Have a great weekend. Be Safe. Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favourite 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.
Instead of “How are you doing?”, what’s a better opening question to ask on a video call? And why is it OK — even good — to let your coworkers see the dirty dishes in your kitchen sink? Organizational psychologist Adam Grant and his mentor Jane Dutton explain how to forge real connections in your online meetings.
The secret to making Zoom meetings meaningful for you and your coworkers — ideas.ted.com
with Jessica Loftus, Ph.D.
By Jessica Loftus
Last updated: 6 Apr 2020~ 2 MIN READ
A psychologist offers tips she learned from her clients to cope with the threats posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
During my 20 years as a psychologist and career counselor, I truly believe that I often learned more from my clients than they learned from me. During this global pandemic, I continue to be inspired by the courage shown by people who come to me for the treatment of their mental health disorders.
When the governor of my state issued a stay-at-home order, I stopped seeing clients at my office and offered counseling sessions via a simple telehealth platform. Providing services at no charge for those in need, I reached out to everyone on my caseload by email or phone per their contact agreements.
I beamed with pride to learn that my clients faced this crisis with amazing resilience and resourcefulness. Yes, they all were appropriately anxious. Yes, they exhibited more symptoms of OCD. Yes, they struggled more with sleep and overeating. And Yes, they all wished this too shall pass soon. But they all reported healthy ways to cope. Here I summarize them in a poem.
Say things unsaid
Bake wholesome bread
Clear well your head
Savor books unread
Rest plenty in bed
Tend the homestead
Hear talks by Ted
Cry tears unshed
Let creativity spread
Laugh till you’re red
Play with Mr. Potato Head
On gratitude be fed
Through God be led
Say Things Unsaid
Many people held essential conversations with loved ones, often about unresolved issues that smoldered for years. Many clients made breakthroughs they once thought unimaginable, seemingly miraculously.
Bake Wholesome Bread
People who loved to cook, never had to cook, struggled to cook tried new recipes. Several created a few of their own. They felt empowered to nourish their families and themselves.
Clear Well Your Head
Having plenty of spare time, many folks finally tried some of the stress-management tips that I provided them over the months and years. The Five-minute rule, deep breathing, aromatherapy and guided-imagery practices led the list in popularity.
Savor Books Unread
Avid readers rediscovered treasures on their bookshelves. Others ordered books online. Still, others asked me to suggest books. A personal favorite is the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.
Rest Plenty in Bed
No other event in our lifetime allowed people so much time to get plenty of rest. I often reminded everyone to stick to a consistent sleep schedule.
Tend the Homestead
I can’t count how many closets were cleaned, shelves were dusted, garages were de-cluttered and basements were transformed. Since home became the primary place to spend time, it needed to be as pleasant as possible.
Hear Talks by Ted
Ted Talks, PsychCentral.com and many informative websites allowed many to learn new things and keep their minds sharp.
Cry Tears Unshed
Left with far fewer distractions, several people faced their grief over recent and remote losses. They allowed themselves to cry and express their grief with rituals at home.
Let Creativity Spread
They write, they draw, they journal, they tell stories, they sing, they knit, they dance, they sew, they make crafts – all in pursuit of creative pastimes.
Laugh till You’re Red
Comedy shows, sitcoms, reruns and movies provide plenty of amusing diversions.
Play with Mr. Potato Head
Card games, board games, video games, word games, question games, trivia games fill many hours with fun. Vintage toys like Mr. Potato Head inspires fond nostalgic memories.
On Gratitude be Fed
No question, simple blessings become more critical. For example, I was thrilled merely because my husband bought two rolls of toilet paper at a local drug store.
Through God be Led
Most people deepened their relationship with God. Many joined in worldwide prayers, worshipped in online services, read devotional books and heard daily scripture readings. Such practices encourage the positive virtues of humility, simplicity, generosity, forgiveness, faith, hope and love.
During these trying times, live life to the fullest by utilizing effective strategies to cope. This, too, shall pass.
Image is under license from Shutterstock.com26435
Jessica Loftus has worked as a licensed clinical psychologist and national certified career counselor for more than 20 years. She currently offers counseling sessions via telehealth in the state of Illinois. Her website easywaystoeasestres.com outlines details. See her retired blog, “Pet Ways to Ease Stress” on PsychCentral.com.
Have a great weekend. Be Safe. Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favourite 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.
 | |
| Join Howard Fradkin for a free Interactive Webinar, Tuesday, April 21 at 7pm. In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Howard Fradkin, Ph.D., to Reach Out to Male Sex Abuse Survivors Who Face Unique Pandemic Challenges – a live Webinar of Recovery for the MaleSurvivor community, Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at 7-8pm ET. Dr. Fradkin will be the featured panelist for the webinar. He is co-founder of MaleSurvivor in 1995, and a nationally recognized psychologist, consultant and author focusing on male survivors, and strategies for healing and recovery. Topics Will Include:+ Coronavirus / Social Distancing Impact to Survivors+ National Child Abuse Prevention Month+ Talking to Your Children About Child Abuse Prevention+ MaleSurvivor 25th Anniversary Celebration Kickoff – Recollections and Milestones+ After-hours Chat at MaleSurvivor Forum and Chat following the webinar Advance registration is required. Limit of 100 attendees. |
I’ve been using CBD oil, sprays, gummies, gels caps, and vaping for several years. I can’t say that I’ve noticed a difference in my pain. It’s hard to say since pain changes day to day.
So, I decided to buy bulk Hemp buds and rolled smokes.
