Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their blog with you. This week we highlight the blog Yolanda and her creative mind.
My name is Yolanda. From the beginning, I wrote a lot here to teach people about mental illness. I do that sometimes in the present, but now I mostly share my creative perspective in photography, photoshop art, and poetry most of the time.
Yolanda picked up photography when she moved to Stockholm five years ago.
These are one image and one photo she likes and I wanted to share them with you.
Here is a recent favorite of mine.
Yolanda is also a published writer of the book Alternativt.
Baksidan lyder: ”Alternativt” är en bok som jag har skrivit när jag har varit frisk och när jag har varit sjuk. I grunden har jag Aspergers syndrom och lider av bipolär sjukdom. Som person är jag väldigt kreativ. Jag har tidigare givit ut en annan bok, som jag gav namnet ”I skuggan av en siluett skör som glas”. Både den och den här boken är mest baserade på dikter. Den förra boken innehåller även målningar och teckningar. ”Alternativt” bjuder på dikter och texter skrivna av en kreativ och alternativ kvinna, som är mycket mer än bara sina diagnoser.
”Alternativt” finns även att köpa i de flesta nätbokhandlarna!
Here’s a great review.
”Your talent bestowed within u by God endowed you to write and inspire others with the beauty and skills of your royal talent.”_-Van Prince
The interpretation of the photos she takes is amazing. She has Asperger Syndrome which I know very little about but I can feel the world around her and despite her challenges, she gets up and keeps living life. That is what we can all do. Live life.
Be sure to stop by and say hello, not only is she talented, she’s so sweet and grateful. I know you will enjoy her blog, pull up a set and stay awhile.
Many of you know I was extremely close to both of my Grandparents, we loved each other dearly. Not only did they pull me from rock bottom, but they made sure I had the tough love needed to get away from the bad crowd I was hanging with, my drug addiction, and recover from my childhood trauma. It was truly unconditional love. I went to live with them after a year of bad girl boarding school at the age of 14 and they became my legal guardians.
My Granny worked with my Social Worker to find the right type of rehabilitation, it was a boarding school at a Convent that she remembered from her youth. It was just what I needed. They paid for my uniforms, the necessary towels and sheets, and a monthly allowance of $40 to buy a soda pop and a candy bar daily and they bought my cigarettes. Since I was a ward of the State of Texas, the state paid the yearly tuition. They came every Wednesday to the family group sessions and Granny would make enough goodies for my dorm or bring enough of the good candy everyone loved. We weren’t allowed to talk but the nuns let them come in for a minute to give me the goodies to share.
My Gramps had just retired and no doubt thought more about hunting, fishing, and his daily squirrel run to the levees. But he embraced me and taught the lessons of life, the ones that matter, they became my foundation. They cooked every day except for Saturday when they went to El Chico’s for Mexican food, I joined them long after leaving home, it was a special time between us.
A sketch I did of Gramps playing scratch-off games
Gramps enjoyed scratch-off games and we often gave them as treats, he would not but for himself. So we did.
These were his core values:
Work hard
Do it right the first time
If you borrow something, give it back in better shape
Always make time for family
Don’t hate
Stand up for yourself
Marriage was sacred
If you can do it yourself it means more
He was right on target and I have those values today and what I looked for in my husband.
He was very protective all my life but when it came to boys, he was extra tough. With a strict curfew, I couldn’t drive my car on weekends, only to school, to take Granny shopping or doctor appointments, and to work. He knew my schedule like clockwork. I had to pay him 8 dollars a week for gas and 50 dollars for the extra insurance. He taught me responsibility and accountability. There were no excuses unless it was a freak thing and I had to call before my curfew. Even 5 minutes late was late. I can’t thank him enough.
My Gramps was from a very poor family who were sharecroppers and self-taught wielders. He joined the Army in 1939 to leave poverty and build a better life for himself and he did just that. After leaving the Army, he worked as a mechanic for Greyhound Bus Line’s for 38 years, and he never accepted a promotion, he felt most comfortable working with his hands alone and had no BS from management. I can understand that.
He married only once to my Granny and loved her to the day she died. He had the strength to move forward and he built a full life after her death, by going to the recreation center every day, eating a 1 dollar lunch, always giving his milk to a man who needed it, and then playing dominos, for an hour or two. He made great friends there and they were in his life until the end. He tried indoor swimming which shocked me, even had a couple of friends visit him and he visited them. He believed in taking something every time he visited someone.
Money was important to build a simple humble life, never wanting more than he needed to provide. He accepted my Granny’s only son, my father, and no doubt he was a handful. He didn’t discipline my father, that was Granny’s job because he never wanted to impose on her. He was a happy man, witty, like a clean but dirty joke, not raunchy. He accepted people for who they were and felt everyone was equal except for a few. He was racist towards blacks, I’m not sure where that came from. He didn’t hate them but didn’t allow them in his house. He never spoke ill of anyone even though many family members deserved it.
He loved his family and the ones that mattered the most to him who were still alive, visited him during the last few weeks of his life. He didn’t tell anyone until I brought the phone book into the living room one day and said it was time to call family and friends.
The mold was broken when they made my Gramps, he was a proud man, who kept his word and took people at face value even to a fault. There were many hillbilly’s in the family and a few shady dealers but it didn’t matter to him.
Gramps called me Pud since I was a child until the end. It was something just between us and always meant love to me. I’m the person I am today abuse of their love and faith in my future. He only went to 3rd grade and Granny to 5th grade, that is what happens when you are poor and can’t afford the clothes or were needed at home to work. They made sure I went to school every day except the few occasional Granny would write a note so we could go have fun shopping for the formals I needed for high school. We pinched pennies, went to outlets, and found all my formals for under 20 dollars. Gramps wore nothing but Dickies work pants and they wore them out before buying new. I learned late that you don’t need more, but the best you can afford, don’t show off and be proud of what you have.
