Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Introducing VitalField’s Pineal Detox FrequenCell

VitalField does it again! Introducing the Pineal Detox FrequenCell. 

 



About Vital Field

Vital fields enable living systems – cells, organs, and micro-organisms – to transfer information and energy across the system (or body) instantly, helping the body’s cells to repair, regenerate, and protect against life’s cumulative stressors, such as toxins, stress, trauma, injury, and electrosmog.

Vital fields enable living systems – cells, organs, and micro-organisms – to transfer information and energy across the system (or body) instantly, helping the body’s cells to repair, regenerate, and protect against life’s cumulative stressors, such as toxins, stress, trauma, injury, and electrosmog.

The Pineal Detox FrequenCell

This FrequenCell supports the detoxification and cleansing process of the pineal gland from toxic loads. It is recommended to start with this FrequenCell to optimally prepare the body.

There are two other Pineal Gland FrequenCells that you can buy as a trio. The Trio bundle includes Pineal Detox, Pineal Gland DNA Strenthing, and the Third Eye FrequenCell.

To see the entire line of VitalField FrequenCells, click here.

I’m currently using the Pineal Detox FrequenCell. I will write a review once I have given it time to work.

Melinda 

Looking for the Light

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

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!

Continue reading “Deep Thoughts”
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Blogger Highlight-Stony Soil Vermont

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 a new blogger, Stony Soil Vermont.

Stony Soil Vermont

I live with my two daughters in Hardwick, Vermont, a small village along the Lamoille River.

Single motherhood and writing define the shape of my life.

Unstitched: Understanding Opioid Addiction and Repairing Our Communities twines my quest to understand addiction in Vermont, the country, and in my own life (Steerforth Press, 2021).

Hidden View is a gritty story woven with family, farming, and the desire for redemption (Green Writers Press, 2015).

Other things I love: are our two housecats, spring ephemerals, reading on the back porch, public libraries, and Yahtzee.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

Celebrate Life · Fun · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

I’m Sending Good Karma To All

For those who are having a challenging day, close your eyes and change the scenery, even for a minute.

Life is like a swing, back and forth, not every day is a good day.

If you are having a great day, pass a kind thought on to others.

Photo by Andre Furtado on Pexels.com

No matter how tiny the light will shine again. We have to live our best life and we can give back just by doing something kind to someone who needs it.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

What To Try If You’re Having Trouble Sleeping

Sleep is something that evades a lot of people. If you’re having trouble getting to sleep at night, the problem could be a number of things. You’ve got to try and work out the best way to get to sleep so that you can get those all important hours. It may feel as though you have tried everything, but we’re sure that there’s at least a couple of things that you haven’t thought of yet. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the things that you should try if you are having trouble sleeping at night. If you want to find out more about this topic, keep reading below.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Now, obviously, we’re not suggesting that you get behind the wheel and start driving if you want to go to sleep. Instead, you should ask someone else if they mind taking the wheel for a little while as you see if this works. It’s a great trick when you’ve got a baby who doesn’t want to sleep because the motion helps soothe them to sleep, so it might work for you too. In fact, a lot of people find it easier to sleep in the car than they do when they are staying still. As such, it’s well worth a try if you’re struggling at night time.

If this is something that you are interested in, you should look into investing in a high-quality sound system for the car so that you can play your music while you’re going around. You can find some reviews of options at a site like zenaracing.com. Looking at sites like this will help you determine which system could be the best for you, so it’s well worth checking out.

Another thing that we think you should try is keeping all the electronics that you own out of the room. This will ensure that you aren’t being impacted by any of the blue light that they emit because this can cause issues with sleeping. As such, when it’s time for bed, you should leave your phone, laptop, and all other devices outside the room, and preferably downstairs completely away from you.

Not only is this helpful for the blue light problem, but it also ensures that you can’t be tempted to turn over and play with it. We know the temptation and we know it well. You want to check your messages and see if anyone has spoken to you. You want to scroll through social media just to kill the time a little bit. But, doing things like this will keep you awake for longer, so it’s never a good idea even if you’re bored.

Photo by Ron Lach on Pexels.com

Have you ever thought about not going into your bedroom unless it’s time to sleep? Or at least, going in there minimal amounts of times and only when you need something from there? You should never get into bed if you’re not going to be going to sleep as this sends the message to your brain that it’s just another place for your day-to-day activities. 

If you can manage to get yourself into a routine where you only go to bed when it’s time for your nighttime sleep, you are going to find it much easier to get some rest through the night. This is because your brain gets the message that when you get into bed, you’re going to sleep for the night, so it knows that it’s time to switch off everything else and allow you the rest you need. 

Something else that could help is coming up with a night routine. For example, if you brush your teeth, do anything that you usually do like if you have a skincare routine, change into your pajamas, let all the stresses of the day go, and then go to sleep every night, eventually, it will just become a habit to go to sleep after these things. As such, each night, as long as you complete the routine, you should find that getting to sleep isn’t so much of a problem. Of course, this isn’t foolproof and sometimes it won’t work, but it will for the large majority of nights.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you should try if you’re having issues sleeping. Sleep is difficult for a lot of people, but it’s essential that you get it where you can and as much as you can, otherwise you could be in some serious trouble health-wise. Hopefully, something on this list will help you go to sleep.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Blogger Highlight-DOREENS HEALTH AND WELLNESS63

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 a new blogger, DOREENSHEALTHANDWELLNESS63

DOREENSHEALTHANDWELLNESS63

The purpose of this blog is to share my personal medical stories about my Auto-immune(chronic illnesses) diseases and receive information from others in hopes that we can help each other.

Stop by and check out her site. 

