Category: Mental Health
My Granny Wrote This Before Having Dementia
Background on my Granny
Telling someone you grew up in West Dallas is like saying it was a slum. It was a slum on the outskirts of Dallas. People were living in tents, and it was a time when gangsters hid there for cover.
I had two family members who were gangsters, they were my Granny’s brothers. One only robbed banks and spent many years in a Texas Federal Prison. The other brother was hanging around Bonnie & Clyde, the Hamilton brothers, and who knows who else. I don’t have all the stories about that time but know the second uncle was killed by cyanide in Granny’s house in my old bedroom.
One trick the gangsters used was to buy nice suits and all the trimmings. This made fitting in with the people in Dallas easier. They would learn about businesses by watching for a few days and then make their approach.
This is something about my life
I was born on January 19, 1921. They named me Ruth Bernice. I was born in West Dallas on County Avenue. I had three brothers and one sister.
We had a really good life until my Daddy died in 1930. After that, we had a really hard life. We had nothing and barely survived.
I got married at 17 years old and separated when her son was 1 year old. After the divorce, I moved back to West Dallas with her mother.
Why she wrote this I have no idea, maybe to make sure I knew the information or maybe just bored. My Granny didn’t share much, but I already knew her background.
It’s a treasure to me now.
I loved that period and admired one of her gangster brothers. I have one of his guns. There are so many questions I would like to ask.
Melinda
Just Pondering
What does your perfect day look like?
Melinda
The Note On Back Of Photo I Sent To My Dad
I have been estranged from my father since I was 12 years old. But for some reason, I sent him my 11th-grade school photo. It was probably my grandmother who asked me to send it. The note on the back is strange to me.
Daddy,
Your #1! Someday you’ll be real proud of me. I’ll write a book and be well known.
Love Always
PS
Life is a gift, not a burden.
Thinking back, my father had a couple of suicide scares and it was sent to cheer him up.
Melinda
Deep Thoughts
In this fast-paced social media world, it can be difficult to find the time to look within or back in time. I hope you find these quotes and questions interesting. So glad you stopped by today!
Blogger Highlight-Simon’s Space
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 of Simon’s Space.
Simon’s Space
Hi, I’m Simon, I’ve lived in the UK all my life and have rarely ventured further. I’m fascinated and disappointed by the world and what I see in equal measure. I’m a thinker, dreamer, artist, and writer. My head is in the clouds or on its way to Mars or some other place in the Galaxy and that’s where I’m most at home. Thinking up new possibilities, and new stories and imagining what it could be like. This blog is just like that, a little random and a lot creative with a dash of science as the seasoning.
Simon and I go way back, his posts are all over the place but always interesting.
Melinda
5 Things That Have Had A Huge Impact On The World In The Past Decade
Hey folks, can you believe it’s been a whole decade since we were wondering if the world would end with the Y2K bug? Time flies when you’re busy changing the world! So, let’s kick back and chat about the top five things that have totally shaken things up in the past ten years.
AI: The Coolest Thing Since Sliced Bread
Alright, let’s dive right into the deep end with everyone’s favorite buzzword: artificial intelligence. Seriously, who would’ve thought we’d be chatting with robots and having them solve our problems? AI chatbots are like our digital BFFs, always there to lend an ear (or a byte, I guess) and help us out of a jam. Plus, have you seen those personalized recommendations on Netflix? It’s like they know us better than we know ourselves!
Chatbots: Your New Digital Bestie
Picture this: you’re stuck on a website, trying to figure out how to reset your password. Instead of waiting on hold for hours, you fire up the chatbox, and voila! Instant help, no hold music required. It’s like having a tech-savvy friend on speed dial, ready to swoop in and save the day.
Personalized Recommendations: Mind Readers or Just Really Smart Algorithms?
