How to Make the Most out of your Fresh Start this Year

October 5, 2021 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

Sometimes, a fresh start is just what you need to bring back some joy into your life. Starting from fresh can take the form of moving to somewhere new or it can be starting a new job. Either way, if you are ready for a new beginning then this is your chance to understand more about the days ahead.

Plan some New Activities

Life can be unpredictable, but it should not stop you from being able to plan some stuff to do in your life. You need to try and live your life to the fullest and you also need to be able to take chances. If you need some inspiration then why not try and learn a new language? You might also want to learn how to cook, or even try your hand at learning an instrument. Either way, doing some new activities is certainly one of the best ways for you to try and expand your horizons as well as being able to make the most out of the time you have.

Source: Pexels (CC0 License)

Make some New Friends

New friends can easily open you up to new perspectives and it can also bring about some unexpected opportunities as well. Sometimes if you want to build new relationships, you have to let go of old ones. You also need to try and put yourself out there so that you can be found. You can do this by signing up for social gatherings or even attending a concert. You can take a class, go to a church service or simply introduce yourself. If you can do this, then you will soon find that you can make the most out of the time you have. This will work wonders for your mental health too.

Declutter

Along with your clothes, you probably have a lot of other items that you just don’t need anymore. Getting rid of things like this can be a fantastic way for you to move forward. It can also be somewhat symbolic as well. Take a look through all of the rooms in your home for anything that you may have bought this year and also make sure that you do what you can to get rid of things that you don’t need. If you have seasonal items then remember to put them into storage so you can pull them out whenever you need them. Getting rid of items that you don’t use very much will help you to make room for other things, that may bring you more joy. This is especially useful if you intend on looking at new homes, or somewhere else to live to help you with your fresh start.

Clean out Your Closet

Consumers purchase, on average, 68 new garments every year. That is quite a lot, especially if you haven’t cleaned out your closet in quite some time. If you can clean out your closet space, then you may find that you can have way more room and you can also buy yourself some new clothes. This is sometimes exactly what you need if you want to make a fresh start, so keep that in mind if you can.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

The Beauty Benefits of Cocoa Powder

October 5, 2021 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

When picking some up at your local store, make sure you don’t buy one containing sugar or artificial flavor. Here are a few ways cocoa powder benefits your skin and hair.

Willow and Sage

Darkens hair naturally

Hydrates the skin

Reduces redness and inflammation caused by acne

Removes dead skin cells

Makes complexion brighter and clearer

Fight off free radicals

Prevents sun damage

Firms and rejuvenates skin

Keeps hair shiny and soft

Fights premature wrinkles

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

How you Can Improve Your Wellbeing This Winter

October 5, 2021 Looking for the Light1 Comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Helping Those Closest To You Deal With Stress

October 5, 2021 Looking for the Light1 Comment

You might have noticed something different about someone close to you recently. Perhaps they seem a little more closed off than usual, or maybe you’re just noticing that things they used to enjoy, don’t seem to do it anymore. It could be any number of things, but if you know that life is getting them super stressed lately, this is probably the answer. In this article, we’re going to be looking at some of the things that you can do to help someone close to you deal with stress.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

The first thing that we think you should do is offer to listen. Sometimes, people who are suffering from stress just need to talk about what they are feeling. Often, coming up with a solution to help someone who is stressed out won’t be possible, especially seeing as a lot of the causes are things that they don’t always have the power to change. Of course, if they can change them, then you should absolutely suggest that they do. However, it is far more important that you listen to what they have to say and make them feel heard, rather than offering advice. You will often find that they know what they should do, but they still need to speak to someone about the way they are feeling. Be that person for them. Offer them your shoulder.

While it may not always be possible to get rid of the thing that is stressing them out, you can still help them by finding the things that help them cope with stress better. For example, you could get them into the sport of some kind and do it together. Or, you could look into some herbal remedies that may help reduce the stress and purchase some weed pipes to make the experience a bit better. It really depends on what the person close to you finds relaxing. You’ve just got to remember that not everything is going to work, so don’t get too frustrated when you’re going through the trial and error phase.

Finally, you should never make fun of the problems that somebody is experiencing. This is harsh, and it will make them go into a shell and never want to speak to anyone about their issues again. Don’t try to make light of the situation. Don’t tell them that they are overreacting. Don’t compare their life to yours and tell them why they shouldn’t be stressed. None of this is going to be helpful. Just be supportive, that is what they need the most.

Hopefully, now you understand some of the things that you can do to help those close to you deal with stress. It’s a hard thing to cope with at the best of times, and if it’s getting too much for them, you need to support them as much as you can. It’s going to be difficult for them to admit, so be patient, and above all, be kind.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Is Working From Home Causing You Anxiety?

October 4, 2021 Looking for the Light1 Comment

Work situations are difficult to navigate sometimes. Anxiety sets in and you may feel as if you are sinking. Thankfully there are ways to ease your stress. From breathing techniques to yoga, and more, there are ways to help reduce your stress. You may have already looked at CBD and other types of cannabis and in this case, you may want to look at Budder Bongs, but you should always be responsible.

Sometimes the problems with work are borne out of social activities in the workplace. In order to be comfortable with your co-workers, try to expand your comfort zone. Consciously try to create small talk with people you meet throughout the day: at lunch, in the elevator, or in the coffee corner. Try to initiate short conversations or flatter when the place is in place. Such behavior will teach others that you are an accessible person and can be talked to. Remember that it is not so important to say the right thing, it is more important to be present. People are usually more comfortable with who they know.

