Friday Quote 5/13/2022
Hey! So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments each week.
Melinda
Updated How To Speak Your Doctor’s Language
I hear people say their General Practitioner doesn’t listen or have enough time during their scheduled appointments. They Don’t! I’ve left the doctor’s office frustrated so many times, so I came up with a system that works for me. You can adapt to what works with your doctor and style of communication.
Knowing exactly how much time is scheduled for the appointment is the first step. My previous doctor scheduled 15 minutes, was always late, and rushed off to the next appointment. After several months of total frustration on my part, he had the office check to see if my insurance would allow a double appointment time, which they did. Now instead of 10 minutes at best I can 20 minutes. This made a huge difference.
You have to set realistic expectations on what can be discussed in your allowed time slot. If you have 15 minutes you can expect 10 minutes in most cases. In ten minutes you can’t discuss 45 minutes’ worth of topics. Set expectations.
Go in with an agenda of two items you want to discuss and have each item laid out on paper with any side effects or symptoms your having and any related questions. When your doctor comes in the room don’t sit and chit chat, go straight for I know you’re busy so here’s what I want to accomplish today.
This will give your doctor time to ask more detailed questions and dig a little deeper each visit. It will also give you time to discuss any side effects you should be concerned about if a new medication is prescribed. Don’t walk out of there without asking what side effects you should be concerned about, I don’t care if you can look it up on the Internet. It’s the doctor’s responsibility to assess your specific health conditions and the medication. You don’t need all the details, get the basics, and when to go to the hospital or call them.
If you were not able to discuss all your issue and concerns then don’t leave without another appointment to get them covered. Working with your doctor is a process and one that will take time and each one is different. Remember your doctor is a generalist, not a specialist. If you feel your issues aren’t being heard after repeated attempts then ask for a referral.
After 15 years I changed doctors, we just weren’t communicating anymore. It’s the best thing I could have done. I love my new doctor and her style, she’s very proactive and hands the baton off to a specialist much quicker than my old doctor.
Have a Plan
My current doctor schedules 30 minutes appointments, is rarely late and we cover three topics. I usually get the full 30 minutes if not a few more. She looks at my chart online while we’re talking about if she needs to check medications, we discuss appointments with other doctors and we discuss my three topics or concerns. Because she is so close to the house and I get such focused attention I don’t have to see her as often or when I’m having a hard time, it’s very easy to see her more often.
She worked in an Internal Medicine office before so she is very familiar with Lyme Disease and Fibromyalgia. In just a few short years I’ve seen her, she has sent me to the appropriate specialist early on versus my old doctor who was slow to give a referral. She sends me a referral as soon as she’s out of her specialty.
By doing so, she has helped discover several critical health issues that needed immediate attention without delay in trying to treat herself. This is one area I feel my previous doctor failed me in after seeing how my new doctor does business.
She always looks up the side effects and checks to see if there are interactions with my other medications. She discusses side effects and even knows when my insurance company needs a preapproval on a medication. That way I can be mindful that if it takes a little longer to fill the prescription.
I look at my doctor’s appointment like I did when calling on high-level executives during my sales career. They are pressed for time, have too much on their plate, and usually have big egos and type-A personalities. When you meet with a C-level executive, you go in shake their hand, and tell them why you are there in a few brief sentences then you shut up.
I go to my doctor’s appointments with the same type of mentality. Know how much time I have, state what I need, and give the doctor time to do their job. They can’t do that if I don’t stop talking and asking questions.
Set the right expectation and if you are unsure then ask your doctor honestly how to get the best out of your time with them.
Go in with facts, and a list of symptoms but don’t tell them what is wrong with you unless you are with your specialist or you are talking specific illness-related questions. Most doctors are going to tune out the minute you say what you have. Let them do their job.
In what ways have you been able to improve your communication with your doctor?
Melinda
In the Blink of an Eye
I’ve had the misfortune of being in several car wrecks, two of which caused serious injury. My first whiplash came when I was at a stop on the freeway at a high traffic time and the person behind me didn’t realize the traffic ahead was stopping and plowed into me doing at least 55 miles an hour.
My neck was injured but what made the moment worse was the driver left after getting out of his car acting like he was getting his insurance information. I had a serious whiplash and could barely turn my head. I spent the next year going to a Chiropractor several times a week to get better.
I had a couple of small accidents that didn’t do any damage to me just the car. One day going thru a curve and work van came into my lane and hit the back panel of my car. This put me in a rental which comes into play in the next story.
My rental car is a nice white Mustang and I’m a happy camper. I was in sales and had a trip outside of town, it was raining so I left early to make sure I was on time. As approach an entrance ramp a truck comes out of nowhere, hits the back end of my car, and sends me spinning down the freeway hitting the cement divider wall all the way.
