January Writing Prompts

January 11, 2023 Looking for the Light5 Comments

The January Writing Prompts are hosted by Sheryl at A Chronic Voice. Be sure to check out her blog, the archives are choked full of information on Chronic Illnesses.

Here are the prompts:

SUMMARISING

CROSSING

MOVING

REBUILDING

EXPECTING

I’m using Moving, Expecting, and Rebuilding.

Moving

After spending most of last year sick, sicker than normal, I’m ready to move forward. This month the Tardive Dyskinesia finally went away after 8-9 months. I don’t know if it ran its course or if all the prayers did the healing. My bottom teeth have some issues that require my dentist to look at.

Expecting

I’m always expecting a good day and if it doesn’t happen, I’ll expect it the next day. I only look back to learn from my experiences. The same goes for when I see a new doctor, stay positive until they dismiss you. I was dismissed by my last Rheumatologist before she even did the exam, she said I wouldn’t need to see her again. My husband and I thought she didn’t listen to anything I said. Then she diagnosed me with Sicca and didn’t even tell me or write me a prescription. I do keep expecting the good.

Rebuilding

Due to my Immune Disorder, we’re still in full-blown Covid mode. I don’t feel comfortable eating out or being in large crowds, the only places I’ve been since Covid started are the doctor’s office and Starbucks drive-thru. That’s limiting and it makes me yearn for my younger years before illnesses. I work hard to be thankful for what I have and acknowledge staying indoors will end. I bought a bike for my Christmas but balance problems and dizziness prevent me from enjoying the good days. I’m working to rebuild a life, a fullfilling life.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Travel

Wordless Wednesday *Picasso

January 11, 2023 Looking for the Light1 Comment

I’m so happy you dropped by today, I appreciate you and love your comments each week.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

January Awareness Days

January 10, 2023 Looking for the Light1 Comment

There are some great Awareness Days during the month of January. This is a condensed version if you want a complete list search for January Awareness Days and you’ll find several lists that are much longer.

Cervical Health Awareness Month

March of Dimes Birth Defects Prevention Month

National Eye Care Month

National Stalking Awareness Month

Thyroid Awareness Month

Raynaud’s Awareness Month

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

National Obesity Awareness Week 10th-16th

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day 11th

European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 27th

Melinda

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

Blogger Highlight-Issababy Creates

January 9, 2023 Looking for the Light1 Comment

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, Issababy Creates.

Issababy Creates

This perhaps the least specific blog you will find. My interests include: DIY projects, Yoga, writing, photography, reading, camping, hiking, or something altogether
different depending on my current mood. I’ve never been pigeon holed into one category so neither is my blog.

Her blog is so much fun, you have to check her out.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

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

Book Review I Can’t Have That I Have Allergies by Katie Kinsella

January 9, 2023January 20, 2023 Looking for the Light1 Comment

I want to give a special thanks to Managing Editor Soraya Nair for sending me I Can’t Have That I Have Allergies by Katie Kinsella for review.

Blurb

All the animals in the woodland are headed to a party – that is, except Hedgehog, who can’t attend because of his food allergies. But one of his kind friends, Deer, decides to learn more about his condition, and she comes up with a plan so that Hedgehog can safely celebrate, too!

I Can’t Have That, I Have Allergies is a sensitively written story by a mother whose daughter has life-threatening allergies. It will enlighten those unfamiliar with the severity of such allergies, and it will help children who suffer from them to know that they aren’t alone.

My Thoughts

Have you missed school on a special day? You were probably sad that you could not participate in the fun. The Hedgehog has a similar story, he has severe allergies which limit what he can eat. It’s not fun going to a birthday party and not being able to eat cake.

As each of the Hedgehog’s friends stop in on the way to a birthday party, he explains why he can’t go to the party. His friends go on their way but they have a big surprise for him. They cared so much for their friend, they contacted his mother to get a list of what he can’t eat and they made a cake he could. They show up at Hedgehog’s house and have a big Birthday party which allows the Hedgehog to have fun and not worry about what he can or can’t eat.

The book does an excellent job of describing Allergies children can understand. I think the bigger picture is when Hedgehog share’s with his friends why he can’t go, they didn’t abandon him, they embraced him instead. It’s important for kids to know they can talk about their problems instead of keeping everything in.

For every parent who has a child with Allergies of any kind, this is the perfect book to show if you share what is going on with your friends they will have your back.

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.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

Celebrate Life · Fun

Today in History January 8, 2023

January 8, 2023 Looking for the Light1 Comment

So glad you are enjoying the Today in History on Sundays, thanks for all the feedback.

1877

Crazy Horse fights last battle

On January 8, 1877, Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse and his men—outnumbered, low on ammunition and forced to use outdated weapons to defend themselves—fight their final losing battle against the U.S. Cavalry in Montana.

Six months earlier, in the Battle of the Little Bighorn, Crazy Horse and his ally, Sitting Bull, led their combined forces of Sioux and Cheyenne to a stunning victory over Lieutenant Colonel George Custer (1839-76) and his men. The Native Americans were resisting the U.S. government’s efforts to force them back to their reservations. After Custer and over 200 of his soldiers were killed in the conflict, later dubbed “Custer’s Last Stand,” the white American public wanted revenge. As a result, the U.S. Army launched a winter campaign in 1876-77, led by General Nelson Miles (1839-1925), against the remaining tribes on the Northern Plains.

