Thank you for joining me for Wordless Wednesday and I look forward to seeing you again.
Melinda
#Wordless Wednesday-I See You
Author: Looking for the Light
Looking for the Light is a Health and Lifestyle Blog covering topics such as Photography, Cooking, DIY Projects, Fitness, Men's and Women's Health, Lyme Disease, Mental Health, and having fun along the way.
Please stop by, pull up a chair, and read through my archives.
Melinda
Book Review Navigating Loneliness By Cheryl Rickman
I was kindly gifted an advanced copy of Navigating Loneliness by Cheryl Rickman from Maddie Kirby-Dunne at Wellbeck Publishing Group for an honest review. Thank you, Maddie.
About the Author
Cheryl Rickman is a qualified Positive Psychology Practitioner and Sunday Times bestselling author and ghostwriter of twenty self-help, wellbeing and business books.
After her parents’ lives were cut short, Cheryl decided to devote her life to helping others make the most of their own precious lives through the books she writes.
She specializes in writing practical books to help people fret less and flourish more, and is a Wellbeing Ambassador for the Network of Wellbeing.
Having qualified with a Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology in 2016, Cheryl also runs wellbeing retreats and delivers workshops on acceptance, balance and compassion, The ABC of FlourishingTM.
Cheryl lives with her husband, daughter and two dogs in a country cottage in Hampshire, UK. She is an unashamed tree- hugger and nature-lover, has an overflowing bookshelf and her favourite colour is rainbow. She loves pizza and the seaside, but is not a fan of mushrooms or spiders.
You can find out more at http://www.CherylRickman.co.uk
OTHER WELLBEING BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR
Be More Wonder Woman: Fearless Thinking from a Warrior Princess
(DK, 2020)
The Flourish Colouring Book: Art Therapy Mindfulness
(CreateSpace, 2015)
The Flourish Handbook: How to Achieve Happiness with Staying Power, Boost Your Well-Being, Enjoy Life More and Reach Your Potential (CreateSpace, 2013)
The Happiness Bible: An Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Wellbeing
(Godsfield Press, 2019)
The Little Book of Resilience (Gaia, 2019)
The Little Book of Serenity (Gaia, 2020)
May You Be Well: Everyday Good Vibes for the Spiritual (Pyramid, 2021)
You Are Enough: Embrace Your Flaws and Be Happy Being You
(Summersdale, 2021)
Blurb
Navigating Loneliness is part of a Trigger Publishing series of books about managing mental health issues. Throughout this book you’ll learn what actions you can take to tackle the main causes of loneliness and reduce it.
My Thoughts
The book is a very fast read at only 155 pages long and includes helpful resources at the back of the book. It’s a great read with a long list of resources.
Wellbeck Publishing Group
Wellbeck Publishing Group is an exciting, fast-growing independent publisher based in London, dedicated to publishing only the very best and most commercial books spanning a number of genres and categories, from leading authors and well-known brands to debut talent. We live for books that entertain, excite and enhance the lives of readers around the world.
Melinda
Repost
National Stalking Awareness Month
Stalking is like being in Alice & Wonderland, paranoid, scared, no control, threats and you can’t get out until it’s over, it took over 7 months the last time. I had my claws out during the entire time and continued to listen to my gut more often. There are thousands of people are out there with a scam on their mind’s, if you have not met them in-person or you could find out how yourself another TikTok video. You may feel under a microscope until you can move forward, keep working through the trauma.
What is stalking?
Legal definitions vary from one jurisdiction to another. Still, stalking is generally defined as a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear. A crime in all 50 states and at the federal level, stalking is dangerous and potentially lethal.
Side Navigation
Who are victims of stalking?
| In 2019, about 1.3% of Americans ages 16 and older (3.4 million people) were victims of stalking, according to a report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS). The most frequently reported traditional stalking behaviors included the offender following and watching the victim. Stalking with technology most commonly included unwanted phone calls, voice or text messages, and emails and Internet messages.
