REFLECTIONS

The Blogging from A to Z April Challenge has come to a close. In reflection it was an amazing experience. Each of my four blogs gained new subscribers, as well as increased activity within the comments sections, which is always a huge plus. This was the first year that I participated Faith Warrior, it's a more personal blog for me. Where the other blogs have a more specific focal point, here I can write about what is closer to my heart. This was the inspiration for the challenge - I tried to write about something that I considered important or true. I'm not sure what next years challenge will bring, if I should focus on a more defined theme or not. I did like writing about the different scriptures and pertaining to what was discussed for each letter. I might refine this more for next years challenge to stay true to the Faith Warrior title. The first year I participated in the challenge I focused on subscribing to the blogs that were on the blog hop, so that I could connect with other bloggers and work on my networking capabilities. This year, once I found bloggers that were actually participating (actively posting in coordination with the challenge) if I wasn't subscribed already, I made sure to connect via social media, and made sure to leave a comment as well. I feel like each year that I participate I learn something new. For instance, next year I plan to participate in the reveal; before the challenge actually starts you reveal the theme that your blog will be posting about. Also, withe the official Blogging from A to Z April Challenge Reflections; it's a blog hop (sign-up) and it's like the last little hurrah after the challenge to share in the experiences. Even though I didn't sign-up this year, I still posted my reflections and I plan on visiting the blogs in the hop too. Either way - it's a wonderful experience and I would highly recommend for any blogger/vlogger or what have you.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE FOR FUTURE POSTS?

D is for Delusion

Delusional Thought Patterns and How We Can Change Them

I have battled with depression since I was very young. Depression is a mood disorder that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), depression affects 1 in 10 adults in the U. S. alone. When I was hospitalized from my mood disorder, in my Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) sessions we learned about the connection between depression and delusional thought patterns. Depression can distort the way we think. My distortion was a result of how I processed information pertaining to my environment. 

Most girls growing up face some form of self image prospective and can lead into a delusional thought pattern, which could also lead into other conditions (i.e., eating disorders, self mutilation, etc.). When I was growing up my delusions started with my self-esteem. I would compare myself to other girls; friends, actresses, and models. This is a dangerous road and there is much more recognition for the manipulations involved in society and how the imagery affects girls and their mental development. For me, because I wasn't 'perfect' I didn't feel that I was anything to look at. The delusion continued until the distortion affected my brain and caused other issues, such as my social avoidance. 

A delusion is defined as a "belief held with strong conviction despite superior evidence to the contrary." It is also the "belief based on false or incomplete information, or other effects of perception." (Google search) When we believe something, it is hard to consider that what we think we know, is actually false information. Once we can accept this, we can move on and work on retraining our brain.

The activity that has worked the best for me is a version of positive thought retraining, based off of "The Glad Game" from Disney's Pollyanna. Here are some steps to work toward changing delusional thought patterns:

1.) Keep a journal. This is something that you can take to a therapist and they can read or collect the data to help you determine different thought patterns. Don't feel ashamed or threatened by what you write or showing it to a professional. Seek help! They are trained to help you through this.

2.) Write Them Out. This goes with journaling. Once you have validated the distortion, write out what you have believed. This will help your brain and initiate the retraining process. Once you have written it out - cross out the negative or distortion. Next to it (them) write one to two positive or true statements to replace the negative or delusional thoughts. To see a list of positive affirmations click here.

3.) Mental Meditations. Once you have been able to detect the delusional thought patterns then you can begin to retrain your brain to instantly acknowledge, recalculate, and execute. Acknowledge that you have the delusion. Recalculate the positive affirmation to replace previous delusion. Execute by replacing the negative thought with a positive thought, or two.

And finally - Reward Yourself - nobody every said life is easy, so when we set a goal and achieve them we need to make sure to positively reward ourselves. If you have a eating disorder (like myself, I am a comfort eater - so I can't reward myself with food - although I do sometimes) try to reward yourself with something more positive based on your needs. For example, say: if I can go two days without putting myself down, then I will get new ear buds that I have been needing.

For More Information Follow the Links Below

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention CDC Features

Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders - Delusional Disorder

Psych Central - Identifying Irrational Thoughts

C is for Coffee

April A to Z Challenge

Recently I have regained my love for coffee. I have a love-hate relationship with the delicious caffeine filled substance. I have to watch how much I drink, because of my past issue with kidney stones, if I drink too much tea or coffee then it seems to bother my kidney's and then I have to take a break from it for a while.  Last week was the first cup I've had in a few months, just so happens that the electricity went out for a few hours. I was hyped up with not power or internet... what do you think happened next?

I went through a back-log of mail that I have been neglecting to address... why go through a stack of bills when you don't have the money to pay for them...

It's amazing what I am able to accomplish when there is no television or internet to that I get sidetracked with. Usually, I have a hard time getting that energy or motivation to get going. Although, when I drink a cup of coffee it gives me that pick-me-up that I need to get the day started.

