A picture, photographed or graphically designed, by yours truly attached with a creative written response of a thousand-ish words. Could be a tall tale, inspired by a true experience, a random journal entry, or an analysis of the photograph or design itself! Dealer’s choice.
What songs are on your self-care playlist? Choose your favorite lyrics and tell us your story using those lyrics.
“Where words fail, music speaks.” -Hans Christian Andersen
I’ve been struggling with being able to write my blog recently, so this seemed fitting to share. This first song is also featured on my About Blogger section as my self-proclaimed anthem.
♫ ‘Cause I’m a warrior, I fight for my life Like a soldier all through the night And I won’t give up, I will survive, I’m a warrior And I’m stronger, that’s why I’m alive I will conquer, time after time I’ll never falter, I will survive, I’m a warrior ♪
I worry about the future because of my anxiety. I’ve redefined myself as not a worrier anymore, but a warrior.
♫ Hush, just stop There’s nothing you can do or say I’ve had enough I’m not your property as from today You might think that I won’t make it on my own But now I’m Stronger than yesterday Now it’s nothing but my way My loneliness ain’t killing me no more I, I’m stronger Then I ever thought that I could be I used to go with the flow Didn’t really care ’bout me You might think that I can’t take it, but you’re wrong ‘Cause now I’m Stronger than yesterday ♪
Crying can be perceived as a sign of weakness, however crying demonstrates how strong one is. I’ve been struggling with my emotions. I cry when I’m happy. I cry when I’m sad. I cry when I’m mad. I cry when I am in pain. I cry when I am.. overwhelmed.
♫ (Ou mata e matagi) I have crossed the horizon to find you (Ou loto mamaina toa) I know your name (Manatu atu) They have stolen the heart from inside you (Taku pelepele) But this does not define you (Manatunatu) This is not who you are You know who you are ♪ [whispers] Who you truly are
The mix of languages being sung sends chills across my skin. This slow motion scene of the hero/protagonist, Moana, confidently walking toward the villain/antagonist, Te Kā, shows courage because Moana knows deep down that Te Kā will not harm her.
“Hurt people hurt people.”
“Her bark is worse than her bite.” Means that they seem much more unpleasant or hostile than they really are.
I struggle with the light and dark within myself. I am taken back by people who show me grace and understanding during my difficult moments.
♫ I’ve been staring at the edge of the water ‘Long as I can remember Never really knowing why I wish I could be the perfect daughter But I come back to the water No matter how hard I try Every turn I take Every trail I track Every path I make Every road leads back To the place I know where I cannot go Where I long to be See the line where the sky meets the sea? It calls me And no one knows How far it goes If the wind in my sail on the sea stays behind me One day I’ll know If I go, there’s just no telling how far I’ll go ♪
Why do humans like shiny things? (haha, I know how ironic) “Researchers in the evolutionary aesthetics tradition have suggested that people prefer shiny objects because glossiness connotes water.”
I am drawn to water. I feel at peace when I am near a body of water. I am most comfortable in water. Weightless. Free. My dream home is waterfront.
♫ This is for my girls all around the world Who have come across a man that don’t respect your worth Thinkin’ all women should be seen and not heard So what do we do girls, shout out loud Lettin ’em know were gonna stand our ground So lift your hands high and wave ’em proud Take a deep breath and say it loud Never can, never will Can’t hold us down Nobody can hold us down Never can, never will ♪
The double standard of how a girl/lady/woman/female should feel, think, speak, behave, &/or dress is exhausting. We are worthy just as any other man.
♫ The whole world’s scared, so I swallow the fear The only thing I should be drinking is an ice cold beer So cool in line, and we try, try, try But we try too hard and it’s a waste of my time Done looking for the critics ’cause they’re everywhere They don’t like my jeans, they don’t get my hair Exchange ourselves and we do it all the time Why do we do that, why do I do that? Why do I do that? Yeah, oh, oh pretty, pretty please Pretty, pretty please, don’t you ever, ever feel Like you’re less than fuckin’ perfect Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel like you’re nothing You’re fuckin’ perfect to me, yeah You’re perfect, you’re perfect ♪
“You may not always be perfect, but you will always be perfect for me.”