It was like slow motion, even though it was only seconds, it felt like God was deciding if I lived or not. It was an out-of-body experience. My car came to a rest and a big Caddilac t-bones me and the passenger side of the car is completely caved in and almost touching me.
I was in so much pain and disbelief. Traffic accidents were up since it was raining outside and it took almost 45 minutes for an ambulance to come to get me. Another couple of hours at the hospital to get a doctor and x-rays. Luckily nothing was broken, I was beaten to a pulp.
Against my doctor’s recommendation, I didn’t stay in the hospital and had several complications because of. Right off the bat, I had problems with not being able to feel my legs for a short period of time. Then it felt like an electrical current going thru my back making it hard to walk.
I sought out a Chiropractor since the pain pill route wasn’t working, I wasn’t getting better and had trouble working when taking the pills. I spent over a year in therapy with many lingering problems with my neck and back.
Now I have arthritis in multiple places in my neck, mid and lower back.
One lesson I learned is Chiropractic care works.
Melinda
Book Review My Mind Won’t Shut Up! Meditation for People Who Don’t Meditate by Linda and Marion Williamson
I want to give a special thanks to Laura Sebright from Trigger Publishing for sending me the book, My Mind Won’t Shut Up! Meditation for People Who don’t Meditate by Linda and Marion Williamson for review.
![My Mind Won't Shut Up!: Meditation for People Who Don't Meditate by [Linda Williamson]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51I09BbmjOS.jpg)
Published March 2021
107 pages
About the Author
Linda is a senior IT project manager for the NHS in London and has been meditating for 20 years. She’s obsessed with meditation books, retreats, and classes. She reads all the research but still manages to regularly lock herself out of her flat. Marion is an author, editor, and copywriter. This is her 4th book. She edited Prediction Magazine for ten years and works as a copywriter for various websites and magazines. Linda has meditation knowledge and Marion knows how to write books.
Blurb
My Thoughts
This is a great book for anyone who wants to learn how to meditate without all the complicated routines and jargon. What you see is what you get here and it feels good to hear real people who struggle to meditate for all the same reasons we do and how they find a way to fit it into their life.
Linda and Marion show us how to be kind to ourselves and set realistic expectations. Which is a problem in many meditation books I’ve read. They have either way too much information or too hoky poky for me. My Mind Won’t Shut Up is a fun and fast read, one you can easily refer to again and again.
They show us in simple terms how we can incorporate meditation into our daily lives and its benefits.
Some reviews even called this a self-help book because it created positive thinking. I can’t think of a better way to learn how to meditate and would recommend this book to anyone who wants a no-nonsense book on how to meditate.
Trigger Publishing
TriggerHub.org is the first mental health organization of its kind. We are bringing mental health recovery and balance to millions of people worldwide through the power of our books.
We have built a first-class resource of curated books produced and published in-house to create a unique collection of mental health recovery titles unrivaled in quality and selection. We work with experts, psychologists, doctors, and coaches to produce our books, but we also work with real people looking to share their stories to reach out to others and provide hope, understanding, and compassion. These brave authors also aim to raise awareness of mental health’s “human” face and its impact on everyday lives.
Melinda
How to Improve Your Car Even if You Can’t Afford a New One
When you can’t afford a new car, you can feel stuck and unhappy with the one you already own. Sure, it might not be perfect, but there are always changes and upgrades you can make that’ll help you nonetheless enjoy the car a little more than you had in the past. If you want to improve your car in any way, here’s how to approach it.
Install a Backup Camera
Having a good backup camera in place is something that can make a real difference in how easy you find it to reverse your car and park it. That’s something that a lot of people struggle with. Even if you’re a skilled driver and you have no problem with parking, it can still save some time to have a backup camera at your disposal.
Upgrade Your Wheels and Tires
If it’s been a long time since the car had its wheels and tires upgraded, that’s something that you might want to look into. When you have new wheels and tires in place, your car sticks to the road far better and you’ll feel more precision in the steering and handling when you’re on the road as well. It’s one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to an older car.
Touch Up the Paint
Simply touching up the paint or even giving it a whole new coat of paint can immediately make your car look and feel brand new. It makes such a difference to the visual impact that the car has, and it’s something that you don’t notice until you have the work completed. If you don’t know how to paint a car properly, it’s best to have the work completed for you.
Use Car Detailing Services
Car detailing services can also help your car feel renewed and refreshed and that might be exactly what you’re looking for. With the help of good car detailing services, you can make sure that you’re always keeping things in good shape and that the interiors of the car feel comfortable and high-quality for as long as possible. Give it a try if you haven’t done so already.
Invest in New Seat Covers
The seats in the car are among the most important aspect of the interior space You want them to be comfortable and enjoyable to sit in, and that’s why you might want to invest in some new seat covers. They’re much more affordable than brand new seats but can have a very similar impact. When they’re in place, you’ll immediately start to notice the improvement in your comfort levels when behind the wheel.