Okay, confession time: I’ve lost count of how many hours I’ve spent scrolling through Netflix, trying to find the perfect show to watch. But thanks to AI, those days are behind us. Now, we’re treated to a curated selection of binge-worthy content tailored just for us. It’s like having a personal assistant whose sole job is to make sure we’re entertained 24/7. And this is just the start; we’re seeing all sorts of exciting and different takes on AI chat. Just check out this character AI generator, for instance.
Love it or hate it, social media has become the beating heart of our digital lives. From connecting with long-lost friends to sparking global movements, these platforms have transformed the way we interact with the world around us.
Amplifying Voices: Giving Power to the People
Remember when we used to rely on traditional media to spread the word? Now, all it takes is a hashtag to kickstart a revolution. Social media has given a voice to the voiceless, empowering communities to come together and demand change. It’s like the digital soapbox we never knew we needed.
Influencer Culture: From Likes to Lifestyle
Who needs Hollywood when you’ve got Instagram? Influencers have become the new celebrities, shaping trends and influencing millions with a single post. Whether they’re promoting the latest skincare craze or advocating for social justice, these digital tastemakers are the ultimate trendsetters.
Streaming Services: Say Goodbye to Cable, Hello to Convenience
Raise your hand if you remember the days of appointment viewing and VHS tapes. Thankfully, those dark ages are behind us, thanks to the rise of streaming services.
On-Demand Entertainment: Because Who Has Time for TV Guides?
Gone are the days of flipping through TV guides and setting reminders for your favorite shows. With streaming services, we have the power to watch what we want, when we want, and where we want. It’s like having a movie theater in your pocket, minus the sticky floors and overpriced popcorn.
Original Content: A Feast for the Eyes
From gripping dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies, streaming platforms have raised the bar for original content. With big budgets and creative freedom, these platforms are churning out content that rivals Hollywood blockbusters. Who needs movie theaters when you’ve got Netflix?
Renewable Energy: Saving the Planet, One Solar Panel at a Time
Let’s face it: Mother Earth could use a little TLC. Luckily, renewable energy is here to save the day, one solar panel at a time.
Solar Power: Soaking Up the Sun
Who needs fossil fuels when you’ve got the power of the sun? Solar energy has emerged as a clean and sustainable alternative to traditional power sources, powering homes and businesses around the world. Plus, those solar panels look pretty snazzy on rooftops, don’t they?
Wind Energy: Riding the Winds of Change
Not to be outdone, wind energy has also been making waves in the renewable energy game. With towering wind turbines dotting landscapes across the globe, wind energy is harnessing the power of nature to generate electricity. It’s like poetry in motion, with each gust of wind bringing us one step closer to a greener future.
Telecommuting: Pajamas Optional, Productivity Required
Last but not least, let’s talk about the rise of telecommuting. Who needs a stuffy office when you can work from the comfort of your own home (or anywhere with a decent Wi-Fi connection)?
Remote Work: Living the Dream (in Your Pajamas)
Thanks to advancements in technology, remote work has become the new norm for many of us. No more rushing to beat rush hour traffic or squeezing into crowded trains. Now, we can roll out of bed and start our workday in our pajamas. Talk about living the dream!
Digital Nomadism: Working Hard, Playing Harder
But why stop working from home when you can work from anywhere in the world? Enter the digital nomad, the ultimate embodiment of work-life balance. From beachside cafes to mountain hideaways, these modern-day adventurers are living life on their own terms, one Wi-Fi hotspot at a time.
In conclusion, the past decade has been a wild ride, filled with ups and downs, twists and turns. But through it all, these five trends have stood the test of time, shaping the world we live in today and paving the way for an even brighter future. So here’s to the next ten years of innovation, adventure, and maybe a few more streaming services for good measure. 🎉
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
(Repost) Mother Leaves 8 Year Old At The County Hospital
Original post 6/2014
It’s interesting the events our mind suppresses until memories spring back like yesterday. I have no emotion talking about the physical and emotional abuse at the hands of my mother and stepfather. I have disassociated memories of sexual abuse by my father.
