In 2014 an idea was hatched to create a site that would allow everyone to share their story in a safe environment and Survivors Blog Here was born. Now it’s 2022, it’s hard to put into words what the past eight years have meant to me and the contributors of Survivors Blog Here. We have […]
Help Us Celebrate Our 8th Anniversary — Survivors Blog Here Mental Health Collaborative
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, Bipolar: A Way Of Life.
Diagnosed with Bipolar and BPD, I have been managing these illnesses for the last 30 years.
I’ve lived a pretty good life and have stayed out of trouble. I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. Really it’s all about living a balanced life and everything in moderation.
I’m a Fur Mom to Luna, a Former Professional who went out on Longterm Disability, and also a Single Living on a Budget.
My Interests include: Psychology, Christian Living, Healthy Living, Reading, & Jigsaw Puzzles.
I talk about a variety of things in my blog.
Mostly the things I’ve learned and how I live my life.
Be sure to check out her blog to read her most recent posts. She’s hit home on several posts I’ve read recently, most recent the need to shop to fill a void. I fall into that category even with happy home life and years of therapy. Maybe you do too?
Melinda
See last week’s Blogger Highlight here.
I want to say a special thank you to Managing Editor Soraya Nair of Trigger Publishing for sending me the book How To Breathe Like A Badass by Hannah Jane Thompson for review.
![Breathe Like a Badass: Beat Anxiety and Self Doubt, Calm Your Inner Critic & Build a No-Nonsense Mindfulness and Meditation Toolkitme and Build Your No-Nonsense Mindfulness and Meditation Toolkit by [Hannah Jane Thompson]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/414L7Xo49KL.jpg)
Breathe Like a Badass is a no-BS guide to creating a life-changing, burnout-busting emotional toolkit – one breath at a time. Want to quieten your inner critic, rediscover your inner badass and build a successful, freedom-filled life you love? Then BREATHE.
Hannah Jane Thompson is on a mission to help ambitious-but-anxious women like you banish patterns of self-sabotage.
This down-to-earth guide teaches you how to start – and stick to – a non-woo woo meditation habit (no chakras or chunks of rose quartz here, sorry) that will help calm anxiety, beat self-doubt, and build a focused, fulfilled and happy life.
Using scientifically proven mindfulness, meditation and self-reflection techniques, Hannah will help you turn your inner critic from b*tch to badass and create an emotional toolkit to use when life gets tough.
Through acceptance and self-compassion, you can transform all areas of your life – from working on your mental health, calming anxiety, stress and depression; to giving fewer sh*ts about what others think and improving your sex life, body confidence, relationships, career and finances.
I love this quote she includes in the book.
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”
Jon Kabat-Zinn, professor and mindfulness expert”
Learn to surf we must if we are to move forward in life. One key is to learn to be aware of our self-talk and inner criticism. Hannah’s goal is to show how to slow down, learn to listen to your inner voice, and bring more balance into your life.
This book is unlike other meditation books I’ve read in that Hannah breaks things down to the bone. There’s no fluff here, no sage burning or mystic crystals. Just straightforward conversation in a manner you can understand and can make part of your daily routine right away. If your looking for fluff don’t buy this book.
Excerpt From
Breathe Like A Badass
“That’s how I realized that making new habits isn’t about willpower, or how much you want it, or finding the exact right time or moment. It’s about repetition, and not waiting until everything is perfect to start. If I had waited until I felt calm enough, ready enough, or had the perfect place or the perfect time to begin learning to meditate, I would never have got started.”
Isn’t this paragraph about life, really? If we waited for everything to be perfect to happen in our lives, nothing would happen, or something we aren’t controlling. That’s the point, we have to take the wheel in life.
She lays out the basics of what is meditation and she makes it easy to see how meditation can fit into your life with practice and a little patience.
I recommend this book to all women who want to learn how to calm their inner voice.
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
You probably haven’t been told often enough how much you are appreciated but today I’m telling you that you are! These flowers are for you.
Have a beautiful day!
Melinda
I hope you’re having a great day. Here’s some food for thought.
