August Birthdays 🎂 ☻ 💕

 Happy ☻ Birthday 🎂 to the Leos & Virgos of August!

1. Julia P.

• 3. Sally T.
• 5. Robin L.
• 6. Brenda E. / John W.
• 7. Melanie P.
• 8. Dianne P.
• 14. Tyler H. / Glenna J.H.
• 17. Maria P.
• 19. Ella S.
• 21. Tina P.
• 22. Lynn K.
• 23. Staci P.
• 24. John C. / Philip T.
• 26. Alexis F. 
• 30. Leisha G-S.

Musings of 2019 - Curtis McLeichy

Coldwater, MI *Photography by Alanda McRae*

    I like to talk about the weather and how I know it help's me to walk when it's nice. 

    I bathe in the sunshine and clean clothes more often during sunny weather. Sleeping is easier and I feel better in general. 

    I don't forget to eat, listen to music, enjoy television - I even remember to visit my doctor on time when the weather is positive.  

    Now I get a ride to school and doctor appointments. I save money and time. I now use up very little space and have much more time to understand people and read things for school.  

Diabetes & Low Blood Sugar |Lorrie West|

|Diabetes by Lorrie West|

Living with diabetes has been hard for me. Taking pills and shots every morning and night. Poking my finger for blood for the meter. Reading my meter every day and writing it down so I don't get sick or have high sugar. Or have low sugar. I sure hope I get better and don't have to take shots. It'll be great when that happens. 

Diabetes:

Low blood sugar - you might get low blood sugar {also called hypoglycemia) if you

• Take certain medicines
• eat too few carbohydrates
• skip/delay meals
• take too much insulin or diabetes pills
• are more active than usual

Signs and symptoms - Here's what may happen when your blood sugar is low.

• Shaky / The shakes
• Sweaty
• Dizzy
• Sudden behavior change
• hungry
• weak/tired/fatigue
• headaches
• nervous/upset

If low blood sugar is not treated it can become severe and cause you to pass out. If low blood sugar is a problem for you, talk to your doctor or diabetes care team. 

It is possible to have hypoglycemia without developing diabetes. 

More Core Beliefs (Prompt Answers)

 Five Core Beliefs Which Guide My Life Are:

Deb G.

1. My Religion/Praying
2. Reading Books
3. Writing my novel and poems
4. Visiting with my friends
5. Following my doctor's treatment plans

Laura A.

1. Accept people as they are| They are not going to change because you don't like the way they are
2. There are two things in life: Change and Resistance to Change
3. Your attitude determines your experience
4. Never trust anyone who isn't kind and compassionate to animals
5. There is no mood that cannot be improved by cat pictures
6. (Bonus) Despite all my rage, I'm still just a rat in a cage

*Serenity S.

1. Honesty - Lying is the quickest way to be removed from my life
2. Loyalty - Lack of loyalty can destroy all emotional ties permanently 
3. Empathy - No love 😍 means no trust
4. Baseball - It's exciting, fun, and a great way to pass the time.
5. Music - The best part of emotions and life is found in music.

I know it sounds crazy, but it is what it is...

Scott C.

1. To be good will pay off
2. To be sensitive to others will make a difference
3. That *SUMMER* will make future seasons change my disabilities
4. My beliefs in Christianity will lead me to safety
5. My enemies were tricked & will come back to their senses

*Names were changed as requested.*

Liberty to Love by Alanda McRae

 It is so important to find self acceptance, to be able to laugh in life. Without these things, how can we expect ourselves to love one another? 

How do you find self acceptance when we live in a world full of judgement? In a universe where every move we make is analyzed to the point of not being able to escape rape culture or evolve into a higher state of understanding? Can you find love when you aren't able to laugh (aloud or internally) about anything? 

I want to hear your story. I want to know what you love about yourself. What is the best thing about your life? What makes you smile every day? 

Thank you for your time and I appreciate your reading this through to completion. 