The first thing I did was smoke one of the rolled smokes, easy, just me and a lighter. It’s scary how quickly I was holding the smoke just like I held my cigarettes. I sat outside enjoying the fresh air getting some Vitamin D and smoking. No smoking allowed in the house.
The first thing I noticed is the acid feelings in my lungs like when I smoked cigarettes. I don’t know what I expected but I quess my mind went back to my pot smoking days, I don’t recall those days being so harsh on the lungs. Maybe age has a big difference.
I looked around at what to buy for smoking and decided on a pipe, good ole grandpa pipe. The package came with filters, pipe cleaners, tool to clean ashes out of and screens for the bottom of pipe.
This morning I took the pipe and put two clumps of hemp in there and went outside for fresh air and a smoke. I was surprised how long the buds lasted, I didn’t break them down, I just put straight into pipe.
The smoke in the lungs was a little better but not enough to convince me to continue to smoke after this purchase is complete. I’ll be going back to oils, gel caps, sprays and vaping. My mind is still open and look forward to the day Texas legalizes majaruana, but hell may freeze over before that happens.
Melinda
The coronavirus pandemic is a devastating mass trauma—but some people with anxiety and depression have seen their symptoms improve.Laura BradleyEntertainment ReporterUpdated Apr. 06, 2020 10:27AM ET / Published Apr. 05, 2020 5:10AM ET
When the novel coronavirus lockdown first began in early March, Grace Weinstein noticed something strange. In the span of 48 hours, three people reached out to her because they’d experienced an anxiety or panic attack. Weinstein has a diagnosed panic disorder, in addition to anxiety and depression—so for her newly distressed friends, she was an obvious person to consult.
But Weinstein herself has not had even one panic attack since the quarantines started. In fact, she’s been doing pretty well—so much so that she’s become a stabilizer for those around her.
“It’s suddenly becoming like a steady pace throughout this,” Weinstein told The Daily Beast during a recent phone interview. “Where people can come and [say], ‘I’m freaking out. I don’t know why you’re not freaking out, but please tell me what to do and how to get to where you are.’”
“To some degree I feel like I’m conditioned for this,” Weinstein said, “based on things I’ve experienced in the past.”
As COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, has spread around the globe, many people have found themselves struggling to cope, regardless of their mental health histories. And to be clear, many if not most depression and anxiety patients have seen their symptoms worsen. But a fraction have, paradoxically, actually felt their symptoms alleviate. Like Weinstein, I am one of those people.
It’s not that I’m unaware of the terrible toll the global pandemic is exacting. I’ve cried about it late at night, like I imagine most have. I’ve worried for my grandmother, and boiled with rage as various wealthy blowhards suggested that the best thing she and other elderly people could do for this country is to die. I’m furious at the gross incompetence and indifference to human life within our country’s leadership. I check the news often—too often—staring at my phone in disbelief every night into the early hours of the morning.
And yet, when I wake up, I don’t feel as sluggish as I normally do. I find it easier to get out of bed. The intrusive thoughts that normally buzz around my brain like flies on a feeding frenzy have disappeared. My family is healthy, I tell myself. I am healthy. We are all doing what we can. And for whatever reason, that has been enough. My mood has stabilized after years of oscillating between paralyzing anxiety and debilitating, at times suicidal, depression. Despite everything, I realize, I am OK. More OK than I have been in years.
That’s a strange thing to admit. But evidently I’m not alone.
Elizabeth Cohen, who has practiced psychology for 15 years with a specialty in anxiety, estimates that 20 percent of her clients have actually seen their symptoms alleviate in recent weeks. Roughly the same portion have seen their symptoms worsen, she says, while the remainder have seen little change. Elizabeth Visceglia, a psychiatrist who has practiced for 16 years (and, full disclosure, is the wife of our editor-in-chief Noah Shachtman), has not seen such a substantial number of her clients’ symptoms alleviate amid the outbreak—only one out of 20 she’d seen during the week of our interview fell into that category. But both offered several possible reasons that a person with a history of depression and anxiety might find some relief at a time like this.
A big part of anxiety, Cohen pointed out, is the anticipation of the unknown—worry about something bad that will inevitably happen. With the outbreak, she said, “a lot of people are saying, ‘The terrible thing happened.’ So in a lot of ways you’re not in the anticipating state.”
Repost from June 2019
Most people don’t think of Mental Health when discussing Chronic Pain. Mental Illness can be physically debilitating with many spending large amounts of time in bed. For someone like me who is challenged by both, daily life can be difficult. Today I’m in bed juggling my laptop on one knee trying to avoid the pain screaming on the left side of my body.
Over the holiday weekend my husband installed a pool shade so I can swim and get exercise without burning to a crisp lobster. They are very inexpensive and easy to install. He bought the sail on Amazon for less than $50.
One of the therapies the Pain Management doctor suggested was swimming and water exercises. Every other day I spend 30-45 minutes with my water noodle paddling around and doing basic exercises. I have noticed a difference in the muscles not used in ages.
I work on my shoulders by doing wide arm paddling, leg scissors for my back and hips, tiptoes for calves, stretching my back out till it hurts, and lunges. After spending years in bed I’m building stamina for the good days ahead.
Doing exercises in the water puts less resistance on the body which can help injuries. I’m rehabilitating my knee and it’s much easier than walking up and down the stairs repeatedly.
It helps my mental health by getting away from all the noise, I watch the butterflies and see how my flowers are growing. I work on meditating to keep my head clear. I’m also getting Vitamin D from the sun.
