Creatively Mood Disordered

I cannot even recollect the amount of times I have been told I am so creative. I believe having bipolar allows me to feel deeper, lover harder, run faster, and see details that those without mental illnesses do not sense or experience.

Personally, the best poetry I produce is when I am in a mixed state, with manic energy, in conjunction with a down phase, where for me it usually feels like a cold, dark, and depressing depth of despair.

There are also times in my life where I am so manic, I hear color, and I see sound. The flight of ideas, sped up thoughts, heightened senses, such as visual, auditory, or other stimuli is beyond words. There is a medical term for this called hyperacuity, which means sharpness of perception.

For me personally, communicating through poetry when I am feeling sad and alone helps me to spew out my depressive thoughts, with manic urgency. My brain is usually five steps ahead of my hand on the pen. I feel such powerful emotions; I find it hard to not let them out in some outlet or way, be it poetry or some other form of art.

Why is it that individuals with mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, lean towards careers in the arts?  It has been suggested that mental illness and creativity often go hand in hand. So many themes in poetry are about loss, despair, sadness, and depression.

For instance, Sylvia Plath was a beautiful poet who ended her life by suicide.  In 2001, a psychologist by the name of James C. Kaufman created the term the Sylvia Plath to refer to the phenomenon that poets are more susceptible to mental illness than other creative writers are.

Some folks with bipolar disorder worry that they will lose energy and creativity if they agree to take medication for their illness. Personally, I have noticed that my medication does control my mania and depression, thus only allowing spurts here and there to permit me the ability to write poetry.

Whether it is drawing pictures, making jewelry, writing poetry, or writing my autobiography, I always feel creative energy within my soul. For those with mood disorders out there, can you relate?

Bipolar Betty

Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder - I Don't Understand?

What brought you to your doctor or psychiatrist’s office? Were you feeling depressed, hyperactive, and not able to sleep or sleeping all the time?  What were your symptoms that were becoming disabling?

I have received many comments and questions regarding initial diagnosis, and where to go from there. I am sure these scenarios are not the same for everyone; hopefully folks can take something from each one. I decided to include this blog, and intermittently discuss my personal experiences, and provide some basic information about mood disorders.

I use the term mood disorder interchangeably with bipolar disorder. The definition of a mood disorder is the term designating a group of diagnoses where a disturbance in the person's mood is hypothesized to be the main underlying feature.  The two most common “mood disorders,” are classified as Bipolar Disorder, or Major Depressive Disorder. Under these classifications, there are sub-categories, which I will briefly discuss below.

Education is very important for those just diagnosed with a mood disorder and it is important as well for family and friends to educate themselves too. The internet has such a vast amount of information on mood disorders, as well as details on medication your doctor has prescribed to you. I highly suggest folks diagnosed with a mood disorder take the time to do research on the internet, and if internet access is not available, there are wonderful books available at the library or bookstore.

A huge help has been gaining the knowledge of all aspects of my mood disorder, and it plays a huge part in understanding what my psychiatrist is suggesting, and allows me to ask questions as well. Otherwise I would feel like I was listening to someone speak a foreign language I have no idea how to speak. 

Statistically it is not uncommon for individuals to be misdiagnosed at least once. As severe as my bipolar is, it took many trips to the hospital and my psychiatrist’s office to receive the diagnosis. Because there are so many facets to the disorder, if one comes in to the doctors while depressed, the odds of being diagnosed with major depression is highly likely. With all mood disorders, cycling is not uncommon and unless psychiatrists have witnessed the cycling on a continuous basis, diagnosis of bipolar disorder most likely will take longer to identify. The bad thing about this is that medications to treat mood disorders vary depending on your diagnosis. 

Sometimes, if you are an individual who has bipolar, but is just showing signs of depression, a psychiatrist who prescribes an antidepressant can result in a huge disaster. The likeliness of rapid cycling while on an antidepressant without a mood stabilizer is very common.

Before I get into the “types of bipolar disorder”; here is some terminology used below. Please note that this is just a BRIEF description, and does not entail all symptoms.