5 Core Beliefs (Prompt Answers)

FIVE CORE BELIEFS THAT GUIDE MY LIFE ARE:

1. Believing in myself
2. Loving myself
3. Loving God
4. Loving Others
5. Loving my Children

---Lorrie W.

1. Stay healthy
2. Have fun
3. See my mom
4. Basketball
5. Looking at pictures of Family & Friends

---Leon B.

1. Best friend
2. Staff members
3. Myself
4. Animals and Pets
5. Talking to my doctor

---Julie R.

#IMMORTALGIRL <-:Click Here & Click Here:-> #THEFOG🌫 

Stereotyped Continued... {Prompt Answers}

Describe a time when you felt you were unfairly stereotyped because of your age or any other characteristic:

"When I started coming to Human Behavior Health Services, I had recently been admitted to the Psych Ward of Oaklawn Hospital. I used to chant to myself to keep my every-day going. It wasn't a list of what I needed to do - it was one specific thing. But it helped. I was lashing out at my body in strange ways. Cutting. Not eating. Spacing out. And then the chanting wasn't helping. So I allowed the admittance. Because I just didn't know what to do anymore. So I spent 18 days in the Psych Ward trying to figure out what I already knew, that I was schizophrenic. It runs in the family, so it felt like a waste of time. Then I was suggested for after-care therapy. I am grateful for it, but it seems an inconvenience for both parties." 

-Julia P.

"When I was a freshman in high school, I was an outcast. I thought I was an outcast because I didn't fit in simply. I loved, loved, loved my music. I think people thought I was a rebel based on that and after school I didn't study. I went to the fort me and a few friends made and I smoked my cigarettes. I'd skip school and go to a friend's house. But I wasn't trying to be a rebel, I was just being wild and free - not dangerous or anything at all..."

-Scott C.

"I am unfairly stereotyped because I'm on disability. I am diagnosed Bipolar, PTSD, and I have a seizure disorder. People (my family) assume I don't work because I'm lazy. The family doesn't understand. They don't try to understand. They don't know my details and I haven't corrected them. So, they make up rumors to spread behind my back.. It's hard to describe a specific time because it's been ongoing for years. They won't help me when I need it because they don't believe I try to help myself."

-Melanie P.

Click to read Part 1... 

(I'm not a fan of part one, but I don't think too many folks are. Keep an eye out for part 3 - yes, there are even more answers waiting to be posted. I feel this particular prompt is something many people can relate to because everyone is assumed to be something for some miniscule reason at some point in their lives...)

Mistake/Assumptions {Prompt answers}

What is a mistake people often make about you?

"They mistake me for being somebody else." -Lorrie W.

"That I'm nice and a pushover. And you are *not* going to use me." -Babygirl*

"When they think I'm still lying about things, but I'm just trying to better my life." -Julie R.

"That I don't know what they honestly think of me." -Scott C.

"Some say I'm a troublemaker, but I'm not. In high school they told me not to try out for baseball because they thought I wasn't good enough. I'm really forgetful and I am, kind of. I like birthdays and other holidays, but they say I waste my time. I see new movies at the theater or on DVD... I don't ignore the world." -Leon B.

"People assume, because I keep my emotions to myself, that I just don't care about anything. However, I'm really just wary about perceptions, reactions, and general liars." -Alanda M.

"They don't believe that I suffer from a mental illness. They don't believe that I played softball and volleyball for 20 years when I was younger. They don't believe I have written 3 poetry books - and sold them. They also don't believe I'm writing a novel now." - Deb G.

Can You Swim? {{Prompt Answers}}

Can you swim? Who taught you? How old were you when you learned? Tell the story of learning to swim or, if you cannot swim, what it is like not being able to...

"No, I can't swim but am willing to learn by the right person. I don't like swimming in lakes but pools are okay. I'm afraid that fish and stuff will nibble at my feet in the lake. I won't go on a boat because I'm afraid of falling in the water."  -Julie R.

"I learned because of my brother. It was hard to swim; I was used to my brother swimming with me. It's fun to swim by myself and I like it a lot. I was happy that my brother taught me how to swim." - Tanisha.