Melinda
New Orleans is a great city, there is an activity and cultural center for everyone. I’ve been twice and have to admit I find myself going back to my favorite sites instead of venturing outside of my comfort zone. I encourage you to do some homework on all the great things New Orleans has to […]
Gallery Travels New Orleans Museum of Art — For the Love of Art
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “joint.” Use it as a noun, an adjective, or a verb–use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!
You never know where my mind will go when I read these prompts, this week is extra fun. My first I thought of the first joint I smoked, passed it around with a nice painted stone. It didn’t even work the first time. Another time I smoked a joint it worked so well my boyfriend and I got quite disjointed over a misunderstanding, probably who should get the next beer.
The second joint that comes to mind was a very painful one, my right knee. In 2017 my right knee joint finally gave out and I had to have replacement knee surgery. Not fun but well worth it to eliminate the ongoing pain.
It would have been nice to have several joints to smoke while recovering during my knee surgery but I obey the laws these days.
Melinda
Here are the rules for SoCS:
Have a great Easter weekend. Be Safe. Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favourite 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.
Reblog
Mar 3, 2020 / Daniella Balarezo
Glenn Harvey
This post is part of TED’s “How to Be a Better Human” series, each of which contains a piece of helpful advice from people in the TED community; browse through all the posts here.
“So many relationship problems actually have very little to do with the relationship itself.”
That’s the conclusion — shared in a TEDxOakParkWomen Talk — which Chicago psychotherapist Susan Adler has come to after years of working with couples. In fact, she believes that many of the so-called relationship difficulties she sees have much more to do with the individuals’ own problems.
As it turns out, she says most people have this blindspot: “Instead of seeing that our own unhappiness puts stress on our relationship, we blame our relationship for our unhappiness — we get mad, then we try to get even, then we wonder why things go badly.” And after repeated exposure to this potent blend of blame, resentment and retaliation, as Adler puts it, “you might still be a couple, but you’re no longer a team.”
We could all benefit from having better, closer bonds. “These are pretty tough times,” Adler states. “What if we could inspire each other — especially the people we partner with — to become more thoughtful, more loving versions of ourselves?”
Here, she shares three tips for happier relationships.
It’s normal to feel angry or upset when your partner doesn’t meet your expectations or lets you down in some way. “Anger is like the bodyguard of emotions,” according to Adler. Many of us rely on it to act as a bouncer, keeping our more difficult, uncomfortable emotions in check. She explains, “We use anger to push away our hurt and our sadness and our vulnerability, and in the process we end up pushing away the people that we love the most.”
The next time your partner does something that makes you see red, stop yourself from immediately going on the attack. Instead, try to separate yourself (even moving to the bathroom or a corner of the room can be enough), take a deep breath, and ask yourself: ‘What am I really feeling underneath all this anger?’” After you’ve had some time to settle down, let your partner know what’s going on for you. “Expressing anything other than frustration or anger can bring you closer,” Adler says, and help you start a conversation — and not another argument.
The day will inevitably come when your partner behaves unwisely — they’re irritable, grumpy, unreasonable, testy, argumentative, prickly, you name it. It’s natural to want to respond in a similar vein. Resist the temptation, and remind yourself — as Adler puts it — “You can go down that rabbit hole with them, or you can make a different choice.”
And what is that different choice? “Challenge yourself to be helpful, patient, caring and kind,” says Adler. “These are all factors that research indicates make relationships happier.” For example, she suggests, “Instead of yelling, ‘Oh my god, what is wrong with you?, stop, take a breath, and imagine saying, ‘I’m so sorry you’re upset … How can I help?’ There is nothing to fight about if you’re being helpful.”
One common-sense rule of thumb from Adler: “As the saying goes, ‘The hallmark of a good relationship is when only one person goes crazy at a time.’” And the more that you can demonstrate the benefits of staying calm when your partner isn’t, the more your behavior can influence your partner to do the same when you’re in a spin.
It’s no secret that communicating your needs is the key to a healthy relationship, but how you approach that communication is just as important. For instance, let’s say that you’re at your wit’s end because your partner is cancelling date night yet again because they have to work late. Your inclination would be to tell them, “You have absolutely no consideration for my feelings!” or “You never make time for me!”, even though you know those remarks set the stage for a blazing-hot argument.
Adler’s recommendation: Communicate what you want from them by telling them what you’d like to happen. So you might say something like, “I would love it if we could figure out a night that works for both of us to spend some time together.”
There is a caveat to this approach. Be careful with your “I would love it” statements, warns Adler. “Don’t say negative things like ‘‘I would love it if you would stop being such a jerk.’ That’s not positive; that’s criticism,” she explains. “And don’t say things that focus on the past, like ‘I would love it if you would have cleaned the kitchen yesterday’ … Focus on moving forward and being positive. This is how you set your partner and yourself and your relationship up for success. This is how you get your needs met.”
While these techniques can be highly effective, according to Adler, “these skills aren’t
for every situation and they’re not for every couple. Frankly, not every relationship should survive; some are just way too unhealthy.”
In the end, these steps are all about creating more opportunities for connection and communication, avoiding acting from a place of annoyance and anger, and recognizing how you might be letting your individual stresses and worries affect your relationship. Adler says, “When we take responsibility and we value one another, our new attitude can actually inspire our … partner to want to do the same thing.”
Watch her TEDxOakParkWomen Talk now:
Daniella Balarezo is a Media Fellow at TEDx. She is also a writer and comedian based in NYC.
