Health • Inspiration • Life
Dear Friends,
Can you believe it—it’s almost the end of the year! This weekend, I again open up PhoebeMD.com for another Meet & Greet event. Remember, this is your moment to shine! This was originally started on PhoebeMD.com as a dedicated time for you all to come together to share blogs and favorite posts, make new connections, and expand your blog audiences.
The guidelines, like always, are very simple…
By Jason Lewis | Featured Contributor
Seniors face a lot of challenges that bring on stress, depression, and anxiety. Worry about illness or finances and grief over lost loved ones can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health. Loneliness and isolation can even drive older people to risky behaviors that put them in danger. And some seniors are dealing with issues from their past, such as substance abuse, that put them at risk for many additional problems.
There is one option that doesn’t cost a thing and can benefit seniors in many ways: going to church. It is even good for your physical health. Research shows that regular weekly church attendance can:
Improved physical health is just one of many ways that attending church can help seniors.
Continue reading “How Church Attendance Can Improve Senior Health”
By Cynthia Cady Stanton | Featured Contributor
Everyday, a wilderness
a challenge,
a pain…
Our hearts and souls
are hard at work.
The world is in turmoil
and cannot be ignored.
We struggle together.
I pray for all of us…
Help us to sort
what is real
and what is not.
Help us to ride the waves of trouble
and not topple over.
Help us to see
what You see
with clear eyes
and hold the vision
of what is possible.
You are the keel
which stabilizes us.
You are the roots
that hold us to solid ground.
Let truth be our shield.
And let Love be our immunity.
Pull us closer
to them both –
right here,
right now.
Don’t allow the sickness we see
to penetrate us.
We cannot be helpful
if we let the poison within.
We can only be infected
and suffer more.
We know who we are.
We know what is just.
We trust what is possible.
We can remain strong
and effective
as we lift our voices
together.
We listen for Your response.
As we raise our arms
and stretch towards you,
pull us closer to Love.
This is our fervent prayer.
Our lips will continue to repeat this
until it is done.
Pull us closer to Love!
We long to hear its heartbeat.
◊
By Kevin Ishimwe | Featured Contributor
1994 was the year…
All odds stacked against me,
mother in agony
my future seemed so uncertain
she wondered if I will ever live
to tell my story.
Determined to pacify the fear
hovering my beloved country,
She found delight in the Most High
to get her through her darkest moments
clinging on to faith,
she followed the path set before her
to bring me into this world
by any means necessary.
Her dream realized, she called me
Miracle of the Most High.
So now I’m living my life
like I’m on the clock
Making the most
of every moment
Grateful for the purpose
laid out before me
Rising to every knock,
before my clock runs out
Like I’m on my last go around
Just to let her know that her birth pains were worth it.
◊
By Sharon Jeremiah Anuye | Featured Contributor
Sunlight blinding my sight
Skin glowing like diamonds
The trees swaying side to side
With the cool breeze blowing
Thinking out loud about
Where I was before.
It’s crazy everything went by
So fast, clearly I’ve lost some time
I just need to realign and design
Voices in my head thoughts rushing in
And out.
So I have to act fast, that’s why I write
So I don’t forget the necessary
And get my memories all right
I have so much plans, don’t know where
To start.
But I know deep down within my heart
That the Light is all I need…
To make my future bright.
◊
Though through tears we may grieve,
with regrets we may mourn,
until the day dawns
and the shadows flee away,
Your love is sufficient.
◊
Let us treasure one another…every moment.
Wishing all a beautiful day.
🌷
By Cynthia Cady Stanton | Featured Contributor
It’s the quiet…
the ease of peace
that permeates –
just as the light gently travels
through the trees
and into my soul.
It’s the anticipation…
of yet another chance
for lessons to take root –
and new directions
to unfold.
It’s the trust…
that all the days past
have been worth any pain,
and there are no regrets
which can darken this new light.
It’s the love…
that gratitude which shimmers
and brightens my vision
to just how blessed it is
to have this life,
this very day.
I am but a bird singing,
a flower opening,
a cat purring,
and a baby giggling.
Mornings have this affect on me.
They elate.
* * *
Be the kindness you wish to see…
the love you wish to see…
the tolerance you wish to see…
the humanity you wish to see…
Be the light you wish to see in this world.
◊
May we shine bright during the dimmest moments.
Wishing each one of you a beautiful week.
🌷
By Surakshya Kiju (Coco) | Featured Contributor
The small things in life aren’t really all that small.
They’re the things that make life real.
Takes your happiness to a whole new level.