Conversation with authority figures

Those who suffer from social anxiety may have difficulty talking to their supervisor. Any communication with your manager may be difficult for you. You may have difficulty with the simplest questions, it is common for people with social anxiety to try to get away with asking and finding out with the manager the information they need. Unfortunately, avoiding a conversation with the manager can impair your functioning and the manner in which the task is fulfilled: you will find yourself working long hours in a way that will ultimately not be to the satisfaction of your superiors.

Meetings and work meetings

If you feel uncomfortable in meetings – try to get to the meeting a quarter of an hour earlier so you can meet others when they arrive. Most people who suffer from social anxiety and shyness come to meetings late so that they do not have to socialize with others. But this behavior only makes you feel more isolated and stressed. During meetings, try to remember that others must also feel uncomfortable and have difficulty speaking. Quite a lot of people actually have difficulty expressing their opinions. If you take the initiative and speak first, it will reassure the rest and they will appreciate and respect you for it. Try to replace the negative thought with a more accurate, or more helpful thought: “I’m usually good enough in meetings.” Even if this mental exercise feels strange and strange to you, over time it will reduce your insecurity in work meetings. You will soon start to make a shift and feel more confident.

Social events

Workplaces usually hold social events that you are expected to attend. Company trips, zoom parties, joint video photography, farewell party, conferences. The human resources department works hard to connect the employees and for most of them, a fun day is really fun. For people with social anxiety these events can be particularly difficult – they expose their social shame – their difficulty in feeling comfortable.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Get A Fresh Start On 2022 For Better Mental Health

October 4, 2021 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

2021 has been a year of ups and downs, and many of us would like to jump ahead to the new year. Since the emergence of the global pandemic and the beginning of lockdowns, none of us have been able to live a normal life.

Being stuck in the same four walls every single day as well as working from home has been tough for many of us, and by the time 2022 hits we are all raring for new experiences. Whether it be changed to your lifestyle, health or career – 2022 is a time perfect to change, and here are some of the ways you can make a change in your life next year for the better.

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

If you want to make a positive change to your physical and mental health in 2022, you need to get up and get moving. There are lots of ways you can stay fit without the need for a gym, and here are just a few of the things you can try:

Walking
Running
Cycling
Yoga
HIIT Workouts
Body Combat
Dance Workouts

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

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

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

Making changes to your life in 2022 is a great idea and will change your life for the better.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Mental Illness Awareness Week 3-9th

October 4, 2021 Looking for the Light1 Comment

Did you know that 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. has a Mental Illness? Many go untreated or undiagnosed which is why an awareness week is so important.

Mental Illness Awareness Week

Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. However, mental illness affects everyone directly or indirectly through family, friends or coworkers. That is why each year, during the first week of October, NAMI and participants across the country raise awareness of mental illness, fight discrimination and provide support through Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW).

We believe that mental health conditions are important to discuss year-round, but highlighting them during MIAW provides a dedicated time for mental health advocates across the country to come together as one unified voice. Since 1990, when Congress officially established the first full week of October as MIAW, advocates have worked together to sponsor activities, large or small, to educate the public about mental illness.

This year’s MIAW is centered around our new awareness campaign, “Together for Mental Health,” where we will focus on the importance of advocating for better care for people with serious mental illness (SMI). Each day throughout the week, we will be raising the voices of people with lived experience to talk about SMI and the need for improved crisis response and mental health care.

MIAW 2021

Mental Illness Awareness Week runs from October 3–9 and coincides with additional related events:

Tuesday Oct. 5: National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding
Thursday Oct. 7: National Depression Screening Day
Saturday Oct. 9: NAMIWalks United Day of Hope
Sunday Oct. 10: World Mental Health Day

How To Engage Online With MIAW

MIAW Video Series

NAMI is featuring videos from real people sharing their lived experience with some of the symptoms and conditions we are focusing on during MIAW. Watch and share the videos below.

Krishna Louis: What I wish people knew about anxiety

Andrea Landry: What I wish people knew about bipolar disorder

Ashlynn McNeeley: What I wish people knew about Borderline Personality Disorder

NAMI Blog

Each day during MIAW, we’ll be featuring special blog topics. Visit the NAMI Blog at nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog and look for posts on our social media.

Personal Stories

Each day during MIAW, we’ll be featuring special personal stories at nami.org/personal-stories.

Social Media

Social media graphics and logo files you can share on accounts as posts, cover images, website hero images or to add to existing messaging can be downloaded here.

Here are some sample social media posts you can use throughout MIAW. Amplify our social media posts by sharing, liking and retweeting.

1 in 20 U.S. adults experience SMI each year, but less than two-thirds get treatment. We must improve access to quality care. #Together4MH
Do you have a mental health crisis story? Share with us today to help reimagine our crisis response system. #Together4MH
Mental health is a huge part of overall health and should be a priority for everyone, whether you have a mental health condition or not. #Together4MH #MIAW
Now, more than ever, we need to provide mental health support and resources. NAMI is here for you! #Together4MH

Additional Resources

Information, resources and graphics to support Mental Illness Awareness Week can be downloaded here. Additional stats, infographics and resources can also be found on our Mental Health by the Numbers web page.

Fast Facts

These are only a few of the reasons why it’s important to take part in promoting awareness for MIAW. Please use these facts and others, including the infographics at nami.org/mhstats, to encourage discussions about mental health through social media or other forms of outreach.