Melinda

Looking for the Light

 

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Welcome Our Newest Contributor to Survivors Blog Here, Ellie Thompson from Essentially Ellie —

Please join our celebration of Ellie Thompson from Essentially Ellie, who has joined as a Contributor. I’ve been talking with Ellie for a few months and was overjoyed when she accepted to join the group.   Photo by Henry & Co. on Pexels.com Who is Survivors Blog Here? We support men and women Survivors from […]

Please Welcome Our Newest Contributor, Ellie Thompson from Essentially Ellie — Survivors Blog Here Mental Health Collaborative
Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Book Review How To Help Someone With An Eating Disorder

Maddie Dunne-Kirby from Welbeck Publishing Group gifted me an advanced copy of How To Help Someone With An Eating Disorder by Dr. Pam Macdonald for a review. 

About the Author

Dr Pam Macdonald is a research psychologist, carer coach, and trainer. She is actively involved in supporting carers of people with eating disorders using the New Maudsley Approach, which incorporates the principles of Motivational Interviewing (MI). She also has personal experience of the regular emotional challenges that can impinge upon the functioning of the entire family, as well as friends and significant others, at different points along the recovery path.

When reflecting back on her time caring for a loved one with an eating disorder, she remembers it as a wholly frightening and stressful time. Even after several years, it still evokes strong memories of a long, dismal tunnel littered with countless pitfalls. A major uncertainty was her own role in the process. She desperately craved information on how to react to the situation as well as knowledge and guidance on how to react to the imposter that had invaded family life. She needed to know that she was handling the situation in a way that was conducive to a healthy outcome. In her search for these answers, she stumbled across Professor Janet Treasure’s work at the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College, London. Back in 2006, Professor Treasure and her team were working on a skills-based learning intervention for carers of people with eating disorders. Pam joined the project as a PhD student and started work researching the effectiveness of a guided self-help package that offered training and skills to carers.

In 2011, she was awarded her PhD and since then she has worked on a part-time basis with the team on subsequent iterations and development of skills training interventions. She co-edited The Clinician’s Guide to Collaborative Caring in Eating Disorders (2010)1 with Professors Janet Treasure and Ulrike Schmidt and has contributed to numerous peer- reviewed papers in the academic literature. She is a passionate advocate of evidence-based research that equips carers with the appropriate information and tools that will help them best support someone through their eating disorder. She is currently based in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Blurb

It is heartbreaking to learn that your loved one has experienced a miscarriage or molar or ectopic pregnancy. Be it a friend, child or your own partner, it can be hard to know what to say, or how best you can help.

Should you mention the baby or avoid all topics that relate to children? How can you be there for your partner as they grieve, while dealing with your own emotions? What if you’re pregnant and it’s your best friend that has experienced a loss? What if you say the wrong thing?

This accessible guide provides evidence-based advice on supporting someone after a miscarriage, ectopic or molar pregnancy. Clare Foster draws upon her personal experience and that of other women and partners, as well as extensive research, to provide you with the knowledge and practical advice you need to help your loved one. The National Director of the Miscarriage Association, Ruth Bender-Atik, has written a foreword.

Published 2021

256 pages

My Thoughts

Eating Disorders are complex and can be very difficult to talk about with a friend or loved one. How do you start a conversation and where do you go to better understand what the underlying triggers are with the disorder? 

Dr. Mac Donald has an extensive background in helping people with eating disorders, including a personal experience with a friend as a carer. She shares her knowledge in a gentle yet informative manner that allows you to broach the subject and help your friend or loved one. 

A few of the topics discussed: 

What is an eating disorder

The impact on others

Communication

Recovery

Problematic Behavior

She also includes helpful resources you can turn to in the book. 

I had an eating disorder as a teen and there were no resources, no knowledge, or places to turn to talk about what I was going thru. This book would have been helpful for those around me to better understand the pain and shame I was going thru. 

Dr. Macdonald’s book is a great resource for anyone who has a friend or loved one who has an eating disorder and I highly recommend the book. 

Welbeck Publishing Group

Welbeck Publishing Group is an exciting, fast-growing independent publisher based in London, dedicated to publishing only the very best and most commercial books spanning a number of genres and categories, from leading authors and well-known brands to debut talent. We live for books that entertain, excite and enhance the lives of readers around the world.

From building our boutique fiction and narrative non-fiction lists to shaping our world-renowned illustrated reference, gift and children’s titles, our aim is to be a market-leader in every category in which we publish.  Our books and products come to life for adults, children, and families in 30 languages in more than 60 countries around the world, selling through a variety of traditional and non-traditional channels. We are constantly looking for new ways to deliver our exceptional content and new ideas to inspire readers and listeners everywhere.

www.welbeckpublishing.com

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

10 interesting facts about Melatonin 😴 — Guest Blogger The 3H:health,happiness,healing

Hello everyone🖖 Melatonin, commonly known as the sleep hormone is responsible for our cicardian rythm. But, it has some fascinating facts to be known. 1. The pineal gland, located at the base of the brain, is known to produce 5% of the total quantity of melatonin. Surprisingly, in all of the cells throughout the entire […]

10 interesting facts about Melatonin 😴 — The 3H:health,happiness,healing
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Blogger Highlight-Explorations in Psychotherapy

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 a new blogger, Explorations in Psychotherapy.

Explorations in Psychotherapy

Allan is a new blogger and doesn’t have an About Me page yet. I love reading his post and talking to him. 

Please stop by and say hello.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Book Review Befriending My Brain by James Lindsay

I want to give a special thanks to Andrea Marchiano, Editor from Trigger Publishing for sending Befriending Your Brian to read and review. 

Publication

March 2, 2023

Blurb

Like many of us, James Lindsay is no stranger to stress and anxiety. But in his case, leaving those struggles untreated led to a full psychotic episode that hospitalised him for the better part of a month. With the help of medication and therapy, he has now overcome this dark period and is currently living a much happier life.