Accepting someone as they are, flaws and all, is true unconditional love. Cherish it. I appreciate those who are patient with me. “Thank you for putting up with me.”
♫ Never win first place, I don’t support the team I can’t take direction, and my socks are never Clean Teachers dated me, my parents hated me I was always in a fight cuz I can’t do nothin’ Right Everyday I fight a war against the mirror I can’t take the person starin’ back at me I’m a hazard to myself Don’t let me get me I’m my own worst enemy It’s bad when you annoy yourself So irritating Don’t wanna be my friend no more I wanna be somebody else I wanna be somebody else, yeah ♪
I am my own worst critic. I get stuck inside my head often. I cannot stand to look at my reflection. Being at war with myself is exhausting. I am the bully and the victim. Sometimes, I need to be rescued from.. myself.
♫ When I was a young boy I was scared of growing up I didn’t understand it but I was terrified of love Felt like I had to choose but it was outta my control I needed to be saved, I was going crazy on my own It took me years to tell my mother, I expected the worst I gathered all the courage in the world She said, “I love you no matter what I just want you to be happy and always be who you are” She wrapped her arms around me Said, “Don’t try to be what you’re not ‘Cause I love you no matter what” She loves me no matter what ♪
I didn’t have to come out to my parents. My mom said she already knew:
“Ever since you were young, I noticed you have so much love to give. I knew your love was for.. everyone. Not just the opposite sex.”
If that doesn’t explain accepting and loving me “no matter what,” I don’t know what does. As for my dad, when my mom asked him about my sexuality, he simply said, “Her sex life is none of my business.” Well, there ya have it. My folks accept me “no matter what.”
♫ We don’t have time left to regret, hold on And well take more than common sense, hold on So stop your wondering, take a stand, hold on ‘Cause there’s more to life than just to live, hold on ‘Cause an empty room can be so loud There’s too many tears to drown them out So hold on, hold on Hold on, hold on One single smile, a helping hand, hold on Its not that hard to be a friend, hold on So don’t give up, stand ’til the end, hold on ‘Cause there’s more to life than just to live, hold on ‘Cause an empty room can be so loud There’s too many tears to drown them out So hold on, hold on Hold on, hold on ♪
When I am in physical pain, I hold onto my own hand and squeeze it. I hold on. I hold on for dear life and endure until it passes.
♫ I can almost see it That dream I’m dreaming But, there’s a voice inside my head saying You’ll never reach it Every step I’m taking Every move I make feels Lost with no direction My faith is shaking But I, I gotta keep trying Gotta keep my head held high There’s always gonna be another mountain I’m always gonna wanna make it move Always gonna be an uphill battle Sometimes I’m gonna have to lose Ain’t about how fast I get there Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side It’s the climb The struggles I’m facing The chances I’m taking Sometimes might knock me down, but No, I’m not breaking I may not know it But these are the moments, that I’m gonna remember most, yeah Just gotta keep going And I, I gotta be strong Just keep pushing on ♪
Progress isn’t a straight line or level for that matter. It’s an upwards climb with many obstacles along the way. There may be times where I lose, but I have to keep trying and not let my struggles break my spirit. Rise above the bullshit and face it head on.
