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

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Is fear deciding for you?

I was recently talking with some friends of mine about my career path and the choices I have in front of me. I have been looking at changing from real estate into mental health. However, someone mentioned I should also look into writing as I love to write and (apparently) they said I am really good at it. So when my friends started asking if I had thought about podcasts and videos, I was ready to shoot down the idea in a heartbeat. Suddenly, I could feel my heart rate kick up and I was beginning to get fidgety. My …

What it all looks like

They are laughing, smiling, dancing around, but did you know they are fighting depression? Maybe they are sitting in the corner, quiet and reserved. Are you aware they are fighting anxiety? Mental health has a stigma in the world that a depressed person is always withdrawn and sad. That a person who has anxiety is always nervous and fidgety. We don’t always look and act like that. I look happy Over the last few weeks, I have laughed with friends and sang my heart out to rock music. I enjoyed some time with my friends and neighbors at a barbeque …

Do We Naturally Think Negative

“I am not strong enough to handle that.” “Why can’t I do anything right.” “That is too difficult.” Do these statements sound familiar? I can guarantee that either you have said some or you have heard people say them to you. Ever wonder why it is so easy for us to say statements like these? That go to the negative instead of looking for positive. Everything looking dark and grey instead of bright and beautiful. Maybe because we, as humans, are hardwired to focus on negatives first. How to change negative thinking Negativity for survival Think about the caveman coming …

My brain won’t let me.

I was talking to my son a few days ago about how I wish he would listen to me better. Like when I tell him to do something, it is usually because it is teaching him something, keeping him safe, or guiding him to be respectful. I explained to him that lately it seemed he was more interested in doing what he wanted and would try to find a way to get what he wants done with or without doing what I asked. His response…”Mom, I’m trying to do what you say. But my brain won’t let me. It is …

How to talk to someone

We all have those times when a friend has just gone through a hard time in life. You stand there wanting to comfort them. But you don’t know quite what to say. You want to show you care. But you don’t want to be the one to bring up a bad time for them. It just seems like there is so much said and so much not to say. To say or not to say I talked about how I had recently lost my dad to cancer and when I returned home and to work, I could tell how so …

Does your anxiety control you?

I just got back from a recent trip to visit family in California and Idaho for the holiday. During this trip, I found myself consciously avoiding certain areas of my life due to my anxieties. One of the bigger ones that I fight is my need to have control of everything around me. What do I mean? I had to have my sister-in-law and niece take me to the airport in California to return home and as she drove, my fear built up because I did not have control of the vehicle. The constant need to hold my breath, close …

Look how inspiration surrounds us

Since I started on this path about mental health, everywhere I turn I find inspiration. I go into Facebook, and I have post after post of quotes, tools to help sufferers battle anxiety, and companies reaching out to support anyone who needs it. Then I go to Instagram and TikTok, finding more quotes, videos, and complete strangers telling me that I am not alone in this world. Driving to work each morning, I have the radio up loud, singing to the song on my Pandora stations. Sitting back and really listening to the lyrics to my favorite bands, expressing their …

What if…I overcome my doubt

Two words that have the opportunity to bring heartache, stress, and despair. Just two small words that can also bring new ideas, change, and hope. How can these two words be so powerful? You are faced with a decision that is too big to make on a whim, when your friend says, “yeah, but what if…” Those words break open a new way of thinking. And sometimes, that way of thinking can lead to uncertainty. DOUBT Your boss comes up to you with a new project that will be presented in front of the owners of the company. They asked …

The good and bad foods we have

It is that time of the year when the candy comes out. All of the cakes and cookies baked to perfection. Don’t forget the decadent and savory meals prepared for family and friends to feast on. Comfort foods are sprinkled throughout our lives to help carry us through all of those hard times. But did you know there are foods that can make you feel good and foods that can make you feel bad…naturally? Foods of the body I am not going to bore you with all of the medical and chemical descriptions of how our bodies work. But think …

Vulnerable in Life or Strength in Numbers

It is one thing to face life’s hurdles. It is another when you have a loved one that is facing life altering challenges. The amount of emotional battles your mind and body fight can make your head spin. The vulnerability alone can cripple the strongest man. Is it really worse There is a phrase that I have heard people say, “There is always someone that has it worse than you.” I need be honest. I hate that statement. Yes, there are people in the world that struggle through life with no family, no money, no home or job. Or they …