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!

 

My First school:

My First film:

My First trip:

My First car:

My first car was an old ugly green Dodge Duster. It had a killer stereo but the bracks were hell. This was my 16th birthday present from my father.

Enjoy!

Melinda

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

What To Do Before Starting A Home Garden

A home garden offers loads of benefits beyond boosting your home’s curb appeal and increasing your property’s value. It plays a significant role in improving your physical and mental health. It also helps reduce your expenses (depending on what you grow in your garden) and establish sustainable measures in your home. But if you’re new to gardening and thinking about creating one for your home for the first time, the last thing you want to do is jump right into planting a garden. Here are some things you need to do before you start a home garden. 

Photo by Yan Krukov on Pexels.com

Decide on the best garden spot

The first thing you want to do is consider the best place to grow your garden. Of course, this will depend on your home and how much space you have. Be sure that your ideal spot offers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Therefore, it would be best if you took the time to observe your preferred spaces to figure out which spots receive the most sunlight. If you have too much shade in your yard, all hope is not lost, as there are two options you can try. On the one hand, you can remove the source of shade, depending on what it is. On the other hand, you can consider growing indoor plants that thrive with little sunlight instead.

After deciding on the best spot, clear the ground of weeds, dead trees, stumps, etc. You can hire experts to remove some of these stubborn obstacles if necessary. You can visit websites like duvaltreeandbobcat.com for experienced and safe tree removal services. 

Decide on the most suitable plants to grow

The next thing you want to do is decide on what plants you want to grow. Would you like to create a vegetable garden to supplement your grocery needs? Or do you want to spruce up your curb appeal with lush flowers? Knowing the purpose of the garden will help you decide what to grow in it. If you want to grow a garden for food, think about what vegetables, fruits, or herbs you need the most. Also, consider which food items are difficult or expensive to purchase and see if you can grow them. If your garden is for curb appeal, think about what plants or flower pieces you love the most and can thrive in your location. 

Know what’s needed to encourage wildlife

Wildlife is an important part of your garden because it helps encourage growth in all aspects of the space. From pollinating flowers to creating an experience for you and your household to enjoy. You might also want to think about adding some wildlife that remains in your garden, like fish in a pond or chickens in a pen. For this, you’re going to need to have the right setup required like this automatic chicken waterer for example.

Invest in essential garden equipment

Gardening can be very relaxing, but it can also be very tasking, especially if you don’t have the right garden tools. You can take advantage of many tools, facilities, and equipment in the modern gardening world to make growing your plants easier. Of course, you don’t need to invest in a comprehensive range of garden equipment when you’re a beginner. You only need the basic and most essential tools, such as a rake, hand trowel, hoe, spade, garden fork, and pruning shears. Also, before considering gardening, be sure you’re willing to devote the time and effort a home garden demands. 

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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

Quote of the Day — Guest Blogger Don’t Lose Hope

“Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain, and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain.” – Matt Haig This is an important truth to grasp. You may struggle with mental illness. You may be displaying the effects of trauma. But none […]

Quote of the Day — Don’t Lose Hope
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Blogger Highlight-The Orange Rose

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 I highlight a new blogger, The Orange Rose.

The Orange Rose

Shedding the old and creating the new! Please join me for a world of poems, food reviews, self healing content, and mindful thinking content. Thank you 😊

The Orange Rose is a blog for everyone. 

Melinda

Looking for the Light

@lookinglight

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

Adventures Added To My Bucket List

I love to dream about all the places and things I want to do. They’re not quite goals since the list is long but they’re a reminder of where to go when I’m planning an advantage. I hope this will prompt you to think about all the things you want to do in life and to write them down. Something written down is more likely to turn into a goal or be successful. I learned early in my career, the more I wrote about what I wanted to accomplish, the more accomplished I became.

Here’s the link to my previous Bucket List.

 

Here’s the link to my previous Bucket List.

Dive with Whales

Dive with the big Manta Rays

Go in a pressurized capsule deep into the ocean to look at a shipwreck.

Ride a Camel (ethically)

Bathe an Elephant in the river

Spend the day talking with Elon Musk

Become a wildlife rescuer

Create a Hydroponic garden

Lavish the countryside and shops in Greece

Own a Shiba Inu dog

Hike Nevada and Verna Falls at Yosemite National Park a second time

See Niagra Fallas

Have a proper greenhouse to grow veggies and flowers year round and grow plants from seeds

Complete my Ancesesty charts

I’ll update again after I have so time to contemplate.

What is on your Bucket List? don’t have one?…start today.

Have a great day.

Melinda

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

New 23 & Me Report on Fibromyalgia

23 & Me is a DNA Testing and has a Family Tree maker too. This is an interesting study.

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

 

August 17, 2022

This week, we released a new report (powered by 23andMe Research) on Fibromyalgia for 23andMe+ members.

Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic pain and tenderness throughout the body. That pain can be intermittent and move to different parts of the body. Fibromyalgia symptoms can also include fatigue, problems sleeping, and difficulty concentrating.

Because of the pain, discomfort, and chronic nature of the condition, people with fibromyalgia often experience depression and anxiety as they cope with their symptoms.

Understanding Fibromyalgia

The causes of fibromyalgia are not well understood, but genetics and other factors influence how likely an individual is to develop the condition.

 Researchers believe people with fibromyalgia have higher pain sensitivity. That may reflect differences in the nervous system for these individuals, especially in the brain and spinal cord.