Melinda
Melinda
National Endometriosis Awareness Month was an initiation taken by The Endometriosis Association in 1993. This month is observed worldwide through various activities that involve educating people about the condition, fundraising, and marches. Yellow ribbons and brochures are distributed worldwide to honor National Endometriosis Awareness Month.
Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition where endometrial tissue (tissue similar to the lining of the uterus) grows outside of the uterus. It is estimated that 1 in 10 women have endometriosis (Zondervan 2020). Endometriosis frequently presents with the symptom of pain including dysmenorrhoea (painful periods), dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse), and chronic pelvic or abdominal pain. Endometriosis can cause infertility and for women with subfertility the prevalence rate ranges from 25% to 40% (Ozkan 2008).
The causes of endometriosis are uncertain, but several factors such as genetics, retrograde period flow, (where blood flows back into the pelvis instead of out of the body,) immune system disorders, and hormones are possible influencers.
Treatment ranges from symptom management with pain medication and hormone therapy such as oral contraceptives to surgical treatment. Conservative surgery involves removing the misplaced endometrial tissue while preserving the uterus, though in severe cases a hysterectomy may be performed.
Endometriosis can have a devastating effect on the quality of life of individuals suffering from this disorder and can have a huge impact on their physical, mental, and social well-being.
Before my hysterectomy from Cervical Cancer, I suffered from Endometriosis, it was horrible. I started my period when I was nine and by 12 years old I was in excruciating pain and started taking pain pills. This went on for another 19 years. I’ve been pain-free since my hysterectomy
Melinda
Reference:
https://www.cochrane.org/news/endometriosis-awareness-month-2022
https://nationaltoday.com/national-endometriosis-awareness-month/
World Water Day is observed each year on 22 March. The day, which was established by the United Nations was first celebrated in 1993 to celebrate the importance of freshwater around the globe.
Did you know that over 45% of the world’s land surface is covered by river basins, and over 75% of all countries have their boundaries within shared river basins.
All around the world events will be held to celebrate freshwater and promote its sustainability, and every year there is a different theme. The theme for 2019 is “Leaving no one behind”.
From water and our future to sanitation and water scarcity, the day aims to keep us informed, and in a whole host of different ways!
Around the world there will be an array of events, from musical performances to galas, art shows and seminars.
So why not get involved? Find out all you need to know by dropping by the official website to see how you can participate.
We use water every day for so many things we do and often times we take for granted the water will always flow. Unfortunately, it won’t and for many countries, there already have a major water crisis. Some countries don’t have access to clean water.
We can do simple things like turn off the water when we brush our teeth, make sure we don’t have any leaks in our house, only run the dishwasher when it’s full, and the same for adjusting the level of water based on the size of the load. One thing I do as often as possible is collect rainwater so I can use it to water my plants. The plants love the non-chemical water and I love that it’s free.
Melinda
Reference:
I was kindly gifted an advanced copy of How Do You Feel?-A Holistic Guide to help you work with your mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and whole Self by Suki Bains from Soraya Nair at Cherish Editions for a review.
Suki Bains drew on her own life experiences, analysis and years of education to build the one-of-a-kind programme introduced in How Do You Feel? She has taken Holistic training courses and has independently researched subjects like mental health and psychology. Suki has lived in several countries, where she learned to immerse herself into different cultures, and this has given her a unique point of view and the ability to view life from many perspectives. Plus, she has always been an empath, so opening up and exploring emotions is nothing new. And now, she sets out to help you on the same path so that you, too, can get to know yourself on the deepest level – and maintain that important relationship for years to come.
Beneath every reaction, action, and behavior lies the truth of how you feel.
Are you aligned with your truth? There will be days when you find it hard to make sense of life and struggle to process or express how you feel.
Why? Your mind and body experience two worlds. The outside world, which teaches you who you should be and how you should be; and the inside world, where your emotions, feelings, and thoughts live. Only you can feel and see this place inside of yourself -If you do not know how to align your two worlds, you will bury, dismiss, reject or suppress your feelings. This can lead you to react and act and behave in ways that do not serve you.
The Answer: How Do You Feel? is a holistic guide that helps you see your whole self clearly. It includes a dictionary of feelings that helps you define your emotions and feelings and work with your inner self, as well as exercises to help the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual parts of yourself. It will also inspire self- reflection so you can uncover the truth of who you are and how you feel. Altogether, this powerful guide will allow you to align with your true self and empower you through every stage of your life.
