Thanks for stopping by today, I appreciate your comments each week.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday*Gardening
Category: Celebrate Life
Just Pondering
If you became the leader of the country, what would be the first thing that you do?
Melinda
Have a Safe and Blessed Ramadan
I’ve watched many services on TV during Ramadan and it’s breathtaking. People travel for thousands of miles on foot to go to Mecca to hear prayers and to celebrate with other Muslims.
It’s a journey I would like to take one day, I’m a Christain but that doesn’t take away from the Holy prayers that are said and the awe of being there. Now that doesn’t mean that Christians are welcome, that’s just my desire.
It’s a mash-up that’s for sure. It’s civilized but with so many people, it’s overwhelming.
Have a blessed month, I hope you receive prayers and lots of love during Ramadan.
I wish you all the best on your journey to Mecca. Please be careful and soak up the sacred memories of a lifetime.
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-Frozen in the Fire
This series highlight bloggers you may not run across while searching. I know you’ll find some great blogs to follow and maybe make a few friends along the way. Keep your eye open each week for a new blogger.
Jessica Lynn at Frozen in the Fire
I am a 35 year old daughter of a King, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend. I am a Nurse Practitioner with the privilege of caring for diverse group of people. I have a passion for God, guiding others, and making mental health as discussed as physical health. I have been frozen in the fire far to many times and have finally made my way out.
“Owning your story is not about sharing the mistakes
of others.
It is about RISING UP IN GRACE
to create the life you desire with the pain, grief,
happiness, hope and love you have experienced.”
JESSICA LYNN
I wanted to highlight Jessica’s blog because she’s real, raw, and makes mental health a priority in her conversations.
Her most recent post, Hero Heart is an open letter to her children that will warm your heart. It touched me because it made me realize how important it is for children to hear their parents’ thoughts and I never had that kind of attention growing up.
Please check out Jessica’s blog for more great posts.
Melinda
April Writing Prompts
Each month Sheryl at A Chronic Voice shares writing prompts for all with a chronic illness or disability to participate by sharing their story to help encourage others.
This month’s word prompts are:
Forgetting
Modifying
Maintaining
Vocalizing
Trusting
I’ve chosen three words, Forgetting, Modifying, and Trusting.
I’m choosing to forget all the times I couldn’t do something or go somewhere planned. It’s a burden that none should have to carry. It’s a big monkey on the shoulders that doesn’t go away unless you make an effort. When we make the decision that we are important, we learn to take care of ourselves. Part of taking care of ourselves is giving ourselves some grace. The house might not be as clean or you may have to skip an invitation with a friend or family member but you must come first in taking care of your health.
Reducing stress is taking care of ourselves, we have to plan activities, like a foot or hand mask, foot soak, meditation, and the list goes on. Remember self-care time is taking care of ourselves time.
My immune disorder has left me trapped in the house since before COVID started and it’s time to move forward in this Post Covid world. I’ve been getting my hair cut and colored, driven to a few appointments, and am going to sign up for a Self-Defense class. I have to modify my life, it’s too restrictive. If I start getting sick, then I’ll have to take stock but for now, it’s game on. I have a void in my life and it’s time to fill it.
I’m trusting that once I get active outside of the house that my health will improve, I know my mental health will improve as I work in the garden every day. I’ve ordered several very special flowers this year and bought more perennial flowers as well. My garden is my haven in the Spring and Summer and no matter how bad I feel the garden makes me feel better.
Thank you for reading and please be sure to check out Sheryl’s site, she is a wealth of knowledge and has a great archive.
Melinda
Today in History April 3, 2022
Welcome to the Weekend Edition of Today in History. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the post. Have an awesome weekend.
1860
On April 3, 1860, the first Pony Express mail, traveling by horse and rider relay teams, simultaneously leaves St. Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento, California. Ten days later, on April 13, the westbound rider and mail packet completed the approximately 1,800-mile journey and arrived in Sacramento, beating the eastbound packet’s arrival in St. Joseph by two days and setting a new standard for speedy mail delivery. Although ultimately short-lived and unprofitable, the Pony Express captivated America’s imagination and helped win federal aid for a more economical overland postal system. It also contributed to the economy of the towns on its route and served the mail-service needs of the American West in the days before the telegraph or an efficient transcontinental railroad.
