Motivation Monday Continued

Good Monday morning. I realize I need to catch up and share my updates, but I believe everything happens for a reason. Looking back, one month was too early for an update. I appreciate your patience and understanding as I navigate this journey. Your unwavering support means the world to me, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for every one of you.
As I reach day 51, seven weeks and one day of my journey, I want to share that it hasn't been a smooth ride. There were days when my mind and body resisted, but my determination prevailed, allowing me to continue my journey. This victory over daily struggles and my higher power keeps me going. My progress inspires you to keep pushing forward in your journey.
I had a more challenging time during the first four weeks than during the last three. My chronic illness does cause difficult days, so fighting through and getting ready for the day has helped in many directions but also caused more challenging days. I do plan to dive deeper into all that in a future post. Today, I want to connect to show that I am still trying this out and share a picture of my demeanor on days 1, 49, and 50. I also encourage you to try it because I am thrilled with the outcome thus far.
I'm excited to share more about my journey in the future, so please stay tuned. I messed up on my sign for day 49. Embracing vulnerability, my husband and I were out of town for our anniversary trip, and I stink at math, to say the least. I hope you can see the difference as I feel it. Remember, we're in this together.

Remembering Chanty Shiverdecker: A Call for Justice and Community Support

Remembering Chanty Shiverdecker: A Call for Justice and Community Support

In the quiet town of Alexander City, Alabama, the tragic story of Chanty Shiverdecker remains a haunting reminder of the unresolved mysteries that still linger in our communities. Chanty, a vibrant 15-year-old, disappeared on December 9, 1994, after basketball practice at Radney Elementary School. Her body was discovered months later, but her case remains unsolved to this day.
CChanty Shiverdecker was a sophomore at Benjamin Russell High School, known for her adventurous spirit and kind heart. On that fateful December evening, she stayed behind after practice, waiting for a ride that never came. Her friends and family never saw her alive again. On February 24, 1995, her decomposed body was found at an abandoned lumberyard near Highway 9 in Coosa County, approximately ten miles from where she was last seen.

Despite extensive efforts by the Coosa County Sheriff’s Office, Alexander City Police Department, and the Alabama Bureau of Investigation, Chanty’s case remains open. Forensic examiners were unable to determine a specific cause of death, but it was ruled a homicide1. Over the years, various leads have been pursued, but none have led to a resolution. The community and Chanty’s family continue to seek answers and justice.

Chanty’s story is not just a tale of tragedy but also a call to action. Her family and local authorities believe that someone out there holds the key to solving this case. Community involvement is crucial in bringing closure to Chanty’s loved ones. If you have any information, no matter how small, please contact the Coosa County Sheriff’s Office at 256-377-2211 or email office@coosaso.com.

As we remember Chanty Shiverdecker, let us also remember the importance of community and the power we hold in seeking justice for those who can no longer speak for themselves. By coming together and sharing information, we can help bring peace to Chanty’s family and ensure that her memory lives on.
Call to Action: If you are moved by Chanty’s story, consider sharing this post to raise awareness. Together, we can make a difference and help solve this decades-old mystery.

Junky Journal?

Junky Journal? Yes, that is our mission: to make a junk journal. Have you ever heard about Junk Journaling? Well, I hadn't until yesterday, and I thought we could do this together—a journal journey, a little road trip, if you will. It's not just about the result but the exciting journey of creativity and self-discovery we'll embark on together.
Let's start by setting our goal small, so we stay calm and relaxed. We can begin by writing a tiny two-week journal. Then, we can embark on our first one-month journal in October. The goal can be to write at least 12 journals in one year starting October 4, 2024, and try to do a page a day. Remember, everything can be adjusted as we go, as we are not married to any one idea. This flexibility allows us to experiment and find what works best for us.

