I have always considered myself to be an idea person. Having ideas certainly helps in my ability to write, not just in coming up with new themes, but in variety of writing styles. Generally in my most personal pieces, I tend to go through the process completely alone. The full written piece is just mine. But there are other pieces I write that with collaboration from others (mostly only my husband), become even more effective, and I feel more appealing to a greater audience. Continue reading
“Be a true traveler, don’t be a temporary tourist.” – Amit Kalantri
I believe a true traveler embarks on journeys that leave a lasting impression on their heart and mind. The voyage doesn’t have to be to another country or faraway land. It can be an exploration near home and the distance traveled not geographical, but one that is philosophical or experiential. A true journey doesn’t just yield miscellaneous facts, fleeting images, and banal stories. It always bears some kind of change, hopefully one of understanding and betterment. Continue reading
Anxiety, frustration or anger, excess energy, depression (or low mood), and several other things just plain drive many of us to it. What? Stress habits and self-medication.
Peter picks the tips of his fingers until they bleed. Joan drinks a bit too much alcohol to unwind. I clench and grind my teeth. Jack binge eats on occasion. Continue reading
I have had issues with anxiety and panic attacks at various times of my life. It either comes with my bipolar disorder at times, or is a separate mental health issue. My panic attacks can be brought on by what may seem like nothing, or at least seemingly small triggers. And panic attacks can easily breed more frequent attacks. Scientists believe this may be part of the “kindling effect”. The kindling effect (originally applied to epilepsy, but now also applied to bipolar disorder, addictions, and even other mental health issues) is where with each episode of the illness, later episodes become more likely and more severe. It can sometimes be difficult to finally break the cycle of kindling. Continue reading
Bees have been long-time feared or disliked insects because of their painful stings when feeling threatened, but some (not all), like honey bees and bumble bees, lose their lives after they sting. It’s kind of sad, I think, because these bees are really rather useful insects that provide many benefits to humans. Honey bees pollinate 80 percent of flowering crops. Those crops constitute one-third of everything we eat. Without honey bees, we would not have apples, strawberries, nuts, broccoli, cucumbers, blueberries, and many other favorite foods. Continue reading
Taking control of an illness is possible for many, to various degrees, but anyone who has had a serious illness knows control isn’t always that easy. It takes work and often support from various people in your life. Sometimes control doesn’t necessarily mean curing the problem, but just lessening the symptoms and the illness progression. Continue reading
There are important similarities between the words apprentice and mentored person. According to Corbin J. Pickett in his article “Mentorship vs. Apprenticeship” the definitions are as follows: Continue reading
My husband loves perfumes, and has given me a few over the years, but they sit in my bathroom cabinet collecting dust, along with several underarm deodorants of various scents that I’ve rejected.
I have just never found the scent of perfumes appealing. In fact, when I put them on I feel like I’m breathing horrible fumes. Continue reading
My mother was the central root of my family “tree”. She kept a strong link between us all, and allowed the family “tree” to stand tall and secure in the ground. When she was alive we were all gathered together. We knew what was happening to each of us at almost all times. Every celebration was a large family affair and maintained traditional customs that dated back generations. We always felt a connection with our childhood home in the New Jersey woods. She was our childhood home, and when she lived, that “home” was a living thriving being. It was rare that any one of us (her children, spouse, parents, siblings, in-laws, cousins, friends) ever felt neglected or alone. There was a constant closeness and interconnection to each member root of the family and beyond because of our link to her. Continue reading
Bird Flight 