Cindy is a great blogging friend and an inspiration to me. When she said her look book was poetry, I paused for a minute. I’m not one to get into poetry, but this book is different, it’s conversational and the topics speak to me. I love how it flows.
Celebrating Poetry is a Companion Guide to Re-Create and Celebrate.
A Little About Cindy
Cindy is a San Francisco native and currently lives nestled in the trees in a small community with her husband and four fur babies. Her debut book Recreate & Celebrate: 7 Steps To Live The Life Of Your Dreams has 40 5-star reviews on Amazon and can be found at local bookstores. She was voted Author of The Year by Spillworks Press, NY in 2024 and was voted Author of the Month by Spillworks Press, NY in April 2023 and Publication of the Month by Spillworks Press in October 2022.
“Celebrating Poetry by Cindy Georgakas is a joy to read and a perfect companion to Cindy’s book, Re-Create & Celebrate.
She shares a variety of poems relating to the ups and downs of everyday life. Her verses encourage us to discover and celebrate our own strengths and to face life’s challenges.
I highly recommend this wonderful book to reconnect with yourself and enrich your soul.”
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“Cindy’s poetry is a warm embrace on a cold night. Each verse, a window into her soul, inviting the reader to peer in and understand. Her words, raw and honest, resonate deeply, making the reader feel both seen and understood. It’s as if she’s sitting across from you sharing her life story, one heartfelt poem at a time. A truly beautiful and moving collection that I loved.”
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“First thing in the morning and last thing at night. I keep this lovely collection of poems next to my bed, and read one before falling asleep to feed my muse and my spirit. When I wake, I re-read the same poem again, and generally pick up something new that I missed in the first reading. No matter when or how you decide to read this beautiful collection, just know that you don’t want to miss a single one! 💞”
My Thoughts
I love how the book is laid out, there is a section where Cindy writes her thoughts followed by a collection of relative poetry. It’s more conversational than a poetry book. One of the most important things I can say is Cindy is inspirational, and positive and leaves you with questions to ponder.
Some of the topics Cindy covers in Celebrating Poetry are:
Be who you are
Look up not down
You reap what you sew
Bite your tongue
and so many more great topics that can help us shape your life for the positive.
I like that there are pages to write down your reflections which is great to look back at and remind you of which areas you would like to read again, and you will want to read again.
A few poems I especially related to:
Bite Your Tounge
Learn or Blame
Spit It Out
This book will become your trusted friend, one you can go back and lay your head on. There’s truth in Cindy’s words. I agree with one reviewer, it’s a must-read.
Journaling about our feelings releases emotions, which allows for perspective and helps us to better manage our bipolar mood episodes.
Whenever James M. feels stressed, he logs onto his computer and writes it all away.
He says that journaling has been a major source of strength and hope in managing his bipolar 1 disorder. His online journal is now around 200 pages long — and counting.
“I first started writing when I was not feeling well, and I had thoughts circling around in my head that wouldn’t go away until I wrote them down,” recalls the 30-year-old internet technology professional in Concord, New Hampshire.
Journaling can play multiple roles. It can:
Help people with bipolar understand their emotions more clearly
Sometimes predict — and prevent — episodes of mania or depression
There are no hard-and-fast rules about when to journal, or in what form, or what to do with the entries once they are complete. Journal entries can be shared, discarded, or revisited at a later date.
James, who was diagnosed in 2012, doesn’t necessarily journal every day, and he almost never shares his pages with anyone, except for his therapist, on occasion. For him, it’s a personal and cathartic process — and, on occasion, inspiring.
“I will look back and be amazed at how much pain I was in, how much has changed, and how far I have come,” he says.
The first step in journaling: Silence your internal editor. Your entries don’t need to be polished or even grammatical. In fact, journaling doesn’t always mean putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). The process can use visual formats instead, such as drawings, collages, and vision boards.
Using Art and Words for Emotional Wellness
Journaling as part of art therapy can be helpful for individuals who don’t find it easy to express themselves in words, notes Adele C. Viguera, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts.
“A vision board or collage can be a good option,” she says. “Journaling can be as simple as drawing smiley faces or unhappy faces on the calendar to indicate mood.”
Both vision boards and written journals also can be used for goal-setting, Dr. Viguera points out.
“Writing down or illustrating your short-term goals for the day, or the things you want to accomplish long-term, can be very helpful,” she explains.
Sorting Out Your Feelings and Finding Emotional Balance Through Journaling
In short, the choice of how, and how often, to express yourself depends on the person.
Journaling is a versatile process that can meet you where you are, points out Ben Weinstein, MD, chair of psychiatry at Houston Methodist in Texas.
“It’s a way to offload thoughts and sort out feelings,” he says. “There are times when the very act of writing things down can resolve some of these feelings.”
James finds that letting his thoughts flow out his fingers gives him some much-needed distance.
“It gets whatever poison is running through my head out, and I feel better,” he says. “Maybe not 100 percent better, but I can start thinking of solutions.”
How Journaling Offers Judgement-Free Support
Jessica C., in her forties, has been living with bipolar 1 for nearly half her life. The Greensboro, North Carolina, resident values journaling as an emotional outlet.
“Journaling helps me because it gives me a safe space to release thoughts and emotions, with absolutely no judgment from anyone,” she says.
She has no set routine, essentially using journaling as a safety valve.
“I journal when I feel it’s necessary — most times, a few days a week, but sometimes, it’s several times a day,” she says. “I’ll just continue my previous paragraph for that day, but start out with putting the time of day that I wrote it.”
This a great article for all people, not just for those with Bipolar Disorder. Writing my thoughts down helps me organize them and I can go back later to see what I wrote.
Regardless of your version of true happiness, living a happier, more satisfied life is within reach. A few tweaks to your regular habits like getting more sleep and exercise can help you get there.
Habits matter. If you’ve ever tried breaking a bad habit, you know all too well how engrained they are.
Well, good habits are deeply engrained, too. Why not work on making positive habits part of your routine?