As you can see, you don’t necessarily need to replace your old car or even spend all that much money on upgrading it in order to get a better driving experience and a better car in general. Those small changes that you keep making will eventually add up over time and that’s how it should be.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday*Verbena
Thanks for stopping by today, I appreciate your comments each week.
Melinda
Repost from 2015 Mother’s Message To Her Child
This is what child abuse looks like. Just like any other parent is what it looks like until you peel the layers back.
Melinda
Original post 1/2015
I found photos of myself starting at birth. As I looked at each photo my mind was asking who could hit this child. I began to sob, continuing to look at each as I grew older. The question of who could hit this child grew louder in my head. People who don’t know me are probably thinking I was crying for myself. The truth is I didn’t think about my circumstances once. I looked at each photo as any child being abused, not even seeing myself in the photo. I knew logically they were me but my mind turns off. I had a similar experience after seeing a news report of a 9-year-old girl abused, starved, and killed by her parents. She died chained to a post on the front porch. I was heartbroken and wished someone could have helped her. There were no tears at home. Several days later I started talking to my Therapist about the girl. I cried, expressing a range of emotions, and it took a few minutes to compose myself. I asked my Therapist if the emotions were suppressed, and I didn’t think so. After 16 years she knows me and explained I feel deep compassion for others.
I read my Baby Book, I wanted to show that abused children and abusers don’t look any different. The parents can say sweet things to cover the abuse at home.
My Mother’s Message To Her Child
To my beautiful young lady. I wish you all the happiness and grace to you. May God fill your life with all his richness and love. May your path be filled with roses and your heart be filled with the pureness of God.
New mothers often write their child’s milestones in a Baby Book. Here is my Mother’s observations and comments mine starting at birth.
Lock of hair from the first cut at 12 months old
The first baby ring at 18 months
Hand and footprints traced, right hand at 8 months and right foot at 3 months
My first toys were a baseball bat and glove from my gramps
I learned to ride a bike at 4 years old
Started walking at 8 months, potty trained at 19 months
Notes: Happy birthday my sweet little kitten, likes to blow bubbles with her food, first school play 5 years old, I was so proud I cried, she has a little temper, she has a big beautiful smile, at 16 months loves music and dancing
The entries stopped but the abuse didn’t.
Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental health is wealth, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month, which is celebrated in May. The stigma around mental health and treatment has long existed, even though this has started to change. Still, people hesitate to seek help or even talk about it with their loved ones for fear of being judged and facing unnecessary backlash. Simple logic dictates that if we are hurt anywhere, we must seek treatment to get better. This applies to both our mental- and physical well-being. While Mental Health Awareness Month is celebrated in the U.S., a more universal day is also celebrated by the WHO on October 10, and it is known as World Mental Health Day.
What To Do When You Need Help
When living with a mental health condition or facing a mental health concern, it’s common to feel like no one understands what you’re going through. But many people overcome the mental health challenges they face. You aren’t alone – help is out there, and recovery is possible.
IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS: Text “MHA” to 741741 or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a trained crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year. Spanish speakers: 1-888-628-9454. Deaf & hard of hearing: TTY users, use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255
- Use our interactive help-finding tool
- Need to talk to someone? Learn about warmlines
- Time To Talk: Tips for Talking About Your Mental Health
- How to Talk to Your Parents About Mental Health
- Preparing to Share: Talking About Hard Topics
- Self-Help Tools
- Types of Mental Health Professionals
- Choosing a Provider
- Questions to Help QTBIPOC Find Affirming Mental Health Providers
- Working with a Provider
- Finding Therapy
- Find an MHA Affiliate
- Finding Support Groups
- Finding In-Patient Care
- Finding Other Local Services
- Paying for Care
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Mental Health
My Mental Health
I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder when I was 19 years old but didn’t take it seriously until my father committed suicide in 1992. After a few doctors who gave me way too much medication to work, I found my current doctor.
He’s a Psychopharmacologist and I’m so lucky to have found him. A Psychopharmacologist goes thru additional training on top of being a Psychiatrist. One of the most important reasons to see one is if they understand the brain better and which medicine will interact with the part of the brain affected. It takes a lot of the guesswork out of what type of medication you need for your specif symptoms.
If I could make one parting suggestion it would be to include a loved one in all of your appointments with your doctor. I wanted to make sure my husband understood what I was going thru and felt it was best to hear it from the doctor’s mouth. It’s been a lifesaver.
Here are a few posts I’ve written on the subject, you can find many more on my site.
https://lookingforthelight.blog/2022/04/27/mental-illness-and-me/
https://lookingforthelight.blog/2020/05/08/random-thoughts-…f-mental-illness/
https://lookingforthelight.blog/2016/03/30/how-to-participa…a-mental-illness/
https://lookingforthelight.blog/2021/05/14/may-is-mental-he…al-health-update/
Melinda
References:
Updated Random Thoughts On This Side Of Mental Illness
This post was from the 2020 Mental Health Awareness Month and I believe it’s still relevant for Mental Health Awareness Month 2022. I’ve been stable for a couple of years and am thankful for every day that I’m healthy. This is more an opinion piece than a post.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and mental health has been on my mind more than normal. I come from generations of family members with mental illness including my father who had Bipolar Disorder and eventually committed suicide.