While the exact causes are not understood, certain non-genetic factors are associated with a higher likelihood of developing the condition. A family history of the condition also increases the odds of developing it. It’s also associated with other health conditions, like depression, viral infection, arthritis, and lupus. Stress or trauma also is associated with higher chances of developing fibromyalgia.

 While the condition can affect people of any age, it tends to develop in middle age. It’s estimated that as many as five million people in the U.S. live with fibromyalgia, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia, but it’s also believed that the condition is under-diagnosed, especially in men.

A New Report

Our new report is powered by data from people who have consented to participate in 23andMe research and uses machine learning techniques to estimate an individual’s likelihood of developing fibromyalgia.

 This estimate is made using a statistical model that includes 13,040 genetic markers and information on an individual’s ethnicity and birth sex. In this white paper, you can learn more about the science and methodology behind our new report. 

Managing and Treating Fibromyalgia

Although it’s not life-threatening, fibromyalgia can make day-to-day life difficult.

Beyond the symptoms already described like chronic pain and fatigue, people with the condition also may deal with headaches, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, or even a painful bladder.

Often those with the condition benefit from counseling or participate in support groups as part of a broader effort to manage their fibromyalgia.

In addition, many experts agree that lifestyle habits may help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for those with fibromyalgia. Regular exercise, good sleep and sleep habits, and stress-reduction or mindfulness techniques have been shown to help manage symptoms.

Learn More

23andMe’s new Fibromyalgia report (powered by 23andMe Research) is available to all 23andMe+ members. To view your report, go here.

Not a 23andMe+ member? To become a 23andMe+ member, or to find out more go here.

The post 23andMe+ Report on Fibromyalgia appeared first on 23&Me Blog.

Melinda

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

8 Ways To Help You Make Friends In a New City — Guest Post Olivia Lucie Blake

It’s natural to feel lonely when you move to a new city, especially if you move alone and have to start all over again, it’s hard to make friends. With so much going on in these first few weeks, you almost forget that you should have a social life, and by the time you remember, […]

8 Ways To Help You Make Friends In a New City — Olivia Lucie Blake
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 or questions interesting. So glad you stopped by today!

My first pet:

My first failure at school:

My first cooking:

My first smoke:

Enjoy!

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Great Reasons To Invest In Property When In Your 20’s

If you make smart investments when you’re in your 20s, you can set yourself up for a much better financial life. Real estate is one of the best things you can put your money into. People in their 20s are told to try to get a foot on the property ladder as soon as they can. Why? Well, check out these three amazing reasons:

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels.com

Don’t Waste Your Money 

When you’re young, a house is a great way to spend your money. Yes, you will need a mortgage, which means making payments every month for years. But it’s much better to do this than to pay rent to a landlord for years.

What does rent get you? Hardly anything, just a roof you don’t own over your head. You don’t have any say over the property; you can’t even change the way it looks without permission. When you invest in real estate, you might end up with a house that you own and are in charge of. So, even though money is spent on mortgage payments, it’s not wasted because it goes toward something very valuable. Have a look at some real estate tips if you need more convincing. 

Make An Investment That Will Make Money 

Some investments are better than others in terms of safety. Putting thousands of dollars into the stock market could be a good or bad idea. There’s a chance that the stocks you buy will go down, which means you’ll lose a lot of money.

On the other hand, the value of a property will almost always go up. The long-term trend of history shows that house prices go up. If you buy a house when you’re in your 20s, you can sell it when you’re in your 40s, 50s, or when you retire and make a lot of money.

You Have Full Control Of The Investment 

As the last point shows, you can buy a house, live in it for years, and still make money on it if you keep it in good shape. But one of the best parts about climbing the property ladder is that you can decide how much your investment is worth.

You can’t legally do anything to change how much shares cost on the stock market. There are many things you can do to make your home more valuable. In a couple of months, you can increase the value of your home by making a few changes and then selling it for a profit. Or, you can make changes over time so that when you go to sell it, it’s worth a lot more. You are in charge either way.

Basically, the best investment you can make in your 20s is in real estate. You need to remember you are committing to long-term borrowing, but it could be worth it

If you’d rather buy the house outright, the best thing you can do is save up for a mortgage. You’ll need enough money for a down payment, and you’ll need to make sure your credit is good enough to qualify for a mortgage.

Getting your foot on the property ladder is a great idea, no matter how you do it. Try to do it as soon as you can.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

How to Protect Yourself from Stalking

There is nothing quite as frightening as being stalked. Having somebody knowingly follow your moves, put devices in your car to follow your car goes, and generally invade your space in a very intrusive way can be scary. Being a victim of stalking can create a lot of trauma, and it can mess with your ability to trust people, create paranoia and anxiety, and or even give you the symptoms of PTSD.

You need to know how to protect your phone from hacking, and you need to know how to protect yourself if you suspect that somebody is following your movements. Stalking behaviors can include things like threats of violence, hacking your devices, asking people about you to gather information about you, loitering outside your home, turning up and bombarding you with text messages, emails, and cyberstalking – it’s quite the list. Here are some of the ways that you can protect yourself from stalking.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Call the police. The most obvious beginning if you believe you are being stalked is to call the authorities and get help. The majority of people who are being stalked know who the stalkers are, one of the best things that you can do for yourself is to seek help from somebody that you can trust to keep you safe and report to the authorities as well. 

Stop communicating with them. If you suspect that somebody is following you or trying to learn more about your whereabouts, then stop communicating with them. Stop emailing, stop texting, and change your phone number if necessary. Put the important phone numbers for people you can trust on speed dial, two because then you’ll be able to dial the numbers at the touch of a button from your pocket if necessary.

