Many people think ticks that carry Lyme disease aren’t where they live. Think again. Ticks are in every state in America and six countries. People who are diagnosed with Lyme need to report to the CDC for the numbers to be accurate for their state. The think the last time the CDC updated its numbers is 2010, so the numbers are considerably off.
One extremely important point is regarding testing for Lyme. There are several tests to see if you have Lyme or other tick-borne infections, the problem is doctors usually only test for one. If you’re negative they don’t test further. I was diagnosed in 2014 with Lyme after several years of being told I didn’t have it. It took my Lyme doctor to run all the tests to see that I had Lyme and two other tick-borne illnesses.
Another important point is only about 30% of people get the bullseye rash after being bitten by a tick, that’s why it’s so important to take precautions. Here is a post that talks about how to avoid being bitten by ticks.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection primarily transmitted by Ixodes ticks, also known as deer ticks or black-legged ticks. These tiny arachnids are typically found in wooded and grassy areas. Although people may think of Lyme as an East Coast disease, it is found throughout the United States, as well as in more than sixty other countries.
Patients with Lyme disease are frequently misdiagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and various psychiatric illnesses, including depression. Misdiagnosis with these other diseases may delay the correct diagnosis and treatment as the underlying infection progresses unchecked.
LymeDisease.org has developed a Lyme disease symptom checklist to help you document your exposure to Lyme disease and common symptoms for your healthcare provider. You will receive a report that you can print out and take with you to your next doctor’s appointment.
Food for Thought
The port was implanted to start my IV Antibiotic Therapy.
I had 18 months of IV Antibiotic Therapy
Lyme can cause other illnesses to arise depending on where the virus sets up house. Mine went to the brain so I now have Dementia and fall easily. It’s like Lyme took a machine gun to my brain and left holes where memories were.
I have been writing about my Lyme journey for years, if you would like to read more posts, look in the Category Cloud on the sidebar and pick by topic.
Jewish immigrants built their lives in America the same as European immigrants did, and they were welcome with open arms. They help build communities and expanded their families here. The Jewish immigrants are now residents and their children are born American.
Maybe I’m naive, but I seriously don’t understand why people have a problem with Jewish people or the Jewish Religion.
Unless the Religion is a terrorist group, a cult, or involved in illegal activity, we can not condemn a Religion because we don’t understand or agree with it. Who are we to judge?
About Jewish American Heritage Awareness Month
This month is a chance for Americans of every faith to appreciate the contributions of the Jewish people throughout our history –- often in the face of unspeakable discrimination and adversity. For hundreds of years, Jewish Americans have fought heroically in battle and inspired us to pursue peace. They’ve built our cities, cured our sick. They’ve paved the way in the sciences and the law, in our politics and in the arts. They remain our leaders, our teachers, our neighbors and our friends. Not bad for a band of believers who have been tested from the moment that they came together and professed their faith. The Jewish people have always persevered. And that’s why today is about celebrating the people in this room, the thousands who came before, the generations who will shape the future of our country and the future of the world.[13]
Let’s not forget the horrific trauma the Jewish families endured during the Holocaust, there is no way I know their pain but no doubt I pray to never see such carnage.
If someone can tell me what all the Jewish hate is about I would appreciate it.
I have the pleasure of talking with Amy Gamble today about her struggle with the highs and lows of mental illness. I’m proud to call her a friend and she is a true inspiration. I’ve had my own difficult journey with Bipolar Disorder and when I tell you it’s a miracle Amy came out alive, it’s 100% true. Not only did Amy survive, but she also took charge of her life and went on to write her first book Bipolar Disorder, My Biggest Competitor: An Olympian’s Journey with Mental Illness.
