Belief

This is a playlist of my life…here’s some of my favorite songs (it’s extensive!) What songs are your go-to when you are depressed, anxious, overwhelmed, scared, in pain … or feeling great? What would be on the playlist of your life growing up? What are your all time favorite songs? Can you tell what generation I grew up in😉?!? I’ll give you a hint…classic rock & Alt Dance music literally shaped my life (especially when I deejayed in my late teens/20’s)

CARRY ON WAYWARD SON – Kansas
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY – Queen
THE SPIRIT OF RADIO – Rush
FOOL IN THE RAIN – Led Zeppelin
ROXANNE – The Police
DREAM ON – Aerosmith
PIANO MAN – Billy Joel
MOONDANCE – Van Morrison
PEACE TRAIN - Cat Stevens
IMAGINE- John Lennon
LONG AND WINDING ROAD - The Beatles
LANDSLIDE - Fleetwood Mac
SOLSBURY HILL – Peter Gabriel
ME AND JULIO DOWN BY THE SCHOOLYARD – Paul Simon
DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’ – Journey
PARADISE BY THE DASHBOARD LIGHT - Meat Loaf
TIME WARP - Rocky Horror Picture Show
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE - Lou Reed
HOTEL CALIFORNIA- The Eagles
SULTANS OF SWING- Dire Straits
MAYBE I’M AMAZED – Paul McCartney
SOUL MAN– Blues Brothers
BORN TO RUN – Bruce Springsteen
THE BOYS OF SUMMER – Don Henley
FOREPLAY/ LONG TIME - Boston
BABA O’RILEY - The WhO
FREE BIRD - Lynyrd Skynyrd
FLY LIKE AN EAGLE - Steve Miller
CHINA GROVE – The Doobie Brothers
JOSIE - Steely Dan
TINY DANCER - Elton John
ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL, Pt. 2- Pink Floyd
JUMP - Van Halen
THE LOGICAL SONG – Supertramp
COME SAIL AWAY - Styx
COLD AS ICE – Foreigner
SHAKE IT UP – The Cars
I WANNA BE SEDATED - Ramones
IS SHE REALLY GOING OUT WITH HIM - Joe Jackson
WITH OR WITHOUT YOU – U2
JACK AND DIANE – John Mellencamp
WALK THIS WAY - RUN DMC w/ Aerosmith
LIKE A PRAYER – Madonna
EVERYBODY NEEDS SOMEBODY TO LOVE - Blues Brothers - soundtrack
(I’ve had) THE TIME OF MY LIFE - Dirty Dancing soundtrack
MANIAC - Flashdance soundtrack
FOOTLOOSE - Kenny Loggins - soundtrack
ALIVE AND KICKING – Simple Minds
EYE OF THE TIGER - Survivor
BILLIE JEAN (or BEAT IT) – Michael Jackson
WALKING ON SUNSHINE - Katrina and the Waves
COME ON EILEEN - Dexy’s Midnight Runners
RIO - Duran Duran
TAINTED LOVE - Soft Cell
DON’T YOU WANT ME -Human League
WAKE ME UP BEFORE YOU GO-GO – Wham!
IT’S STILL ROCK AND ROLL TO ME - Billy Joel
EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE - Police
FAITH– George Michael (R.I.P)
DANCING WITH MYSELF -Billy Idol
MODERN LOVE – David Bowie (R.I.P.)
WHEN DOVES CRY – Prince (R.I.P)
SHE BLINDED ME WITH SCIENCE – Thomas Dolby
RED RED WINE- UB40
ONCE IN A LIFETIME - Talking Heads
MONEY FOR NOTHING -Dire Straits
ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST -Queen
I’M STILL STANDING -Elton John
HIGHER LOVE - Steve Winwood
SWEET CHILD O’MINE -Guns and Roses
LIVIN’ ON A PRAYER - Bon Jovi
SWEET DREAMS (Are Made of This) – Eurythmics
OWNER OF A LONELY HEART - Yes
WHIP IT - Devo
BLISTER IN THE SUN – Violent Femmes
TEMPTED – Squeeze
MIRROR IN THE BATHROOM – The English Beat
DOWN UNDER - Men at Work
IN A BIG COUNTRY – Big Country
YOU SPIN ME ROUND (Like a record) - Dead or Alive
ENJOY THE SILENCE - Depeche Mode
EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD - Tears For Fears
SLEDGEHAMMER - Peter Gabriel
OUR HOUSE – Madness
CRAZY - Seal
LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD- Pat Benatar
RUNNING UP THAT HILL (A Deal with God) – Kate Bush
HOLD ME NOW – Thompson Twins
(closing time):
FRAGILE – Sting
TAKE ME HOME – Phil Collins