1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
Mental illness affects:
- 44% of LGB adults
- 32% Mixed/Multiracial adults
- 22% of White adults
- 19% of American Indian or Alaska Native
- 18% of Latinx adults
- 17% of Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander adults
- 17% of Black adults
- 14% of Asian adults
Annual prevalence among U.S. adults, by condition:
- Anxiety Disorders: 19.1% (estimated 48 million people)
- Major Depressive Episode: 7.8% (19.4 million people)
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: 3.6% (estimated 9 million people)
- Bipolar Disorder: 2.8% (estimated 7 million people)
- Borderline Personality Disorder: 1.4% (estimated 3.5 million people)
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: 1.2% (estimated 3 million people)
- Schizophrenia: <1% (estimated 1.5 million people)

Talking about Mental Illness is as important and getting the proper diagnosis. If we don’t have the information, we have dis-information which leads to misunderstanding and stigmas.

I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder at 19 years old, it took my father’s suicide at 28 years old to go get help and treatment. I’ll talk in more detail about my disorder in another post.

Please take the time to understand and be understanding.

Melinda

Mental Health · Survivor

Thru The Eyes Of A Child

October 4, 2021 Looking for the Light1 Comment

Growing up in a household of Domestic Violence is traumatic, lonely, heartbreaking and forever changes the person you are and who you become.

My step-father would regularly drag my mother down the hall, beating her head from one side to the other, calling her vial names. The hall ended at my bedroom door. I heard all saw the brunt of her pain.

One evening after he was drinking heavily again, he dragged her down the hall, only this time when they stopped at my bedroom door I heard her begging for her life. I peeked out the door carefully and found he had a knife to her throat. I knew he was going to kill her. Then what?

I ran away that night, I was nine years old. That’s more than a child can handle. I went to my boyfriend’s house across town and told his parents what happened. Of course, they had to call my mother after I calmed down. I received a beating for that before we even turned the corner.

I was also emotionally and physically abused by my mother and stepfather which added my train wreck of a life.

It took years of therapy and medication for me to clearly see I was not to blame and even longer to grieve for the little girl whose childhood was ripped away piece by piece.

It was almost 20 years later before my brother had to pull a gun on my step-father to make him leave while beating my mother.

Here are a few organizations that can help:

Joyful Heart Foundation joyfulheartfoundation.org

RAINN.org has provided support to the National Assault Hotline for since 1994 Many other services are provided and available in English & Spanish

National Domestic Hotline Resources/Support 24/7 1-800-799-7233 Live Chat Daily from 7am-2am Central Standard Time 1-800-787-3224

No More NoMore.org

If you’re in a Domestic relationship that is violent, have a plan for the day you need to leave and only tell the most trusted person where you are. Get a new cell phone and don’t use joint credit cards. Get as far away as you can and take your children.

Keep your eyes and ears open, most importantly look at the children, their actions and remember the eyes can tell you everything.

Melinda

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

Common Myths About Cannabis

October 3, 2021March 7, 2026 Looking for the Light4 Comments

It seems like there are new myths about Marijuana popping up all the time. The reality is that many of these myths have been disproven long ago. However, they persist in today’s society for one reason or another. Some people believe them because they haven’t done any research on their own. In contrast, others may do so because it benefits them to keep these misconceptions alive. We’ll be giving you the facts about some common myths associated with Marijuana and dispel them once and for all!

You Can’t Get Addicted To Marijuana

You can find this myth in many pro-marijuana campaigns across the world. The truth is that it’s entirely possible to get addicted to Marijuana, just like any other substance out there. Of course, it will not happen overnight, and you shouldn’t be able to do so by smoking one joint either! When people argue about whether or not marijuana addiction exists, they are usually talking about cannabis dependency. This type of dependency occurs when someone smokes on a daily basis for an extended period of time, usually several months. It slowly becomes harder and harder for them to function normally without getting high first.

This doesn’t mean that these individuals have no control over their actions, though; they simply use weed as a crutch because they’re too anxious or uncomfortable without it. The next time you’re around someone who is high, really think about whether or not they look like they need it to function normally.

Marijuana Is Always Safe To Use

One of the most common things heard about weed is that it’s safe and harmless to use. This couldn’t be further from the truth! We’ll touch on some key points here, but if you would like more information, then research Marijuana safety tips.

There are many negative health effects associated with smoking marijuana regularly or excessively. For one thing, long-term smokers usually end up getting respiratory problems such as bronchitis because they inhale so much tar and ash into their lungs. If this doesn’t sound healthy to you already, keep in mind that Marijuana contains 50% more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than regular cigarettes do too! There have also been studies showing an increased risk of lung cancer among people who smoke Marijuana regularly.

Getting your Marijuana from the best dispensary possible is an additional factor to consider as there are legislative quality controls they need to follow, ensuring you get a pure and clean product.

Marijuana Is A Gateway Drug

This is a controversial point, but it has been proven that Marijuana does not cause people to try out harder drugs. Sure there are cases where this happened due to the influence of others, but overall it would be an unfair label to place on Marijuana.

The problem here lies in the fact that some unscrupulous dealers will sell their customers harder drugs when they come back. It’s not because the Marijuana itself made them do it, but you can’t deny that Marijuana is an easy way to get someone hooked on something else! There are studies showing that people who already have a tendency towards addiction may try harder substances if given access to an alternative like Marijuana in most cases.