Gamble tells how the illness also affects her mother, pitched her head first into a nightmare of highs and lows. While it robbed her of her dreams of playing Division 1 ball, it also helped vault her to the U.S. Olympic handball team, leading her to travel the world and compete at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. She was a top performer in sales for Merck, the pharmaceutical giant, but ironically her untreated illness plunged her to the bottom rungs of society. She became stuck in a revolving door of mental hospitals, doctors’ offices and even jails across the U.S., discovering deep-rooted deficiencies in the systems that are supposed to help the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
At the scariest point, she found herself wandering aimlessly at night in a snow-covered mountain forest on the Montana/Idaho border with only moccasins on her feet and a sweatshirt to keep her warm. She was hopelessly lost, freezing and not in her right mind. *
Thank you, Amy, for talking with me today. I learned more about Amy from the AP overview, so I’ll start there.
What positives came out of being in a Psychiatric Hospital?
My last psychiatric hospitalization was 12 years ago. It was a hospital far away from my hometown, but the care I received was excellent. I was put on a regiment of medications that got me started on the right track and helped immensely in my recovery journey. The staff members at the hospital were encouraging and really believed in recovery. Overall, it was a really positive experience for me.
Did your mental illness impact your Olympic dream?
I made the 1988 Olympic Team in Team Handball. While I struggled at times with depression, I was able to overcome my challenges and become an Olympian.
You have a successful career as Mental Health Advocate and Speaker, how did your Speaking career start.
I began speaking to groups through a local NAMI chapter. My third talk was an interview at a large church with an audience of 300 people. Once I started speaking I began to attend a Toastmasters group and was coached and encouraged by members of the toastmaster group. From 2015 – 2023, I’ve given over 250 talks and mental health trainings reaching over 15,000 people.
You have a passion for advocating for Mental Illness, what organizations do you belong to?
I’m a local NAMI member and I support DBSA (Depression Bipolar Support Alliance)
How did you keep motivated while working your first jobs after the crash?
I felt like working would give me a sense of purpose, a reason to get out of bed in the morning. I looked forward to going to my jobs, even if sometimes I had a little struggle in getting there. Maybe I’d have a rough day or just felt tired. But it didn’t matter because I was driven to get better and work helped me to do that.
Do you have any words of wisdom on life with a mental illness?
Be a student of your mental illness. Learn everything you can learn on how the illness affects you, what are the common symptoms and how can I alleviate most of my symptoms. Make sure you’re getting better or improving under the care of mental health care professionals, whether that’s a psychiatrist or therapist, or both.
Why did you stop blogging for 2 years?
I took a break from social media. I took time out to reflect and work on some other things.
What are your hobbies and what type of books/magazines do you read for fun?
My number one hobby is reading. I love to read! I’m currently reading “Atlas of the Heart,” by Brene Brown. I’ve also recently finished reading “Wild,” by Cheryl Strayed. Usually, I have two or three books I’m reading at the same time.
I also enjoy exercising, though I’m not always on schedule. I’ve really tried to get into a good habit since April of this year. So far, so good.
I know you are writing a new book about your PTSD, without giving too much information, what can you share with us.
I’m so excited about my new book. The book is really about resilience, as illustrated by how the impact of past traumas (primarily sexual assault) interrupted my life and caused symptoms of PTSD, even though the traumatic events had occurred decades prior. I talk about the collision course between bipolar disorder and PTSD and how my past traumas were overlooked by many mental health care professionals until they couldn’t be overlooked anymore. My number one goal is to give a voice to a woman who may not have had one.
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight a new blogger, Unravelling My Own Bulls#*t.
There’s never an easy way to start something new. There’s often an anxious part of you which battles the negative thoughts that ask questions like “What if its rubbish?”, “What if no one is interested in what you have to say?” or ” What if they laugh at you?”. Often that internal narrative is enough to stop you in your tracks and for that idea to be parked for now or maybe even forever.
Not today though, not this time. Today I have tentatively taken the first steps too putting my thoughts on paper. To unravelling my own bullshit on this journey. A journey after a divorce of almost 25 years of marriage and for the first time ever really understanding why I am the way I am, what parts of my life shaped me and working through healing them to be authentic and true to myself.
Be sure to check out her thought’s on Growing, Healing, and Living Life.
Happy Mother’s Day Granny. Without your love and support, I would not be alive today. I went to live with my grandparents at 14 years old, a troubled teen with a traumatic background I kept secret from them.