The percentage of people who experienced stalking declined from 2016 (1.5%) to 2019 (1.3%). However, women continue to be victims of stalking more than twice as often as men. Overall, the data show most stalking victims know their stalkers. Among adults, 18- to 24-year-olds experience the highest rates of stalking, placing students on college and university campuses at high risk of becoming a victim. Research shows that most college students are stalked by someone they know, usually a fellow student. Colleges and universities that understand the dynamics of stalking and the negative impacts associated with it can support victims and hold stalkers accountablethrough campus programs and thorough investigations. In 2019, only 29% of stalking victims reported their victimization to police. Stalking victims who chose not to report the crime to police most often said they didn’t feel it was important enough to do so. |
Source: The Stalking Prevention, Awareness, & Resource Center |
What help is there for victims of stalking?
If you believe you’re a victim of stalking, the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center provides guidance and resources in the What to Do if You Are Being Stalked section of their website.
Supported by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), the Violence Against Women Research Consortium published a series of training videos and resources that cover stalking laws and best practices for law enforcement and prosecutors in stalking investigations.
January is recognized as National Stalking Awareness Month – an annual call to action to recognize and respond to the crime of stalking.
Date Modified: January 11, 2024
Additional Resources
Internet Safety Special Feature: Cyberbullying and Cyberstalking
This online resource offers a compilation of publications and referrals to organizations dealing with cyberbullying and cyberstalking.
National Stalking Awareness Month
This webpage provides access to resources and materials that provide information about stalking and how to share information about National Stalking Awareness Month, which is recognized each January.
Office for Victims of Crime (OVC): Stalking
This website provides information about stalking and includes links to related organizations and topical publications.
Office on Violence Against Women (OVW): Stalking
OVW provides information on the U.S. Department of Justice’s legal and policy issues regarding violence against women and responds to requests for information regarding violence against women, including stalking.
Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC)
Funded by the Office on Violence Against Women, the goal of SPARC is to ensure first responders and other allied professionals have the specialized knowledge needed to identify and response to stalking cases.
Violence Against Women Research Consortium
The Rutgers Violence Against Women Research Consortium works collaboratively with interdisciplinary researchers and National Institute of Justice research scientists to identify, implement, and disseminate research and evaluation projects that fill the gaps in our current knowledge on stalking, as well as intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and teen dating violence.
Melinda
Reference:
Gluten-Free Peppermint Mocha
Coffee drinks give me a chance to stop & relax, which we all need.
What you need
1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
1-2 shots of expresso
1 TB raw cacao powder
1 TS pure maple syrup
1/4 TS teaspoon peppermint extract
How to make
In a small saucepan, warm the coconut milk to your desired temperature over medium to high heat.
Pour the warmed milk into a high-powered blender and add the espresso, cacao powder, maple syrup, and peppermint.
Blend until the drink is combined and slightly frothy, about 1 minute.
Pour into a mug and enjoy it immediately.
Serves 1
Double the recipe to make 2 servings.
Enjoy
Melinda
Reference:
The recipe is from Kristin Cavallari’s cookbook True Comfort.
What are Glutens and how to start a Gluten-Free Lifestyle
It’s important to understand what glutens are and where to look for in order to establish a gluten-free lifestyle. As more people are diagnosed gluten intolerant more pre-made products will become available making choices much easier. I plan to write a number of post on the Gluten-Free lifestyle in the coming months. Below is a short list of items and ingredients you can eat. The Information is taken from Gluten Freedom by Alessio Fasano, MD. Founder and Director of the Center for Celiac Research at Massachusetts General Hospital Harvard Medical School. Melinda
Gluten is found in common foods such as breads, cereals, baked goods, and pasta. Because it’s used in processed foods as an additive or preservative, gluten is also found in a wide variety of foods and nonfood items from prescription medications to Play-Doh. If you are the food shopper in the family, you must learn to read labels very carefully to comply with gluten-free diet.
Things you can eat on the Gluten-Free Diet
Gluten-Free Grains, Flours, Seeds and Starches
- Amaranth
- Arrowroot
- Buckwheat
- Cassava
- Corn
- Flaxseed
- Nut Flours
- Millet
- Montina
- Gluten-Free Oats
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sago
- Sorghum
- Tapioca
- Teff
- Wild rice
Safe Ingredients List
- Vinegar except malt vinegar
- Distilled alcohol
- Carmel color
- Citric acid
- Spices
- Monosodium glutamate
- Maltodextrin
- Mono- and diglycerides
- Artificial flavor and color
- Natural flavor and color
Melinda
Just Pondering
DIY Refreshing Room Spray
There is nothing pleasant about lingering foul order. This citrus-scented spray helps eliminate unwanted odors from any room from in the house.