Do you drink coffee? What is your favorite - or your ritual pertaining to coffee? 

My favorite coffee is Dunkin' Donuts, although I usually have to wait forever for the cup to cool down enough to take that glorious first sip. I've tried other brands and nothing compares, in my opinion. Especially in the fall, when they have their pumpkin spice. I love fall time, add pumpkin spice in the mix and it makes everything darn near perfect.

There are tons of great coffee gifs and meme's - here are a few of mine. I love these two Snark E Cards, I think it's pretty accurate. Most people that depend on coffee in the morning can't wait to get their hands on it, and then they can function for the day - maybe after their second cup. 

I remember hearing a while back how someone was able to sue a popular restaurant chain because they spilled their coffee on themselves. Really? That goes along with the individual who sued (I believe the same popular food chain) because they became fat after eating their food. Wait - what? Coffee is hot, if you put it in your mouth, chew it, and then swallow it - repeatedly - you could become fat. I feel like a huge "duh" is in order here. But, it just proves the saying: Common sense isn't so common anymore.

My Coffee Haiku

Coffee warms the mouth

gravitates south warms the tummy

Coffee energizes the day

until the morning next divide

B is for Benevolence

April A to Z Challenge

If there were peace in our world, we would be a society filled with benevolent people. Doing for one another and not expecting anything in return. Our civilization would be a divine one. Instead, our society breeds on selfishness, gluttony, sex, greed, and more depths of deceptive behaviors. I'm not saying all people are selfish, sex filled, or greedy. But, this is what our society is raised to value instead of valuing one another in a positive light instead. 

"As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [people]..." Galatians 6:10

The Bible is filled with scripture referring to benevolent actions. When I first thought of the word benevolent, I actually thought it did not mean what it actually means. I had to analyze this concept as well - was I raised to believe that benevolence was a bad thing? Instead, benevolence is a holy act that I believe would bring more happiness into our souls and to the souls of others. Now that I know the definition, I plan to implement this into my life more fully.

"Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law." Romans 13:8-10

When my son was alive, while caring for a child with severe handicaps was challenging, I tried my hardest to convey that he was loved. I took care of him in every aspect of his live, with no real payment. While I told him how much I loved him, he couldn't verbalize his love in return. That's o.k., he could express himself in different ways. I now understand that my love for Kaleb was benevolent of this world.

This could also be the verbiage in coordination with the pay it forward actions. Many people do great things, like pay for the person behind them while in line somewhere, or giving something of themselves to the less fortunate. The only thing is that with paying it forward, this is in reference to Kharma, which follows the study, what you put out in the world comes back to you. Eventually, you are in receipt of that payment. Where a benevolent heart never expects anything in return.

My challenge for you this year: to perform one benevolent act a month.

Let's see how the Bible's scripture can change our lives for the better.

A is for Anxiety

April A to Z Challenge - Day 1

By definition anxiety refers to the feeling of worry, unease, or nervousness, usually about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. In our society today, "Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older" this is about 18% of our population (ADAA, 2010-2014). I am the 18%, I have been hospitalized for anxiety before. These were brought on by feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and exhaustion. I was exhausted because I was the primary care giver to my son who was severely handicapped. Sleep is important for our brain to recharge, when we do not get adequate sleep our brain is deprived and it can affect how we think and process, so it is important to get your beauty sleep. There are many factors of anxiety, including but not limited to genetics and even something that's happened (past or future). Click on the link below to learn more about anxiety and depression disorders.

Tips on dealing with anxiety:

If you go to a doctor for your anxiety, more likely they will want to prescribe medication. I have been on medication before for my anxiety and it did help. Make sure to read your prescribed medication side effects before taking medication and make sure to tell your doctor all other medications that you take. I would even make sure your doctor knows what you are doing over-the-counter (OTC). There are so many options on the homeopathic spectrum. When researching effective treatment for anxiety and stress, usually the first suggestion is meditation. Read these 5 Meditation Tips for Beginners by Alice Boyes, Ph.D here.

Something I learned while I was in a treatment program, and I would suggest to anyone dealing with any form of anxiety, stress, and depression would be to make a sensory box. I had first learned of sensory boxes working with special needs children. Typically they are filled with tactile items for stimulation (sand, water, beans, etc.). These can be soothing for adults as well. However, another box for help would be filled with positive items. Such as a favorite picture, a favorite saying written down that you can read. When considering items to put into your box think of size, depending on your box, and then think of your five senses: touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing. Some suggestions that were given, and that I use are putting a Hershey kiss in, for taste (if you like chocolate - I would say who doesn't - but I know a couple people that actually do not like chocolate). There are specific smells that will trigger certain effects as well, if you want to be rejuvenated go for citrus, and if you want to relax try lilac (there are small sprays that will fit into boxes). Click here if you would like to learn more about adult sensory stimulation.
Just remember you are not alone!

Links

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) Website, Facts & Statistics

Meditation Tips Psychology Today

Therapeutic Recreation Directory