It’s no secret that good oral hygiene is key to maintaining overall health. However, many people don’t realize that there are warning signs that can indicate a problem with your dental health. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s time to visit a dentist Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com 1) Bleeding Gums […]
10 Signs You Need To Visit A Dentist: Dental Health Warning Signs —
The Chronic Illness Writing Prompts are hosted each month by Sheryl at A Chronic Voice, please check out her awesome website and helpful archives. This month prompts are: RECUPERATING REVERSING DAWNING MAPPING DEFINING I’ve chosen Recuperating, Mapping, and Defining as my three this month. I’m recuperating and dealing with lingering issues with swollen salivary […]
January Writing Prompts —
Does the term trauma vortex mean anything to you?
This metaphor describes the swirling whirlpool of emotions, reactions and thoughts that a trauma stirs in us. It’s where sensations, pictures, sounds or painful memories are triggered unexpectedly, and take us back in time[1]. This is summed up well in the following definition:
“Trauma is like a magnet or a black hole sucking us in. Memories of trauma are not like normal memories of something that happened in another time and place, but instead we feel like we are currently in that other time and place. When triggered, our feelings are very powerful and pull us further and further into … a trauma vortex (a whirling mass that draws things towards its centre).[2]”
And when an individual feels that they’re being sucked into this hole:
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It is Monday morning again! Before I was laid off and I was working a full-time job, I would often dread Monday morning. It proves the weekend ended and we have to work all week, again. Now that I am not working, I miss that feeling. It has not been fun to not work because I have worked for as long as I can remember. It is not that I have not been looking and applying for jobs, but none have worked out yet. I do have two phone interviews today, so hopefully one of them will actually provide me with good news. After the past month, I could use some good news!
Since I have not been working, I have not been doing my typical posts. Today, I am trying to make some changes. The truth is, life is hard and some days are so difficult it is painful…
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I hope you had a nice weekend and you are staying safe. I have been thinking a lot over this last week and there have been many times when I felt discouraged and even useless. I do know this is not a good way to think, so I am trying to improve my thoughts, not myself. This quote has shown me hope and how to be patient with myself and my job search. I know as long as I do not stop trying, I am not failing!
The truth is, I am proud of the person I am and know that I do deserve to be treated with respect because that is the way I treat everyone else. The things I know about myself and I am most proud of is, I am determined, strong, kind, compassionate, empathic, and most of all resilient! This may have been a last minute…
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For many years now, one of the most consistent parts of my life has been the pain issues. Living with pain 24/7 is not easy but most pain I can deal with. I suppose I have learned how to continue living my life, despite the pain because I have realized it was not going anywhere. Over the years, there have been several frustrating things I have encountered when I would say, “If you can’t beat them, join them.” There are no ways to join the pain, so acceptance is the next best thing to do.
Regardless of how I have learned to live with pain, there is one type I am unable to tolerate. Everyone handles pain differently, but for me, head pain is the most unbearable. Unfortunately, headaches are something I have endured long before I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. One of my first memories of having a…
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Signs that life is demanding your attention include:
1. The same themes and patterns (which are usually self-defeating) keep repeating themselves, or reappearing in your life. Notice these patterns, and then ask yourself: “What is this telling me about myself – my wants, my needs, my hurts, and my past?”
2. Hurt, unresolved issues, and problems from your past, are stopping you from living and enjoying your life now. Also, these are triggered more frequently than previously. This could include sleep problems, low self-esteem and relationship difficulties, fears, anxieties and PTSD symptoms.
These indicate repression isn’t working for you, and the past will not be silenced and ignored indefinitely.
3. You have trouble coping with powerful emotions – like overwhelming anger, or excessive crying. This frequently points to a deep and painful loss that hasn’t been mourned and given proper respect.