Mania:  Easily distracted; little need for sleep; poor judgment or temper control; reckless behavior and/or lack of control; sexual promiscuity; spending sprees; overly elevated mood (i.e. increased energy and activity; racing thoughts; overly talkative; grandiosity such as very high self-esteem); agitation and/or irritability.

Depressed Phase of Bipolar Disorder: Daily low mood or sadness; difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions; eating problems, such as weight loss or weight gain; fatigue or lack of energy; feeling worthless or hopeless; low self esteem; thoughts of suicide.

Here is a brief overview of types of bipolar disorder; most likely, the doctor or psychiatrist will use similar terminology to refer to your diagnosis. Please note this does not include every subtype of bipolar disorder.

Bipolar I: (this is my diagnosis and the most severe classification) this term is usually given to individuals who have/had experiences with severe depression and full-blown mania

Bipolar II: Diagnosed when somebody has had many major depressive episodes as well as episodes of hypomania, and not severe mania. This is the most common bipolar diagnosis.

Rapid Cycling: (this also is included in my diagnosis) this is usually more an adjunct symptom, to the two subtypes of bipolar described the above. It means, over a 12-month period, an individual has more than four manic and depressive symptoms or episodes. Rapid cycling tends to be a lot more common in women.

Mixed State or Episode: (this as well is included in my diagnosis; which is why my Bipolar Disorder is SO severe) this term is defined during which symptoms of mania and depression occurs simultaneously. Mixed states are often the most dangerous period of mood disorders, the propensity to violence, suicide attempts, and other complications increase greatly.

During this phase for me, I can be crying and laughing at the same time. Coupled with rapid cycling my need at this time for hospitalization is at its highest.

Cyclothymia: This diagnosed usually given if an individual has some common bipolar disorder symptoms, which includes cyclical fluctuations in moods of mild or moderate depression and minor hypomania.

I hope I have helped some folks out there reading my blog and on my Facebook group page, with questions that have been presented. Folks out there please feel free to add comments, so that others can be educated.

Bipolar Betty

I've Finally Let the Secretive Beast Out of the Cage

So as some of you may know I have yet to blog on this topic. In addition, since I want the blog to be about pure honesty I've decided to speak about one of the most secretive psychiatric diseases. I have, had, and do have an eating disorder. As those with eating disorders know, they are with you for life. You can tame the beast, but that beast is always in hiding. There are periods in life when the eating disorder is controlled, and others when your need for control overpowers the eating disorder.

My "diagnosis,” is Eating Disorder NOS. I don't fit the criteria for Anorexia, and Bulimia. Basically, I am a non-binging, eating restricted, purging, NOS. I never seem to fit any sort of mold ever though. I have been in two eating disorder clinics. The first time I was inpatient at the Renfrew Clinic in Pennsylvania. In addition, the second time I was at St. Joseph's in Baltimore, Maryland, but this eating clinic has since closed.

As you know eating disorders are about control. Therefore, some days, weeks, months, are better than others. Nevertheless, my days are always are the same.

1.) Wake up weigh myself

2.) Drink coffee, to starve the hunger for the day

3.) Weigh

4.) Eat dinner, and if I feel like I have not had many calories, I am good. If not it's purging

5.) After purging, weigh myself

6.) Eat something sugary (small of course)

7.) Before bed weigh myself

Repeat next day!

I'm not saying this is always the pattern, and I do though go for days, and weeks without purging, and it comes and goes. However, like I said, the beast might be caged, just waiting for someone to unlock him, or be tamed for a bit, but the beast for me NEVER dies. My life is spent thinking in terms of calories, and pretty much analyzing all aspects of food whenever I see food, or it goes into my mouth.

Eating disorders suck.....never too thin, always too fat, never pleased with the way I look. It is draining....as you, EDer's know. The scary thing is, is that Eating Disorders kills more folks than any other mental disease or illness.

So now, it's out....and speaking about it and talking to others about the "beast,” is so helpful.