Below, you’ll find suggestions for daily, monthly, and yearly habits to help kickstart your quest. Just remember that everyone’s version of happiness is a little different, and so is their path to achieving it.
If some of these habits create added stress or just don’t fit your lifestyle, ditch them. With a little time and practice, you’ll figure out what does and doesn’t work for you.
The following daily habits may help you achieve more happiness in your life.
1. Smile
You tend to smile when you’re happy. But it’s actually a two-way street.
We smile because we’re happy, and smiling causes the brain to release dopamine, which makes us happier.
While not completely foolproof, researchers have found that the link between smiling and happiness could be attributed to the “facial feedback hypothesis,” where facial expressions may have a modest influence on emotions.
That does not mean you have to go around with a fake smile plastered on your face all the time. But the next time you find yourself feeling low, crack a smile and see what happens. Or try starting each morning by smiling at yourself in the mirror.
2. Exercise
Exercise isn’t just for your body. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, feelings of anxiety, and symptoms of depression while boosting self-esteem and happiness.
Even a small amount of physical activity can make a difference. You don’t have to train for a triathlon or scale a cliff — unless that’s what makes you happy, of course.
The trick is to not overexert yourself. If you suddenly throw yourself into a strenuous routine, you may just end up frustrated (and sore).
Consider these exercise starters:
Take a walk around the block every night after dinner.
Sign up for a beginner’s class in yoga or tai chi.
Remind yourself of any fun activities you once enjoyed but that have fallen by the wayside. Or you could consider starting activities you always wanted to try, such as golf, bowling, or dancing.
3. Get plenty of sleep
Most adults need at least 7 hoursTrusted Source of sleep every night. If you find yourself fighting the urge to nap during the day or just generally feel like you’re in a fog, your body may be telling you it needs more rest.
Here are a few tips to help you build a better sleep routine:
Write down how many hours of sleep you get each night and how rested you feel. After a week, you should have a better idea how you’re doing. You can also try using an app to track your sleep.
Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, including on weekends.
Reserve the hour before bed as quiet time. Take a bath, read, or do something relaxing. Avoid heavy eating and drinking.
Keep your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet.
Invest in some good bedding.
If you have to take a nap, try limiting it to 20 minutes.
If you consistently have problems sleeping, consider talking with a doctor. You may have a sleep disorder that requires treatment.
Carbohydrates release serotonin, a “feel good” hormone. Just keep simple carbs — foods high in sugar and starch — to a minimum because that energy surge is short and you’ll crash. Choosing complex carbs, such as vegetables, beans, and whole grains, can help you avoid a crash while still providing serotonin.
Lean meat, poultry, legumes, and dairy are high in protein. Protein-rich foods release dopamine and norepinephrine, which boost energy and concentration.
Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fatty fish, have been found to have anti-inflammatory effectsTrusted Source that extend to your overall brain health. If you don’t eat fish, you might consider talking with a doctor about possible supplementation.
Highly processed or deep-fried foods tend to leave you feeling down and so will skipping meals.
If you want to eat with your mood in mind, consider starting with making one food choice for your mood each day.
For example, swap a big, sweet breakfast pastry for some Greek yogurt with fruit. You’ll still satisfy your sweet tooth, and the protein will help you avoid a midmorning energy crash. Consider adding in a new food swap each week.
5. Practice gratitude
Simply being grateful can give your mood a big boost, among other benefits. For example, a two-part study found that practicing gratitude can have a significant impact on feelings of hope and happiness.
You might try starting each day by acknowledging one thing you’re grateful for. You can do this while you’re brushing your teeth or just waiting for that snoozed alarm to go off.
As you go about your day, consider keeping an eye out for pleasant things in your life. They can be big things, such as knowing that someone loves you or getting a well-deserved promotion.
But they can also be little things, such as a co-worker who offered you a cup of coffee or the neighbor who waved to you. Maybe it could even just be the warmth of the sun on your skin.
With a little practice, you may even become more aware of all the positive things around you.
6. Give a compliment
Research shows that performing acts of kindness may also help promote your overall well-being.
Giving a sincere compliment is a quick, easy way to brighten someone’s day while giving your own happiness a boost.
Catch the person’s eye and say it with a smile so they know you mean it. You might be surprised by how good it makes you feel.
If you want to offer someone a compliment on their physical appearance, make sure to do it in a respectful way.
7. Breathe deeply
You’re tense, your shoulders are tight, and you feel as though you just might “lose it.” We all know that feeling.
Instinct may tell you to take a long, deep breath to calm yourself down.
Turns out, that instinct is a good one. ResearchTrusted Source supports the fact that slow breathing and deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress.
The next time you feel stressed or are at your wit’s end, work through these steps:
Close your eyes. Try to envision a happy memory or beautiful place.
Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose.
Slowly breathe out through your mouth or nose.
Repeat this process several times until you start to feel yourself calm down.
If you’re having a hard time taking slow, deliberate breaths, try counting to 5 in your head with each inhale and exhale.
8. Acknowledge the unhappy moments
A positive attitude is generally a good thing, but bad things happen to everyone. It’s just part of life.
If you get some bad news, make a mistake, or just feel like you’re in a funk, don’t try to pretend you’re happy.
Acknowledge the feeling of unhappiness, letting yourself experience it for a moment. Then shift your focus toward what made you feel this way and what it might take to recover.
Would a deep breathing exercise help? A long walk outside? Talking it over with someone?
Let the moment pass and take care of yourself. Remember, no one’s happy all the time.
9. Keep a journal
A journal is a good way to organize your thoughts, analyze your feelings, and make plans. And you don’t have to be a literary genius or write volumes to benefit.
It can be as simple as jotting down a few thoughts before you go to bed. If putting certain things in writing makes you nervous, you can always shred it when you’ve finished. It’s the process that counts.
For those stressors you can’t avoid, remind yourself that everyone has stress — there’s no reason to think it’s all on you. And chances are, you’re stronger than you might think you are.
Instead of letting yourself get overwhelmed, try to address the stressor head-on. This might mean initiating an uncomfortable conversation or putting in some extra work, but the sooner you confront it, the sooner the pit in your stomach may start to shrink.