#MentalHealth #Depression #Anxiety #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #Selfcare #Selflove #Disability #PTSD #Grief #IfYouFeelHopeless #Hope #Belief #innerstrength #fortitude #Connection #BipolarDisorder #BipolarDepression #Addiction #AddictionRecovery #TheMighty #TheMightyTakeaway #MightyTogether #MightyMusic #Music #Meditation #DistractMe #mentalhealthwarrior #fighter #warrior #Survivor

Great article that talks about the importance of good bedside manner, doctors that listen, checking your insurance at the start of your search, asking good questions and do your homework of course! It has lots of good ideas especially at the end under “Finding a good fit”…like…

“…During that first visit, think about how the doctor and office staff make you feel, HHS advises. If the doctor doesn’t make you feel comfortable, show respect for what you have to say, know your medical history, and spend enough time with you, then they might not be the one for you.”

Castle Connolly Survey Asks What Patients Want Most From Their Doctors

#MentalHealth #Depression #Anxiety #Disability #PTSD #Selflove #Selfcare #ChronicIlless #ChronicPain #BipolarDisorder #Bipolar2Disorder #Bipolar1Disorder #BipolarDepression #COVID19 #Migraine #Headache #PeripheralNeuropathy #Concussion #BrainFog #ParkinsonsDisease #balance #EssentialTremors #Memory #Addiction #AddictionRecovery #HIVAIDS #longtermsurvivor #ADHD #RareDisease #ChronicFatigue #IfYouFeelHopeless #Hope #Faith #FuriouslyHappy #Belief #Love #help #GettingHelp #InsideTheMighty #TheMighty #MightyTogether #DistractMe

(PART TWO - please read Part One above first)

…and the Neuropathy and Migraines I already had have gotten much worse. I had started a new daily med for my migraines and I was having much fewer and less intense ones whenever I did have one. But since the concussion I went from only 4 a month back to 12 migraine days in December. They can really hijack a whole day from when I wake up til bedtime, with bad light and sound sensitivity leaving me in the dark with no sound and very sensitive to movement. I have had Neuropathy since I first started my HIV cocktail in 1999 but it had gone from being bedridden to manageable. Since the concussion I have struggled even before I got out of bed, and I also have no appetite at all. I was about 205 before when I got Covid two years ago but weighed in at 192 when I got out of the hospital and rehab where I did PT and OT but I just weighed in at 178. This is too much weight loss!

This week I started PT for movement /balance and will do so 2x/wk for 8 weeks plus OT. I have been doing the exercise I was given so far 3x/day. (Please see the Update at the bottom about a new fall recently that was probably another concussion). And with the newest med I’m on I have gotten some good night's sleep. Every 2-3 nights but still some are better than none. I use a walker everywhere I go for necessary support and have started drinking two Ensure drinks a day to get protein I need with limited eating.

I definitely am not a patient person but this 6 month scenario has me putting up with challenges for 4.5 months more and adapting to my limitations. When it’s not one thing, it’s another. It’s really helpful that I have had serious pain and lived with other limitations much of my life, so sadly it’s not unfamiliar ground and I just hang on. I enjoyed watching football this weekend while stuck in my lazyboy recliner like usual and tomorrow I will park in a handicap parking spot and use my walker to get to yet another appointment. I try not to dwell on the limitations instead I choose to remember I am on a Path to Recovery and I won’t be like this forever.

UPDATE: Sadly, I was going to post this 3 days ago, but just fell again and face-planted and hit my head very hard. I have a gash under my eye in the shape of my glasses which rammed into my face. I cut my lip pretty badly and both places are very swollen and bruised including a nasty black eye. Just the week before my Neurologist was so happy to see I was using a walker because he said “I’m glad you’re using it because the last thing we want is for you to get another concussion” I fear (and feel) that is what I just did!

#MentalHealth #Depression #Anxiety #Concussion #ParkinsonsDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #Disability #Limitations #Selflove #Selfcare #COVID19 #Migraine #PeripheralNeuropathy #HIVAIDS #PTSD
#BipolarDisorder #BipolarDepression #Bipolar1Disorder #Bipolar2Disorder #ADHD #Tremors #balance #fall #TheMighty #MightyTogether #MightyMinute #IfYouFeelHopeless #Hope #Love #Belief #happy #DistractMe #BrainFog #Memory

Health is scary, even when you have lived with specific diagnoses for a long time. When was the last time you experienced a symptom or a situation that caused you concern? What was that experience like for you? How did it make you feel?

For me there are a few: Years ago I was deeply worried I had a heart problem, but after numerous tests I was told I was ok. From my fear I then felt relieved, joyful and thankful. So this was a minor health scare.