But his story doesn’t end there. Now, he wants to help others avoid the same fate by sharing his experience, including the red flags he recognises in hindsight and the path he charted to recovery. No matter where you are on your own journey, James’ story will resonate and remind you, as he puts it, that “recovery is always possible, and hope is never far away.”

My Thoughts

Great Quote from the book

“Looking back now, it is clear that my breakdown built up over time as my anxiety increased, but psychosis still gut-punched me hard to finish me off.”

James was plagued with anxiety from a young age but had little knowledge of Mental Illness, let alone Psychosis. He was bullied throughout his school years, and as James got older, his anxiety grew.  There were many days he didn’t want to attend class because they called him names, and it was troubling for him. He couldn’t just shake it off. 

Shortly before the breakup with his girlfriend of two years, James started to unravel. He starts talking to friends but is not making sense and they became worried. His behavior became more erratic, began hearing voices telling him what to do and Psychosis started. Which lead to more erratic behavior and he was taken to the hospital where he was diagnosed as having Acute Psychosis. James stayed in the Psychiatric Hospital for four weeks. 

To this point, you can see how his anxiety grew, and having treatment earlier would have helped. 

After several medication changes, James is on his way forward. He found a part-time job, and ran a 10K run which was something he did in the past. Doing more helped his confidence grow and help him look forward to life. James not only jumped back into the hobbies he loved but went way out of his comfort zone with other activities. He made friends and started to have a full life helped by CBT.

 I love that James includes a list of Apps that provide Mental Health support, a list of what not to say to someone experiencing Mental Illness, a list of Mental Health podcast,s and books to read about Mental Illness. I can certainly relate to the list as I was diagnosed with Bipolar, Anxiety, and PTSD at age 19.

I’ve shared more about the book than usual because it’s important to see that seeking help is the answer to moving forward. 

I’m so happy to say James found love again and is married and loving life. Jame’s book is really for anyone with Anxiety, depression, psychosis, and schizophrenia. It’s packed with great examples of the struggles he’s been thru and sticking with treatment, being honest with doctor and taking your medication is the way forward. 

Befriending My Brain is a must-buy.

Looking back now, it is clear that my breakdown built up over a long time as my anxiety increased, but psychosis still gut-punched me hard to finish me off.

Trigger Publishing

TriggerHub.org is the first mental health organization of its kind. We are bringing mental health recovery and balance to millions of people worldwide through the power of our books.

We have built a first-class resource of curated books produced and published in-house to create a unique collection of mental health recovery titles unrivaled in quality and selection. We work with experts, psychologists, doctors, and coaches to produce our books, but we also work with real people looking to share their stories to reach out to others and provide hope, understanding, and compassion. These brave authors also aim to raise awareness of mental health’s “human” face and its impact on everyday lives. 

Melinda

Looking for the Light

 
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

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!

Continue reading “Deep Thoughts”
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Self-Blame, Self-Criticism, and Shame — Guest Blogger DocTalk, Explorations in Psychotherapy

Self-Blame, Self-Criticism, and Shame “Self-blame is a cognitive process in which an individual attributes the occurrence of a stressful event to oneself. The direction of blame often has implications for individuals’ emotions and behaviors during and following stressful situations.”  “Self-blame is common among adult sexual trauma survivors and it is very common among children who […]

Self-Blame, Self-Criticism, and Shame — DocTalk, Explorations in Psychotherapy
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Blogger Highlight-The Fabulous Lyf

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 a new blogger, The Fabulous Lyf.

The Fabulous Lyf

Love | Travel | Adventure

Through the Windows of my blog, I will see the reflection of memories we have created in the name of Lyf, time after time.
While embracing the uncertainties & cherishing the Love, I have gratitude for everything in life.

On these pages, I share my love for Traveling with the world along with everything I experience and the adventures I will be on.

Stop by and see all of her photos. 

 Melinda

Looking for the Light

 

Celebrate Life · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

5 Ways to Stay Healthy in Later Life

If you want to stay healthy in later life, or you want to support an older friend or family member, you need to put the right foundations in place. If you know someone who is isolated and older, you might want to visit them sometimes, take them for a walk, or encourage healthy eating. 

Photo by Magda Ehlers on Pexels.com

Healthy Eating 

The food we eat is directly related to our health and life quality. This is true at any age, but it’s even more important in later life when the body’s systems are more sensitive. Creating healthy eating patterns can be challenging, but they can also be simple and rewarding when sustained. 

When you start eating fresh, healthy foods such as fruits, nuts, and vegetables, you change the expectations of the body. Instead of craving foods high in fats and sugars, your body will start to crave healthier alternatives. Try to encourage healthy eating for you and your family members.   

Active Life 

The human body has evolved to be active and to move every day. While this can be more challenging when we get older, it is just s important to maintain an active life. There are huge benefits to staying active; it improves energy levels, mental well-being, and the immune system.

When you think about physical activity, you tend to think about running, going to the gym, or yoga, but these activities are not always realistic for older people. But exercise can be moderate and light such as walking, simple stretching, and light weights to improve strength and wellness.   

Elder Care 

Some people need some additional help when they get older. The onset of disease, mobility issues, and a deterioration in health and wellness mean people need extra support from home carers or need to move into a care home for effective Elder Care. It’s sometimes the best option. 

Elder care involves visiting older people, communicating with them, helping them with everyday tasks, and supporting them in a variety of ways. Elder care can be carried out by a family member who is also a carer, a professional carer who visits, or professionals in a care home.  

Vitamins 

Most people have a vitamin D deficiency; that’s because vitamin D is not naturally produced in the body; it needs to be ingested. Vitamin D can be absorbed from the sun or consumed in vitamin D-rich foods such as oranges and mushrooms. It’s important for overall cognitive health.  