11. Avoid comparing yourself to others
Whether it happens on social media, at work, or even at a yoga class, it’s easy to fall into a place where you’re comparing yourself to others. The result? You may experienceTrusted Source more discontent, lower self-esteem, and even depression and anxiety.
It can take practice to stop comparing yourself to others, but it’s worth it for the benefit of having your inner peace and happiness.
You can start with some of the other tips on this list that can help draw your attention inward to yourself, such as deep breathing and journaling. You may also consider talking with a therapist for perspective.
If you like to read the entire article you can find it Here.
I’m glad you joined me for another edition of Weekend Music Share this week.
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
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.
If the darkening evenings and turning leaves induce a mild sense of dread in you every year, you’re not alone.
With the arrival of winter, many of us experience Seasonal Affective Disorder — which bears the appropriate acronym of SAD — and can bring on a depressed mood, loss of interest in things that you normally enjoy, and changes in sleep and appetite. While there aren’t conclusive figures, it is thought to affect between one and nine percent of the population, depending on where you live.
Although we may think of it as being a distinct affliction of its own, SAD is actually classified as either bipolar or major depressive disorder, but with a seasonal pattern. This means that people who experience it feel much worse in the fall and winter and relatively balanced or potentially even manic in the summer months, explains Kathryn Roecklein PhD, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Pittsburgh who studies the condition.
“Depression itself is pretty episodic,” says Roecklein. “You have a period of it, and then it goes away. The distinction [with SAD] is the seasonal recurrence.” It also appears that SAD is two to four times more common amongst women.
Even though we are making greater efforts as a society to recognize the importance of our mental health, it can be tempting to dismiss SAD as a touch of the “winter blues” and to try to get on with life as usual. But the best approach, Roecklein says, is to accept and recognize that it’s something that we may genuinely suffer from — and need treatment for. Just as we would for heart disease or diabetes.
Why does winter make us SAD?
The story of SAD starts with our circadian rhythm — our internal body clock that tells us when to eat, go to sleep, and wake up.
For the most part, we tend not to think too much about this system unless we have an unexpectedly late night or take a long-haul flight. But chronobiologist Emily Manoogian PhD says it plays a much more significant role.
“The circadian system is directly tied to how our brain functions, and this affects our cognitive ability, our behavior, our mood and our ability to remember things,” says Manoogian, who researches circadian rhythms at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in California. “The circadian system is important for making sure that throughout your body and brain, regions are talking to each other the way that they should be and everything is balanced. We know that circadian disruption is heavily associated with every form of affective disorder — such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, etc.”
Increased darkness in the fall and winter months is something that humans on much of the planet have experienced for thousands of years, but our technological advancement — in particular, artificial light — is interfering with this natural occurrence. Light is one of the most powerful stimuli for our circadian systems, and since the advent of electricity we’ve been sending our bodies a lot of mixed messages.
“This environment that we’ve created is inherently disruptive — it’s not lights on and off at a constant time to allow for a proper rest for our body; it’s lights on when we need to be up for work on some days, and then off later on other days,” explains Manoogian. “That creates this kind of social jetlag. That’s also going to make it a lot harder to sleep, and it can compromise health over time.”
Manoogian is also not a fan of daylight savings time. She says, “It shifts our exposure to sunlight later in the day and thus shifts our biological clocks. In the summer, we are getting sunlight later than we should, and when days are shorter, we are waking up in darkness. But the problem is that we still have to start work or school at the same times. This means that our schedules and our body are on different times, and this disrupts the circadian system.”
Although there is no evidence connecting it directly to SAD, daylight savings time is known to be widely disruptive to society and potentially even associated with cardiac health risks. There’s a growing movement to do away with the twice-annual time switch in several Canadian provinces, where Saskatchewan and (as of 2020) the Yukon Territory stick to the same time year-round, and similar proposals are being considered in other jurisdictions around the world.
What can you do?
As with any disorder, your treatment depends in part on severity. If SAD is significantly disrupting your life or making you feel as though life is not worth living anymore, it’s deeply important for you to reach out immediately to a mental health professional who can support you. Roecklein says that effective treatment options include taking medication, receiving cognitive behavioral therapy tailored to treating SAD, or using a SAD lamp (which delivers a higher dose of light than regular indoor lighting), but they should be explored under professional guidance.
If you’re wondering what to do because you’ve already bought a SAD lamp to use on your own, Roecklein says that there could be side effects. The most likely one, which is mild, is that you will feel it isn’t effective. This doesn’t mean that it can’t be the right therapy for you in conjunction with professional guidance — for instance, you could be using it at the wrong times or for the wrong duration. At the other end of the scale, mania is a very rare but significant side effect of improper use.
However, there are some relatively easy things you can do to support your circadian rhythms in everyday life. And while these aren’t guaranteed treatments for SAD, they can help give your body a stabilizing sense of routine.
Keep a consistent schedule, especially if you work from home
This doesn’t need to be a rigid, planned-down-to-10-minute increments affair; it’s more about keeping the stimuli that speak to your circadian system arriving roughly when it expects them, says Manoogian. Social interactions and food are two important circadian cues, so having regular mealtimes and breaks where you make a phone call, go for a walk or talk with other members of your household can really help.
Exercise is another important cue
It’s hard to get — and stay — motivated during a winter of pandemic-related restrictions, so any exercise is better than no exercise at all, emphasizes Manoogian. However, if you do choose to exercise outside, she says that the morning is a good time for your body to get some much needed natural light.
The only time for you to avoid exercising, if possible, is right before bed. When you do, it sends a confusing message to your body that night is a time to be active rather than to prepare for sleep.
Maximizing your light exposure is key
How much light we experience at different times of the day is important. Increasing the amount of light you get in the morning is helpful, whereas increasing your light exposure in the evening can be counterproductive.
So if your morning commute has changed from an hour in the car or on transit to a quick switch from your bed to your desk, you’re losing out on a lot of daylight that you are used to receiving just when you need it most. Taking a morning walk before you start your day, or even sitting near a bright window for the first half of your day can really help.