I spent the last 5 months of his life caring for him around the clock, sleeping in the front bedroom/junk room, and boy was he a handful. He expected me to be like Granny and keep everything like clockwork which is exhausting when you’re a caregiver. He was hard-headed and I get that from him.
My Gramps was a true American, as Toby Kieth sings, he fixed everything with a Craftsman wreck and WD 40, always drove American cars, did all the maintenance and car repairs he could, was an excellent lawnmower repair man, and fixed many for others.
I can go on and on but I will leave it here for another time. He was the only father I had, yes, I had a biological father but he didn’t know how to be a one due to an undiaonosised mental illness and he was an alcoholic.
The video says it all. RIP Keith, your songs added to the fabric of our lives.
Toby Keith – Made In America (Official Music Video)
Here are a few products I’m loving with right now. I hope you find a product to add to your household or self-care routine. The list may also give you ideas for a surprise for friends, and family. Most products are found on Amazon.
Bambaw Insulated Bottle 32 oz
Insulated Water Bottle 32 oz, Blue Water Bottle Stainless Steel, Reusable Water Bottle, BPA Free Water Bottle, Big Water Bottle 32oz, Cold and Hot Water Bottle
The arthritis in my hands has made my old bottles hard to open and these are working much better with the twist of the lid and handle. I love that they are made in Belgium and are a Climate Partner-certified product.
These are YUMMY! I’m underweight and working hard to gain weight the healthy way, these drinks are helping me.
Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics
Original Formula with 3 Year Fermented Prebiotics, Live Active Probiotics, and The only Product with Postbiotic Metabolites, 30 Capsule
DR. OHHIRA’S PROBIOTICS are backed by over 20 scientific studies and recommended by digestive health and immune system health care providers. Does not include artificial additives, chemicals, preservatives, coloring, flavoring, animal by-products, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. Non-GMO and 100% vegetarian. Hypoallergenic (no dairy or gluten). Guaranteed free of soil-based organisms (SBOs).
Paw & Pantry
2-3″ Soft & Chewy USA-Chicken Mini Bones – Pack of 24 Rawhide Free Chicken Dog Treats – Highly Digestible & Chewy Grain Free Dog Treat Mini Bones – Great Non-Rawhide Chews for Small Dog with 100% REAL USA-sourced chicken as our #1 ingredient, Paw & Pantry dog chicken treats are densely packed with natural protein.
Grain? Gluten? Antibiotics? Never heard of ’em! Our chicken treats for dogs are made without all of that extra junk, creating a highly digestible treat and a great rawhide alternative for every dog to enjoy
Effortless 24/7 continuous attraction works day and night to help protect your family from pesky flying insects. Designed for any room or area of your home where flying insects gather including kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and living spaces.
We checked them on Sunday and they work!
Minera Dead Sea Salt – 2 lb. Bag Fine Grain
Minera Dead Sea Salt dissolves easily in warm water to help cleanse and nourish your skin. Our Minera salt is harvested from the Southern end of the Dead Sea, where the mineral content of the water is at its highest. The salts are delivered to our customers in their pure, raw form, containing all the essential minerals that the Dead Sea is famous for.
I have purchased this brand for years and have never been disappointed. Dead sea salt is like no other, not only does it have minerals that are great for your skin but it also removes dead skin without effort. Be sure to rinse after bathing to remove the remaining salt.
She has such a wealth of knowledge including great cooking skills. This post is great for those who like to experiment with spices or maybe are not as familiar with all the spices available. Be sure to stop by and say hello.
I want to thank everyone for their prayers and notes of encouragement, they have been important to my healing. After resting a little there is more to share. I only recall two other breakdowns, the first when I was nine years old and again at 12 years old.
As the violence in the house escalated, we went to our bedrooms, I left my bedroom door cracked open and watched my step-father beat my mother again. Throwing her head from side to side, hitting the wall each time, you could hear her begging for her life. They stopped in front of my bedroom, he had a knife to her throat and she closed her eyes and begged under her breath.
I was 12 years old, can’t remember the events other than it included my dad and me wanting to kill him. I spent two weeks on my bed catatonic, rocking back and forth.
My childhood was a constant trauma until I was 14 years old. When I was 28 years old, my father committed suicide. He was living with an undiagnosed mental illness with no medication by choice. For seven months after his death, I looked inward and sought out a Psychiatrist. After a few false starts, I found an exceptional Psychopharmacologist and he treated me for over 32 years.
Early on he said I needed therapy and introduced me to my current therapist who I’ve seen for over 30 years. With her I was able to slowly unpack the locked box of memories, sharing my life without emotions. I’ve gone through the first three steps of healing from trauma and have chosen not to take the fourth step which is reliving the memories and feeling the emotions. I won’t feel the pain again.
Monday’s breakdown was a combination of many factors. I’m on a new medication and my mood is not stable, that morning a trauma was triggered that had long been forgotten and packed away since I was 19 years old. The memory didn’t shake me, there was no emotion at the time. I’ve also been watching a violent series mostly centered on gang violence and the trafficking of women. Over the past 5-6 episodes I’ve watched one woman who was broken and dead inside, be beaten again and again. Running for her life, she realized there was nowhere to go, so she went back to the man who broke her.