4. You feel restless, agitated, and feel something needs…
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https://youtu.be/33ClrPlzuVQ 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
#Weekend Music Share *Aerosmith – Sweet Emotion (Live) —
So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments each week. Melinda
Friday Quote 1/21/2022 —
It had been several years since we have been able to do anything, besides be imprisoned in our house because of COVID. Recently, we were able to get out of our house and the state we live in to celebrate my husband’s birthday. Of course, he loves doing something extremely cold, and I am not that good at, snowboarding. Even though it was cold and a LONG drive, it was fantastic to have a change of scenery and freedom from house arrest (not literally, it is just because of COVID)!
Now one small problem is, what do you do when there is a long drive ahead of you and you despise driving? I never expect my husband to do all the driving on a long drive and will always offer to do some of the driving. Granted, he knows my distaste for driving because I have never hidden that from…
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Thanks for stopping by today, I appreciate your comments each week. This is the new stained glass I have hanging in my office windows. Melinda
Wordless Wednesday*Dragon Flies —
It is no secret that we have not been able to do anything in several years besides be imprisoned in our home because of COVID. Recently, we were able to get out of our house and the states we live in to celebrate my husband’s birthday. Of course, he loves doing something extremely cold, and I am not that good at, snowboarding. Even though it was bitterly cold and a long drive, it was fabulous to have a change in scenery and freedom from our home.
Now, one small problem is, what do you do when there is a long drive ahead and you despise driving? I never expect my husband to do all the driving a long drive and will always offer to do some of the driving. My husband is aware of my distaste for driving and tries to not have me drive much. I have two reasons…
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On January 15, 1929, Martin Luther King Jr. is born in Atlanta, Georgia, the son of a Baptist minister. King received a doctorate degree in theology and in 1955 helped organize the first major protest of the African American civil rights movement: the successful Montgomery Bus Boycott. Influenced by Mohandas Gandhi, he advocated civil disobedience and nonviolent resistance to segregation in the South. The […]
Let’s Celebrate Martin Luther King Day —
I always use a fake birthday when filling out forms on the Internet, just one less piece of info some stranger has on me. January 19th is my fake birthday, actually, it’s my granny’s birthday and I’ve set up a fundraiser. I’ve never done this before on Facebook and don’t know if anyone will donate […]
It’s My Fake Birthday —
To all my amazing longtime followers and those of you visiting for the first time, thank you for reading this slightly different from my other posts. The post you are about to read was built from too much frustration and disappointments I have encountered within the last year or so. Of course, I do not enjoy being negative and writing about negativity, but I do think honesty is better than pretending everything is perfect and nothing bothers me.
I highly doubt I am the first person, the only one to see this, and certainly not the last. It seems anytime something negative enough to completely flip our life upside down and inside out occurs, those we may consider a “friend” show compassion and behaves as though they care about us, and what we are enduring. However, this is always short-lived and then they return to focusing on their #1, themselves…
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“You can be healing and feel broken at the same time. Healing isn’t a destination we reach where we’re perfect and at peace all the time. Healing is a journey which involves accepting and embracing ourselves as we break, as we heal, and as we reconstruct.” Najwa Zebian
1. Everyone’s trauma is different; everyone’s reaction to trauma is unique. This means there is no “one size fits all” recovery treatment plan.
2. The effects of trauma are profound. They ripple into the future in unexpected and unpredictable ways. This makes it hard to address, work on, and heal from our trauma.