This diary should teach us to turn junk into beauty, to see the beauty in the old and used parts of our lives. These journals will help us develop the habit of saving money and fostering creative thinking, strengthen our cognitive abilities, and help us prevent conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's. The benefits are numerous, and they should inspire us to keep going on this journey of journaling.
Junk journaling is a creative and sustainable form that involves using recycled and found materials to create personalized journals, such as things that would otherwise be discarded. This includes anything from paper scraps and magazine cutouts to fabric pieces, old photographs, and more. That is half the fun, to find the materials.
Junk journals can be used for various purposes, such as memory keeping, art journaling, or simply as a creative outlet. They can document daily life, special events, or personal thoughts and inspirations.

Each junk journal is unique and reflects the creator's style and preferences. This makes them an excellent way to express individuality and creativity. Junk journaling also promotes mindfulness and gratitude by encouraging you to document and appreciate life's small moments and details. As a previous blog post mentioned, learning and practicing mindfulness is one of the most essential parts of this recovery journey. We will use materials and techniques that resonate with you. It's a flexible and enjoyable practice that you can adapt to suit your style and needs without pressure.

Now that we have discussed junk journaling and how it can help our recovery process, let's jump in and start. We will begin by making the book cover—one set of directions for creating a book cover for your journal: www.creativeartnsoul.com/make-an-easy-junk-journal-cover/, but you can do what you want. I will post some easy ideas for making the covers next. If you know any, please let me know so I can share it with everyone. As we embark on this journal journey, please remember, "A journal is your completely unaltered voice." — Lucy Dacus

John Sidebottom The Forgotten Soldier

Honoring a Hero: John Sidebottom and the Battle of Trenton For the past 20 years, I have dedicated myself to uncovering the remarkable story of my 5th great grandfather, John Sidebottom. His bravery and quick thinking during the Battle of Trenton played a crucial role in saving the life of James Monroe, who would later become the fifth President of the United States.

The Battle of Trenton On the morning of December 26, 1776, General George Washington led the Continental Army in a surprise attack against Hessian forces in Trenton, New Jersey. This pivotal battle was a turning point in the American Revolutionary War, boosting the morale of the Continental Army and the American cause.

Amidst the chaos of battle, my grandfather, John Sidebottom, demonstrated extraordinary courage. As an eighteen-year-old Lieutenant, James Monroe was severely wounded. John, a mulatto and free Black man, along with another comrade, carried the injured Monroe to safety, ensuring he received the medical attention that ultimately saved his life.

My journey to uncover John Sidebottom’s story has been long and filled with countless hours of research. Through historical documents, family records, and personal accounts, I have pieced together the narrative of a man whose actions had a lasting impact on American history.

Life After the War After the war, John Sidebottom returned to civilian life with the same resilience and dedication he showed on the battlefield. He became a respected member of his community, working as a blacksmith and later as a farmer. John was known for his strong work ethic and his commitment to helping others.

John married Mary, a woman of remarkable strength and kindness. Together, they raised five children: Samuel, Elizabeth, Thomas, Sarah, and William. John and Mary instilled in their children the values of courage, integrity, and perseverance. The Sidebottom family was known for their close-knit bonds and their active involvement in the community.

John’s contributions extended beyond his immediate family. He was actively involved in local affairs and was a vocal advocate for the rights of freedmen, using his own experiences to inspire and support others in their pursuit of equality and justice.

Post-War Achievements John’s contributions extended beyond his immediate family. He was actively involved in local affairs and was a vocal advocate for the rights of freedmen, using his own experiences to inspire and support others in their pursuit of equality and justice. John played a significant role in establishing a local school for Black children, ensuring they had access to education and opportunities for a better future. He also helped found a community cooperative that provided resources and support for newly freed individuals, aiding their transition to independent lives.

John’s leadership and dedication to his community earned him widespread respect and admiration. His efforts not only improved the lives of those around him but also left a lasting legacy of empowerment and progress.