Melinda
POPSURGAR.celebrity
February 19, 2020by KARA KIA
← USE ARROW KEYS →Image Source: Getty / CHRIS DELMAS
Millie Bobby Brown turns 16 today! While this is a milestone birthday for most, for Millie, it was an opportunity to open up about how the media has affected her mental health ever since she first starred as Eleven on Stranger Things.
Millie was only 12 years young when she first appeared on the hit Netflix show. It’s no secret that child stardom is not the kindest to the mental health of young actors. For Millie’s 16th birthday, she shared a poignant post on Instagram. “There are moments I get frustrated from the inaccuracy, inappropriate comments, sexualization, and unnecessary insults that ultimately have resulted in pain and insecurity for me,” Millie wrote. “Not ever will I be defeated. I’ll continue doing what I love and spreading the message in order to make change. Let’s focus on what needs changing and I hope this video informs you on the things that go on behind the scenes of the headlines and flashing lights.”
Millie’s statement was accompanied by a video montage. Set to the soundtrack of “Changes” by Justin Bieber, a series of screenshots featuring various critical media headlines appeared. “Stranger Things star leaves Twitter after cyberbullying,” “Millie Bobby Brown criticized for adult style,” and “When did Millie Bobby Brown go through the change??? (Menopause)” are just a few harsh headlines that the young actor has had to deal with.
Keep reading for Millie’s full Instagram post. Related:From Netflix Actress to UNICEF Ambassador: See Millie Bobby Brown’s Evolution in Pictures
Thank you for stopping by today, times may be a bit crazy but we can pull thru anything together. We are one community and we can help others who need a hug. I’m sending my hugs to you.
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “deep.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!
I love to scuba dive, I got certified in 1987 and spent the next 15 years traveling around the world looking for great dive spots. Some of you may know, the color is best in the shallow waters because the most light comes in. However I like the deep, deep waters where the wrecks and big fish live.
The color isn’t brilliant but what you see is just as fascinating. I dove the wreck of the Rhone in the British Virgin Islands. Several of the large pillars are still standing, I was able to see a manhole and dive thru an opening in the wreck. Breathtaking and quite. So quite all you hear is your breath from the regulator.
Here is a little about the wreck.
Established in1980 | Area: 800 acres (including Dead Chest Island) The Wreck of the Rhone is the first and only Marine National Park in the British Virgin Islands. It is the most celebrated dive site in the BVI, and a major recreational attraction. The park includes examples of fringing reef habitat and seagrass beds. The wreck is that of a Royal Mail Steamer, which sunk during the hurricane of 1867 with 125 people on board. At 310 feet long and 40 feet wide, the wreck of the Royal Mail Steamer lies in two main parts in waters between 30 and 90 feet deep. Much of it is still intact and visible, including decking, parts of the rigging, the steam engine, and propeller. The marine park stretches from Lee Bay on Salt Island westward to include Dead Chest Island. The ship’s anchor broke away outside Great Harbour, Peter Island, and this site forms the second portion of the park. The park is used by several commercial dive operators daily. Other dive sites in the park include Rhone Reef, Blonde Rock, and Painted Walls. Anchoring is strictly prohibited in the area in and around the Rhone. The National Parks Trust has installed mooring buoys for use by all commercial, charter, and private vessels. If moorings are unavailable around the Rhone, vessels are required to use the Salt Island Settlement or Peter Island anchorages.
Please visit many of the great dive sites in The Virgin Islands.
Melinda
Here are the rules for SoCS:
Thank you for stopping by today, times may be a bit crazy but we can pull thru anything together. We are one community and we can help others who need a hug. I’m sending my hugs to you.
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “deep.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!
I love to scuba dive, I got certified in 1987 and spent the next 15 years traveling around the world looking for great dive spots. Some of you may know, the color is best in the shallow waters because the most light comes in. However I like the deep, deep waters where the wrecks and big fish live.
The color isn’t brilliant but what you see is just as fascinating. I dove the wreck of the Rhone in the British Virgin Islands. Several of the large pillars are still standing, I was able to see a manhole and dive thru an opening in the wreck. Breathtaking and quite. So quite all you hear is your breath from the regulator.
Here is a little about the wreck.
Established in1980 | Area: 800 acres (including Dead Chest Island) The Wreck of the Rhone is the first and only Marine National Park in the British Virgin Islands. It is the most celebrated dive site in the BVI, and a major recreational attraction. The park includes examples of fringing reef habitat and seagrass beds. The wreck is that of a Royal Mail Steamer, which sunk during the hurricane of 1867 with 125 people on board. At 310 feet long and 40 feet wide, the wreck of the Royal Mail Steamer lies in two main parts in waters between 30 and 90 feet deep. Much of it is still intact and visible, including decking, parts of the rigging, the steam engine, and propeller. The marine park stretches from Lee Bay on Salt Island westward to include Dead Chest Island. The ship’s anchor broke away outside Great Harbour, Peter Island, and this site forms the second portion of the park. The park is used by several commercial dive operators daily. Other dive sites in the park include Rhone Reef, Blonde Rock, and Painted Walls. Anchoring is strictly prohibited in the area in and around the Rhone. The National Parks Trust has installed mooring buoys for use by all commercial, charter, and private vessels. If moorings are unavailable around the Rhone, vessels are required to use the Salt Island Settlement or Peter Island anchorages.
Please visit many of the great dive sites in The Virgin Islands.
Melinda
Here are the rules for SoCS:
I started sheltering in place in 2013 when I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease. I spent three years on IV Therapy seven days a week and walked only to the bathroom and back. The years after IV Therapy was just as rough.