I cried for her each episode but the reality of her future became clear. It broke me, sitting in the chair I sobbed uncontrollably as I grabbed the sides of my body. I fell to the floor, the pain was overwhelming. My husband came over to help me, and I screamed over and over don’t touch me. I grabbed my Xanax and took two. I started to hyperventilate and reached for another Xanax, my husband said no, and my response was quick. At the top of my voice, Fuck you, Fuck you, Fuck you all the way upstairs to my office. I sat in the dark, took another Xanax, and stayed still, soaking in all the pain over again. A short time later, I packed the night away in my box and went to bed only to spend the night away, crying under my breath.
I have experienced many other traumas in life, including being stalked three times, police pulling a gun on me in front of my house and neighbors, and being raped more times than I care to count, yet here I am.
You may be asking yourself why and how can I write this post without a tear? The short answer is I’m a survivor. Buring your trauma in a box is a coping mechanism I learned at birth, it allows you to move forward in life.
I’m raw but crawling, healing my mind and body, and need time to recover. I will not be writing anything traumatic or deep for some time.
Being organized can be an effective way to minimize stress and make your life easier. However, it can be tricky to know where to start, particularly if being organized isn’t a natural strong point. To help you implement long-lasting changes, take a look at these five ways you can be more organized in life:
Declutter Your Home
When surrounded by too many things, it can be hard to relax and unwind but, equally, it can be difficult to focus and concentrate. To give yourself a productive environment and calm surroundings, start by decluttering your home. Donating, selling, or discarding the items you no longer need or want will allow you to free up space and make the most of your home.
Streamline Vehicle Ownership
Most people own a car and yet few people are really proactive about the maintenance involved. From knowing when your insurance renewal is due to getting your vehicle serviced, there is a myriad of tasks involved. Start by making sure you have important contact numbers stored in your phone. From a recovery or towing service to your mechanic’s number and the contact details of your insurance company, you should have everything you need on your phone or written down, in case you need it when you’re on the road. Similarly, diarize your vehicle’s service and insurance renewal to book in advance and get the cheapest cover.
Use Time Management Strategies
When you use your time best, you can get more done and increase your productivity levels. Employing a time management strategy can be an easy way to make positive changes in your life. With plenty of software and free apps available, you can take a digital approach to time management and make it work for you.
Stop Multitasking
People tend to assume that multitasking enables them to operate more efficiently but this is rarely the case. Instead, tasks often get left unfinished because you get distracted by something else, or errors are made because you’re not giving a particular job your full attention. Inevitably, this means that things actually take longer to get done.
If you want to be more organized and more productive, stop multitasking and try focusing on one thing at a time instead. This allows you to give it your full attention and complete the task more quickly, before moving on to the next one.
Identify Your Priorities
When you’re living a fast-paced life, it can be difficult to keep track of everything. From managing your kid’s social calendar to furthering your career or running a home, there are endless things to do. However, identifying your priorities can help to streamline your workflows and will ensure that the most important things are always done ahead of time.
Staying Organized
If you want to stay organized, be sure to use habits that are easy to replicate when you’re making your life more structured. Often, it’s the relatively small but sustainable changes that have the biggest impact, so be sure to use these to your advantage as you become more organized.
This is an incredible opportunity to learn, see the expert’s views, and ask questions. The experts have the knowledge, and if the CDC listened to them, healthcare services for all Tick-Borne Diseases would be widely available, and proper testing would happen at your doctor’s office.
Notice how the Center for Disease Control is not part of this meeting. Why is that? MONEY
The CDC sets the standard of care based on paid experts who choose not to believe in Chronic Tick-Borne Diseases that happen within a short period due to inaccurate testing methods used by doctors, proper testing can cost over $1,000, and there are only a few proper testing facilities, they are not covered by insurance and the diseases themselves manifest in undetectable ways, such as not having the Bull’s Eye Rash.
Two infectious diseases are TBD and HIV/AIDS which are extremely complex to diagnose. Why do I mention HIV/AIDS? My Lyme Literate doctor was one of the key players in discovering AIDS, he later took his knowledge to care for people with TBD. He was persecuted by his peers and lost his license, his house, and his practice. A year later his license was approved and he set up another practice focusing on treating TBD. During my 18 months of treatment for Lyme Disease, it was still treated as voodoo but he gave all to save my life. I can never thank him enough.
It also came at a very high price on my health and our finances since none of the treatments was covered. The total cost was well over $150,000, we had to take out a second mortgage on our house but EVERY PENNY was worth it because I’m alive today.
The US Department of Health and Human Services will hold two “public engagement meetings” regarding tick-borne diseases.
The first will be Tuesday, June 11, in San Francisco. The second, in Portland, Maine, has not been scheduled yet.
You can attend the San Francisco meeting either in person or online. Here are details:
When: June 11 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Where: University of California San Francisco Millberry Union Conference Center Golden Gate & City Lights Room 500 Parnassus Avenue San Francisco, CA 94143
. Virtual and in-person registration is available.
Agenda
Agenda times are tentative and subject to change.
Time
Agenda Item
8:30 am – 9:00 am
Registration and Check-in
Morning Session
9:00 am – 9:20 am
Introduction and Welcome RemarksJames Berger, MS, MT(ASCP), SBB Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy (OIDP)B. Kaye Hayes, MPA Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy (OIDP)ADM Rachel L. Levine, MD U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
9:20 am – 11:00 am(approx. 20 mins each)
U.S Federal Agency Report-OutsCDC Tick-Borne Disease Updates Ben Beard, PhD, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Update on DoD-Funded Research and Activities Focused on Tick-Borne Diseases Gabriela Zollner, PhD, and Angel Davey, PhD U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)Updates on NIAID-funded Research and Activities Focused on Lyme and Other Tickborne DiseasesNadine Bowden, PhD, National Institutes of Health (NIH)National Public Health Strategy to Prevent and Control Vector-Borne Diseases in People Leith J. States, MD MPH MBA FACPM, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH)Surveillance and Integrated Tick Management of Ticks of Human Importance Robert Miller, PhD, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Virtual Poll 1: What themes would you like to see covered in our upcoming community engagement sessions?