Bipolar Betty

Scene's are Improving and Mental Illness is Now Being Seen

I do not know how many folks out there with a mental illness agree, but this topic really needs to be addressed. I for one have noticed that individuals with mental illnesses are portrayed negatively on television.  They are violent and most likely to be villainous. Thanks to new reality shows, portrayal has become true to life, whether it is on talk shows, or reality shows, like Intervention, True Life, or Hoarders.  Nevertheless, many of the shows and movies do portray those with mental illnesses in a not so fabulous light!

Why does the “psycho” main character on a Lifetime movie have to recently been released from a mental hospital, be unstable, or have multiple personality disorder.  Mental illness is shown in a variety of television programs, including but not limited to, primetime television, soap operas, and children’s programs. Why are folks with mental illnesses on television always violent? Will children grow up thinking that those with mental health issues are “scary” and “weird”?

Commercials tend to a bit better, when advertising for psychotropic medications, but they always start with “Are you feeling down and not able to function like you used to?”

While I was doing some research for this blog, I came across many great examples of organizations and TV shows that are contributing to making a difference in the portrayal of mental illnesses. I surprised myself; by leaving this blog, feeling hopeful that things ARE being done to help increase positive awareness in the media, and portrayal is definitely headed in the correct direction. We still have a ways to go but I think things are getting better! Thanks to the help of these organizations:

The Entertainment Industries Council “is a resource for creative professionals, from writers and directors to producers, researchers, actors, and other players in the creative community,” according to its website. The Entertainment Industries Council, Inc. produces the annual PRISM Awards™ to recognize entertainment productions that accurately depict drug, alcohol and tobacco use and addiction.

http://www.prismawards.com/

The Entertainment Industries Council, Inc. (EIC) annually presents, in collaboration with FX Network, Boeing, and News Corporation, the PRISM Awards™, a nationally televised awards show recognizing the accurate depiction of substance abuse and mental illness: prevention, treatment, and recovery in film, television, interactive, music, DVD, and comic book entertainment. Established in 1997, the PRISM Awards honor productions that are not only powerfully entertaining, but also realistically show substance abuse and addiction, as well as mental health issues.

Additionally, here are some of the movies and television shows that have contributed to creating the portrayal of mental illness, in a more positive light, many of these shows have won the PRISM award.  Here are some examples of television broadcasting:

United States of Tara: Main character has Multiple Personality Disorder

Grey’s Anatomy: “Suicide is Painless”

90210: One of the main characters, Silver, is diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.

Friday Night Lights: After exhibiting key characteristics of bi-polar disorder - hypersexuality followed by euphoria followed by depression - "Smash" Williams's girlfriend Waverly Grady admits that she hasn't been taking her medications for a "mood disorder", which is eventually revealed indeed to be bi-polar. This causes her and Smash's relationship lots of trial, though Smash is willing to put in the effort.

Parenthood: Adam and Kristina Braverman's eight-year-old son Max has many quirks - insisting on wearing a bandana and pretending to be a pirate, for instance. Nevertheless, after getting into trouble at school, the Bravermans find out Max may have (and after testing are confirmed he does have) Asperger's. The series highlights the parents' conflict learning to deal with a disabled child.

General Hospital:  Soap opera crime boss Sonny Cor-inthos, played by Maurice Benard, is diagnosed with bipolar disorder during the 2006 season. (Benard is diagnosed with bipolar disorder in real life.) Sonny accepts his diagnosis and agrees to take his medication.
ER: Sally Field, as Maggie Wyczenski, endures major manic and depressive episodes, and must also face the implications of bipolar being inherited by other family members. The role earned her an Emmy.

The Mary Kay Letourneau Story: All American Girl: Mary Kay Letourneau, age 35, was a teacher, wife, and mother who had an affair with a boy age 13, in the seventh grade. After bearing his daughter, Letourneau was arrested for child rape. She was diagnosed as having bipolar, but reportedly did not take her medication regularly.

