowl

1 TB. pure coco powder

1 TB. coconut milk powder

1 1/2 TB. white kaolin clay

Spon/Silicon spatula

2 oz airtight container

Small mask/pinch bowl

Face mask brush (optional)

To Make

In a small bowl, mix together all the ingredients until fully incorporated. Use the back of a spoon or silicone spatula to break up any clumps. Once the mask base is well blended, pour it into a container with a lid.

To Use

Place 1 teaspoon of the mask base in a small mask or pinch bowl. Add 1/2 teaspoon of warm water, and stir until smooth. Apply to your face and neck with a face mask brush or your handstand let sit for three to five minutes. Gently remove with a damp cloth, rinse your face with warm water. Use the mask one or two times a week for a luxurious, moistering antioxidant treatment. The shelf life is about 12 months.

Melinda

Willow & Sage by Stampington

Celebrate Life · DIY · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Self-Care

5 Allergy Relief Essential Oils

February 8, 2025 Looking for the Light4 Comments

Essential Oil Facts

Dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before topical use. Since essential oils are very potent and concentrated, a few drops go a long way. Never ingest essential oils even if the manufacturer claims it’s safe. Learn which essential oils can’t be used around children or pets.

Peppermint: unclogs sinus; relieves scratchy throats, acts as an expectorant; and eases common cold symptoms.

Basil: acts as an anti-inflammatory; can kill bacteria, yeast, and mold; soothes coughing symptoms; relieves pain.

Eucalyptus: opens up lungs and sinuses; improves circulation; reduces common symptoms; improves airflow through nasal passages.

Lemon: supports lymphatic system drainage; relieves stuffy nose; relieves cough and respiratory conditions.

Tea Tree: destroys airborne pathogens; has antiseptic properties; relieves inflamed nostrils and sinuses.

Willow & Sage by Stampington

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Self-Care

What Is Hygee?

February 8, 2025 Looking for the Light4 Comments

What a great way to live, spend time with family and friends, have a meal, and enjoy conversation. The priorities are different in the countries that practice hygge.

What do we mean by “hygge”?

A warm atmosphere

Hard to pronounce, hygge (“hooga”) is difficult to explain, too. In brief, hygge is about taking time away from the daily rush to be together with people you care about – or even by yourself – to relax and enjoy life’s quieter pleasures.

Hygge is often about informal time together with family or close friends. Typically, the setting is at home or another quiet location, or perhaps a picnic during the summer months. It usually involves sharing a meal and wine or beer, or hot chocolate and a bowl of candy if children are included. There is no agenda. You celebrate the small joys of life, or maybe discuss deeper topics. It is an opportunity to unwind and take things slow.

In both Danish and Norwegian, hygge refers to “a form of everyday togetherness”, “a pleasant and highly valued everyday experience of safety, equality, personal wholeness and a spontaneous social flow”.^[6]

Melinda

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygge

https://denmark.dk/people-and-culture/hygge

Celebrate Life · Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Mental Health

Friday Quote

February 7, 2025 Looking for the Light13 Comments

Thank you for joining me for this week’s Friday Quote.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Mental Health · Music

#Weekend Music Share-Roxette – The Look – (Rare) Festivalbar 1989

February 7, 2025 Looking for the Light13 Comments

It’s the weekend!!!!!!

I’m glad you joined me for another edition of Weekend Music Share this week.

Have a great weekend!

Melinda

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 use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.

Celebrate Life · DIY · Fun · Health and Wellbeing

DIY Refreshing Room Spray

February 6, 2025 Looking for the Light9 Comments

There is nothing pleasant about lingering foul order. This citrus-scented spray helps eliminate unwanted odors from any room in the house.

Willow & Sage by Stampinton

You will need

Spray bottle: small

Distilled water

1 tsp dish soap

1 tsp vodka

30 drops of citrus essential oil

How to Make

Fill a small spray bottle two-thirds with distilled water

Add the dish soap, vodka, and the essential oil

Tighten the spray top and swirl the mixture for 30 seconds before spraying.

The spray is a great housewarming gift or for use around the house.

Melinda

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Celebrate Life · Climate Change/Global Warming · DIY · Fun · Health and Wellbeing

Inflation Buster! Homemade Reusable Dryer Sheets

February 6, 2025 Looking for the Light11 Comments

Inflation Buster!

Willow and Sage by Stampington

You will need

2 1/2 cups water

2 1/2 cups white vinegar

3-4 TB. vegetable glycerin

Jar with sealed lid: large wide mouth

12 drops orange essential oil

12 drops lemon essential oil

7 drops lavender essential oil

7 drops peppermint essential oil

Cotton quilting squares/washcloths

To Make

Add water, white vinegar, and vegetable glycerin to a large jar. Close the lid and shake vigorously. Add the essential oils. Close the lid and shake again. Add cotton quilting squares or washcloths, and you’re done. Be sure to shake the jar and wring out the cloth before adding them to your load of laundry.

Note

Essential oils last longer in dark glass containers. Since I reused a clear jar, I store my dryer sheets in a dark place to extend their shelf life.