" Yes, I can swim. I'm not sure who taught me. I don't remember how old I was when I learnt. I think I probably learnt in elementary school.  My friend, Corky, told me about a story when she was a guard at summer camp. It was her day to be the life guard when her friend started to drown. Corky went into the lake to rescue her. She swam out and brought her back to shore. When Corky got home from camp, she told me that story. I asked her *very* seriously if *she* could swim. We still laugh about this today about 40 years later." -Deb G.

"Yes, I can swim. I nearly died when I was 9 years old. It was June 8th, 1992. My sisters and other younger kids were given permission to play inside the swimming pool. I didn't know how to swim at the time. My baby sister, Krista, told my parents I was scuba diving over the drain when for a few minutes the owner was on the phone inside the house and wasn't watching us. 911 was called while both of my parents revived me. I was going in and out. I don't  tell the exact details because it was very scary for me to experience and deal with, but everyone gets warned not to ever leave the kids alone since. I have a fear of water that's so bad I do still have trouble drinking, showering, and touching water - but I went to school in Marshall where they teach their Gym students how to swim and do activities in the pool at the High School. I had to use an aqua belt that was owned by my teacher that does water aerobics. When I was homeless I went swimming with my street family in the BC rivers. I never go alone. I have to be with a buddy or family member that I can trust. There are several people in this team whom doesn't know my story (but we've done things together with my mental health) that I trust. I will and do like lakes and boating. My younger youth from my family, whether my son or nephews, all know I was their body at Family Events they went to as they've grown up. I'm glad to be going swimming soon and, no, I'm not going to be scared. There's a lot of people I know well going along."  -Sarah M.

Reading Suggestions [[Books 📚 To Pass The Time]]

What book are you reading? Would you recommend it to a friend? Why?

"I would recommend Tuesdays with Morrie because it really draws you in. A teacher shares with a past student (who's a reporter) lessons he has learned in life. The teacher has ALS and he shares his views on life with his student. There was a saying in this book, 'In order to learn how to live you must learn how to die.' To be successful you must learn not to be selfish and give of yourself to others."
-Deyon Bell-Wilson

"I just finished reading Wolves and Roses: Fairy Tales of the Magicorum, Book 1 by Christina Bauer. I enjoyed it so much that I actually reviewed it on Amazon! It's an easy read, captures the imagination, and is fun. Based on the premise of Fairy Tale Template Lives, characters in the book actually know that they're living the lives of fairy-tale characters, and what can go wrong if they deviate from the traditional story-line. Fun but thought-provoking. I'll keep the spoilers to myself, but if you get to read this, get comfortable because you just might not put it down until you have finished!"
-Lyn M.

"I haven't been able to read any books lately - my mind just won't focus. But, if you're a teenager, I definitely suggest reading Define "NORMAL" because I have read it every year since I was 12 years old. I make it a point to do so every summer. I relate to both the main character, Antonia Dillon, and the prominent supporting character, Jazz, even though they are total opposites on the surface. The story is deep on multiple issues and has numerous facets to reflect upon."
-Daisy J.*


*Names have been altered by request.*

Distractions (Prompt Answers)

WHAT IS A SURE-FIRE WAY TO DISTRACT YOU FROM THE TASK AT HAND?

"Well, if something goes wrong - like a fire or an accident - that is a sure way to distract me from my task at hand." -Lorrie W.

"People talking to me and trying to ask questions when I'm reading a book or watching a movie. I can't multitask - I try to, but I just can't." -Julie R.

"1. The sound of firetrucks going by. 2. Somebody telling us that they see critters in our yard. The critters are 5 deer, 4 rabbits, 4 woodchucks and 3 cats. I can't have pets in the house I'm living in. 3. A baseball game on T.V. 4. Playing cards with my housemates." -Deb G.

"Playing basketball, video games, or football. I do my comics and bring them in to cut out a little violence and swearing. I need to go for a walk twice a day. Then I'm gonna go to sleep for about 3 hours. Make more comics. When I'm on the phone and people talk to me. All of these can be very distracting." -Leon B.