Additionally, here are some examples of portrayal of mental illness in some popular movies; many of which have won some PRISM Awards:

Michael Clayton:  Attorney Michael Clayton must deal with his colleague Arthur Edens’ apparent mental breakdown because of bipolar disorder. A client of the law firm is linked to toxic agrochemicals and Clayton becomes aware of a cover-up. As the plot evolves, Edens is assassinated in what is made to appear as his suicide.

Mad Love: In this teen movie, Matt Leland wanted a new girl, and falls in love with Casey Roberts, a woman whose spirit he admires. That energy is attributable to her bipolar disorder; he learns that she has been in institutions a number of times. Her love interest motivates her to continue her quest for treatment.

Sophie’s Choice: Jewish Nathan Landau “rescued” Sophie after Auschwitz, and he is plagued with incessant thoughts of the Holocaust. He abuses alcohol and suffers bipolar mood swings.

The Fighter

Holy Rollers

Iron Man 2

White Irish Drinkers

Winter’s Bone

All Good Things

Black Swan

Frankie and Alice

Lbs.

Mother and Child

 

Thanks to the research I did for this blog, I educated myself that things ARE getting better, but those Lifetime movies still have a LONG way to go. As do other movies and television shows that use mental illness as a way to create a reaction such as humor.

Bipolar Betty

A Little Humor Can Be Rewarding

I as well as anybody with a mood disorder, while depressed, find laughing and smiling at jokes that last thing on their agenda. Nevertheless, I think that this topic is important to discuss! While manic, it is common to be quick witty, increase creative ideas, along with providing tons of laughing continuously. Laughter can sometimes be more effective than medication alone.  However, I am not discounting those who are depressed and find laughter the last thing on their agenda.

While some folks diagnosed with depression find laughing difficult, I find that laughing at some of the strange behaviors of those with Bipolar Disorder can be a great way to cope!

Think about when you are in hypermania or mania mode. Sometimes it seems harmless. However, I have noticed people seem to flock towards my energy and life of the party ramblings. My ability to think of quick-witted comments, and respond with puns is very amusing. It is like drinking tons of alcohol and becoming inhibited. The difference though is that I am not drunk! I will say though the more manic I am the more I tend to spew out inappropriate comments!

I think people take things too serious with or without a mental illness.  Sometimes life should not be treated so seriously. Folks need to lighten-up and breathe, and enjoy, instead of being stressed out.

Below from multiple sources I found this joke:

 1-800-PSYCH

 

•  If you are Obsessive-Compulsive, press 1 repeatedly, being certain to touch the table and counting to 10 between each press.
•  If you are Co-Dependent, please ask someone to press 2 for you. ?...
•  If you have Multiple Personalities, press 3, 4, 5, and 6.
•  If you are Paranoid, we know who you are and what you want. Stay on the line so we can trace your call.
•  If you are Delusional, press 7, and your call will be transferred to the Mother Ship. ??If you are Schizophrenic, listen carefully, and a small voice will tell you which number to press.
•  If you are Manic-Depressive, it does not matter which number you press since no one will answer.
• If you have Bi-Polar Disorder, please leave a message after the beep. Or before the beep. Or after the beep. Please wait for the beep.
• If you have Low Self Esteem, please hang up. All our representatives are too busy to help worthless people like you.
• And thank you for calling the Mental Health Hotline!

Again, this post is in no way discounting those whom are going through a rough patch; my goal was just wanted to provide a sense of humor!

Betty

All Those With Any Mental Illness Will Relate To This Blog

I received a comment yesterday that I felt would be really great to blog about. So thank you. While I have been discussing Bipolar Disorder, this blog really pertains to any individual with any type of mental illness. Whether it is any type of mood disorder, Bipolar, Depression, Schizophrenia, Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or ADD/ADHD, etc., or in some cases additional health issues as well.  

All individuals with mental illnesses really go through the same issues. For example my discussion on, medication usage during pregnancy, the fear of pregnancy, pet therapy, and especially the blog "If It's Not Seen It's Not There". I really want to address this more in detail.

