Exploring the fabric of our stories one character at a time.

When it is time to change directions

This may be a short post, but I have to get this out. I have lived my life for the past 48 years a certain way. As I child I was so desperate to have a friend that I would try to be like the other kids just to fit in. I was so desperate to have a boy like me that I would act the way I thought they wanted. Even now as an adult I still change…no, I leave who I am to the side to please others. And I am tired of it. It is time I …

Learning to fight your fears

As a child, there are many things to be scared of. And as we grow into adults, the fears change. They can become more internal and even more damaging. Fears will develop and grow if they are not destroyed. The good news is there is still time to face your fears and find a happier life on the other side. Growing with Fear Growing up, I had a fear of people not liking me. As a child I was a super quiet little girl, and I wanted friends very badly. To be included and feel like a part of the …

Are you seeking peace or approval?

I like to watch the little reels videos on Facebook to be able to turn my mind off for a little while. And because I like many videos about mental health and self-improvement, there are so many videos on my Facebook page to watch. There are influencers that dedicate their videos about knowing your self-worth and there are groups like Dhar Mann that make stories about respecting others and believing in yourself. But one video came on today that hit closer to home than I thought it would. What are we really seeking out in the world, peace or approval? …

Taking Some Steps to Change my Mind

Every day we do the same routine of waking up and going to school or work. We may be taking care of our family or just taking care of ourselves. But Each day is the same thing. Day in and day out. Our actions are the same. But our mind also can get stuck in this rut. This never-ending cycle of thought leads to no action. I found myself recently in a position that I have been stuck for years. And trying to change is extremely difficult. The Need for Change First, I needed to identify that there was a …

The damage of Stress on the mind

Every day we wake up and face the day. Each day we take care of family and friends. We go to school and work. Cooking, cleaning, and making sure everyone is taken care of. There may be times of joy or relaxation. And a constant move to get through the day. Every minute, hour, day, week, and month goes by without hesitation. How we face these moments impact our health.  Stress builds up until the damage has been done. Downfall Stress can be useful to a person or destructive. Identifying and managing the types of stress offers each person the …

It’s not just mental health anymore

When someone asks you about how your health is doing, many of you probably only think about your physical health. Don’t worry, because I usually do too. That’s because physical health is more publicized and commercialized. “Come join our gym to start feeling good about your body!” And “Check out this gadget that will make it easier to eat your fruits and vegetables.” Sound familiar? When was the last time you heard or saw anything about counselor groups or ways to get help for your mind? But the problem is, mental health should not be ignored. Because mental health and …

Sometimes everyone can use a helping hand

“You don’t know what you can do, if you don’t do it yourself.” “I don’t need anyone’s help.” “I can do it myself.” “I am embarrassed to ask for help.” Do any of this sound familiar to you? How many times have you been faced with so much on your plate that you just cannot handle it yourself? Secretly wishing someone would help you or take the hurt away? Or just have someone that will sit and listen to your feelings? We all have. And we also know how hard it is to ask for help. The internal feeling of …

Are you trying to see the forest through the weeds

Ever find yourself so engrossed in everything that is troubling you that you cant seem to see a way out? Like walking through each day with all of the worries of the world on your shoulders and you can’t see the positives going on around you. I was talking with a friend tonight, and I realized that I do that all of the time. As if I have blinders on and cannot see anything but in front of me. So wrapped up in the now, forgetting the “all of the times” surrounding me. How am I supposed to see the …

What does depression look like to you?

Could you accurately describe what someone with depression looks like? Can you tell me how they would act? What many people don’t understand is that depression is not always noticeable. Sure, if you see someone sad or quiet, they could be dealing with depression. But there are many of us that go through life with a filter. A sort of mask to hide away our true feelings. Hiding behind smiles and laughter. Only to drown in sorrow when we are alone. So, I ask again. Can you accurately describe what someone with depression looks like? Every day I have moments …

Only in darkness can you see the stars

I wasn’t sure as to what I wanted to write about today, until I had the chance to talk to a friend. They were having a bad day, but by the evening it was starting to turn around. We have all had those days. When nothing felt good. Everything decided to challenge you, push you back. As someone once told me, it is like life is just needling you all day long. All you want is to go right. One glimpse of something positive to tell you will be okay. It may feel like the day is full of darkness, …