2002

President George W. Bush signs No Child Left Behind Act into law

On January 8, 2002, President George W. Bush signs the No Child Left Behind Act into law. The sweeping update to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 created new standards and goals for the nation’s public schools and implemented tough corrective measures for …read more

2011

Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords injured in shooting rampage

On January 8, 2011, Gabrielle Giffords, a U.S. congresswoman from Arizona, is critically injured when a man goes on a shooting spree during a constituents meeting held by the congresswoman outside a Tucson-area supermarket. Six people died in the attack and another 13, including …read more

1940

Mussolini questions Hitler’s plans

A message from Benito Mussolini is forwarded to Adolf Hitler. In the missive, the Duce cautions the Fuhrer against waging war against Britain. Mussolini asked if it was truly necessary “to risk all-including the regime-and to sacrifice the flower of German generations.” …read more

1946

Elvis Presley receives his first guitar

In competing versions of the story, what Elvis Presley really wanted for his birthday was a rifle or a bicycle—both fairly typical choices for a boy his age growing up on the outskirts of Tupelo, Mississippi. Instead, Elvis’s highly protective mother, Gladys—”She never let me out …read more

Have an awesome day!

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun

#Weekend Music Share-OneRepublic – Counting Stars (Official Music Video)

January 6, 2023 Looking for the Light4 Comments

I’m so glad you dropped by today, thank you. I hope you have a great weekend.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Men & Womens Health

Friday Quote 1/06/2023

January 6, 2023 Looking for the Light1 Comment

Hey! So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments each week.

Melinda

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

Book Review The A-Z Self-Care Guide For Kids By Dr. Alexandra Barnett

January 5, 2023March 4, 2026 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

I want to thank Trigger Publishing Editor Andrea Marchiano for sharing The A-Z Self-Care For Kids by Dr. Alexandra Barnett. One thing I’ve learned from reviewing children’s books is what a great resource they are for parents and children alike. It’s a great way to teach, and sharing stories will help your children relate.

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.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

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

Deep Thoughts

January 4, 2023November 20, 2025 Looking for the Light11 Comments

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

How do you wish to be remembered?

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Travel

Wordless Wednesday *Gulf Shores, Alabama

January 4, 2023 Looking for the Light7 Comments

I’m so happy you dropped by today, I appreciate you and love your comments each week.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

How To Talk To Friends & Family About Your Chronic Illness

January 3, 2023 Looking for the Light14 Comments

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

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

Blogger Highlight-That Scared Little Girl

January 2, 2023 Looking for the Light1 Comment

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

Looking for the Light

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

My 2022 Book Reviews

January 2, 2023January 9, 2023 Looking for the Light1 Comment

Overcome

How Do You Feel

Understanding Human Nature

The Packing List

My Mind Won’t Shut Up

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

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

It’s 2023, Now What?

January 1, 2023 Looking for the Light3 Comments

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

Celebrate Life · Fun · Men & Womens Health

Happy New Year

December 31, 2022 Looking for the Light15 Comments

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

Celebrate Life · Fun

#Weekend Music Share-Thomas Rhett and Katy Perry Perform Their New Song “Where We Started” | LIVE @ CMA Awards

December 30, 2022 Looking for the Light3 Comments

I’m so glad you dropped by today, thank you. I hope you have a great weekend.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Men & Womens Health

Friday Quote 12/30/2022

December 30, 2022 Looking for the Light6 Comments

Hey! So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments each week.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Travel

Wordless Wednesday *Sydney Harbor Bridge

December 28, 2022December 28, 2022 Looking for the Light3 Comments

I’m so happy you dropped by today, I appreciate you and love your comments each week.

Sydney Harbor Bridge

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

December Writing Prompts

December 27, 2022 Looking for the Light3 Comments

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!

2022 December Writing Prompts for People with Chronic Illnesses and Disabilities

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

Celebrate Life · Fun

Kwanzaa 26th-Jan 1st.

December 26, 2022December 27, 2022 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

Photo by Askar Abayev on Pexels.com

Melinda

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

Blogger Highlight-Psychologistmimi

December 26, 2022 Looking for the Light2 Comments

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

Looking for the Light

Celebrate Life · Men & Womens Health

Have A Blessed Christmas

December 25, 2022December 20, 2025 Looking for the Light10 Comments

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

Celebrate Life · Mental Health

Christmas Tune For You

December 24, 2022 Looking for the Light4 Comments

Join me in celebrating the fun side of Christmas.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=W3Mgf2IIAg8&feature=shares

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Mental Health

Christmas Tune For You-Let’s Dance

December 24, 2022December 24, 2022 Looking for the Light1 Comment

Join me in celebrating the fun side of Christmas.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=zsat4e8jgHA&feature=shares

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun

#Weekend Music Share-Lenny Kravitz – Fly Away

December 23, 2022 Looking for the Light1 Comment

I’m so glad you dropped by today, thank you. I hope you have a great weekend.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Men & Womens Health

Friday Quote 12/23/2022

December 23, 2022 Looking for the Light8 Comments

Hey! So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments each week.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Mental Health

Christmas Tune For You

December 23, 2022 Looking for the Light7 Comments

Join me in celebrating the fun side of Christmas.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=9TrkS0NdCQ8&feature=shares

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing

Things To Consider When Looking For A New Apartment

December 22, 2022 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

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