How many times have you heard folks say, "She or he is crazy"? Alternatively, that person needs some "Prozac." While usually I just laugh it off, it really does bother me. What if I said in response, "I am on Prozac," I think the person would look like a deer caught in the headlights! While those comments are not really meant to hurt or offend somebody, nevertheless they are bothersome!

Another issue I've come across, is the label and assumptions of being "bipolar"...For example, if I overreact to something or get upset, individuals under their breathe will say, it's just her "bipolar" causing these reactions. Once, in tears, I was discussing an upsetting legit situation with somebody, the person had the balls to tell me I was being "overly emotional," implying that the cause of this was do to my bipolar. This person also knew I was bipolar. If it had been any other person in that situation, without a mental illness, that comment most likely would not have been made, and being overly emotional would have been taken more seriously.

Here is another comment I have heard from folks regarding another person, who did not know I suffered from a mental illness. Apparently, the person the statement was made about had a strong reaction to something. The individual in response regarding that person states, "they're just off their medication."

One last thing I would like to talk about which to me is baffling. I have been judged before by...A PSYCHIATRIST!  It has been my experience that some of these doctors appear to not always act in the best interest of the patient. In addition, I cannot even tell you how many egotistical, arrogant, psychiatrists there are out there. Sometimes, I believe they think, "Let me just over medicate this patient so that they will shut up," and as a result they are so drugged they can't even speak and do shut up! I am not saying that ALL psychiatrists are bad; it has just been my experience that many are! If you do not like your doctor, after giving them at least 3 sessions, look into finding another. Stability is the most important thing for those with mental illnesses so do not sacrifice that.

While writing this blog, I discovered what I am going to write about in the next one. This is about humor. While this blog dealt with judgment and inconsideration, I think it is important to look at funny situations those with mental illnesses come across. Humor can help us cope, and provide amusement, as well as provide us with a sense of relaxation.

If anybody out there has a humorous situation regarding his or her mental illness, I would love to hear about it.

Betty

I Petcha I'll Make You Feel Better

I have 4 cats. They are like my kids. I wake up every morning and go find each one and kiss them, after of course I kiss my husband! I grew up with dogs, and went through the pets that taught responsibility due to the fact that they didn't have to be walked. These were the guinea pigs, rabbits, and fish. Although keeping a fish alive is actually very difficult. Nevertheless my sister's goldfish lived until it was 8 years old. This is not a typo, the fish lived 8 years!!!

The reason I wanted to write this blog today, was because it really touches on something important, unconditional love. It has been shown that abused animals, will still come back for affection from their owner even if they are treated poorly. What's better than a lick, or a purr to start and end your day?  As well as being so cute and cuddly, pet's sense when an owner is sad, upset, scared, or otherwise not feeling well. They have proven that pets are so therapeutic that they can help an individual feel much better. Also it's been shown that cats purrs can soothe a person, who is in pain, additionally pets have been shown to be able to predict when their owner is going to have a seizure, even before it happens!

While I really wanted to keep this blog, written by myself, I think that this subject touches on a very important topic, and decided to include some articles of interest regarding pets and their importance in individuals lives.

Can those with psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder or depression benefit from interaction with animals? The answer is a resounding, “YES!” “There are an increasing number of dogs being trained to assist individuals with a range of disabilities, including seizure disorders, Parkinson's disease, heart disease, and psychiatric disorders” (Sachs-Ericsson et al, 2002). Not only can those with bipolar disorder benefit from the love of and for a pet, but they are also permitted under the Americans with Disabilities Act to employ the assistance of a service dog. (Sachs-Ericsson, N., Hansen, N.K., & Fitzgerald, S. (2002). Benefits of assistance dogs: A review. Rehabilitation Psychology, 42, 251-277.)