Lock down your social media. You should be very vigilant about the type of information that you put on the Internet anyway, if you believe you are being stalked then hiding from view and removing any pictures or location settings is important. This way, you will be in the best position to protect yourself from online stalking. You don’t want somebody to know what your movements are even from a distance, because this is going to be invasive.

Trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right the chances are that it’s not right. If you feel like something is not quite right at any given moment, ask for help. Ask the security of your office building to walk you to your car, and ask somebody to walk with you on your commute. Arrange for a taxi pick-up service at the same time every day so that you can be sure that you are being protected no matter where you go.

Have a panic button in your home. If it has got to the point that somebody keeps turning up at your front door because I have learned your address, you need to have a panic button installed in your home so that you can contact the authorities in an instant. You shouldn’t have to live in fear.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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

World Humanitarian Day 19th

It takes a village

There is a saying that goes: It takes a village to raise a child. Similarly, it takes a village to support a person in a humanitarian crisis. With record-high humanitarian needs around the world, this year’s World Humanitarian Day (WHD) builds on this metaphor of collective endeavour to grow global appreciation of humanitarian work

Whenever and wherever people are in need, there are others who help them. They are the affected people themselves – always first to respond when disaster strikes – and a global community that supports them as they recover. Far from the spotlight and out of the headlines, they come together to ease suffering and bring hope.

Logo for the 2022 Observance

Background

On 19 August 2003, a bomb attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, killed 22 humanitarian aid workers, including the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello. Five years later, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution designating 19 August as World Humanitarian Day (WHD).

Each year, WHD focuses on a theme, bringing together partners from across the humanitarian system to advocate for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises, and for the safety and security of aid workers.

For this year’s WHD, we show the importance, effectiveness and positive impact of humanitarian work.

WHD is a campaign by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

  • In 2021, 460 aid workers were attacked: 140 killed, 203 wounded and 117 kidnapped.
  • Of the aid workers who died, 98% were national staff and 2% were international (expatriate) staff – more than half (53%) were staff of national NGOs.
  • Most of the violence took place in South Sudan, Afghanistan and Syria.
  • Casualties are expected to rise significantly in 2022 due to the war in Ukraine, where rocket attacks and shelling threaten civilians and aid providers equally.
  • The 2021 Humanitarian Needs Overview estimated that 20.7 million (67% of the population) people need humanitarian assistance, 12.1 million of whom are estimated to be in acute need, which makes Yemen the largest humanitarian crisis in the world.

Statistics from Humanitarian Outcomes

Please check out the great resources to find information on how to educate and participate.
Melinda
Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

4 Activities To Try While Camping

Are you thinking about going camping with your kids? This can be a great way to reconnect with your family and ensure that you escape the pressures of urban society. You might be worried that you’re going to be bored while camping or that your kids are going to be agitated. However, this is not the case. Below, we’ll reveal some of the awesome activities that you can try while you are camping with the kids. 

Photo by Mac DeStroir on Pexels.com

Fishing 

First, you should think about going fishing. Fishing is a great way to relax while you are camping. You might think that fishing is something that you can only do if you have the right level of skill or experience. In reality, anyone can go fishing and have a lovely time. You just need to make sure that you have the right level of patience and don’t end up getting annoyed when you don’t catch fish straight away. You should also check the local regulations which may encourage you to release any fish that you catch back into the wild.

Wild Water Swimming 

Another activity you can explore is wild water swimming. Wild water swimming describes swimming in any open stretch of water that is not man-made. This could include anything from a river to the ocean or perhaps a lake. You just need to make sure that wherever you are planning to swim is safe and won’t leave you in peril. You also need to make sure that you are a strong enough swimmer to manage the currents and you should never risk going wild swimming alone. 

Off-Roading 

Next, you should consider going off-roading with the kids. This is one activity that they are guaranteed to absolutely adore. Off-roading can include the use of the best UTV. It’s worth checking the reviews and different vehicles on the market before settling on the right one for your family. 

Mountain Biking 

Mountain biking is an awesome activity for you to try when you’re camping in the mountains. Take the bikes with you on the back of your car, and get ready for an experience that will blow your mind. It’s difficult to get the hang of because of the steepness of the mountain on your way up, but the adrenaline rush on the way down is something that you will never forget. 

The point of mountain biking is to find tough terrain, making it a bumpy and more difficult ride. You will have to control your bike as best you can, keeping yourself upright at all times. 

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the fun activities that you can try while you are camping. Try to make this as fun and adventurous as you can for everyone involved, as who knows when you’re going to get the opportunity to head out on this kind of adventure again? We wish you the very best of luck and hope that you have the best time ever on your camping trip.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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

Blogger Highlight-You Really Reddit

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 I highlight a new blogger, You Really Reddit.

YouReallyReddit

Amanda Redd holds a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. She is a fourth-grade teacher in Florida. Amongst teaching, she is a wife est. 2013, and a mother of two boys.

Amanda enjoys writing specifically about life experiences that she believes that others can relate to and benefit from.

This blog is a no-judgment zone where you can get an honest take on all things that life throws your way. 