This is an inflation buster! When you can use a product more than one time you’re helping the planet.

Melinda

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

What’s Your Mood Today?

February 5, 2025 Looking for the Light24 Comments

What’s your mood today?

I’m feeling good and cozy. The fireplace is on and I’m wrapped in a throw.

I hope this post finds you happy and healthy.

Melinda

Art · Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Mental Health

Wordless Wednesday-Picasso

February 5, 2025 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and I hope to see you soon.

Picasso, Washington, D.C. 2015

Melinda

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

Deep Thoughts

February 4, 2025 Looking for the Light14 Comments

In this fast-paced social media world, it can be difficult to find the time to look within or back in time. I hope you find these quotes and questions interesting. I’m so glad you stopped by today!

Continue reading “Deep Thoughts” →

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

Homemade Potpourri

February 4, 2025 Looking for the Light2 Comments

Willow & Sage by Stampington

You Will Need

Dried flowers, herbs, and other natural elements

Spices: cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and vanilla beans

Dried fruit/Apple and citrus peels

Dehydrator (optional)

15-20 drops essential oils/fragrance oils

1 TB. orris root powder

Airtight glass container

To Make

Dry the herbs, flowers, fruits, spices, and other natural elements. You can leave them to dry for two or three weeks, use a dehydrator, or place them in the oven at 200 degrees for two hours until dried. Add the essential oils or fragrance oils to the natural elements. Add the orris root powder as a fixture to prevent the essential oils from evaporating so the mixture maintains its aroma longer.

Store in an airtight container for a few days before using. Once open, the scent lasts for about two to three weeks. Restore the scent by adding more essential oils.

Notes

For the dried flowers, herbs, and other natural elements, gather pinecones, cypress, pine cuttings, sage leaves, and flowers.

Some essential oil combinations are: sage, rosemary, and orange; fir and spruce; cinnamon bark, pine, and orange; clary sage, juniper, and fir; and bergamot and Douglas fir.

Melinda

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

The Mask of Illusion…….By Guest Blogger Live By Choice Not By Chance

February 3, 2025 Looking for the Light3 Comments

The world is a stage, the play goes on,Daylight fades, then comes the dawn.We laugh, we cry, we love, we fear,But is it real or just unclear? A shadow moves, but is it there?A whisper floats upon the air.The things we chase, the dreams we weave, Are sometimes tricks that make us believe. A mirror shows … Contin

http://nandasagec.com/2025/01/31/the-mask-of-illusion/

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Family · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Moving Forward

Good Times On Highway To Hell Part 2

February 3, 2025 Looking for the Light11 Comments

Childhood antics that landed my brother and me in trouble.

I have to start with my favorite story, you’ll get a better idea of who I am. At recess, in third grade, I told the teacher I HAD to go to the bathroom. No, go back and play. Back to teacher a few minutes later I HAVE TO GO! You’re just saying that go play. I begged the teacher to let me go a few minutes later, NO. I said okay and popped my pants right in front of her. And that ended the life of my favorite purple elephant bell bottom suit.

Gramps stopped to pick up bread leaving us in-car, I may have been seven. The car was a standard on the column, I was playing like Gramps driving and somehow got the car in neutral. We were rolling out onto a major street. I hopped out trying to get the car to stop, luckily a man stopped to help about the time Gramps rounded the corner. He was in shock, we didn’t get a switch.

My youngest brother was playing on the sidewalk in front of a girl’s house. They were laughing loudly and screaming. The family owned a Saint Bernard which was protective of the girl. The dog jumped the fence, grabbed my brother by the back slinging him side to side. My older brother grabbed a two-by-four, hitting the dog many times, it would not let go and it turned to bite his arm.

We got a new puppy, and the kids were so in love. So much in love, all four kids woke up in the night a fed the dog a piece of bologna. Made the dog so sick.

My girlfriend’s yard had a slope where we would lie down and throw apples at cars until a man got out a threatened us.

My stepfather really loved boating, the problem was he knew nothing about boats. Our speed boat couldn’t pull up a skier, our houseboat was so huge he had to call a tow truck to get out of the lake.

There was a small drainage ditch in the neighborhood where we would fish for crayfish. If we caught enough, we would fry them up, yummy. I hate to think of what was in the water.

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

Fun Facts, Did You Know?

February 2, 2025 Looking for the Light8 Comments

Fact: The man with the world’s deepest voice can make sounds humans can’t hear

The man, Tim Storms, can’t even hear the note, which is eight octaves below the lowest G on a piano—but elephants can. Check out these 16 little-known interesting facts about the greatest songs of all time.

Fact: The current American flag was designed by a high school student

It started as a school project for Bob Heft’s junior-year history class, and it only earned a B- in 1958. His design had 50 stars even though Alaska and Hawaii weren’t states yet. Heft figured the two would earn statehood soon and showed the government his design. After President Dwight D. Eisenhower called to say his design was approved, Heft’s teacher changed his grade to an A.