Ironically later I did have a situation which led to heart surgery. I remember clearly when I was admitted to the ER that I couldn't breathe, and I was told my heart rate was 190. It took two shots of adenosine with increasing strength but then it rapidly reduced my heart rate! Then after test after test I eventually had surgery which was a success, and now I just take one med a day for it. But before I had the surgery I had a brief scare when a nuclear stress test rapidly caused my heart rate to go back up to 180. I remember that fear clearly because I had to wait a long time until a reluctant doctor treated me in a small room … in a Cardiologist’s office!

But more recently my scare was simple. I got hit by Covid…bad. I was really struggling with many symptoms but refused to go to the hospital due to concerns and fears about getting Covid there (ironic) With the encouragement (insistence) of my doctor, I got a test which came back positive but I was still stubborn and said I’d be fine. But it got much worse and finally I called 911 and an ambulance took me to the ER. By the time I got there I had 12 symptoms and was in really bad shape. They admitted me to a room in a separate part of the hospital for those of us with Covid and I began to really worry. The events leading up to that point were a blur, then I remember suddenly processing what was going on and I realized my life was in real danger. I sat in the bed with too much time to think and started to project to my death. I ended up stuck in a hospital bed for 8 days, totally dependent on nurses, not being able to sleep or even rest at all due to incessant coughing. It was a very lonely time since family and friends couldn’t visit, but despite my fear I stayed positive and fought through it.

To my surprise I got better and I was transferred to a rehab facility for 2 weeks… where I basically learned how to walk again. I pushed myself hard, did everything the PT said, starting with just walking back & forth in the room twice and needing to sit & rest. Slowly I began to gain my strength and balance back. I remember being brought back to my apartment and the joy I felt to be free and alive. Through this period I lost 15 pounds…but only because for the first 8 days I had barely eaten anything.

I continued to do PT at home and in outpatient care. I began walking outside, and up & down the steep steps to my apartment (which were really intimidating at first). I had been scared beyond what I can share in words, it was a really serious health scare

But I’m still here… survived TWO pandemics (I also contracted HIV 37 years ago in the 80’s when AIDS was considered a death sentence.) Both times my fears were vanquished by the support, hope and belief of family and friends!

#MentalHealth #Depression #Anxiety #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #PTSD #Disability #HIVAIDS #COVID19 #HeartSurgery #RareDisease #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #Cancer #Surgery #BipolarDisorder #BipolarDepression #Bipolar2Disorder #Bipolar1Disorder #Grief #Selfcare #Selflove #TheMighty #MightyMinute #MightyTogether #IfYouFeelHopeless #Hope #Belief #Love #Support

Typically when people think self-care hobbies, they think: going to a spa or taking a nap. But what if a rock concert is more your speed? Or bowling? Or deep cleaning? Good news: We are each our own person. Even better news: There is no “right” answer as to what hobbies can and do improve our mental health.

I like listening to or making music on my drum…but recently I’ve found sometimes listening to podcasts can be as enthralling. At the beginning of Covid Stay at home I got some Legos and making things with them was fun and a great distraction…so it was a new artistic one…plus using colored pencils filling in mandalas and tattoo flash was surprisingly therapuetc and calming! What have you found works for you?

Here’s a quick check-in for when you’re feeling self-conscious about your preferences…

Q: Does [insert hobby here] help you when you’re down?
A: Yes!
Conclusion: Then you’re doing it right, my friends! (No matter what anyone else believes.)
Share those unexpected hobbies below — we know you got ’em!

#MentalHealth #Depression #Anxiety #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #Disability #BipolarDisorder #Bipolar2Disorder #Bipolar1Disorder #BipolarDepression #ADHD #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #RareDisease #Addiction #AddictionRecovery #HIVAIDS #longtermsurvivor #COVID19 #Migraine #Headache #ChronicDailyHeadache #BackPain #ChronicFatigue #SideEffects #Cancer #CheckInWithMe #TheMighty #MightyTogether #MightyMinute #MentalHealthHero #IfYouFeelHopeless #Hope #SocialAnxiety #happy #Joy #relief #Prayer #Belief #thanks

The two quotes above are from Phil Jackson….he was a legendary basketball coach who took the holistic approach to coaching that was influenced by Eastern philosophy, garnering him the nickname “Zen Master”. I just read his book “Sacred Hoops” which was really fascinating reading how he also incorporated Native American decorations in his locking room after spending a summer with with a tribe in North Dakota and found a massive shift in energy…and success! He coached the Chicago Bulls to 6 titles and the Los Angeles Lakers to 4 while also winning a championship as a player with The New York Knicks.

It is fascinating how he developed into a coach who led from his heart… using spiritual encouragement…. fostering teamwork from a unique approach. Jackson is known for his use of Tex Winter's triangle offense that he actually shared about and consulted with Michael Jordan for his approval before he taught it to the team.