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
Reference:
Repost
#Weekend Music Share-Elton John, Kiki Dee – Don’t Go Breaking My Heart
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.
Daily Writing Prompt
That is a short sentence for a big answer! I live a laid back life now and the answer is actually shorter than you might expect.
Mission
Stay close to God
Be a good wife
Take care of my physical & mental health
Find joy by looking out the window
Help the charities I work with
Always looking forward to life
Be informed about the world around me
Cut negatives out of my life
Help when you can
Stay true to myself
Melinda
The Future Is Behind The Door
The seller accepted our offer over the weekend! During the closing period you find yourself filling out a ton of paperwork and making phone calls, yet every step counts.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday-Every Bookcase Tells A Story
I’m happy to see you for another Wordless Wednesday, and I look forward to seeing you again.
Melinda
Natural Seasonal Allergy Relief
Nettle Leaf Tea
Made from stinging nettle plants, organic nettle tea can help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms with its natural antihistamine. You reap all the benefits of antihistamine symptom relief without having to take conventional medicines. You can drink the daily as a preventative or as needed.
Spirulina & Other Superfoods
Spirulina is a superfood full of amazing plant nutrients, like iron, calcium, vitamin A and C, and protein. While great for overall health, spiraling may be beneficial during allergy season because it is high in antioxidants and has been shown to protect the body from anything that might compromise the immune system. It is high in chlorophyll and is detoxifying. Other superfoods like Kale, turmeric, mace powder, hemp, and flax are great for reducing inflammation and boosting your immune system.
Probiotic
A probiotic can help boost your gut and immune system health, which plays a big part in seasonal allergies. You can digest probiotics by eating fermented items like sauerkraut, and kombucha, or by taking a supplement. Make sure it is a high-quality probiotic from an organic source.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is detoxifying and practically a remedy for everything. Taking as little as 1 tablespoon a day can help you feel and be healthier, which will, in turn, reduce your allergy symptoms. Make sure you purchase unfiltered organic Apple Cider Vinegar.
Essential Oils
Essential oils, such as melaleuca, peppermint, lavender, frankincense, lemon, and eucalyptus, help with seasonal allergy relief. I like to fill a roller bottle with a carrier oil and 5-10 drops of each chosen essential oil. I apply this to my nose, on my temples, and behind my ears when I begin to feel swollen or puffy, as well as to the bottom of my feet. You can use these as needed as well as preventative.
All great ideas from one of my favorite bookazines, Williow & Sage by Stampington.
Melinda
Repost
3M Agrees to Pay $10.3B in Settlement of Lawsuits Claiming ‘Forever Chemicals’ Contaminate Drinking Water
The settlement will help public water systems across the U.S. detect and remove PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” which are linked to serious health issues
The corporation 3M has reached a settlement to resolve lawsuits that claimed it contaminated water supplies in the U.S. with toxic “forever chemicals.”
The company — based in Paul, Minnesota — announced on Thursday that it had agreed to pay up to $10.3 billion over 13 years to fund public water suppliers that have detected or will detect these chemicals in their drinking water, according to the New York Times.
The chemicals in question are polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) which are used to make coatings that repel water, grease, and oil and are present in many common items, such as cosmetics, nonstick pans, and water-resistant productions.
PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment or in the human body.
According to CNN, 3M has been to court many times in the last twenty years over PFAS-related health issues. Cancer, liver damage, and developmental defects are among conditions linked to forever chemicals. The lawsuits allege that 3M knew PFAS caused harm and failed to warn the public or regulators about the risks.
As reported by the New York Times, 3M chairman and CEO Mike Roman said in a statement that his company would stop producing PFAS in the next two and a half years, and that they ceased the manufacturing of two types of PFAS — PFOA and PFOS — two decades ago.
“This is an important step forward for 3M, which builds on our actions that include our announced exit of PFOA and PFOS manufacturing more than 20 years ago, our more recent investments in state-of-the-art water filtration technology in our chemical manufacturing operations, and our announcement that we will exit all PFAS manufacturing by the end of 2025,” he said.
However, CBS News reported that 3M insists the settlement “is not an admission of liability” and “3M is prepared to continue to defend itself” if the agreement is not approved by a judge.
