Fighting for What’s Right

 

Politics has never just been about policies and party lines; it is fundamentally about people. It involves families striving to make ends meet, veterans seeking the benefits they were promised, educators dedicated to shaping the next generation, and women fighting for their right to make choices about their own bodies. However, these essential rights and values are threatened under the current administration, and I refuse to stand by and watch.

For years, I have dedicated my career to serving others, whether advocating for veterans by helping them navigate the complexities of VA benefits or training others in wellness and resiliency. I have also spent 15 years educating youth, shaping young minds to think critically about the world they will inherit. Now, I see that world being shaped by leaders who prioritize power over people, corporate greed over climate action, and control over freedom.

The Little Things

 

This morning, I was sitting in my chair in front of my window, talking to a friend on the phone, when I saw a mother with her two toddlers stomping around in fresh rain puddles in the parking lot. Unbeknownst to me, it instantly brought a big smile to my face. Seeing them laughing and running around with each other made my heart so happy!

Then it came to me; I honestly can't remember the last time I saw kids playing in rain puddles. I should have gone out and thanked that mom. Thank you for making me smile, but more importantly, for encouraging your kids to enjoy the little things life gives us.

How I Found Hope Living with Depression

 

It has been almost two years since I contemplated dying by suicide. It was a dark time. A time that I do not want to go back to. There are days when I can't believe it ever happened. How did I become so hopeless that I thought death was the only answer?

Regardless of how I got to the dark time, I want to reflect on how far I have come today. This is not to say that life has been all rainbows and butterflies—it hasn't been. Life happens. However, when life happens, I am much better prepared for the rough road ahead than I was two years ago.

Is It Just Me?

I'm tired of being everyone's counselor.

I'm tired of being everyone's lover.

I'm tired of being everyone's confidant.

How Does an Introvert Deal with Depression?

My blog on HealthyPlace: Introverts Guide to Coping with Depression

Being introverted means I am the type of person who re-energizes through solitude. Some may think this is weird or a bad thing. It's not. It is just how my brain works - I would much rather hang out with my kids, pup, or a couple close friends than be with a group of people or at a large gathering. Now as I have gotten older, I have become more adaptable to being in large groups and having to hold conversations with others (although I still suck at small talk). However, when I'm done socializing, I'm exhausted! I then need some quiet time or a nap to be functional again. 

Cell - Roku TV

John Cusack and Samuel L Jackson in a Stephen King twist of a zombie movie?? Yes, please! I was intrigued. The movie Cell came out in 2016. It is an adaptation of Stephen King's book of the same name. 

Nefarious - Amazon Prime

Nefarious is a suspense/thriller movie (2023) starring Sean Patrick Flanery (The Boondock Saints, Insight) and Jordan Belfi (Entourage, All American). I randomly picked this one since it was on my "Based on what you watched" list on Prime. I read the summary, and it mentioned something about a guy on death row convincing a psychiatrist he is possessed. 

Now, I am a sucker for a demon possession movie... and you want to know why? Because it COULD happen! Just like home invasion movies - that shit could happen to anyone! Needless to say, I was not disappointed. 

Coping with Depression

Check out my blog posts about coping with depression on healthyplace.com

Today, there is still a stigma about depression: "Why can't people just snap out of it?" If it were only that easy! Being diagnosed with a depressive disorder is more than just feeling sad sometimes. First, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a condition that causes a persistently low or depressed mood – not situational sadness or feeling low. Sometimes, it can be triggered, and sometimes, it can be out of the blue. Regardless of how it comes about, MDD affects sleep, appetite, energy, ability to focus, and interest in usually enjoyable things (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). Coping with MDD is multi-faceted. There is not just one solution or magic pill that improves or cures mental health – it is a mixture of things that help people (and me) cope.

Addicted to the Jazz

When you mention 'change,' most people become anxious, break out in a cold sweat, and dread what comes next. However, there are a few of us who are...Addicted to the Jazz. 

I first heard this phrase from my counselor from eons ago, and I will never forget it.

First of all, my Sun sign is Sagittarius. If you're unfamiliar with zodiac signs, Sagittariuses are unafraid of change and actually embrace it. We also like to explore the unknown and learn all we can about new things. We're independent and don't back down to a challenge. In other words, we are always searching for the next thing; thus, I am ADDICTED to the JAZZ. But let me explain further...

Significant Other - Paramount+

Significant Other is a 2022 film streaming on Paramount+ starring Jake Lacy (Pete in The Office and A Friend of the Family) and Maika Monroe (It Follows - I highly recommend that one). It occurs in an Oregon forest while a fun-loving couple goes camping. In the beginning, we see a streak falling from the sky into the forest - which we can only assume is an alien spaceship. 

Scary Movie Reviews

Hello! I was brainstorming what else to write about on my blog the other night... And I thought, you know, I love scary/thriller movies, yet I am trying to remember which ones I have seen and which ones I haven't! Last month, I started a page in my journal dedicated to listing the movies I will watch in 2024 - this is so when my brother asks what my favorite movie of the year was, I can give an honest answer and not just shrug my shoulders or name the only movie I remember watching! Haha!

With that, why not post about the ones I've watched and my opinion about them so that other people can read about random scary movies that may be out there and get an honest opinion about them. So here I am... 

Disclaimer: I am a harsh scary/thriller movie critic. It takes a lot to get me scared since I have watched SO many, and as Randy from Scream points out - "There is a formula to it. A very simple formula!" 

Imbalance

You tell me I truly see you for you, 

yet you constantly see through me.  

You tell me I make you feel essential, 

yet you don't seem to require me.  

Don't Spend Another Year Doing the Same Shit

As I sit here on New Year's Eve watching football, listening to people already setting off fireworks, and reflecting back on 2023, I remember seeing the quote, "Don't spend another year doing the same shit." Sadly, I forget where I saw it, but it resonated because it is so true! It reminds me of the much-used saying, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results." 

Is There Still a Stigma with Mental Health?

The simple answer to this question is: unfortunately, yes. Even in the days of increased awareness due to post-COVID and an increased suicide rate, there is still a stigma against those with mental health disorders – especially in particular communities and occupations.

I watched PBS News Hour the other day, and they had a story about commercial airline pilots and the increased concerns about overtime and declining mental health. The story also mentioned that pilots are not allowed to seek mental health counseling, much less disclose that they are living with depression or anxiety with fear of being let go. It is insanity to me that there are still major occupations that would fire someone based on them wanting to get help! So, instead, the airlines would rather have pilots who are stressed, depressed, and anxious with no coping skills and/or medication to help them stay well. Think about it next time you board a plane... that pilot has probably been overworked and has no way of coping! Does anyone want to go flying??