Keeps you from feeling lost in an empty world.
We try so hard but we’re only human.
We can’t help it. We’re always on the run.
Always trying to meet expectations.
To label you as rose and not the thorn.
But when you find something that makes you forget it all;
A passion, a hobby or even alcohol
that pulls you through the tragedies that befall,
then how can you label that something as small?
Something that makes you live in the now.
Something you connect with without any vows.
Something that you think the world of.
Something that gives you meaning of love.
We only have one life. One chance to do it all. To do everything that we want, to enjoy living to the fullest. So why are we wasting it on the worries of tomorrow? Especially when we know that worrying isn’t gonna change anything at all. Most of the things we worry about end up not happening at all. All worrying about tomorrow does is steal away your present. So why don’t we live in the now instead and leave tomorrow’s worry for tomorrow?
By Jeremiah Lin | Featured Contributor
I suffer from bipolar. Of the worst kind. Manic episodes. Severe psychosis. Deep delusions fully believing that I’m Jesus.
I will destroy my relationships. Make random connections with strangers. Come up with a million business plans to make a billion dollars. Empty my bank account and max out credit cards to “help” others. Give away all my earthly possessions. Isn’t that what Jesus would do?
I’ve made myself homeless. I’ve ended up in numerous mental hospitals. Had far too many run-ins with police officers. Most people, including cops, don’t understand the symptoms of mania. That makes me a perceived threat. Dozens of arrests. Spent several years of my life behind bars. Several times I’ve been brutalized by law enforcement. This last time nearly cost my life.
Continue reading “This Is Who I Am: A Glimpse into Jeremiah’s Story”
By Hanna | Featured Contributor
Sometimes Strong Is:
Taking a break
Having a cry
Listening to your body
Holding your tongue
Asking for help
Saying you can’t
Getting out of bed
Turning around
Feeling grateful
Feeling scared
Feeling helpless
Slowing down
Being mindful
Not knowing
Trusting
Loving with your whole heart
Wanting with your whole heart
Breathing through the pain
Just being here
Existing.
•
My dear reader, thank you for reading! I do hope you enjoyed. I wrote this poem for myself when I was in a lot of pain, but really this poem is for you. Let me explain…
Dear Friends,
Happy August! This weekend, I again open up PhoebeMD.com for another Meet & Greet event. Remember, this is your moment to shine! This was originally started on PhoebeMD.com as a dedicated time for you all to come together to share blogs and favorite posts, make new connections, and expand your blog audiences.
The guidelines, like always, are very simple…
By Dre from Jerz | Featured Contributor
As a man in his early 40’s, coping with bipolar disorder and manic depression has been a major struggle. But through an open understanding and a willingness to learn, mental health issues can become manageable.
It all started in my late twenties. I was sitting on my twin-sized bed listening to one of my favorite hip hop CD’s. After a breakup with a young lady at the time and in between menial jobs, my mind was in a fragile state. I would play this particular CD on repeat from evening to morning. Not realizing it at the time, but internally I had snapped to the point my brainwaves shifted into an altered phase.
Continue reading “The Broken Mind: Living with Bipolar Disorder”
Never stop doing little things for others,
as sometimes these little things end up
occupying the biggest parts of the heart.
May we never lose the simple joy of helping one another.
◊
Wishing everyone a beautiful weekend.
🌷
By Barbara Leonhard | Featured Contributor
Depression is a complex weave, and I have explored it in various articles on Phoebe, MD. The grief of watching my mom decline with Alzheimer’s and the grief of infertility. However, did you know that some symptoms of depression can also result from a diet high in sugar and simple carbohydrates, which in some people can lead to postprandial hypoglycemia (extremely low blood sugar after a meal)? This has been another life challenge for me.
Continue reading “Feeling ‘Hangry?’ – Hypoglycemia, Mental Health, and the Importance of Diet”
You are braver than you believe,
stronger than you seem,
and more treasured
than you will ever know.
◊
Wishing each one of you a beautiful, blessed, and safe week.
🌷
By Cynthia Cady Stanton | Featured Contributor
Come float with me, dear one.
Climb into my boat.
I will grab your hand
and lift you in.
We can ride this out together.
The current will take us in its way
but we can see a new shore
over there.
If we work together,
we can point the boat
and use our muscles
to reach that new
and beautiful land.
The journey may be hard –
but inch by inch,
wave by wave,
we will make it.
So, climb in.
The invitation is clear.
Together we are safe.
We can make it
because we are strong.
Float with me.
Let’s rise above the current.