According to Reuters, Scott Summy — an attorney for the water systems suing 3M — stated, “We have reached the largest drinking water settlement in American history, which will be used to help filter PFAS from drinking water that is served to the public. The result is that millions of Americans will have healthier lives without PFAS in their drinking water.”
The settlement comes after three other companies — Chemours, DuPont, and Corteva — agreed to pay more than $1 billion earlier this month to settle similar lawsuits over PFAS contamination.
Melinda
Reference:
https://people.com/3m-agrees-to-pay-10-billion-settlement-forever-chemicals-7552793
We Will Never Forget
January, 6th, 2001
Sending prayers to police officers who fought for country and the vote happened. Each officer faught for their lives and the public during an non-succeesful Government take-over or thier life, many officeries were injured that day.
Melinda
Why Kids And Teens May Face More Anxiety Far More These Days: A Must Read For All Parents
When it comes to treating anxiety in children and teens, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook are the bane of therapists’ work.“With (social media), it’s all about the self-image — who’s ‘liking’ them, who’s watching them, who clicked on their picture,” said Marco Grados, associate professor of psychiatry and clinical director of child and adolescent psychiatry at Johns Hopkins Hospital. “Everything can turn into something negative … [K]ids are exposed to that day after day, and it’s not good for them.”
“There is definitely a rise in the identification of kids with serious anxiety,” he said. They are “growing up in an environment of volatility, where schools have lockdowns, where there are wars across borders. We used to have high confidence in our environment — now we have an environment that anticipates catastrophe.”
The data on anxiety among 18- and 19-year-olds is even starker. Since 1985, the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA has been asking incoming college freshmen if they “felt overwhelmed” by all they had to do. The first year, 18 percent replied yes. By 2000, that climbed to 28 percent. By 2016, to nearly 41 percent.
The same pattern is clear when comparing modern-day teens to those of their grandparents’ or great-grandparents’ era. One of the oldest surveys in assessing personality traits and psychopathology is the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, which dates to the Great Depression and remains in use today. When Jean Twenge, a professor of psychology at San Diego State University, looked at the MMPI responses from more than 77,500 high school and college students over the decades, she found that five times as many students in 2007 “surpassed thresholds” in more than one mental health category than they did in 1938. Anxiety and depression were six times more common.
Statistics on anxiety in children and younger adolescents aren’t easy to come by. The study published last month was based on the National Survey of Children’s Health, which the researchers noted “is the only national data source to evaluate the presence of anxiety and depression on a regular basis.” The findings were limited, though, and relied on the reports of parents and guardians as to whether a health-care professional had ever told them their child was suffering from one of those conditions.
Those responding yes were asked to describe the level of both anxiety and depression in their children: 10.7 percent said their child’s depression was severe, and 15.2 percent who listed their child’s anxiety at that level.
Among the study’s other findings: Anxiety and depression were more commonly found among white and non-Hispanic children, and children with anxiety or depression were more likely than their peers to be obese. The researchers acknowledge that the survey method — parents reporting what they were told by their child’s doctor — likely skewed the results.
Grados often identifies anxiety in the children and adolescents he sees as part of his clinical practice in Baltimore. “I have a wide range [of patients], take all insurances, do inpatients, day hospital, outpatients, and see anxiety across all strata,” he said.
The causes of that anxiety also include classroom pressures, according to Grados. “Now we’re measuring everything,” he said. “School is putting so much pressure on them with the competitiveness … I’ve seen eighth graders admitted as inpatients, saying they have to choose a career!”
Yet even one of the latest study’s authors acknowledges that it can be difficult to tease out the truth about the rise in anxiety.
“If you look at past studies,” said John T. Walkup, chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, “you don’t know if the conditions themselves are increasing or clinicians are making the diagnosis more frequently due to advocacy or public health efforts.”
Nearly a third of all adolescents ages 13 to 18 will experience an anxiety disorder during their lifetime, according to the National Institutes of Health, with the incidence among girls (38.0 percent) far outpacing that among boys (26.1 percent).
Identifying anxiety in kids and getting them help is paramount, according to clinicians. “Anxiety can be an early stage of other conditions,” Grados said. “Bipolar, schizophrenia later in life can initially manifest as anxiety.”
For all these reasons, Kendall said, increased awareness is welcome.
“If you look at the history of child mental health problems,” he said, “we knew about delinquency at the beginning of the 20th century, autism was diagnosed in the 1940s, teenage depression in the mid-’80s. Anxiety is really coming late to the game.”
