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

The difference between being alone and feeling alone

There are many types of personalities in the world. But many of us can be characterized by either an extrovert or an introvert. Extroverts are ones that you can find easily since many of them stand out in a crowd. They love to socialize and be around people. More outgoing and engaging with others, makes them a focal point of the group. But introverts are more of the opposite. The desire to be alone and have a quieter approach to gatherings. No matter who you are or what you like to do, loneliness impacts everyone. For some the need to …

How can we balance our life

In one of my “life” conversations I was having with my son, he had asked me, “how do you show someone you love them?” I told him, “There are different ways to show you love someone. But the best way is to learn about the other person. Find out the good things about them and also see what they are struggling with. Some people do like gifts. Others like to have things done for them.” Now, just so you know, he wanted to see how to show love for me. But it did get me thinking. I am on this …

The power of Emotions: Healer or destroyer of our mind

Ever have one of those days that you just want to scream or throw something? Everyone has stress. We all experience stressful days. Some of us have techniques to manage our daily stress and there are some of us that hold it all in. Either way, all the stress and emotions we feel throughout the day builds up within us. Substantial energy, both good and bad, sits inside until we find a way to release it. It is how we use those emotions, that energy within our minds that can heal us or destroy us. Power of the mind I …

Respect is not as easy as it looks

My son just asked me what mental health is and why is it so important. This question got me thinking. Many of us are moving through each day just surviving. Get up, take care of the family, go to work, only to come home and take care of the family until it is time for bed. We push ourselves to care about everyone else in our lives, that we are not leaving much time for us. I was recently reminded that my mental health is very important and taking time away from work is necessary. So why is it so …

Ever wanted to be someone else?

I bet that many of you have, even if it was only once, looked in the mirror and thought it would be better if you were like other people. I know I have. Well, there are times when I still do. Watching others live out (what appears) to be happier, more successful, and better lives than we have. I don’t have a bad life. But there are times when I wish I had more. I wish I had a better grasp on who I was growing up and maybe I would have made something more of myself earlier in life. …

The first step is wanting help

Every day we see ads for healthier foods. Or maybe we see a new fitness facility opening down the street. There are numerous commercials for new drugs to help with ailments. But we don’t see very many ads or programs about depression. What about abuse, anxiety, and PTSD? Too many people are struggling against mental illness, not knowing how to get help. And on top of all of this, our kids are going through school having to fight against profiling, bullying, discrimination, and school violence. Is there anything that can help us get through? Ignoring the problem Mental health continues …

We need a support group for overthinkers

Do you think it would be a good thing or a scary thing to have a group of overthinkers in one room? Do you know if you are an overthinker? (Signs you are an overthinker) You may be saying that thinking about a situation will bring clarity and possible solutions. And you are right. But that is where most people would stop thinking about the problem. We overthinkers, well we can go to another level. And if you are anything like me, you go to extremes. A Disorder? Overthinking is the excessive time used for thinking and worrying about situations. …

You are truly worthy of love

Picture this…a child is seen running around the schoolyard laughing and playing around. You see them playing with other children. All appear to have the same large smiles on their faces. But there, on the side, is another child that is just sitting there. This little one is all alone watching the other children. You can see the longing in their eyes. The silent cry for attention on their face. You can picture all of that, can’t you? So, let me ask you, is that child worthy of love? Do they deserve to be cared about, appreciated, and made to …

We are much more than Mars and Venus

Everyone deals with some form of mental health in their life. Whether you are healing from a childhood trauma, experienced a life-altering event and now working through PTSD, or your everyday life has become so stressful that you are working through burnout. Every person processes their mental health differently. There is no bigger difference than how men process their stress and mental wellbeing than a woman does. And if you have read the book by John Gray, Ph.D., “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus” you will understand that it is not just one or the other anymore. Men …

Trying to discover the process to recovery

Well, it happened again. Another moment in time that takes my mind on a roller coaster filled with drops and loops. I have been spending my days working, talking with friends, and laughing. Feeling good just in general. Still living in chaos, but the days were beautiful. It took one moment in my life to derail it all. I have had messages from friends, phone calls from family, pictures from my past, and even a stranger’s conversation send me into a spiral. And each time I find myself mentally, emotionally, and physically working through a process before I can say, …