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

From Family Cookbook-Rocky Road Fudge

The family cookbook contains recipes my Gramps and Granny used often. It is the type of food I grew up on: good ole Southern food, from my Gramps’ dumplings to Granny’s pecan pie.

This recipe is a keeper! My brother and I would beg Granny to make it.

What You Need

1 can condensed milk

1 cup chocolate chips

1 cup peanut chips

2 cups tiny marshmallows

2 cups chopped nuts

How To Make

Stir and melt chips and milk over medium heat, don’t scorch

Stir all the time and fold in marshmallows and nuts

Spread on buttered oblong pan and cool.

It is worth forgetting about the calorie count.

Melinda

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Celebrate Life · Family · Health and Wellbeing · Holiday · Men & Womens Health

Have A Blessed Hanukkah

I wish you happiness and health on this joyous occasion. I hope you have the pleasure of spending time with family and friends. Breathe in the sunshine of this special holiday.

 

Melinda

 

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

Have A Blessed Christmas

I pray you and your family have a blessed Christmas day. Christmas traditions like gathering with the family for a good meal and exchanging gifts are great memories. I hope you will take the time while the family is all together to count your blessing and be grateful for the help God has given your family in 2024. Remember Jesus is the reason for the season.

If you don’t celebrate Christmas, I wish you and your family the best leading up to the New Year. May 2025 bring you great joy.

Melinda

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

From Family Cookbook-Oat Meal Lace Cookies

The family cookbook contains recipes, my Grandparents used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like dumplings, and pecan pie. Some recipes have been passed down or from other family members recipe. 

Ingredients

1 stick butter

1 cup sugar

1 cup quick oatmeal

1 egg

2 tb. vanilla

2 tsp. flour

1 cup finely chopped pecans

Cookie sheet

 

 

How To Make

Cream butter and sugar until combined

Add egg, and vanilla, and blend.

Add oatmeal, flour, and nuts, and mix until combined

Use a teaspoon to measure with

Drop mixture 2 inches apart on a folded lined cookie sheet

Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.

Cool and slide off the foil

Store in an airtight container

This recipe was a favorite of Granny’s.

Melinda

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Blogging · Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Mental Health

Sending A Special Thank You To Those Who Comment The Most

One of the greatest rewards of slowing down on writing is that it has allowed me to spend more time communicating with the bloggers who comment. I thank each of you who have left your comments, they are the lifeblood and the joy of blogging. I appreciate the time you’ve taken to share with me, it brings a smile every time

Here are the bloggers who have commented the most this year.

. JoAnna avatarJoAnna 655

sedge808 avatarsedge808 461

Mary K. Doyle avatarMary K. Doyle 393

Willie Torres Jr. avatarWillie Torres Jr. 211

Cindy Georgakas avatarCindy Georgakas 127

I appreciate you reading my post and sharing your thoughts with me, You’re the best.

Melinda

 

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

From Family Cookbook-Syrup For Candied Sweet Potatoes

The family cookbook contains recipes that my Grandparents used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.

What You Need

3 or 4 cups sugar

1 cup water

Half a stick of butter

Medium pot

 

How To Make

Cook until butter is melted

Cook at 400 degrees until brown.

Pour over potatoes

Melinda

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

Sugar Scrub Skin Benefits

Willow & Sage by Stampington

Simple to make, classic sugar scrubs are a must-have item for your skin routine. They not only help remove dead skin cells, improve circulation, unclog pores, and prevent ingrown hairs, but they also leave your skin feeling soft and smooth- a necessary tool during cold winter months. You can use a sugar scrub one or two times are week. For sensitive skin, you’ll want to watch how your skin reacts and perhaps exfoliate less often.

4 Basic Benefits

Boost skin circulation

Exfoliates dead skin

Improves skin texture

Moisturizing dry skin

Which Type of Sugar To Use

Scalp: Brown Sugar

Faces: Sanding/Caster Sugar

Lips: Brown Sugar

Hands: White granulated sugar

Legs: Cane sugar

Feet: Raw/Turbinado sugar

Melinda

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

“Walk in the Woods” Bubble Bath

Willow & Grace by Stampington

You Will Need

Bowl: Large

1 cup Castile soap: unscented/citrus

1/4 cup distilled water

2 tsp. sea salt

2 TB. vegetable glycerin

Spoon

15-30 drops cedarwood essential oil

15-20 drops of frankincense essential oil

10-15 drops clary sage essential oil

10-15 drop vanilla essential oil (optional)

2 TB raw honey (optional)

Airtight container: 8 oz

To Make

In a large bowl, combine the Castile soap, distilled water, sea salt, and vegetable glycerin, and stir gently until well combined. Add cedarwood, frankincense, clary sage, and vanilla essential oil if using. Start with the lower amount of 15 drops each and adjust to your preference.