This coming week the NBA playoffs start. I’m excited and yet I’m sad. I’m a really big basketball fan and these days I find it entertaining, distracting and I like to pretend I’m the coach and think ahead what’s the next step for the team. I’m excited to watch the playoffs because there are some great teams playing, I’m sad because the Washington Wizards aren’t playing … I’ve watched and attended Wizards games since 1974, and sharing these experiences with my dad was part of our earlier bonding! My dad taught me the love of sports and before he got older and more emotionally accessible this was a hobby that brought us together regularly. It kept me out of trouble sometimes as a kid, later helped with my depression getting my mind engaged, kept me sober, gave me hope when in the hospital with Covid and sometimes helps distracts me from my migraines … and it gave me a belief in people that were my role models as I grew up!

As far as the playoffs… at least we have next year to look forward to! Jackson was prouder of his development of his players as people before as athletes. There is also a lot of wisdom necessary in getting a team of men with massive egos to listen to each other and play as a team. He once said “If you meet the Buddha in the lane, feed him the ball”!

…and “Love is the force that ignites the spirit, and binds teams together” &
“When the mind is allowed to relax, inspiration often follows” not bad for a dumb jock, huh!

#MentalHealth #BipolarDepression #BipolarDisorder #Depression #Anxiety #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #Disability #COVID19 #Migraines #Selfcare #youmatter #beyou #loveyourself #Addiction #AddictionRecovery #Checkwithme #TheMighty #mighty #MightyMinute #Love #Hope #Belief #Joy #MentalHealthHero

I can get caught in that awful loop of beating myself up, getting stuck in self judgement, and just destroy my self confidence. I’ve learned that (building) self love can lead to better self care…and all of a sudden I can reverse that repetitive loop and replace it with self respect and start to believe in myself!

I find doing a gratitude list can help. A while back it was recommended I process a gratitude list every morning. I like to think of my blessings: Roof over my head and food on the table; Car that runs and being able to buy insurance & gas; MY HEALTH…here I go through all my 5 senses that work, my legs …that once didn’t! etc…and I give thanks for my doctors; my Friends (& I list them); and my Family doing the same!!! I find I start off the day feeling much better about myself!

#MentalHealth #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #Disability #Depression #Anxiety #BipolarDisorder #BipolarDepression #Bipolar2Disorder #Bipolar1Disorder #PTSD #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #ADHD #Addiction #AddictionRecovery #SOBER #HIVAIDS #longtermsurvivor #COVID19 #Migraine #Headache #IfYouFeelHopeless #Hope #Belief #Selflove #Selfcare #happy #relief #Joy #MentalHealthHero #TheMighty #MightyMinute #MightyTogether #MightyBookClub

We all struggle with pain, depression, anxiety, worry etc.. Within the times you were hurting, what step dids you take to take care of yourself? How did you practice self care? Did you just stop, breathe and rest for an hour...or even ten minutes? Did you sit with a cup of tea and journal out your thoughts? Did you eat a favorite meal? Watch a funny movie? Listen to calming music? Did you sit and color, paint or draw? Did you dance by yourself when no one was watching? Did you push yourself a little and go out for a walk? Did you go for a hike in nature...or even just sit with your back up to a tree? Did you ride a bike, swim, go rock climbing or go to the gym? Did you take a bubble bath with soft music and candles? Did you take a hot shower? Did you hug someone...for no reason? Did you go to therapy or a support group? Did you get out of bed!?! Did you drink water throughout the day? Did you do anything that made you feel better about yourself... even just for moments?

These are ways I've taken care of myself or things that I’ve heard helped other people. Many are very short and simple, many help you stop for an hour or two and UNPLUG or put away your work or homework. Most are free, easy, and accessible, many require little thought or planning, many just require you to STOP and recalculate your direction...but any of these can help!

Which ones have you done this week or anytime you were hurting in the past??? Which ones will you try soon or keep in your mind to use during a tough time??? When I do some of these things I usually end up feeling better about myself, sometimes I feel like a heavy weight has been lifted off my shoulders, sometimes I just end up thinking that I care about myself! Please do anything that makes you feel better even if it takes every bit of your physical (and emotional) energy! YOU ARE WORTH IT! Sending blessings for peace, serenity, calm and balance during these difficult times...and here’s sending a big virtual hug to all of you!

#MentalHealth #Depression #Anxiety #worry #Pain #BackPain #PeripheralNeuropathy #Migraine #COVID19 #PTSD #BipolarDisorder #Bipolar1Disorder #BipolarDepression #ADHD #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #Fibromyalgia #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #HIVAIDS #SurvivorsGuilt #Addiction #AddictionRecovery #SOBER #ChildLoss #LosingAParent #Cancer #Grief #Acceptance #ifyoufeelhopless #Hope #Belief #Happiness #OPTIMIST #MentalHealthHero #MightyTogether

zooooom zoom zooooom

LIFT

zoom zoom slow

Angel at WORK!!

((Whew !!

thank-YOU :)

#Anxiety #Recovery #relief #Belief #technique #angel