11:00 am – 11:20 am
BREAK
Virtual Poll 1 Results
11:20 am – 11:40 am
Epidemiology and Prevention of Tick-Borne Diseases in CaliforniaAnne Kjemtrup, DVM, MPVM, PhD, California Department of Public Health
11:40 am – 12:00 pm
Great Arizona Tick CheckKathleen Walker, PhD, The University of Arizona
Virtual Poll 2: What do you think are the most pressing needs for people with tick-borne diseases and/or associated illnesses?
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Lunch
Virtual Poll 2 Results
Afternoon Session
1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Public Comments(10 pre-selected commentators; 3 minutes each)
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Panel Discussion of Questions Pre-Submitted by the Public Moderator: B. Kaye Hayes, MPA (OIDP)Panelists:C. Ben Beard, PhD (CDC)COL Michelle Colacicco-Mayhugh, PhD, PMP (DoD)Samuel Perdue, PhD (NIH)Leith J. States, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM (OASH)
2:30 pm – 2:45 pm
Concluding Remarks and Adjournment B. Kaye Hayes, MPA (OIDP) James Berger, MS, MT(ASCP), SBB (OIDP)What did we hear today? What’s next?
My first go-round with Copilot image creation. I’m so impressed with the product. I’m working on an avatar but not there yet, it’s so hard to create the image and felling you want to represent.
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 the blog Mitch Teemley The Power of Story.
I’m a storyteller (writer, filmmaker, composer, public speaker) with the audacity to believe others might actually want to read, watch or hear the things I come up with. I live in Cincinnati, Ohio with my wise and gorgeous wife Trudy. Together we’ve created our magnum opi: two adorable, wildly creative daughters. More? Well, if you insist: there are mini-bios on me at Wikipedia and IMDb.
Mitch’s post is a ray of sunshine and a dose of reality. He has an incredible storytelling ability. You must check his blog out!
I’ve followed Muslim Life for a while now and love the common sense posts, they are great reminders of how to live our life. I respect Muslims, their religious practices are different than my own, and that’s cool with me.
Christians, Jews, and Muslims believe in God, and I embrace them.
I know without a doubt that being a Muslim does not make them terrorists, and shame those who think that way.
Here are a few products I’m loving right now. I hope you find a product to add to your household or self-care routine. The list may give you ideas for friends, and family. Most products are found on Amazon except for the candles.
Double-duty self-care products are extra special when they require you to rest and enjoy the benefits.
Grace & Stella
Gold Eye Mask
Royal Nectar Face Mask
Shield Mask with Bee Venom & Manuka Honey
Soon Skincare
Shea Butter Hand Mask for Dry Hands, Moisturizing Gloves, Hand Moisturizer for Cracked Hands Repair, Hand Mask Gloves with Green Tea and Tea Tree Skincare
Lip Masks for Soft Lips, Masks for Lip Care, Korean Skin Care Lip Treatment, Collagen Masks for Lip Hydration, Lip Masks with Aloe Vera
cleo+coco
Natural Dry Shampoo Powder – For Body & Hair – For Women – Absorb Odor & Sweat – Essential Oils & Arrowroot Powder – Free of Talc & Parabens – PCR – Made in USA – Grapefruit Bergamot – 4oz
I’ve also purchased the Figuier (Fig Tree) – Home Fragrance Diffuser Behind the Faceted Glass, a summer landscape, it smells awesome. I only used 3 reeds so the fragrance isn’t overwhelming.
Most candles are made in France
*Korean skincare products like Soon Skincare are awesome. Korea takes skin care seriously and can be less expensive and more effective.
The family cookbook contains recipes, my Granny’s & Gramps used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Many with veggies and tomatoes from the garden. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.
This recipe is from my husband’s Aunt, all of her recipes are written on cards and her spelling can be hard to cipher.
Ingredients
1 1/4 flour
1/2 TSP salt
1/2 cup Crisco cold *I don’t know what cold product you can substitute with.”
3-4 TSP cold water
9-inch pie shell
Cooking Instructions
Mix and roll
Pick up from the bottom and sides with a fork to stop air bubbles
Bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes
A good pie crust recipe can make all the difference in the overall pie.
Many if not most prescribed medications require a ramp-up period called efficacy, this is the time it takes for the medication to reach a therapeutic level.
For example:
I started Trintellex several weeks ago for my ongoing depression. The Prozac wasn’t working any longer which is common when you take a drug for a long time. The efficacy of Trintellix is 6-8 weeks, during this period you can experience common side effects and they often subside once the drug reaches efficacy. It’s important to track these symptoms but it’s not always time to call your doctor. Never stop taking medication before talking to your doctor, stopping medication abruptly can send your brain into a tailspin. If you can’t wait to hear back from your doctor, go to your nearest ER for help ASAP. It may save your life.
The most important side effects to be aware of are adverse side effects, which are the worst side effects that can be deadly and require immediate attention. It’s easy to forget the side effects after reading the prescribing instructions the first time so I keep them handy.
The past week I was overcome by nausea and vomiting and thought I was getting sick. After reading the prescribing instructions again I was reminded that those are common side effects, not ones to be alarmed about. I have experienced sparks in the brain as the medication reaches efficacy, like crying, returned energy, improved cognition, and feeling better overall.
All medications including over-the-counter items still have side effects, especially for children.
Always call your doctor if you are concerned about anything, not just medication side effects.