Cognitive health becomes more important as we age due to genetic changes, environmental factors, and lifestyle factors. It’s important to pay more attention to cognitive health as we get older by challenging our brains and consuming more vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D.  

Communities 

Older people suffer more from isolation. They might have lost a spouse but continue to live in their familiar ways, or they might have lost their hearing and don’t like interacting due to embarrassment. However, community connection is incredibly important for mental health and well-being. It’s easier than ever to find a community online, thanks to various digital platforms. 

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward · Survivor

Postpartum Psychosis by Guest Margie Lackfield

This post is very special to me, first Margie shared her story and allowed me to post it. She is an educated woman who wants to help others who experience Postpartum Psychosis. Please share this post with anyone you know who is pregnant or in the first few months of a baby’s life. M

Postpartum depression accompanied by Psychosis

This is not a war to win. It cages a soul and will not allow reason of any kind. I prayed, I begged and I pleaded. You can have me, but you cannot have my daughter.

On this particular morning, I thought I’d heard a knock at my front door, or was that coming from the back door? I trusted nothing. I sat in the nursery until the pounding stopped, and the sound of what I thought was my name being called, ended. Rocking my angel. I sobbed so violently. I wanted the voices and the visions to go away. I wanted nothing more than to save my baby from myself.

Something made me pause. Was that the front lock-set being opened, the door flinging open, were those real voices?

They found me. Jo and Priscilla. They found me, and they did not let go of me. One took the baby, and the other took the phone directory.

And every chance I get, I tell them, “Thank you.”

I spent the following three and a half months in a locked Psych ward.

Photo by Liza Summer on Pexels.com

Each one of us has a story that shames us, it can trap us in a sort of hell, but sometimes to escape hell, we must find words to express our grievance. I used to think this would be one that I could not share for fear of losing someone whom I love(d). Now I fear that if I don’t share it, someone may lose their way, they may find themselves lost, alone, aberrant, and of course, crazy. I would rather lose every friend I have for the sacrifice of gaining that one that reached out to me in need. The one that discovered hope, when they felt there was none left. But, if you can find clarity if you can trust that there are people in this world that care first for others, and second for themselves, then you, and they will walk with you through hell. When we have true friends, they don’t leave us when the going gets rough. They stop at nothing to see that we realize how important we are, in their life. They don’t call you, Pyscho, MisFit, or Crazy. They call you, Friend. That having us is a joy, a blessing, a God-send. A true friend does not judge, does not keep a scorecard, and knows that we are them, should they ever need us, and not out of guilt or because a favor needs returning. No, a true friend stands by knowing that without our connection we are only half of ourselves.

When others walked out, you walked in. You asked for nothing in return. You never used my illness to shame me, to discount me, to write me off. You stood beside me and carried me through my darkest hours. Priscilla, Senn, and Jo McCormack thank you for seeing me when I could not see myself. But more than anything, thank you for saving my Megan from the psychotic lunatic that I had become. We have fought hard to win, and without each of you, I would have lost. It took three and a half months, out-of-state, in a mental institution, a number of medications, and therapy sessions, but I came home, loving and vowed that one day I would share this story.

Never give up hope. When you are at your weakest, grasp for straws. Dial for help. Swallow your pride. Do not fear that you will be labeled, CRAZY, for the rest of your life, even by those you thought would stand behind you through thick and thin. One of the best pieces of advice given to me was these words:

“They already think you’re crazy. Nothing you do, or say, will change their opinion. Absolutely nothing, therefore, be yourself. Only you know the journey and the victory.”

To Megan,

I promised you I would finish a tale that I had begun earlier in one of my posts. I think I even noted Day 16 as the day that I would write it. Day 16, arrived, but the time didn’t feel ‘just right’. Today it does. I believe you will recall the post, original, and if not, I’ll help you retrieve it.

I spent three full days in bed making Pom-Poms out of tissues. And not intentionally. “No, Martha, I did not use your official cut-and-twist guide.” I fashioned mine while I tried building a dam to nowhere, for my sinus drainage. I took my temperature so many times I killed the battery in the thermometer. I’ve never slept so many hours in my life! This comes from someone who suffers extreme bits of insomnia. Food? I found two cans of soup at the back of the cupboard and considering we don’t eat processed canned items I can’t help but wonder where they came from, much less, why I consumed them.

I’d had enough of this Chit, so by 10:00 a.m., I drug my lazy self out of bed and into the steaming shower, threw on some clothes, and asked Hannah if she’d like to go for a walk.

I thought I’d heard a lot of commotion over the roar of my blow dryer, but I wasn’t in the mood to go ‘seek-and-find,’ what all the mischief was. Once dressed, and out the door, I looked up the street to see the fire truck. What the heck?!#&@

Okay, right off the bat I have to confess. I’m not into seeking out horror. I can’t handle it. Put me in a car, drive me down the freeway, and have someone shout, “Look! There’s been a car accident!” What do I do? Slither down in my seat and turn my head in the opposite direction. If I’m the one who happens to be driving, you won’t find me rubbernecking.

Where was I going with this?

The Walk…(and not on the wild side.)

Finally, on our way, we journey toward the coffee shop. I realize I can’t enter, doggie and all, but then I remember the new app I have downloaded on my phone. Hannah and I mosey up to the patio and sit down. Attempting to order, I realize this app needs a few software upgrades, but I’m not in the mood to hack up the menu in broad daylight, much less try to find a work-around on the store’s wi-fi firewall. Dang, I can’t just walk away, the pup is looking at me with those sweet, begging eyes as if to ask, “How much longer, Mummy?”

Thinking comes quick when smitten by a man’s best friend. I lasso a chair with her harness and tie the pup securely to it, placing her in full view of any area I’ll find myself at once inside the store.