Additionally I found a wonderful article called "How Pets Can Help Bipolar Disorder", below is the link:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/bipolar-disorder/how-pets-can-help-bipolar-disorder.aspx


Lastly, I would like to thank the rescue league that I have adopted all 4 of my cats from, without them the unconditional and therapeutic role I've been discussing with you would not be possible. For those who are on the fence about getting a pet, whether for yourself, your family, your kids, etc. Considering the fact that there's more than just walking a pet, picking up poop, or scooping litter. Here's the website for Fancy Cats where I aopted 4 of the best gifts of my life!

http://www.fancycats.org/


Betty

Sometimes You Just Need To Sacrifice

When I was younger I had my life planned out in my mind, specifically my future. At 26 I would be married, and at 28 I would have my first child! This plan so didn't happen as planned. I was married at 33, and I don't have a child. The child aspect is what I want to discuss on this blog.

With my husband and I having Bipolar disorder, the odds of us having a Bipolar child is 55% or higher. When one parent has it there is only a 10% chance. Here is what I've struggle with. My husband's Bipolar is for the most part fairly mild. Nevertheless the odds are still the same. In addition to this which I've not mentioned my husband has ADD and I have ADHD, which is also genetic. For years I've gone back and forth, have a child, adopt, or decide not to have a kid. As I said, having a child has also been at the top of my list of must haves, what little girl doesn't play with their Betsy Wetsy and play mom while changing her diapers. I did, and I was a tomboy!! For those who are younger than I, your probably not going to know who Betsy Wetsy is!!! So I would like to break down the scenario's that I'm struggling with.

1.) With the odds of 55% of having a Bipolar child, as well as a child with ADD or ADHD, is it fair for the child knowing this to risk these odds. Since going through many ups and downs in my life, and dealing with such a severe case of Bipolar, I've often said "I wouldn't wish this on my enemy". So knowing that the risks are so high, how is the child going to feel, if they are Bipolar, knowing that I knew the odds. I would hate to see a child, nevertheless my own, go through the shit that I have and continuously still am going though! To see a child suffer would be horrible. People I know argue the point that because my husband and I are Bipolar we would be able to see the signs right away, and by the time the child is older, new medications and treatments will be medically advanced for dealing with mental illnesses. This is the first dilemma.

2.) Medications. I'm currently taking 16 medications, this is NOT a typo. I have asthma, acid reflux, chronic pain, and allergies. All on top of the mental illness medication, which are 6 in total. I've gone to a prenatal high risk specialist to discuss the risks of my medication usage. She was not very helpful. She told me I was not high risk. Most my medications are Class C drugs, which basically means that they have been shown to be safe, for the most part. I'm on one Class D drug that has been proven to cause birth defects. Additionally, I'm on Anti-Seizure medications that if I don't take a surplus of Folic Acid, will most likely cause Spina Bifida, which means the spine will not form correctly. So while one medication is a Class C drug, the combination of 16 drugs that are Class C can't be predicted. Lastly, if I go off any of these medication the result will most likely would cause me to become unstable, and I'm at 2 years and counting for stability. Third dilemma.

3.) While babies are known not to sleep through the whole night for the first year, normal parents can deal with the lack of sleep. With folks whom have Bipolar, lack of sleep for even one night can cause severe mood swing issues, and just one or two nights of sleeplessness would throw off my mood. Not to mention the Postpartum, which is pretty much a guarantee for those with mood disorders.

4.) While most folks can look into adoptions, which I've done as well, the odds of approval for those with any type of health issues, are pretty much nil. In China if you have asthma, they will not adopt out their children. Even in domestic adoptions, parents who are giving their child up for adoption, choose the parents. No parent is going to choose 2 parents with a mental illness. International adoption, as well is at least $25,000, how the hell can anybody afford that? Even getting a surrogate is expensive. Then you run into whether to use an egg a sperm, or a non-DNA related child. Still the costs of surrogacy is outrageous!

The hurt and pain I feel at times is horrible. My husband for the most part doesn't get it. Boys don't really grow up with the "maternal instinct". When I hear someone I know is pregnant it hurts, and when I see pregnant women it hurts as well. It probably feels similar to those struggling with fertility issues! What also drives me crazy are the questions. The first question hurts but is tolerable. "Do you have any children?"; my reply is either "no" or "not yet". The second question, which all should learn NOT to ask is, "when are you going to have one?".....At that point mind your f****ing business!

