Tag: mental-health

Monday Messages…

Wiwohka7 Comments

You know that feeling you get when stepping off of a moving object? That feeling of unsteadiness, while your brain tries to stop things from moving, so that you can stand upright. Or, maybe you’ve played that crazy game, where you spin yourself around and then try to run a sack race, or something of that nature.

Some folks feel dizzy, while others may feel a bit queasy. I have decided to label this feeling as being discombobulated. I am striving to become a Word Smith, you know.

While it is a rather big word, sometimes those other words just don’t do justice to the depth and meaning of what you’re experiencing. Being that I am quite small, and I also feel both dizzy and queasy on this ride, little words just don’t feel as fitting as discombobulated. Why is that?

Well, let’s ask at Mr. McGoogle about our word of the week…

AI Overview

Discombobulated is an informal American English adjective meaning completely confused, frustrated, upset, or disorganized. It describes a state of being thrown off-kilter, bewildered, or severely disoriented. The term originated in the early 19th century as a playful, nonsensical variant of words like “discompose”. 

Key details about “discombobulated”:

  • Pronunciation: Dis-com-bob-u-lay-ted (stress on “bob”).
  • Synonyms: Disconcerted, muddled, flustered, perturbed, befuddled, agitate.
  • Usage Examples: “I felt totally discombobulated after the long flight”; “The speaker was discombobulated by the hecklers”.
  • Context: It is often used to describe a, mental state of confusion or a situation that is in disarray.

I suppose that one wouldn’t use this word as a descriptor, if they actually enjoyed being spun around in circles, clinging to anything that might keep them from being catapulted off the ride. Ummmmm…. duh! I’m an ant! If I get tossed off the ride, things get pretty painful, if you know what I mean. The only successful flight I’ve ever taken was on that floating Dandelion, remember?

My next thought, or question, if you will, is to wonder what-if about those times where the ride doesn’t make you feel queasy. What do we call those times where the dizziness and tummy flip-flops bring forth excitement, happiness, and joy? Let’s ask…

AI Overview

Discombobulated means to be confused, frustrated, or upset. It describes a state of being unsettled, scattered, or not fully coherent. Its opposites include terms that signify being calm, organized, and focused, such as composed, organized, calm, clearheaded, or collected. 

Top Antonyms (Opposites):

  • Composed/Calm/Collected: Remaining steady and unruffled.
  • Organized/Systematic: Having things in order, as opposed to scattered.
  • Clearheaded/Focused: Able to think clearly.
  • Oriented: Knowing where you are and what is happening.
  • Level-headed: Being in control and rational. 

Note: While “combobulate” is sometimes used humorously, it is not considered a formal, standard English word.

Well, that’s rude!

The English language has rules, exceptions, and uses for making valid counter words for things like Famous, and Infamous, remember?! And now they say that combobulate can’t be used as an actual counter word… rubish!

I, Lilly, the flying journalist, shall now dub our positive counter word to be Probobulated!

Wiwohka Overview

Probobulated – means to be happily surrendered, freely un-frustrated, and miles away from agitated. The word signifies composure, organization, calmness, clear-headedness, and/or being collected. It describes a state of being moldable, softened, and full of faith. It’s opposites include terms that signify confusion, frustration, or being upset.

I wonder how hard it would be to convince Merriam-Webster to accept my new word? Perhaps if a few of you suggested it, as well as myself, we might just enact some future changes for the betterment of all mankind.

Why not?

It could happen, you know. We just need to science it out, first.

How should I know?

Wiwohka6 Comments
Daily writing prompt
What is the biggest challenge you will face in the next six months?
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What a silly question to ask me? Six months is a long ways from here, so I really can’t tell you what challenges I’ll be facing, as I don’t fully know what they are yet!

Until such a time as I actually have a challenge worthy of bringing up to everyone, you’ll just have to make do with my stories, antics, ditties, and pity party shout outs… sorry. Don’t take my response as one of sarcasm, or even one that takes challenges lightly. If you know anything about my story, you know that I’ve had my share of challenges over the last several years. By no means do I think this prompt is a bad one, but it’s just not one I wish to dwell on.

I can imagine that there will be a large number of responses to the prompt, regarding other’s upcoming challenges, some good, and some quite difficult. For all of you, my heart goes out to you, as well as my prayers and well wishes for success in these challenges. I pray that you’ll be a go getter, tenacious, and dedicated. If I’m not going to share my challenges, the least I can do is support you in all of yours, right?!

Actually, if I had to come up with an answer for this prompt, I could talk about baking. Every morning I make you virtual cookies, and since they were a bit of a chore to create without adding in any calories, we can use that task as one of the challenges I’m facing.