…..Admit it, you’re just a wee bit bored, but you just can’t seem to pull yourself away from all the action. Consider yourself a rubbernecker and let’s get moving…..

We are at a junction in the road. If we take the route we came, we’re out 1.5 miles, but if we journey the alternate route we are out 1.5 miles. Decisions, decisions, oh, and the trick math question at the end. (Find your calculators.)

Let’s go rogue. I’m caffeinated and jet-packed by toxic chemicals from eating rancid soup. What could go wrong?

The Traffic Light!…(into the jungle)

The sucker must have been rigged for red-light runners! Hannah and I were caught in the median of a crazed intersection. Everyone dreams of a cuppa joe or a fuel tank of $2.35 gasoline. I think the only thing that saved us was the California Highway Patrol t-shirt my son (in-law) gave me. I looked, OFFICIAL!

Okay, I was only a third grey, now color me white-headed. I match the dog now. Lesson learned: Rubberneckers. “You folks are everywhere!” One of you almost put tire tracks on my bright orange and pink sneakers. Tell the truth, “We’re you wanting my eye color or that close-up of fear earmarked across my face?”

…..This painstakingly will end at some point. Why don’t you take a snooze and check back later for the mischief of the last mile and a half?….

Safely in a green space, we walk among the oak trees listening to the sound of acorns dropping in our midst. (Note to self: Bring bike helmets in the future.) Meandering along and I look up to see we are at the high school. My heart skips a beat, and then another. “Wasn’t it just yesterday?” Oh, how time does fly. But I won’t let this moment go. I grab my phone and take a couple of photos. I zip them off to my two beautiful daughters. They’ll open their messages and go back in time themselves. I wonder at what moments their day will stand still? I knew mine. I know it well. I’ll cherish it forever.

There I sat awaiting the dismissal bell. The bell echoes. Oh, I miss that bell. I miss all the ringing of that far-off bell.

Saturday my youngest daughter moves away from home. Off to her grown-up home. Not a dorm room, no, those days are gone, too. There’s part of me that wants her to go, but then there is that part of me that knows how far away she may one day travel. And yet, I must give her the pieces of the apron strings, the wings to fly, to soar, to dream and dare.

Did anyone find me a pen and some paper? Did you find your calculators? Get ready, here she blows:

If I live 1.5 miles in one direction, yet I am able to travel in an opposing direction 1.5 miles and arrive at my origination, what direction am I traveling?
We set off to run errands. Hannah’s errands, actually. I should just admit that some days I simply say to hell with the housework, laundry included, and I put my best friend in the car and we set about finding mischief.

We ran thru the CVS drive-through to pick up some of my meds and beg for the usual dog biscuit. FAIL! They were out of treats.

Starbucks redeemed her spirit though when they gave her a Puppy Whip. It’s a small cup container filled with whipped cream.

Across the railroad tracks and we head into Southlake. The outdoor shopping mall is always fun. There are fountains galore and hundreds of shade trees. Unfortunately, they have no outdoor drinking fountains. Hannah drank a bit of my iced tea as I cursed myself for not having brought along her collapsible water bowl and some water. Finally, I recalled the Whole Earth Provisions Store allows dogs in their store. I took my girl in and she made a group of newly found friends, all human and eager to dote upon her. Someone snagged a dog treat for her and everyone took turns petting her.

The girl is worn out. Now resting with a full tummy of treats and back inside to the cooled air conditioning.

___________________________

Post-Partartum Psychosis has to be taken seriously. I ask you to reach out for help and keep an eye on a loved one or signs of Depression or Psychosis.

She’s a survivor and an extremely strong woman. I’ve never met someone as strong as she is, it blows my mind what she’s been thru and the pain she must feel. 

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Yesterday, I Was A Champ!

My health has held me back for a long time but the last 6-8 months have been hell. It’s also had an impact on my mental health. I’m inside every day unless going to doctors and the salon, and the natural effect of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) has added to my depression.

Today was the best day since I don’t know when. First I got up standard time and took all my medications, (Pat on the back). Then I got busy, and with the help of hubby, we changed the sheets and cleaned the entire bedroom. That feels so good!!!!!

I watered the inside plants and started cleaning up outside to be ready for Spring. I trimmed the rose and cleared the debris from the Lillies and several other flowers and plants.

I still have several plants, about 10 that I’m still protecting from the cold in the garage but they are all growing leaves. There is also another small rose bush and a mum to prepare. That’s for another good day.

I’ve included some photos for your entertainment. This amount of work was completed before noon before I became ill. My Fibromyalgia cooperated today.

Lillies

Small Rose

Beautiful Ivy

Monstera

Silver Satin Pothos

Huge Orchid

Small Rubber Tree

My favorite ZZ plant, it’s over 3 ft tall.

Mum

Most afternoons I rest in bed but not today. It’s 3:00 pm and I’m still going. I’m celebrating this day because they happen so rarely. Today I can feel good about all that was accomplished and I don’t feel the guilt that I often feel for spending so much time in bed.

Wishing you a great day, however, you spend it. You have good days ahead.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

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!

Continue reading “Deep Thoughts”
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Blogger Highlight-Windy’s Journey

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 a new blogger, Wendy’s Journey.

Windy’s Journey

A Chronic Illness Blog By: Windy Johnson-Cumberbatch, CPC

 

 My name is Windy Johnson-Cumberbatch. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Lyme Disease and later Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in the summer of 2014 after over a decade of severe illness and countless misdiagnosis.  I had Fibromyalgia prior to contracting Lyme Disease and the co-infections that came along with it.

Be sure to check out her blog, it’s very helpful. 