 Be sure to check out her blog.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

@lookinglight

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

These Habits will Help you to Become More Financially Stable

Do you want to try and make sure that you are as financially stable as possible? If so, you have come to the right place. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the changes you should be making, while also helping you to be much more aware of how your finances are affecting you.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Get an Emergency Fund

You have to do whatever you can to keep your family as secure as possible. The first step here would be for you to build an emergency fund. If you can do this, then you know that if anything happens, you have the money. If you have dependents, then you should think about taking out life insurance and even getting a will. If you need to make some changes here because you are going through a divorce, then it could be worth trying to hire a divorce financial analyst.

Avoid Debt

You have to do what you can to avoid debt where possible. If you have a credit card, a personal loan, or other kinds of debt, then now would be the time for you to try and get a debt elimination plan. You need to arrange your debts from the smallest to the biggest too. You can then focus on paying off the most important ones. When you have cleared one debt, you then need to put that money towards paying off the next one. If you can do this, then you will soon find that it is easier than ever for you to become more financially stable, so be mindful of this if you can.

Use the Envelope System

This is a brilliant way for you to try and keep track of how much money you have when it comes to spending. If you can make three envelopes when it comes to your payday, then you will have one for your groceries, one for your gas, and one for luxuries. If you can withdraw this amount on payday, then you will be able to make sure that you do not go over. If you run out of money, then you will find out immediately and this will help you to no end.

Pay your Bills

You have to pay your bills right away. One very good habit for you to get into would be for you to pay your bills ASAP. You also need to try and have as many of your bills paid automatically, as this will stop you from forgetting about them. Use your bank’s online checking system so you can make a lot of regular payments. If you can do this, then you know that you have everything taken care of and this will work in your favor overall.

Grow your Worth

Another thing that you need to do is try and grow your net worth. One way that you can do this would be for you to reduce your debt while also increasing your savings. Look out for various ways to make money or to get paid more for the work that you do. If you can do this, then you will soon find that it is easier than ever for you to get the result you are looking for.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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

My Top 4 Money Saving Tips In 2022 — Guest Blogger Olivia Lucie Blake

Recently we have all been hit with rising bill prices, along with petrol and general the cost of living, which is why it’s important now more than ever that we really learn how to get into money saving. 762 more words

My Top 4 Money Saving Tips In 2022 — Olivia Lucie Blake
Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

5 Ways to Make an Old House Look Modern

If you live in an old house, you might be wondering how you can bring it into the modern age. With a few home improvement tips and some additional accessories, you can turn a traditional building full of rich history into a place that looks brand new. Follow these five tips to add value to your property and impress friends and family with your sleek, stylish living space.

Photo by Vecislavas Popa on Pexels.com

Remove old decor

If your rooms are covered in peeling wallpaper and your ancient floorboards are warped and cracked, it’s time to get rid of them. Replacing a few old furnishings with modern upgrades will make a big difference. Get rid of wallpaper and paint over your walls with bright colors that stand out instead. Hire a flooring company to rip up your floorboards and install shinty hardwood floors or plush carpets for optimum comfort. If you have unfashionable popcorn ceilings, you can call a firm that specializes in popcorn ceiling removal to replace them.

Repair any damage

It’s important to deal with any issues before you start to upgrade your home. Fix any cracks in your walls or flaws, and deal with any structural issues that might cause further problems later down the line. Don’t neglect the exterior of your house. Go over any peeling paint and repair damaged window frames that might be affecting your home’s curb appeal.

Add some color

Modern decor is all about stark whites and chromes or bright, vibrant colors. When painting walls, installing flooring, or buying furniture, make sure you pick a color scheme and stick to it. You can use different shades to create any mood you like in your home. Light, pastel blues, and pinks are fantastic for establishing a sense of calm and tranquility, while bold bright reds and oranges create an upbeat, cheerful mood.

Update fixtures

Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. All the small fixtures around your home like light switches, brackets, cupboard handles, and taps are probably old-fashioned and keep your house looking older. By replacing these with modern versions, you can transform every room of your house. Just take a trip down to your local hardware store and find sleek, metallic versions of your existing furnishings and your home will be transported into the 21st century.

Buy new appliances

The bathroom and the kitchen are the two most important rooms in your house. If either of them looks old and tired it can affect the appeal of your entire home. If you are really committed to modernizing your home, you might have to spend a little money on new appliances. A brand new fridge-freezer can completely transform any kitchen while replacing your old bathtub with a modern rainfall shower will change your life.

These five tips are just a few of the ways in which you can modernize your old home. It will take a lot of work and potentially a lot of money to get there, but it’s ultimately cheaper and easier than buying a brand new house. Just remember to be patient and you will achieve your beautiful modern home in the end.


This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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

Book Review for Amie’s Party by Iain Lauchlan

I want to give a special thanks to Andrea Marchiano at Cherish Editions for sending the book Amie’s Party by Iain Lauchian for review. 

Publication date: 04/08/2022
ISBN: 9781913615642 32 pages

About the Author 

Iain has been an actor and TV presenter. After graduating from art college has been a producer for more than 40 years. 

About the Illustrator

Nik Afia has appeared in many TV dramas, before being the artist on Teletubbies. He went on to character designs and has also presented a number of production well-loved children’s programs. Iain also created Playschool, Fingermouse, and Playdays. 

Blurb

It’s another peaceful day in the village for the Mood Bears – until Happy Bear spots a yellow cloud on the horizon and knows someone needs her help. The cloud takes Happy Bear to Amie, who feels lonely and sad after moving to a new flat far away from her friends. She has no one to celebrate her birthday with her, either. So, Happy Bear throws a party for Amie’s big day and invites some very special guests to remind her that she is never alone.