My therapist and I have talked about it, she doesn’t push and knows if the door opens I’ll talk. What I will not do is force my mind and body to endure pain I’m not ready for. I have a good perspective on what I’ve survived and the methods our mind uses to deal with our deepest pain. I’m not sure if this particular memory was forgotten or suppressed. I had no emotion as my therapist was almost brought to tears.
I saw a news story about an 8-year-old girl tortured by her parents, beaten, starved chained to a column on a porch left for dead. The image seared into my mind and did not let go. I sat down in the Therapist lobby and the memory of that little girl crossed my mind. As we walked to her office, I asked if she had heard the story and then added my thoughts. I started to cry which I do easily for others in pain.
As we talked about what type of parent would do that, a childhood memory flooded over me. The tears dried as if was talking about someone else. When I was 8 years old, I was having terrible side pain and daycare called my mother. She didn’t take off early and it was maybe 3 hours later when she arrived. At that point, I could barely walk and could not walk and breathe at the same time. The supervisor thought I had an appendicitis attack and should get to the hospital right away. It was Halloween night and I didn’t want to miss out on the candy but pain was taking over my small body. My mother was angry at me for ruining Halloween for my brother. I guess we did not have insurance since the first hospital turned us away.
She drove to the county hospital, and I waited on a bed in the emergency room, where people were bleeding and dying receiving treatment. Halloween night is one of the busiest nights of the year with more shootings than normal. The emergency room was full, I was outside a man’s curtain waiting my turn for a bed. During this time my mother left to take my brother to trick or treat. I didn’t realize until a nurse asked where she was. I said she talked to a nurse and went home. She was a big woman and I knew nobody gave her any shit. She asked, why in the hell my mother would leave me there.
The county hospital is in one of the worst areas of Dallas. This is not a place an adult would feel comfortable let alone a child. I waited in the emergency room, lying on my side crying in pain. I saw the man through the curtain. He was an older man and he had what looked like wires coming out of several places on both arms. My eyes caught him and I asked does that hurt. He was a kind man saying not as bad as my pain and where was my mother.
I told him how upset I was that my brother would not share his candy with me. He looked shocked my mother would leave me there. My mother eventually came back in and raised her voice at the big nurse. I wanted the nurse to punch my mother in the mouth or grab her by the neck.
The doctor didn’t think I needed surgery, to stay overnight for observation. For a second I was glad until rolled to my room. The hospital was so overcrowded I had to sleep in a baby bed. That is the last thing a kid wants to do. I cram myself in the bed and they pull the side up. It was so dark in there I thought I was alone until the babies started crying. Which made it much worse for me. Not only did I have to sleep with my legs pulled up, babies were crying and my mother was home in her comfortable bed.
You would think, I would feel some emotion but my mind switches back to the little girl. My mind turned a switch, my story was over, no big deal, that was my mother, that was my life. I couldn’t help but cry for the other girl.
How can people do that to their children? I’ve talked to my therapist about my story and pain never crosses my mind again. That was several years ago and it was buried and popped back up last week.
Xx M aka Warrior
Remember The Autograph Pages For The Yearbook?
I have spent the weekend looking at family photos, items from my childhood, and the notes my classmates wrote in the 1980 & 1981 yearbooks autograph sections. My best friend wrote two pages full and in a small section. When I found it today, I had to share some of it with you.
I was always drunk on weekends and my best friend wrote some advice about my drinking and the future. This was written in 1981, the year we graduated from high school.
Melinda,
I don’t want you to be drunk all summer. To get drunk off your ass occasionally but I don’t want to see you get hooked on that shit. You don’t have to be an alcoholic to be popular. If you can’t have fun without beer, you can’t have fun.
But if you get hooked, it could be like when you were hooked on drugs like before and I know you don’t want to go through that again.
Raise hell and get drunk this summer.
Melinda
6 Things I Wish People Understood About Eating Disorders By Guest Blogger Hope Whispers
Just Pondering
Willow & Sage by Stampington
It’s important to surround ourselves with people who genuinly care about us.