♫ Party girls don’t get hurt Can’t feel anything, when will I learn? I push it down, push it down I’m the one “for a good time call” Phone’s blowin’ up, ringin’ my doorbell I feel the love, feel the love
One, two, three, one, two, three, drink 3x Throw ’em back ’til I lose count
I’m gonna swing from the chandelier From the chandelier I’m gonna live like tomorrow doesn’t exist Like it doesn’t exist I’m gonna fly like a bird through the night Feel my tears as they dry I’m gonna swing from the chandelier From the chandelier
But I’m holding on for dear life Won’t look down, won’t open my eyes Keep my glass full until morning light ‘Cause I’m just holding on for tonight Help me, I’m holding on for dear life Won’t look down, won’t open my eyes Keep my glass full until morning light ‘Cause I’m just holding on for tonight, on for tonight
Sun is up, I’m a mess Gotta get out now, gotta run from this Here comes the shame, here comes the shame
One, two, three, one, two, three, drink 3x Throw ’em back ’til I lose count
I’m gonna swing from the chandelier From the chandelier I’m gonna live like tomorrow doesn’t exist Like it doesn’t exist I’m gonna fly like a bird through the night Feel my tears as they dry I’m gonna swing from the chandelier From the chandelier
But I’m holding on for dear life Won’t look down, won’t open my eyes Keep my glass full until morning light ‘Cause I’m just holding on for tonight Help me, I’m holding on for dear life Won’t look down, won’t open my eyes Keep my glass full until morning light ‘Cause I’m just holding on for tonight On for tonight, on for tonight
‘Cause I’m just holding on for tonight Oh, I’m just holding on for tonight On for tonight, on for tonight ‘Cause I’m just holding on for tonight ‘Cause I’m just holding on for tonight Oh, I’m just holding on for tonight On for tonight, on for tonight ♪
I included all of the lyrics for this song because the repetition is important for addiction. It’s a vicious cycle. Filling up on a substance to feel empty inside. Where your ultimate goal is to forget your own memories. Unfortunately, all you’re doing is creating more problems instead finding a healthy solution.
Once you achieve a solid foundation, use cookie cutter shapes to make your own individual piece to taste test. Now, take that perfectly shaped piece and.. throw it on the ground! You are meant to live outside the Cookie Cutter World!
Fuck those unrealistic expectations others put on you. Life is what you make it. Might as well make it interesting! If it’s edible and you can stomach through it, then..
SUCCESS!
Set aside time to make more peace, music, art, memories, and room for those who fulfill you.. not drain you. Weed out the undesirables. Healing begins and ends with Y-O-U!
I don’t do well with change. I like order. I live by my schedule. I prefer structure. I love consistency. I think it has to do with my OCD. Any type of interruptions to my routine is like wreaking havoc to my very core. I have to talk my irrational mind down from the ledge because I know it’ll all work out and things will be okay. I. Will. Be. Okay. After some convincing, I see another day without giving up.
I would like to change my job situation because I am underemployed. While I’m thankful for being paid to do a temporary job that is in high demand during this global pandemic; I assist registered nurses and respiratory therapists with onboarding to hospitals and now vaccination clinics across the country. We’re busy, which is great.. “job security,” whatever that means. I’ve applied/interviewed for four permanent positions at this company I’m temping for and haven’t gotten an offer yet, which is frustrating. Trying to maintain work/life balance, keep my sanity, yet trying to prove I’m worth hiring. It’s taking a toll on my confidence. I’m afraid I’ll keep hearing: “No,” or hearing nothing at all. It’s just discouraging.
I’d like to have a change of scenery: a long overdue, extended, overseas holiday to explore nature, museums, seeing all the sights, and fall in love with life again. It may help put things in perspective. Do I work to live? Or live to work? I live to.. live! Money may make the world go round, but I create the currency and I spend my time the way I so choose!
Share a moment of kindness from a stranger that meant a lot to you.
Summer of ’96, the sun was shining, birds were chirping, and my block was busy with activities. Neighbors washing their cars, mowing their lawns, planting flowers, catching some rays, running in sprinklers, and music blaring from open windows. I chose to ride my bike with no helmet, no pads, and no worries! I was a mismatched nine-year-old sportin’ neon patterns and untamed frizzy hair.
I didn’t care.
Just getting some fresh air.
My destination was: Nowhere.. in particular.
I was caught unaware of the uneven concrete square up ahead.
I was sent airborne.
Every kid’s nightmare.
“Aaahhh!!!” I declared.
All I could do was stare.. in despair.
How unfair!
My banged up hardware.
A pair of bloody elbows, knees, palms, and I swear..
a solitaire scrape on my chin.
Quite a few tears on my now tattered clothes.
To be fair, I looked scared!
I heard a sudden stop of a vehicle on my left, which I thought was in err.
My brain was signaling: “BEWARE!”
Guess my accident sent up a simultaneous flare for urgent care.
This prepared young couple glared at me, they tended to my wounds, and bandaged me up here and there.
I felt safe seeing they traveled as a family affair; with toddlers in their mobile chairs.
How rare of these parents to share their kindness with me.