1936
Bruno Hauptmann, convicted of kidnapping Lindbergh’s son, executed
Bruno Richard Hauptmann, convicted in the 1932 kidnapping and murder of the 20-month-old son of Charles A. Lindbergh, is executed by electrocution. On March 1, 1932, Charles Lindbergh Jr., the son of the famous American aviator who made the first solo, nonstop transatlantic …read more
1978
“Annie Hall” beats out “Star Wars” for Best Picture
The rise of the action-adventure blockbuster was on the horizon, but on April 3, 1978, the small-scale romantic comedy triumphs over the big-budget space extravaganza. At the 50th annual Academy Awards, held at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, Woody Allen’s Annie …read more
1882
Jesse James is murdered
One of America’s most famous criminals, Jesse James, is shot to death by fellow gang member Bob Ford, who betrayed James for reward money. For 16 years, Jesse and his brother, Frank, committed robberies and murders throughout the Midwest. Detective magazines and pulp novels …read more
1996
Unabomber arrested
At his small wilderness cabin near Lincoln, Montana, Theodore John Kaczynski is arrested by FBI agents and accused of being the Unabomber, the elusive terrorist blamed for 16 mail bombs that killed three people and injured 23 during an 18-year period. Kaczynski, born in Chicago …read more
Melinda
Stream of Consciousness Saturday #SOCS Prompt is Tip
Our Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “tip.” Use it as a noun or a verb. Have fun!
This prompt is easy, the tip of my tongue. The tip is so sore from rubbing it on my teeth and gums. I’ve read where a chip or something can set this obsessive behavior off. I just want it to stop. I feel like my tongue is going to split open. I’ve contacted my dentist and Phsychatrist but no word yet on a solution.
As for another tip, it’s actually several tips.
This is my first participation in at least a year so it’s a short one.
For more streams, rules, and tips for Stream of Consciousness Saturday, visit our host, Linda at:
Have a great weekend.
Melinda
Just Pondering
Is stadium seating called bleachers because everyone gets blasted by the sun?
HAHAHAHAHA
Melinda
Fun Facts That Will Amaze You
I’m so glad you are enjoying Fun Facts. I learn something new each week, even if it’s weird. I love hearing your comments!
Play-Doh started out as a wallpaper cleaner before the head of the struggling company realized the non-toxic material made a good modeling clay for children and rebranded it. (museumofplay.org)
In the 1940s, a retired schoolteacher came up with Candyland to entertain children who were hospitalized from polio. Because its color system required no reading, young kids could easily play. (toyhalloffame.org)
People started wearing pajamas, originally spelled “pyjamas,” instead of nightgowns so they’d be prepared to run outside in public during World War I air raids in England. (bbc.co.uk)
At Medieval Times dinner attractions, you eat with your hands because people didn’t use utensils in the middle ages. (medievaltimes.com)
Freelancers originally referred to self-employed, sword-wielding mercenaries: literally “free lancers.” (merriam-webster.com)
Enjoy!
Melinda
How to Give Your Dog the Best Quality of Life
Introducing a pet dog into your life is a big commitment, and your new four-legged friend will change your life in many ways. So, before you decide to become a dog parent, you must ensure you are prepared for the work involved in caring for a new pet. If you feel that bringing a dog into your life is the right decision, you will find that your new companion enriches your life in many ways. Your new pet will be your constant companion and a truly loyal friend. As your dog brings so much joy to your life, you may be wondering how to give your dog the best quality of life. Here are some ways to ensure your new pet gets to live its best life every day:
Organize Training Classes
Socializing with your dog is an excellent way to ensure they have the best start in life. But, before you begin mixing your dog with other animals, you need to ensure they have had their vaccinations and the all-clear from the vet. Attending training classes once you can ensure your pet feels confident around other people and dogs, making life a lot easier for both of you when you are out and about. As well as being a valuable way to socialize your pet, training classes help instill good behavior in your dog from the start. The better behaved your dog is and the easier they find it to be around other animals and people, the better it is for you both. It is much easier to take your dog places if they are well-trained which means you don’t need to leave them at home.
Feed Your Dog a Healthy Diet
Your dog’s diet is vital to their health, so they need the right food to feel at their best. While it is tempting to feed your dog lots of treats and scraps of your food, it is best to stick to feeding them high-quality dog food. Choosing the right food for your dog will ensure that they get all the necessary nutrients to stay fit and healthy. Once you start looking at the many different dog foods available, you may struggle to know which is the right choice for your pet. Looking at walmart pet food and comparing the brands should help make it easier to find the best option. It is best to select a brand that says it is a ‘complete’ food as this will ensure it contains all the vital nutrients your adult dog needs.