For an extra moisturizing boost, stir in the raw honey, if desired. Pour mixture into airtight container of choice for easy storage.

To enjoy, run a warm bath and add 1/4-1/2 cup of bubble bath under running water. Relax and soak in the woody aroma.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Music

#Weekend Music Share-Georgia Satellites – Keep Your Hands To Yourself (Live)

Great song to be celebrated in every state!

It’s the weekend!!!!!!

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

Have a great weekend!

Melinda

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 use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.

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

Deep Thoughts

In this fast-paced social media world, finding time to look within or back in time can be difficult. I hope you find these quotes and questions interesting. I’m so glad you stopped by today!

We believe: 

An ordinary life can be extraordinary; there is beauty in IMPERFECTION, and the magic can be found in the everyday.

bellagracemagazine.com

Melinda

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

Holiday Lip Scrub

Willow & Sage by Stampington.com

You will need

Yields 3 Tins

Bowl: small

4 1/2 TB brown sugar

1 tsp. gingerbread spice/ground cinnamon

1 1/2 TB fractionated coconut oil

Spoon

Storage tins: 0.5 oz (3)

Sprinkles: gingerbread man (optional)

To Make

In a small bowl, add brown sugar, ground spices/cinnamon, and coconut oil, and mix until the ingredients are well blended. Pack the holiday lip scrub into storage tins. Decorate with gingerbread man sprinkles if desired.

Sounds yummy and sends you into Winter and the holiday season. Would make great gifts.

Melinda

 

Celebrate Life · Family · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Holiday

Wordless Wednesday-Christmas Ornaments

I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and I hope to see you soon.

 

 

These are a few of my favorite ornaments. The Santa in the first photo is made of sterling silver and I forgot who designed it. The other ornaments are made by hand with European glass by Christopher Radko.

Melinda

https://www.christopherradko.com/pages/how-we-make-our-ornaments

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

From Our Family Cookbook-Pecan Pie

The family cookbook contains recipes my Grandparents used and the type of food I grew up on: good ole Southern food like dumplings and pecan pie.

Pecan Pie

What You Need

1/4 ts. vanilla

3 eggs

1 cup sugar

3 tbs. flour

1/2 stick butter or margarine

3/4 cup white Karo

1 cup pecan’s chopped

 

 

How To Make

Sprinkle pecans in the bottom of unbaked pie crust

Add filling

Bake at 300 degrees for about an hour

In a bowl add together all of the ingredients except for chopped pecans. Let the butter/margarine get soft before adding

Sprinkle pecans in the bottom of unbaked pie crust

Add filling

Bake at 300 degrees for about an hour

One of the most important things is not to overcook. Take the pie out when there is only a small part in the middle that shakes

I’ve made this Pecan Pie so many times, it’s easy and delicious.

This is a great pie year-round, but it was always on the table at the holidays.

Melinda

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

Fan Favorite Creamy No-Dairy Tricks

If you crave creamy foods but don’t care for or can’t eat dairy, these vegan substitutes for heavy cream will help.

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels.com

Elizabeth Shaw

Cashew Cream

“Cashews are frequently used in dairy-free products because they provide a texture similar to dairy without tasting like a nut,” Shaw says. “Cashew cream can easily be made with cashews, water, and salt.” If you can’t eat nuts, pureed white beans work similarly. 

Best In: sauces, mousses, salad dressings

Dairy-Free Milk + Olive Oil

Once blended, this combo mimics the higher fat content that gives heavy cream its thick, silky texture and taste. Shaw says-but it’s not a one-for-one substitute, so you’ll have to add it in stages until you get the consistency you’re looking for. 

Best In: sauces, soups, stews

Coconut Cream

It’s like a thicker, creamier coconut milk, and you’ll want to buy it sweetened or unsweetened depending on what you are using it for. If you can’t find it or already have full-fat coconut milk on hand, you can DIY it. “Place the coconut milk can upside down in the fridge overnight, then drain to remove the milk solids. Place the solids in a chilled bowl and whip with a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy.” Shaw says.