Being raised by people from the “Great Generation” was a blessing to me. Hard work, accountability, honesty, and doing your part were some of the core beliefs. I believe the example they set for me has helped me greatly in life.
My Granny’s life was especially difficult, she lost her eyesight at age 3, and her father died at age 9, and after my father was born, her husband left her with no support.
When my dad was young, She had two dresses, she would come home from her shift and wash the dress she wore. The next day she had a clean one while the other dried. She walked miles to the trolly every day, I can only imagine how dreadful the cold months were for her.
She raised my father alone for 10 years until she married my Gramps. She was in love with my Gramps until the day she died.
My Granny looked after me from the day I was born and is the only mother I acknowledge.
I miss you from the bottom of my heart and will see you soon.
She loved her purple rose bush and the photo reminded me of her.
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the ‘Weekend Music Share‘ banner in your post, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
You might not know what ALS stands for but I bet you know some high-profile people who have or had ALS.
Notable individuals who have been diagnosed with ALS include:
Baseball great Lou Gehrig
Theoretical physicist, cosmologist and author Stephen Hawking
Hall of Fame pitcher Jim “Catfish” Hunter
U.S. Senator Jacob Javits
Actor David Niven
“SpongeBob SquarePants” creator Stephen Hillenburg
“Sesame Street” creator Jon Stone
Jazz musician Charles Mingus
Singer/songwriter Kim Shattuck (The Muffs)
Bassist Mike Porcaro (Toto)
Musician Huddie Ledbetter (Lead Belly)
Theatre producer Jenifer Estess
Boxing champion Ezzard Charles
NBA Hall of Fame basketball player George Yardley
Golf caddie Bruce Edwards
Photographer Eddie Adams
Entertainer Dennis Day
Former U.S. Vice President Henry A. Wallace
U.S. Army General Maxwell Taylor
NFL football player Steve Gleason
NFL football player O.J. Brigance
NFL football player Tim Shaw
Understanding ALS
ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. There is no cure for ALS yet.
ALS causes these motor neurons to degenerate over time until they eventually die. When the motor neurons die, the brain can no longer initiate and control muscle movement. When voluntary muscle action is progressively affected, people may lose the ability to speak, eat, move and breathe.
Who Gets ALS?
Every 90 minutes, someone is diagnosed with the disease, and someone passes away from it.
Most people who develop ALS are between the ages of 40 and 70, with an average age of 55 at the time of diagnosis. However, cases of the disease do occur in people in their twenties and thirties.
ALS is 20% more common in men than women. However, with increasing age, the incidence of ALS is more equal between men and women.
About 90% of ALS cases occur without any known family history or genetic cause. The remaining 10% of ALS cases are inherited through a mutated gene with a known connection to the disease.
For unknown reasons, military veterans are more likely to be diagnosed with the disease than the general public.
You can gather genetic information by having your DNA tested with a company like, 23&Me. Along with the history of your ancestors, you get information on any risk factors in your DNA for diseases. And they show all of your DNA relatives who’ve joined 23&Me and what percentage of DNA you share.
ALS is a brutal disease without a cure, make sure you know the warning signs and get help right away if having symptoms. The disease doesn’t discriminate between men and women or age groups.
Fibromyalgia is an invisible chronic illness with no cure and can take years to receive a proper diagnosis. One of the reasons it’s hard to get a diagnosis is many of the symptoms are the same as other chronic illnesses. A Rheumatologist is most often the type of doctor to provide treatment to limit symptoms. The key is to keep fighting for your health and changing doctors when needed. Your health now and in the future depends on you.
If you are diagnosed by your General Practitioner, ask for a referral to a Rheumatologist right away. Fibromyalgia treatment requires a specialist, maybe several. If you’re afraid to ask for a referral, get over it. Your health depends on it.
Having Fibromyalgia can be a roller coaster, a plan changer, and a total frustration. Get angry, cry, scream, whatever you need to do after your diagnosis, and then get on with living. It’s important to learn about your illness but not to overfocus, month after month, year after year. Learn the symptoms so you know when you are having symptoms or a flair and write them down to share with your doctor.