Marijuana Doesn’t Have Any Medicinal Value

The biggest argument for legalizing Marijuana is its medicinal properties. There are many positive uses for Marijuana, both as an analgesic and to help with the symptoms of certain diseases. It makes sense that people who could benefit from this would want access to it without having to wait until the laws change in their state or country!

There has been a wealth of research done in the past several years that have shown Marijuana’s amazing medical value. The US government even holds a patent on Cannabis for its antioxidant and neuroprotectant abilities.

In conclusion, there are many common myths when it comes to marijuana use that simply isn’t true at all! This is especially important nowadays when more and more states are legalizing the drug either recreationally or medically.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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

Know The Cycle Of Domestic Violence

October 3, 2021 Looking for the Light1 Comment

Here is a graphic that shows all the ways an abuser tries to control you.

Do you recognize some of them?

Joyful Heart Foundation

RAINN.org has provided support to the National Assault Hotline for since 1994 Many other services are provided and available in English & Spanish

National Domestic Hotline Resources/Support 24/7 1-800-799-7233 Live Chat Daily from 7am-2am Central Standard Time 1-800-787-3224

1 in 6 Supports Male Survivors of Sexual Assault as a Child or an Adult

Please reach out for help the minute you are safe!

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

3 Rules For Better Work-Life Balance

October 3, 2021 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

Celebrate Life · Fun · Mental Health

Today in History

October 3, 2021 Looking for the Light1 Comment

Welcome to the weekend edition of Today in History. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the post. Have an awesome weekend.

1995

O.J. Simpson Acquitted

At the end of a sensational trial, former football star O.J. Simpson is acquitted of the brutal 1994 double murder of his estranged wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman. In the epic 252-day trial, Simpson’s “dream team” of lawyers employed creative and controversial methods to convince jurors that Simpson’s guilt had not been proved “beyond a reasonable doubt,” thus surmounting what the prosecution called a “mountain of evidence” implicating him as the murderer.

1992

Sinéad O’Connor tears up a photo of Pope John Paul II on “Saturday Night Live”

On October 3, 1992, Irish musician Sinéad O’Connor stuns the audience at 30 Rockefeller Plaza and viewers across the United States when she tears up a photo of Pope John Paul II during a performance on Saturday Night Live. O’Connor surprised the SNL staff when she opted to sing …read more

1895

“The Red Badge of Courage” is published

On October 3, 1895, The Red Badge of Courage, by Stephen Crane, is published in book form. The story of a young man’s experience of battle was the first American novel to portray the Civil War from an ordinary Union soldier’s point of view. The tale originally appeared as a …read more

1990

East and West Germany reunite after 45 years

Less than one year after the destruction of the Berlin Wall, East and West Germany come together on what is known as “Unity Day.” Since 1945, when Soviet forces occupied eastern Germany, and the United States and other Allied forces occupied the western half of the nation at the …read more

1863

President Lincoln proclaims official Thanksgiving holiday

On October 3, 1863, expressing gratitude for a pivotal Union Army victory at Gettysburg, President Abraham Lincoln announces that the nation will celebrate an official Thanksgiving holiday on November 26, 1863. The speech, which was actually written by Secretary of State William …read more

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

The Art Of Paying Attention

October 2, 2021 Looking for the Light2 Comments

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

Fun Facts That Will Amaze You

October 2, 2021 Looking for the Light6 Comments

The last time I did Fun Facts people raved about how informative and funny they were so I wanted to start a new weekend tradition.

Alexander the Great was the first person to be pictured on a coin.

FDR’s portrait was on the dime because of his association with the March of Dimes charity.

The sun weighs 2,000 million million million million tons.

Shoes that were specific to left and right were not made until the Civil War.

The Turks call the turkey an “American bird.”

Lightning kills about 10,000 people a year worldwide, more people than tornadoes or flooding.

At an average of 15 breaths per minute, we take about 400 million breaths during a lifetime. This is equivalent to about 53 million gallons of air.

The shiniest living thing on earth is the Pollia Condensata, an African fruit.

The bee hummingbird drinks from up to 1,500 flowers a day

We throw away enough ribbon each year to tie a bow around the entire Earth.

Enjoy!

Melinda

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

Make Domestic Violence Your Business

October 2, 2021 Looking for the Light1 Comment

You’re out in public and see a couple fighting and yelling or you’re at home watching television when you hear the neighbors going at it, if you see or hear things escalating call the police. It may be a call that saves someone a trip to the emergency room or far worse.

Everyone has a role to play in stopping Domestic Violence.

Here are some startling statistics:

Talking about these issues openly will help end the shame and stigma that domestic violence and sexual assault survivors are burdened with. The next time you’re in a room with 6 people, think about this:

1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience violence from their partners in their lifetimes.
1 in 3 teens experience sexual or physical abuse or threats from a boyfriend or girlfriend in one year.

What is Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence is a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation, often including the threat or use of violence. Some signs of an abusive relationship include:

Exerting strict control (financial, social and/or appearance).
Needing constant contact including excessive texts and calls.
Emotional abuse including insulting a partner in front of other people.
Extreme jealousy.
Showing fear around a partner.
Isolation from family and friends.
Frequent canceling of plans at the last minute.
Unexplained injuries or explanations that don’t quite add up.

Of course if you see, hear, or suspect that someone is in immediate danger, call 911 immediately.

Melinda

All information is taken from the No More website.

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

No Mas Domestic Violence

October 2, 2021 Looking for the Light1 Comment

NO MÁS – a collaborative effort between Casa de Esperanza: National Latin@ Network, the nation’s leading Latin@ organization on domestic violence prevention, and NO MORE – provides tools and resources tailored to the needs and strengths of the Latin@ community. Visit https://www.decimosnomas.org/en/ to learn more.