At night, reducing your light exposure and making your sleeping environment as dark as possible is also of huge benefit, explains Roecklein. “Most circadian biologists and sleep researchers I know have blackout shades and no night lights in their rooms — we don’t even have clocks with illuminated screens.”
No, it’s not just you — 2020 may be making your SAD worse
It’s difficult to separate the impacts of factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, the associated economic downturn and the psychological toll of the current political climate. But Roecklein has noted, at least anecdotally among the people in her SAD study, that there seems to be a higher instance of what psychologists refer to as “negative anticipatory cognitions” — where people consistently expect things to be worse in 2020 than in other years.
Roecklein also notes that experiencing negative life events — such as a bereavement, job loss or some other major change that requires large adjustment — as well as reduced opportunities for social and physical activity are additional risk factors for SAD. These areas of our lives have all been significantly impacted by COVID-19, so she and her colleagues anticipate a higher risk of people experiencing SAD this year.
However, there may be one small silver lining to the current situation, says Manoogian. While routine is very important for our bodies, a regular 9-5 work day can be very unnatural for those of us who aren’t morning people.
“The typical workday schedule is an artificial time that not everyone is able to stick to,” she explains. “If you work from home and you have a little bit of freedom about when you work, this could provide a very interesting opportunity for you to actually coordinate your schedule more with your internal clock.”
Sometimes it’s OK to doom scroll
Lastly, Roecklein wants to stress that although a routine is important, we are living through monumental events that are unfolding right before our eyes. And if we occasionally want to stay up a few hours later to feel better informed or more connected to other people experiencing the same thing… that’s actually fine.
“We take a moment to care for ourselves by thinking about the pros and cons. So there may be some nights where staying up late and doomscrolling is a choice one might make for good reasons,” says Roecklein. “But then on other nights, when we think about what we want most for ourselves — like better energy in the morning, a more positive mood, better alertness for the endless Zoom meetings — we might be more motivated to turn off devices, turn off the TV, dim the lights, and do all of those things that can help you wind down. Give yourself the chance to make that decision, and make the decision that’s right for you.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mary Halton is Assistant Ideas Editor at TED, and a science journalist based in the Pacific Northwest.
Thank you for the great feedback on this series. I sit down to a blank screen and see what comes to mind.
People are born good-hearted, they learn the rest from their parents and experiences in life.
If parents and their children spend less time on their phones or computers, they can have family conversations and make memories.
If parents drink, smoke, and swear, they can expect the same from their children. Do as I say does not work.
If you have room in your garage or back driveway, why do you park in front of the house? It makes the street look junky.
Leaving your outdoor Christmas lights on until February is not cool, stop procrastinating.
When someone calls me mame, I do a double take, I rarely hear it, and it makes me smile.
Remember to revere the elderly, everyone has the time to let them get across the street without honking.
If your city has bike lanes, use them. Biking groups should not be able to ride on the major/high-traffic streets. They are a traffic hazard and always cause traffic back-ups.
I want to thank Andrea Marchiano, Managing Editor at Trigger Publishing for sharing the book Between for review. The release date is February 4th, 2025. Between is a memoir of gender transition by a mother and her son. The book helps us learn the challenges they both faced and their mission is to break down the stigma and educate those who have questions about Transgender.
My Thoughts
Gemma and Leo Thelford are brutally honest in sharing their story, the good, the bad, and the ugly. It’s important to remember that Leo comes from a loving family that supports him. His father has a difficult time during the transition due to a lack of knowledge and his own stigma. His younger sibling had a difficult time wrapping his head around it. The journey was difficult but the family worked through it together.
For the purpose of this book, it’s the story between Leo and his mother. Gemma and Leo write their own chapters and it really helped the dialogue sink in because you have both of their thoughts on a subject.
What do you say when your 11-year-old daughter says she’s a boy? Between is a complex story of a daughter explaining to her mother that she doesn’t feel like a girl. With honest conversations and research Gemma began to understand the road her daughter may be facing and took an active role in each step of the way.
Their story warms my heart because they had the love and trust to make this huge change in their life.
Between is one of the most interesting books I’ve read and it answered many of my questions.
I have worked with Andrea for years and have learned from every book I’ve read.
At Trigger Publishing, our mission is to empower individuals on their mental health journey through the power of lived experience. We are dedicated to publishing real stories by real people, showing our readers that they are not alone and that recovery is possible. Our books and digital solutions, available through our parent brand Trigger Hub, provide hope, support, and practical tools for mental wellness.
I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and I hope to see you soon.
The second photo was taken from their website; the majestic building shines through. David took the first photo through a window in the Mayo Clinic buildings.
Highlights of the building include:
Bas relief caricatures – These images provide visual variety on the lower levels of the building’s exterior and represent themes ranging from St. George, the patron saint of England, slaying the dragon (honoring the Mayo family’s English ancestry) to a happy elephant and sad donkey (reflecting the presidential election of 1928, the year the building opened, when Republican Herbert Hoover defeated Democrat Al Smith).
Bronze doors – Standing 16 feet high and weighing 4,000 lbs. each, they are always open, closing only for great solemn events such as the death of Mayo Clinic leaders and national tragedies. In earlier years, Joe Fritsch, nicknamed “Joe Clinic” served as doorman and unofficial goodwill ambassador.
Carillon – Mounted in the tower of the Plummer Building, the 56-bell carillon brings the gift of music to downtown Rochester. Learn more about the Carillon.
Lobby – Marble from around the world adds beauty to this area. A mosaic of inlaid marble highlights the large registration counter. Note the bronze tablet on the wall near the lobby entrance. On August 8, 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt presented the plaque to the Mayo brothers on behalf of the American Legion.
Elevators – The elevators were originally run by an operator whose job it was to safely bring patients and staff to the various floors. Now automatic, the elevators still retain their vintage charm.