Melinda
Reference:
Repost
National Blood Donor Month: Save A Life
Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation. The statitics are only for America, think of the tremendous need around the world. It’s a privilege as an American to give blood and pallets to save anothers life. What if you or your family needed blood? You would pray there would be enough blood supply.
Facts About Blood Needs
- Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and or platelets.
- Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U. S.
- Nearly 5,000 units of platelets and 6.500 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S.
- Nearly 16 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S.
- Sickle cell disease affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year. Sickle cell patients can require blood transfusions throughout their lives.
- The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 units.
- A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood.
- Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; they can only come from volunteer donors.
- The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O.
- One donation can help save more than one life.
- According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.9 million people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2023. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.
Blood Supply Statistics
The Red Cross provides about 40% of our nation’s blood and blood components, all from generous volunteer donors. But supply can’t always meet demand because only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly. Each new donor helps us meet patient needs.
- Each year, an estimated 6.8 million people in the U.S. donate blood.
- 13.6 million units of whole blood and red blood cells are collected in the U.S. in a year.
- About 45% of people in the U.S. have Group O (positive or negative) blood; the proportion is higher among Hispanics (57%) and African Americans (51%).
- Type O negative red cells can be given to patients of all blood types. Because only 7% of people in the U.S. are type O negative, it’s always in great demand and often in short supply.
- Type AB plasma can be transfused to patients of all blood types. Since only 4% of people in the U.S. have type AB blood, this plasma is usually in short supply.
- Red blood cells must be used within 42 days (or less).
- Platelets must be used within just 5 days.
Giving blood on a regular basis helps keep people alive and platelets are essential for people diaognosed with Leukemia and Sickle Cell patients who require blood transfusions throught their life. Making a blood donation is easy and doesn’t take long, if you give pallets it only takes two hours out of your day. Also if you have O negative blood, your blood is needed more than ever because it’s a rare blood type.
Melinda
References:
Daily Writing Prompt
Daily writing prompt
Do you spend more time thinking about the future or the past? Why?
Spending too much time thinking about the past is holding you back from planning your future. Daydreaming about the future is very healthy, we use our imagination and we can manifest a brighter future. That’s not to say I never look back, there’s great joy in thinking about my grandparents and looking at old photos all the way back to when I was born.
Thinking about the past all the time can stagnate your growth and could mean you have unresolved anger or trauma. I first experienced trauma shorthly after I was born because my mother abused me. I’ve had other trauma’s like being stalked, sexually assaulted and my father’s suicide, I don’t want to wallow in those memories. Seeing my Therapist for 32 years has helped me resolve my trauma and I don’t look back.
The future is wide open and you have the ability to live your best life.
Melinda
January Is Mental Wellness Month
Notice the heading is Mental Wellness, not Mental Health or Mental Illness because they are each separate topics. Good Mental Wellness allows children and adults to live a fullfilling live and is critical for overall health. Put any preconcieved ideas aside and read the post for your health.
What Does Mental Wellness Mean?
Mental Wellness is a term that considers psychological, physical, emotional, and social well-being. Looking at the whole self in this way can help people flourish. Mental Wellness is relevant to all of us, not just those experiencing mental health challenges.
Mental Wellness is marked by
- feeling up to the challenges of day-to-day life
- experiencing moments of pleasure and joy in activities or relationships
- feeling satisfaction with life
- experiencing positive emotions
- having the resources to help cope with the circumstances you face.
Definition and Components
Mental wellness encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how we think, feel, and act, and is not merely the absence of mental illness. Instead, it represents a proactive approach to maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life. Key components of mental wellness include:
- Self-awareness: Understanding one’s emotions and thoughts.
- Resilience: The ability to cope with stress and bounce back from challenges.
- Healthy relationships: Building and maintaining supportive connections with others.
- Purpose and fulfillment: Engaging in activities that provide meaning and satisfaction in life.
Working on Mental Wellness daily is like taking care of our body only a salad isn’t the answer.
Don’t let your misunderstanding of what Mental Wellness emcompasses stop you from living your best life.
To your health!
Melinda
References:
Daily Writing Prompt
What would be the greatest gift? WOW, that is a big question however true love and committment are the greatest gifts for me. I’ve been fortunate to have received expensive gifts and small simple gifts and honestly they both made me happy but love can’t be bought.