Best In: mousses, whipped cream, sauces, curries 

Silkin Tofu + Plant Milk

“This combination is a great alternative and can be made by blending equal parts of each-plus, it boosts the protein of your recipe,” saw Shaw. It’s also lower in fat than heavy cream but still delivers the vibe you’re looking for. 

Best In: sauces, dressings, smoothies, puddings

Enjoy!

Melinda

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Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Family · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Self-Care

Looking For Joy In 2025

2024 has been a difficult year for David and me health-wise. There are still unresolved health issues from my visit to The Mayo Clinic for which I have several specialists to see in 2025. The most difficult has been that David was diagnosed with three types of cancer this year. The first was CLL Leukemia, Skin Cancer, and most recently Small Cell Lymphocytic Lymphoma. It is common for Skin Cancer to follow Leukemia but the Lymphoma was quite a surprise. Leukemia and Lymphoma are two different cancers and very alarming to me. We’re still waiting to see if radiation treatment is the next step.

We don’t focus on it or the future, we rarely talk about it except after doctor appointments. We focus on the blessings we have and live life for tomorrow.

We know God has a plan for each of us and we are cool with his plan.

Melinda

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

Feeling Sad for No Reason? Potential Causes and Coping Tips

Feeling sad all the time for no specific reason doesn’t always mean you have depression, but it does suggest you could be experiencing something more complex than sadness alone.

Sadness is a temporary state that often has a clear cause, like a big disappointment, the loss of someone close to you, or bad news from someone you love. 

This type of sadness can fluctuate throughout the day. In certain moments, the emotional burden might feel particularly heavy. You might cry often, feel numb or drained, and struggle to concentrate. 

At other times — when you get lost in something you enjoy or when a loved one distracts you — your sorrow may seem light enough that you can barely feel its weight. While it might linger in some form for days or weeks, it generally begins to ease naturally.

Persistent sadness is something else entirely. It can wrap around you like a heavy blanket, muffling the sensations and joy of everyday life. This sadness can leave you feeling low, empty, and defeated. You don’t know what caused your unhappiness, so you have no idea how to start feeling better.

Feeling sad isn’t at all unusual. After all, sorrow is a normal human response to disappointment and loss. Sadness that doesn’t have a clear reason behind it and doesn’t seem to improve, however, may suggest something else is going on.

Could it be depression?

While not everyone with depression will feel sad, unexplainable sadness you can’t seem to shake is one of the primary signs of depression. 

If your sadness does relate to depression, you’ll likely feel sad nearly all of the time — almost every day, for most of each day, for a period of 2 weeks or longer. Sadness, in other words, seems to become a constant companion. 

With depression, you’ll experience other symptoms, too. If several of the signs below accompany your sad or tearful mood, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with depression:

Chronic sadness, especially when related to depression, might also prompt regular thoughts of death or suicide. Even if you don’t have a plan to act on these thoughts, it’s always best to talk to someone you trust and get support right away (more on how to do this later).

Other factors to consider

You might begin to notice your feelings of sadness, along with any other symptoms you experience, follow a specific pattern. Depression can take different forms, and various underlying factors can have an impact on the way your symptoms show up. 

A few things to look for:

Rapid shifts in mood

People living with bipolar disorder often experience episodes of depression as part of a cycle that also includes episodes of mania or hypomania

You might notice you suddenly feel intensely happy, even euphoric. This abrupt change in mood might also involve:

  • impulsive behavior
  • restlessness and irritability
  • a renewed sense of energy that leaves you fixating on certain projects or activities
  • an increase in confidence and self-esteem
  • less of a need for sleep

This episode might last a week, or longer. 

Somewhere around 40 percentTrusted Source of people with bipolar disorder have what’s known as mixed features. You could experience sadness and other symptoms of depression at the same time as mania. 

This combination of symptoms can make it harder to understand what you’re experiencing, which could add to your distress. 

Seasonal sadness

Maybe your sadness seems to arrive or intensify around the same time of year the days begin to shorten. Once the longer, sunnier days of spring and summer arrive, you feel better, year after year.

It’s pretty common to feel a little low in autumn and winter. The nights get long and cold, and there are plenty of days when you may not even see the sun.

If this seasonal sadness persists and becomes serious enough to affect daily life, you could have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs along with seasonal changes. 

Along with other common depression symptoms, you might also notice:

  • angry, pessimistic, or frustrated thoughts about the weather
  • withdrawal or increased avoidance of social settings 
  • an increased desire to eat and sleep

To read the complete article here.

There are many reasons we feel sad, and luckily, there’s a wealth of knowledge to help you navigate. My first step would be to call your doctor.

