Reflections and Resolutions

It is the time of the year to look back and remember. It is time to set goal for next year. I can call 2006 a good year because I learned so much. This was a year that was full of rough spots, but I learned so much this year. I have learned how much we need others. I have always been one to do everything myself. This year I have started trusting others more. I have started to reach out more to others and it has added so much more enjoyment to my life. It has been an emotional year, but again I feel there has been healing in this area of my life too. My faith is stronger. I discovered a world of new friends by blogging. I learned to slow down and enjoy a cup of coffee with a friend. Next year I really want to continue the emotional healing and work on becoming more phycially healthy. I want to paint more and write more. I want to become closer to my friends. I want to be a better friend to those that mean so much to me.

A New Year

A new year is about to begin. I'm looking forward to letting 2006 go. It has been a rough year, but I have made many new friends, which made the year a good one. I have learned how much we need people and the importance of friendships. A new year always bring with it a time to make improvements. I think my biggest goal for next year will be to try to improve my health. I want to continue to make my friendships stronger and increase my faith. I wish all my blogger friends a very Happy New Year.

People That Know

It's nice to know that there are friends that know you and accept you just the way you are. You can be comfortable to say what you need to say. You can say nothing, yet still feel loved and accepted. You don't have to wear a mask to hide the "real'' you. I am thankful for these friends that accept me with all my faults. I can be myself without fear of being judged. I'm so glad I have these friends. You are more than just a mental illness. You are you and that is OK. What could be better. These friends help you grow. They love you for who you are. Nothing is better. Hugs to those that can accept without judgement. Thank you for being there!

Christmas

Christmas is coming just around the corner. We have been keeping busy and just wanted to tale a few minutes to be thankful for all the good things we have. Friends and family bring joy to the days. The meaning of Christmas and the wonderful gift of Jesus. Christmas may not bring joy to everyone and to those we wish a special peace . A time to make new memories. A time to be thankful for all our friends. Christmas is more than gifts. Christmas is a time to share our love.

Losing Control

Seems like everyday there are more unpleasant changes happening. I'm feeling a little shakey right now. Two dear friends are moving and that is very stressful. Today I found out that another link of my support system is being removed. My church has always been a strong support for me. At the end of the month we will have lost 3 out of the 4 ministry staff from the church. Each of these people have helped me so much through rough times. I find myself holding on tightly to my faith. I still have friends at my church to hold on to, but the loss seems so great. Right now PK is "holding my hand" to help me adjust to all of the changes. I have thought about trying to run away from all the stress, but know that is not the answer. Things are tense in my family right now too. I need to make some decisons, but do not feel I am thinking clearly enough to do so. A year ago I never dreamed I would be where I am today! Support system shaken, health failing, and financial stress, all seems more than I can deal with. Old coping skills seem to be pushing into my mind. Bad memories and "black outs" are happening more frequently. I feel like I am spinning out of control. I'm sorry this is such a depressing post, but I need to find a way to get some of this "stuff" out. I am open for any and all suggestions!

Snow

Our frist winter storm has come in over the last two days.My joints are hurting and I'm getting a little cabin fever. My driveway is the biggest problem since it is on a fairly step hill. We are hoping it will be better by Sunday. It is beautiful, but does limit what we can do. It's a good time for hot chocolate and soup. All the children are out of school and I have been watching the neigborhood children playing in the snow. It's a good day to put up the indoor Christmas decorations. Only 24 more days until Christmas. I think I will work on my Christmas cards today.

Too Much

I'm trying so hard to hold everything together right now, but I feel like I about to come apart. So much has happened in the last few months and I am exhausted from trying to keep up. My health has been poor, I have no job, applying for disability has been stressful, and I feel my support system is falling apart.
This morning I been on the phone all day trying to get my cobra insurance plan straighten out and still by the end of the day nothing. I been working on this now over a week and now I'm totally out of my medicine. Seems nobody can figure out why I can't get my perscriptions filled. They charge me a month worth of insurance for one day. This shouldn't be so hard!
Please don't get me wrong some things have been going well. It is just that right now I can not seem to handle all of this stress. I'm crying all the time and am totally exhausted. I'm not thinking clearly and it seems that is my biggest problem.

Change

Seems in life we can not stop change. A very good friend is moving. I know that we will keep in touch by e-mail, letters, and phone, but it will not be the same. My heart hurts. Not being able to see and hug this person will cause a void. I'm happy for the fact it is a good move for them, but am sadden by the lost of being able to see them in person. I guess I'm being selfish, but I really hate to see them move. Change is just hard to deal with.

Turkey is in the Oven

The turkey is in the oven and the smell of food fills the house. Waiting on family to arrive for a time of fellowship and thanksgiving. It is a wonderful thing to know you are blessed. It wonderful to think of all your friends and family. I hope all of my friends are having a great day.

Thankful

Thanksgiving is only a week away and I've been so depressed recenlty I thought I would list some things I'm thankful for. I know I will only touch a few things, but it is always good to look at all of our blessings.