I’ve been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, cognitive disfunction which includes lack of balance and Dementia. Dementia is the real kicker. There are a host of other ailments I suffer from and will have more as the years pass. Lyme Diseases like many other chronic illnesses cause other complications.
I was told early on that Lyme would cause problems that seem unrelated for years to come because there is no cure and my immune system remains compromised. This past month I found her words to be true again.
I was diagnosed with Hypogammaglobulinemia last month. It’s an immune disorder of the blood. Hypogammaglobulinemia is a problem with the immune system that prevents it from making enough antibodies called immunoglobulins. Antibodies are proteins that help your body recognize and fight off foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Without enough antibodies, you’re more likely to get infections. People with hypogammaglobulinemia can more easily catch pneumonia, meningitis, and other infections that a healthy immune system.
If your hypogammaglobulinemia is severe, you may get immune globulin replacement therapy to replace what your body isn’t making. You get this treatment through an IV. The immune globulin comes from the blood plasma of healthy donors.
I see a Hematologist on May 19th and look forward to what they have to say. I doubt labs will be open by then but she has my last lab work and doctor’s notes.
I quit driving years ago and have only driven a hand full of times in recent years. It’s not that I couldn’t drive but my husband came along to take notes since my memory is not what it used to be.
I’m very calm, I have a mental illness, Bipolar Disorder and my meds are working brilliantly. I met with my Psychiatrist and Therapist last month who both said I looked better than I have in years.
I’m ready for this to pass and it will pass but I’m perfectly calm and entertained indoors while my husband takes meetings in his office. The biggest problems are the four-legged kids who like to get into barking matches.
Melinda
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| April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Part of raising awareness around sexual assault is not only highlighting the work being done to bring it to an end, but also focusing on supporting the health and well-being of survivors. Especially during these weeks of uncertainty and isolation, we know that the pressure experienced by survivors of violence can significantly increase. Pain and trauma can thrive in isolation. Here are some tools—words, actions, and resources—to help guide you during these difficult times.Regularly and repeatedly check-in with yourself. Ask yourself, how is your mind and body—what emotions are you feeling? Common responses to trauma include tension, fear, anger, sadness, and maybe even feeling unsafe. Remind yourself that what you are experiencing is a common response to a traumatic event. If you are feeling in any way unsafe, reach out to a friend or a therapist to help create a safety plan. There are many medical professionals engaging in e-services — don’t let a quarantine keep you from getting the care you need. Having a good source of support can make a difference in the healing process. Know that your feelings are real, and be gentle with yourself in processing them. There are no right or wrong responses when coping with trauma. Allowing feelings to surface can make it easier to cope with them, but there are other helpful ways of addressing thoughts and feelings about a situation, such as talking, journaling, drawing, or creating art. Think about creating daily practices like exercise, relaxation, or breathing routines to help release tension and reduce stress. Resources are available. Despite quarantine orders, hotlines to provide support to survivors are continuing to operate. Make sure that you reach out for help if you need it: Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network 1 (800) 656-4673 www.rainn.orgNational Domestic Violence Hotline 1 (800) 799-7233 www.ndvh.orgNational Teen Dating Abuse Helpline 1 (866) 331-9474 www.loveisrespect.orgNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1 (800) 273-8255 www.suicidepreventionlifeline.orgWe hope these tools are useful as you navigate your path towards healing. Follow along on social media throughout the month of April as we share more information and resources to raise awareness about sexual assault. |
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Recipe from Willow and Sage by Stampington
Making your own essential oil is easier than you think. Gather dried herbs and oil of choice. Dried herbs are better than fresh to prevent mold.
Here are some single oils you can infuse along with their healing benefits.
Calendula Oil–Use for any skin remedies, like in lotion or facial oil.
Peppermint Oil–Wonderful for relieving aches and pains. It can be used as a massage oil or added to bath water. If you have a headache, rub a bit on your wrist and breath in the healing aroma.
Rosemary Oil–If you have hair troubles, such as poor growth, lice, or dandruff, rosemary is a great option. Add the infused oil to shampoo or use as a hair mask.
Lemon Balm Oil–Lemon balm is a natural astringent and has antibacterial properties, which are amazing for healing cold sores and other skin irritations.
To Make
Place the dried herbs in a clean 1 quart mason jar. Cover the herbs with the oil of your choice with a 1-to-2 ratio. Add enough that the herbs are completely covered by at least an inch oil. Seal the jar with an airtight lid, add either place outside or in a sunny window. Let infuse for at least four weeks. When the oil is ready, strain it through cheesecloth, making sure to strain as much oil as possible. Store the oil in same mason jar.
Have a great weekend. Be Safe. M
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favourite 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.
Thank you for stopping by today, times may be a bit crazy but we can pull thru anything together. We are one community and we can help others who need a hug. I’m sending my hugs to you.
Melinda
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “beside you.” Write about whatever is beside you when you read this prompt. Not when you sit down to write, but whatever is beside you right now. Take note of it if you think you might forget. Enjoy!
The world is standing beside you.
The fire departments around the world are beside you.
The police and jail workers are beside you keeping the peace.
The government’s around the world are united beside you in helping each other thru these unprecedented times.
I’m beside you, right here ready to take any and all comments and requests for what you need. I can offer prayers and hugs all day long.
The television stations and media are beside you and keeping us up to date on how to best protect ourselves and loved ones.
I hope you have loved ones beside you, even the wet noise kind is a great relief.
Melinda.
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!