Melinda

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

5 Creative Projects To Help Focus Your Mind

A creative project is a great way to focus your mind and spend some downtime. Art, gardening, craft, and DIY are all very therapeutic. You’ll feel more relaxed and gain some perspective. Creativity is the perfect way to channel stress and anxiety. Put your overactive mind to good use and make something you’ll cherish forever. There are plenty of different kinds of ideas depending on your interests. Here are five creative projects to help focus your mind.

                                                                                                                Photo by Daria Shevtsova on Pexels.com

Paint by numbers

Paint by Numbers is an example of a trendy craft gone viral during lockdown. It is incredibly therapeutic and relaxing, and not just for kids anymore. Even though you’re following instructions, it still requires a lot of patience and hard work. Paint by numbers is a good compromise if you like art but aren’t necessarily an experienced painter. You’ll be able to enjoy the results without being a natural artist. You can display your painting proudly for all your family and friends.

Winter Flowers

There are several reasons why gardening is so therapeutic. It’s a great way to get back in touch with nature and gain some perspective. Sun and fresh air also go a long way. Even when the seasons start to change, this doesn’t mean you have to be a fair-weather garden. There are plenty of winter flowers you can plant such as pansies and jasmine that grow all year round. If you want to keep it inside you could even build your own mini zen garden, or decorate the house with plants.

Customize your car

If you’re the type that likes to get your hands dirty then why not sink yourself into a project in the garage? Customize your car to your liking this fall. Automotive Stuff is an example of a site where you can find your own parts. You can even trade car parts online with other car owners. If you prefer, start small with the interior, or even work under the hood. If you’re passionate about cars you could invest in a used vehicle to revamp.

Make your own bath products

You’d be surprised how many simple products you can make at home. All you need is some essential oils and a couple of household ingredients, and you can make a variety of bath products. This is a more eco-friendly option as well, not to mention thrifty. If you want to use your creativity to make something you’re going to use, then bath products are ideal. You can even give them as gifts to your family and friends.

Upcycle your furniture

Whether you decide to flip the furniture or keep it, it’s easy to see why upcycling has become such a popular pastime. You could invest in some second-hand furniture at your local thrift store and turn it into a creative project. For example, you could find an old photo frame, print your Domonique Rodgers NC State print, and hang it on the wall. Creating Upcycling is a fun way to revamp furniture or repurpose other items. Perhaps you can find a new use for some old things around the house. It’s very therapeutic and satisfying. 

This a collaborative post. 

Melinda

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Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Mental Health · Music

#Weekend Music Share-Foreigner – I Want To Know What Love Is (Official Music Video)

My life without Foreigner would be an empty one. I love every tune and have had so many great memories with the tunes playing in the background.

It’s the weekend!!!!!!

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

Have a great weekend!

Melinda

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 use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.

Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Self-Care

Unconventional Treatments To Tackle Menopause

The media plays a role not only in misinformation about menopause but also in how it portrays women with menopause. Tune out the riff-raff and look for real answers. Menopause has been a woman’s curse long before I knew what it was and how it affected the lives of women. There are thousands of books on the market about menopause and I thought maybe it was time to look at the unconventional ways women deal with the debilitating symptoms.

Let’s look at unconventional options to help with menopause

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance energy flow. Some women report reduced hot flashes, night sweats, and improved mood after regular sessions. While scientific evidence is mixed, it might be worth a try if you’re open to alternative therapies.

Herbal Remedies

  • Black Cohosh: Often used for hot flashes and mood swings. Some studies suggest it can be effective, but it’s not suitable for everyone.
  • Red Clover: Contains plant-based estrogens that may help with hot flashes, though results vary.
  • Evening Primrose Oil: Known for helping with breast pain and hot flashes. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any herbal supplements.

Yoga and Meditation

These practices can help manage stress, improve sleep, and enhance overall well-being. Yoga, in particular, can increase flexibility and strength, which is beneficial during menopause.

Dietary Changes

Adopting a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help manage symptoms. The Mediterranean diet, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, can be particularly beneficial.

Essential Oils

  • Lavender Oil: Known for its calming properties, it can help reduce stress and improve sleep.
  • Peppermint Oil: Can provide a cooling sensation, which may help with hot flashes.

Biofeedback

This technique involves learning to control certain physiological functions, such as heart rate and muscle tension, with the help of a biofeedback device. It can be effective in managing stress and related symptoms.

Hypnotherapy

Some studies suggest hypnotherapy can reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes and improve sleep quality.