Provide Plenty of Opportunities for Exercise
All dogs need exercise, so providing plenty of opportunities for your dog to be active is essential. The activity your dog needs depends on its age and breed. Too much exercise can be bad for young dogs and certain breeds, putting excessive stress on their joints. So, ensuring your dog gets the appropriate amount of activity for their breed and stage in life is essential to keep them happy and living their best life.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Please Welcome The Daily Addict To Survivors Blog Here — Survivors Blog Here Mental Health Collaborative
I’m thrilled to announce that The Daily Addict has joined Survivors Blog Here. I’ve been reading her posts for months and knew she would make a great addition to the group. Photo by Secret Garden on Pexels.com The Daily Addict -” I have a disease that has a spiritual solution” You can read her last […]
Please Welcome The Daily Addict To Survivors Blog Here — Survivors Blog Here Mental Health Collaborative
#Weekend Music Share *Justin Timberlake and Garth Brooks – Friends In Low Places – Nashville, December 19, 2014
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 4/1/2022
How A Chronic Primary Pain Diagnosis Changed My Life Webinar with Shannon Doughtery
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Join Lin Health for a free webinar, How A Chronic Primary Pain Diagnosis Changed My Life. |
Have a great pain-free day!
Melinda
Everyday Magic 3/31/2022
I’m so glad you are enjoying Everyday Magic. I find it a good place to wind down and ask some important questions.
Bella and Grace by Stampington
No matter if you’re an introvert or an extrovert, it’s important to spend time alone.
What are some of your favorite things to do by yourself?
Enjoy your day!
Melinda
Holistic Health: 5 Common Reasons You May Be Struggling to Achieve Your Fitness Goals
People choose to engage in exercise for many different reasons. Making exercise a part of your lifestyle can be challenging at first, but once you develop a routine, it becomes easier to follow. Once you’ve made it a routine, the next step is to not just get it done but to get it done efficiently and in a way that meets your reasons for engaging in an exercise in the first place.
If you’re struggling to achieve your fitness goals, you may be lacking a holistic approach to health.
What is holistic health?
Holistic health is a multifaceted approach to health that integrates all components of wellness. According to most definitions, holistic health has six components:
- Physical
- Mental
- Spiritual
- Intellectual
- Social
- Emotional
If you’re approaching your fitness routine exclusively from the physical component of health, you’re likely struggling to meet your goals.
Health-related barriers to achieving fitness goals
Some of the most common reasons you may be struggling to achieve your fitness goals include the following five non-physical health-related barriers:
Drug and alcohol misuse
While drug and alcohol abuse affects your physical health, they tend to develop due to deficiencies in the mental, spiritual, intellectual, social, and/or emotional components of holistic health. Substance abuse can affect your fitness performance by impacting your sleep, caloric intake, heart and liver health, and overall energy levels during workouts.
According to drug abuse statistics, substance abuse is more common than you might think. If you’re struggling with substance abuse to the extent that you feel unable to control your use, consider contacting a reputable detoxification center to start getting your health – and life – back on track.
Mental health issues
So much emphasis is placed on physical health that many people prioritize this over looking after their mental health. Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can make engaging in regular exercise challenging.
These mental illnesses can also impact your overall energy levels. Without high energy levels, you may struggle to put in the time required to make healthy meals and push yourself in your workouts.
Disordered eating habits
A person can have disordered eating habits without having an eating disorder. Disordered eating habits include overly restricting calories, restricting certain food groups, ignoring hunger signals, and overeating.
Disordered eating habits can impact your metabolism and negatively impact the work you put in at the gym.
Aesthetics-driven exercise
Everyone knows that exercise benefits mobility, longevity, and overall quality of life. However, exercise is also often engaged in changing the appearance of the body. Both men and women are frequently plagued with images in the media that set a standard for what an attractive person ‘should’ look like.
If your primary motivation for engaging in exercise is aesthetic-based, you’re likely approaching exercise from a punishment perspective and have an increased risk of injury.
Poor self-image
Aesthetics-driven exercise is also often caused by a negative self-image. Without believing you’re worth it regardless of the way you look, you’ll struggle to meet your fitness goals.
To pursue health, you need to believe that you are worthy of health. You also need to recognize that the appearance of your body does not reflect your health status.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday*Prized Lilly
Thanks for stopping by today, I appreciate your comments each week.