Here are the rules for SoCS:
Thank you for stopping by today, times may be a bit crazy but we can pull thru anything together. We are one community and we can help others who need a hug. I’m sending my hugs to you.
Melinda
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “beside you.” Write about whatever is beside you when you read this prompt. Not when you sit down to write, but whatever is beside you right now. Take note of it if you think you might forget. Enjoy!
The world is standing beside you.
The fire departments around the world are beside you.
The police and jail workers are beside you keeping the peace.
The government’s around the world are united beside you in helping each other thru these unprecedented times.
I’m beside you, right here ready to take any and all comments and requests for what you need. I can offer prayers and hugs all day long.
The television stations and media are beside you and keeping us up to date on how to best protect ourselves and loved ones.
I hope you have loved ones beside you, even the wet noise kind is a great relief.
Melinda.
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!
Here are the rules for SoCS:
“…We hope to share the stories that show kindness, compassion, hope, overcoming challenges and in general, the impressive resilience of the human spirit. For every dark, negative story out there, there is a positive, heartwarming story that will add some light and lift the human spirit.”
Belinda Witzenhausen
Goodnewsnetwork.org
By Andy Corbley – Mar 24, 2020
In a national emergency, some people’s initial thoughts are to fight over toilet paper. Others, like Good News Network reader Trina Branella, immediately want to leap to the aid of those in the front lines of the crisis.
Trina began constructing and sewing cloth masks for a project in Indiana to help teenage cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Then, wanted to donate more masks to workers at four local chemo centers in New Jersey, spurred on by a friend of hers whose mother has cancer “and right now she’s using a bandana.”
Cloth masks are useful because they keep your hands from touching your nose and mouth (especially out in public where you don’t know if surfaces are clean). They also can contain sneezes and coughs, protecting those around you who may have vulnerable immune systems.
As Trina was running low on fabric and unable to purchase more, she asked around to see if there was anyone willing to donate to a good cause, but had no luck.
She then reached out to Good News Network on Friday, the very same dayGNN received a press release from JOANN fabric Stores announcing that the U.S. company would begin donating materials to anyone looking to sew together masks, gowns, or other essential medical equipment for healthcare workers.
After learning the JOANN Stores were launching the program on March 23, we submitted Trina’s order to the company and they said the supplies would be mailed immediately to her in Somerdale, New Jersey.
Branella was thrilled to hear about the donation program and ordered 5 yards of flannel, and a couple packets of 1/8 inch elastic.
“I just have this warm, little fuzzy going on right now,” she told GNN by phone. “I’m so happy they’re doing something. I love JOANN’s.”
RELATED: Crates of Masks Shipped to Italy Are Covered in Italian Poetry: ‘Leaves of the Same Tree’
Beyond just donated materials, JOANN is offering “Ship-to-Home” or “Curbside Pickup” options, so customers won’t need to come into the stores.
The chain includes 865 stores across 49 states (find your local store here)—but not all shops may be participating, so telephone the store first.
“The amazing thing about the crafting community is that, especially in difficult times, they are always looking for ways to help,” said Wade Miquelon, President & CEO of JOANN.
RELATED: People Are Knitting Mittens for Burnt Koalas After Australian Bushfires
All open JOANN locations will serve as collection points, too, so that people sewing in their homes can drop off any items created, which will then be distributed to medical centers to help extend their dwindling supplies.
“We are seeing hospital workers, organizations and individuals coming into our stores for supplies to make these essential items, and our customers are asking us how they can help,” Miquelon added. “So many are spending their time and money to help in this tragic situation, and we want to step in to do our part to protect the amazing people who are helping the communities we serve.”
According to a press release on JOANN’s website, entities in need of supplies should contact joannplus@joann.com.
They say they will also open their classrooms—while adhering to social distancing guidelines—to any who want to help make these essential items. Participating locations will offer sewing machines, materials and guidance to help customers safely make face masks and covers, gowns and other items to donate to America’s hospitals. They have some How-to guides here.
POPULAR: Ten More Positive Updates on the COVID Outbreaks From Around the World
“We have a generous community who can make a big difference as our healthcare system faces this crisis,” Miquelon said. “We’re here to support them, and all who make to give year round. We are all in this together.”
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Want A Morning Jolt of Good News?
“We are the World” Blogfest” aims to spread the message of light, hope and love in today’s world. We are challenging all participants to share the positive side of humanity. This month’s co-hosts, Sylvia McGrath, Lizbeth Hartz, Shilpa Garg, Mary Giese, and Belinda Witzenhausen welcome participants and encourage all to join in during future months. #WATWB comes on the last Friday of every month. Click HERE for more information. You are always welcome to join in!You can find more stories of hope, light, and love on the WATWB Facebook Page. Click HERE to be part of the Light.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, we are now being told that the most helpful thing we can do is stay at home and remain physically distant from others. Unless you are in an essential profession, this could be a time to slow down. To check in with those that you care most about. To chat for longer and to connect emotionally. To reflect on your life and rediscover what really matters to you. To hope and dream and plan for a better future. And to try things that you otherwise may not have had the chance or the time to do.
Things You Can Do to Stay Mentally Healthy During Self-Isolation — Damon Ashworth Psychology
The course, taught by psychology professor Laurie Santos, focuses on understanding happiness in life
By Eric Todisco March 24, 2020 10:55 AM
Yale University has the perfect solution to keeping happiness alive amid the trying times of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Connecticut-based Ivy League college is making its widely-popular “happiness” course available online for free via Coursera.