Remember, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatments, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Health-Related Reading Material

Understanding the Connection Between Menopause and Heart Rate Changes

Why Does Menopause Increase Your Risk of Heart Disease?

Natural Treatments for Menopause Symptoms

Maybe you can find something that works for you or at least reduces the symptoms.

Melinda

Reference:

https://copilot.microsoft.com

Healthline

https://www.webmd.com/menopause/menopause-natural-treatments

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

Wordless Wednesday-Winter Wonderland

I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and I hope to see you soon.

 

Melinda

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

Easy DIY Self-Care Eye Pads

From Makeup and Beauty

This DIY is easy and super quick to do. It can also be done in the comfort of your own kitchen platform to relieve your eyes of all the exhaustion and get rid of the dullness around the eyes.

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

You need:

Carrot (Known for its discoloration properties, carrot juice would help you get rid of the darkness and dullness around eyes)

Cucumber (Known for its cooling properties, cucumber would help in distressing your eyes giving them a relaxed effect)

Raw Milk (Known for its anti-tan properties, milk has always come handy in getting rid of dark circles around eyes)

Rose water (For the relaxation it provides to tired eyes)

Round Cotton Pads

Grater

To make the Eye Pads:

Grate about a teaspoon full of carrot in a bowl

Now, add some grated cucumber to the carrot.

Add about a teaspoon of raw milk (unheated) to this mixture.

Now, add a teaspoon full of rose water to this.

Now let this mixture rest for about 20 minutes to let the carrot and cucumber soak properly in the milk and rose water mixture.

Now, squeeze out the carrot and cucumber pulp and put the juice in a separate bowl.

Now, take the cotton pads separate the two sheets of cotton, and spread a thin layer of the pulp onto one side of the cotton.

Now take about a teaspoon of the juice extract and spread it over the thin layer.

Make a sandwich by closing the thin layer sheet with its other cotton sheet.

You have homemade eye pads ready with all the goodness of natural ingredients which will not only relax your eyes but will also deal with the dark circles and the dullness of your eyes.

I hope you enjoy this easy-to-make self-care treat and remember you are worth it! Self-care is mental health care.

Melinda

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

Blogger Highlight-Croatia, the War, and the Future

Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight the blog Croatia, the War, and the Future. We have followed each other for several years and I have learned much from her. I’m not particularly interested in Croatian politics but her posts teach the history, and how Croatia has evolved.

Croatia, the War, and the Future

Ina Vukic – Croatia: people, politics, history, economy, transitioning from communism to democracy

Ina has been a tireless volunteer on humanitarian aid and fundraising for victims of war in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially war orphans. From 1991 to beginning of 1994 she contributed in lobbying for international recognition of Croatian independence and Croatia’s rights in defending its territory and people from military aggression by Serbian forces. For this dedicated voluntary work Ina was awarded two Medals of Honour by the first president of the Republic of Croatia in 1995 (Commemorative Medal of the Homeland War and Order of the Croatian Trefoil). Ina has also written hundreds articles for newspapers in Australia and Croatia on the plight of Croatian people for freedom and self-determination, developing democracy in former communist countries. She holds two graduate and one post-graduate university degrees, specialising in behaviour, clinical and political psychology and management.

Ina has done some incredible work in her career including working with Vietnam Veterans for which I’m grateful. 

Questions I ask Ina:

M.

I remember you saying you worked with Vietnam Veterans, can you share a paragraph about your work? 

I.

I guess Australia was not different to the USA when it came to Vietnam Veterans suffering PTSD and for many it became chronic and lifelong. I believe up to 30% of Vietnam Veterans suffered PTSD, some acute and relatively short term and for most it became chronic albeit in varying degrees of severity of symptoms between individuals.  As a Clinical Psychologist in Sydney Australia, I worked in the Mental Health Hospital system mainly concentrating on disorder diagnostics and behaviour therapy in people with disabilities including dual diagnosis with mental illness as one of the two and cognitive impairment as the other. Outside my normal working hours, I also maintained into the late 1990’s a private psychological service through which I offered therapy and support to several Vietnam Veterans who had chronic PTSD and needed long-term support in order to maintain employment and family relationships at a good level. The purpose of my work was to reduce symptoms of PTSD especially concentrating on spousal relationship, which is an aspect of normal life that often suffers the most in PTSD sufferers and their spouses. Being useful in life, being and staying meaningfully employed and managing family and personal relationships were the main focus points to living with PTSD despite the horrors seen and experienced on the war front that haunt sufferers for decades.   