Amie’s Party is a sensitively written and beautifully illustrated children’s book, designed to help children deal with change and feelings of loneliness.

My Thoughts

This is an excellent Children’s book. I love how they dig deep into the emotions and provide a dialog to help children work thru their emotions. 

I am so happy to see children’s books that are focused on children’s mental health. Children can learn at a very young age about emotions. This knowledge will help them thru every stage in life.

The Mood Bears are ingenious and in Amie’s case, Happy Bear comes to her rescue in a big way as she’s feeling lonely and friendless after moving. 

The book discusses emotions like loneliness and how to deal with change. Amie’s Party is the perfect book for parents, grandparents, and teachers alike. I believe if we start teaching our children about emotions at a young age it will build a foundation for them to build on as they age. 

The book is beautifully illustrated and kids will instantly relate to the story. 

Cherish Editions

Cherish Editions is the self-publishing division of the TriggerHub group, the world’s leading platform for books that encourage mental health recovery and wellbeing.

We are experienced in creating and selling positive, responsible, important and inspirational books, which work to de-stigmatise the issues around mental health, as well as helping people who read them to maintain and improve their mental health and wellbeing. By choosing to publish through Cherish Editions, you will get the expertise of the dedicated TriggerHub Team at every step of the process.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

@lookinglight

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

Blogger Highlight-A Girl Seeking Joy and Serenity

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 I highlight a new blogger, A Girl Seeking Joy, and Serenity.

A girl seeking joy and serenity

Hi there! I am 40-something-year-old on her quest of self-discovery and self-betterment. I am hoping to use this blog as a means of finding myself and connecting with others. I have a little to say on lots of things, and a lot of thoughts that I am hoping to further develop along the way.

Oh, and the basics! I’m married, I teach, and I drink way too much coffee. I am currently reading “The Book of Joy” (Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, Douglas Abrams), On Writing (Stephen King), and RASL (Jeff Smith). I am currently watching Outlander with the hubs, who is developing quite the Scottish accent. 

And I LOVE my dogs.

Please stop by and say hello 

Finding my sparkle,

 Be sure to stop by and say hello.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

@lookinglight

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 or questions interesting. So glad you stopped by today!

My First Job:

My First thing I do at night?

My First secret:

My First toy:

Enjoy!

Melinda

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

August Awareness Days

So glad you are enjoying and participating in monthly awareness days. They have been very educational for me. 

August Awareness Days

Psoriasis Awareness

National Immunization Awareness Month

National CBD Day 8th

International Cat Day 8th

International Left-handers Day 13th

National Airborne Day 16th

National Wellness Month

World Humanitarian Day 19th

 

Melinda

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

The Ultimate Guide to Becoming Healthier and Happier

Health and happiness are both essential aspects of our lives, but it can be easy to let one take precedence over the other. We all lead busy lives, so putting our needs on the back burner can be easy. But there are ways you can help both your health and happiness levels rise by making small changes in your day-to-day life. Making some small positive changes in your life can not only help your physical health but your mental health as well. The good news is that there are a lot of ways you can be happier and healthier in your life. Here are three simple tricks that will make you feel healthier and happier.

 

Photo by Christina Morillo on Pexels.com

Take Care of Your Body

The mind and the body are closely linked, and each can impact the other. You can improve your mental well-being by caring for your body, from working out to eating healthy foods. Exercising can help you sleep better and improve your self-esteem, which can lead to a happier, healthier you. Eating a healthy diet can also significantly impact your mental health. If you consistently eat foods that are bad for your body, you may have less energy and feel more lethargic throughout the day. It is also essential to meet with your doctor and dentist yearly for checkups to ensure that your body is healthy and you are not currently having any health issues.

Have a Consistent Sleep Schedule

Having enough sleep is essential for good mental and physical health. Getting consistent sleep every night is linked to better mental health, higher productivity, and improved mood. Getting enough sleep can be a challenge for lots of people, though. If you have trouble sleeping, there are many ways to improve your sleep quality, from making changes to your diet to using sleep aids like weighted blankets and earplugs. A consistent sleep schedule can significantly increase your chances of getting the right amount of sleep and improve your mental and physical health.

Find Time to Relax and Unwind

Being happy doesn’t just come from having a healthy body — it also comes from having a healthy mind. One of the easiest ways to improve your mental well-being is by finding ways to relax and unwind that work for you. It can be helpful to have a few different ways to relax built into your schedule. This way, you ensure that you always have time to relax, even with a busy schedule. You can be creative, meditate, or even spend time in nature to help calm your mind and allow you to decompress and unwind. Finding time to relax is essential for good mental and physical health, especially for people with busy schedules.

Conclusion

Improving your mental and physical health doesn’t have to be complicated. You can start living a healthier, happier life by taking care of your body, having a consistent sleep schedule, and finding time to relax and unwind. There are many more ways to improve your mental and physical health, but these are a great start. To feel healthier and happier, looking after your mental and physical well-being is essential.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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

5 Ways to Improve Your Confidence

In today’s world, confidence has become an important quality to have. Whether applying for a job, going on a date, or making new friends, having the right confidence level can help ease nervousness and make interactions much easier. Furthermore, having enough confidence can have numerous benefits in your life: it makes you more attractive to others, helps you take risks without fear of failure, and makes you believe in yourself. Being more confident might even lead to getting your dream job!