◊
By Felix Odhiambo | Featured Contributor
I have dreams of a better tomorrow.
Dreams
that we will hold hands
and dance with our feet.
We have won.
Dreams
that we will rejoice again and again
after the hollow we have had in our hearts.
Dreams
that the days we used to have
will come back.
And the sky will wash away our pains,
the stars will show us the way,
I am the dreamer,
but you and I form the dreams
I have seen tomorrow
with my eyes closed
I have felt it
with my heart beating
And now I have spoken
of my silent dreams,
That a day is yet to come,
we will no longer stay at home
We will hug our neighbors
and kiss our loved ones
We will no longer preach
of washing our hands with sanitizers
And not touching
our beautiful faces,
Life will give us a chance
to make merry like we used to
We will form crowds
and praise the living God
Every night I walk
on better dreams of tomorrow
And they are not
just faded dreams
A time is yet to come,
we will sing songs of Zion,
We have won.
And COVID will remain to be history.
◊
By Riya Bhatia | Featured Contributor
Note from Author: This was written when I was experiencing one of my worst anxiety attacks. Instead of running away from it, I decided to embrace it and use my words as a means of understanding myself better.
* * *
My breath trembles
as the room seems to be
consuming my soul,
The walls are closing in
and my thoughts are
consuming me whole,
Sweat and tears
dim the shine
and rosiness of my face,
And all they can say
is keep picturing yourself
in a better place,
I’m crippled with fear
and can’t think
beyond this second,
How do I move on
and when will this ever end,
Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.
Hold it for a few seconds.
Keep breathing.
It’ll be alright,
The day will get better
and the sun will shine bright.
My heart starts to race
as tears stream down my cheek,
I can’t concentrate
on a single thing
and keep calling myself weak,
You’re not like this,
you’re strong,
you can do it,
but you’re all wrong,
Focus. Focus. Focus.
Keep focusing on your goals,
it’ll be be okay,
and not take very long.
I’m dizzy and nauseous,
fearful and upset,
how could I let this
happen to myself,
I want to go back to when I was twelve.
◊
By John Gregory Evans | Featured Contributor
Life can be quite demanding.
One may find themselves trying to overcome childhood sexual abuse and jump from the frying pan into the fire by volunteering with the USMC during the Vietnam War from 1971 to 1972; subsequently, sexually molested by a mid-level NCO while serving active duty through Combat Training. As well, with combat related scenarios one may also be injured upon a field training exercise after three consecutive explosive blasts are detonated, hurling an M-60 spent cartridge to its potential target, a young seventeen – year-old male’s cervical spine, thus, inducing a permanent nerve damage that could potentially one day paralyze him from the neck down, including the larynx. Hence, my patriotic chore that led a confused, dazed, and mystified young man to serious suicidal attempts and further ideation. This continued for many years.
Will there ever be relief?
Will the suffering end?
The answer to this is yes. Give yourself time.
Continue reading “Suicide: A Personal Journey from Trauma to Triumph”
By Navnidhi Vyas | Featured Contributor
I was enjoying life
with a secure future,
when suddenly
a dense darkness
came from nowhere,
turned everything
upside down,
and left me
with a lifeless life,
a future with a question mark.
Forced me to write a letter
to the creator of all
with an obvious shame-
where was this thought
when I had it all?
A very long letter
with countless words,
limitless questions,
an exaggeration of misery
was posted to heaven,
expecting a reply
with patience and surprise.
I received a reply.
A note from God
with only two magical words.
Trust Me.
And I looked up at the sky
and held my head high.
◊
By Klyn Elsbury | Featured Contributor
I can have a conversation with you about your stressful day while infusing antibiotics straight into my heart through a port-a-cath. I pay attention to your every word when nausea kicks in, asking intelligent follow-up questions, and when you’re relaxed after your stressful day, just ask that you hold my hand. Bonus points if you can bring me a Starbucks en route to the hospital.
I am 32-years-old and have been hospitalized 67 times, ranging in length from one day to six months. The diagnosis is cystic fibrosis and diabetes. The prognosis? Nobody really knows.
I am happily engaged to a healthy man. In fact, he’s so healthy I don’t know if in five years I’ve seen him eat a vegetable that I didn’t force him into. And yet, dating was extremely difficult for me as I grappled with questions on when to tell him about my condition, navigating extended hospitalizations, and yes, even losing my bowels without warning one night.