Announcing a New Video and Accessible Information I am thrilled to announce that I am creating a video to share John Sidebottom’s story with a wider audience. This video will delve into his life, his heroic actions during the Battle of Trenton, and his legacy. Additionally, I will be making all the information I have gathered readily available for those interested in learning more about this unsung hero.
Stay tuned for the release of the video and more updates on John Sidebottom’s incredible story. Together, we can honor his memory and ensure that his contributions to our nation’s history are never forgotten.

I Will Do the Digging

Let's work together to research, or better yet, I will do the digging and provide you with the essential details. That's how I prefer it. When investigating, I don't want to read a whole book and see the same information repeated on every page. You want to get to the point as fast as possible if you're like me. Our shared goal is to conduct efficient research, and this approach is designed to meet our needs. We will work together to accomplish this goal.

My diagnosis was two going on three years ago, abt the age of 45. I have questioned if I feel like I have had a BD all my life, and I have to say that after learning more about BD, unfortunately, I believe I have.
My first question after my diagnosis was, do I have to live with this forever? The answer was yes, which led to, will I struggle even when I take my medication? That answer was that it would likely continue to happen until your medication was correct, and then there would be fewer and further between before you do, so yes. After all, this is what I have learned so far.

Bipolar Disorder was, formerly called manic depression. It is a mental health condition that yields intense mood swings. These include dynamic highs, also known as mania or hypomania, and lows, also known as depression.

A Mental Disorder, sometimes referred to as a mental illness, is a behavioral or mental routine that generates substantial despair or impairment of personal functioning. 

Now that we have the two definitions above, we can search for what we need to learn to help us achieve a life with as few plunges and ascensions as possible while understanding how to live with a disorder.
I want to start with the top three things that are the best places to get started. I am using what I have learned from my recovery thus far, but I am still learning, so the priority is subject to change. If a stand-alone word is in bold, the definition is below and will be in the glossary I have created.
Number one, Education, is the one I feel is the most important, as this is understanding your diagnosis and educating yourself about Bipolar Disorder. Learning your symptoms, triggers, and treatment options can help you to manage your condition more effectively. Trying to Keep track of your mood changes and triggers can assist you and your healthcare provider in adjusting your treatment plan as needed, which can be a long and strenuous journey. If you feel comfortable, educate those around you about Bipolar Disorder. Lastly, educating yourself can help your supporters understand your experiences and provide better support. Educating those around you is a significant part of the recovery process.

Number two, Monitor your moods and medications. Keep track of your mood changes and triggers. Familiarizing yourself can help you and your healthcare provider adjust your treatment plan as needed. Medication can be a vital part of managing Bipolar Disorder. You should always take your medications as directed by your healthcare provider. Even if you don't think they are working. If that happens, continue to take your medication and make an appointment to discuss it with your provider. I have been told and read many times that the number one thing someone with BD is not to continue to take their medications. I can testify to my personal experience that when, for whatever reason, my medication wasn't working, I got tired and fed up with struggling until we found a medication that would.

The third is to prioritize your sleep. Good bedtime hygiene is crucial. Strive for a consistent sleep agenda and create a relaxing environment to ensure you get enough restorative sleep; even if you have to nap or two, get your rest. I can't say that enough. We all look at life differently when rested. Walking, exercising, and Physical activity can positively impact your mood and overall well-being and help you sleep better.  Find an exercise routine you enjoy and can stick with; being easy on yourself will help tremendously.

We have covered the definitions of Bipolar Disorder and a mental disorder as we are trying to comprehend how to live with BD together. We have also gone over three things we can do to help us navigate life with BD, along with some individual experiences. I hope this blog convinces you that you can navigate life with BD. We are not alone, and we can do it together. Please follow to continue learning together. If you get frustraited, please remember "Out of difficulties grow miracles." - Jean de La Bruyère,



Recovery is the act, process, or instance of recovering from an economic upturn (as after a depression) and also the process of combating a disorder (such as alcoholism) or a confirmed or perceived problem. These problems could be related to mental health, relationships, or personal development.