If you think about it, I suppose that virtual cookie baking will still be one of my bigger challenges six months from now. That is, unless they come out with those food replicators that Star Trek always had. A girl can dream, can’t she?

Enjoy these challenging virtual cookies…

Hungry eyes…

Wiwohka2 Comments
Daily writing prompt
Who are your favorite people to be around?
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At this present moment, my most favorite person to be around is my newest granddaughter, but I’m being partial, I realize.

Truthfully, though, I wouldn’t say that I necessarily have names of people on a list that I’d prefer to be around. I generally love to be around anyone desiring fellowship, needing encouragement, or especially those in need of prayer.

Society currently seems to be buried in their smart phones, completely oblivious to everyone and every thing around them. Nobody holds a door open, or even acknowledges when someone holds it for them. And, there’s little to no eye contact. Get in, get what you need, and get out! Don’t make any sudden movements, or hold eye contact for any length of time, with anyone!

I think the problem stems from many differing sources, and I’ve not the time nor energy to spell them all out. What I do know is that there are indeed those still out there, somewhere, in dire need of love, tenderness, forgiveness, human touch, and guidance.

If you’ve not noticed any hungry eyes near you, then maybe you’ve stopped looking.

I realize how much easier it would be to turn to familiar, and safe favorite people, but perhaps we’ve been called to do much more. What if that’s where the problem lies, deep in the heart of man. Our natural bent is toward self… self-preservation, self-esteem, self-love, and self, self, self! I’m not even off the hook, here.

Having a generous heart is taught, contrary to what some may believe. No one is born with a benevolent heart, even if I think my SugarPlum is perfect in every way! She’ll need to be shown, hopefully, by the village of family that surrounds her on every side.

Perhaps, if more of those villages start popping up, society might have a chance at becoming better than we are, thus far. Just sayin.

Don’t forget your cookie…

Monday Messages…

Wiwohka6 Comments

Honestly, if one tries hard enough, they can learn something new every day!

I know this may sound silly but I’ve just discovered something hidden in plain sight, so to speak.

I’m fairly certain that you’re well aware of many different words in the English language, carrying two meanings that are only separated by a single letter.

Take the word compliment, for instance. Were you aware that it’s not the same as complement? I’m only aware because I asked Google. Don’t I feel like a silly ant! How many times have I used this word with the wrong spelling? Check this out…

Key takeaways:

  • Compliment refers to praise or a positive remark. It’s something you say to appreciate someone or something.
  • A complement completes or enhances something else, making it more complete or better.
  • A compliment is used when expressing admiration, flattery, remarks, or praise, either as a noun (“She gave a compliment”) or a verb (“He complimented me on my work”).
  • Complement is used when something enhances or completes something else, either as a noun (“The sauce is a perfect complement”) or verb (“The new features complement the product”).

Now, I’m not saying that anybody else missed this little tidbit of knowledge. Maybe it’s because I’m an ant, and this truly is my literary education stage. I mean, I did say that I wanted to learn to write better so I could become a journalist one day, right?!

Since that means I’m off the hook for not knowing a thing, maybe I’ll keep things short and sweet this morning. Instead of a long drawn out language lesson, which I’m nowhere near qualified enough to instruct… I’ll make you virtual breakfast!

This is to make up for Wiwohka not baking you cookies…

Ok, well, Wiwohka had to help me a little…

There’s life in the learning…

Wiwohka8 Comments
Daily writing prompt
How do significant life events or the passage of time influence your perspective on life?
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Good events, bad events, and events that are happy or sad, all have one thing in common. They’re all significant!

What we choose to glean from those events, whether we like it or not, will form the perspectives we have later in life.

The things we encounter become our defining hour, not by what we overcame, but how we overcame.

Age, and the passage of time, have taught me that my perspective can be intentional, rather than being brought about from life’s influences.

The only perspective I desire to attain is one shaped by God. If he deems it so, then I allow things of the past to influence my perspective. For example, putting myself in someone else’s shoes, or something like that.

I’m certainly not saying that I don’t think I’ve been influenced by things from the past, because none are immune to it.

I will say this… the experiences I’ve lived through, and those that I put myself through, have all left an indelible mark upon my heart, but from there it’s been my choice whether to be a statistic or a survivor.

The mind is a powerful and complicated thing. We need to take captive every thought, every word, and every perspective. Humans are wishy washy with our attitudes, motives, and yes, our perspectives.