I expect this to be an unpopular post, but that’s okay I want to hear all your comments.
All people have to be held accountable for their actions. The thought that came to mind this morning was a murder case that disturbs me to this day. A woman in Texas drowned all five of her children in the bathtub. She pleaded temporary insanity. I would have to agree she was insane, how could someone kill their five children? She only spent five years in a mental health ward in the prison and was then released from jail. Is five years of medical oversite enough punishment? Is she no longer insane? I think not. I’m responsible for all of my actions regardless of my mental state. She should have been moved to the regular jail system to pay for her murder charges.
My father sexually abused me, was it ok because he was mentally ill? It wasn’t his fault? I don’t buy into that theory. My father never sought help for his mental illness and committed suicide at 52 years old. He made the decision to not seek treatment, at the end of his life he was too sick to see how far down he was. He’ll be held accountable by a higher power than me.
I was nine years old the first time I attempted suicide, it was the first of many attempts throughout my life. As an adult, I educated myself on my illness and have a support system in place. I have to be disciplined in taking my medication, going to therapy, seeing my Psychiatrist, and communicating with my husband or paying the price of becoming unstable.
Mental health matters and people with mental illness need medical help if not for a crisis, for knowledge, and for heading off a problem.
What do you think? Are five years in a mental hospital punishment enough for killing your five children?
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-Beauty From Ashes
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, Beauty From Ahses.
My journey of healing from Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence
This is my blog where I will write about my healing from Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence. I hope I can help someone know they aren’t alone and spread awareness. I am a mom and an avid reader. I love sunflowers and helping people. I am spiritual and love learning new things!
I have no doubt you will find her blog heartbreaking and inspirational at the same time. She’s very strong.
Melinda
Just Pondering
Bella Grace Field Guide by Stampington
What are three good things you have today that you didn’t have a year ago?
Melinda
Today in History May 8, 2022
Welcome to the Weekend Edition of Today in History. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the post. Have an awesome weekend.
1945
On May 8, 1945, both Great Britain and the United States celebrate Victory in Europe Day. Cities in both nations, as well as formerly occupied cities in Western Europe, put out flags and banners, rejoicing in the defeat of the Nazi war machine during World War II.
The eighth of May spelled the day when German troops throughout Europe finally laid down their arms: In Prague, Germans surrendered to their Soviet antagonists, after the latter had lost more than 8,000 soldiers, and the Germans considerably more; in Copenhagen and Oslo; at Karlshorst, near Berlin; in northern Latvia; on the Channel Island of Sark—the German surrender was realized in a final cease-fire. More surrender documents were signed in Berlin and in eastern Germany.
1976
The theme song from “Welcome Back, Kotter” is the #1 song in America
In 1975, John Sebastian, former member of the beloved ’60s pop group the Lovin’ Spoonful, was asked to write and record the theme song for a brand-new ABC television show with the working title Kotter. As any songwriter would, Sebastian first tried working that title into his …read more
1988
Woman convicted of killing two in Excedrin tampering
Stella Nickell is convicted on two counts of murder by a Seattle, Washington, jury. She was the first person to be found guilty of violating the Federal Anti-Tampering Act after putting cyanide in Excedrin capsules in an effort to kill her husband. Stella and Bruce Nickell …read more
1984
Soviets announce boycott of 1984 Olympics
Claiming that its athletes will not be safe from protests and possible physical attacks, the Soviet Union announces that it will not compete in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Despite the Soviet statement, it was obvious that the boycott was a response to the decision of the …read more
1963
Sean Connery stars in his first Bond movie, “Dr. No”
On May 8, 1963, with the release of Dr. No, North American moviegoers get their first look–down the barrel of a gun–at the super-spy James Bond (codename: 007), the immortal character created by Ian Fleming in his now-famous series of novels and portrayed onscreen by the …read more
Melinda
Happy Mother’s Day
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mother’s out there who give it all and still give more. Mother’s day is a time to celebrate mothers including grandmothers.
My Granny was always my mother figure and took care of me as if I were her own child. She watch closely after me from afar until I was a teen and came to live with her and my Gramps. One of my favorite things growing up was she would light a fire in the bathroom to get it all cozy, then give me a bath. When done She would wrap me in a towel and carry me to the bed and put powder all over me. It is a great memory and I’m blessed to have many more.
Celebrate the mothers in your life today.
Melinda
Lyme Disease Awareness Month*Must Read
May is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month. The Lyme community uses the opportunity to educate friends, relatives, teachers, co-workers, healthcare workers, and their local and state representatives.