Melinda

Looking for the Light

 

Chronic Pain · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Self-Care

Small Lifestyle Changes To Make When Living With Chronic Pain

Living in constant pain can make you feel like you are alone and there is no one who understands what you are going through. Chronic pain conditions vary and each person living with chronic pain will have their own pain thresholds and triggers. At times, it may seem like there is nothing you can do, especially when traditional pain medication doesn’t have any effect. It is at times like this when people try other methods of medicating.

For some, different types of pains and symptoms can be managed or even eradicated with a few changes to your diet. It may seem futile however if nothing else is working you have nothing to lose by trying. Adapt what you do during your day-to-day life to see if different things affect your pain level. For example, many chronic pain patients credit the sun and warmth for lowering their pain levels. For this reason, it could be worth looking into how you can increase your vitamin D intake and get more sun into your life.

Many people find adding exercise into their lives can help with certain types of pain. Working up slowly to adding beneficial exercise to your daily routine as and when you can help you to look after your body despite your pain levels. Yoga, pilates, and simple stretching exercise will help you to remain fit and supple and in some cases decrease your pain levels.

There is no scientific evidence that links drastic diet changes with the eradication of pain from chronic pain conditions. However, it is thought that certain types of foods can inflame the body in different ways making pain worse. From cutting out dairy to reduce additional IBS symptoms or abdominal pain to avoiding nightshade foods to reduce pain and inflammation for Fibromyalgia, arthritis, and more.

There have also been suggestions that eating clean and switching to a more plant-based diet can help control pain levels. While fatty and processed foods aren’t healthy for anyone when overconsumed, there is nothing to lose by changing up your diet and eating a more natural diet, and reducing your meat, specifically red meat intake.

Many chronic pain sufferers will all tell you that sleeping is a problem. It’s a vicious circle to be told you need to get more sleep yet sleep is elusive due to your pain. But by creating as relaxing a sleep environment as can help you to relax even if you can’t sleep. Your body repairs itself during sleep and getting good quality sleep remains important despite your health condition. 

Find your optimal sleeping temperature and noise level, try using a white noise app if you needed, and also use comfortable bedding. Set your limits for screen time and electronics and try to create a relaxing bedtime routine that indicates you are ready for sleep. This won’t always be possible but it is worth persevering to help you improve your sleep quality.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda  

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Blogger Highlight- Your Plate or Mine

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 a new blogger, Your Plate or Mine.

Your Plate or Mine

I write poems and short prose about love and inspiration. I use different types of poems to highlight and I enjoy the writing prompts from other poetry and blog sites.

Check her out! 

Melinda

Looking for the Light

 

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Self-Care

5 Simple Steps For Dealing With Mental Health Challenges

Mental health issues affect one in four people. This could range from stress, anxiety, and depression, to severe mental health issues such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or borderline personality disorder. 

Often, it can be hard to understand the cause of these mental health problems. They may be triggered by something that has gone on in your life such as the loss of a loved one, or a big change such as moving to a new city, or a career change. Whatever the cause, you must practice self-care. 

But what can you do to treat your mental health problems? 

Here are some steps you should take if you are experiencing any mental health difficulties in your life. 

Speak To Your Doctor 

If you are struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression in your life, then you should speak with your doctor at the earliest possible opportunity. Your doctor should talk you through what is happening in your life in order to understand whether you should be treated with self-care,

antidepressant medication, or whether you would be a suitable candidate for talking therapy such as cognitive behavior therapy

Speak To A Counselor 

If you can speak with a counselor, do so. You may be able to get referred to one by your doctor. If not, there are plenty of specialist counselors that will be able to take you on. 

Different counselors and therapists will have their own approaches to dealing with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Make sure that you are happy with the counselor’s approach before you commit to a course of sessions with them. 

Use CBD And Other Alternative Treatments

One of the areas that there is growing research into is the use of alternative treatments such as CBD. CBD comes from the same plant as cannabis except it doesn’t have any of the psychoactive ingredients cannabis does. It just relaxes you and relieves symptoms of stress and anxiety. 

Another alternative treatment option may be psychedelics. You can read more about this at psychedelicspotlight.com

Eat Well

There is a lot that can be said about the way that you eat. By making sure that you are eating a balanced diet, you will be able to help to give yourself the energy that you need to keep going. 

To fight off stress and depression with your diet you should look at getting your starch fixed with whole grains and beans. You should be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Instead of eating red meats, you should eat fatty fish like salmon or tuna. Finally, add in healthy fats, such as raw nuts and olive oil.

Exercise 

Exercising is a great way of clearing your head. It gives you endorphins, a feel-good hormone that will balance out the stress hormones your body will naturally produce. 

Start small. Even going for a short walk will be very helpful. 

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Throwback Thursday

Here’s a triple of Shaggy, along with Guest Sting. Both have the most unique voices. Have fun, kick back, and jam until you have a big smile.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Tips To Improve Your Wellbeing This Winter

Many people can fall into a slump during the colder winter months when there is less sunlight and motivation is low, but there are some easy ways to lift your spirits.

Create a vision board

A good way to raise yourself from a slump is to create a vision board. A vision board is a collection of images and keywords that you design and assemble on a large piece of paper, for example, which visualizes your hopes and dreams for the future. Vision boards are motivational, particularly when you lose sight of what you are working for. They are equally beneficial when life becomes a little monotonous.

Some ideas to include in a vision board are career aspirations, travel plans, and personal growth targets.

Making a vision board can calm your mind, as it taps into your creativity and helps you focus on your current action. Plus, seeing your finished work day after day is sure to encourage inspiration.

Photo by Mikechie Esparagoza from Pexels

Chat with a friend or companion

It’s important to reach out to friends, relatives, or companions when you are feeling low. Even if you are feeling cheerful, getting in contact with someone you have not spoken to in a while might raise their spirits without you even realizing it.

