mental health

Unfu*k Yourself

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Having no plans for New Years decided to listen to this 3 hour audio book. Written and read by the Scottish author it is a game changer with 9 chapters of the impassioned author giving his reader direction. While I’m sure the book is an amazing reference hearing the author read his work brings these themes to life in a more vivid fashion.

He begins the book asking the reader if they are willing to undertake this journey of change. His ideas are insightful, and provide levity to the task at hand. The next chapters, “I am Wired to Win,” “I Got This,” preps the reader for the more in-depth lessons which follow.

As one who strives for certainty, Chapter 5, ” I Embrace the Uncertainty,” was something I had not read in a book of this genre. He regales, nothing is certain and don’t strive for it which led to Chapter 6, “I Am Not My Thoughts.”

Some takeaways from these two Chapters to jump start your 2023,

  • ACT – change your life by changing your actions
  • Separate your thoughts from who you are
  • It’s all about action
  • Life is now
  • Even if you don’t know how to start that’s the place to start – Google your problem/idea, research, take courses, enlist the support of others
  • Action may not bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action
  • Face your fears and when you aren’t in the mood or doubting yourself … ACT

Chapter 7 – “I Am Relentless,” here Gary discussed, “The Arnold,” and how as a young man in Austria his dream was to act in movies. Others laughed, but he was relentless, and while risks are uncomfortable he pushed forward, followed his heart, and ignored the naysayers. People tend to hold you back when your journey is outside of the herd, but keep moving no matter what, be relentless.

Chapter 8 – “Expect Nothing and Accept Everything,” held the theme of living in the moment with no expectations, and when the game changes, pivot. Life is a dance, not a march. So true.

Photo by Marko Zirdum on Pexels.com

Gary ended his tale with 2 final comments,

  • Stop doing what you currently are doing.
  • Start taking action to propel yourself forward.

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His next book is due shortly, Wise As Fu*k, Simple Truths to Get You Through The Sh*t Storms of Life.

This from a man who lists priests as those he coaches.

What a hoot!

Frigid Florida

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How were your holidays? Mine were lovely and peaceful. While solo, each year I enjoy the solitude more and more. It is a delightful time of peace and reflection. Reading a book, taking a bubble bath, doing my nails, and shutting off the cell phone certainly recharges the batteries of the soul. Try it, you may like it!

And this year there were Northeast temps in Florida. While no snow fell, had the trial of covering the plants and donning the gloves. Florida almost felt Christmas-like.

Today I will check out the stores for sales of Christmas decorations to add to the collection for Christmas 2023.

Let’s hope the Dollar Tree has something left.. They have the best decorations, and yes, buy their stock. My tip for the year.

Next: Reflection.. Consider 2022 and all accomplishments while contemplating your 2023 goals as well. Check out this Nucific site. Besides the goal info they have great vitamins, supplements and health info. https://cdn.nucific.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Nucific-Workbook.pdf?business_unit=a00f400000jv554aad&utm_campaign=nuc-sms-workbookpdf-fc-221221&utm_campaign_id=7013w00000283tgAAA&utm_source=email&externalId=9RWIg 

A Must Do.

Have been considering a career shift from the blog, to neurofeedback, dog grooming or perhaps both? For those who are unsure what neurofeedback is, check out this site for specifics, https://www.eeginfo.com/what-is-neurofeedback.jsp. It certainly assists with many mental health issues.

And as to the dog, that could be an adjunct for assisting with these issues as well, and for me a fun add-on part time career to the more involved one. Love dogs!

Rocco received Pomeranian salt and pepper shakers for Christmas from his Minnesota grandma. Too cute. And update on his swallowing my vitamins/supplements. He is alive and kicking after stealing and swallowing tumeric from my suitcase. Only had 2 days of orange stools. Too funny and colorful, too!

So, enjoy your day, and have some left overs. Always love that turkey.

A Historic Mental Hospital and Patient Care for the Mentally Ill

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“The journey of 1,000 miles begin with one step.” -Lao Tzu

Governor Cherry

This is one of the many quotes which adorn the walls and screens of Cherry Hill Hospital in Goldsboro, North Carolina. How true. Cherry Hill is a hospital which came from inspiration. It began in 1878, and accepted its first patient on August 1, 1880. Named at that time, “Asylum for Colored Insane,” it has gone through many name changes to become Cherry Hospital in 1959, honoring Governor Cherry who expanded mental health services.

While at inception it served the African American population, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, required all be admitted to the facility. Early treatment focused on farm work done on the hospital lands, however, by the 1950’s medication came into being radically changing patient care.

Today, mental hospitals focus on talk therapy, medication, and groups as the key elements for patient treatment. The treatment mall in mental health hospitals focus on groups such as:

  • Cognitive Skills
  • Caring for plants
  • Life skills
  • Daily news concerns
  • Interpersonal skills
  • How to be independent
  • Understanding how the legal system works
  • And a myriad of art and music classes

Why do I write this blog? Mental health concerns are an issue which pervade our society, especially living in these fearful times. Only knowledge can change the fears. Recently, the British royalty have taken on this issue, and much literature supports their endeavors.

Thank you for reading this blog.

“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” Martin Luther King, Jr.