M.

Are there other jobs you are extremely proud of?

I.

Paid jobs I am extremely proud of revolve around my roles as Manager and then CEO of disability services that focused on closing institutions in which people with disabilities lived and helping them move into normal houses in the community. This was achieved by early 1990’s in the state of New South Wales in Australia and I was so proud to have played a significant and instrumental role in this in Sydney. After that my job as CEO of government-funded disability services for more than two decades was to ensure that people with disabilities become a part of the normal community they live in, that human rights and anti-discrimination measures are in place and that access to everything a community life has to offer, with appropriate assistance, happens for them.   

The unpaid job I am extremely proud of over the many years, which I applied myself to in my free time, was political activism and lobbying foreign governments from Australia to help Croatian people achieve independence from communist Yugoslavia. My family was one of hundreds of thousands families that in late 1950’s and early 1960’s, as applicable to my family, felt hard communist oppression to the point of being denied work because one did not accept the communist party, and consequently had no alternative in life but to emigrate from Yugoslavia in search of freedom and living life without fear. Australia offered a safe haven and “the sky is the limit” if you put your mind to it sort of opportunities in life.  After in May 1991 almost 94% of voters in Croatia voted for independence at the referendum I became one of the most politically active women of Croatian origins in Australia (and Western-world-wide) with view to help Croatia achieve independence and win the was of aggression that was waged against her because people wanted independence from Yugoslavia and a rule of democracy, not communism, not socialism.  Besides these activities I engaged relentlessly in fundraising for humanitarian aid, particularly for the many refugees, displaced, and children who had lost one or both parents in the war. I was and still am very proud of the two Medals of Honour I had received in 1995 from the President of Croatia for my exceptional and significant contribution to the Homeland War and the creation of the democratic and independent state of Croatia. 

M.

 Do you have a favorite post to share?  

I.

https://inavukic.com/2013/09/11/croatian-hero-of-911-lt-anthony-jovic/

I guess the above post on 9/11 tragedy detail would be among my favourite posts because it holds within it the wonderful reality that people from all backgrounds and ethnic descents give their lives in efforts to save others no matter where they are or where they have grown up. And it this post it happens to be an American Croatian. 

I am also quite partial to this post as it demonstrates bravery for an “adopted” country that after immigration becomes the second homeland. 

https://inavukic.com/2013/11/11/war-veterans-in-u-s-a-of-croatian-descent/

One of my favorite post

Croatian Folklore Costume Culture in the Diaspora

I love seeing the national dress and culture of other countries. This post takes you there. 

Be sure to stop by, say hello to Ina, and pull up a chair to read her fascinating posts. 

Melinda

Looking for the Light

 

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

Daily Om Courses And Daily Inspirational Thoughts

Daily Om came to my attention last week and I want to share all the great low-fee courses with you. You can also sign up to receive Daily Inspirations via email. I’m not endorsing the company and have not taken any of their courses but many of the topics look right up my alley.

Our Story 

In 2004, Madisyn Taylor and Scott Blum founded DailyOM with a prescient vision: to bring the world together by offering inspirational messages delivered to your inbox each day. This groundbreaking vision launched DailyOM as one of the first spiritual newsletters on the internet.

Now, nearly twenty years later, DailyOM has grown from a small community of a few hundred subscribers into a thriving global wellness movement of over 3.5 million people dedicated to personal empowerment, growth, and transformation. As DailyOM has evolved, we’ve expanded our offerings to include a growing library of courses, information, and products. Whether it’s self-improvement, spirituality, health, or fitness, our team and worldwide community of teachers empower people to realize their potential in mind, body, spirit, and heart.

Awaken to Your Full Potential

Our mission is to inspire and empower your journey to greater wellness, healing, and transformation through holistic courses and resources from leading experts around the world.

Inspirations

Inspirational thoughts for a happy and fulfilling day.

Read Today’s Inspiration

A few of the courses offered

Quitting Self-Created Loneliness

End Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Re-Parent Your Inner Child

Karmic Relationships: How to Identify Them and Break Free

You Are What You Think

One thing I like about the site is the drop-down menu which allows you to choose the type of courses specific to your needs.

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I will certainly browse the courses available, I’ve already seen a couple that looks interesting

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.dailyom.com/?aff=101&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=brandeds&acct=F109XYCQ&msclkid=9c601715697919010470705198e35842&utm_term=om%20daily%20courses&utm_content=GS%20-%20US%20-%20General%20Branded%20Terms