As we get older, we tend to get stuck in our daily routines and forget that life is about connections and relationships. Older adults can especially yearn for a chat, or for a helping hand, which is why Seniors Helping Seniors is an invaluable service.

Photo by Sam Lion from Pexels

Practice physical fitness activities you enjoy

‘Going for a run’ is easier said than done for a lot of us. Especially in the cold, wet weather, running can be a real drag. However, there are plenty of alternative sports and fitness activities that will make you forget you’re even exercising – you’ll be having that much fun.

For one, dancing is a great way to release energy and work up a sweat with a smile on your face. You don’t need a studio to let your hair down, dancing in your room is encouraged. Whack on your favorite tunes and spend 20 minutes to an hour moving about to the music.

If mobility is an issue for you, swimming is an excellent way to stay fit and prevent any muscle or joint discomfort.

Walking and power-walking are also other ways to get your daily exercise without it seeming too strenuous. For those busy days, this activity can tie in with work or socializing, as you could schedule a walking meeting or catch-up. Or, if you need a break from everything, going for a solo walk is a sure way to clear your head. You could even find a scenic route and make a trip out of it, rather than just walking around the block.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

Do something that makes you laugh

A simple way to distract yourself from the winter blues is to have a giggle. So, get comfy and pick a comedy film or stand-up show you know you will like, and even if you can’t muster a belly laugh, just feeling yourself smile can brighten your mood.

There are also plenty of apps and old-school games that will have you rolling on the floor laughing with friends or family. For smartphone users, try Heads Up!, it’s like a digital version of charades that can be played anywhere. Or if you’re at home, a card game like Snap or Uno is sure to cheer you up.

Maximize your sunlight hours

Going to bed early is never more important than in the winter. Our well-being depends on us getting a decent amount of sleep. For some people that means 8 hours of shuteye, for others, it’s more. 

Find out what works for you, and go to bed at a time that allows for a full 8+ hours of sleep until daybreak, so the sunrise works as a natural alarm clock. Seeing a full day’s worth of sunlight can improve your mood dramatically. This is because catching the sun’s rays each day is associated with an increased level of serotonin in the body, a hormone that stabilizes our feelings of well-being. 

Photo by Jonathan Petersson from Pexels

Journal or talk it out

If you have considerable worries, or stress is getting on top of you. It’s a good idea to let out your thoughts and emotions either via pen or verbally with a counselor or therapist. Writing or talking about it can help you release negative feelings and therefore improve your well-being.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

How Can You Maintain Your Mental Health When You Have A Stressful Job?

If you have a stressful job, you might find that your mental health is taking quite a beating every now and then. The good news is that there are things that you can do to maintain your mental health even when you have a stressful job so that you don’t find yourself so close to burnout all of the time. Now, you might think this isn’t possible, but we can assure you it is. In this article, we’ll be talking about some of the ways you can succeed in doing this, so keep reading if you would like to find out more.

Photo by brittany on Pexels.com

Ensure You Have A Job You Like

First, it helps if you ensure that you have a job that you like. If you’re constantly trying to manage your mental health but you’re stuck in a job that you hate, then this is going to make things harder. Stress can be handled, but the fact that you hate your job on top of this is going to make everything worse, and it’s going to make it more difficult to come out of the other side.

So, the first thing that you should be doing then is moving into a job that you like. Even if you’re out there locking down mortgage protection leads, as long as you like it, you’re going to have a much better chance of maintaining your mental health in the long term. This will reduce the amount of stress that you feel already as you will be happier in what you are doing!

Learn Some Calming Techniques

Another thing that we recommend is that you learn some calming techniques. You want to look into things like breathing exercises so that you can step away from the situation when things start to become overwhelming. When this happens, it helps if you remind yourself of the things that make you happy, think about them, and bring some calm into your life. Stress can only be combated by calm, anything else is going to make it worse.

It might even be worth speaking to someone about how you are feeling as they may have some more suggestions on what you can do.

Don’t Stress Yourself Out Too Much

Last but not least, we know that it’s hard, but try not to stress yourself out too much. There’s a difference between working hard and spreading yourself too thin. Our recommendation is to find someone that you can look up to in your industry like Paul Ognibene in real estate development and look into their path to success. If you can plan out a course of action on how to get to where you want to be, you may find yourself becoming less stressed and more focused.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you can do to maintain your mental health when you have a stressful job. You can keep a hold on your mental health without having to give up your job, helping you to live the best life possible! We wish you the very best of luck with this and hope that you see success in trying out these things.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Blogger Highlight-Crippled Cowgirl

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 a new blogger, Crippled Cowgirl.

Crippled Cowgirl

 

I’m child number three of eight, Catholic in case you’re wondering, the lost child if you follow family dynamics. It fits.

We were raised on a stunningly beautiful cattle and hay ranch in the Flint Creek Valley of southwestern Montana. Whomever came up with the term “Free Range Children” unknowingly described us to the tee.

Be sure to check out her interesting blog and outlook on life. 

Melinda

Looking for the Light

 

Celebrate Life · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

4 Simple Ways to Boost Your Dog’s Health: A How-To Guide

Dogs are a part of the family for many people, and it’s important to make sure they stay healthy. There are many simple ways to boost your dog’s health without spending a lot of money. That said, this blog post will discuss four easy ways to keep your furry friend happy and healthy!

Photo by Xavier Altimiras on Pexels.com

1) Feed a Balanced Diet

Feeding a balanced diet is one of the most important things you can do to keep your dog healthy. This means providing them with the essential nutrients they need while avoiding excessive amounts of certain foods. High-quality dry and wet food, as well as treats, should be included in your pup’s diet. You may be wondering is seaweed good for dogs, but even this food can provide a range of health benefits for your pup!