Profits from the sale of all Trigger and Cherish books go to sister charity, Shawmind. The charity aims to ensure that everyone has access to mental health resources whenever they need them.
Can we truly know ourselves? This is an important question as it can lead to greater fulfillment in life. Suki’s guide is a holistic approach to answering this very question. She draws her on years of experience to create exercises that focus on mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health awareness.
One advantage this book has over others is that it includes a dictionary of feelings that can help you define your emotions which can only aid you in speaking your truth.
“Only when you see your whole self clearly, inside and out, can you start to take steps to work with your whole self rather than against your whole self.”
How Do You Feel is a book that you can refer to over the years, it’s not a one-time read. We all need refreshers and reinforcement.
Suki is inspiring, she shares from her heart and is not over technical in her writing which I appreciate.
I would recommend this book to everyone! We all need to dig deeper into how we truly feel and better understand ourselves.
Cherish Editions is the self-publishing division of Trigger Publishing, the UK’s leading independent mental health and wellbeing publisher.
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 Trigger Team at every step of the process.
We are proud of what we do, and passionate about the books that we publish. We want to do the very best for you and your book, holding your hand every step of the way.
Enjoy Reading
Melinda
This is a great little park by the house I love to visit. There’s always plenty of ducks and squirrels to watch.
When was the last time you went to the park?
Melinda
Welcome to the Be There Certificate. This course will teach you how to recognize when someone might be struggling with their mental health and how to safely support them while maintaining your own mental health.
Created by Jack.org and Born this Way Foundation.
The Be There Certificate is a free, digital, self-paced learning experience designed to increase mental health literacy and provide youth with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to safely support anyone who may be struggling with their mental health. It will provide a deep understanding of Be There’s 5 Golden Rules — a simple but actionable framework teaching people how to recognize when someone might be struggling with their mental health, their role in supporting that person, and how to connect them to the help they need. The Be There Certificate is available in English, French and Spanish, offering universal best practices while diving deeper into the intersections of culture, identity, and social determinants of mental wellness.
Jack.org is Canada’s only charity training and empowering young leaders to revolutionize mental health in every province and territory. Through Jack Talks, Jack Chapters, and Jack Summits, young leaders identify and dismantle barriers to positive mental health in their communities. And through ambitious innovations in youth mental health like Be There, we give people the mental health resources they need to educate themselves. We’re working towards a Canada where all young people understand how to take care of their own mental health and look out for each other. A Canada without shame, where all those who need support get the help they deserve.
Born This Way Foundation, co-founded and led by Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Germanotta, supports the mental health of young people and works with them to build a kinder and braver world. Through high-impact programming, youth-led conversations, and strategic, cross-sectoral partnerships, the Foundation aims to make kindness cool, validate the emotions of young people, and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health. Learn how the Foundation encourages people to practice kindness towards themselves and their communities at bornthisway.foundation and learn more about its storytelling platform Channel Kindness at channelkindness.org.
I took the course and found it very helpful and think you will find a nugget or two.
Melinda
Melinda
“She threw away all of her masks, and put on her soul.” The comedian Duncan Trussel has been quoted as saying that when you first meet him, you meet his bodyguard. And I think this is true for many of us. My personal bodyguard is very pleasant and warm. She’ll show an interest in you, […]
Let me Introduce you to my Badass Bodyguard — Don’t Lose Hope
Let’s not let the sun go down on Ukraine without standing right beside each of them!
Melinda
If you’re looking to have a productive day, it’s essential to start off on the right foot. A good morning routine can set the tone for the rest of your day and help you achieve your goals. This blog post will discuss the perfect morning routine for a productive day. We’ll cover everything from waking up early to eating breakfast and getting dressed for work. Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to having a successful day!
One of the most important parts of a productive morning routine is waking up early. This gives you extra time to get things done and start your day on a positive note. If you’re not a morning person, try setting your alarm clock for 15 minutes earlier than usual and gradually increasing the time until you’re able to wake up at your desired time.
