What's On Your Mind?

There is a lingering depression that plagues the mind yet somehow it can be hidden from the people closest to you. Of course there are times, when someone will pick up on a difference or a shift in your mood or your behavior and when asked they may become defensive or plainly deny it. Unfortunately, there is still a stigma attached to mental illness. No one wants to be singled out with a label that automatically prompts negative thoughts/beliefs - crazy, weak, sick, unworthy, losers, etc. Are you in a funk that you just cannot seem to shake? Are you having thoughts of ending your life because no one cares or you hate your life? Are you consumed with thoughts of not having everything you need? Lost a job? Had a bad break up? Cannot seem to find love? Addicted to drugs? Wish things would get better? Stuck in a place of mourning the loss of a loved one? and on and on...

Mental health affects your overall health. Denny Nelson and Alicia Raimundo explores the importance of seeking the appropriate care for your overall mental health. Keep in mind, your health and wellness depends on you.

How About A Run? :-)

♪♪ And I know it's gonna be ♪♪a lovely daaaaaaaaaaaaaay♪♪♪


Have you ever had a day where you are driving and all of the lights are in your favor - green light all the way? Well, this morning was one of those mornings for me. This week was set off to a challenging start and I was determined to face them head on. Each morning starts with meditation and prayer then I head off for a run. Running covers everything for me, although sometimes I run at a snails pace, I run. However, this week, I decided to pick up the pace and run for the hills.

Todays run was extra special. There were the smiles and greetings of the morning from people going for walks and the cheers of other runners as I made my way through the four mile trek. It seemed as though they were stationed at certain points of my route.

The hills were symbolic, they represent the challenges. I picked up the pace and ran up the very steep hills while releasing my concerns and doing my mantra. By the time my run ended, instead of feeling relieved, I felt energized. I picked up the kettle bell to asist with my squats, jumped rope and planked :-) All showered, dressed and getting to the tasks of the day.

So what good is a run without a healthy follow up??? I made a salad, had a glass of water and now I'm ready to enjoy the other perks of my day. It's already off to a great start.

♪♪ And I know it's gonna be ♪♪a lovely daaaaaaaaaaaaaay♪♪♪


While I encourage you to go for a run, jog or walk - be sure to consult with your doctor.

A Time To Talk and A Time To Take Action!

The Sandy Hook Elementary School killings has become another moment where I pause and ask God - WHY???!!!

However, in the meantime, it is time for we the people to have a serious talk.

Let's discuss mental health and the services that are available for people with mental illnesses and disorders. There is something unethical about allowing someone who is known to have violent behaviors to blend in with the population where at any point, something tragic can happen to someone.

Let's also discuss the issue with assault weapons.

Who should have them? What is the criteria? Why? etc. It just seems to me that too often we hear the common statement, this doesn't happen here or this is not supposed to happen here. Where is it supposed to happen?

Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) told Fox News Sunday that he believed more guns are the answer to violence in schools.

"I wish to god she had had an M4 in her office," he said of Sandy Hook Elementary School principal Dawn Hochsprung, who was also killed in the shooting.

Really???!!! Is that the solution???!!!


As a mother, this hits close to home. I cannot imagine what the other parents and families are going through right now. I cannot imagine what the husbands and children are going through without their loved one returning to their homes. I feel such a sadness about it, yet my sorrow cannot be compared to their unbearable grief.

We really need to get serious about this issue. I do hope that parents who have children with mental illnesses/disorders who exhibit violent behaviors can recognize the danger that they may be facing and it's impact on society as a whole. There is a huge responsibility that comes with being a parent. Recognize your role, get support, find a group, organization or create one. Shake the stigma and deal with the situation at hand. Yes, there will be good days but please do not allow those days to keep you from actively seeking help. Speak up and speak out loudly - don't wait for another situation like the one we're facing to come forward only to slip helplessly back into your norm.

In the midst of this emotional period, let the lives of those who were so violently taken away be the prompt for us to make a change.

It's time to talk! It's time to take action...

The Business of Being A Mother

Being a mother is no easy task - it is filled with challenges. As I reflect on this position that I have held for the past 26 years, I realize that I have every right to run for the president of the United States of America if not the world :-)

Culinary Expert

I have fed the kids when they have declared there is nothing there to eat -miraculously I manage to whip up meals without leaving the house.

Office of Administration

Time management - scheduling various appointments,parties, attending recitals and other related events while maintaining my own.
Reviewing papers, filling out forms, signing permission slips, attend meetings.

Advocate

I have served as a strong advocate on behalf of their health, education, etc.

Domestic Policy/Homeland Security

I have successfully mediated and at times end major wars.

Event Planner

Slumber Parties, Birthday Parties, Museum Trips, Broadway Shows, Amusement Parks, Family picnics/barbecues, Vacation/Traveling Abroad, After Christmas Shopping, Concerts, Baseball games and more.

Chief Cheerleader

Cheering at every performance at home, school or any other venue. Cheering them on to greatness.

Economic Council/Adviser

I have had to balance budgets with next to nothing left

Health Care
Office of Drug Control

I have experience in taking care of the sick children bringing them back to health without having to run to the emergency room and calming their hysterics at the sight of blood when they merely have a bruise.

Official Spiritual Adviser

Very close connection to God for the ultimate guide that I do not mess up this position.

Office of Mental Health

Listen to the constant reasons why the other person is stupid
Listen and counsel on having compassion, the importance of caring, being kind, and knowing when it's time to hit back

Education/Guidance Counselor

Selecting the appropriate educational materials/courses/path/programs
Filling out Financial Aid Forms for College

I can go on and on with the other duties but it may appear to be bragging. Well, I wont be running for anything as being a mother is a life term position and that's a major position that I wont trade for anything.
I must go and celebrate this day although I am still on full duty..............

*Updated version originally written in 2008