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Check your thoughts

We often have thoughts that make us feel less confident than we are. An excellent way to check these thoughts is to write them down. After that, could you read them and decide how true they are? Doing this will help you feel more positive about yourself and will able to build up your confidence. As with everything in life, practice makes perfect. The more you practice, the easier it will be to catch and change your negative thoughts, and the more confident you will feel.

Exercise regularly

Exercising regularly has many benefits, and improving your confidence is one of them. Exercising regularly helps boost your mood and improves your self-esteem and ability to communicate with others. Exercising regularly can also help you sleep better and improve your focus, making you more productive at work.

Take time to care for yourself.

Taking time to care for yourself is essential in increasing your confidence. Taking care of yourself doesn’t just mean eating healthy and sleeping enough. It also means taking some time to relax and unwind. Taking time to relax and unwind can help you reduce stress, sleep better and improve your mood. This is important because stress and anxiety can reduce your confidence and prevent you from reaching your potential. Taking time to relax and unwind is something that everyone should do. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as it helps you relax and unwind. Some examples include reading a book, meditating, or going for a walk. You should also ensure you are visiting your doctor and Dentist to discuss any health concerns you have or to help you improve the look of your teeth if this affects your confidence.

Learn from your mistakes

As with anything in life, making mistakes is inevitable. However, when it comes to confidence, errors are critical. Mistakes are what allow us to learn and grow as individuals. They allow us to understand our strengths and weaknesses and how to improve upon them. Experiencing failure and mistakes can be scary and can reduce your confidence. However, you can learn from your mistakes by paying attention to them. This will help you to understand what you did wrong and prevent you from making the same mistake again.

Make small changes regularly.

You don’t need to change your entire life to increase your confidence. Small changes, such as improving your diet, getting enough sleep, and taking up a new hobby, can significantly impact your confidence. Although these changes won’t make you instantly more confident, they will help you build your confidence over time. They will help you feel better, which will make you more confident.

Conclusion

Building up your confidence might seem like an impossible task. However, it’s not as hard as you might think. All you need to do is check your thoughts, exercise regularly, take time to care for yourself, learn from your mistakes and make small changes regularly. If you want to improve your confidence, you need to do things that make you feel good about yourself. You need to focus on the things you like about yourself and make sure you are surrounded by people who appreciate you for who you are.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

How To Push Your Shoulders Back and Say Bring It On!

Everyone, rich or poor has setbacks in life. What makes the difference is what you do next. If you tend to have a pity party and like to stay there, this post isn’t for you. I’m writing to people who want to help change the situation. The post is about communication, personality types, and soul searching. 

We are born to survive, it’s the negative talk in our brain that holds us down.


This post may be especially helpful for people who are anxious or new in their careers. I have spent my life facing huge obstacles such as child abuse, alcoholism, drug addiction, and my father’s suicide. 


It can be easy to catastrophize your obstacles if you don’t see them for what they are, an individual obstacles. If you deal with Anxiety, this acknowledgment is paramount. The way to deal with multiple obstacles is to take the Top 3, most challenging obstacles and write them down.  


We are not capable of tackling every obstacle in our life, some obstacles aren’t a priority and some can’t be resolved. That is why this process is so important. 


I’m old school and believe you can’t accomplish your goals if you aren’t focused on them every day. This method I learned from a mentor and thru reading motivational books. Once you’ve taken out a piece of paper and written down your Top 3 priorities, stick them on your bathroom mirror or somewhere you will see them several times a day. Then you write down paper or a computer “Which ones can you do something about”. If you can’t do something about it, mark off and add a new priority. 

Now you take each obstacle and write down “What you can do about the obstacle”. If nothing comes to mind, this is a plan to get you past the obstacle. It may take several attempts to add the “Can Do” list. 

Now that you have steps that you do to mark the obstacle off the list. 


For the hardest and most satisfying part. You write out a plan for each obstacle and work the plan. 
When you look at your Top 3 in your mirror it will trigger you to think about your plan and ask yourself honestly, “Am I working on the plan?


If you’re not working on the plan or for that matter don’t have a plan, you have to ask yourself why. One thing to look at is your plan, is it realistic, have you made a huge list of what to do, maybe your expectations need a check. Only you can answer that.  

Communication

One of the greatest lessons I learned early in my career in sales, is you have to understand and recognize which type of person you are talking to. If you understand personality types you will know how to have a productive conversation. Understanding how best to communicate applies to your personal life, and work life.

Four Personality Types

Sanguine

The first of four personality types is the sanguine type. This type is described as spontaneous, optimistic, and enthusiastic. Sanguine types love adventure and experiencing new things in life. They have high energy and curiosity. With the positive aspects also comes the fact they are impulsive and often make decisions on a whim.

Social

Sanguine types can be described as having extroverted personality traits. The more people around them, the more fun they are having. Social interactions recharge their batteries and they welcome new friends at a moment’s notice. Sanguine personalities also have a reputation to love listening to themselves talk. If they don’t find a person new or exciting, they move on to someone else.

Emotional

Sanguine people are expressive and energetic to be around. They are often playful and enigmatic and can start up a conversation with anybody. They are also very extreme with their emotions. Their highs are very high and their lows are very low. If you are sanguine, you should be conscious of controlling your emotions, as they can often be a cause of regret.

Entertainers

Sanguine types are natural-born entertainers. They love the spotlight and they love the attention. They often do things to differentiate themselves from the norm and flaunt their individuality.

Phlegmatic


The second of four personality types is the phlegmatic type, defined by having exceptional social skills. These kinds of people have a higher emotional intelligence than others and are able to express themselves more effectively. They are sympathetic towards others and often well-liked by many people. Phlegmatic folks are good at connecting facts and understanding the way humans think and behave.