Keeping a log of when symptoms occurred and did notice any triggers. Looking for triggers can help you learn what you can do to avoid them. Remember every flair is different and every person with Fibromyalgia is different. If you read about how X medication or supplements worked on someone, don’t assume it will work for you. Discuss what you’ve learned with your doctor to see if it’s a good fit for you. *Just a note, there are many supplements that harm your liver and are to be avoided. DO NOT take any supplements before talking with your doctor. You don’t want to add to your health problems. Fibromyalgia will not kill you but many supplements on the market can.
I recommend joining the Fibro Connect FaceBook Group, here you will hear from others with Fibromyalgia. You will hear others’ stories, learn more about the illness and hear what types of treatment have worked for others. This adds knowledge to your toolbox, questions to ask your doctor, and most importantly, how to stay positive about your future. There are many people with fibromyalgia but it doesn’t mean you need to follow them. There are people who are a negative influence by always complaining, you don’t need the negativity in your life.
Give yourself grace when you have to cancel plans, spend the day in bed, or can’t clean the house. When you have a chronic illness you have to remember your health is more important than what you can’t do.
It’s important your partner or trusted friend go with you to all appointments. The reason is to have another set of ears, someone to take notes to compare later, and being included in appointments will educate your loved one straight from the doctor’s mouth.
If you would like to read more about Fibromyalgia from my past posts you can just click on Fibromyalgia in my Category Cloud on my front page.
I’ve included links to a few previous posts of mine on Fibromyalgia.
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight a new blogger, Cultivating Calm Within.
Cultivating Calm Within
Reboot the Brain. Find Inner Peace. Drive Ambition. Live Successfully.
Here at Cultivating Calm Within, Linda is a storyteller and despite everything she has experienced, she’s down to earth and relatable. Probably because she’s experienced life the hard way in her own life. Discovering tools and research that transformed her own personal life.
I weighed myself this week. It’s something I’ve been putting off for the best part of a year, to the extent that I was becoming phobic about stepping on the scales. I wasn’t supposed to let it get to this stage, my old dietitian recommended weighing myself regularly to avoid precisely this scenario. Realistically, I […]
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the ‘Weekend Music Share‘ banner in your post, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
You’re driving down a road and suddenly see a sign indicating a sharp turn. Do you slow down? If you don’t you risk going over a steep cliff. It doesn’t mean you “will” go over the cliff…it’s importantly a warning sign to prevent an accident or death. I’ve been a person in the past who […]
Traveling is exciting, but for pet owners, it may come with some guilt and anxiety about leaving a pet behind. Whether it’s a short weekend trip or a long vacation, leaving your pet can be difficult. But doing this is a great option if you’re worried about your pet not adjusting well to new surroundings. Thankfully, with proper preparation and planning, you can ensure your pet is safe, comfortable, and happy while away. Here are some tips for leaving your pet at home when traveling.
You may think you have your pet secured indoors before you leave home, but some pets always have a way of sneaking out. So, before setting off, you should ensure your pet is wearing a collar with updated ID information on their tag. This way, you wouldn’t worry too much about your pet not returning home if it gets lost. Updating your pet’s ID tag information gives it a better chance of being returned home when it gets lost.
Leave your pet with someone they know
There are countless reasons why you shouldn’t leave your pet at home alone. A better and safer option is to send them to someone they know. But if you choose to leave them at home, have a friend, family member, or a neighbor your pet knows and recognizes to come around. Better still, leave your pet with them at their home. And be sure to provide some supplies like food, water, waste bags, a pet first aid kit, etc. It’s important to leave your pet with someone they already know or at least someone they see regularly.
Provide your pet sitter with the updated information
After updating your pet’s ID information, be sure to tell your pet sitter if you’re opting for one. Also, please provide them with any other information they need to care for your pet in your absence. For example, what personality does your pet have? Is it quirky? Does it struggle with anxiety? Are there any health issues the pet sitter should know about?
You might also want to allow your pet sitter to meet with your pet several times before you leave. They way, the two will establish a good relationship and get to know each other. That makes it easier for both parties to get along in your absence.