The article discusses the impact of mental health awareness on society and individuals, highlighting the significance of learning and supporting those with mental health conditions. https://newsinnings.com/impact-of-mental-health-awareness/

Reality Rita with The Art of Slowing Down: A Life Lesson Worth Embracing

 

Let me be Reality Rita for a moment. I want to discuss the most valuable lesson I have learned so far—okay, maybe two. This one is most important by far, and that is to slow down. In today’s fast-paced world, we’re often caught in a whirlwind of activities, constantly moving from one task to the next. But what if the most essential life lesson is to slow down? Slowing down can profoundly transform our lives, helping us make fewer mistakes, experience less regret, and appreciate the beauty around us.

Life goes fast when we wake up; we’re bombarded with notifications, deadlines, and responsibilities. It’s easy to get swept away in the rush, but this constant hustle can lead to burnout and a sense of unfulfillment. We can savor each moment by intentionally slowing down and living in the present. This doesn’t mean we stop being productive; instead, we become more mindful of how we spend our time. I remember a time when I was juggling multiple projects at once. I was constantly on the go, trying to meet deadlines and keep up with my responsibilities. It wasn’t until I took a step back and started prioritizing my tasks that I realized how much I was missing out on. By slowing down, I could focus better, make fewer mistakes, and enjoy the process more.

When we’re always in a hurry, mistakes are inevitable. We might overlook details, make hasty decisions, or forget important tasks. Slowing down allows us to approach our work and personal lives more clearly and precisely. By thinking things through, we can avoid unnecessary errors and make more thoughtful choices. One of the most significant changes I noticed when I started slowing down was the reduction in mistakes. I used to rush through my work, often needing more essential details. Now, I try to take my time to review everything carefully, and the quality of my work has improved significantly.

Regret often stems from actions taken in haste. Whether it’s a harsh word spoken in anger or a rushed decision that didn’t turn out well, these moments can haunt us. Slowing down gives us the space to reflect before we act, reducing the chances of doing something we’ll later regret. It encourages us to be more deliberate and considerate in our interactions and decisions. I once quickly decided to take on a project I wasn’t passionate about simply because I felt pressured to say yes. It ended up being a stressful experience that I regretted. Since then, I’ve learned to take my time before committing to anything and say no if necessary, ensuring it aligns with my values and interests.

One of the most significant benefits of slowing down is appreciating the world around us. When we’re not constantly rushing, we can notice the small joys in life—a beautiful sunset, a child’s laughter, or a quiet moment of solitude. This mindfulness helps us cultivate gratitude and find contentment in the present moment. Slowing down has allowed me to appreciate the little things in life. I now take regular walks in nature, enjoying the sights and sounds around me. These moments of mindfulness have brought a sense of peace and gratitude that I never experienced before.

For many, leaning on a higher power provides comfort and guidance. Whether through prayer, meditation, or simply believing in something greater than ourselves, this connection can offer strength and clarity. Trusting in a higher power can help us navigate life’s challenges with peace and purpose. During difficult times, I’ve found solace in my faith. When I slow down and take time to connect with my higher power, I feel a sense of calm and reassurance. This practice has helped me make more thoughtful decisions and approach life with a more positive outlook.

Here are some practical tips for slowing down,

1. Prioritize Your Activities: Focus on what’s important and let go of the rest. Not everything needs to be done immediately.
2. Disconnect from Technology: Take regular breaks from your devices to reconnect with yourself and your surroundings.
3. Practice Mindfulness: Engage in activities that promote mindfulness, such as meditation, yoga, or simply taking a walk in nature.
4. Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to commitments that don’t align with your values or goals.
5. Take Intentional Pauses: Throughout your day, take moments to pause, breathe, and reflect.

Slowing down isn't about doing less; it's about engaging in activities with intention and presence. By adopting this approach, we can lead more fulfilling, balanced, and joyful lives. I invite you to accompany me on this journey as I learn to cultivate patience within myself.