"Having our house lady ordering me to do something now instead of listening to me that I'll do it in a little while." -Scott C.

"Music and books pretty much guarantee me getting distracted. Asian dramas draw me in and you won't get my attention at all. It's not really difficult to split my focus to be honest." -Lana J.*

*Name changes per request*

(If you aren't distracted by Matt Smith with a bunch of different Benders - you are more focused than a Jedi Master on Ritalin...)

Stress & Challenges (Prompt Answers)

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ABILITY TO MANAGE STRESS?

"I'm not very good at managing stress. I try to relieve it as best I can when it happens. One thing I've been meaning to try is to listen to music when I'm stressed. I need to work on that!" -Epifanio I.

"I use sudoku and music to help me when meditation fails me, which is rare. My ability to manage stress is largely dependent upon external factors and how my anxiety responds to them. Thankfully, I've been using yoga and meditation with deep breathing for over 20 years to cope. I heartily recommend it." -Alanda M.

WHAT IS THE HARDEST CHALLENGE YOU'VE HAD TO OVERCOME?

"I think the hardest challenge I had to overcome was with my addiction to alcohol. I was never happy and being sober has made me happy again!" -Epifanio I.

"Managing my stress. I've always been a person who's stressed since as early as 7 years old. Getting people to recognize this issue was difficult which made getting help with it an issue as well. No one takes me seriously about it which just stresses me out more. So even though I have an array of coping techniques - it is still an everyday issue I have to focus on to get over." - Alanda M.

Lost Love (Prompt Answers)

Write about a time you had to let go of something you loved or wanted. 
How did it change you?

"My ex-boyfriend because he would not get clean with me. He didn't stop so he died, but I lived clean now for 3 years." -Babygirl*

"I had to let go of my mother when she passed away. It was a difficult time for me. It took me a long time to get through her passing. It taught me to be strong and more self-reliant." -Epifanio I.

"I let go of a friend Mike and it really hurt. He was my recovery buddy. We'd always go to his house and talk, and play music. The day he died, he broke my heart. I have never loved someone like that again." -Sharon S.

"7 years ago I let go of living in Michigan - a place I love - to go to California. It was a long journey via bus, but it was beautiful and full of interesting people. I was stressed and worried during the trip, but laughing in the end. I lit up when I saw my sister though (even though it was 2:00 A.M. when I arrived). I gave up my singing and writing while I was there (4 months) turning into an even bigger recluse. By the time I got back to Michigan, I was depressed and a complete hermit. I didn't start to enjoy myself again until I went back to college. It turns out I'm less destructive in a semi-social atmosphere doing things I love than when I'm living for everyone else's needs. Go figure!" 
- Alanda M.

Life Prompt Answers: What do you deserve?

What do you believe you deserve in life?

"Honest people that are honest about recovery because my recovery is important and I dislike people that lie about recovery." -Sharon S.

"Peace and to be loved by my family and my boyfriend." -Babygirl*

"I deserve a stable home, a reliable vehicle, and the ability to help others when they need it. I deserve happiness from my creations, love from my family and friends, and a free lifetime subscription to Netflix." -Lyn M.

Learning From Mistakes *Prompt Answers*

What can you learn from your biggest mistakes?

"Never drink again - or use drugs." -Sharon S.

"Never letting someone with nothing bring you down to their life style again." -Babygirl*

"The one big mistake that I've experienced was my alcoholism. Being in recovery made me happy and more the person I want to be! It's a big part of my recovery." -Epifanio I.

"My biggest mistake was believing words over actions. It doesn't matter how often someone tells you they love you if they treat you like a commodity - and that's if they aren't completely dismissing you like you're a piece of dirt. Love should lift you up; it shouldn't drag you down. Love shouldn't be held up as a reward for being the way someone else wants you to be. It should be freely given sincerely for being yourself." -Alanda M.

*Names have been altered as requested*