The NO MÁS Study, conducted by Lake Research Partners, is a groundbreaking, in-depth study of domestic violence and sexual assault in the U.S. Latino community.

Among the key findings:

More than half of the Latin@s (56%) in the U.S. know a victim of domestic violence, and one in four (28%) know a victim of sexual assault.
41% of Latin@s believe that fear of deportation is the number one barrier preventing Latin@ victims from seeking help, followed by fear of more violence for themselves and their families (39%) and fear of children being taken away (39%).

Lack of respect for the opposite sex was seen as a stronger driver of domestic violence and sexual assault than traditional gender roles.
Nearly two-thirds of Latin@s who knew a victim of domestic violence (61%) and sexual assault (60%) say that they intervened and did something for the victim.

“Debo aprender de lo que voy a hablar, porque muchas veces yo no puedo hablar algo que yo no conozco”— RECENT IMMIGRANT LATINO, LOS ANGELES

When compared to the 2013 NO MORE Study, the NO MÁS data reveals that Latin@s are more likely than the population at large to take action to intervene and help prevent domestic violence and sexual assault. The NO MORE study, conducted by GfK Public Affairs and Corporate Communications, looked at attitudes of teens and adults on domestic violence and sexual assault in the population at large and was commissioned by the Avon Foundation for Women.

Key findings – 2015 NO MÁS Study and 2013 NO MORE Study comparison:

Latin@ parents are much more likely than parents in the U.S. population at large to talk to their children about domestic violence and sexual assault. More than half (54%) of Latin@ parents have talked to their children about these issues, compared to just 29% of parents in the population at large who say they have talked to their children about domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
Over half (57%) of U.S. Latin@s report talking about domestic violence and sexual assault with their friends. In comparison, only 34% of the U.S. population at large say they have had a conversation about domestic violence and/or sexual assault with their friends.
Latin@s are more likely than the population at large to say they intervened and did something for the victim.

Review the Study’s Findings

You can help end Domestic Violence by calling the police if you see or hear a situation escalating.

Melinda

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

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October 1, 2021September 26, 2025 Looking for the Light6 Comments

Join me and No More in the ongoing fight against Domestic Violence. Domestic Violence is everyone’s business and you could save a life. Make the call to 911 if you hear or see anything, it could save a life.

I grew up in a Domestic Violence household and the traumatic experience was painful and harrowing at times. I watched my step-father put a knife to my mother’s throat when I was nine years old, the image never left me.

“TOGETHER, WE CAN HELP FREE THOSE HARMED BY DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE.” No More

NO MORE is dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault by increasing awareness, inspiring action and fueling culture change.

OUR STORY

If you need help, help is there for you! All you have to do is reach out.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun

#Weekend Music Share *Fugees perform “Killing Me Softly” Global Citizen Live

October 1, 2021 Looking for the Light1 Comment

I’m so glad you’ve joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.

Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favorite music.

Feel free to use the ‘Weekend Music Share‘ banner in your post, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Could You Recover From Illness…Using Your Own Stem Cells?

October 1, 2021October 1, 2021 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

https://www.ted.com/talks/nabiha_saklayen_could_you_recover_from_illness_using_your_own_stem_cells?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare

Celebrate Life · Fun · Men & Womens Health

Friday Quote

October 1, 2021 Looking for the Light3 Comments

Have a great weekend!

So glad you stopped by today and look forward to hearing your comments.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing

How to relieve tension naturally, put down the ibuprofen — Guest Blogger Diving Deep

September 30, 2021 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

When our bodies are holding tension even the simplest tasks seem hard because of the heaviness. I believe we are not meant to live day to day with tension. I watched my parents numb themselves with alcohol most of my life and when I got older I saw myself leaning on numbing the pain. For […]
How to relieve tension naturally, put down the ibuprofen — Diving Deep

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

How Can You Support Elderly Relatives?

September 30, 2021 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

Your parents and older relatives spent their time supporting you through a range of roadblocks you encountered in life. Now that they are older, it’s your turn to repay the favor. But how can you, your partner, siblings, and children provide the vital support that seniors need as they grow older?

It’s easy for seniors to become isolated from the world around them. Their friends may not live close enough anymore. Or they aren’t as mobile as they once were. However, staying in touch with a community can help stave off degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, which will ensure their quality of life is as good as it can be. There are plenty of elderly communities around that you can find and introduce your relatives to, allowing them to meet people their age who share their interests. This means they won’t solely rely on you for the company, and can even have new experiences.

Life can be exceptionally busy, there’s no doubt about this, and because of this, there’s a risk that you neglect to get in touch with your elderly relatives as often as you should. However, this shouldn’t mean they cannot get in touch with you when they feel like a chat. Smartphones, laptops, and tablets may intimidate them at first, but they are crucial for ensuring that they can contact you, allowing you to offer the support they need. They won’t need the latest smartphone, but something easy to use and with a strong wifi connection will do the trick.

When planning how to support your parents, you need to remember that they are not just there. They are still human, and they will always have their preferences for how they want to live. Because of this, you must include them in any plans you have for offering support. Don’t neglect to ask them what they want to do, whether it’s visiting them at their house or go somewhere else where they can get some fresh air. It’s easy to feel like you lose your autonomy the older you get, so providing a chance to retain their independence will do wonders for their well being.

