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. So glad you stopped by today!
How do you wish to be remembered?
Melinda
Deep Thoughts
Category: Celebrate Life
Wordless Wednesday *Gulf Shores, Alabama
I’m so happy you dropped by today, I appreciate you and love your comments each week.
Melinda
How To Talk To Friends & Family About Your Chronic Illness
One of the phrases I hear often is people don’t understand what is wrong with me. I’m going to share a way to have better communication with friends and family.
Think about this
You’re a new student taking a class you know nothing about. The professor is talking fast and breezing thru the material, you don’t even know what the words mean. You’re in a state of frustration and you’re overwhelmed.
Now think about your friends and family, do you brain dump on someone with every Chronic Illness you have, every symptom and side effect? That is too much information. People can’t remember and they don’t care like you do.
How to
The most productive way to educate people on what Chronic Illness you have is to think about the most debilitating illness you have. Now, ask yourself if this illness going to potentially interfere with the relationship. Those are the only illnesses you need to talk about.
Take the one illness that may interfere with your relationship to talk about. Wait for the right setting, if they are working or on the phone, you’ve lost them. Meeting face-to-face is best. When the time is right let them know you have something important to talk about.
Then give a very brief overview of your illness and how it might impact them. Like having to cancel at the last minute, not being able to go, or having to cut the trip short. Don’t go into the symptoms or side effects of medication, you’ve lost them. If they have questions that’s great if not, that’s ok too. Maybe at the end of the conversation say, I have other Chronic Illnesses and I’ll share them on another day.
Then a couple months later talk with them about the second illness that may interfere with your relationship. Keep it short. I would not share more than three of the most debilitating illnesses. If you talk about your illnesses in great detail all the time you run the risk of being thought of as a hypochondriac.
I’m not a communications expert, take what you like from the post and throw the rest away.
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-That Scared Little Girl
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, That Scared Little Girl.
That Scared Little Girl
…where stories find healing
This site is the heart cry of a girl who longs to be seen and heard. In the spirit of finding healing and wholeness, she aches for her stories to be heard. Oh how she wishes someone had seen her as a girl.
This is the site where her stories will be told. A safe place. A tell-all of sorts. Things you don’t read in your informational or self-help books. The stories that make you uncomfortable.
The things she wishes people had known.
Check her out!
Melinda
My 2022 Book Reviews
Yes, You Can Talk About Mental Health At Work
365 Quotes to Accelerate Your Career and Find Balance in Life
Degloved: Every Scar Tells A Story
I hope you enjoyed each book as much as I did.
Melinda
It’s 2023, Now What?
I start out the New Year with high expectations tempered with grace. My Chronic Illnesses may slow me down some days but I won’t let them break me. This is where grace comes in, if I’m not able to work towards my goals today, I have tomorrow. It’s important to give others grace too.
Many of you know already that I don’t believe in Resolutions, they are dreams and dreams don’t come true. Instead of Resolutions make goals along with a plan on what you need to get them completed. Resolutions are like believing in the Easter Bunny.
If you want to move your life forward, you need goals and beyond goals is the meat of how are you going to get things done. I work to keep the number of goals to 10-15. This is a workable number to throw yourself into to make your life better.
I’m so glad you stopped by today and look forward to seeing you throughout 2023.
Here’s to tomorrow!
Melinda
Happy New Year
Before we start celebrating, let’s talk about drinking and driving. Plan your drive home if you like to drink a few extra. It’s a terrible thought of hurting yourself or others, let alone kill someone. It’s a mistake that could haunt you for the rest of your life.
I want to see you alive!
Let’s celebrate!!!!!!! 2023 has arrived for some and others are waiting to see what the New Year brings. The start of a new year is a great time to reflect on the past and reset your compass for success in the new year.
I will be enjoying a very low-key evening with some good eats and tucked in to sleep long before midnight.
See you next year, here’s to you!
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share-Thomas Rhett and Katy Perry Perform Their New Song “Where We Started” | LIVE @ CMA Awards
I’m so glad you dropped by today, thank you. I hope you 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.
Melinda
Friday Quote 12/30/2022
Hey! So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments each week.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday *Sydney Harbor Bridge
I’m so happy you dropped by today, I appreciate you and love your comments each week.
Sydney Harbor Bridge
Melinda
December Writing Prompts
I’m so glad Sheryl at A Chronic Voice is doing the December prompts, she has struggled with major health complications. Be sure to pop over to her site for a wealth of information. Glad you are feeling better.
What The 2022 Writing Prompts are About & How to Participate
The linkups are a monthly get together for anyone with a chronic illness, mental disorder or disability. An opportunity to share, to listen, and to learn from one another through shared writing prompts. I also think it’s a great way to provide insight into life with chronic pain, from many different points of view.