I’ve been married 23 years and everyday my husband shows me he loves me in little ways that make me feel joy inside. Sometimes, like for Christmas this year he bought me a couple of small Swarovski Crystal trinkets including an ornament for 2025. He is the only person to buy me the trinkets and it’s been at least 15 years since he purchased the last one, it was quite a surprise.
Love is all a we need!
Melinda
You Are Not Alone: Quotes for the Toughest Days
Leaning on the hard-earned wisdom of others helps shift your perspective and uplift your spirits, serving as a reminder that resilience is possible even on the toughest days.
May these words serve as a gentle source of inspiration and comfort. If you have a specific quote that helps you through the hard times, we invite you to share it in the comments.
Love’s Power to Ease Life’s Sorrows
“Love has, at its best, made the inherent sadness of life bearable, and its beauty manifest.” ~ Kay Redfield Jamison (An Unquiet Mind, 1995)
Seeing Stars Beyond the Tears
“If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.”
~ Rabindranath Tagore
Finding Safety in the Present
“In times of pain, when the future is too terrifying to contemplate and the past too painful to remember, I have learned to pay attention to right now. The precise moment I was in was always the only safe place for me.”
~ Nicholas Sparks
Courage Is Something Quiet
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’”
~ Mary Anne Radmacher
Perseverance Is the Foundation
“Of all that is good, sublimity is supreme. Succeeding is the coming together of all that is beautiful. Furtherance is the agreement of all that is just. Perseverance is the foundation of all actions.”
~ Lao Tzu
The Power of Hope
“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul — and sings the tune without the words — and never stops at all.”
~ Emily Dickinson
Imagination, Love, and Laughter
“I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge; myth is more potent than history; dreams are more powerful than facts; hope always triumphs over experience; laughter is the cure for grief; love is stronger than death.”
~ Robert Fulghum (All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things, 1986)
Life is Music — Both Joyful and Sad
“Life is like a piano; the white keys represent happiness and the black show sadness. But as you go through life’s journey, remember that the black keys also create music.”
~ Ehssan
How Our Loved Ones See Us
“Those who love you are not fooled by mistakes you have made or dark images you hold about yourself. They remember your beauty when you feel ugly; your wholeness when you are broken; your innocence when you feel guilty; and your purpose when you are confused.”
~ Alan Cohen (Wisdom of the Heart, 2002)
Embrace Nature’s Reality
“It isn’t the language of painters one ought to listen to but the language of nature…. Feeling things themselves, reality, is more important than feeling paintings, at least more productive and life-giving.”
~ Vincent van Gogh (letter to Theo van Gogh, The Hague, on or about Friday, July 21, 1882)
Welcoming the Day With Joy
“Hello, sun in my face. Hello, you who made the morning and spread it over the fields… Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness.”
~ Mary Oliver (poem, “Why I Wake Early,” 2004)
The Art of Living Well
“Living well is an art that can be developed: a love of life and ability to take great pleasure from small offerings and assurance that the world owes you nothing and that every gift is exactly that, a gift.”
~ Maya Angelou (Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now)
Happiness is What Drives Life
“Happiness is what greases the wheels of life, what opens the floodgates, raises the sun, aligns the stars, beats your heart, finds true love.”
~ Mike Dooley
Courage Through Facing Fear
“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.”
~ Eleanor Roosevelt (You Learn by Living, 1960)
Accepting Life’s Unexpected Path
“We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.”
~ Joseph Campbell (to Diane K. Osbon, as recorded in Reflections on the Art of Living: A Joseph Campbell Companion)
Stronger After Life’s Storms
“And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.”
~ Haruki Murakami (Kafka on the Shore)
Keep Moving Forward
“If you can’t fly, then run; if you can’t run, then walk; if you can’t walk, then crawl; but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”
~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (“Keep Moving from This Mountain,” speech at Spelman College, April 10, 1960)
It’s Never Too Late to Be You
“For what it’s worth: It’s never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit. You can change or stay the same; there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it.… I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the courage to start all over again.”
~ Eric Roth (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, film, 2008)
Melinda
Reference:
Just Pondering
In the future, what will people be nostalgic for from our current time?