Who are the people who make you feel safe and accepted just as you are?
Melinda
Have You Had Problems With The Featured Images Not Showing Up?
I noticed on Monday that my Featured Images were not showing when you view through Notifications. If you click to read the post the image shows up.
I’ve been talking to WordPress all week with no answers. I replied to their email today saying I don’t care anymore. The problems I’ve had in the past were because the System Engineers were making changes that affected bloggers but did not communicate with Happiness Engineers so they would know what was going on.
Take the big change to reblogging. This was a huge change and after many conversations with Happiness Engineers, I found out they didn’t know and had to ask Systems Engineering. This is a big gap in information and a poor way to run a company.
Most companies do the Systems Engineering offline, to not affect users. They debug before they release to the network. WP is the opposite, all the work is done in the background and is often not debugged, so we get to live in the chaos until they get it right.
I am not contacting WP again unless things are directly related to my blog. It’s not worth the emails and lack of answers.
Melinda
Will The Person From Mauritius Contact Me?
I often wonder about the people who read my blog and are not on WordPress. I’m blessed to have most countries stop by at one time or another. I love to learn about where the readers come from, and often look at the globe to see their location and read about the area.
I read about the area and was blown away by the beauty of the island. The most beautiful blue water, I can imagine swimming or boarding while enjoying the crystal clear waters.
The person from Mauritius stops by almost every day and I would like to talk to thank them personally.
Would you please contact me?
I will write more posts about other countries that follow me. I get so excited when a country that I least expect, like today, Nepal, United Arab Emirates, Serbia, and Bangladesh.
Thanks.
Melinda
Losing Weight Triggered Thoughts Of My Eating Disorder
I wrote about my weight loss journey in September 2023, the goal was to lose 40 pounds instead, I’ve lost 65 pounds which is underweight for me. Since I was in the hospital in December 2023, I’ve continued to lose weight without trying.
I eat 2-4 pieces of chocolate every day and eat a cupcake or a piece of cake each weekend, along with small meals but it doesn’t affect my weight. Right now, I only weigh 10 pounds more than in high school.
The real story is the high I felt by the low numbers and it brought up thoughts of my eating disorder. I no longer have Bulimia and am so glad. It is hard to explain the feeling but it was sheer excitement and total control.
People with Anorexia understand the feelings of control, and that may be why it’s hard to overcome Anorexia. I don’t understand the ends and outs of Anorexia but have read followers’ posts and it’s a hard battle.
I suffered from Bulimia into my 30s, and am so glad it doesn’t rule me anymore. It was a way to escape the abuse and be in control for once.
Melinda
Preparing Children To Recognize Abusers By Worth The War
I don’t understand why only a link is showing, probably another change by WP that Bloggers were not told about.
This post is of the utmost importance to parents around the world. I’m so impressed.
https://worththewar.com/preparing-children-to-recognize-abusers
Melinda
Finding Relief Naturally: A Guide to Pain Management After an Accident
Accidents are rough. Other than the physical pain they inflict, it also leaves scarring damage to our mental and emotional well-being. Doctors usually offer pain medications for recovery but did you know there are other alternatives we can take and not just solely depending on those prescribed on pills? Are you curious what it is? I’m talking about natural methods! Let’s narrow down these remedies to find out what works for you!
Restoring Strength with Physical Therapy
Think of physical therapy as the star player on your comeback team after an injury. It’s not just about moving around—it’s a strategic move to make the most of your recovery. Using a wide variety of techniques, physical therapy works to reduce pain and improve strength and flexibility so your body can get back to normal. Here are a few key treatments:
- Manual therapy is a hands-on technique to loosen stiff joints and ease pain, including stretching and massage.
- Customizing exercise is a therapy that targets muscles to improve strength and flexibility.
- Hot and cold treatment uses temperature (hot or cold) to reduce soreness and pain.
- Electrotherapy uses electrical signals to assist in managing pain and stimulating muscles.
- Water therapy, wherein the patient uses the water’s gentle resistance and support during the rehabilitation process.