It’s really sad to say, but to a degree self-care has become a buzzword frequently portrayed in media and online as indulgent bubble baths, retail therapy, and the occasional junk food binge. Not just in shows, or in advertisements triyng to sell you stuff, but even on social media by the people you know, and of course by content creators too.
While yes, buying indulges and buying things that you love can actually be a really nice way to show yourself some life, you have to keep in mind that these also only offer temporary relief, and so true self-care is far more profound and personal. It’s about nurturing your mental, emotional, and physical well-being in ways that genuinely enrich Dr your life. So, with that said, it’s best to explore what self-care really means and how you can embrace it in a more meaningful way.
Understanding True Self-Care
Self-care is often misunderstood as a quick fix or an escape from reality. However, true self-care involves intentional actions that support your overall health and happiness. It’s about listening to your body and mind, understanding your needs, and taking steps to meet those needs in healthy and sustainable ways. This might mean setting boundaries, saying no to commitments that drain you, or seeking help when you need it.
Mindful Self-Practices
Basically, the less love and care you show yourself, the higher the chances of stress and even the potential of forming anxiety. Actually, true self-care is often found in the small, mindful practices that help you stay grounded and connected to yourself. This might include a daily walk in nature, practicing yoga, or spending time on a hobby that you love. It’s about finding joy and peace in the everyday moments.
But this isn’t always the case; mindful practices will vary from person to person. While one person might feel relaxed walking out on a trail in nature, there might be someone else who feels more at ease and relaxed if you’re at home and using delta-8 THC gummies since these offer a more calming and gentle effect. But overall, mindful practices help prevent chronic anxiety from forming, and again, the best way to go about it really varies from person to person.
The Illusion of Instant Gratification
The media often promotes self-care as something that provides instant gratification—like a shopping spree or indulging in comfort food. By all means, yes, while these activities can offer momentary pleasure, they don’t address the deeper issues that may be affecting your well-being.
In fact, relying on these quick fixes can sometimes lead to feelings of guilt or regret afterward. So, you have to understand that true self-care involves making choices that contribute to your long-term well-being, even if they don’t provide immediate pleasure.
You Have to Think About Emotional Health
Just think of it this way: You’re spending money on things that give you small bits of gratification immediately, like junk food, but at the end of the day, you’re going to feel bad for the money you spent, and you might feel physically bad too because, well, it’s junk food. The same goes for shopping sprees too. Now, emotional health usually gets overlooked in mainstream portrayals. You need to understand your thoughts and gain clarity on what you need to feel balanced and fulfilled.
We all experience stress. That’s a normal part of life. However, there are different levels of stress, and, for some people, it can be much more than they may be equipped to deal with, alone.
If you have experienced some form of trauma in the past, and you have begun to experience nightmares, mood swings, and flashbacks, and you’re having difficulty controlling your emotions and reactions to things, such as becoming much more easily startled, then you might be experiencing PTSD. Here, we’re going to look at what you can do to start to heal from it, and how you can begin to feel like yourself again.
First of all, it’s worth noting that PTSD is well beyond the average person’s ability to deal with it on their own. A lot of people are reluctant to seek help because of the lingering stigma associated with mental health, but at some point, you have to put your wellness in front of how you fear you might be perceived. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, has been noted as being particularly helpful, allowing individuals to reframe negative thoughts and develop healthier thought patterns. Talk to your doctor about the help available to you.
Considering medication
There are also medication options that can help manage the symptoms that are associated with PTSD. For instance, you might want to consider antidepressants such as SSRIs that can help you regulate your moods to some degree. Anti-anxiety medications are also typically prescribed on a short-term basis to help people avoid the more extreme symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as panic attacks. Talk to your doctor about the medical options available to you, but do be aware that therapy and medication together tend to provide the best odds of success, rather than choosing just one.
Find the right therapeutic relief
While direct therapy is going to do a lot of heavy lifting in helping you process the thoughts and emotions associated with PTSD, some treatments can help you find comfort, improve your mood, and heal, such as service dogs for PTSD. Service dogs are very effective, and forming a relationship with one can also provide a sense of purpose and motivation when it might feel like life is otherwise directionless. Service animals can even sense when their human partner is experiencing a stressful or anxious episode to provide comfort when it’s needed.
Finding a support group that understands
While talking to loved ones can help you, and a therapist can give you many of the tools to work through your emotions, there is a specific benefit to spending time with people who understand your experience that’s well worth seeking. Consider finding a PTSD support group, allowing you to connect with others who have similar experiences, and providing a sense of community and understanding. Peer support can be incredibly validating and can help reduce feelings of isolation. You can also get some practical tips from others who have been on the same journey as you.
Be mindful of your psychological triggers
While it is likely to be, in part, a subject of part of your therapy sessions, it’s worth starting to become aware of the concept of psychological triggers. Triggers are stimuli, whether they’re sights, sounds, smells, emotions, people, places, or otherwise, that can elicit a strong emotional or stress response from you. A lot of people who have experienced trauma in the past can develop these triggers in association with them that, even when you’re safe and comfortable, can suddenly rise up to completely change your emotional state. Becoming aware of your triggers is the first step to dealing with them.
Taking care of yourself
Your mental and physical states are intrinsically linked. By putting care into yourself, physically, it can help you mentally, as well. For one, exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being. A balanced diet can be vital to good mental health, and good sleep hygiene is crucial, as poor sleep can exacerbate PTSD symptoms. Even taking the time to show yourself a little self-care can be good for your self-esteem, which can make your mood swings less severe.