Life is a dance; whether you have two left feet or..
Not.
“Happiness is only real when shared.” -Christopher McCandless
I highly recommend this movie (or book, if you rather) because it resonated with me on many levels. As good as your intentions are, no matter how knowledgeable you may be; life is unpredictable.
What's something you had to learn the "hard way" - but that you're happy you know now?
Not to stew in my own misery.
I had to learn that the hard way.
I had to learn to not to feed the monster.
Conflict with myself.
Internal battles.
Fight against my rational mind vs my OCD.
Every little thing bothered me.
They built up rather quick and I had to address every single one.
I took it out on everyone around me too.
Watch out.
I was always on a warpath.
Better brace yourself if you were in my way.
“Hell hath no fury like a woman [scorned].”
You’ve been warned.
Avoid being thorned.
I have not mourned..
who I was.
I have only adorned..
my progress.
It was easier to just lash out and drink myself into the bottom of a bottle.
I’m happy I recognized I needed help.
Sought it.
Fought it.
Bought it.
And thought it..
all started inside..
Me.
Feelings become thoughts.
Thoughts become words.
Words become actions.
Actions become habits.
Habits have consequences.
I learned to follow the trail.
Stop it in its tracks.
I had to be taught how to function properly..
for my own sanity.
If I didn’t enjoy my own company..
why would anybody else?
It took years of therapy, deep digging, and internal reflection to learn how to be alone.
It was scary being by myself and not hate myself every second.
Every second seemed like an hour.
I’m happy to know now that I was worth the trouble.
I deserved a second chance.
A second glance.
A second enhance.
A second romance.
Happy dance!
What are the non-negotiable traits that your [future] partner cannot have? What are the things they must have?
Narcissistic Perfect manners Un-stocked TP Refuses to engage in any sort of PDA Toxic masculinity Poor hygiene habits Strong hatred toward any group of people Too political Too religious Two-faced Greedy Gym Rat Cocky Over-critical Heckler Wants a trophy wife Gamer Wants me to be their Mama Has no room for compromise Submissive Judgmental Alcoholic Shopaholic
Silly sense of humor Intelligent Has common sense Financially responsible Good tipper Gives constructive criticism Gentle Courteous How they treat the wait staff Animal lover Likes to play board, card games Avid reader Confident Has their own friends/hobbies/interests Listen = Silent Patient Kind Humble Cryer Does dishes Decisive Dominant Not afraid to frolic Bollocks
The traits I listed above are not for a future partner as the prompt asked because I already have a partner. We’ve been together for four years this upcoming May. Yet, it feels like a lot longer.. in a good way. In the best way, of course! I was also asked: “So, how does your partner compare to the list you wrote?”
I responded without hesitation: “If I had to dream up the ideal partner, Jaimie wouldn’t even compare. He’s more than I ever dreamed of. He set the bar high in teaching me how to be loved; thus helping me love myself.”
“Do you like hanging out with me?” “Yeah.”
If you look closely, there’s a bird’s nest in the dinosaur’s mouth!
Sipping on wine, enjoying the view, & singing along to Dean Martin’s “That’s Amore.”
“No one thinks more about you.. than you. They’re too busy thinking about.. themselves.”
I’m sure I don’t even cross their mind.
You’re right.
That’s true.
“Don’t be blue.”
“Be you.”
Be unapologetically you!
“Only say sorry with purpose and sincerity. The more the word “sorry” is thrown around, it loses its value.”
“Less is more.”
In more ways than one.
Possessions.
Circles.
Design.
Dialogue.
Partners.
Jobs.
My anxiety and depression make it difficult to follow the pieces of advice I believe in because it’s a constant internal battle.
I care too much..
About everything.
I don’t care..
About anything.
It’s like living in my own personal hell.
I am the bully and the victim.
Sprinkle in my OCD to keep things interesting.
I kick my own ass.
Knock some sense into myself.
Hey, it’s okay..
I deserve it.
“Instead of giving yourself a pep talk in a mirror. Look at a photo of yourself.. as a child.. and give her a pep talk [your best advice]. It forces you to change your tone, huh?”
A Picture is Worth a Thousand-ish Words 