Melinda
Help Us Celebrate Our 8th Anniversary — Survivors Blog Here Mental Health Collaborative
In 2014 an idea was hatched to create a site that would allow everyone to share their story in a safe environment and Survivors Blog Here was born. Now it’s 2022, it’s hard to put into words what the past eight years have meant to me and the contributors of Survivors Blog Here. We have […]
Help Us Celebrate Our 8th Anniversary — Survivors Blog Here Mental Health Collaborative
Blogger Highlight-Bipolar: A Way Of Life
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 I highlight a new blogger, Bipolar: A Way Of Life.
Diagnosed with Bipolar and BPD, I have been managing these illnesses for the last 30 years.
I’ve lived a pretty good life and have stayed out of trouble. I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. Really it’s all about living a balanced life and everything in moderation.
I’m a Fur Mom to Luna, a Former Professional who went out on Longterm Disability, and also a Single Living on a Budget.
My Interests include: Psychology, Christian Living, Healthy Living, Reading, & Jigsaw Puzzles.
I talk about a variety of things in my blog.
Mostly the things I’ve learned and how I live my life.
Be sure to check out her blog to read her most recent posts. She’s hit home on several posts I’ve read recently, most recent the need to shop to fill a void. I fall into that category even with happy home life and years of therapy. Maybe you do too?
Melinda
See last week’s Blogger Highlight here.
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month
Every March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness month, a time for sufferers, family members, and supporters to share information, sympathy, and camaraderie, drawing attention to this disease of the central nervous system. If you’re not familiar, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) happens when one’s immune system attacks the nerve cells and renders them unable to properly transmit information, causing balance issues, weakened vision, fatigue, and other unpredictable symptoms.
Approximately 2.5 million people worldwide suffer from multiple sclerosis. The cause is unknown, and there is no definitive cure as of this writing. However, there are many effective treatments, so those afflicted with MS should not lose hope. This month is all about raising awareness, educating wider society, fundraising, and getting behind those scientists that seek to advance our understanding of MS.
This month is also an opportunity for the family and friends of people with MS to gain an accurate, better understanding of the disease.
MS affects everyone differently. Some may experience mild symptoms, whereas others have severe symptoms that limit mobility. MS Awareness Month brings awareness to the condition’s many forms.
In addition to this month-long awareness campaign, other days throughout the year also focus on MS. For example, Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week is from March 7th to 13th in 2021. There is also World MS Day, which takes place on May 30th every year. Both offer additional opportunities to get involved in the MS awareness movement.
If you have MS, educating yourself can help you cope with the disease. And if you don’t have MS, learning more can help you understand how a loved one feels. Getting involved during MS Awareness Month every March can raise awareness for this condition, and help lead to a cure.
Melinda
Reference
https://nationaltoday.com/multiple-sclerosis-awareness-month/
https://www.healthline.com/health/multiple-sclerosis/multiple-sclerosis-awareness-month#when-is-it
Book Review How To Breathe Like A Badass by Hannah Jane Thompson
I want to say a special thank you to Managing Editor Soraya Nair of Trigger Publishing for sending me the book How To Breathe Like A Badass by Hannah Jane Thompson for review.
![Breathe Like a Badass: Beat Anxiety and Self Doubt, Calm Your Inner Critic & Build a No-Nonsense Mindfulness and Meditation Toolkitme and Build Your No-Nonsense Mindfulness and Meditation Toolkit by [Hannah Jane Thompson]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/414L7Xo49KL.jpg)
Follow the Author
About the Author
Blurb
Breathe Like a Badass is a no-BS guide to creating a life-changing, burnout-busting emotional toolkit – one breath at a time. Want to quieten your inner critic, rediscover your inner badass and build a successful, freedom-filled life you love? Then BREATHE.
Hannah Jane Thompson is on a mission to help ambitious-but-anxious women like you banish patterns of self-sabotage.
This down-to-earth guide teaches you how to start – and stick to – a non-woo woo meditation habit (no chakras or chunks of rose quartz here, sorry) that will help calm anxiety, beat self-doubt, and build a focused, fulfilled and happy life.
Using scientifically proven mindfulness, meditation and self-reflection techniques, Hannah will help you turn your inner critic from b*tch to badass and create an emotional toolkit to use when life gets tough.
Through acceptance and self-compassion, you can transform all areas of your life – from working on your mental health, calming anxiety, stress and depression; to giving fewer sh*ts about what others think and improving your sex life, body confidence, relationships, career and finances.
My Thoughts
I love this quote she includes in the book.
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”
Jon Kabat-Zinn, professor and mindfulness expert”
Learn to surf we must if we are to move forward in life. One key is to learn to be aware of our self-talk and inner criticism. Hannah’s goal is to show how to slow down, learn to listen to your inner voice, and bring more balance into your life.