There is no magic pill for PTSD. A lot of people who live with it will experience the symptoms for a long time, and some aspects might never go away entirely. However, there is always a way to get better and to heal. Keep that in mind and consider the tips above.
The family cookbook contains recipes, my Granny’s & Gramps used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Many with veggies and tomatoes from the garden. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.
This is from my husband’s Aunt Dorthy’s recipes who writes BEST at the top of the card.
Recipe
1 pkg yeast in 1/4 cup warm water and 1 TSP sugar
Let stand 5 minutes
Sift 4 cups flour, 4 TBS sugar and 3/4 TSP salt
Melt 1/2 TBS of butter
Add in 1 cup of canned milk
4 eggs yolks beaten
Pour over flour
Add yeast
Knead
Cover
Place in refrigerator overnight or for 5 hours
Divide into 4 sections on a lightly floured surface to approx 10″x13″
Size to fill
Roll up
Let rise
Bake 350 degrees for 25 minutes
Filling
Beat 4 eggs whites with 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 cup ground walnuts
Okay, from here my guess is that you get an icing tube, add the filling insert into the roll, and by squeezing until you see the filling has spread in the roll.
This sounds great because I like walnuts, which are so good for you. This one I’ll have to try.
If you make the recipe, please provide feedback on your thoughts or what the recipe brings to mind.
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 the blog The Sifted Field.
The family cookbook contains recipes, my Granny’s & Gramps used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Many with veggies and tomatoes from the garden. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.
This is a recipe my Granny cut out of the newspaper and it became a regular holiday dessert. I don’t know who to give credit for this most outstanding recipe.
What you need to make the cake
Four eggs
2 cups sugar
Two sticks of melted butter or margarine
1 1/2 cups sifted flour
1/3 cup cocoa
1 TSP vanilla
1 cup flaked coconut
1 cup pecans
1 small jar of marshmallow cream
How to make
Beat together eggs and sugar
In a separate bowl combine butter, flour, cocoa, vanilla, coconut, and sugar mixture
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes
Add marshmallow cream to hot cake
Frosting
1 stick melted butter
6 TBS milk
1/3 cup cocoa
1/3 TSP vanilla
1 cup pecans
1 box powdered sugar
Combine ingredients and frost the cake.
This is a keeper! If I remember correctly this dessert can be made a day or two before mealtime. Use your gut.
When buying quality wooden spoons, how to take care of them is very important to how long they last. I appreciate the step-by-step instructions on how to keep wooden spoons their best.
As we approach several holidays and warmer weather mocktails are great for those who chose not to drink.
Here are a few great recipes
Photo by Susanne Jutzeler, suju-foto on Pexels.com
Lemongrass Ginger Mockito
INGREDIENTS
3/4 lime – halved lengthwise then cut into 6
1/2 lemongrass – finely sliced
1 tbsp ginger syrup
1 tsp soft light brown sugar
2 mint sprigs
80-100ml apple juice
crushed ice
mint sprigs
lemongrass slices
2 straws
DIRECTIONS
Add the lime pieces, lemongrass slices, ginger syrup, and sugar to a sturdy highball glass or a cocktail shaker. Muddle until the sugar has dissolved and the aromas are released. Add the mint leaves and muddle a bit more.
Add half of the apple juice. Stir.
Fill up with the crushed ice and the rest of the apple juice. Combine until well mixed.
Add the straws, mint, and lemongrass slices.
Enjoy!
Jasmine Ginger Iced Green Tea Recipe
1 wedge lime 4 ounces *brewed jasmine green tea, chilled 4 ounces ginger beer, chilled (I used Gosling’s) Garnishes: Fresh sliced strawberries and additional lime wedges
Fill a glass with ice cubes. Squeeze the juice of a lime wedge over the ice and drop the lime wedge into the glass. Add the chilled green tea and ginger beer; stir gently. Garnish with strawberries and additional lime wedges.
Makes 1 drink
Virgin Pina Colada
Here are the ingredients in a virgin piña colada recipe:
Frozen pineapple
Coconut milk
Maple syrup
Throw these in a blender, and you’ve got a tasty signature drink in no time. Except you need one last required item…drink umbrellas!
Green Russian
Brilliant green matcha makes this healthy mocktail creamy and comforting. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants and features a little caffeine kick.
We recommend using plant-based milk as the foundation for your Green Russian. This renders the drink accessible to those not consuming dairy, but it also allows the matcha to shine; milk proteins can block the absorption of matcha’s beneficial compounds.
Ingredients – makes 2 mocktails
2 ½ cups plant-based milk
Tip: Use a richer, fuller plant milk, such as cashew, macadamia, or barista-grade oat milk.
1 ½ tablespoons matcha powder
2 oz cold coffee
Tip: Try to use cold-brew coffee. Since we’re only using a little bit, you’ll want your flavor to be as full as possible. Alternatively, use mushroom coffee to achieve an earthy taste and added nutritional benefit.
2 tablespoons sugar or other sweetener
1 pinch cacao powder (optional)
1 cup ice
Directions
Warm 2 cups of your milk over low heat. Add the sugar and stir. Next, add the matcha powder and stir until fully dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside.
Next, add ice to your glasses. Once the matcha mixture has cooled, pour it into the glasses. Add a quarter cup of the remaining milk to each glass. Pour a splash of cold coffee on top of the milk for a beautiful combination of colors and flavors. Dust the mocktail’s top with cacao powder for added glamor (and superfood power). Serve and enjoy!
No one wants to be unhappy or feel sad in a marriage. However, the reality is that relationships are hard and take a lot of work. Not all are successful, and some will eventually end. The upside is that there are actions you can take if you’re unhappy in your marriage.