Waking up early has been shown to have numerous benefits, including improved mood, increased productivity, and more time for healthy activities like exercise. So if you want to set yourself up for success, make sure to wake up early!
Another important part of a productive morning routine is eating breakfast. Breakfast provides your body with the energy it needs to start the day, and it can also help you focus and concentrate better. If you’re not a fan of traditional breakfast foods, there are plenty of healthy alternatives that will still give you the nutrients you need to power through your day.
Some quick and healthy breakfast ideas include:
-Oatmeal with fruit
– eggs in purgatory with Italian sausage
-Yogurt with granola and berries
-Smoothie bowl made with fruits and vegetables
-Eggs or egg whites
-Bagel with peanut butter or jelly
-Pancakes or waffles made from whole grain flour
Make sure to eat a balanced breakfast that includes protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. This will help you stay energized throughout the day.
Another important part of a productive morning routine is getting dressed for work. This may seem like a small task, but it can make a big difference in your day. When you’re getting dressed for work, take the time to pick out an outfit that makes you feel confident and comfortable. This will help you exude positive energy and be more productive throughout the day.
If you’re not sure what to wear, try planning your outfits ahead of time or keeping a few staple pieces in your closet that always make you feel great. A little effort in the morning can go a long way!
Another great way to start your day is by making a to-do list. This will help you organize your thoughts and clearly see what tasks need to be completed. When you’re able to see what needs to be done visually, it’s easier to take action and stay focused throughout the day.
To make a productive to-do list, try using the following tips:
-Break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps
-Include both short-term and long-term goals
-Set deadlines for each task
When you follow these tips, you’ll be able to create a compelling and productive to-do list that will help you achieve your goals!
The perfect morning routine for a productive day doesn’t have to be complicated. Just a few simple steps can make a big difference in your day-to-day life. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to having a successful and productive day!
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Today is barely above freezing and it is sleeting outside. What a great day for a fire in my office with some self-care time by meditating by the fire.
Melinda
I hope you will take a moment to check out the links below to see how they may help you or someone you know.
World Water Day
World TB Day
World Kidney Day
World Book Day
University Mental Health Day
Self Injury Awareness Day
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
No Smoking Day
National Sleep Awareness Week
National Doctors’ Day
International Women’s Day
Endometriosis Awareness Month
Downs Syndrome Awareness Week
Have a great day.
Melinda
I was kindly gifted a copy of Overcome by Alice Tayler from Soraya Nair at Cherish Editions for a review. Thank you, Soraya.
Published 2021
168 pages
For Alice Tayler, the only way to get attention in a family plagued by mental ill health was to hurt herself – at least, that’s what Munchausen syndrome led her to believe.
Overcome paints a jarring picture of what Tayler’s life has been like with this psychological condition, one that has caused her to feign illness or pain to get others to care for her. While her story may be tough to read at times, it’s an important one to be told, considering how hard it can be to understand Munchausen syndrome from the outside looking in.
Most of us have heard of Munchausen By Proxy, which is where a parent or caregiver hurts or makes a child sick in order to gain attention. Did you know there is another type of Munchausen? It’s called Munchausen Syndrome. This illness is where the person hurts themself in order to gain attention from others. Alice started hurting herself for attention at a young age, as young as she can remember.
Alice’s family had a dark secret that may have laid the foundation for her illness. While talking with a family member all the details of the secrets are relived. Her grandfather was a child molester, who was arrested and went to trial. He had also molested all of his female children and including Alice as a very young child. She has vague memories. As Alice uncovers all the ugly secrets on the internet she now has a better understanding of her family dynamics.
The book has many twists in turns as Alice interacts with family members about the truth and has to bury her mother. There are so many emotions left unresolved.
Munchausen Syndrome is rare and can be hard to identify. All Alice knew was she was not a monster who abused her child or hurt her in any way but didn’t understand the complexities of her illness.
“You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.” – Bob Marley”
Excerpt From
Overcome
Alice Tayler
I thought the use of the quote was profound, and one she could certainly say she faced.
I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in medical knowledge and a good mental health story with a positive ending.
Cherish Editions is the self-publishing division of Trigger Publishing, the UK’s leading independent mental health and wellbeing publisher.
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 Trigger Team at every step of the process.