Assess your pet’s needs
Different pets have different personalities. And while some pets do well when left alone, other pets will pretty much get depressed without the presence of their caretakers, especially if it’s a long absence. In general, pets that are used to having a lot of interactions with others may struggle on their own when left alone for longer periods, while pets that prefer isolation will not mind (perhaps not even notice) your absence. Dogs, for example, are very social, with most breeds experiencing separation anxiety when left alone for longer periods. If your dog does not do well alone, consider hiring a dog sitter or enrolling them in a boarding school for dogs. Also, younger pets may not do well alone, compared to older ones, as they still need a lot of interaction.
The subject of getting older is something that many people try to avoid thinking about too often. In our society, the growing older and the aging process is generally viewed negatively. After all, a thriving industry based on people wanting to look and feel younger. But, when your parents reach their senior years, the subject of old age becomes impossible to avoid.
Noticing that your parents are now elderly and their needs are changing can be challenging. Whereas they were once the caregiver, you may now find the roles are reversed. While they may not be able to do all the things they once could, you may be keen to help your parents live life to the full. If you want your aging parents to get the most out of life and thrive in their senior years, the following tips should help you make it happen:
As your parents grow older, it is easy to assume you know best and to take on the role of decision-maker. However, it is essential that you discuss your thoughts with your parents before you make decisions on their behalf.
Listening to your parent’s needs and concerns is essential if you want them to thrive in their later years. So, ensuring you keep the lines of communication open and being ready to listen is vital.
Find the Ideal Living Arrangements
Your elderly parent’s living arrangements may be a cause of concern for you. Maybe you are worried about them living alone and trying to keep up with daily tasks around the house. Or, maybe you are concerned you will need to move back into the family home to care for your parents. Unfortunately, finding the perfect living arrangements for your elderly parents can be a tricky subject to navigate. Nobody wants to lose their independence as they age, but trying to tackle all the chores and run a household is a challenging task.
Choosing the best senior living community offers the perfect solution, allowing elderly parents to live life to the full while maintaining their independence. While your parents can enjoy the best of senior living, you will have the peace of mind of knowing they can enjoy life without worrying about maintaining a home. You should notice your parents have a renewed lust for life and a feeling of freedom when they settle into their new community and begin enjoying their exciting new lifestyle.
Have Fun Together
When you are helping to care for your parents, you may find the time you spend together is very task-focused. Helping your parents with practical tasks, such as running errands or doing odd jobs, is important. However, it is crucial to also make time to have fun together. You may choose to visit a coffee shop together, watch a movie, or simply chat about past times. Whatever you choose to do, these moments are the perfect opportunity to reconnect and enjoy each other’s company while making new precious memories along the way.
I want to thank Editor Andrea Marchiano from Trigger Publishing for sending me The Compulsion Cloud to review. Mental Health books written for children teach by writing at a level they understand and will help you start a conversation on the subject.
Blurb
Holly’s story starts with a cloud – and it’s not a fluffy, white one you’d see on a sunny day. Instead, it’s a scary, dark cloud that looms over her and makes anxiety-provoking demands, which, if disobeyed, could cause bad things to happen to her loved ones. but fortunately for Holly, she is seeing a therapist who has a plan to help her get rid of this bullying cloud, once and for all.
You may have guessed that Holly’s cloud is a manifestation of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and her therapist aims to treat it with Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP). These terms can be confusing for children having their first OCD symptoms, so The Compulsion Cloud – written by social worker Averi Ridge Castaneda – introduces both concepts in a kid-friendly manner. Ultimately, this story provides a blueprint for recovery, which shows young readers that standing up to their compulsion clouds will bring them back to the light.
My Thoughts
Holly is a young girl who is experiencing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that comes over her in the form of a dark cloud. She’s exhausted and anxious, her mind is always going. She’s afraid if she doesn’t do what the cloud tells her to do her family may get hurt.
