Hey, You are the greatest! So glad you stopped by today. Have a great weekend.
Reference:
https://www.thefactsite.com/top-100-random-funny-facts/
Enjoy!
Melinda
Hey! So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments each week.
Melinda
After trying and finding relief in Delta 8 CBD gummies as opposed to CDB oil, I’ve been on a mission to try several brands in an effort to find my go-to brand or brands. I’ve tried seven so far and have found two that I like and Kind Oasis is my go-to brand, for now, I’m no longer shopping around.
This post may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission, they don’t cost you more and help fund my coffee habit.
Citrus Splash 30mg per gummy
I love them! Melts like light jello and has no aftertaste. A hint of citrus flavor.
The 30mg is the way to go if you are looking for the full Delta 8 effect. This one is very relaxing, it helped me go back to sleep and ease my mind from wondering. I didn’t take sleeping pills for two weeks. These help me get to a state of harmony. These are my favorite so far!
Tri-flavor 25mg per gummy
I dislike them, they are too hard and have bad artificial flavor after taste.
I dislike these all the way around. I did not feel the same relaxing effect as the other 25mg gummy. They weren’t the least expensive either.
Watermelon 25mg gummy
Taste horrible! The initial sugar-coated taste was promising but the strong after taste is not worth buying for. I didn’t take enough to say if they worked because I could not eat anymore.
Pomegranate 25mg gummy
These are by far the worst! They are hard to chew and taste bad. To make it worse, I felt no effect of the Delta 8. I would not spend my money on this one. I made the mistake of buying two of these since they were on sale, shame on me!
Tangerine 30mg gummy
These have a soft jelly-like consistency and taste good with no after-taste. Green Garden Gold knows how to make a gummy! They’re vegan and work! I take one when I start my nightly routine and after 15-20 minutes I start to feel that relaxing feeling come over me. I don’t have a care in the world and my stress is lifted. These are a keeper and I will buy them again for sure.
Strawberry 10mg gummy
The Delta 8 Tangerine gummies were great but these Delta 9’s are terrible. The worst I’ve tasted in fact they made me gag. I threw $100 worth of product in the trash.
Citrus 25mg gummy
I found these listed on a Top 10 list of Forbes and thought I would try them. They are a harder jello-like consistency but the taste is to be desired. They aren’t horrible but I don’t like the aftertaste. I don’t understand why it’s so hard to make a great-tasting gummy.
Have you tried Delta 8 gummies? I would love to hear your feedback!
Melinda
As we approach the Fourth of July holiday in America, I’m reminded of a time when I was healthy and enjoyed a drink or two. Many people with chronic health conditions don’t drink but may still have cravings for a good cocktail.
Serves: 4
Notes
If you are not using organic cucumber, I would suggest that you peel the skin of the cucumber. Some cucumbers have bitter skin, so it would be better to peel the skin.
1 wedge lime
4 ounces *brewed jasmine green tea, chilled
4 ounces ginger beer, chilled (I used Gosling’s)
Garnishes: Fresh sliced strawberries and additional lime wedges
Fill a glass with ice cubes. Squeeze the juice of a lime wedge over the ice and drop the lime wedge into the glass. Add the chilled green tea and ginger beer; stir gently. Garnish with strawberries and additional lime wedges.
Makes 1 drink
Here are the ingredients in a virgin piña colada recipe:
Throw these in a blender, and you’ve got a tasty signature drink in no time. Except you need one last required item…drink umbrellas!
Brilliant green matcha makes this healthy mocktail creamy and comforting. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants and features a little kick of caffeine.
We recommend using a plant-based milk as the foundation for your Green Russian. This renders the drink accessible to those not consuming dairy, but it also allows the matcha to really shine; milk proteins can block the absorption of matcha’s beneficial compounds.
2 ½ cups plant-based milk
Tip: Use a richer, fuller plant milk, such as cashew, macadamia, or barista-grade oat milk.
1 ½ tablespoons matcha powder
2 oz cold coffee
Tip: Try to use cold brew coffee. Since we’re only using a little bit, you’ll want your flavor to be as full as possible. Alternatively, use mushroom coffee to achieve an earthy taste and added nutritional benefit.
2 tablespoons sugar or other sweetener
1 pinch cacao powder (optional)
1 cup ice
Warm 2 cups of your milk over low heat. Add the sugar and stir. Next, add the matcha powder and stir until fully dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside.