We are proud of what we do, and passionate about the books that we publish. We want to do the very best for you and your book, holding your hand every step of the way.
Enjoy Reading
Melinda
International Women’s Day (IWD), day (March 8) honouring the achievements of women and promoting women’s rights. A national holiday in numerous countries, it has been sponsored by the United Nations (UN) since 1975.
International Women’s Day (IWD) grew out of efforts in the early 20th century to promote women’s rights, especially suffrage. In its campaign for female enfranchisement, the Socialist Party of America in 1909 held the first National Woman’s Day, which was highlighted by mass meetings across the United States; the day was observed until 1913. Encouraged by German activist Clara Zetkin, the International Socialist Congress agreed in 1910 to create an international version of the U.S. holiday, and on March 19, 1911, the first IWD was held in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. More than one million people attended rallies marking the day. In the ensuing years the IWD was celebrated in additional countries and on varying dates. On March 8 (February 24, Old Style), 1917, women in Petrograd (St. Petersburg), Russia, marked the day by staging a strike to protest food shortages, poor living conditions, and World War I. This strike for “bread and peace” helped give rise to the Russian Revolution of 1917, which led to the abdication of Nicholas II on March 15 (March 2). In 1921 the date of the IWD was officially changed to March 8.
The most influential woman in my life was my Granny. No one shaped me more than her. She stood like a rock, worked hard and when the going was tough, she worked harder. She lead by example and was consistent as clockwork. She was my mother from the day I was born, she watched over me. I remember when as a little girl she would give me a bath, then wrap me in a towel and take me to the bed and rub powder all over. It was such a loving moment that created a lasting memory.
We all have women in our life to celebrate, who’ve been there for us in good times and bad, taught us valuable life lessons, and given us the mentorship we’ve needed. I’ve been very fortunate to have several strong women in my past and present. My therapist is one, she’s been a solid supporter for over 30 years. When I was younger and in trouble, I had a probation officer who went out of her way to keep me out of jail and was able to get the help I needed.
I have many other great women from work that have influenced me and I thank them all.
Melinda
Reference:
Buying a house, whether that be your first home or you have bought it before, is a big step in your life. It is going to be one of if not the biggest investments you will make in your life, so getting it right is really important, not only financially but for your mental health too. There is nothing worse than feeling trapped with a purchase that you just do not like, without the means to rectify it or to sell it and start again. This is why knowing what to look for and what to think about when buying a house is really important.
Not everyone knows what to think about when buying a home, even if you have bought a home before there are things you could overlook, if you are unsure what to look for when buying a home then hopefully, these few tips will help you to understand it better.
When it comes to buying a house it can be easy to just jump at the one you like the most without really taking into consideration any other factors. It is a wise idea to speak to a real estate agent and consider looking into Concierge Auctions reviews to ensure that the property you buy is a fair price and finds the best auction opportunity.
You need to look at things like amenities such as what shops are available nearby, whether there are schools should you have a family and if there are parks and things to do where you live. All of these things need to be researched when looking into where to move so that you know you are not only going to get the house you want but also a great area to live in.
When it comes to finding a new home you need to look into what sort of property you want and what you want including the property. For example, should you want some outdoor space or a garden then narrow your search by looking for apartments with outdoor spaces, or if you want a garage then make sure you are filtering your searches to find this then you are going to make sure you end up a property that is perfect for you and what you want? This is a big investment so try not to settle for something you do not necessarily want.
Something that can be overlooked when looking to buy a house is what you can actually afford. You don’t have to spend more just because you are selling your house, you could save the money made on the sale and buy a cheaper property. Also make sure when you are looking at buying a house you know what work needs to be done on that house if any, as that needs to be factored into the overall cost of you buying the house. If you do not factor in all costs when it comes to buying you could end up short of what you need or having to borrow more than you would have wanted or can afford to.
If you are looking to buy a new property, this could be your first home or second home, it can be hard to know what you should be thinking about and what to look out for when buying your home so these few tips should help you to understand what you can do to make sure you make the best decision when buying your new home.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
There are many mental health benefits to a backyard oasis for your family. And there are just as many luxurious ways to make your backyard somewhere you won’t want to leave.