What you don’t want to do is nothing and be miserable in silence. It’s better to address your emotions and problems and try to work through them than to brush them aside for another day. Be proactive and do your best to rectify the situation and then see what happens. Remain flexible adaptable and open to where life takes you after you put in the hard work.
Evaluate What’s Not Working
If you’re unhappy in your marriage, then you should take a step back and evaluate what’s not working and know the warning signs. There may be problem areas that you can identify and work through to help you two get to a better place. For example, maybe it’s that you don’t spend enough quality time together or that there’s a lack of communication in your marriage. Identify the issue or obstacle and then get together to try to come up with solutions you both feel comfortable with and can get behind.
Seek Professional Help
You may also want to seek professional help if you’re unhappy in your marriage. There are marriage counselors out there who specialize in this type of therapy and can try to mediate and offer suggestions for improvement. For it to work, you both must be willing to go and be open and honest about your emotions and feelings. It’ll be an ongoing process instead of a quick fix so you need to be committed to it for the long haul if you’re going to come out stronger on the other side as a couple.
Consider A Split
You may have thought about it and have concluded that you’re truly unhappy in your marriage. Maybe you’ve tried all you could do and feel like there’s no going back or it won’t get better. In this case, you might want to consider a split and hire a team of divorce lawyers who can guide you through the process and ensure the best outcome for you. They can assist you in making the tough decisions and stand up for you to protect your rights.
Practice Self-Care
It’s easy to get lazy about taking good care of yourself or feel unmotivated to do so when you’re unhappy in your relationship. However, you’re only hurting yourself when you take this approach. Instead, practice self-care and do your best to stay healthy and well even though it may be a tough situation for you. Get enough sleep, talk to your friends and family, and exercise to help reduce the stress and anxiety you’re feeling.
Conclusion
These are a few choices you have if you’re unhappy in your marriage and looking for ways to improve your circumstances. While it’s okay to feel sad or down about it, you also need to remain positive and take actions that will help move your relationship or life in the right direction.
I recently started following The Sifted Field and have fallen in love with the in-depth instructions on recipes which include many photos throughout the process. She is very nice and I look forward to reading more of her posts. Keep your eyes open, The Sifted Field will soon be featured in the Blogger Highlight series.
I haven’t used Blue Emu but had no idea an animal was killed in the process. I avoid all products that require the killing of animals. It goes against my grain.
This post contains affiliate links that do not cost you more to use and help support my coffee habit. :)
In continuing our series of comparing the top pain relief creams in the market, we would like to share the comparison between Aromalief Vegan Hemp Pain Relief Creams and Blue Emu. We understand that there are many choices for Pain Relieving creams and we collected some key information for you to make a decision. Aromalief does NOT make or represent Blue Emu.
You can also read about the comparisons with Voltaren Gel and Aspercreme. (not made or represented by Aromalief)
WHAT IS BLUE EMU?
Blue Emu is a pain relieving cream brand made by Nutrition & Fitness, Inc. (dba / NFI Consumer Products). The company was started in 1988 in Fayetteville, NC.
BLUE EMU PROS AND CONS
Pros:
Available in Stores: Blue Emu was purchased by a larger manufacturer in 2014 and expanded its distribution in larger retailer chains.
It contains MSM, Horse Chestnut Extract, Aloe Vera, and other extracts.
Marketing: The brand invests a lot of money in marketing efforts and they are official sponsors of MLB and Nascar.
Cons:
Emus are Killed : Blue Emu is made with real Emu Oil that is obtained by killing emus and taking their fatty oil. Emus are birds similar to ostriches and they are primarily raised for their oil. For customers looking for a vegan option or that prefer creams without animal ingredients, then this product is not a choice.
Not FDA Registered: The Blue Emu Original formula is NOT FDA registered and does not have active ingredients for pain relief. This means that the testing of the product is not as stringent as those of FDA registered products.
Parabens & Dyes: It also contains parabens like Methylparaben and Propylparaben, mineral oil, and dye FDC & C Blue #1. Propylparaben may cause reproductive issues and has a 9 in the EWG scale for the safety of ingredients. (10 is the worst rating)
I want to thank my blogging friend Willow Dot for reminding me about this post. She gave me the ultimate compliment in that she remembered this post, one that I had forgotten about. Yes, I have Conative Impairment but her words meant I touched one person even years later. I accomplished my blogging goal! I’m not sappy here, just allowing myself to accept a compliment instead of turning away. Be sure to check out her site, she will keep you on your toes in the best way.
The reason for the update is to share how my thought process has changed since 2019 when I was first diagnosed with Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease.
I’ve learned that people with Stage 3 Kidney Diseases can live many years, some upwards of 15 years. Wow! That is a huge relief.
I mentioned my rating of 17 on the MMSE but didn’t provide what the rating was based on.
What is the MMSE?
Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) Alzheimer’s / Dementia Test: Administration, Accuracy and Scoring
The test is used by several types of doctors as a first step to finding the proper diagnosis of your Cognitive Impairment. My doctor was a Neurologist whom I was referred to during my struggle with Chronic Lyme Disease. I was not able to take the next step in diagnosing because I couldn’t have an MRI which meant my doctor had to get preauthorization from my insurance company for a PET Scan. My Insurance denied my claim but I don’t need a confirmed diagnosis, all I have to do is look at my daily life struggles.
Copy of MMSE Test provided by Boston Medical College.
This test is a great printout that can help you assess and understand when it’s time to seek help.
My Suicide plan hasn’t changed but I have hope that it’s way down the line.