Experts say this year could be one of the worst years on record for the ticks that carry Lyme and other diseases. Currently, Lyme disease is the number one vector-borne illness in the United States.
According to the CDC, millions of Americans seek medical care for tick bites each year in the United States. Even so, many healthcare professionals do not know how to properly diagnose or treat tick-borne illnesses.
Some common symptoms of Lyme disease include fatigue, neck stiffness or pain, jaw discomfort, joint aches, memory loss, vision problems, and fainting. However, by covering up exposed skin, using insect repellant, and periodically checking for ticks, you can enjoy all of your normal outdoor activities. Don’t let Lyme disease ruin your adventures. Simply educate yourself on the subject and act accordingly to eliminate the problem right from the start.
Some simple tricks to outwit ticks
Wear white socks so you can see the ticks
While in high grasses or heavily wooded areas, tuck your pants leg into your socks. This will prevent them from getting up your leg.
Wear a hat with a tail that goes past your collar so ticks can’t fall into your shirt.
Wear DEET, spray on you and your clothes.
Wash clothes as soon as you get home to prevent ticks from moving to another area.
Do a tick check, this requires checking every part of your body including your hair. They are very tiny, less than a grain of rice, and can hide very well.
If you see a bullseye-type rash, get to the doctor immediately.
Early detection is the answer!
My experience with Lyme Disease
I don’t know exactly when I contracted Lyme but suspect it was in the summer of 2012 while getting my gramps house ready to sell. I spent a great deal of time outside racking brush and cleaning up the garden area.
2012 started out with a diagnosis of Costricondritis, then a pain in my Clavicle for which my doctor sent me to a Neurologist. By December of 2012, I was having a severe problem with balance and had trouble walking.
The Neurologist spent almost a year running every test she could, they all came back with problems but nothing inconclusive. She finally threw up her hands and said I should see a Rheumatologist. What I did instead started to search for all the symptoms I had. I mix and match them in my search until I came up with a search that narrowed it down to eight autoimmune disorders including Lyme.
I had been tested for Lupus and knew I didn’t have the others so I found a Lyme Literate doctor. He was local and I saw him for seven months. When it became apparent he had no plans to put me on IV Therapy I started to question if he was the right doctor. As luck would have it, in one of my appointments he said I had my lead levels were high and we were going to have to do a pretty rough treatment. The next day I happen to look at the paperwork they gave me and it had someone else’s name on it. They had the wrong person! That was the end of that relationship.
I then spent more time looking for the best doctor in the States, I would travel if they could get me well. I found a prominent doctor in Washington, D.C. to take my case. By then I was very ill and could barely walk. When we started going I could walk the six blocks to his office, shortly after that I could no longer walk without a walker.
I spent nine months on IV Antibiotic Therapy seven days a week. This is a photo of the day my port was put in.
If you catch Lyme early it can usually be treated with 2-6 weeks of antibiotics. The problem is that only about 30% get the rash and the test for Lyme are very inaccurate. This is why intervention is critical. If you get Chronic Lyme you are in for a long haul and a very difficult time.
The virus seeks out major organs as hosts. Mine went to the brain and did major damage causing Dementia. Lyme doesn’t go away, and there is no cure.
Be sure to do everything you can on the front end not to get Lyme Disease you won’t regret it.
Melinda
References:
https://nationaltoday.com/national-lyme-disease-awareness-month/
Fun Facts
More human twins are being born now than ever before.
The first person convicted of speeding was going eight mph.
“New car smell” is the scent of dozens of chemicals.
The world wastes about 1 billion metric tons of food each year.
The severed head of a sea slug can grow a whole new body.
Enjoy!
Melinda
Stream of Consciousness Saturday #SOCS Prompt is “a phrase you grew up with”
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “a phrase you grew up with.” Include in your post a phrase your mom/dad/grandparent/sibling used all the time when you were growing up, or just write whatever inspires you based on that phrase. Enjoy!
Growing up with four brothers meant we had a very active household which meant plenty of time outside. A saying that rings in my head is “Close the door you’ll let the flies in”. Now, this was probably true but it’s hard to do when you have five to seven people going in and out plus pets needing to go outside.
What’s funnier is I tell the dogs all the time I have to shut the door your I’ll let the flies in.
Melinda
Here are the rules:
1. Your post must be stream of consciousness writing, meaning no editing (typos can be fixed), and minimal planning on what you’re going to write.
2. Your post can be as long or as short as you want it to be. One sentence – one thousand words. Fact, fiction, poetry – it doesn’t matter. Just let the words carry you along until you’re ready to stop.
3. I will post the prompt here on my blog every Friday, along with a reminder for you to join in. The prompt will be one random thing, but it will not be a particular subject. For instance, I will not say “Write about dogs”; the prompt will be more like, “Make your first sentence a question,” “Begin with the word ‘The,’” or will simply be a single word to get you started.