From the beginning of time, God gave mankind the free will to choose their physical, emotional, and spiritual choices. For the most part, we’re terrible choosers! We allow things of this world to control our perspective, but those things are just that… of this world.

When I let go of my own opinions and perspectives, laying them before God, he provides the perspective that should be within my spirit. F.Y.I., I said when I let go, not I always let go.

I tend to build mountains out of mole hills, while God leads me right up over em! Being carried is always a humbling experience, but such a blessing.

God does the heavy lifting, so I’m left to watch him work, and in turn, form a Christ like perspective. When God’s the one in control, there’s life in the learning. That’s what I call influence!

Cookie?

(2024)My Fingers…

Wiwohka6 Comments

I’m a writer, and as a writer I tend to write… with my fingers. My fingers are attached to my hands, which are attached to my arms, which are connected to my body at the shoulders. And, my body holds my noggin, which tries with all it’s might to oversee what the fingers do… that is, write!

Bloganuary writing prompt
In what ways do you communicate online?
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My writings are how I communicate with others, within in an online setting. My phone rings from only 4 sources… hubby… my chica… my longtime friend Christine… and the Doctor’s office! For the entire rest of the world out there, my fingers are the only form of communication, giving more light to the cause of why I right so darn much, these days.

In fact, the tougher life gets on me, the more I write! Did you know that while freezing my toenails off, I wrote another children’s book?! Go figure!

Online communications has actually been a Godsend for this ole girl… I used to have to write all this stuff down with a pen and paper, and quite frankly, my hands were really suffering for it. The keyboard has actually allowed me to write at a rate that seems unprecedented, compared to what I was capable of writing before modern technology intervened!

The only downside comes from mankind’s inability to create an autocorrect that functions properly… as many have seen from some of the text massages we’ve all been subjected two. See how I did that… hehe!

One of my favorite things about all this online communication stuff… virtual cookies! 

Here is a cookie with zero calories… all the fun without any guilt or unhealthy side effects… perfection! I do love technology when it works in my fingers… I mean favor!

Gimme a smile…

Wiwohka9 Comments

Smiles are magical, I think. And, they’re contagious, too…

When someone smiles at you, don’t you just automatically want to smile back?

A smile can soften a heart, lift a person’s spirit, and/or trigger some actual good will toward our fellow man.

Take a baby’s smile, for instance. Don’t we get all mushy inside, and feel the sudden urge to speak babyeese… was dat a smile, awwww, you widdle fuzzy wuzzy bundle of bootiful awesomesauceness… hey, don’t judge me! I can’t help it!

The world is filled with all differing types of magical smiles, babies obviously being the best and most effective in brightening ones day. But, one must appreciate the value and magic of all the other differing smiles out there, as well…

Smiles are actually pretty important, as studies have shown how smiling affects ones health, and state of mind. It’s a real scientific thingie, I swear. I even googled it, to make sure that I did not mislead you in any way.

I typed in “what is the science behind a smile”, and this was googles reply:

The science behind smiling involves a positive feedback loop between facial muscles and brain chemistry, where contracting muscles (like the zygomatic major for mouth corners and orbicularis oculi for eye crinkles) trigger the release of mood-boosting neurotransmitters like dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin, reducing stress and enhancing happiness. This “fake it ’til you make it” effect means even a forced smile can make you feel better, while genuine smiles (Duchenne smiles) signal authentic joy and foster connection, improving well-being and perceived attractiveness.  

How it works: The Muscle-Brain Connection

  • Sensory Input: Emotional data from experiences (seeing a friend, hearing good news) travels to the brain. 

Muscle Activation: Specific facial muscles contract: the zygomatic major pulls lips up, and the orbicularis oculi creates crow’s feet around the eyes. 

Brain Response: These muscle contractions send signals back to the brain, activating the reward system. 

Neurotransmitter Release: The brain releases feel-good chemicals:

  • Dopamine: Boosts pleasure and motivation. 

Endorphins: Act as natural pain relievers and mood elevators. Serotonin: Functions as a natural antidepressant, lifting mood. 

Types of Smiles

  • Social Smile: Involves only the mouth muscles (zygomatic major) and is used for politeness or social cues.
  • Genuine Smile (Duchenne Smile): Involves both mouth muscles and the orbicularis oculi, creating eye crinkles, signaling authentic happiness. 

Benefits of Smiling

Increases Attractiveness & Trust: Smiling people are often seen as more reliable, sincere, and attractive, enhancing social interactions. 

I challenge you to count your smiles this weekend. It’s merely an exercise, meant to show how many times you do smile, as well as, how many opportunities you’re given to intentionally smile at someone… remember, this is only an experiment. You don’t even have to tell anyone you’re doing it. Call it an exercise for health and wellness.