When it comes to feeding your pup, it’s important to consider their size, activity level, age and any other health concerns when selecting the right food. Make sure that these are formulated for dogs specifically and do not contain any ingredients that could harm them. Additionally, ensuring that your pup receives adequate amounts of protein, fats, carbohydrates and vitamins for their stage in life is important for their growth and development.

As always, provide fresh water daily, monitor their weight and consult with a veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about what to feed them. With a balanced diet tailored to your pup’s needs, they will be able to live a long and healthy life!

2) Exercise Regularly

Just like humans, dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy. Depending on the breed and size of your dog, this can range from short walks around the block a few times a week to longer trips to the park or beach. Exercise is important for not only physical health, but also mental stimulation, preventing boredom and helping them release any built-up energy.

If you live in an area with cold winters it’s important to be mindful of when you take your pup out so they don’t get too cold. Additionally, using a harness instead of a collar while walking can help protect their neck from strain if they pull on the leash or try to run away. With regular exercise your pup will have the energy they need to stay healthy and active!

3) Provide Mental Stimulation

Mental stimulation is just as important for your dog’s health as regular exercise. Whether it’s playing fetch or providing interactive toys, dogs need to use their minds in order to stay alert and mentally engaged. Providing mental stimulation can also help reduce destructive behavior and keep them from getting bored.

One way to give your pup mental stimulation is by playing games with them, such as hide-and-seek or tug-of-war. These activities can not only be fun for both you and your pup but also encourage problem solving and reward-based learning. Additionally, food puzzles are a great way to provide mental stimulation while also giving them some treats! Through the use of these types of puzzles, your pup will have to think about how to access the treats hidden inside, helping stimulate their brains and developing problem solving skills.

Another way to provide mental stimulation for your pup is through obedience training and agility courses. Training sessions can help build confidence while providing structure, while agility courses can help promote focus and physical coordination. Both activities are a great way to give your pup the mental exercise they need while also strengthening the bond between owner and pet.

4) Maintain Proper Grooming Practices

Grooming is an important part of keeping your dog healthy in both mind and body. Depending on the breed, length and type of fur, grooming may need to be done more frequently than others. Make sure to brush your puppy’s coat regularly to remove dirt, debris and any mats or tangles. Additionally, keeping their nails trimmed short as well as their teeth clean can help protect them from potential health issues.

In conclusion, there are many simple ways to boost your dog’s health that don’t require a lot of money. From providing them with a balanced diet and regular exercise to mental stimulation and proper grooming, these four tips can help ensure that your pup stays happy and healthy for years to come!

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Starting Fresh In 2023 For Better Mental Health

Whether it be a change to your lifestyle, health or career – 2023 is a time perfect to change, and here are some of the ways you can make a change in your life next year for the better. 

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Get a new place 

By now, most of us are sick of our own homes. Being stuck inside for 9 months has been hard for all of us and many of us have already started to look at houses and apartment rentals in our area. If you want to make a fresh start next year, moving house isn’t a bad idea. Let go of the bad memories of the past and move forward in a positive way by buying or renting a better living space for yourself. Being able to live somewhere new can do wonders for your mental health. 

Photo by Public Domain Pictures on Pexels.com

 

Start exercising 

If you want to make a positive change to your physical and mental health in 2021, you need to get up and get moving. There are lots of ways you can stay fit without the need for a gym, and here are just a few of the things you can try: 

  • Walking 
  • Running 
  • Cycling 
  • Yoga 
  • HIIT Workouts 
  • Body Combat 
  • Dance Workouts 

Change up your routine by adding a 30-minute workout to the start of your day, and soon see the benefits it brings in terms of energy and well-being. 

Change up your diet 

One great way to make a change to your life without committing to anything crazy is changing your diet in small ways. From substituting white for brown bread and rice; to eating less meat and dairy; there are many brilliant things you can do to change your diet for the better. Consider finding foods that are good for the gut and for your heart such as sweet potatoes and peppers, and add these things to your diet for a healthier body. You don’t have to overhaul your whole diet right away, just make small changes as you go. 

Find a new hobby 

We all need to have hobbies in our lives. When you spend all of your time working, eating, and sleeping – you will soon become bored with your life and your mental health can plummet. Change up your daily routine by spending time doing something new. It could be baking, writing, painting, a new sport, or anything you like. Bring something new into your life that you haven’t tried before and this could open you up to so much more in the future. 

Make Some Changes For Your Happiness

In order to improve your mental health, you need to start making changes that are going to make you happy, as well as the ones that are just good for your health. This can be anything that you want, as long as it brings you some level of newfound happiness into your life. For example, if you decide that you are interested in living a more eco-friendly life, then looking at the advice of someone like Stephen Troese Jr is a great place to start. Or, you might simply want to start being more social with your friends again. There are plenty of options!

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Celebrate The Tiny Victories

It can be difficult when you have a chronic illness or mobility challenges to remember this is your life now. It’s not yesterday, your mindset has to change and it’s not easy to accept. I’ve been struggling for a long time and today I forced myself to look at what I accomplished in a micro view. 

The smallest victory is a victory. I had to force my eyes to look closely at the tiny victories and give myself a pat on the back. We can get caught up in our illness, and what we can’t do, and that can weigh on our shoulders. If you can see one victory in a day, it’s a good day.

Tuesday

Took medication

Put laundry away except for what’s in the machine

Talked with pharmacy

Talked via email with my Psychiatrist

I woke up at 10:00 am instead of noon

Brushed teeth

Wrote half a post.

Yesterday was a good day, I accomplished more than the day before. Another way to stay positive is to look at what you’ve done, not the long to-do list. Look for the tiny chores every day to keep the positive mindset alive. 

To some, this looks like a long list and others think it is no big deal. The truth is, It Doesn’t Matter What Others Think! You have to chart your own course.

How do you stay focused on the tiny victories?

Melinda