Melinda
Reference:
Common Myths About Cannabis
It seems like there are new myths about Marijuana popping up all the time. The reality is that many of these myths have been disproven long ago. However, they persist in today’s society for one reason or another. Some people believe them because they haven’t done any research on their own. In contrast, others may do so because it benefits them to keep these misconceptions alive. We’ll be giving you the facts about some common myths associated with Marijuana and dispel them once and for all!
You Can’t Get Addicted To Marijuana
You can find this myth in many pro-marijuana campaigns across the world. The truth is that it’s entirely possible to get addicted to Marijuana, just like any other substance out there. Of course, it will not happen overnight, and you shouldn’t be able to do so by smoking one joint either! When people argue about whether or not marijuana addiction exists, they are usually talking about cannabis dependency. This type of dependency occurs when someone smokes on a daily basis for an extended period of time, usually several months. It slowly becomes harder and harder for them to function normally without getting high first.
This doesn’t mean that these individuals have no control over their actions, though; they simply use weed as a crutch because they’re too anxious or uncomfortable without it. The next time you’re around someone who is high, really think about whether or not they look like they need it to function normally.
Marijuana Is Always Safe To Use
One of the most common things heard about weed is that it’s safe and harmless to use. This couldn’t be further from the truth! We’ll touch on some key points here, but if you would like more information, then research Marijuana safety tips.
There are many negative health effects associated with smoking marijuana regularly or excessively. For one thing, long-term smokers usually end up getting respiratory problems such as bronchitis because they inhale so much tar and ash into their lungs. If this doesn’t sound healthy to you already, keep in mind that Marijuana contains 50% more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than regular cigarettes do too! There have also been studies showing an increased risk of lung cancer among people who smoke Marijuana regularly.
Getting your Marijuana from the best dispensary possible is an additional factor to consider as there are legislative quality controls they need to follow, ensuring you get a pure and clean product.
Marijuana Is A Gateway Drug
This is a controversial point, but it has been proven that Marijuana does not cause people to try out harder drugs. Sure there are cases where this happened due to the influence of others, but overall it would be an unfair label to place on Marijuana.
The problem here lies in the fact that some unscrupulous dealers will sell their customers harder drugs when they come back. It’s not because the Marijuana itself made them do it, but you can’t deny that Marijuana is an easy way to get someone hooked on something else! There are studies showing that people who already have a tendency towards addiction may try harder substances if given access to an alternative like Marijuana in most cases.
Marijuana Doesn’t Have Any Medicinal Value
The biggest argument for legalizing Marijuana is its medicinal properties. There are many positive uses for Marijuana, both as an analgesic and to help with the symptoms of certain diseases. It makes sense that people who could benefit from this would want access to it without having to wait until the laws change in their state or country!
There has been a wealth of research done in the past several years that have shown Marijuana’s amazing medical value. The US government even holds a patent on Cannabis for its antioxidant and neuroprotectant abilities.
In conclusion, there are many common myths when it comes to marijuana use that simply isn’t true at all! This is especially important nowadays when more and more states are legalizing the drug either recreationally or medically.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
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Friday Quote
Thank you for joining me for this week’s Friday Quote.
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share-Robin Williams Makes an Insane First Appearance | Carson Tonight Show
Be prepared to laugh so hard it hurts!
Robin was the brightest star with humor in his blood. He shared his talent with us and we are thankful. His life was cut too short from mental illness.
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.
Cancer-Causing ‘Forever Chemicals’ Found in Nearly Half of U.S. Tap Water, Study Finds
The U.S. Geological Survey found that at least 45% of tap water in the U.S. is estimated to have one or more types of PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” which are linked to serious health issues
Nearly half of the country’s tap water could be contaminated with cancer-causing “forever chemicals,” according to a new study.
The study — released Wednesday by the U.S. Geological Survey — found that at least 45% of tap water in the United States is estimated to have one or more types of per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that PFAS, or per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, are a group of about 14,000 man-made chemicals that are “very persistent in the environment and in the human body – meaning they don’t break down and they can accumulate over time.”
PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals” by the NIH, can last for years without breaking down and are linked to cancer, fetal complications, liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease, fertility problems, autoimmune disorders and other serious health issues.
The USGS said the study is the first to test for PFAS in tap water from both private and public water supplies, testing 716 locations across the country between 2016 and 2021. Of the locations, both rural and urban areas, 447 rely on public water supplies and 269 rely on private wells.