Caring

Phlegmatic people are not easily angered. They like to live a life of serene peacefulness, free of surprises. They are quiet most of the time and are good listeners. In the same time these people are generally supportive of others and don’t resort to criticizing their peers. They are very kind, thus are the type to be taken advantage of often.

Obedient

Phlegmatic individuals are good at following orders. They are hard workers and make up the backbone of society. You want to work with them because they are reliable and can get the job done.

Cautious

Phlegmatic people can’t easily to say what’s on their mind, especially if it could have negative consequences. Rather than making a mistake, they will work around the possibility of a mistake or just avoid the mistake by doing or saying nothing at all.

Choleric


The third of four personality types is the choleric type. The people belonging to this type are direct, focused, and tough. They are mentally stronger than most other humans and have a knack for critical thinking and problem solving. Choleric people are also the most courageous and have a high competitive drive.

Determined

Choleric people are not afraid to speak their mind. They seek and excel in new situations. They are out to prove themselves to everyone they come across. Choleric types are strong and have an innate desire to be dominant. When they have a goal in mind, it is very difficult to drive them off of their path toward achieving that goal. They know what they want and they go after it.

Courageous

Choleric personalities aren’t afraid of anything or anyone. If they are afraid, they won’t let you know it. Choleric people consistently show they have the highest self-esteem out of any of the four personality types and ooze confidence out of every pore.

Born Leaders

People described as choleric are often the movers and shakers of society. They are very assertive and sometimes bossy with their demands. They are quick to overreact and often let their emotions guide them to intimidate others. They will always get what they want in any circumstance.

Melancholic


The fourth and final of the four personality types is the melancholic type. Melancholic types are calm, cool, and collected. They hold family in high regard and respect honesty and loyalty. These types of people are fiercely loyal to the ones they love. They have good values and understand how to show respect for others.

Sensitive

Melancholic types are known for being emotional. They laugh and cry and the drop of a hat and wear their emotions on their sleeves. Sometimes it is difficult for this type of personality to open up to others. The more they are hurt by others, the more they keep their guards up.

Loyal

Melancholic people would prefer having a few close friends rather than many acquaintances. They put a lot of effort into their relationships; so much so that they often tend to forget about their own needs. These types of people are likely to search for the ideal partner and often dream about the moment the right partner will show up in their lives.

Perfectionist

As well as being very idealistic, melancholic personality types are known for thinking too much. They are naturally gifted empaths who read body language better than most people. They hold others to very high standards and are easily disappointed when these standards are not met.

Respectful

Melancholic types are more likely to be respectful of others regardless of the way they were raised. They have mature manners from childhood to adulthood and don’t take other human lives for granted.


Once you understand each personality type it will give you insight as to how to have an effective conversation.


This is another style of grouping personality traits and this site digs deeper into each personality. I find this one very helpful. https://www.hiresuccess.com/help/understanding-the-4-personality-types.


Once you are able to identify the personality traits, you can look at yourself and see where you fall in the four types. One thing to remember is your personality change as you age so you’ll have to reassess. 


Melinda

References:

https://slism.com/girlstalk/four-personality-types.html

 

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

3 Things A Positive Appearance Can Do For Your Mental Health

Looking good and feeling good often go hand in hand. When you feel attractive, it can boost your confidence and make you feel better about yourself. This is why taking care of your appearance is important – not for others but, most importantly, for yourself! This blog post will discuss three things a positive appearance can do for your mental health.

Photo by Guilherme Almeida on Pexels.com

1. Feel More Confident.

If you feel good about the way you look, it will show in your confidence level. You’ll be more likely to approach people and strike up conversations. You’ll also be less likely to get nervous in social situations. All of these things can lead to improved mental health. Confidence is key when it comes to mental health. It shows in your interactions with others when you feel good about yourself. You’re more likely to approach people and strike up conversations. You’re also less likely to get nervous in social situations. All of these things can lead to improved mental health.

2. Feel More Upbeat.

When you look good, you often feel better about yourself. This can lead to a more positive outlook on life, which can, in turn, lead to improved mental health. Studies have shown that when people feel better about their appearance, they are more likely to have positive interactions with others and feel more confident in social situations. A positive appearance can also make you feel more physically comfortable. If you feel good about your appearance, you’re more likely to want to be active and take care of yourself. This can lead to improved mental health by increasing your endorphins (feel-good hormones) and helping you sleep better. In addition, a positive appearance can help reduce stress. If you feel good about the way you look, you’re less likely to feel self-conscious or anxious in social situations. This can lead to improved mental health by reducing your stress levels and helping you relax.

3. Feel More Motivated.

You will feel more motivated to get out and about if you look your best. This can lead to increased motivation in all areas of your life. If you feel good about your appearance, you’re more likely to want to take care of yourself and live a healthier lifestyle. For example, visiting a dentist can improve your self-esteem and make you feel better about yourself if you have bad teeth. Once you feel better, you will be more motivated to do things you enjoy and take care of your health. In addition, if you are overweight, making an effort to lose weight will improve your appearance and health. Your physical health and appearance have a significant link to your mental health; therefore, you must make an effort to improve both.

Taking care of your appearance can have a positive impact on your mental health. When you look good, you feel good. Don’t ever feel there is nothing you can do to change how you feel; there is always something you can do to improve your physical and mental health!