A fantastic way to upcycle your old outdoor shed is to cut a hole on the side and place a surface on it. Then you can install an at-home beer pump for pulling the perfect pint in your own garden. This is a simple design, but one that works. But with some crafty DIY work and creativity, you can install a sound system, lighting, and even cooking facilities. Of course, no shed company wants you to butcher their creations, so reusing an old one is best. Just make sure you give it a thorough cleaning, inside and out, and make sure it’s safe for purpose before you go sitting at it.
Nothing makes a good garden shine like the installation of high-quality decking. Wood and the backyard just go superb together, and you can make many great memories sitting among the scent of wood and flowers on long Summer nights. Additionally, decking can add a lot of value to your home’s value should you consider selling later on. First, however, make sure you use a reputable builder. Poor decking is dangerous. Splinters, loose boards, and even collapse are real possibilities. And a lousy installation isn’t likely to last long either.
You can relax and have fun in a hot tub. So much fun, in fact, that since coming to market in the late 1950s in the USA, around 6 million have been sold all over the country. Hot tubs are excellent no matter your age. They can provide an intimate way of relaxing for couples and friends. And the kids love the bubbles. However, there are multiple health benefits as well. The heat helps soothe aching muscles, and bubbles help with tension. Some medical experts believe the effects of a hot tub to be somewhere around the same as a professional massage.
How fun is your very own outdoor cinema? Cozying up on a warm night under the stars with a movie and a drink with your partner is nothing short of amazing. And if you have kids, well, they will just go nuts for something like this. You can purchase an HD projector for very little these days, and some even work with your phone. And a screen isn’t required either. Just a sheet and something to hold it. But before going and doing this, make sure you are far enough from your neighbors, or the sounds of Bridget Jones doing Bridget Jones stuff might not end well.
Being outdoors evokes memories of nature and a primal sense of social atmosphere. One of the most primal elements is fire. Fire is dangerous, but it can be tamed when treated with respect and controlled. A fire pit makes an excellent centerpiece for your garden, and you can make one for very little money. You can buy premade pits with various designs. Or you could use an old washing machine drum, a barrel, or even a tire. Then arrange your rattan or wicker furniture around the centerpiece for an intimate and sophisticated addition to your backyard tranquility.
Your backyard is an extension of your home and yourself. So, it would help if you spent time making it special. But, gardening aside, you can add luxuries such as a bar, hot tub, or even a cinema.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
I starting to think my Phalaenopsis Orchid has seen its better days. This past season it put on one stalk but only one flower. It’s about three years old and it’s so huge, I’ve never seen an Orchid so big.
It’s 17″ wide by 18″ wide by 14″ tall. It’s huge!
The roots look good and are greenish-white, two are possibly new but I cant’ say for sure. I have it in an Orchid potting mix and use a time-released Orchid fertilizer. I water once a week and it has a grow light on it three hours a day. It’s also kept in a brightly lit area of the house.
Is it a keeper??????
I would love to hear your questions and feedback.
Melinda
The Sunflower is the national flower and I love them. The situation is dire in Ukraine but the people are resilient and with our help, they can continue to stand strong.
You can go to Charity Navigator and find a reputable charity that supports the Ukrainian Refugees and show your support.
Please say a prayer, whatever your religion is, please say a prayer for the people of Ukraine and the surrounding countries who are helping them.
Melinda
I think self-care is critical to our mental health and it’s important to do something every day to water the growth. Here’s a little something I did for myself, maybe cost $5, I’m worth that and so are you.
It’s a card that turns into a flower arrangement. I love it. I bought it on Amazon and now I can have flowers anytime without having to water or watch wilt.
Melinda
“Everyone says forgiveness is a good idea until they have something to forgive.” – C.S. Lewis Forgiveness is a difficult, and somewhat touchy, topic. It’s something we are told that we ought to offer others. But ask anyone, and you’re likely to hear that forgiveness is a struggle if you’ve been hurt and betrayed. And […]
Why is it so hard to forgive? — Don’t Lose Hope
The CBD world has changed a lot in the last few years.
Since the 2018 Farm Bill transformed hemp cultivation and gave birth to the modern CBD industry, new, ground-breaking hemp products are hitting the shelves every week.