Historical Suite – The third floor of the Plummer Building contains the offices of Dr. Will and Dr. Charlie Mayo, in addition to the elegant Board of Governors Room with the brothers’ diplomas and awards. Other artifacts in the Historical Suite include the 1950 Nobel Prize for discovery of cortisone. Formally named the W. Bruce Fye Center for the History of Medicine in 2015, this area Historical Suite is open for self-guided tours Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Read More »
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 Ephemeral Encounters. We have not followed each other for long, but I had to follow after reading a few poems. Maggie is kind and giving; her personality shines through her words.
I am Maggie Watson, an Indie Poet and Author from Scotland.
My poetry journey began at the start of the pandemic in 2020.
At that point, I had no idea it would then become such a big part of my life.
We can all agree that those years were very difficult, and I found the "lockdowns" particularly hard.
So I began putting pen to paper, merely to get my sense of isolation and frustration down on paper.
Fast forward to December 2020 and "The Madness of Corona" was published (by a publishing house).
Her lasted book is called, Pieces of Me, A collection of poems.
I am pleased to announce that my New Collection of Poetry is now available to pre-order (Kindle Version) on Amazon
The Paperback Edition will be released on 7/10/2025.
I asked Maggie a couple of questions:
M. You started writing in 2020, how did you know it was your life’s passion?
M. At that point I had no idea that writing would become my passion. Covid had just raised its ugly head. I felt very isolated at the time, so I began putting my thoughts down on paper. Living on my own with the uncertainty of what was going on in the outside world was horrendous, my mental health was not great at that time (I am prone to low mood). I could not have envisaged the huge part it would then become in my life, but I am so very happy that I did pick up that pen!
M. You have been published many times, what is your favorite piece of work and why?
M. My favourite piece is “The Mask”.
It was in my first Collection, “The Madness of Corona”, which was published by a publishing house.
The Mask really conveys what people with depression sometimes do.
We wear a mask because there are still many people who don’t get it.
People also wear masks to hide their pain (the wounds that no one sees).
Another favorite poem of Maggie’s is In the Shadow of My Pen, it’s a “fire in your belly ” poem, one which I hope anyone reading would draw strength from.
My agoraphobia started a year or two before the pandemic. It was frustrating but my therapist helped on the journey. It started with intrusive thoughts that people were chasing me in their car and planning to hurt me by driving me off the road. These thoughts lasted for a long time. These are not dreams, they came during the day.
It’s possible the trigger was set off by me driving to a doctor I had seen for 15 years and getting lost. I had left my cell phone at home, so it was very stressful because I didn’t know the area well and had problems getting back to the freeway. Is this connected? I don’t know.
Then dreams started that were centered around my car. I couldn’t find the right key, I rented a car and when I looked for it I didn’t know how to find the car. I was carrying a huge keychain full of keys and I couldn’t find the right key and different dreams continued. The dreams came often in the beginning. The latest thought is someone is following me after going to the bank.
I thought it might be Agoraphobia but I thought it was someone who could not leave the house. When I started reading about Agoraphobia, I was shocked by the different types. I found my symptoms listed and now have an answer.
One treatment option is EMDR Sessions. It works for many people but some doctors do not recommend it for people with Bipolar Disorder. I’ve chosen not to have the treatments.
For now, I only drive within a 3-4-mile radius of the house, making me less independent. I don’t focus on Agoraphobia, it’s when I make plans to leave the house that the feelings kick in and dictate what I do next.
New Orleans has seen many tragedies throughout it’s history and no matter how bleak the situations looked at the time, the soul of New Orleans came together and bounced back. We have to process our emotions, anger and grieve, once we grieve, keep in mind the good memories, the conversations and the kindness, that is the memory you want.
Our hearts are broken now, but once we grieve, we can look for joy in life.
I tamed my intense cravings and calmed my binge-eating habits to help keep my diet — and my bipolar moods — in balance.
My co-worker carefully extricates her lunch from the toaster oven. The slice of leftover pizza, cheese dripping over its edges, smells divine. She observes me plopping frozen spinach, grilled chicken, and a splash of tomato sauce into a microwave-safe casserole dish and says, “You’re so good. I wish I could eat like that.”
“It’s easy to be good when you’re afraid of passing out over your keyboard from low blood sugar,” I reply to excuse my freakishly healthful lunch. I explained to her that maintaining a good diet keeps my moods in check and would go beyond the bounds of casual break-room small talk.
The steadier my blood sugar levels throughout the day, the steadier my energy, the more alert I feel, the less anxiety I experience, and the more productive I am. The more alert and productive I am, the better I keep bipolar depression at bay.
Work festivities can be a tad awkward, though. I’ve become adept at resisting temptation when someone brings in a plate of brownies, despite the bewildered urging when I refuse. “You gotta try this. It’s Aunt Bessie’s recipe.” Or, “C’mon, who doesn’t like chocolate?” I try to explain, “I love chocolate. It just doesn’t love me.”
Binge Eating and Bipolar Disorder
I used to be a binge eater, regularly losing and gaining as much as 50 pounds. After getting home from work, I could easily inhale ice cream by the pint or a sleeve of chocolate chip cookies dipped in milk — or both. The sugar was like a tranquilizer for my anxious feelings.
Several months and several dress sizes later, I would restrict my eating to lose the excess weight. I cut and cut and cut calories until I was down to diet soda, French fries, and not much else. But crash dieting crashed me into hypomania. By the time I fit into my skinny jeans, my judgment would be even skimpier.
I finally gave up the hard stuff — chocolate, desserts, anything with white flour — when I was trying to get pregnant. (Who knew that wide swings in weight can throw the reproductive hormones off kilter?) Two kids and an education in nutrition later, my weight fluctuates by a more moderate 10 pounds or so. And as long as I don’t eat sugar, I don’t crave it.
How Stress and Fatigue Cause Carbohydrate Cravings
If only it were just sugar. If I’m not careful, bagels and white bread can just as easily send me to Bingeland.
Stress and fatigue fuel our hunger for carbohydrate-heavy treats. There’s a connection between carbs and the brain’s production of serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone — although trying to piece together exactly how this works makes me remember why I flunked organic chemistry.