I'm 38 now, and at 35 and older pregnancies are automatically "high risk". The odds of having a child with a disability increases. If I got pregnant and that happened, there is no way I could manage with all the cards already stacked so high.

My sister just had a child, who I love more than words can express. I'm an aunt and a godmother....maybe this was the answer to not being a mother, but being a mother figure to my nephew. Maybe this was given to me, from the powers to be up above.

For now I need to learn how to be content, which is difficult and I'm working on! Adjectives for content include: gratified; happy; pleased; and satisfied. While the opposite means: displeased; unsatisfied; brokenhearted; depressed; discouraged, and the list goes on. It's hard not to feel the Antonyms.....but it's all about taking one day at a time, but that is easier said than done!!!!!

Betty

My Mistakes Don't Need Corrections

When I first decided to start blogging many things went through my head. One was that I might be inviting folks into my life who don't know about my Bipolar and would judge me. Ironically this blog is to be used as a tool so I won't be judged! Also, I refused to edit, or should I say I'm going to limit editing. I'm not the best with grammar, and thank the lord for spell check. I just didn't want to reread over and over the words that I'm so honestly pouring out. Life is not edited, so neither should my blog. So far,  I haven't received any printed comments, but I've heard from a few folks that enjoyed my first post.

I think blogging is a lot like therapy or revealing something personal to a friend. At first your not so sure what to say, but over time you open up.  For now though, I need to make sure I don't drunk blog, if there is such a thing, since in my younger years drunk dialing never went over well! Sorry went off on a tangent.....

I think that's all for today........I have a husband and 4 kitties to go hug on, and if you haven't told the ones around you today "I love you", go do that now. :)

Betty

NAMI WALK for Awareness

So I've been slacking in the volunteerism department. So this year I've decided to walk in the NAMI Maryland Walk. I'm trying to get a team together as well as reach my goal of collecting $1000.00 in donations.

NAMI stands for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is at the forefront of funding research, pushing legislation to better those with mental illness, as well as providing support for families with relatives and friends effected by mental illnesses.



Additional Information:
The goal of the WALK is to raise both money and awareness in Maryland regarding the need for treatment and a recovery system for children and adults with mental illness. Proceeds from the WALK provide essential education and support to help improve the lives of individuals with mental illness as well as their families.


We need your help to support NAMI’s vital programs. Below you will find basic information about the NAMI Maryland Walk. If you'd like to participate in the Walk, donate on behalf of a walker, or sponsor this event use the links to the right.


PLEASE SEE MY HOME PAGE:

http://www.nami.org/walkTemplate.cfm?section=NAMIWALKS&template=/customsource/namiwalks/walkerpage.cfm&walkerID=199029

If you can't donate I would love for you to participate in the walk and walk with me! And fight for equal rights for those with mental illnesses!!!

Location:	Veteran's Plaza Silver Spring, MD
Date:	May 6, 2012
Distance:	2.5 MI
Check-in:	10:00 am
Start Time:	11:00 am
Website:	www.namimd.org

Life is About Lessons

Somebody once asked me this very question: "if you could go back in time what would you change, and how and/or what would you change"?. After thinking this over for a few minutes I replied "nothing". There are many reasons that I responded this way. For one, you change one thing everything changes. Life is about lessons, and if I changed anything in the past, would I have learned a lesson? For example, I thought I was going to marry the man I dated for 6 years. Had we gotten married and/or never broke up I would not be married to my "soul mate" and love of my life and best friend. 

Lessons. Life is about lessons. I truly believe that things happen for a reason. You might not know that reason, but eventually later in life you will come to understand it. If you make changes in the past, especially things that had bad outcomes or incidents, how are you going to learn from them.

What doesn't kill us makes us stronger. So next time you think "could anything else be shittier than this"? Just say to yourself, "lesson". Also, look back on your past, and instead of "asking yourself what would or could you change", ask yourself "why you would not of changed it". It feels so much better, and it relieves dwelling on what has gone wrong in your life!

Betty