According to Yale’s news site, the online course, titled “The Science of Well Being,” is taught by psychology professor Laurie Santos. The class features lectures from Santos on discovering what makes humans truly happy.
The course was initially started in 2018 as an in-person lecture by Santos titled “Psychology and the Good Life.” Before launching the happiness course, Santos said that she would eat daily with students and was “shocked at the kind of mental health issues” she was witnessing.
Since beginning the class, it grew in popularity, drawing in 1,000 students for enrollment and becoming one of the most popular courses at the university.
After its high demand — with nearly a quarter of Yale University students enrolling a year — it was transitioned into an online class.
RELATED: Best Apps to Stay Social and See Friends While Isolated Over Coronavirus
Now, both students and non-students can enroll in the class online and complete assignments, submit them for a grade and earn a certificate of completion. (Sign up here)
“We’re in a particularly challenging time not just for this health crisis, this physical health crisis, but also a potential mental health crisis as well,” Santos told CNN.
She also shared with the outlet that while many believe that happiness derives from things like finding a more attractive partner or buying a bigger house, it actually comes from the simpler things in life.
“What plays a much bigger role are our simple practices, simple acts like making a social connection, or taking time for gratitude, or taking time to be in the present moment,” Santos explained.
Catie Henderson, a 29-year-old from Atlanta that had studied philosophy in college, took the course last year, wanting to continue her “learning and development.”
After completing the course, Henderson said she learned a lot about the misconceptions surrounding happiness in life.
“Getting your dream job or dream spouse won’t create happiness. You have to build habits,” Henderson said. “And connecting with others is important, but getting right with yourself is equally important.”
The course, taught by psychology professor Laurie Santos, focuses on understanding happiness in life
By Eric Todisco March 24, 2020 10:55 AM
Yale University has the perfect solution to keeping happiness alive amid the trying times of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Connecticut-based Ivy League college is making its widely-popular “happiness” course available online for free via Coursera.
According to Yale’s news site, the online course, titled “The Science of Well Being,” is taught by psychology professor Laurie Santos. The class features lectures from Santos on discovering what makes humans truly happy.
The course was initially started in 2018 as an in-person lecture by Santos titled “Psychology and the Good Life.” Before launching the happiness course, Santos said that she would eat daily with students and was “shocked at the kind of mental health issues” she was witnessing.
Since beginning the class, it grew in popularity, drawing in 1,000 students for enrollment and becoming one of the most popular courses at the university.
After its high demand — with nearly a quarter of Yale University students enrolling a year — it was transitioned into an online class.
RELATED: Best Apps to Stay Social and See Friends While Isolated Over Coronavirus
Now, both students and non-students can enroll in the class online and complete assignments, submit them for a grade and earn a certificate of completion. (Sign up here)
“We’re in a particularly challenging time not just for this health crisis, this physical health crisis, but also a potential mental health crisis as well,” Santos told CNN.
She also shared with the outlet that while many believe that happiness derives from things like finding a more attractive partner or buying a bigger house, it actually comes from the simpler things in life.
“What plays a much bigger role are our simple practices, simple acts like making a social connection, or taking time for gratitude, or taking time to be in the present moment,” Santos explained.
Catie Henderson, a 29-year-old from Atlanta that had studied philosophy in college, took the course last year, wanting to continue her “learning and development.”
After completing the course, Henderson said she learned a lot about the misconceptions surrounding happiness in life.
“Getting your dream job or dream spouse won’t create happiness. You have to build habits,” Henderson said. “And connecting with others is important, but getting right with yourself is equally important.”
Earlier in the month I was diagnosed with persistent Hypocalcemia. The lack of calcium can cause many problems but the most troubling to me at this time is more Osteoporosis which I already have in my hip and heart complications, which I already have several heart issues.
Like everyone my appointment was pushed out and we wait out the social distancing to get back to normal. I’m lucky that I don’t have the worst symptoms yet.
Hypocalcemia (Calcium Deficiency Disease)
Calcium is a vital mineral. Your body uses it to build strong bones and teeth. Calcium is also needed for your heart and other muscles to function properly. When you don’t get enough calcium, you increase your risk of developing disorders like:
Children who don’t get enough calcium may not grow to their full potential height as adults.
You should consume the recommended amount of calcium per day through the food you eat, supplements, or vitamins.
Many people are at an increased risk for calcium deficiency as they age. This deficiency may be due to a variety of factors, including:
It’s important to ensure proper calcium intake at all ages.
For children and teenagers, the recommended daily allowances for calcium are the same for both sexes. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the daily allowances are:
According to the U.S. government’s dietary guidelinesTrusted Source, calcium requirements for adults are:
Women need to increase their calcium intake earlier in life than men, starting in middle age. Meeting the necessary calcium requirement is particularly important as a woman approaches menopause.
The hormone disorder hypoparathyroidism may also cause calcium deficiency disease. People with this condition don’t produce enough parathyroid hormone, which controls calcium levels in the blood.
During menopause, women should also increase their calcium intake to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and calcium deficiency disease. The decline in the hormone estrogen during menopause causes a woman’s bones to thin faster.
Other causes of hypocalcemia include malnutrition and malabsorption. Malnutrition is when you’re not getting enough nutrients, while malabsorption is when your body can’t absorb the vitamins and minerals you need from the food you eat. Additional causes include:
If you miss your daily dose of calcium, you won’t become calcium deficient overnight. But it’s still important to make an effort to get enough calcium every day, since the body uses it quickly. Vegans are more likely to become calcium deficient quickly because they don’t eat calcium-rich dairy products.