Scientists estimate that there is about a 75% chance of PFAS being found in rural areas and about a 25% chance in urban areas. High exposure areas were reported in the Great Plains, Great Lakes, Eastern Seaboard, and Central/Southern California regions.
“USGS scientists tested water collected directly from people’s kitchen sinks across the nation, providing the most comprehensive study to date on PFAS in tap water from both private wells and public supplies,” said USGS research hydrologist Kelly Smalling, the study’s lead author. “The study estimates that at least one type of PFAS – of those that were monitored – could be present in nearly half of the tap water in the U.S. Furthermore, PFAS concentrations were similar between public supplies and private wells.”
The EPA regulates public water supplies while private water supplies are maintained, tested and treated by homeowners. Anyone interested in testing and treating private wells should contact their local and state officials for guidance as testing is the only way to confirm the presence of PFAS in wells.
“If the average American is worried about the quality of their drinking water, they can use this and other studies to get informed, evaluate their own [personal] risk and reach out to their local health officials about testing or treatment,” Smalling told NPR.
Melinda
Reference:
https://people.com/cancer-causing-forever-chemicals-found-in-nearly-half-of-u-s-tap-water-7557908
Major Farm Issues Egg Recall Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
Consumers are encouraged to dispose of any contaminated food products immediately
Residents in Sacramento and Davis, Calif., may want to check the eggs in their fridge following a recall from a local distributor.
According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Veg Farms, based in Dixon, Calif., issued a recall on Friday, Dec. 5, due to the potential of Salmonella contamination.
12-count cartons and 30-count flats of eggs with sell-by dates of Dec. 22 and earlier, or Julian dates of 328 and earlier are affected by the recall. Contaminated products with a handler code of 2136 were shipped to both restaurants and farmers’ markets.
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A Veg Farms spokesperson confirmed with local news outlet KCRA3 that the company’s processing equipment contaminated the roughly 1,515 dozen eggs, not the farm’s flock of chickens.
Veg Farms stated that it disposed of all of the product from the affected store locations. The company also encourages any consumers who have purchased the eggs to throw them away immediately.
According to the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), symptoms of Salmonella infection can include stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. While most cases may resolve without medical treatment within a few days, the illness can be more serious (and potentially fatal) for infants, senior adults, people with weakened immune systems and individuals living with sickle cell disease.
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This is only one of the many recalls reported this year due to potential Salmonella infection. Earlier this month, Wegmans, a popular regional grocery store, recalled two types of mixed nuts.
While the company didn’t specify where the Salmonella contamination originated, it’s important to read labels, wash hands and dispose of potentially affected food items to avoid any bodily harm.
Melinda
Reference:
Wordless Wednesday-Snow Day
Thank you for joining me on Wordless Wednesday and I look forward to seeing you again soon.
Melinda
Let’s ring in the New Year with a BANG
Happy New Years Eve!!!!!! We celebrate the end on 2025 and welcome in 2026 with open arms. I haven’t been a party person in over 20 years but sure remember some doozies. If you out and drinking, be sure to have a safe driviner with you, who wants the year to start on very bad note. We celebrate quietly with a table full of finger for and desert and may watch some early New Years Even programs if they are before 9PM. I have a hard core bedtime hour.
Have fun making memories with family, friends reminiscing on the old days and tomorrow you can start thing about what you want to accomplish in 2026. No wish list, wishes down’t come through, make a set of goals and remember to work towards them everyday to manifest them.
See you next year!
Melinda
We’re Starting Off 2026 With A Bang
We have spent 23 years building our finances around living comfortably in retirement and beyond and buying a new house. David retired last April, our house is paid for and we have no debt, just as we planned and saved for.
Yesterday we made an offer on our first house and now David is pulling all the financing together for a mid-February move-in date. I am so in love with the house and have dreamt of living in a one-story without a pool for the longest time.
The seller accepting our offer is just the start. We plan to move into new house, then upgrade our house and sell it. This will be a longer process but I’m screaming inside with excitement.
I’ll give an update if the offer is accepted. We went in with a low offer because it’s been on the market for over a year and no one is living there. The market is down and continuing to go down in our area. Now is the time to buy before the market swings upward.
Melinda :)
Listening To Shame By Brene Brown
Her perspective on life and brutal honesty can help us live our best lives.
Melinda
Looking for the Light 