Sometimes, you can’t provide exactly what your elderly relatives need, so you need to assess these needs and look for solutions. While they might live at home now, medical conditions could impact how easy this is for them. If this is the case, you can consider retirement homes or care workers who will visit your relatives to provide the treatment they need. Services that offer such assistance include https://catholiccarecenter.org/long-term-care/, which will provide expert service and give you and your relatives the peace of mind you need.

Supporting your elderly relatives will help them manage their senior years more comfortably and prevent any of the loneliness or isolation problems that can come from old age. Whether they require a helping hand now and again or need more professional support, you can be there for them no matter what and make the best of the last years you have with them.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Fun

Wordless Wednesday* Fall Colors in Alabama

September 29, 2021 Looking for the Light1 Comment

So glad you’re here! You make me smile and keep the comments coming.

Fall colors in Alabama.

Have a great day!

Melinda

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

It’s International Coffee Day!!!!!

September 29, 2021 Looking for the Light2 Comments

This is one celebration I can get behind anytime of day! My first coffee experience was in my baby bottle. I’m sure it was a dab but gramps said I had to have what he was drinking. I believe it knowing how close we were.

Where did it all start?

International Coffee Day is an occasion that is used to promote and celebrate coffee as a beverage, with events now occurring in places across the world. The first official date was 1 October 2015, as agreed by then International Coffee Organization and was launched in Milan. This day is also used to promote fair trade coffee and to raise awareness for the plight of the coffee growers. On this day, many businesses offer free or discounted cups of coffee. Some businesses share coupons and special deals with their loyal followers via social networking. Some greeting card companies sell National Coffee Day greeting cards as well as free e-cards.

Wikipedia

Here’s a hot or cold toast of coffee to you! Here’s to the farmers who keep us going each and every day.

Melinda

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

Book Review One Step At A Time By Francesca Giacomozzi

September 29, 2021January 14, 2026 Looking for the Light2 Comments

I was kindly gifted a copy of One Step At A Time, by Francesca Giacomozzi from Soraya Nair at Cherish Editions for an honest review. Thank you, Soraya.

About Author

“Francesca Giacomozzi has lived in the UK since April 2016.

After quitting a full-time job that wasn’t fulfilling her, she studied to become a yoga teacher and reflexologist and now owns her own yoga teaching and massage therapy business.

Her drive to help others overcome mental health issues has pushed her out of her comfort zone, leading her to raise awareness about eating disorders as a daily mission.

Francesca has two degrees and can speak five languages.”

Excerpt From: Francesca Giacomozzi. “One Step at a Time.” Apple Books.

Blurb

“My long-winded journey into a fuller and healthier self. Written with the hope that if you are lost, you will soon be found. This is the honest and unfiltered truth about me and my experiences as a warrior in eating disorder recovery. All the people mentioned in this book are real, and therefore have been made anonymous unless they provided consent to be spoken about by name.”

Francesca Giacomozzi found herself on the verge of a crisis, exhausted from waking up day after day without a sense of purpose. Determined to get her life back on track, she decided to take on a challenge to engage both her mind and body: a two-week walk along the South West Coastal Path.

She invested in kit and prepared – or so she thought – for the solo trek. Little did she know, her journey would leave her with a completely different outcome to the one she expected. Her diary pages are filled with two tales: what happened on the trail, and how it made her feel on the inside.

My Thoughts

When you’re faced with demons, you have two paths you can take. You can tackle them head-on or you can turn and run. Francesca found herself at a crossroads and decided to face her demons in the most interesting way. She set out to trek 360 miles across England to find herself and found so much more.

Armed with her diary, she sets out and discovers the generosity of others feeds her need for food. When you struggle with an eating disorder, you over focus on food and look for an emotional fulfillment which doesn’t come. Fran struggles with her thoughts and self loathing along the way but as she reaches her destination there is a new sense of self. A sense she can overcome and ask for help.

Ask for help she does, she sees a therapist for the first time and starts a new, more informed and self assured chapter. I beleive she is living her best life and inspires others with deep rooted struggles that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Fran sprinkles in poetry throughout the chapters. She is a great writer and the book is a fast read, you can’t wait to see what adventure she will encounter next. You can also fully relate to the insecurities she feels about herself and in social situations.

I struggled with an eating disorder for years and can say this book hit home. It’s real and gives a look at the true mental and physical toll an eating disorder can take in the body.

This book is a great read for most types of mental health struggles, not just eating disorders. The guilt, anger, insecurities and shame are universal.

I highly recommend One Step At A time to everyone and give it 5 stars!

Cherish Editions

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.

Happy Reading!

I know you will enjoy the book as much as I did and encourage you to pick up a copy today.

Melinda

Men & Womens Health

How To Improve Management Efficiency for Your Rental Property

September 29, 2021September 29, 2021 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

Owning rental property can be a rewarding way to diversify your income, but it also requires a lot of work. One mistake that many landlords make is not investing in the right equipment or hiring the appropriate personnel. If you want to improve management efficiency for your rental property to maximize the return on your investment, read on.

Photo by Alexandr Podvalny on Pexels.com

Keep Up With All Repairs

Keeping up with repairs is essential to maintaining your rental property. You can do it yourself or hire a contractor if you do not have experience in repairs. If you find that the project is too much for one person, hiring someone will be worth it. It’s essential to communicate with tenants when there is an upcoming repair so they know what to expect and have time to plan accordingly.