4. Ping back! It’s important, so that I and other people can come and read your post! For example, in your post you can write “This post is part of SoCS:” and then copy and paste the URL found in your address bar at the top of this post into yours. Your link will show up in my comments for everyone to see. The most recent pingbacks will be found at the top. NOTE: Pingbacks only work from WordPress sites. If you’re self-hosted or are participating from another host, such as Blogger, please leave a link to your post in the comments below.
5. Read at least one other person’s blog who has linked back their post. Even better, read all of them! If you’re the first person to link back, you can check back later or go to the previous week by following my category, “Stream of Consciousness Saturday,” which you’ll find below the “Like” button on my post.
6. Copy and paste the rules (if you’d like to) in your post. The more people who join in, the more new bloggers you’ll meet and the bigger your community will get!
7. As a suggestion, tag your post “SoCS” and/or “#SoCS” for more exposure and more views.
8. Have fun!
For more streams, rules, and tips for Stream of Consciousness Saturday, visit our host, Linda at:
Have a great weekend.
Melinda
Just Pondering
Friday Quote 5/6/2022
Hey! So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments each week.
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share *James Blunt – You’re Beautiful (Official Music Video)
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
Dealing With Isolation & Loneliness
It is often said that loneliness is a silent pandemic, and there is certainly something true about that. There are definitely lots of people out there right now who are spending their lives feeling very lonely, and that is a horrible position to be in. For one thing, it can make it difficult to get back into social settings. It can also lead to a variety of other physical and psychological issues, and in rare cases, it can be fatal in the form of depression. However, there is help at hand, and there are things to do if you do feel lonely or isolated and you want it to change.
Used in the right limited kind of way, social media can be incredibly useful as a means of feeling more connected with the outside world. If you are in a position where you can’t see people offline very much, then limited use of social media can be effective for this. You will want to take care to ensure that you don’t overuse it as if you are not careful it can sometimes make issues worse and make you feel even lonelier. But all in all, using it a little could help you to feel a little more connected with people, so that is something to consider at least.
Get Help With Transportation
One of the major issues related to isolation is that it can be hard to know how to get around. You might have social events that you would like to attend but you are not sure how, or you might even need to get to a medical appointment. For this, some people find it helpful to use an assisted living service, as that way you can have someone there who can help with all this – and they will also provide a certain comfort as well just by being there and being near you.
Watch Your Emotions & Thoughts
Because loneliness can be quite damaging, you need to try and watch for what your mind is doing, so that you can see if things appear to be getting worse for you or not. You need to watch your emotions and your thoughts consciously so that you can see if things are improving or not as you go about your life. Sometimes paying attention to a warning sign can be all you need in order to make sure that you take the right moment to look after yourself better. Being mindful in this way can help to spot those signs early on.
Work On Your Confidence
A lot of people with isolation issues and loneliness have confidence issues too, and often you will find that working on one helps the other and so on. To get this going, it’s worth taking some time to work on your confidence specifically. The more you do this, the more likely it is that you are going to feel less lonely and take more social risks, which are important for living well.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Flowers of Spring-Verbena
Verbena is a small but mighty flower. It has long arms with dainty flowers on the end.
Melinda
Tips For Someone Newly Diagnosed With Fibromyalgia
May is Fibromyalgia Awareness Month and I’m participating in a joint post with the Fibro Blogger Directory Facebook Page which is a group I’m a part of.
The question was what would you say to someone who is newly diagnosed with Fibromyalgia?
I think the most important question to ask the doctor is what would they do next? It puts them in your place and may give you answers you would not normally get.
Then I would ask:
What type of doctor should you see next?
What you can expect next? Have them give you the resources on Fibromyalgia or ask where to go to get good information.
Outside of what to ask the doctor, I would start keeping a journal of symptoms and questions. Be sure to review your journal before your next doctor’s appointment to go in prepared.
It is also important to understand doctors have limited time, if your doctor only allows 15 minutes for appointments, you may be. lucky to get 10 minutes. Don’t go in with a list full of questions, you’ll only leave frustrated. Stick to the top three isues.
Establish a solid self-care plan.
Melinda
Let’s Celebrate Cinco De Mayo
What is the real meaning of Cinco de Mayo?
What are some traditions for Cinco de Mayo?
- Decorate your house. A Cinco de Mayo theme is simple to create in your home with colorful decorations you can make or buy!
- Bring Mexican to the family dinner table.
- Whip up some Mexican treats.
- Create DIY crafts.
- Teach them about Mexican history.
The Battle of Puebla
Certain that success would come swiftly, 6,000 French troops under General Charles Latrille de Lorencez set out to attack Puebla de Los Angeles, a small town in east-central Mexico. From his new headquarters in the north, Juárez rounded up a ragtag force of 2,000 loyal men—many of them either Indigenous Mexicans or of mixed ancestry—and sent them to Puebla.