Whatever you do this weekend, remember how loved you are… that should help with the smile thing.

From the depths…

Wiwohka24 Comments

I sat for a good bit this morning, trying to find the words to enter back into the stream of literary traffic that is WordPress… and it’s been hard, to say the least.

If I could sum up the last several months in only a few words, it’d be something like, “alrighty then, wasn’t that a ride!”

I could tell you the details about my health journey, and perhaps in time I may, but now is not the time… maybe later.

On the upside, we’ve a new granddaughter that has to be the most beautiful thing I’ve ever lain eyes upon…

From the tip of her tiny toes, all the way to her silky soft hair…

… our Sugarplum was the most wonderful of Christmas package one could ever imagine! While I would love to show you a cascade of new baby pictures, I wish to respect my daughter’s privacy, so for the most part I’ll be using the Avatar created for Maisie unless Mamma gives me approved pic’s for public viewing…

Please forgive any future crazy writing angles, as I’m still trying to right my health situation. When you are physically compromised, it bleeds over into your emotions, as well.

In a tiny nutshell, doctors have failed to offer anything other than more drugs, so we’ve been forced to step back from modern medicine and seek a different route. Basically, we’re DIYing it. I don’t know what’s to come, but God does, so I’m leaving it in His mighty hands.

While God watches over me, I’ve been tasked to continue my writing. I want to publish my works, and I want to be here, with you… my family.

So, with that being said, let’s just get back to it, the writing that is…

Let’s all celebrate and have a party… cause the Punctuation Fairy has returned!!!

(June 2023) Investigating Truths…

Wiwohka5 Comments

Looking Up!

Believe it or not, this flower is actually a good three feet above my head! I would not have even noticed it, had I not paused for a moment to rest my aching back. I am not sure that I want to go as far as to say that I am glad I injured my back. But I can certainly appreciate the lessons gained from my recovery process. One of those lessons is that I need to slow down!

I learned to slow down both physically, as well as mentally. In the physical realm, too much of a good thing (walking) is never healthy without taking the time to make sure you are capable of pacing yourself. I am learning to slow my walking down, and also to take days off for a refuel. Selecting regular days to rest is something I have to force myself to do. Mentally, I think it is also very necessary to do the same thing…

Take a day off!?!

While realizing that it can be difficult, it’s so very necessary that we take a mental day off, once in a while! You know, shut the brain door… close the shutters to our internal house windows.

I hope you weren’t’ expecting me to expound on the mental day off, as there are too many self-help resources that have already saturated the market on this subject. Actually, I am not even going to spout anything useful in the physical activity department. I just like to “walk” you into an insight I’ve gained, rather than just throw it at you like a water balloon.

Beauty and goodness are all around us! Each and every day, the sun rises to reveal these things. It carries on toward darkness, til it’s replaced by the rising of the moon. Over and over, again and again, this happens. We’re given so many opportunities to see and experience all that God’s created just for our pleasure and enjoyment.

My insight, if you have not already figured it out, is this: Slow down, and take the time to LOOK UP!

(2024) Not On My Life…

Wiwohka8 Comments
Daily writing prompt
Is there an age or year of your life you would re-live?
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Not only do I not wish to do any re-living at this moment, but I wouldn’t wish any of my life on any other human being!

I hear so many folks talk of what they would do differently if they were to go back in time, but as much as I don’t want to go back… I also wouldn’t trade it for any amount of money!

The me that you see today is a priceless gem, cut from the hardest of stone. I am a blade made of iron, shaped through both fire and ice for tempering… I am a chosen child of God!

Has it been difficult, exhausting and painful, yes!

Have I had to walk through life as an outsider… an outcast? Yes! Most often, I am simply misunderstood by those that surround me.

Have I done any of this alone? Nope!

Whether good, bad or in between… all of it was foreseen by the one who knew of my very birth, before the foundations of the earth had ever come to be…

The path I now walk is a combination of many things, much of what I brought on myself along the way. By revisiting the old me, doing or saying a thing any different than I did the first time around, could possibly undo a lesson that was vitally necessary for my walk with God, at this moment in time. No thanks!

I love the me that I am now, so, as they say… There’s no going back, There’s no better time than the present, or even better yet,

“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh.” (Matt. 24:42–44.) May we heed this warning given by the Lord and get our houses in order and be prepared for the coming of the Lord.

I’ll not waste time looking back, but instead, I shall be ever watchful for His return. I think that is a far better idea, with far better rewards, than re-living any single moment of my earthly life.

Have a cookie…