It’s not uncommon for those with chronic illnesses to be shunned from the dating community. Many have given up entirely and left to feel like ‘used goods’. Even as I researched the article, polling my friends with chronic illnesses, many were reluctant to share their names because if a guy on an app googled them, they would face rejection before they felt it was time to disclose. And I couldn’t help but remember what it was like for me the moment the hot guy I was getting to know decided to type my name into Google, and decided if he was up for the adventure.
Our love story lasts and here are five other reasons that if you’ve been given the news or been contemplating taking the next step with someone with a chronic condition, to give it a go!
By Don P. | Guest Contributor
On April 28, 2007, my life as I knew it came to an abrupt halt and turned 180 degrees. I had a massive heart attack that day, and a triple bypass surgery the following day. To really make my story special, I then flat-lined over a hundred times during the next twelve or so days, and followed that with a very high drama heart transplant and a five day stint on ECMO (Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) and was conscious (to a degree) while on a ventilator—the single worst memory in my lifetime. (ECMO is a machine that is basically an artificial lung to oxygenate your blood while your lungs rest/heal).
A week after my heart transplant, I regained consciousness and started to rebuild my body and my life, and unbeknownst to me, I was placed in training for this coronavirus pandemic…
Continue reading “Thirteen Years of Training For A Pandemic”
Dear Friends,
Happy June! This weekend, I again open up PhoebeMD.com for another Meet & Greet event. Remember, this is your moment to shine! This was originally started on PhoebeMD as a dedicated time for you all to come together to share blogs and favorite posts, make new connections, and expand your blog audiences.
The guidelines, like always, are very simple…
By Cynthia Cady Stanton | Featured Contributor
When fear is everywhere,
take a breath.
Remind yourself that
as real as the fear feels,
it is a passing storm.
You can see it but
you don’t belong to it.
Remember that you
are not the weather.
You are the sky.
We can choose to be blown away
and knocked off our feet…
or we can choose
to have the compassionate
and wise view from above.
We can be observant
while holding on to
who we really are.
Only by holding fast
to the good in us –
our expansive being –
can we truly be helpful
or even present.
So, keep your eyes open
while patiently riding it out.
Don’t allow yourself to get knocked over
or sucked into the whirlwind.
Be ever-present and calm
just like the blue sky
which endures every storm.
◊
Thank you, Cynthia, for these beautiful and timely words.
Wishing everyone a blessed day.
🌷
By Cynthia Cady Stanton | Featured Contributor
It takes just a moment
to pause and let go –
to notice.
Presence always waits
patiently for us.
She is found
in the smallest of things…
The slow drip of water
off a rock
which holds
the riverbank in place…
Presence is there.
The thought that gives birth
to the word that spawns a tear…
Yes. There.
In that moment between
the reach of your hand
to the lifting of another –
Or when the homeless man
catches your eye and
a generous smile blooms…
There!
How short our time is.
We squander Presence
like we waste water…
We forget to look,
to hear the slow drip,
to speak the unspoken word.
We get lonely
in this poverty
of connection.
We have highs and we have lows
The power is in our hands
We can dance or
We can cry
It’s up to us
To make the right decision.
Yes it’s hard
Like pushing a wall
That doesn’t seem to move
But once you look back
You’ll see you’ve come so far.
So don’t lose hope
When things are bad
Just hang in there
You are bound to reach
The top of the hill soon.
◊
Thank you, Victoria, for these encouraging words.
Let us never lose hope.
Wishing you all a restful weekend.
🌷
By Barbara Leonhard | Featured Contributor
⋅
The bandage torn
From new flesh
Releases wails
The wound still
Imbibes air
The scab hides
deep repair
Let it rest. Wait
In time the scar
Records a fate
⋅
I learned that healing is a deep process. We may heal a physical wound, but to become whole, we need to heal emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. We need to dig into the old grout of our deep being. Moreover, we must trust help is available.
Continue reading “Broken Womb, Shattered Soul: Living with Infertility (part 3)”
By Pam Kimmell | Featured Blogger
The road that we each travel
Is full of twists and turns
There are detours and temptations
Lessons each of us must learn.
If life was always perfect
And we never faced the bad
We’d have no real reflection
Of the happy times we’ve had.
Adversity brings the challenge
Of working towards new goals
Finding new solutions
Is balm for weary souls.
God never gives us more to handle
Than he knows we can take on
Remember following the darkest times
God provides a bright new dawn.
◊
Just let it go,
let the emotions flow,
Lift your hands
high up in the sky,
and hold so tight,
Move your head
with the wind,
with closed eyes,
Just let it fly away,
You are free.
◊
Thank you, Felix, for these lovely words.
Wishing everyone a beautiful week.
💙