The difference between CBD, Delta-8, and HHC products can get a little confusing, so we thought we’ll give you a quick summary to help you!
CBD
Next to the federally illegal THC, CBD is the most well-known cannabinoid and is available in an array of forms, including oils, capsules, gummies, and topicals.
CBD is available almost everywhere and it’s easily the most popular of the three – an estimated 1 in 3 Americans have used a CBD product at least once.
Out of the three cannabinoids, CBD has the most research behind it. In a critical report, the WHO deemed CBD as “generally well tolerated with a good safety profile.”
Among the popular reasons that people use CBD products are: to help support the management of everyday stress, to help support a sense of calm, to help support recovery from exercise-induced inflammation, and to help support healthy sleep cycles.
Delta-8
Like CBD, Delta-8 is found naturally in hemp – but in much smaller quantities. For this reason, the Delta-8 used in products like these is derived from CBD.
But Delta-8 has more in common with THC (Delta 9-THC) than CBD. It has a similar chemical structure to the psychoactive cannabinoid and its reported effects can be comparable (although milder.)
Unfortunately, not everyone can get their hands on Delta-8. Although federally legal (it’s derived from legal hemp) some states have their own laws regarding Delta-8.
Currently, Delta-8 is not permitted to be sold in the following states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Nevada, Mississippi, Montana, Rhode Island, Utah.
HHC
Like Delta-8, HHC is a cannabinoid that’s found naturally, in very small quantities, in the cannabis plant – but for products like gummies, the HHC is usually synthesized from hemp-derived CBD.
Users claim that HHC ‘fills a gap’ between CBD and Delta-8 as it offers more potent effects on the mind than CBD but without the strength of Delta-8.
This information came from an email from Pure Kana and I found it very helpful and thought I would pass it along. I hope it clears up any questions you have, I know it helped me.
Melinda
Gaslighting Quotes That Capture This Emotional Manipulation “Gaslighting is mind control to make victims doubt their reality.” — Tracy Malone. “Gaslighting is a subtle form of emotional manipulation that often results in the recipient doubting their own perception of reality and their sanity. In addition, gaslighting is a method of manipulation by toxic people to […]
Trauma and Gaslighting — Explorations in Psychotherapy
I was married two weeks after my 18th birthday to my high school sweetheart. Things were tough, no money, not even a bank account. The money went in a box at the top of the closet and when it was gone, it was gone. This was 1981, if you can imagine my grocery budget was $35 a week. Slim pickings even back then.
We were over at his parent’s house one spring evening like we were every Friday night. I started bleeding and thought I was starting my period early. It would not be that unusual. A little while later I started having severe back pain and my sister-in-law asked if I was having a miscarriage. First off, I was on birth control and second, I had no idea what a miscarriage felt like.
The pain and bleeding continued to get worse so we drove to the hospital. When we arrived there weren’t any rooms so I had to lay in the waiting room with my jeans soaked in blood.
After I was put in a room, I had to go to the bathroom. While in the bathroom I had a miscarriage. In the toilet was a fully formed four-month-old fetus. I was in shock. I walked out and told a nurse there was a baby in the toilet.
While back in the room waiting for the doctor, this most insensitive nurse puts the fetus which is in a jar right by my head. WOW, what a way to traumatize someone.
It would be bad enough if the story ended there but it doesn’t.
My husband was an amateur car racer and had a big race that weekend. He never acknowledged the baby, my pain, and never even came to see me in the hospital room that evening. The next morning he headed out of town for the race without even arranging a ride for me. I had to call my ex-boyfriend’s mother to take me home. I wasn’t ready to tell my grandparents yet.
He came home on Sunday night and not a peep was said. I never mourned the baby I lost because I had to suppress my feelings because of the anger I felt towards my husband.
This memory was triggered recently and although it happened in 1982, it still hurts. To think my child would be 38 years old. That’s hard to fathom.
I’ve never had children. In 1991 I was diagnosed with Cervical cancer and had to have a total hysterectomy which ended the possibility of children.
I wanted to share this memory in order to grieve and to help anyone else who has lost a child and did not have someone there to support you. I understand.
Melinda
Looking for the Light 