As dementia progresses, the symptoms first experienced in the early stages of the dementia generally worsen. The rate of decline is different for each person. A person with moderate dementia scores between 6–17 on the MMSE. For example, people with Alzheimer’s dementia in the moderate stages lose almost all new information very quickly. People with dementia may be severely impaired in solving problems, and their social judgment is usually also impaired. They cannot usually function outside their own home, and generally should not be left alone. They may be able to do simple chores around the house but not much else, and begin to require assistance for personal care and hygiene other than simple reminders.[11]
I’m in Second Stage Dementia, a 17 on the MMSE and I’m going to kill myself. There’s no emotion in my voice, my husband, my Therapist, and my Psychiatrist know. I don’t want to die and that is why picking the right time is so important. I won’t lie wasting away not knowing anyone, unable to speak or eat. Someone has to bathe you and change your bed several times a day, it’s gut-wrenching to watch someone you love die this way.
I cared for my Granny, the second stroke is where she started losing touch. She would say “Why did Gramps leave me at this house.” I took photos off the wall to assure her he went to get groceries, she was lost in a terrible reality. She would bang her head against the wall and scream she wanted to die. My Granny got so violent I had to medicate her and that was the last time my Gramps could leave the house until her death.
My Dementia was caused by Lyme Disease, the Spirochetes used my brain as a host. I’m in the second stage and it’s difficult already. It’s not just the words forgotten, it’s the time’s per day forgotten. I talked with my husband last night but have no idea what we talked about. Many times the words don’t come. Maybe you’ve noticed? I try to tell myself it’s freeing to not worry about the date or day of the week, it’s sad cover.
I have had the opportunity to work with Vital Field for 4 years and not only do I enjoy working with the Head of Communications Nassia Bitha, I believe in the technology behind each Freguncell. Each is designed to target a particular area that will speed things along.
All have been thoroughly tested by leaders in the field with proven results and are all natural.
Vital Field’s product line has expanded over the years and I want to share information about each Frequencell to see which might tackle one or more of your challenges.
This post contains links that don’t cost you more to use and the money supports my coffee habit.
Here are the different Frequencells in the Vital Field product line
This FrequenCell could activate the full functionality of the pineal gland, including the perception of what many people refer to as “spiritual elevation and sensitivity”.
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 Wandering with Faith.
It starts as an itinerary and ends as a story. This site has stories from my travels.
Hi! My name is Faith, lady behind this travel odyssey. Welcome to this wonderful platform. Experience these wanders, tours, camps, hikes, hotel, and restaurant reviews with me. When you are a high school teacher, your life is not yours but for others. You see not one, but many humans daily. You have people surrounding you all day. It becomes a strain.This causes one to be an escapist. That’s how I started travelling solo.
We know that sunscreen can protect us from sunburn and Skin Cancer yet there is little talk of Heat or Sun Stroke. It’s a topic that needs more awareness. I can tell from experience that Heat Stroke is extremely painful and the recovery time can be brutal. After getting separated from the group, I spent a very hot Texas day tubing down the river alone, with no water, sunscreen, or money. The next morning I woke up feeling strange but didn’t give it any thought until the crippling pain set in. I was helping take the luggage to the truck, and the pain caused me to sit down several times before reaching the truck. When I returned to the lobby I passed out cold and fell to the marble floor. The short story is that the hospital didn’t give me fluids and the ride home was like living in hell, and made the recovery even longer.
Heat and Sun Stroke can be fatal which makes this post an important read.
I want to thank Communications Director Nassia Bitha for sending me a host of Vital Field FrequenCells to try. Right now, I’m wearing the Energy Frequencell and I’m excited to tell you about it.
It works!
This post contains affiliate links, they don’t cost you more, and I do not make money from the sale of products.
About the Energy Frequencell
Many things can make us feel tired, weak, or even lethargic, in everyday life. To regain full vitality, it is important to enhance our own natural energy levels.
The Energy Boost Cell supports you in recharging your own body’s energy battery by accelerating cell regeneration.
The Energy Boost Cell targets:
burnout
general lack of energy
faster regeneration after exercise
exam exhaustion
emotional exhaustion at work
About Vital Field
Vitalfield has collaborated extensively with expert scientists and healthcare practitioners in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, with a focus on biophysical and frequency medicine applications. Until early 2018, most of the technology in this field involved significant investments and training before it could be utilized in clinical environments.
Our mission is to help people achieve good health and pain-free life with safe, natural, non-invasive, and non-chemical methods. Frequencell Inc. (a Delaware corporation based out of Los Angeles, USA) provides treatments for health and chronic pain, based on the results of over 30 years of scientific research, development, and clinical trials.
Results
I started wearing the Energy Frequencell from Vital Field on 9/11/22 and have not taken a nap in four days. That may not sound like much however I haven’t had a day without a nap in ages. Normally I nap from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm pretty much every day but not this week.
This is a huge improvement. I’m not as sleepy, and with the Energy Frequencell I’m sleeping through the night. Today I was sound asleep and didn’t hear my husband’s alarm, that’s rare.
The result was outstanding, and I can safely say that it’s a winner! A must-buy if you have energy struggles in your daily life, and who doesn’t need that?
I’ve done several reviews for Vital Field products and have not been disappointed yet.
You can find more information on all Frequencells here
Use discount code LIGHT20 for 20% off any Vital Field product.
Gavin and I have known each other since 2013 and know each other well, all the trauma we share and the joy we try to capture. He’s dear to me. The Netflix movie Baby Reindeer shows how predators work themselves into your life and your children’s lives. Many of you know what it’s like to have a predator in your life, I sure do. I’m not clear on the age range targeted, not sure it’s appropriate for young children but this information will help not only you but also your children. Watch together and discuss afterward, maybe a breakthrough conversation will come from seeing the movie.
lookingforthelight.blog 