Role of Acupuncture in Unlocking Natural Pain Relief
When you want to express yourself, get a tattoo they said. If you want to heal yourself, get acupuncture. Trigger warning for those who are afraid of needles as we are going to talk about acupuncture, an ancient practice with a touch of modern science that is proven and tested by those who undergo that procedure. Here are a few of the ways, simply explained, that acupuncture can help:
- Reduces Chronic and Acute Pain
- Enhances Circulation and Boosts Blood Flow
- Stress Reduction
- Boost Immune System
- Improves Sleep Quality
Chiropractic Care as Another Route for Recovery
You never know what bones have realigned after your accident. It may feel and look normal, but there are already underlying conditions. That’s why having chiropractic care after an accident is helpful during your recovery. This hands-on approach adjusts your spine and restores your body’s balance and other systems to work together. Here’s how chiropractic care can facilitate your recovery in several key ways:
- Reduce your pain as your chiropractor will help to eliminate the source of your injury-related pain by realigning your body to its natural form.
- Improved mobility by restoring flexibility and movement to areas of the body that have stiffened up or become immobile as a result of your accident.
- Enhanced healing, as the aim of this practice, is to make your body naturally heal itself. The realignment process is your body’s cue to begin its innate healing process once more.
- It decreases inflammation and allows you a speedier recovery
- Give you a better posture and ensure that your body’s reconfiguration is done properly, which will help to avoid such difficulties.
Herbal Remedies
If you have a garden and you have herbs like ginger, turmeric, and others, no need to take a walk towards the pharmacy as these herbs are in the remedy business. Those mentioned herbs are still providing relief and fighting inflammation today. Some may call it grandmother’s medicine, but hey, they are backed by science. Here are some soothing herbal remedies commonly used for their pain-relieving properties:
- Ginger: It is a natural anti-inflammatory agent and makes it an effective natural alternative for muscle and joint pain.
- Turmeric: A powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that has shown to be as effective as over-the-counter pain relievers with no unpleasant side effects.
- Willow Bark: Called “nature’s aspirin” for a good reason.
- Lavender: Helps with headaches and soreness when it’s brewed and drank as a tea.
- Peppermint: It can relieve certain types of headaches and muscle pain on contact.
Don’t let the pain take a toll on your everyday activities. Let these methods be your co-pilot in the healing process.
This is a collaborative post
Melinda
Things I’m Loving *Home Products*
Here are a few products I’m loving with right now. I hope you find a product to add to your household or self-care routine. The list may also give you ideas for a surprise for friends, and family. All products were found on Amazon.
Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker K-Cup Pod, Single Serve, Programmable, 6 to 10 oz. Brew Sizes, Black
I’ve had mine for years, at least 10 years, without a single problem. No coffee pot to clean, and makes coffee in minutes. I can’t live without it.
MIRA 32 oz Stainless Steel Water Bottle – Hydro Vacuum Insulated Metal Thermos Flask Keeps Cold for 24 Hours, Hot for 12 Hours – BPA-Free One Touch Spout Lid Cap – Hawaiian Blue
We both love these insulated bottles. When I added more water to my day, I bought us two each. That was years ago. I drink at least 2 refills a day, and I make fewer trips to the fridge.
Bar Keepers Friend Powdered Cleanser 12-Ounces
My Granny used this to keep her stainless sink clean. It probably has more uses and they have several types of cleaners. Nothing gets my stainless sinks cleaner. This is a powder, you will need to work around the sink until the small bits resolve and then take another pass.
Simplehuman 50 Liter / 13.0 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel
We splurged on the trashcan, and it was the best decision. Ours is close to 20 years old, not one problem.
The way to keep the stainless clean is to buy Stainless wipes. My other recommendation is to use Simplehuman trashbags. The big difference is theirs fits the trashcan completely. The cheaper trashbags that my husband is using drive me cringe. The problem is they don’t fit right and don’t cover the removable inner can and food and anything else you put in the trash gets on the top and the back of the trashcan. More cleaning!