3. Understanding your own reactions to trauma is a long, pain-staking process. But they reveal themselves, and their patterns, over time; and as we gain more insight and understanding, we can try more strategies to help us heal. This is going to take patience, persistence, self-compassion and…
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Welcome to the Weekend Edition of Today in History. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the post. Have an awesome weekend. 1929 Martin Luther King Jr. born On January 15, 1929, Martin Luther King Jr. is born in Atlanta, Georgia, the son of a Baptist minister. King received a doctorate degree in theology and in 1955 helped organize the first […]
Today in History January 16, 2022 —
I’m so glad you are enjoying Fun Facts. I learn something new each week, even if it’s weird. I love hearing your comments! Flamingoes are only pink because of chemicals called carotenoids in the algae and fish (which also eat the algae) they eat; their feathers are grayish white when they’re born. Mosquitoes are the […]
Fun Facts That Will Amaze You —
I am considering discontinuing Weekend Music Share. I’m not sure that you are clicking on the link to go to YouTube out of concern for clicking on a link. YouTube no longer includes a photo of the video on most songs and what you get is a big black box with a go-to YouTube to […]
#Weekend Music Share *Edie Brickell & New Bohemians – What I Am —
So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments each week. Melinda
Friday Quote 1/14/2022 —
It can be hard to know how to help a partner or friend who is feeling depressed. The following suggestions might help with this:
1. Find out the kind of depression they are suffering from. Symptoms of clinical depression include sleep difficulties, loss of appetite, a desire to isolate themselves, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, suicidal tendencies and an inability to determine the cause of their depression.
Those with situational depression may have some of the same symptoms but they generally know why they feel the way they do. Also, once the specific issue is resolved, they are able to function normally again.
2. Be available to listen, or to just be there for them. Sometimes you don’t need to say a word. Don’t offer opinions; don’t give them advice; don’t be judgmental. Be kind and understanding; be gentle empathic, patient, accepting and compassionate.
3. Take them out of…
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Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States. Glaucoma has no early symptoms — that’s why half of people with glaucoma don’t know they have it. The only way to find out if you have glaucoma is to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam. There’s no cure for glaucoma, but early treatment can often stop the damage and protect your […]
Glaucoma Awareness Month —
“I promise you, little by little, the healing adds up.” – Ella Hicks
Maybe it doesn’t always feel like it’s true, but every investment in your healing counts. It all makes a difference, over time.
So hang on to that truth when it’s hard to believe. When you’re in the thick of battle and you don’t feel brave or strong.
You are starting to heal. You are different from before.
All that hard work: it is worth it.
Keep on going.
Don’t give up.
Thanks for stopping by today, I appreciate your comments each week. Good Karma Melinda
Wordless Wednesday*Good Karma —
Imagine if the older you got, the younger you felt. It sounds like an impossibility. In the West, we believe that as the body ages, so too does the mind. But is that true? Of course, not. In this post, we take a look at some of the ways that you can keep yourself young […]
How To Grow Older But Feel Younger —
If there is one thing I have learned in life, especially during the last few years it is we are born with internal strength. There are times we are fighting with a strength we did not realize we had, and it shows itself when needed the most.
Times we lose a loved one that we held dear to our hearts is painful. No matter how much we want to aid in their struggles, we are always left helpless. In 2013, I lost my grandfather who I idolized. Due to his graciousness and selflessness, I was unable to see him in his final days. I understand he did not want me to see him in the ways he was, as he was losing his fight with cancer. All these years later it is still painful, but I can carry his strength and will to fight in my heart.
Of course, it…
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Since December 9, 2021, when I was laid off from my job, my mind has been on a continuous and endless downward spiral with negativity. It has been an incredibly frustrating and discouraging month. Logically, I do understand that there was nothing I did wrong to deserve the layoff, but that is not making this situation any easier. Considering I have always tried finding the positive in all situations in life, it is difficult for me to process all the negative emotions I have been experiencing.