This book is unlike other meditation books I’ve read in that Hannah breaks things down to the bone. There’s no fluff here, no sage burning or mystic crystals. Just straightforward conversation in a manner you can understand and can make part of your daily routine right away. If your looking for fluff don’t buy this book.
Excerpt From
Breathe Like A Badass
“That’s how I realized that making new habits isn’t about willpower, or how much you want it, or finding the exact right time or moment. It’s about repetition, and not waiting until everything is perfect to start. If I had waited until I felt calm enough, ready enough, or had the perfect place or the perfect time to begin learning to meditate, I would never have got started.”
Isn’t this paragraph about life, really? If we waited for everything to be perfect to happen in our lives, nothing would happen, or something we aren’t controlling. That’s the point, we have to take the wheel in life.
She lays out the basics of what is meditation and she makes it easy to see how meditation can fit into your life with practice and a little patience.
I recommend this book to all women who want to learn how to calm their inner voice.
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
Happy Mother’s Day
To all the mothers in the UK, Happy Mother’s Day!
You probably haven’t been told often enough how much you are appreciated but today I’m telling you that you are! These flowers are for you.
Have a beautiful day!
Melinda
Today in History March 27, 2022
Welcome to the Weekend Edition of Today in History. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the post. Have an awesome weekend.
1912
March 27, 1912: In Washington, D.C., Helen Taft, wife of President William Taft, and the Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese ambassador, plant two Yoshino cherry trees on the northern bank of the Potomac River, near the Jefferson Memorial. The event was held in celebration of a gift, by the Japanese government, of 3,020 cherry trees to the U.S. government.
1998
FDA approves Viagra
On March 27, 1998, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves use of the drug Viagra, an oral medication that treats impotence. Sildenafil, the chemical name for Viagra, is an artificial compound that was originally synthesized and studied to treat hypertension (high blood …read more
1973
Marlon Brando declines Best Actor Oscar
On March 27, 1973, the actor Marlon Brando declines the Academy Award for Best Actor for his career-reviving performance in The Godfather. The Native American actress Sacheen Littlefeather attended the ceremony in Brando’s place, stating that the actor “very regretfully” could …read more
1905
Fingerprint evidence is used to solve a British murder case
The neighbors of Thomas and Ann Farrow, shopkeepers in South London, discover their badly bludgeoned bodies in their home. Thomas was already dead, but Ann was still breathing. She died four days later without ever having regained consciousness. The brutal crime was solved using …read more
1952
Kiichiro Toyoda, founder of the Toyota Motor Corporation, dies
Kiichiro Toyoda, founder of the Toyota Motor Corporation, which in 2008 surpassed America’s General Motors as the world’s largest automaker, dies at the age of 57 in Japan on March 27, 1952. Toyoda was born in Japan on June 11, 1894. His father Sakichi Toyoda was an inventor of …read more
Melinda
Sunday Quote
I hope you’re having a great day. Here’s some food for thought.
SHE IS A BEAUTIFUL
PIECE OF BROKEN
POTTERY. PUT BACK
TOGETHER
BY HER OWN HANDS
A CRITICAL WORLD
JUDGES HER CRACKS
WHILE MISSING
THE BEAUTY OF
HOW SHE MADE
HERSELF WHOLE
AGAIN.
J.m. Storm
Melinda
Just Pondering
In the future, what will people be nostalgic for from our current time?
I can’t wait to hear your ideas!
Melinda
Reference:
Fun Facts That Will Amaze You
I’m so glad you are enjoying Fun Facts. I learn something new each week, even if it’s weird. I love hearing your comments!
Buckingham Palace in London, England, has 775 rooms, including 78 bathrooms. (royal.uk)
The White House in Washington, DC, has 132 rooms, including 35 bathrooms. (whitehouse.gov)
It takes 570 gallons to paint the exterior of the White House. (whitehouse.gov)
The teddy bear is named after President Theodore Roosevelt. After he refused to shoot a captured black bear on a hunt, a stuffed-animal maker decided to create a bear and name it after the president. (nps.gov)
Lincoln Logs were created by John Lloyd Wright, son of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, in the 1920s. They were named after Abraham Lincoln, who grew up in a log cabin. (nps.gov)
Enjoy!
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share *Harry Styles & James Corden Carpool to Work
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 3/25/2022
So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments each week.
Melinda
Just Pondering
Do you think that you would feel like you had more time if we decided that the day had 48 hours instead of 24?
Melinda
Looking for the Light 