1. My Children
2. My Friends-3D and cyber
3. My Family
4. My Pastor
5. My Church
6. Good Doctors
7. My House
8. Plenty to Eat
9. Reliable Transportation
10. And Many Many More

Medication Cost

The cost of medication is just simply outrageous! I checked the cost on my bi-polar medication and it was $ 347.17 for a one month supply. That is only one of the 12 medications I have to take. Medication is only one part of the cost of health care. A person with any chronic illness needs to be flat broke for any type of assistant. It seems to me that we condemn anyone with a chronic illness to poverty. Having both an autoimmue illness and mental illness is a one way ticket to poverty. I guess I have ranted enough for one day. I'm just frustrated!

Paintings

This picture represent the innocents of childhood. How pure and sweet children are.

Lighthouse represents peace in a time of storms. I feel my life is a storm right now and my lighthouse is my faith in God.

I just recently started painting and I was wanting some input and suggestions.

Cyber Friends

Since I've been blogging I have made many "cyber friends". I have found I can be honest and not have to put up a front. I can say what I feel. I can let out the pains and hurts. I don't feel judged. I believe there are people that care about me and what is going on in my life. I feel there are people that pray for me. I know I have met people that I deeply care about what happens to them. I met more people that have had some of the same things happen to them. There is no judgement if I'm having a bad day. I am so thankful for my new friendships.

Triggers

I don't understand why everything seems to be triggering my past and the abuse right now. Everytime I turn around something is setting me into a tailspin and I'm reliving my past. I feel very emotional right now. I feel panic and have a hard time grounding myself. It's not just the normal triggers, but it seems like little things are throwing me into an emotional fit. Seeing any father with a small child gives me cold chills. I am crying at the simplest thing. I seem to be disassociating more often. I'm finding I want to withdraw and avoid people.I'm isolating myself more and more. I'm trying to make myself keep in contact with others, but it is so hard. I know there are people that care about me, but I can not seem to reach out to them for help. I don't even know why I'm feeling this way, but I can not shake it. I can not even talk to the new therapist about what is going on. I almost feel like I'm losing my mind. If anyone has any suggestions, please give them to me. I feel so out of control.

Friends

I'm not sure where I would be without my friends. This has been a rough year. Failing heath, finical problems, and family stressors. Most of my life I've been a "loner". I was too afaird to open myself up to friendships. I was afaird of being hurt or used. The last couple of years I have developed some deep friendships. I don't know what I would have done without their support over the past few months. My entire life has changed and I am so thankful for the support of my friends. Making friends was hard for me. My past had taught me not to trust anyone. I built a protective wall around myself and nobody was allowed close to me. I now so enjoy being with my friends. We help and comfort each other in times of need. We laugh and play together. We cry and hug each other when "things" aren't going well. We talk on the phone until the batteries go dead. We enjoy life together. Nothing can compare to friendship.

New Therapist

Tomorrow I will be seeing a new therapist. I'm hoping this is going to help. I've been so depressed for the past several weeks it has been hard to do anything. Even blogging has been difficult. I think I just going to "unload" on this therapist and let the chips fall where they may. I'm hoping that they will be able to decide what is going on. Why I have the "black outs" and why I'm so very depressed. I'v always had trouble opening up with new therapist, but I'm so desperate right now this may be the best answer. This thearapist works in the same group as my doctor so they can share notes and hopefully find out what wrong with me.

Winter Is Around The Corner

The sky is gray and gloomy. The chill is in the air and the cold damp wind is blowing. Rain beats down on everything in sight. Chilled to the bone as the wet cold rain hits your face. The leaves drop off the trees under the beating rain. All of this reminds me that winter is around the corner. The short brisk days with the long cold nights. Now is the time for hot chocolate and cider. A warm blanket and a good book to shorten the long cold nights. A fire in the fireplace glow with a inviting embrace. Yes, summer is now long gone. Now is the time to think and reflect on all that has happened. A time to remember.

Remember

As the cool air and fall comes, I remember the fun we used to have. Playing in the leaves and throwing them in the air. Carving of punkins and eating popcorn. Halloween was so much fun then. We would dress up and walk all over the neighborhood. There was no fear, just lots of candy, apples, and fun. Today so much more care is needed for the little ones. They are not as safe as we were. It seems such a shame that world is not as safe as it was. I will be helping at our church's fall festival where the little one can come dressed up for a safe evening of fun, but it still seems that they are missing the fun we had as children so long ago.

More Meds

I'm still depressed so my doctor is uping my antidepresant. I guess I was on a lower dose of the Lexapro than he thought. He thinks I need to get out more and sleep less. Easier said than done. When your broke, it just easier to stay home. He wanted me to see a new thearpist also. I'm going to be seeing this one in a couple of weeks. With this thearpist my doctor would have more acess to what is going on since they are in the same group. I'm really hoping this will help because I feel no energy right now. It also seems now that I have more time that I'm remembering more of my past. Maybe now is just the right time to get better.

Safe In the Storm

Winds of uncertainty, waves of despair
Beat aganist my soul in the night
Tempest rage in my mind
As I desperatly seek for a glimmer of light

Nothing feel safe, and I'm chilled to the bone
The wave of despair crash against my soul
Yet in the storm I see Jesus' face
His hand reached out for me to take hold

I think I going to go under the waves.
But He tells me I am never alone
I'm safe in His arms as the storm rages on
Jesus promises to take me safely home

There is no need to fear the storms of life
No need to worry or tremble in fear
I find safety in His gentle arms
No matter what happens Jesus is near