Next, add ice to your glasses. Once the matcha mixture has cooled, pour into the glasses. Add a quarter cup of the remaining milk to each glass. Pour a splash of cold coffee on top of the milk for a beautiful combination of colors and flavors. For added glamor (and superfood power) dust the top of the mocktail with cacao powder. Serve and enjoy!
Enjoy!
Melinda
Refernces:
Bryan Dunst discusses some of the best parenting books to read in 2022.
The Best Books To Read On Parenting In 2022 — bryandunst
Bella Grace Field Guide by Stampington
Melinda
Melinda
Running a small business is hard work. There are so many things to do and so little time! It can be tough to keep up with everything, especially when trying to grow your business. That’s why it’s important to utilize technology to help automate some of the tasks taking up your time. In this blog post, we will discuss four ways to use technology to automate your small business. Let’s get started!
If you’re still using a paper-based booking system, it’s time to switch to an online system. Many great online booking systems can save you time and help you keep track of your appointments. With an online booking system, you can easily see which days are booked and available. You can also send automatic reminders to your clients, so they don’t forget their appointment. This can save you a lot of time chasing up clients who have forgotten their appointment.
Another great way to save time is to automate your invoicing. With an automated invoicing system, you can easily send out invoices and track payments. This can save you a lot of time chasing up late payments. Many great invoicing systems are available, so do some research and find one that suits your needs. If you’re unsure where to start, we recommend FreshBooks or Xero. Both of these platforms offer a free trial to try them out before you commit to anything. Xero also provides a great mobile app to invoice on the go!
If you offer customer support, investing in an online chatbot can be a great way to save time. Chatbots are a great way to handle simple customer queries without human intervention. This can free up your time to focus on more important tasks. Many different chatbots are available, so do some research and find one that suits your business. If you’re researching the best Live chat tool for website, you’re on the right track as you can use a chatbot to automate your marketing tasks. For example, you can use a chatbot to send out automated emails or social media messages and respond to customers while you’re exercising.
If you’re working on projects with a team, it’s important to use a project management tool. This will help you to keep track of tasks and deadlines. It can also be used to communicate with your team members. There are many different project management tools available, so do some research and find one that suits your needs. Trello or Asana is recommended. Also, if you’re working with a virtual team, many great tools can help you stay organized and communicate with your team members. We recommend using Slack or Google Hangouts.
Technology has come a long way in recent years, and there are now many great ways to utilize it to automate your small business. You can save yourself time and energy by using an online booking system, automating your invoicing, investing in a chatbot, and using a project management tool.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
Workplaces usually hold social events that you are expected to attend. Company trips, zoom parties, joint video photography, farewell party, and 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
I don’t write many opinion posts, that’s not why you visit my site. In the wake of the Uvalde mass shooting, the whole trial seems like nonsense.
This whole media circus has bothered me from the start. No cameras should have been allowed in the courtroom, the judge knew this was a drama-filled case. One thing that burns me is this circus took six weeks, most murder trials don’t last that long.
If you know me at all, you know I am against abuse of any kind with all of my soul. I grew up in a domestic violence household and it took a major toll on me.
This trial was about whether Amber defamed Johnny by insinuating that she was abused in her op-ed. It was not about if Johnny abused Amber or Amber abused Johnny.
It was a defamation case! Nothing more.
I’m not vested in either one of them so this is not a yeah Johnny post.
The fact is she insinuated that Johnny abused her in the op-ed and it had a negative impact on his career.
Amber did not come out and say Johnny abused her, she didn’t own it.
These are a few of her comments after the trial along with my thoughts.
“It is a setback. It sets back the clock to a time when a woman who spoke up and spoke out could be publicly shamed and humiliated.
Amber didn’t speak up like so many women and men do every day. They speak up loudly and get the hell away from the abuser as soon as they can.
“It sets back the idea that violence against women is to be taken seriously.
This trial wasn’t about violence against women.
“I’m sad I lost this case. But I am sadder still that I seem to have lost a right I thought I had as an American – to speak freely and openly.”
She did not speak freely and openly, she insinuated abuse. There is a huge difference.
I think they are both guilty of many things but that wasn’t what was on the table. I have to look at the facts, this was a defamation case not a domestic violence case.
I don’t like her saying that the verdict sets women back. The #MeTOO movement is about women and men calling out their abusers and wanting justice. The brave women and men that finally break away from an abusive relationship want to get far away from them not write an op-ed to bring attention to something she never owned up to. If she had said he abused her it would be a different case.