Fact: Cows don’t have upper front teeth

They do have molars in the top back of their mouths though. Where you’d expect upper incisors, cows, sheep, and goats have a thick layer of tissue called a “dental pad.” They use that with their bottom teeth to pull out grass. Check out these 13 fun facts about the human body you’ve always wondered about.

Fact: Thanks to 3D printing, NASA can basically “email” tools to astronauts

Getting new equipment to the Space Station used to take months or years, but the new technology means the tools are ready within hours.

Fact: Only a quarter of the Sahara Desert is sandy

Most of it is covered in gravel, though it also contains mountains and oases. Oh, and it isn’t the world’s largest desert—Antarctica is. Don’t miss these other 30 geography facts everyone gets wrong.

Fact: Bananas grow upside-down

Or technically, we peel them upside-down. These random facts will have you eating fruit differently. Naturally, they grow outward from their stems, but that means their bottoms actually face the sky. As they get bigger, the fruits turn toward the sun, forming that distinctive curve. Check out these 21 food myths that are totally untrue.

Fact: There were active volcanoes on the moon when dinosaurs were alive

Most of the volcanoes probably stopped one billion years ago, but new NASA findings suggest there might still have been active lava flow 100 million years ago, when dinosaurs were still roaming.

Fact: Dogs sniff good smells with their left nostril

Dogs normally start sniffing with their right nostril, then keep it there if the smell could signal danger, but they’ll shift to the left side for something pleasant, like food or a mating partner. Learn the real reason dogs follow you everywhere.

Fact: Avocados were named after reproductive organs

Indigenous people of Mexico and Central America used the Nahuatl word āhuacatl to mean both “testicles” and “avocado.” The fruits were originally marketed as “alligator pears” in the United States until the current name stuck. For more random facts, learn what the original word for avocado means about guacamole’s name.

Fact: T. S. Eliot wore green makeup

No one is sure why the poet dusted his face with green powder, though some guess he was just trying to look more interesting. Here are more fascinating facts about famous authors.

Melinda

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

Question Of The Day

February 2, 2025 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

How did you learn to drive?

My Gramps took me to the river bottoms to teach me driving skills. I failed miserably at parallel parking. He took two metal trash cans with us, and with each attempt, I knocked the cans over.

Melinda

Blogging · Celebrate Life · Fun · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Sending A Special Thank You To Bahamas, Uzbekistan, Lebanon, And Austria

February 2, 2025 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

It’s such a great privilege you have stopped by my blog, and I always look forward to your return. I accomplish my lifelong goal of seeing the world through your eyes. It’s a big beautiful world out there.

Thank you for allowing me into your life, if only briefly. I appreciate you stopping by and hope to see you again.

Take good care.

Melinda

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

February Awareness Days & Months

February 1, 2025March 1, 2025 Looking for the Light4 Comments

I’ve included a link below if you would like to see the complete list.

American Heart Month

Black History Month

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You can find the complete list HERE.

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/february-awareness-days-months

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

Looking After Your Pet’s Mental Health

February 1, 2025 Looking for the Light4 Comments

Pets keep loneliness at bay for millions of people and can help with our overwhelming thoughts and while we are more than aware of how a pet can help us with our well-being, we must remember to return the favour. Supporting your pet’s mental health is essential. The pandemic has made us a lot more anxious, but what about our pets? Our pets’ behaviour might change intense situations. But what can we do to make sure that, if we notice our pets having any signs of poor well-being, that we support them?

Stimulating Their Senses

Providing mental stimulation is crucial. If you are currently stuck at home, you can hide treats and toys around the space to provide that all-important exercise and mental stimulation. But when life returns to normality, give them the benefits of a variety of scenery. Taking them to explore new scenery is as important to your pet’s mental health as it is to you.

Exercising With Different Techniques

Ensuring that they remain agile is essential. Building up their agility will teach them something new and stimulate them. If your pet needs to stay indoors, you must remember that their exercise should not suffer. You can also incorporate new toys on a heavy rotation. A variety of interactive toys can keep your pet interested and stimulated. There is a lot to consider. And when you start to stimulate their senses, you give them that all-important distraction.

Access to Light

Fresh air is important, as well as light and exposure to a variety of senses. Giving them exposure to different smells and sounds provides simulation. You have to remember at this point if your pet’s behaviour changes or they get frustrated, you may need to change your approach. If you are not taking your dog out much at the moment, you need to remember that the variety of noises and smells may frustrate them at not being able to go outside.

Observing and Acting

A physically and mentally stimulated pet will be happier and healthier. Observing changes in their behaviour gives you the opportunity to spot if their mental well-being is being impacted. You should always contact a vet if you are concerned, but the solution might be closer to home. You could give them more treats if you feel you’ve been cutting back recently. There are also other ways to stimulate them, such as the soothing sounds on My Dog’s Favourite Podcast available on Spotify. It is an audio treat for your dog that could help to calm their anxieties.

Stimulation is crucial, but we have to remember when we are trying to look after our pets and mental health that we are more observant. They could be taking their cue from us, in which case, it’s essential to focus on creating a healthier environment for everyone. We can look after our pet’s mental health. In many ways, it is simple.

Melinda

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