Here’s an easier tidbit from bio class: The body turns any carb into glucose, a.k.a. blood sugar, to use as energy. The more quickly carbs “dissolve,” the more quickly glucose gets dumped into the bloodstream. Blood sugar levels spike, and what goes up must come down — leading to lethargy and low mood.
In self-defense, I’ve become a student of the glycemic index. Originally developed to help people with diabetes keep their blood sugar in balance, the glycemic index tells you how quickly glucose levels rise after eating a particular food.
White bread, alas, ranks high on the glycemic index. As a compromise, I end my day with a slice of whole wheat bread slathered with crunchy peanut butter and a smidgeon of strawberry jam.
Finding the Right Eating Habits for Bipolar Mood Management
I live in a rush zone from 5:30 a.m. until I chase my daughter into bed at 9:30 p.m. I chow down a protein bar and travel mug of cold water while driving to the office. I write bits of stories and articles in my head while working out. The drive home doubles as a time to make business and social calls.
PB&J on whole wheat unwinds me. It quells my anxiety about everything I need to accomplish before bedtime, everything I am not going to accomplish before bedtime, and everyone I will let down by not getting to every “to do.”
Of course, it’s possible to find that relaxed, comforted feeling through journaling, writing a gratitude list, meditating, stretching, or walking around the block. When I’m tired, though, it’s much easier to use food to chase away my anxiety. And if I actually kept off that extra 10 pounds, what would I have to whine about?
Maybe that’s the real question I need to ask myself: What am I really hungry for? Understanding my needs and making small adjustments can help me balance eating habits and self-care, supporting a healthier, more stable mood over time.
UPDATED: Originally printed as “My Battle of the Binge”, Winter 2014
I had problems with binge eating when I was younger and always tied it to stress. Now I have a different perspective to mull about.
Do you make resolutions every new year but rarely manage to stick to them beyond the end of January? Research shows that just eight percent of people manage to stick to their resolutions, with many people abandoning their good intentions around mid-January. But, it is crucial to remember that although your previous attempts may not have been successful, you can still achieve your resolutions in the future; you just need to know how to do it. Getting your new year off to the most positive start possible is an excellent way to get on the path to success in the new year. Here are some tips to help ensure your 2025 gets off to a positive start.
Focus on Your Health
Good health is the foundation that enables people to achieve their goals. If your health is poor, it is challenging to focus on other areas of your life and how you would like to live. Making your health a priority in the new year is a great way to start on a positive note.
When deciding to make health a priority, it is a good idea to begin by focusing on habits and behaviors that are damaging your wellness. Getting the proper support to overcome addictions is an excellent way to get started and break free from the control these habits have over your life. Seeking professional support is a big help, and you can do this by taking a look at Rehab List to find the treatment you need more easily.
Reduce Your Stress Levels
Feeling constantly stressed can take its toll on your well-being and impact your mood. It is hard to feel positive when you have constant stress weighing you down. Taking action to reduce the stress in your life and changing the way you respond to it is an excellent way to get your new year off to a positive start.
Stress can be beneficial in some situations, and the stress response plays a crucial role in keeping people safe in potentially dangerous circumstances. However, having your stress response triggered regularly can impact both your health and your outlook on life. Playing an active role in dealing with your stress is a valuable way to manage it. Identifying the root causes of your stress and addressing these is beneficial. Mindfulness techniques to prevent you from becoming caught up in unhelpful thinking patterns.
Nurture Your Wellbeing
Giving your well-being the attention it deserves is another excellent way to start the new year positively. Channeling your efforts into activities that nourish your body and mind rather than harm them will ensure you feel at your best as you start the new year. Focusing on nurturing your physical and mental health to become as strong as possible will provide a firm foundation for a positive start to a new chapter in your life.
One important key I learned several years ago is to focus on the goals that mean the most to me. I write only a handful of goals and then focus on making them happen. If needed I can always rethink and add a couple more. There’s nothing like having a list of 25 and accomplishing nothing. That doesn’t do much for your self-confidence.
One of the greatest rewards of slowing down on writing is that it has allowed me to spend more time communicating with the bloggers who comment. I thank each of you who have left your comments, they are the lifeblood and the joy of blogging. I appreciate the time you’ve taken to share with me, it brings a smile every time
Here are the bloggers who have commented the most this year.
In this fast-paced social media world, finding time to look within or back in time can be difficult. I hope you find these quotes and questions interesting. I’m so glad you stopped by today!
We believe:
An ordinary life can be extraordinary; there is beauty in IMPERFECTION, and the magic can be found in the everyday.
Feeling sad all the time for no specific reason doesn’t always mean you have depression, but it does suggest you could be experiencing something more complex than sadness alone.
Sadness is a temporary state that often has a clear cause, like a big disappointment, the loss of someone close to you, or bad news from someone you love.
This type of sadness can fluctuate throughout the day. In certain moments, the emotional burden might feel particularly heavy. You might cry often, feel numb or drained, and struggle to concentrate.
At other times — when you get lost in something you enjoy or when a loved one distracts you — your sorrow may seem light enough that you can barely feel its weight. While it might linger in some form for days or weeks, it generally begins to ease naturally.
Persistent sadness is something else entirely. It can wrap around you like a heavy blanket, muffling the sensations and joy of everyday life. This sadness can leave you feeling low, empty, and defeated. You don’t know what caused your unhappiness, so you have no idea how to start feeling better.
Feeling sad isn’t at all unusual. After all, sorrow is a normal human response to disappointment and loss. Sadness that doesn’t have a clear reason behind it and doesn’t seem to improve, however, may suggest something else is going on.
While not everyone with depression will feel sad, unexplainable sadness you can’t seem to shake is one of the primary signs of depression.
If your sadness does relate to depression, you’ll likely feel sad nearly all of the time — almost every day, for most of each day, for a period of 2 weeks or longer. Sadness, in other words, seems to become a constant companion.
With depression, you’ll experience other symptoms, too. If several of the signs below accompany your sad or tearful mood, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with depression:
Chronic sadness, especially when related to depression, might also prompt regular thoughts of death or suicide. Even if you don’t have a plan to act on these thoughts, it’s always best to talk to someone you trust and get support right away (more on how to do this later).