You don’t want them surprised when their shower isn’t working at 11 pm on a Friday. Make sure you purchase all necessary materials ahead of time, so there are no delays during the process because you needed something but out-of-stock. Also, make sure any contractors you hire have insurance. This way, their damage won’t cost more than the actual material (and their insurance will cover it).

Get a Noise Monitoring Device

A noise monitoring device refers to a tool for surveillance. You can find these devices in homes and businesses of renters who want to ensure landlords or management companies don’t invade their privacy. They can be helpful when it comes to reporting noise complaints because Noiseaware, a noise level monitoring device, will record evidence that a tenant did make loud noises at an unreasonable hour.

Set Prices and Expectations

Setting prices and expectations is essential because it helps you avoid disputes with tenants. For example, if the rent is set too high, your tenant may feel overcharged and look for another place to live. On the other hand, if prices are set too low, this could lead to reduced income and problems arising from non-paying or late-paying tenants.

To decide what price range to charge for a rental property in an area of comparable properties:

Ask around – get recommendations from people living in the neighborhood about how many similar houses have been renting out recently
Check real estate ads online and through local newspapers – compare current asking prices on advertised homes against those already occupied by renters
Before setting a fixed percentage increase per year that you will charge tenants, consider whether you’ll need to increase your prices for inflation or other reasons

If rent control ordinances limit price increases, think about ways to make it more valuable over time. For example, it may mean investing money in improvements like landscaping and painting before new renters move in.

Visit the Premise Regularly

Paying regular visits to your premises is a double-edged sword. It is essential to be proactive and visit the premise regularly, but when you do, it’s also crucial that there are no issues left unresolved since your last visit. Your goals in doing this should always remain clear: find out what needs attention and take care of any problems right away.

It helps you follow up on any new issues that may have sprung up and make sure everything is in order. But, of course, you can never be too careful when it comes to your rental property, so err on the side of caution and keep making regular visits until you are sure there are no more problems.

When visiting, take time to look around to see if there is anything that you could improve or change, whether it’s about the premise’s security features or their organization and cleanliness. It isn’t always easy to remember what was wrong when looking at things from afar; by visiting regularly, you can make sure any problems get fixed before they turn into more significant issues later.

Learn More About Your Tenants

Learning about your tenants is essential for several reasons. You can know whether your tenants are good people to have around the property, but you can also use this information as leverage when setting prices and expectations. For example, if one tenant has a history of noise complaints from other neighbors, it might be time to set some ground rules around late-night activities to prevent future problems before they start.

Hire a Property Manager

Hiring a property manager is a great way to improve efficiency for your rental property. A professional management company can help you keep up with repairs, changes in tenant information and set appropriate fees for the cost of the rent. These are only a few ways that hiring a property manager will increase overall performance when renting out your valuable properties.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you own rental property, several things will help improve management efficiency. By keeping these tips in mind, it’s easy to see why hiring managers can have such an impact on your bottom line as well as creating more free time.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Why Eating Vegetarian Is A Good Diet Choice

September 28, 2021 Looking for the Light17 Comments

Switching to a vegetarian diet is not for everyone. If you are, however, one of those people that can live off of vegetables and getting your proteins from vegetable-based foods, then switching to being a vegetarian may be a great choice for you. Vegetarian food is more clean, light, and has several health benefits. You need not switch to a vegetarian diet permanently, but if you are feeling that you need to take some time away from meat to cleanse, then going veggie could be what you need to feel better faster. Here are a few ways you can go veggie and still feel like yourself.

Plant-Based “Meat”

There are now several plant-based types of meat on the market. These alternatives have been flavored to taste just like the real thing, and many people who have chosen to switch to these products say that they cannot taste the difference. Switching to meat-less meat is good for you in that you are not getting animal products of fat or certain greases or oils into your diet. The meal will also rest lighter in your stomach and your digestion time will be faster than when your body has to use all of its enzymes to break down the animal meat in your body. It is recommended that you take yourself off of meat gradually so that you don’t fully shock your body. Start with pork and beef and then eventually get yourself off of chicken.

Eat Vegetarian Pasta

Not only can you get pasta made from vegetables like zucchini pasta, but you can also take regular pasta and make veggie pasta dishes. This alternative to meat pasta or pasta with meat sauces makes for a lighter dish that won’t weigh you down or make you feel tired. The veggie pasta is much lighter and the nutritional value is higher because you can mix soybeans for protein and taste along with carrots, peas, corn, asparagus, and a variety of other vegetables into the dish. With a light oil-based sauce mixed in with the food, you won’t have to worry about anything too high in acid that can affect the balance of your stomach. This dish will leave you feeling very light and full.

Popeye Was Right

If you have ever watched the Popeye cartoon series you know that spinach is what gave him all of his power. He was right. Spinach is a great source of iron, so if you are going off of red meat, which is full of iron, spinach is a replacement that will keep your iron levels up and keep you energized. Iron helps build muscle and helps with growth and development. Iron helps the red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body. If you are going vegetarian then you won’t have to worry about losing that very important mineral in your body. Spinach can be used as the base of a salad or it can be a great side dish at meals. If you are going off meat, then go to the store and get yourself a bag of spinach fast.

Now that you have seen some dietary changes you can make, what are the actual benefits of changing your diet?

Reduce Diabetes

When you eat a plant-based diet, you will have several health benefits and one of them is the reduced risk of diabetes. Because your diet will be virtually free from refined sugars, you won’t have to worry about the risk of developing blood sugar that is too high. You will find yourself getting sugars from other places like in fruit, but that can be easily managed.