Ficus Lyrata Fake Plant – Artificial Plants for Home Decor Indoor, Faux Plants Indoor – Artificial Potted Plants, Faux Plant for Bedroom – Plants for Bedroom Decor, Fake Plant Decor – 30 Inches
I bought this plant last year, it still looks new, and the leaves are still shiny. The planter is bad-looking and cheap. I bought a ceramic planter to put it in. It is perfect for my office and it doesn’t take up much space. I’ve also bought many other artificial plants and the quality top notch. The more expensive offer lasts much better.
Amazon Fire TV Cube, Hands-free streaming device with Alexa, Wi-Fi 6E, 4K Ultra HD
I would have a hard time living without the system and have already forgotten how to turn off the television. Alexa takes a short time to adjust to and lately, I am frustrated when I have to ask more than one time. In the big picture of life that’s a crub.
Just a note:
- An Amazon Prime membership unlocks thousands of movies and TV episodes including “Thursday Night Football” and Amazon Originals like “The Big Sick” and “Sneaky Pete”
- There are so many choices of older shows and the originals are top-notch.
Melinda
What’s Your Mood Today?
Beyond Happy!
I spent seven hours reading and researching my family history yesterday. :)
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-heard + felt
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 of heard + felt.
heard + felt
navigating life after trauma
I’m Anna (she/her), a survivor-writer-fighter-dreamer-healer. Writing is in my blood- literally. I grew up surrounded by novels and poems and libraries thanks to the influence of my grandfather, best-selling author, journalist, and pal of Robert Frost. From a young age, I learned that writing and words hold power– the power to transform, influence, comfort, harm, heal, process, teach, and so much more.
I love this blog because she writes about many topics including trauma.
Melinda
Deep Thoughts
In this fast-paced social media world, finding the time to look within or back in time can be difficult. I hope you find these quotes and questions interesting. So glad you stopped by today!
My Probation Officer Saved My Life
Many of you know I was a wild child at 12 years old. I was a drug addict, my boyfriend was 21 years old and a drug dealer. I did not go to school for a month and spent three days in Juvenile Detention for that.
I don’t remember the circumstances but I was caught with a gun and put on probation. I met with her every month and for 7 months I did not talk. She said the State of Texas wanted to take custody and send me to a boot camp type of facility as punishment.
She did not believe a boot camp was what I needed to reform. She told me about potential options and one day I asked if she could find a boarding school to stay for a year.
My Granny and the Probation Officer worked together to find a boarding school for bad girls. My Granny remembered a Convent for bad girls from when she was younger. Sure enough, the Convent was what I needed, and I stayed there for a year.
My Probation Officer was patient with me and took me to my dental and doctor’s appointments. She never told me what I did wrong or talked down to me. The only snag was when she showed up one day and I was wearing a tee that said cocaine. She made me change. Fair enough.
She encouraged me, told me how smart I was, and other complements I was not used to hearing.
I was transformed early in my stay and was promoted to the highest rank, giving me complete freedom.
She was one of the good guys who saw something in me and I’m so thankful for her. She saved my life.
Melinda
I Need YOUR Feedback on my About Me page
I wanted to set this post up as a survey but couldn’t find how it would have made your feedback much easier. I apologize but really need your feedback. I’ll keep it short.
Does my About Me page give enough information on what my blog is about and myself?
Am I writing on topics you care about?
What topics would you like to see?
If you could take one minute to share your feedback in the comments section.
I truly appreciate my followers and want to make sure I’m meeting your needs.
Melinda
Just Pondering
Bella Grace Field Guide by Stampington
When was the last time you truly felt excited about something?
Melinda
What Parts Of The Body Does Lyme Disease Target
I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease and its coinfections in 2014. It controlled my life while the virus spread across my body setting up a house in my brain and causing cognitive impairment. The best way to describe how my brain was affected is to say, a machine gun was used on my brain and those memories are gone. In addition, I forget what I was saying and what I was going to do.