You might begin to notice your feelings of sadness, along with any other symptoms you experience, follow a specific pattern. Depression can take different forms, and various underlying factors can have an impact on the way your symptoms show up.
A few things to look for:
Rapid shifts in mood
People living with bipolar disorder often experience episodes of depression as part of a cycle that also includes episodes of mania or hypomania.
You might notice you suddenly feel intensely happy, even euphoric. This abrupt change in mood might also involve:
impulsive behavior
restlessness and irritability
a renewed sense of energy that leaves you fixating on certain projects or activities
an increase in confidence and self-esteem
less of a need for sleep
This episode might last a week, or longer.
Somewhere around 40 percentTrusted Source of people with bipolar disorder have what’s known as mixed features. You could experience sadness and other symptoms of depression at the same time as mania.
This combination of symptoms can make it harder to understand what you’re experiencing, which could add to your distress.
Seasonal sadness
Maybe your sadness seems to arrive or intensify around the same time of year the days begin to shorten. Once the longer, sunnier days of spring and summer arrive, you feel better, year after year.
It’s pretty common to feel a little low in autumn and winter. The nights get long and cold, and there are plenty of days when you may not even see the sun.
If this seasonal sadness persists and becomes serious enough to affect daily life, you could have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs along with seasonal changes.
Along with other common depression symptoms, you might also notice:
angry, pessimistic, or frustrated thoughts about the weather
withdrawal or increased avoidance of social settings
A creative project is a great way to focus your mind and spend some downtime. Art, gardening, craft, and DIY are all very therapeutic. You’ll feel more relaxed and gain some perspective. Creativity is the perfect way to channel stress and anxiety. Put your overactive mind to good use and make something you’ll cherish forever. There are plenty of different kinds of ideas depending on your interests. Here are five creative projects to help focus your mind.
Paint by Numbers is an example of a trendy craft gone viral during lockdown. It is incredibly therapeutic and relaxing, and not just for kids anymore. Even though you’re following instructions, it still requires a lot of patience and hard work. Paint by numbers is a good compromise if you like art but aren’t necessarily an experienced painter. You’ll be able to enjoy the results without being a natural artist. You can display your painting proudly for all your family and friends.
Winter Flowers
There are several reasons why gardening is so therapeutic. It’s a great way to get back in touch with nature and gain some perspective. Sun and fresh air also go a long way. Even when the seasons start to change, this doesn’t mean you have to be a fair-weather garden. There are plenty of winter flowers you can plant such as pansies and jasmine that grow all year round. If you want to keep it inside you could even build your own mini zen garden, or decorate the house with plants.
Customize your car
If you’re the type that likes to get your hands dirty then why not sink yourself into a project in the garage? Customize your car to your liking this fall. Automotive Stuff is an example of a site where you can find your own parts. You can even trade car parts online with other car owners. If you prefer, start small with the interior, or even work under the hood. If you’re passionate about cars you could invest in a used vehicle to revamp.
Make your own bath products
You’d be surprised how many simple products you can make at home. All you need is some essential oils and a couple of household ingredients, and you can make a variety of bath products. This is a more eco-friendly option as well, not to mention thrifty. If you want to use your creativity to make something you’re going to use, then bath products are ideal. You can even give them as gifts to your family and friends.
Upcycle your furniture
Whether you decide to flip the furniture or keep it, it’s easy to see why upcycling has become such a popular pastime. You could invest in some second-hand furniture at your local thrift store and turn it into a creative project. For example, you could find an old photo frame, print your Domonique Rodgers NC State print, and hang it on the wall. Creating Upcycling is a fun way to revamp furniture or repurpose other items. Perhaps you can find a new use for some old things around the house. It’s very therapeutic and satisfying.
My life without Foreigner would be an empty one. I love every tune and have had so many great memories with the tunes playing in the background.
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m glad you joined me for another edition of Weekend Music Share this week.
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
The media plays a role not only in misinformation about menopause but also in how it portrays women with menopause. Tune out the riff-raff and look for real answers. Menopause has been a woman’s curse long before I knew what it was and how it affected the lives of women. There are thousands of books on the market about menopause and I thought maybe it was time to look at the unconventional ways women deal with the debilitating symptoms.
Let’s look at unconventional options to help with menopause
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance energy flow. Some women report reduced hot flashes, night sweats, and improved mood after regular sessions. While scientific evidence is mixed, it might be worth a try if you’re open to alternative therapies.
Herbal Remedies
Black Cohosh: Often used for hot flashes and mood swings. Some studies suggest it can be effective, but it’s not suitable for everyone.
Red Clover: Contains plant-based estrogens that may help with hot flashes, though results vary.
Evening Primrose Oil: Known for helping with breast pain and hot flashes. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any herbal supplements.
Yoga and Meditation
These practices can help manage stress, improve sleep, and enhance overall well-being. Yoga, in particular, can increase flexibility and strength, which is beneficial during menopause.
Dietary Changes
Adopting a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help manage symptoms. The Mediterranean diet, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, can be particularly beneficial.
Essential Oils
Lavender Oil: Known for its calming properties, it can help reduce stress and improve sleep.
Peppermint Oil: Can provide a cooling sensation, which may help with hot flashes.
Biofeedback
This technique involves learning to control certain physiological functions, such as heart rate and muscle tension, with the help of a biofeedback device. It can be effective in managing stress and related symptoms.
Hypnotherapy
Some studies suggest hypnotherapy can reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes and improve sleep quality.
Remember, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatments, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
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 Croatia, the War, and the Future. We have followed each other for several years and I have learned much from her. I’m not particularly interested in Croatian politics but her posts teach the history, and how Croatia has evolved.