All you have to do is write using at least three of the writing prompts listed below, and publish it on your blog, or to a free writing platform like Medium. Then click on the blue ‘Add Link’ button to add your blog post to this page. Voilà, you’re now part of the linkup party!
The above graphic shows all the writing prompts. I am writing Reminding, Embracing, and Closing.
Reminding
I keep reminding myself that Chronic Illnesses are just that, in your face every day. Right now I’m struggling with depression, medication side effects, and Fibromyalgia. Early this month I had a Tsunami Flair that is just letting up. I’ve spent so many hours in bed, working on not feeling guilty. I’ve been sick since we married but in the earlier years, I only had one chronic illness which made managing my life far easier.
Embracing
2023 felt so far away until a month ago, then the Christmas sales commercials overwhelmed me. Since I stopped drinking 15 years ago we haven’t gone out on New Year’s. That’s ok, I spent too many years drunk at boring parties. The Holidays are very low-key for us, both families are far away. I start working on my goals for the year on New Year’s day and keep the list to 10-15 items. With my health, I don’t want to set myself up for failure.
Closing
I’m closing out the year 2022, looking at what I learned, what I got right, and where I go from here. I don’t believe in Wish List, a wish is a dream and a dream isn’t going to make anything happen. I keep a goal list, that way I keep focused on what is important and can change it at any time. One goal is to spend time outside learning the camera on my new phone.
Happy New Year.
Melinda
Kwanzaa 26th-Jan 1st.
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-Psychologistmimi
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, Psychologistmimi.
psychologistmimi
FOOD, ROAD TRIPS & NOTES FROM THE NON-PROFIT UNDERGROUND
I am a New Yorker, who has lived throughout the United States and abroad, but my New Yorker wit (AKA snark; bite) and sensibilities always stay with me.
I appreciate the blogging world’s community circle and strive to answer every comment and like; as well as visiting the blog of every follower.
All the world is my television and life is a highway and I like to provide commentary on it. Cheers
I love this blog, stop by and say hello.
Melinda
Have A Blessed Christmas
Growing up I couldn’t wait to arrive at my Grandparent’s house for Christmas. My Granny would go over the top with food and sweets. We opened our presents on Christmas Day. They usually bought lots of clothes. I still have all of their ornaments, they are frail, and I don’t use them but I have them to look at and bring back old memories.
Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the son of God. Please take a minute to think of the reason for the season.
Around 12 years old
Have a blessed Christmas, I hope you have family and friends to celebrate with and enjoy a good meal by starting with thanks to God for sending his only son who died for our sins..Melinda
Christmas Tune For You
Join me in celebrating the fun side of Christmas.
Melinda
Christmas Tune For You-Let’s Dance
Join me in celebrating the fun side of Christmas.
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share-Lenny Kravitz – Fly Away
I’m so glad you dropped by today, thank you. I hope you 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.
Melinda
Friday Quote 12/23/2022
Hey! So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments each week.
Melinda
Christmas Tune For You
Join me in celebrating the fun side of Christmas.
Melinda
Things To Consider When Looking For A New Apartment
Are you looking for a new apartment? Searching for a new place to call home? If so, then you’ll probably know that this is hardly an easy task! Finding a new home can be challenging because there are lots of different considerations to keep in mind. The location of the home, the size, the local amenities, and even the community around it can often influence our decisions. Because of these considerations, choosing a new home is generally quite challenging and can take a surprisingly long time.
But it doesn’t have to be so difficult!
We’ve put together a short list of things that you should always consider before picking a new apartment to live in. These are short, to-the-point considerations that will have a fairly drastic effect on how much you enjoy your new place, so make sure not to overlook any of them!
Where is your ideal location for an apartment?
There are usually two extremes; you want to be away from the city, or you want to be in the heart of the city. Being away from the city usually means that the area around your apartment is quieter, you have a bit more space, and you generally pay less. On the contrary, choosing a center city apartment usually means higher costs and less space, but you’re in the middle of the city which is fantastic for work-related purposes, nightlife, and so on. It’s important to pick carefully as the two can lead to drastically different lifestyles.
What kind of local services and stores do you need?
Are you someone that buys a lot of stuff from Amazon? Do you enjoy having lots of grocery shopping choices? Or are you a fan of ordering food and would love to be in the middle of the city with lots of unique food choices? Whatever your lifestyle preferences are, you need to consider what’s around you when changing homes. In general, being away from the city center means you probably have fewer choices for shops, groceries, and food. Getting closer to the city opens up more choices, but you might not be interested in having smaller stores near you. Instead, you might actually prefer driving to large malls and supermarkets on the outskirts of the city as opposed to being surrounded by various smaller stores.
Do you have enough space for what you want to do?