One month of struggling to not allow the negative and disappointing thoughts circling in my mind has been exhausting. Too often I feel as though I am drowning in the fierce rapids that continue pulling me down. I was good at my job and the clients enjoyed working with me and I enjoyed them as well. I keep reminding myself that my job did…
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Welcome to the Weekend Edition of Today in History. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the post. Have an awesome weekend. 2001 Apple launches iTunes, revolutionizing how people consume music On January 9, 2001, Apple launches iTunes, a media player that revolutionized the way people consumed digital media. Bill Kincaid and Jeff Robbin, two former Apple […]
Today in History January 9, 2022 —
I’m so glad you are enjoying Fun Facts. I learn something new each week, even if it’s weird. I love hearing your comments! Cows don’t actually have four stomachs; they have one stomach with four compartments. (fda.gov) The platypus doesn’t have a stomach at all: Their esophagus goes straight to their intestines. (nationalgeographic.com) This is […]
Fun Facts That Will Amaze You —
I hope y’all have had a wonderful week and you are looking forward to the weekend. I managed to fall behind with my blog and still have a few comments to respond to. The past few days I have been consumed with either a migraine or back pain that was so awful I could hardly do anything. Wednesday morning, my back pain was in a different location than normal. On a typical day, it is my mid to lower back that is in pain, but Wednesday morning it was only in my lower back and it took me at least fifteen minutes to pull myself from the bed. This pain was like nothing I have experienced before and had me mildly concerned. I did not lift anything in the previous days, so it did not make sense and I detest when things do not make sense.
I started having another…
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I am considering discontinuing Weekend Music Share due to concerns that people aren’t clicking on the links to go to YouTube out of concern for clicking on a link. YouTube no longer includes a photo of the video on most songs anymore and so what you get is a link or a big black box […]
#Weekend Music Share *Next Year by Macklemore —
So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments each week. Have a great weekend! Melinda
Friday Quote 1/7/2022 —
Thanks for stopping by today, I appreciate your comments each week. Melinda
Wordless Wednesday*Sumertime Dreaming —
“It’s not about simply forgetting and moving on; that’s never how it works.
That’s not how grief works. That’s not how sadness works. That’s not how disappointment works …
You’ve got to make a little home inside of you for those memories and feelings. Whether you want them there or not, those feelings are part of you now … so you have to make room.
You have to allow yourself to feel them all deeply, and accept that they are a piece of you. You will never be able to force out their intensity, their depth, their persistence.
So let them in instead.
Be vulnerable with yourself and allow yourself to feel every raw emotion entirely. Feel them and accept them, and know that even though they are a part of your yesterday, they do not get to define your tomorrow.” – Nikki Banas
Recovery requires that we…
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What is absolutely unique about you? Melinda
Just Pondering —
The month of January is usually a period of critical blood shortages. People stop donating blood during the holidays and when they get sick during cold and flu season. Blood drives also get snowed out during the winter months. More than 50 years ago — on December 31, 1969 — the president of the United […]
Blood Donor Awareness Month —
When we can recognize the different types of traits one can have, we can understand those around us better. Through this post, I am going to explain the difference between Introversion, Empathy, and Highly Sensitive People. I know not everyone is interested in this kind of information, but I am incredibly fascinated and hope you will be as well. Once you have read about these traits, you might find you can relate to one of two of them and I would love to know which resonates with you the most.
Over the years the term Introvert has been misunderstood. About 30-50% of the population are introverts. Many believe when someone is shy or antisocial, this means they are an introvert, but this is not always accurate. The truth is many introverts are social and enjoy spending their time with a few close friends. With this understanding, it is important to…
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There are things I did not think were possible and I never thought I would think or say. COVID has created numerous hardships but also brought on some positive outcomes, such as the opportunities to work from home. Obviously, there are some types of work that are impossible to do from home, but many are easy to do from home.
Searching for a job can be extremely frustrating. Even though many employers have a new understanding and realize remote/work from home is a fantastic option, it is still a challenge. Considering I am actively trying to find a work from home/remote job, I want to share some information about why I want a work from home/remote position, the pros and cons about remote/work from home jobs, and ways to be aware of scams. It is crazy to think there are scams when looking for a job, but they are out…
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For years I’ve seen people put together a pie in the sky list of Resolutions at the beginning of each year and by the second or third month they look at the list and nothing is checked off. Here’s the reason, resolutions are wishes and wishes don’t magically come true. Resolutions set you up to […]
Resolutions Set You Up To Fail —
Welcome to the Weekend Edition of Today in History. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the post. Have an awesome weekend. Welcome to the first Today in History of 2022. 1965 Joe Namath spurns NFL to sign record deal with AFL’s New York Jets On January 2, 1965, quarterback Joe Namath spurns the NFL’s St. Louis […]
Today in History January 2, 2022 —
Happy New Year y’all! This post is a little later than I had planned for, but I guess better late than never. I hope you had a great and safe New Year’s Eve. I stayed at home and watched the ball drop with my husband and three cats. Nothing exciting, but I do not enjoy large crowds because they make me extremely uncomfortable.