I know many very strong women who have or are in the process of leaving their abuser. It’s a horrific experience and one that puts them in a very vulnerable position. I can say without hesitation that they said out loud they were abused and once they break away they run far away if they can.
What are your thoughts on the circus?
Melinda
Are you struggling with chronic pain? You’re not alone. Research suggests that millions of people struggle with issues relating to chronic pain every year. That’s why it’s important to ensure that you are taking the right steps here. For instance, you need to guarantee that you are coping effectively with chronic pain in your office environment. How can you do this?
First, you should check whether your company can provide you with the right supplies to help you cope with your chronic pain. It’s possible that they are falling short here. For instance, you could benefit from gel packs. These are great for reducing levels of inflammation which can cause chronic pain to get worse throughout the day. Your company should have these readily available and you can recommend that they purchase them from companies such as Accurate Gel Packs. Alternatively, you can buy some reusable gel ice packs for yourself to take with you to the office for your personal use.
Next, you should think about exploring ergonomic furniture options. Ergonomic furniture is great because it will allow you to work in a more comfortable position. You might think that your employers aren’t going to provide you with ergonomic furniture. Particularly, if it is expensive. However, do be aware that you have rights here and businesses could face issues if they don’t provide the right support that employees need. Examples of office furniture can include solutions such as office chairs and sit-stand desks. Some types of technology such as keyboards and mouses are also more ergonomic.
If you are struggling with chronic pain, it’s probably not going to be in your best interest to work in the office five days a week. This could put a lot of pressure on the areas that are causing you pain. That’s why you should make sure that you do consider a hybrid work model. Most employers these days are willing to provide this possibility. If yours isn’t then you might even want to think about working for another company instead.
Finally, you should make sure that you are reducing levels of stress and anxiety as much as you can. There are various studies and research papers which provide compelling evidence that stress makes chronic pain far worse overall. As such, you should think about how you can tackle levels of stress head-on. One of the ways that you could do this is with options such as yoga. Desk yoga, as you might have guessed, is something that you can complete in the typical office environment or behind a desk. You can find some great guides for this type of exercise online if you are interested.
We hope this helps you understand some of the key steps that you should take to ensure that you can effectively cope with chronic pain in your office. In doing so, you should be able to continue to work effectively without your time in the office becoming an absolute nightmare overall.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Backed by four decades of scientific research Vital Field has expanded its product line to include a Pollen Frequencell. When I received the email announcing the product I had to try it. Living in Texas is not a matter of if you’ll get allergies but when. I started having problems two years ago and walk around most days with a Kleenex in my pocket, frustrating. I contacted Communications Director Nassia Bitha and asked her to send me one to try and review.
Vital fields enable living systems – cells, organs, and micro-organisms – to transfer information and energy across the system (or body) instantly, helping the body’s cells to repair, regenerate, and protect against life’s cumulative stressors, such as toxins, stress, trauma, injury, and electrosmog.
Vital fields have been researched and developed over the past four decades by scientists and a community of over 2,800 clinics and health practitioners in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, who use them in wide health related applications, from chronic disease to athletic performance.
A patented composite material developed by a team of scientists in Austria that can charge and retain therapeutic electromagnetic frequencies with minimal emission loss, successfully tested by cell labs, practitioners, and clinics since 2017.
The composite cell material allows advanced Vital Field therapies to be stored in wearable devices, thereby significantly undercutting the cost of traditional pain-relieving techniques.
The Pollen Cell balances the mucous membrane loads in the respiratory tract, caused by pollen, and lets you go through your day without giving allergy sensitivity another thought.
Recommended use: From May to August. Alleviate discomfort from wild flowers and grass.
Research and customer testimonials show that the Pollen Cell is more effective when applied early. Results and relief might take a few days of use. Permanent use during the season is recommended.
As I’m writing this it’s Sunday and my nose has been running all morning. I’ve gone thru a handful of Kleenex and it’s only noon. I take two prescription medications for allergies but they only help so much. I’ve been working out in the backyard so my allergies are flaring. This year the allergies across the country are in full swing.
I placed the cell on my 7th cervical vertebra as instructed and waited to see what happens. I’m hopeful because I had great results with the Pain Relief cell. It’s 11:55 AM.
It’s now 2:50 PM and I realized my nose had stopped running and had not reached for a Kleenex in hours. I don’t understand the technology inside the Pollen Frequencell but I can say it works. I’m actually surprised it worked so fast.
About 6:00 PM I grabbed my first Kleenex and that’s the only one this afternoon.
If you have problems with allergies I highly recommend you check out Vital Field’s site for all the information and more about the technology. Put those allergies in their place.