Lower Blood Pressure

You will find a lower risk of having high blood pressure from having a vegetarian diet. Most fruits and vegetables are low in sodium, fat, and cholesterol so the risk of your blood pressure going up is highly reduced.

There are other benefits of vegetarian diets like lowering the risk of asthma by reducing the intake of foods that cause inflammation, good bone health by eliminating the loss of calcium from animal products, and good heart health by eliminating ingredients that can cause blockages in arteries. Overall, you will be making a good choice by going vegetarian. You don’t have to go vegetarian forever, but if you are prone to or have a family history of some of these ailments, going vegetarian for a short period of time can help you reduce these risks and help you get on track to a healthier lifestyle.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Men & Womens Health

The Benefits of Renting an Apartment

September 28, 2021 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

Depending on what your goal is and what you are looking for in life, renting an apartment might be the best option for you. There are many benefits that come with renting an apartment, here are just a few to help you make your decision.

Amenities

One of the key benefits of renting an apartment is that you get to live in a complex that offers a wide range of amenities, such as a swimming pool, fitness center, tennis courts, dog parks, etc. These kinds of perks would be too costly to have on your own property or apartment, but complexes include these offers in the lease agreements, which means you can enjoy them at a much more affordable price.

Flexibility

Rental contracts offer a lot more flexibility, as you can stay in an apartment for as long, or as short as you like. Although a length of time has to be agreed upon, signing the lease, can range from 6 months to 5 years. This means you can get up and move apartments fairly often, trying out new locations, price points, decor, layouts, etc. It also means more flexibility with money. You of course need enough to pay the deposit and rent, but that is a much smaller amount tied up in the lease, as opposed to the sizable deposit you have to make that is left tied up in a purchase.

Location

Renting an apartment not only means you can move around more often if you wish, to try new locations, but you can also easily access more sought-after areas, for example, in the center of the City. This is because prices are much more accessible for renters, as opposed to those looking to purchase, who will see prices skyrocket for popular locations. This means you can reap the benefits, without the cost.

Quality

In most cases, the apartments are of top quality, as it is the goal of the landlords to fulfill the spaces. Most rental apartments need to be in good enough condition and meet certain standards, to be put on the market and habitable. In apartment complexes, you usually have dedicated staff on hand to keep up with the cleaning and maintenance of the complex and amenities. Renting also means access to high-quality apartments, as high-quality properties for sale tend to be priced significantly higher.

Repairs

In a typical lease, there will be certain things you are responsible for, but there are also many things the landlord is responsible for too, such as repairs. This means if something breaks, that is not your fault, you can call the landlord to get it fixed. This takes a huge burden off your shoulders, as well as saves you a lot of money in the long run.

There are many benefits to renting an apartment. For more information, take a look at https://www.liveiconlouisville.com/.

Find exactly what you need when you need it.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

How To Lower Costs In Your Search For A Safe Home

September 28, 2021 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

Anyone looking for a family home needs to consider essentials including school catchment, child-friendly amenities, and, as we’ll be discussing here, local crime rates. After all, no parent actively wants to take their children into a well-known danger zone, especially in light of risks including home break-ins, drugs, and other criminal activities that could have a knock-on effect.

The trouble is that with crime rates directly impacting house prices, buying in the most obviously ‘safe’ neighborhoods often means price tags that remain out of reach for many of us. On the surface, this can make it seem like there’s no other option than to either redirect our property searches altogether or compromise somewhere along the line. But, what if we were to tell you that there is an easier, and cheaper, way to buy in a safe space? Keep on reading to find out how!

Consider complex living

One of the best ways to ensure low crime rates regardless of your zip code is to simply consider complex living. With 24/7 maintenance and typically secure access, options like these Willow Crossings apartments provide undeniably, and more importantly affordable, safety benefits. Regardless of where you’re moving, these benefits can ensure safe streets for your kids to play on, as well as almost eliminating the possibility of break-ins. The typically close communities in areas like these also mean that you’ll be able to develop trusting relationships, and ensure that no matter what they’re doing, your kids are surrounded by friends who you know to be safe and trustworthy.

Avoid already expensive areas

There’s no denying that the appeal of low crime rates can increase property value overall, but that doesn’t automatically have to outweigh your budget if you choose your areas wisely. Obviously, an already pricey suburban area may well be out of reach when you add low crime on top of that. However, buying in safe areas across affordable states like Mississippi (e.g. Madison and Brandon) could still see you enjoying the fourteenth-lowest violent crime rate in the US. As such, research, and price comparisons that help you to avoid already costly areas should mean that you can quickly offset the price of safety, to begin with.

Look to the future

As well as researching crime rates as they stand, it’s also well worth considering the future of any given area. This is true of any house search, where buying in locations in the pipeline for development can ensure bargain prices and steep increases. For safety purposes, especially, expansions and improvements that facilitate increases in police presence and a generally transformed population mean that, even if crime rates aren’t the best right now, they soon could be. And, getting ahead of that trend is almost guaranteed to see you paying less for the privilege.

Safety matters, but so does cost. Find a happy middle ground between the two by keeping these considerations in mind as you search for your next family home.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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

Grieving After Suicide

September 28, 2021 Looking for the Light4 Comments

As a part of Suicide Awareness Month, I want to talk about those left behind. Those left to grieve.

Grieving after suicide is complex and gutwrenching. Everyone grieves differently and heals in their own time but the process can be a difficult one. This is my story.