Holly met with Anna a therapist to help her understand the disorder and how to break the chains that bind her. Anna makes Holly feel comfortable enough to share her story. She explains all the tasks the cloud has her do and how it makes her feel. Like tap her fingers three times, wash her hands three times and the list of commands goes on.
Anna introduces her to Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy which is a proven therapy for OCD. She tells Holly to do the opposite of what the cloud tells her to do in order to take control back. It takes baby steps but with time the cloud would go away for good. She sent Holly home with some tools to help her.
Holly feels conflicted once home when the cloud arrives but she remembers the tools that Anna introduced her to. With practice comes confidence and Holly went on to live a full life with friends and family.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is widespread and requires treatment to break its hold. I would recommend this to parents and grandparents so they can better understand what is happening and the importance of treatment. Another reason it’s good for grandparents to read is they may have a shake-it-off philosophy. The Compulsion Cloud shares real-life experiences that all can learn from.
Trigger Publishing
TriggerHub.org is the first mental health organization of its kind. We are bringing mental health recovery and balance to millions of people worldwide through the power of our books.
We have built a first-class resource of curated books produced and published in-house to create a unique collection of mental health recovery titles unrivaled in quality and selection. We work with experts, psychologists, doctors, and coaches to produce our books, but we also work with real people looking to share their stories to reach out to others and provide hope, understanding, and compassion. These brave authors also aim to raise awareness of mental health’s “human” face and its impact on everyday lives.
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight a new blogger, Matt’s Plants & Co.
I’m Matt, a newbie gardener based in Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. Here, I share my experiences in the garden – with greenhouses, indoor plants, vegetables, fruit, natives and more.
I hope others can learn from my mistakes in the garden as I try to create a water-efficient, sustainable garden which supports native wildlife while decreasing the need to buy produce from the supermarket.
Check out Matt’s blog and grow your gardening skills.
In the beginning of January 2023, I woke up about 5am and walked downstairs to my office. I sat there for a moment and then went over to the bookcase and picked up a copy of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM V). It’s the book mental health care professionals use as […]
Each week I showcase one of my favorite songs. I’m so glad you dropped by, have a great weekend.
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the ‘Weekend Music Share‘ banner in your post, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
In the earliest stages of Chronic Kidney Disease, you can make changes to your diet that will help your kidneys stave off/or slow the progression of the disease.
I’ve only included the basics, so please go to the sites referenced for complete information.
The time to make changes is now, before you get Kidney Disease or if you’ve been diagnosed at the earliest stages.
A kidney-friendly diet should limit sodium, cholesterol, and fat, and instead focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean meats (seafood, poultry, eggs, legumes, nuts, seeds, and soy products), says Maruschak. People who have already been diagnosed with CKD may also need to limit certain other nutrients, she adds.
Here are the basics of diet changes
Portion Your Plate
Limit Your Salt Intake
Be Mindful of Protein
Choose Complex Carbs Over Simple Carbs
Limit Saturated Fats and Avoid Trans Fat
Watch Your Alcohol Intake
Talk to Your Doctor About Whether You Need to Limit Phosphorus and Potassium
Work With a Dietitian
The changes required can seem overwhelming but you can start one at a time until all are part of your Kidney healthy diet.
I was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 Kidney Disease, which means my kidneys are working at 50% and my kidneys are too damaged for them to heal. As I research my own Kidney Disease, I’ll pass along anything important.
Moving to a new town can be challenging. You’re uprooting your life and starting over in unfamiliar surroundings where no one knows you or where no familiar faces exist. However, with an open mind and positive approach, moving can be both enjoyable and beneficial for your mental well-being. It will help to expose you to new people from various walks of life, and there may be exciting opportunities out there that lead to improved quality of life. Here, we will cover everything from how to find housing in a new town to practical advice for making it feel like home in your new environment. So read on for advice on settling comfortably into life in a brand new city and its potential impact on mental health.
A new town can be both exciting and overwhelming. Before making the leap, it is wise to research its characteristics – neighborhoods, parks, and community events are good places to begin exploring your options, as are local schools and businesses. Spend some time getting acquainted with its amenities, such as shopping centers, medical facilities, and recreational activities, so you can form positive associations between yourself and the place you will soon call home.