Ina Vukic – Croatia: people, politics, history, economy, transitioning from communism to democracy
Ina has been a tireless volunteer on humanitarian aid and fundraising for victims of war in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially war orphans. From 1991 to beginning of 1994 she contributed in lobbying for international recognition of Croatian independence and Croatia’s rights in defending its territory and people from military aggression by Serbian forces. For this dedicated voluntary work Ina was awarded two Medals of Honour by the first president of the Republic of Croatia in 1995 (Commemorative Medal of the Homeland War and Order of the Croatian Trefoil). Ina has also written hundreds articles for newspapers in Australia and Croatia on the plight of Croatian people for freedom and self-determination, developing democracy in former communist countries. She holds two graduate and one post-graduate university degrees, specialising in behaviour, clinical and political psychology and management.
Ina has done some incredible work in her career including working with Vietnam Veterans for which I’m grateful.
Questions I ask Ina:
M.
I remember you saying you worked with Vietnam Veterans, can you share a paragraph about your work?
I.
I guess Australia was not different to the USA when it came to Vietnam Veterans suffering PTSD and for many it became chronic and lifelong. I believe up to 30% of Vietnam Veterans suffered PTSD, some acute and relatively short term and for most it became chronic albeit in varying degrees of severity of symptoms between individuals.As a Clinical Psychologist in Sydney Australia, I worked in the Mental Health Hospital system mainly concentrating on disorder diagnostics and behaviour therapy in people with disabilities including dual diagnosis with mental illness as one of the two and cognitive impairment as the other. Outside my normal working hours, I also maintained into the late 1990’s a private psychological service through which I offered therapy and support to several Vietnam Veterans who had chronic PTSD and needed long-term support in order to maintain employment and family relationships at a good level. The purpose of my work was to reduce symptoms of PTSD especially concentrating on spousal relationship, which is an aspect of normal life that often suffers the most in PTSD sufferers and their spouses. Being useful in life, being and staying meaningfully employed and managing family and personal relationships were the main focus points to living with PTSD despite the horrors seen and experienced on the war front that haunt sufferers for decades.
M.
Are there other jobs you are extremely proud of?
I.
Paid jobs I am extremely proud of revolve around my roles as Manager and then CEO of disability services that focused on closing institutions in which people with disabilities lived and helping them move into normal houses in the community. This was achieved by early 1990’s in the state of New South Wales in Australia and I was so proud to have played a significant and instrumental role in this in Sydney. After that my job as CEO of government-funded disability services for more than two decades was to ensure that people with disabilities become a part of the normal community they live in, that human rights and anti-discrimination measures are in place and that access to everything a community life has to offer, with appropriate assistance, happens for them.
The unpaid job I am extremely proud of over the many years, which I applied myself to in my free time, was political activism and lobbying foreign governments from Australia to help Croatian people achieve independence from communist Yugoslavia. My family was one of hundreds of thousands families that in late 1950’s and early 1960’s, as applicable to my family, felt hard communist oppression to the point of being denied work because one did not accept the communist party, and consequently had no alternative in life but to emigrate from Yugoslavia in search of freedom and living life without fear. Australia offered a safe haven and “the sky is the limit” if you put your mind to it sort of opportunities in life.After in May 1991 almost 94% of voters in Croatia voted for independence at the referendum I became one of the most politically active women of Croatian origins in Australia (and Western-world-wide) with view to help Croatia achieve independence and win the was of aggression that was waged against her because people wanted independence from Yugoslavia and a rule of democracy, not communism, not socialism.Besides these activities I engaged relentlessly in fundraising for humanitarian aid, particularly for the many refugees, displaced, and children who had lost one or both parents in the war. I was and still am very proud of the two Medals of Honour I had received in 1995 from the President of Croatia for my exceptional and significant contribution to the Homeland War and the creation of the democratic and independent state of Croatia.
I guess the above post on 9/11 tragedy detail would be among my favourite posts because it holds within it the wonderful reality that people from all backgrounds and ethnic descents give their lives in efforts to save others no matter where they are or where they have grown up. And it this post it happens to be an American Croatian.
I am also quite partial to this post as it demonstrates bravery for an “adopted” country that after immigration becomes the second homeland.
Daily Om came to my attention last week and I want to share all the great low-fee courses with you. You can also sign up to receive Daily Inspirations via email. I’m not endorsing the company and have not taken any of their courses but many of the topics look right up my alley.
Our Story
In 2004, Madisyn Taylor and Scott Blum founded DailyOM with a prescient vision: to bring the world together by offering inspirational messages delivered to your inbox each day. This groundbreaking vision launched DailyOM as one of the first spiritual newsletters on the internet.
Now, nearly twenty years later, DailyOM has grown from a small community of a few hundred subscribers into a thriving global wellness movement of over 3.5 million people dedicated to personal empowerment, growth, and transformation. As DailyOM has evolved, we’ve expanded our offerings to include a growing library of courses, information, and products. Whether it’s self-improvement, spirituality, health, or fitness, our team and worldwide community of teachers empower people to realize their potential in mind, body, spirit, and heart.
Awaken to Your Full Potential
Our mission is to inspire and empower your journey to greater wellness, healing, and transformation through holistic courses and resources from leading experts around the world.
Inspirations
Inspirational thoughts for a happy and fulfilling day.
Next week I’m having Carpal Tunnel surgery on my left and at the same time he is removing the brace in my wrist from when I broke it in 2018. This will be the worst of the surgeries. I go back at the end of the month for Carpal Tunnel surgery in my right hand but that is a much easier surgery with a quick recovery. What makes it more frustrating is I have Ostearithrois of the carpometacarpal joint in both thumbs. This means, the cartilage in those joints has disintegrated and is bone on bone, and it’s quite painful.
My left hand will be bandaged for two weeks, and for several weeks after I can’t do any heavy lifting. I’m already practicing how to dress with my fingers only, boy that’s hard. You use your thumbs for so many things.
Luckily I have my husband to help me but he will be back at work so I’ll have to learn to do things for myself. I expect the first week to involve many pain meds and sleeping. After that, I’ll try my hand at writing to see if I can do it without hurting my wrist and thumb.
I will still read your post although I might not be able to comment.
I will miss your friendship and our conversations.
lookingforthelight.blog 