The vastly outnumbered and poorly supplied Mexicans, led by Texas-born General Ignacio Zaragoza, fortified the town and prepared for the French assault. On May 5, 1862, Lorencez gathered his army—supported by heavy artillery—before the city of Puebla and led an assault.
Melinda
Reference:
https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/cinco-de-mayo
4 Helpful Tips to Create a Comfortable Living Environment for Your Retired Parents
It can be challenging to know the best way to provide a comfortable living environment for your retired parents. They likely don’t want or need the same level of care that they needed when they were younger, but they still need some assistance and support. This blog post will discuss four helpful tips to create a comfortable living environment for your retired parents!
Make sure their home is safe and accessible.
As our parents age, it’s essential to ensure that their homes are safe and accessible. This means ensuring no trip hazards, adequate lighting, and that any stairs are well-lit and have handrails. If your parents live in a two-story home, you may want to consider installing a stairlift or an elevator. In addition to making sure their home is physically safe, you’ll also want to make sure it’s secure from potential burglars or other dangers. This means installing security cameras, deadbolt locks, and motion-sensor lights.
Find a reliable nursing home or assisted living facility.
If your parents need more assistance than you can provide, you may want to consider finding reliable nursing homes or assisted living facilities. It’s essential to do your research when choosing a facility, as many different types and levels of care are available. You’ll want to make sure that the facility you choose is reputable and has a good track record. In addition, you’ll want to make sure that it’s affordable and that it offers the type and level of care that your parents need.
Once you’ve chosen a nursing home or assisted living facility, you’ll want to ensure that your parents are comfortable there. This means helping them get settled in, getting them involved in activities, and ensuring their needs are being met. Remember to call a lawyer immediately if you suspect any nursing home neglect.
Help them organize their space
Your parents may also find it more challenging to keep their homes organized and tidy. This can be a result of physical limitations and cognitive decline. If your parents find it challenging to keep their home organized, you can help! There are a few different ways you can do this. First, you can declutter and organize their space for them. This means getting rid of any unnecessary items and organizing what remains. You can also help them create systems and routines for keeping their home organized, such as making sure they always put away their belongings after use. Finally, you can hire a professional organizer or cleaning service to help your parents keep their home tidy.
Be there for them
One of the most important things you can do to create a comfortable living environment for your retired parents is to be there for them. This means being available to help them with whatever they need, whether running errands, helping around the house, or simply providing emotional support. It’s also essential to ensure that you’re staying in touch with your parents and checking in on them regularly. With today’s technology, it’s easy to stay connected even if you live far away. For example, you can video call your parents using apps like Skype or FaceTime, or you can send them regular emails or text messages.
You can also be there for them by helping them to effectively plan for the future. This means discussing topics such as investment opportunities, healthcare and life insurance, retirement funds, and any other financial arrangements that need to be made. For example, when looking at investment opportunities, you could consider researching the DiversyFund lawsuit to better understand the risks and benefits associated with certain types of investments. Financial planning can be a tricky topic to navigate, and having the right guidance is essential.
These are four helpful tips to create a comfortable living environment for your retired parents. By following these tips, you can ensure that your parents are safe, comfortable, and well-cared for in their retirement years.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Introducing Vital Field Pollen Energy Cell
Since first introducing Vital Field they have expanded their product offerings beyond pain control to immune support, menopause, anti-inflame, resistance, energy boost, weight loss, and soon the Pollen Energy Cell. This one gets me excited and I can’t wait to try it. I’ll keep you posted. Be sure to check out their website for a complete list of products. The Pollen Energy Cell is so new it’s not on the website yet.
Our mission is to help people achieve good health and pain-free life with safe, natural, non-invasive and non-chemical methods. Frequencell Inc. (a Delaware corporation based out of Los Angeles, USA) provides treatments for health and chronic pain, based on the results of over 30 years of scientific research, development and clinical trials.
Twenty-five million Americans are in for a sneeze this Summer, with the onset of the Summer allergy season. Although we tend to blame pollen and other “impurities” in the air, the root reason for the increasing number of people suffering from hay fever or rhinitis is a compromised gut.
The POLLEN Energy Cell has been designed to make the body more resistant to common allergens by supporting the gut microbial balance and the respiratory tract’s mucous membrane load. The Cell “calibrates” the immune system to handle the irritants in a way that is 100% safe, non-chemical, and non-invasive.
Since Vitalfield products are safe, natural, non-invasive, and non-chemical, it’s worthwhile to see if our product can reduce your pain and improve your life.
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Vitalfield has collaborated extensively with expert scientists and healthcare practitioners in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, with a focus on biophysical and frequency medicine applications. Until early 2018, most of the technology in this field involved significant investments and training before it could be utilized in clinical environments.