According to The Mayo Clinic Lyme disease is an illness caused by borrelia bacteria. Humans usually get Lyme disease from the bite of a tick carrying the bacteria.
Ticks that can carry borrelia bacteria live throughout most of the United States. But Lyme disease is most common in the upper Midwest and the northeastern and mid-Atlantic states. It’s also common in Europe and in south-central and southeastern Canada.
While most tick bites are harmless, several species can cause life-threatening diseases. Tick-borne diseases include:
Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Lyme disease
Anaplasmosis
Babesiosis
Colorado Tick Fever
Powassan Encephalitis
Tularemia
Ehrlichiosis
Relapsing fever
Areas of the body Lyme targets
Skin
Neurological
Cardiac
Joints/Arthritis
Neuropsychiatric/Neurocognitive
If Lyme is detected in the first couple of weeks, an antibody is used for a couple of weeks and you dodged a bullet. A large number of people do not get the Lyme Rash, and by the time symptoms start, a small amount of antibiotics does not work. The next step is Antibody Therapy. I had a port in my chest and had Antibody Treatments every day at home. It was miserable.
Know where the ticks are more prominent in your area, avoid the area, or dress appropriately to cut down on having ticks get on you. The last thing to do after every outing is check your ENTIRE body for ticks. Even in the tricky places. Be sure to look in your hair!
Dogs can get extremely ill if bitten by certain ticks. My sweet Sasha contracted Ehrlichiosis twice, each time it almost killed her.
Be aware and be vigilant.
Melinda
References:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/lyme-disease/ticks-and-lyme-disease
Having a Chronic Illness Is Like Jenga, You Never Know When It’s Going To Crash Down
Every day people with Chronic Illnesses have tiny stressors that add up throughout the day and are added to the bigger issues you’re already dealing with. I know it’s time for a break when the tiny issues have me cussing.
It could be something like not being able to open toothpaste, or toothpaste falling off into sink. I’m talking about tiny issues. Many don’t notice the tiny issues as they stack up and can make a decent day into a bad day. Everything piles up until it crashes.
I don’t have the answer but we can’t just turn the other way regarding our health. We must add the tiny stresses to our daily list of struggles to acknowledge them and see if we can change our day. We can’t avoid the extra stress, we have to learn to accept or find a workaround.
When you think about how many spoons you have, include the tiny issues when counting spoons.
Those who have not played the game may want to as a stress reliever.
You might find a great self-care treat if you play older games, like board games, not electronic ones.
I’m not saying anything new, just asking you to be aware of those tiny stressors when you look back over your day.
As my health continues to challenge me, it’s the little things that can throw me over the top. Last week, I had forgotten how to peel an orange, but instead of being bothered, I threw it in the trash.
Have a great day!
Melinda
Simple Ways To Improve Your Mental Health At Home
Caring for your mental health is just as important, if not more so, than caring for your physical well-being. However, it’s often forgotten or overlooked in our busy lives.
Here are eight practical and accessible ways to maintain healthy mental habits without leaving the comfort of home. Prioritize yourself by investing some time into these simple yet powerful activities!
Establish a Routine
Having an established routine is one of the most effective tools for improving mental health. Not only does it provide structure, but the familiarity of the routine can also reduce anxiety and lift your mood.
Set yourself a morning or evening routine, or come up with a combination of both! A few ideas include having a regular wake-up time, starting off each day with some physical exercise, journaling, mindful meditation, and/or setting goals for the day.
Connect with your Loved Ones
Spending time with family and friends is one of the best ways to boost your mental health. You don’t even have to leave home – technology has made connecting easier than ever! Take advantage of video-calling or texting to catch up, share stories, and plan activities.
You can also connect with people online through social media, forums, blogs, and more. For example, why not join an online chat room dedicated to a hobby or interest? Or even start your own blog and become part of the blogging community.