Use discount code LIGHT20 for 20% off any Vital Field product.
You can see the entire Vital Field product line
I am very impressed with Vital Field and know you will be too.
Melinda
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week I highlight a new blogger, Hope Whispers.
Welcome to Hope Whispers. My name is Sarah and this is the place where I wrestle with life, looking at what it means to live with mental illness and chronic physical illness. Endeavouring to hold onto hope in spite of life’s challenges. Here I write about faith and suffering, joy and loss, recovery and relapse. Join me as I look to build a meaningful life with Depression, Anxiety and ME/CFS whilst being in Eating Disorder recovery. Trying to seek out the golden moments to be found even on the darkest days.
Be sure to check out Sarah’s site.
Melinda
Shortly after midnight on June 5, 1968, Senator Robert Kennedy is shot at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles after winning the California presidential primary. Immediately after he announced to his cheering supporters that the country was ready to end its fractious divisions, Kennedy was shot several times by 24-year-old Palestinian Sirhan Sirhan. He was pronounced dead a day later, on June 6, 1968.
A huge section of the city of Constantinople, Turkey, is set ablaze on June 5, 1870. When the smoke finally cleared, 3,000 homes were destroyed and 900 people were dead. A young girl was carrying a hot piece of charcoal to her family’s kitchen in an iron pan when she tripped, …read more
By the end of 1955, Elvis Presley had nearly 18 months of nonstop touring behind him and two dozen singles already under his belt, though his only hits were on the Country and Western charts. He was a hardworking and hard-to-categorize up-and-comer, but the next six months would …read more
On June 5, 1944, more than 1,000 British bombers drop 5,000 tons of bombs on German gun batteries placed at the Normandy assault area, while 3,000 Allied ships cross the English Channel in preparation for the invasion of Normandy—D-Day. READ MORE: How D-Day Changed the Course of …read more
On June 5, 1963, British Secretary of War John Profumo resigns his post following revelations that he had lied to the House of Commons about his sexual affair with Christine Keeler, an alleged prostitute. At the time of the affair, Keeler was also involved with Yevgeny “Eugene” …read more
Melinda
This is a great article from Vital Field’s blog that I know you’ll find interesting. I’ve had success with the Vital Field Pain Frequencell. It eliminates most if not all of my pain after a short time wearing the device. Everyone is different and it may take others longer to get relief.
This post contains affiliate links for which I earn a small commission when used, they do not cost you more and fund my coffee habit.
Individuals suffering with fibromyalgia typically live with chronic pain on a daily basis. Is there a better way to manage this pain?
Individuals suffering with fibromyalgia live with chronic, debilitating pain daily – yet they don’t appear to be hurting. In other words, there is no outward sign of injury that properly illustrates the pain they feel within.
This disconnect between how an individual with fibromyalgia feels, and how they appear to be healthy, leads to an array of challenges. These challenges include obtaining a correct diagnosis, obtaining the right treatment, and getting support from friends and family.
If fibromyalgia sufferers don’t appear to be hurt, and they seem healthy, how will they find support? Will the people in their lives understand, empathize with, or accommodate their pain? Maybe not.
Many fibromyalgia sufferers withstand chronic body pain without understanding that what they have is fibromyalgia.
Upon confirming a diagnosis, however, fibromyalgia can be treated effectively. Although there is no cure for fibromyalgia, pain management is possible through either traditional or alternative therapies, or a mixture of both.
The literal translation of the word “fibromyalgia” is “pain in the muscles.” Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic pain disorder that may cause pain in a specific area of the body. The pain may also become widespread and migrate to other areas of the body. About 10 million Americans are affected by fibromyalgia. Most fibromyalgia patients are women, though men do get diagnosed with the disorder as well. Fibromyalgia can occur in people of all ages.
The symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary from person to person. Some general symptoms include:
Fibromyalgia affects people of all ages. However, for most people, diagnosis usually occurs during middle age. Fibromyalgia also has been linked to autoimmune disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. People with PTSD, anxiety, or depression also have a higher risk of being diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
Doctors may find fibromyalgia a challenge to diagnose. Because there’s no definitive test or scan that can diagnose fibromyalgia immediately, other disorders have to be ruled out before a diagnosis of fibromyalgia can be made. Often, patients seek multiple medical opinions and have to rule out different disorders to confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
You should know that pain management is possible, even though fibromyalgia doesn’t have a cure. Pain management of fibromyalgia can be achieved through a variety of chronic pain management interventions, with a mix of traditional and alternative treatments. There are many natural and holistic pain management methods that work to reduce the pain. Unfortunately, chronic pain is the main symptom of fibromyalgia. The chronic pain can manifest as muscle tenderness or sensitivity, joint pain or stiffness, or even as full-body aches and pains. Treatment needs to include some form of daily chronic pain management. The Institute for Chronic Pain endorses interdisciplinary chronic pain rehabilitation as the “gold standard for treatment” of fibromyalgia. Studies have shown that multidisciplinary chronic pain rehabilitation was effective at reducing chronic pain and increasing quality of life among fibromyalgia sufferers. Interdisciplinary chronic pain rehabilitation consists of mild aerobic exercise and other types of physical therapy as needed, and non-narcotic pain medication. This can also include non-traditional, alternative forms of treatment. Interdisciplinary chronic pain rehabilitation utilizes a variety of treatments from various disciplines, specially tailored to each individual patient. Interdisciplinary chronic pain rehabilitation addresses the individualized nature of fibromyalgia, and can lead to an improved quality of life.The National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA) promotes a combination of traditional and alternative treatments stating, “Alternative treatments, nutrition, relaxation techniques, and exercise play an important role in fibromyalgia treatment as well. Each patient should, with the input of a healthcare practitioner, establish a multifaceted and individualized approach that works for them.”
You can read the rest of the article here.
If you decide to purchase a Pain Frequencell or any other products use my discount code LIGHT20 for 20% off.
I received the Pollen Frequencell yesterday and will write my review shortly. I can’t wait to find relief from these nasty allergies.
Melinda
Bella Grace Field Guide by Stampington
Melinda
Reference:
https://www.thefactsite.com/top-100-random-funny-facts/
Enjoy!
Melinda
Hey! So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments each week.
Melinda
Originally posted on Don’t Lose Hope : Relapse is commonplace when someone’s fighting an addiction; it’s something many deal with on their journey to success. Yet, Psychology Today[1] records that more give up addictions than those who stay addicted, or who constantly relapse. This should give us hope, and help stave off discouragement. Also, relapsing…
Understanding Relapse — Survivors Blog Here Mental Health Collaborative
Here are the June Awareness Days. If I’ve missed something please let me know.
Migraine and Headache Awareness Month
National Cancer Survivors Month
Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
Beautiful In Your Skin Month
Cancer from the Sun Month
National Aphasia Awareness Month
Scleroderma Awareness Week June 12th
International Panic Day June 18th
National PTSD Awareness Month
National Men’s Health Week June 13th
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day June 15th
Melinda
I was contacted by Angelina Valente after seeing my Organization That Can Help page asking if I would add Beyond My Battle to the list. I spent some time this morning looking over their website and was amazed at the support offered for people with Chronic Health Conditions, The Disabled, and for Caregivers. I wanted to do more than add to the list, I wanted to make sure you knew about the organization.
It isn’t uncommon to have a physical illness or disability. In fact, more than 155 million Americans live with a chronic illness, 61 million have a disability, and 25 million live with a rare disease. Also common is the overwhelming stress that comes with adapting to and managing any life-altering medical condition.
For someone living with a disease or disability, stress can further jeopardize health and strain needed relationships. For caregivers, stress leads to burnout and compromises emotional availability.
Research reveals that the way one copes with stress determines how it impacts their physical and emotional health, where an engaged approach results in higher levels of well-being and acceptance. Our programs foster engaged coping through contemplative practice and community engagement, an approach well-documented in reducing stress and cultivating resilience.
Our vision is to provide patients and caregivers with a unique model of support for life with health-related uncertainty.
Each month they offer Virtual Retreats for a small fee and the vast majority of the resources are free.
Free Online Support Groups
Creative Meetups
Online Community
E-Books
E-Toolkit
Library
and the Unfixed Podcast
Beyond The Battle is a non-profit organization. All donations are welcome.
Please check out the wealth of resources that Beyond My Battle has to offer.
Melinda
Did you know that sleep or lack not only affects your physical health but your mental health as well? Our bodies need time to regenerate from those long days at the office and the stress of life. Just how much sleep we need is different for each person and it’s important to know how many hours of quality sleep you need.
In general, the average healthy adult needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Experiments have demonstrated that the average amount of sleep needed to avoid detrimental effects on daytime function is about 8 hours and 10 minutes. It is recommended that adults beyond age 65 may need less sleep, averaging 7 to 8 hours instead. If excess time is spent in bed, insomnia will result.
