There’s an old saying, ‘The days are long, but the years go fast.’ For me, this last year felt like three. An up and down rollercoaster of feelings and emotions that took me to some pretty deep lows. As therapy for dealing with the pandemic, lockdown, losing my job and other garbage that happened during … Continue reading The Difference a Year Makes
Mental Health Benefits from Dogs
Beginning in 2004, August 26 became National Dog Day when animal behaviorist Colleen Paige wanted to bring attention to adopting dogs instead of purchasing from a breeder. She also founded numerous other pet holidays you can read about here. She chose August 26 because that was the day 10 year old Colleen and her family adopted … Continue reading Mental Health Benefits from Dogs
Immersed in Van Gogh’s Paintings
If anyone needed a Self-Care Sunday, it was Vincent Van Gogh. Not only is he famous for his expressive and colorful paintings, he is also known for his mental health challenges. Many have speculated about why he behaved so erratically, and then committed suicide at the age of 37. I'm not here to speculate those … Continue reading Immersed in Van Gogh’s Paintings
Worried About What Others Think?
When high school began, fitting in was a high priority for me. I tried to be especially nice to the 'popular kids', hoping they would like me. As time went by and I became more focused on choosing what college to go to, what my major would be, and just generally thinking about the future. … Continue reading Worried About What Others Think?
SCS: Catalina Island
This Self-Care Sunday (SCS) is dedicated to the day trip. A quick little adventure to reset and refresh both physically and mentally. Our recent day trip was to Catalina Island, which is about a one and a half hour boat trip off the coast of California. The boat trip there was an easy ride, and … Continue reading SCS: Catalina Island
You’re Winning
Just a reminder for everyone (including myself) that everyday we have something to celebrate. It’s not about impressing other people. It’s not about achieving some big milestone. It’s about recognizing we are still doing things that matter, even when our anxiety and negative thoughts lead us to believe otherwise. For me, I’ve been studying medical … Continue reading You’re Winning
5 Things To Do With This Anger
In a previous post, ‘What Do I Do with This Anger?’ I talked about the repressed anger I was feeling that manifested itself into depression. That post has led me to do a deeper dive into this very common, and often misunderstood emotion. Let’s begin here… What is anger? The dictionary definition of anger is, “a … Continue reading 5 Things To Do With This Anger
Remembrance
For some of us in the U.S., this weekend is about shopping, traveling and backyard barbecues. For others, it’s a time of remembrance. To mourn the loss of a loved one or friend that was killed while serving in the military. This Self-Care Sunday post is dedicated to everyone who has received that heart breaking … Continue reading Remembrance
What Do I Do With This Anger?
For several months now, I have stopped eating once I finish dinner and then my next food intake is the following morning. Not for intermittent fasting, I just wanted to stop eating so much since the gym had to shut down. Well, that changed tonight. After finishing dinner and brushing my teeth, I’m now sitting … Continue reading What Do I Do With This Anger?
SCS: Let Your Light Shine
Thinking about self-care Sunday (SCS) had lead me to thinking of how our minds can go to some dark places. I suppose any number of factors can contribute to this, both circumstantial and biological. Maybe the worst moments for us come when we allow other people to define who we are, instead of fully embracing … Continue reading SCS: Let Your Light Shine