Learn Something New
What better way to stay engaged than learning something new? Whether it’s taking up a new hobby, reading a book, listening to podcasts, or teaching yourself a language. Use this opportunity at home to explore some of these.
If you need some motivation and guidance, there are plenty of online courses available from universities around the world. From photography to web development, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Body
At-home workouts don’t have to be boring. Use this time to switch up your routine, try something new, and challenge yourself! Yoga, HIIT, and Weightlifting are a few examples of exercises you can use to switch up your routine.
If working out isn’t your thing, that’s okay too – any type of physical activity will do the trick. Go for a walk around the neighborhood, dance in the kitchen, or ride a bike in an open space. All of these activities release endorphins which help us feel happier and reduce stress levels.
Cook Comfort Food
Cooking is an excellent way to relax and destress – try making a delicious meal or dish that reminds you of something special. You can either try making chicken and waffles from scratch or try a recipe you’ve never made before.
Remember that comfort food can also be healthy – make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Not only do these foods provide essential vitamins and minerals for your body, but they can also boost your mood too!
Get Creative
Creativity is a great way to express yourself and channel emotions. Why not try some DIY projects around the home or draw/paint something that makes you feel good? You don’t need to be an artist or a craftsman – simply put aside some time in the day to unleash your creativity without judging yourself too much.
Mental health and creativity go hand-in-hand, so let yourself get lost in the process!
Unplug
It’s easy to become overwhelmed when constantly plugged into technology. Being bombarded with news, social media posts, and emails can cause stress and anxiety. So why not give yourself a break?
Set aside some time each day when you completely unplug from all devices – switch off your phone, log out of social media, power down the laptop, and just be present. Take some deep breaths, enjoy a cup of tea, or read a book without any distractions – these small moments will work wonders for your mental well-being.
Appreciate Nature
Taking time to appreciate nature is one of the most calming activities one can do. Even if you’re at home, you can still find moments to connect with nature. You could open your windows or sit in the garden and listen to birds singing.
You can also grow some plants or herbs and watch them flourish over time. Gardening is a great stress reliever and can help boost your mood too!
A home is a safe place where we can be ourselves and express our emotions without judgment. Use this time at home to practice self-care and focus on your mental health. These eight activities will help keep you engaged, encourage creativity, and provide moments of peace – allowing you to take care of yourself in the best way possible.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Just Pondering
Bella Grace Field Guide by Stampington
What small gestures can you add to your life as an act of self-love?
Melinda
It’s Presidents Day
Celebrating Presidents Day is for thinking about all of our Presidents, to me anyway. I would not celebrate several Presidents, especially these days. I take great pride in being American but would love to return to the time when the people mattered.
On this day, my mind goes to our Founding Fathers who laid the groundwork for a civil society. I can imagine how hard that must have been, some love and others hate and the story continues.
I believe in the Constitution, it’s America’s framework, and wish people in office would read and follow the laws. I read a copy of the original Constitution and it’s straightforward. It’s clear who can run for office and who can’t. Those rules are being overlooked today or we would have one less on the campaign trail. The same rules apply to anyone in Congress but they left the book at home.
Sorry, this post isn’t upbeat. We vote for President next year and we have no viable candidates. I see a future with more division, hatred, racism, lying, mass shootings, and losing more personal rights.
That doesn’t make me feel hopeful.
Melinda
Photo taken in D.C.
Blogger Highlight-Paradiso
Thank you for all the feedback on the Blogger Highlight series. I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight the blog of Paradiso.
Paradiso
Stalked by Demons… Guarded by Angels
I created it to express… as all writers tend to do. It was a big step for me so any support, likes, views, and comments would be much appreciated!
Paradiso is created to share my thoughts, poetry, stories, articles on current events that interest me, and just my writing in general.
We have followed each other for a long time, she writes interesting posts.
Melinda
Deep Thoughts
In this fast-paced social media world, it can be difficult to find the time to look within or back in time. I hope you find these quotes and questions interesting and I’m so glad you stopped by today!
Looking for the Light 