We know that we feel better after getting a good night’s sleep. The trick is how do we set ourselves up for better sleep.
Some habits that can improve your sleep health:
Stop watching the clock
Try relaxing your body
Find an uninteresting activity
If you haven’t fallen back asleep in 15-20 minutes, get out of bed.
A couple of years ago I realized that my mind was still reeling when it was time to go to sleep and I was too jacked up to fall asleep. I set out with a simple plan to spend an hour before bed shaking off the day. I’m much better for the time put in on the front side because now when it’s time for lights out my mind is ready. Here’s a post on my nighttime sleep routine. What I do leading up to sleep time is important and can make a difference in getting a restful night’s sleep.
Melinda
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/how_much_sleep.html
http://www.sleepeducation.org/essentials-in-sleep/healthy-sleep-habitsExternal
https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/news/how-sleep-deprivation-affects-your-mental-health
https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-much-sleep-do-adults-need-3015140
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/5-strategies-that-will-help-you-get-back-to-sleep/
Melinda
As we wrap up Mental Health Awareness month I wanted to touch on the subject of suicide. It’s not just people with mental illnesses that commit suicide but also those who suffer from chronic health conditions. Each person reaches a level of pain they can’t come back from. Here’s a little of my story.
September is Suicide Prevention Month and I’ve struggled with what to write. I do believe strongly that as a society we have to talk about suicide. As much as I advocate for everything I believe in suicide is something so personal to me that it’s different. It’s not the stigma, I don’t care what anyone thinks about my father’s death. It’s that in order to prevent suicide you have to start so far in advance of the person wanting to commit suicide.
My father abused me and we were estranged from the time I was a teenager. When I lived with my father I knew he was emotionally unstable but I was a kid and had my own problems. After 14 years my father calls me and starts talking about suicide. About how he can’t work, how he doesn’t have any money, and on and on.
The daughter and human in me responded, I was heartbroken, in shock, felt responsible and started paying his bills, sending him money and we talked all the time. He constantly talked about people bugging his phone, and people following him. I didn’t realize at the time my father was delusional.
I continued to beg him every time we talked to not kill himself, to think about my granny, his mother who would be devastated. I talked and pleaded for months. Begged him to go to the doctor. I did what I could.
I got a call late one Sunday saying “your father did away with himself” from my gramps. I was in such shock I called right back and asked was he dead or on the way to the hospital. No, he’s dead.
Here are a few things I learned after my father died.
He had been in a downward spiral for years by looking at his living conditions. He had boxes and boxes of cassette tapes by his bed, recordings he had made. I remember him talking about someone bugging his phone so I listened to every one of those tapes several times. There was nothing on most of them, some were recordings of my father talking on the phone. Some were just noise or his breathing. My father was delusional.
I could go on and on but there are a few takeaways.
One of the most difficult things you have to deal with in a suicide death is a closed casket funeral. You can’t see their face and say goodbye so there is an unmet emotional void that never goes away.
I did everything within my power, my dad was a grown man. A man of his own free will. I could not make him go to the doctor for help. There wasn’t a Gun Law in Texas where you could call the police and they would come out to take away a gun. There may not be one now.
I felt unbearable guilt, the pressure of the weight of thinking I could have prevented my granny’s pain was so much that I drank myself crazy.
What I did learn from his death as we had the same mental illness, Bipolar Disorder, I was 75% more likely to commit suicide because of it. I took that information and I found the best Psychiatrist I could find. He is still my doctor today and has saved my life many times.
You can’t stop someone from killing themselves if they are determined. They will find a way now or later.
What we can do is look for signs early in life and during a crisis to see if a person needs help and guide them in that direction. If you’re a parent you have much more control when your child is younger.
The key to preventing suicide is to bring all the emotional damage to the surface to be dealt with and treat mental illnesses in a responsible manner the best we can. I will also add that if you’re inclined you can push for laws that allow the police to be called and for them to take the gun away for some period of time. Each state is different. You can also push for stronger gun laws if that is your wish.
Melinda
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week I highlight a new blogger, Peace of Life Today.
My name is Lisa and two of my major passions are in the area of health (fitness and nutrition) and money (budgeting and planning for the future). I am blessed to be able to do budget coaching as part of my job and find it unbelievably rewarding to be able to help people see money in a new way, and reprioritize was is most important.
Ironically, money and health are the two biggest concerns for many people. They are linked together very strongly and can effect every area of our lives, including work and relationships.
Melinda
lookingforthelight.blog 