Most of us see the start of a new year as the “magical” time to make changes and transform into an entirely new person. It is something instilled in our mind and mostly due to social standards or views. Changes or improvements do not need to only happen once a year or at any specific time. This is something that we can decide to do or not do. Typically, the motivation we felt when we made our New Year’s resolution wears off fast…
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1. Things never go according to plan.
2. You’ll always meet with unexpected obstacles.
3. Not everyone will like you, or want to be your friend.
4. We all lose motivation and want to ditch our dreams.
5. Success is transitory, and happiness will pass.
6. We all get disappointed and let down by our friends.
7. Attitude is everything; we choose how we react.
8. There’s always something good, if we will only look for it.
9. There are those who “play it forward”, and who’re helpful, warm and kind.
10. Life is full of chances, new beginnings and fresh starts.
I’m so glad you are enjoying Fun Facts. I learn something new each week, even if it’s weird. I love hearing your comments! The most common wild bird in the world isn’t the sparrow or blue jay—it’s the red-billed quelea, which live in Africa and have an estimated population of 1.5 billion. (audubon.org) The heart of the […]
Fun Facts That Will Amaze You —
I’m afraid that 2020 and 2021 have finally caught up with me. The sadness, the fear, the anxiety that has come with living and dying during a pandemic….all swims in my head this New Year’s Eve. To add to it, I am weaning off of pain medication from my recent knee replacement. I can only […]
Making it to 2022 — Army of Angels: Part 2
The Clinical Trial of one begins!
Untangling the shipping mess was going to wait. I had 17 bottles, and was on the program. I figured that my dose ought to be 50 mL per day. I vividly remember that first day. The whole family gathered around the kitchen table, almost like a ceremony. They watched as I carefully measured out the dose, then quickly threw it back to a grand applause. I am not thinking that the kids understood how important the moment was to me, but they played along, and their enthusiasm added to my excitement.
My new daily ritual was in place. I had read that some folks split the dose up throughout the day, or tried to disguise it in their food. Myself, I saw no way to enhance the palatability of this stuff: like my whiskey, I did it straight up. Certainly not tasty. Not too bad, though, and from where I…
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I’m so glad you’ve joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share. We have one life, we have to do what we should. One life…….we get to carry each other. https://youtu.be/ZpDQJnI4OhU Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favorite music. Feel free to […]
#Weekend Music Share *One by U2 & Mary J Blige *My Fav —
Have a great weekend! So glad you stopped by today and look forward to hearing your comments. Melinda
Friday Quote 12/31/2021 —
It’s been a wild ride at times during 2021 but we made it! Now we can look forward to what the new year brings us. We want to thank you for being a loyal reader and growing with us thru the years. I know we’ll go to new places in 2022.
Be safe if you are out and about on the holiday, we want to see you here next year.
Melinda
In life the only thing that is consistent and unavoidable is challenges. No matter what we do and how much we try to do our best, life will always throw curveballs our way. Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to duck, or miss being hit hard with the ball. All we can do is roll with the punches and adapt to the various obstacles we face. Of course, this is not easy to do, no matter how much practice we have endured.
The month of December has been extremely challenging. At the beginning of the month, I had a decent job that allowed me to work from the safety and comfort of my home. Surprisingly, but not shocking my company did a mass layoff two weeks before Christmas. Honestly, I was only shocked because of the timing. Although, logically with an employer we are only their worker bees and not a…
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Survivors Blog Here Mental Health Collaborative 
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