Calcium deficiency won’t produce short-term symptoms because the body maintains calcium levels by taking it directly from the bones. But long-term low levels of calcium can have serious effects.
Early stage calcium deficiency may not cause any symptoms. However, symptoms will develop as the condition progresses.
Severe symptoms of hypocalcemia include:
Calcium deficiencies can affect all parts of the body, resulting in weak nails, slower hair growth, and fragile, thin skin.
Calcium also plays an important role in both neurotransmitter release and muscle contractions. So, calcium deficiencies can bring on seizures in otherwise healthy people.
If you start experiencing neurological symptoms like memory loss, numbness and tingling, hallucinations, or seizures, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible.
Contact your doctor if you have symptoms of calcium deficiency disease. They’ll review your medical history and ask you about family history of calcium deficiency and osteoporosis.
If your doctor suspects calcium deficiency, they’ll take a blood sample to check your blood calcium level. Your doctor will measure your total calcium level, your albumin level, and your ionized or “free” calcium level. Albumin is a protein that binds to calcium and transports it through the blood. Sustained low calcium levels in your blood may confirm a diagnosis of calcium deficiency disease.
Normal calcium levels for adults can range from 8.8 to 10.4 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), according to the Merck Manual. You may be at risk for calcium deficiency disease if your calcium level is below 8.8 mg/dL. Children and teens typically have higher blood calcium levels than adults.
Calcium deficiency is usually easy to treat. It typically involves adding more calcium to your diet.
Do not self-treat by taking a lot of calcium supplements. Taking more than the recommended dose without your doctor’s approval can lead to serious issues like kidney stones.
Commonly recommended calcium supplements include:
Calcium supplements are available in liquid, tablet, and chewable forms.
It’s important to note that some medications could interact negatively with calcium supplements. These medications include:
Sometimes diet changes and supplements aren’t enough to treat a calcium deficiency. In this case, your doctor may want to regulate your calcium levels by giving you regular calcium injections.
You can expect to see results within the first few weeks of treatment. Severe cases of calcium deficiency disease will be monitored at one- to three-month intervals.
Complications from calcium deficiency disease include eye damage, an abnormal heartbeat, and osteoporosis.
Complications from osteoporosis include:
If left untreated, calcium deficiency disease could eventually be fatal.
You can prevent calcium deficiency disease by including calcium in your diet every day.
Be aware that foods high in calcium, such as dairy products, can also be high in saturated fat and trans fat. Choose low-fat or fat-free options to reduce your risk of developing high cholesterol and heart disease.
You can get 1/4 to 1/3 of your RDA of calcium in a single serving of some milks and yogurts. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)Trusted Source, other calcium-rich foods include:
While meeting your calcium requirement is very important, you also want to make sure you’re not getting too much. According to the Mayo Clinic, upper limits of calcium intake in milligrams (mg) for adults are:
You might want to supplement your diet by taking a multivitamin. Or your doctor may recommend supplements if you’re at high risk for developing a calcium deficiency.
Multivitamins may not contain all of the calcium you need, so be sure to eat a well-rounded diet. If you’re pregnant, take a prenatal vitamin.
Vitamin D is important because it increases the rate calcium is absorbed into your blood. Ask your doctor how much vitamin D you need.
To increase your calcium intake, you can add food rich in vitamin D to your diet. These include:
As with calcium-rich dairy products, some vitamin D-rich dairy products can also be high in saturated fat.
Sunlight triggers your body to make vitamin D, so getting regular exposure to the sun can also help boost your vitamin D levels.
Melinda
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “welcome.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!
I welcome the wet noise of my two loving dogs on this gloomy Saturday.
I welcome the rain for making the ground so moist and easy to pull weeds this morning.
Welcome are the bulbs planted that are popping their heads up in the dirt.
Welcome is the day, I’m alive, well physically and mentally.
Welcome is the love of my husband who always knows what I need before I do.
Welcome is you stopping by today and reading this post. I hope your day is filled with sunshine, even if it’s self-made.
Melinda
Here are the rules for SoCS:
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “welcome.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!
I welcome the wet noise of my two loving dogs on this gloomy Saturday.
I welcome the rain for making the ground so moist and easy to pull weeds this morning.
Welcome are the bulbs planted that are popping their heads up in the dirt.
Welcome is the day, I’m alive, well physically and mentally.
Welcome is the love of my husband who always knows what I need before I do.
Welcome is you stopping by today and reading this post. I hope your day is filled with sunshine, even if it’s self-made.
Melinda
Here are the rules for SoCS:
I set up my FaceBook account yesterday and my skills are at the most basic level. I went to the FAQ’s on WordPress and could not get connected. I have no doubt it’s user error.
Since we’re social distancing, maybe some of you more advanced people can provide a more basic way for my to publish my blog on the FaceBook page.
I appreciate you, please keep your distance, see about neighbor, stay aware of your mental health by getting outdoors for fresh are and speaking to family and friends. For me not much has changed, I don’t get out much anyway. The extra measures are with my husband as he buys groceries, making sure he uses Clorox wipes in the truck and we wash our hands after touching the groceries. Yesterday I wiped down my Starbucks cup with a Clorox wipe, that felt strange but I had to get out of the house.
Take care of yourself, this too shall pass. Not soon enough but we want as few deaths as possible. Be sure to check on your elderly neighbors and family, you can always wear a mask, gloves and leave groceries at door. I saw my neighbors daughter bringing him groceries this morning.
Sending big hugs to each of you now more than ever!!!!!!!
Melinda
lookingforthelight.blog 