Space is always a huge concern when moving to a new apartment and it should be one of the biggest priorities. This is because an apartment can’t really be expanded like a house. You can’t build onto the house and you don’t have a garden for extra space. As a result, you should consider what you need your apartments for, such as hobbies or family members that might require extra rooms. This will obviously increase the rent but ensures that you get plenty of space for all of your current and future needs, thus avoiding the need to move again in the future.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Christmas Tune For You
Join me in celebrating the fun side of Christmas.
Melinda
Christmas Tune For You
Join me in celebrating the fun side of Christmas.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday *St. Petersburg, Russia
I’m so happy you dropped by today, I appreciate you and love your comments each week.
Melinda
Christmas Tune For You
Join me in celebrating the fun side of Christmas.
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-Invisible Pain
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, Invisible Pain.
Invisible Pain
LIVING WITH CHRONIC HEADACHE AND OTHER PAIN FOR WAY TOO LONG
In 1997 I survived an horrific car accident. In “The beginning” you can read more details about that. Ever since that day I’ve been in chronic pain. The most debilitating pain I have is a 24/7 headache. I haven’t experienced a minute awake without pain in my head since 1997. I have several other body parts that ache constantly as well, and the most frustrating part, is the fact that I can’t find relief. The doctors and specialists are at loss. I’m just dealing with it all without medication, or any other forms of pain relief.
I’m still trying to find a doctor who’s willing to figure out this mystery that I am.
In this blog I write random thoughts, experiences, and complaints. Feel free to comment and share your story with me if you please. You can also e-mail me directly at invisiblepainblog@gmail.com
Thank you for reading!
Sincerely,
Vanessa
Her site is the best of both worlds, great writing and photography.
Melinda
Have a Blessed Hanukkah 18th-26th
Happy Hanukkah, have a blessed week. I hope you’re surrounded by friends and family enjoying a good meal and making memories.
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share-Bryan Adams – Run To You
I’m so glad you dropped by today, thank you. I hope you 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.
Melinda
Friday Quote 12/16/2022
Hey! So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments each week.
Melinda
Documenting Long Complex Journey With Lyme Disease- Journal Entry One
I was reminded today that I had Lyme and thought I would share with you the first post I wrote in 2014.
It’s been a long time since this first Lyme blog, I found it interesting and naive. I hope you enjoy reading. If you’re at the beginning of your Lyme journey. I’m always here for you. M
Scheduling probiotics, medicine, and supplements is a challenge. With probiotics, you have to wait before eating or taking meds, then juggle what goes on an empty stomach with food. Can’t forget the shot to the stomach three days a week. Adjusting the new meds has not been fun, I’ve been stoned out of my mind the bulk of the day, then a massive headache moves in, and then time to get stoned again before bed with the headache.
My gripe is it’s not being stoned, it’s brain fog with the floor moving under your feet. David has to take me to appointments since I can’t drive. I’m a sight to see, a woman, stoned out of her mind trying to maneuver a cane while walking.
I had my first appointment with a new Cardiologist yesterday, he has Lyme Disease experience with a specialty in blood flow. He is one of three doctors who will manage my Lyme journey. The RN performed an EKG, and then his Assistant reviewed my medical history, asking what seemed like 1000 questions.
The doctor is next, we talk about how Lyme can affect blood flow in the heart and the entire body. The general exam with discussion on the test he has ordered. I left wearing a Holter Monitor which comes off at 2:45 PM today. I push a button on a small device and put it up to my chest anytime I feel dizzy, have cardiac pain, trouble breathing, etc, etc.
I leave with the schedule of tests for next week which takes 3 1/2 hours when to pick up medicine for tests and the great news is to show up fasting. A couple of tests I’ve done it multiple times due to my heart condition. The Tilt Test is what it sounds like, the table moves to a head-down position for 30 minutes. The test is more frightening than giving me a shot. They may see a panic attack instead, that’s a lot of time without control and no way to escape.
Echo Cardiogram
Q Sweat Test-Study of Sudomotor response assisting in the diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy
Tilt Table with Trans Cranial Doppler monitors mean blood flow velocity
Tilt Table with ANSAR-Determines how well the Autonomic Nervous System is functioning
Tilt Table with BIOZ-Determines the heart’s ability to deliver blood to the body
Tilt Table with QST-Assesses sensory neuropathy
Metabolic Stress Test
Lipid Profile
I have blood work from last week to complete, 20 plus vials get me as excited until she says the stool sample requires freezing! I’m now 1 hour 45 minutes before the monitor comes off. The time for a shot and a handful of pills. Are we having fun yet?
My heart and soul go out to those struggling with Lyme, it’s a long complicated journey. I know you’re strong enough to fight the virus in your body, though it may not feel like it today.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday *
I’m so happy you dropped by today, I appreciate you and love your comments each week.
Jet Decorating House
Jet’s explaining how the toilet paper got on the floor.
Melinda
lookingforthelight.blog 