Further patented technology discovered in recent years also enabled some of these natural treatment methods to be implanted into wearable materials that could localize the treatment for the long-term, in an extremely cost-effective manner.
If you suffer from allergies like I do, you will want to try the new Vital Field Pollen Energy Cell.
Use discount code Light 20 for 20% off your purchase.
Melinda
May Awareness Days
Here is a list of days of observance in May.
May Awareness Days
Daily Holidays and Observances
May 1: May Day, Mother Goose Day, Law Day, Make a Book Day, World Laughter Day* (first Sunday)
May 2: Sibling Appreciation Day, Teacher Appreciation Day* (Tuesday of first full week)
May 3: Sun Day, Kite Day
May 4: Intergalactic Star Wars Day, National Weather Observers Day
May 5: Museum Lovers Day, Cartoonist Day, National Day of Reason* (first Thursday)
May 6: No Homework Day, International Space Day* (first Friday), Tuba Day (first Friday)
May 7: Space Day* (first Saturday)
May 8: Mother’s Day, V E Day
May 9: National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, Peter Pan Day
May 10: Windmill Day
May 11: Eat What You Want Day
May 12: Limerick Day, International Migratory Bird Day
May 13: Frog Jumping Day, Tulip Day, Blame Someone Else Day* (first Friday 13th of the year)
May 14: Star Wars Day, Stars and Stripes Forever Day
May 15: International Day of Families, Over the Rainbow Day
May 16: Biographer’s Day
May 17: World Telecommunications Day
May 18: International Museum Day
May 20: Endangered Species Day* (third Friday
May 21: Armed Forces Day* (third Saturday)
May 22: National Maritime Day
May 23: World Turtle Day
May 24: Scavenger Hunt Day
May 25: Nerd or Geek Pride Day
May 30: Memorial Day* (last Monday)
National Family Reading Week (first week)
Children’s Mental Health Week (first full week)
Teacher Appreciation Week (first full week, M-F)
Children’s Book Week (May 2-8)
Screen Free Week (May 2-8)
Wildflower Week (May 2-8)
Astronomy Week (May 9-15)
Reading is Fun Week (second full week)
National Backyard Games Week (week before Memorial Day)
Creative Beginnings Month
Latino Books Month
National Pet Month
National Photo Month
National Mental Health Month
National Military Appreciation Month
National Wild Fire Awareness Month
National Inventors Month
Young Achievers of Tomorrow Month
National Family Month
Wordless Wednesday*Garden Decor
Thanks for stopping by today, I appreciate your comments each week.
Melinda
How To Avoid Time Mismanagement When Working From Home
Time mismanagement is one of the most common issues of working from home. It’s very easy for your attention to stray to other things during your regular working hours, leading to work delays and affecting your productivity. You spend time on numerous activities as a remote worker, from your phone and television to home chores and housemates. Does it feel like you hardly have enough time in the day to complete work assignments at home? You may be wasting time on other things. Here are some ways to avoid time mismanagement when working from home.
First, you need to ensure that all your work tools, especially your computer and internet connection, are fast and reliable. Unsuspectingly, a slow internet connection and an under-performing computer can drain hours out of your time. Regarding your internet connection, be sure to use the best internet providers that offer fast connection speed, reliability, and affordable packages.
Declutter your workstation
A cluttered or disorganized workstation can encourage procrastination and waste more of your time than you think. You may think that spending several minutes looking for a pen or paper document shouldn’t be anything to worry about. But such distractions eat into your productivity. Therefore, take the time to organize your workstation, declutter, and keep important things within reach.
Stay away from distracting websites
With nobody looking over your shoulder to monitor the websites you visit, it’s easy to waste several work minutes surfing distracting websites. Whether browsing your favorite online store or watching viral content from social media, distracting websites can consume chunks of your work time. Statista, for example, reports that the average social media user sinks about 2 hours each day into Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. If you find yourself plagued by too many such websites, you can download plugins to block access to specific websites, so you can focus on your work.
Strategize your time
Try planning your workdays around your tasks and not your clock. Instead of thinking you have the whole day to finish a project, distribute your work tasks to specific times in your day. Consider the work you need to complete each day and set specific goals to accomplish them. For example, do you need to get shopping done and complete a marketing proposal within the day? When you’re most productive, you can assign the first part of your day to completing the marketing project and the latter part of the day to shopping. This strategy will help you focus on completing a task before attending to anything else.
Learn when to say no
Commitments come from different directions when working from home, and the last thing you want to do is accommodate all of them at once. That phone call from a loved one or that favor request from a colleague can cost you more time than you can spare. Sometimes learning to say no to commitments that eat into your work time is the best way to avoid wasting time.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Just Pondering
Bella Grace Field Guide by Stampington
There are so many things a mirror will never reflect back to us. A kind heart, a curious spirit.
What will your mirror never show?
Melinda
Looking for the Light 