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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

Blogger Highlight-Sunny Daze Ahead

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 I highlight a new blogger, Sunny Daze Ahead.

Sunny Daze Ahead (Probably)

The face behind the blog is… hard to put into words and words are “kinda” my thing. I am loud, I am outspoken, I am silly, I am sarcastic. I am wildly defensive of my loved ones. I have an anxious mind and I spend far too much time trying to keep my brain from spiraling into worst case scenarios. I work diligently to keep my mind a happy, optimistic place, which I have come to realize is not my mind’s natural habitat.

I spend almost all my time with my three dogs: Lucy, Brantley, and Zeppelyn, who I am convinced are the greatest beings on the planet. I probably love my parents TOO much, but I am blessed to share a very close friendship with both. I love a boy, I have loved the same boy for years now, I moved STATES for him, and honestly; home is where he is. Fine, his name is Matt, and he is most definitely TAKEN, so back off ladies. I have friends: close and far. Maybe they will make a cameo too.

You’ll never know what you’ll find on her blog and that’s the fun part. 

Melinda

Looking for the Light

@lookinglight

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 or questions interesting. So glad you stopped by today!

If You Think You Can’t, You’re Right!

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Vital Field’s Balance FrequenCell Helps Your Peace Of Mind & Stop Addictions

Vital Field has introduced a Balance FreqenCell to help you find peace of mind and overcome addictions. 

What if there was a genuine way to shackle that one secret gremlin that takes a toll on your life?

Introducing the Balance FrequenCell – the perfect accompaniment to a mindset that has already decided to change but lacks an energetic kick in the proverbial butt to complete the mission.

The Balance Cell leverages an energetic cocktail of neurotransmitters and Amazonian herbs to help the brain regulate unnecessary peaks and troughs in GABA, dopamine, and oxytocin. By only working with subtle fields, we don’t mess with the chemicals but manage to nudge the energetic system towards more balance.  

Tested over two years in labs and users in Europe, we are confident today that at least 80 percent of users will experience a significant benefit in balancing their life better. 

Commitment, the will to change, and discipline must come first thought. It’s never easy, which is why the Balance Cell may give the friendly support we sometimes need to reach the next level… of balance.

Just stopping one addiction with hardcore discipline doesn’t usually work, as the body tends to find another replacement addiction. Addictions are a multispectral menu, from the chemical variety (e.g., alcohol, drugs, painkillers, food) to the gadget (e.g., cellphone, computer, video console), mental (e.g., negative emotions), and behavioral variety (e.g., excess exercise, or no exercise at all) – but for the energetic mind-body they all represent the escape from the present. 

The Balance Cell is a tool to help you journey back to the center, the place where you can stay still, present, calm, and energized. 

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Do You Have The Summer Time Blues?

Ah, the joys of summer: The withering heat and school vacations, when your kids give you minute-to-minute updates on their boredom levels. Isn’t summer supposed to be fun and relaxing? If you’ve got summer depression, it isn’t.

For some people, summer depression has a biological cause, says Ian A. Cook, MD, the director of the Depression Research Program at UCLA. For others, the particular stresses of summer can pile up and make them feel miserable.

Especially hard is that you feel like you’re supposed to be having a great time. Everyone else seems so happy splashing in the water and sweating in their lawn chairs. So why can’t you? And more importantly, what can you do to make this summer easier? Here’s what you need to know about summer depression.

Summertime SAD. You’ve probably heard about seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, which affects about 4% to 6% of the U.S. population. SAD typically causes depression as the days get shorter and colder. But about 10% of people with SAD get it in the reverse — the onset of summer triggers their depression symptoms. Cook notes that some studies have shown that in countries near the equator – such as India – summer SAD is more common than winter SAD. Why do seasonal changes cause depression? Experts aren’t sure, but the longer days, and increasing heat and humidity may play a role. Specific symptoms of summer depression often include loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, weight loss, and anxiety.

References:

https://www.webmd.com/depression/summer-depression

 Melinda

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

The Go For Broke Cost Of Lyme Disease

I stumbled upon my diagnosis of Lyme Disease in 2013 after my Neurologist spent a year giving me every test she could to find the answer to my symptoms. When I say stumbled upon, I mean it. When she shook her head and referred me to a Rheumatologist, I decided to take to the Internet. I had all the test results, and every test was abnormal so I started searching for different combinations of my abnormal results. After a few attempts, I landed on the list of autoimmune illnesses that included Lyme.

I made the deduction of other illnesses based on the previous testing and the symptoms didn’t fit. After landing on Lyme, my research began. It took no time to figure out what was wrong.

Photo by Erik Karits on Pexels.com

This is the easiest part of having Lyme disease, from here it’s a nightmare to get treatment. First and foremost insurance companies don’t cover the cost of IV Antibody Therapy. The only cost covered by insurance was prescriptions. Thank goodness because the total cost would really blow your mind.

For 18 months we flew to Washington, DC every month to start a new protocol. Every appointment with my Lyme doctor cost 6K plus. Add that number up and you see how devastating the cost is.

We took out a home loan for the cost but not everyone is able to do that. None of the cost for my doctor visits or the treatments was covered by insurance.

My treatment ended in 2017, unfortunately, many new conditions were caused by Lyme that plague me today.

Today I thought about how long ago we took out the loan and what we still owe. We paid our house off over the weekend but it’s not paid for until this loan is paid. It’s not the same type of paid-off when you have a home loan. 

It still chaps me that the CDC and insurance companies are turning their back on Lyme patients, even today!

Melinda