Find An Experienced Realtor
Whether selling or renting out your current home, consulting with a realtor can be invaluable in the process. Their expertise and market knowledge will ensure you obtain the maximum return for your property sale or rental investment. Finding the best realtor for yourself is key; seek someone who understands your individual needs, who will guide the process in an optimal way, and who will help you find a home in your new town that fits both your requirements and budget.
Declutter Before Moving
Moving can introduce feelings of excitement and anxiety all at once, and decluttering before the big day can make all the difference. While it might be tempting to simply pack everything up and deal with it later, reducing clutter will create a more organized and soothing atmosphere when you arrive in your new home. Not only will you have less to unpack, but you’ll be able to easily find what you need and avoid feeling overwhelmed in your new surroundings.
Get To Know Your Neighbors
Making new friends in a new town may be daunting, but getting to know your neighbors can be one of the easiest ways to build a new community. Remember that building relationships take time; one way of making this transition more manageable is by getting acquainted with your neighbors – they may become your close friends, gym partners, or trusted pet sitters! So take the time to introduce yourself, invite them over for a meal, or offer to lend a hand whenever they need it.
Make Time For Yourself
Take time for yourself by participating in yoga classes, going for leisurely walks, or sitting quietly and meditating – however, you choose. Doing this will allow you to unwind, assess your emotions, and process changes in life more easily. Making this investment in yourself will reduce stress while improving your overall well-being; your mental well-being should be treated just as seriously as your physical well-being, so take the time needed for both!
Technology Makes Making Friends Easier
Moving away from those you love and places you are familiar with can be daunting, particularly when you don’t know anyone in your new town. But thanks to technology, making friends has never been simpler: friendship apps such as Bumble BFF are a great way to meet people who share similar interests or hobbies – you could meet potential friends within seconds by signing up. And who knows, you might just find your soulmate!
Explore Local Attractions
One of the best ways to familiarize yourself with a new town is by visiting its attractions. Take time out to visit landmarks, take part in outdoor activities, and try local eateries; doing this can quickly break down any barriers you might be feeling around meeting new people. It will also provide the opportunity for you to socialize with locals as well as learn about the town’s history while discovering hidden gems that will enhance your life experience.
Final Thoughts
Moving to a new city can be an immensely enriching experience for many, which is why it’s essential that it be done the correct way. Your mental health and well-being should always come first, so use the tips given above to make sure you have a successful transition into your new home. With a little effort, you’ll soon be feeling like a local in no time.
Inflation has driven many people to look for coupons for the first time only to find that coupons don’t come in the mail anymore. Company Savings Programs, Shopping, and Reward Apps are the first lines of defense and there are many to pick from.
The first place to look for cost savings is with the companies you work with. In our case, we shop at Kroger. They have a Loyalty Program that not only gives you coupons but also gives discounts on gas. Who would not want a grocer like that?
Our local CVS (drug store) pays a reward on many items including prescriptions. You sign up for the program and are given a card to use at checkout. Your card is scanned at the beginning of check-out and the money is in your account until the cash-out date. In this case, the reward money can only be used at CVS.
Don’t forget to look at Savings Programs offered directly from the stores you shop at. I belong to the Savings Programs for several of the stores I shop at. The companies offer a small reward for shopping with them and if they work with a company like Ratuken, it’s a double reward.
As far as Apps go, I use the reward Apps PayPal Honey and Ratuken for my online shopping. They are loaded in my browser and automatically pick up if a reward is offered. The rewards are turned into money and stack up fast. The other tip is, companies change the percentage paid by Ratuken regularly. If I don’t need anything right away, I wait until the percentage offered by Ratuken is higher before buying.
Another way to shop is to go straight to PayPal Honey and Ratuken sites and shop from their store list. These are just two Apps but there are many to pick from to meet your needs.
To find out what Apps are right for you, go to the App Store, review what’s available, and look for Apps that offer rewards to the largest number of stores to give you the best opportunity to earn. Make sure to read reviews before downloading.
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