Most of my bios include something along the lines of “an idea powerhouse and perpetual daydreamer who always has more projects than she can manage” and boy, is that the truth!Since I’ve been bolder creatively, I’ve had trouble running away with ideas before I’ve fully flushed them out. I get swept up in the big … Continue reading What Have I Gotten Myself Into Now?
Where to Find Me Around Town
Hello there! I've been so busy with work-related writing and creative writing that I haven't had the time to properly nurture this blog, so I thought it was about time I shared some of what I've been working on: Illinois Woman's Press Association I'm the First Amendment Network Contact with this lovely historic organization and … Continue reading Where to Find Me Around Town
Grief Reflects Love
Last week my therapist said that as painful as grief is, it's reflective of how much you loved someone. My optimism about Tubs' ability to recover from his illness didn't keep him alive. He passed away at home, in my arms, while I was feeding him. It was traumatic. I was wracked with guilt. I … Continue reading Grief Reflects Love
Crisis Management
My cat, Tubs, wasn't acting like himself last week. He was laying under the bed, trying to get in the bathroom door that's always closed, not eating as much, not moving around as much. I got him to the vet as soon as I realized it wasn't just a weird phase (because sometimes he does … Continue reading Crisis Management
Suicide in the 21st Century
The first week of June was filled with devastation and despair. First, Kate Spade, a celebrated handbag designer, committed suicide at the age of 55. Then, Anthony Bourdain, acclaimed chef and storyteller on his show Parts Unknown, committed suicide at the age of 61. Lastly, a comprehensive study from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) … Continue reading Suicide in the 21st Century
How Do You Practice Gratitude?
When I think of practicing gratitude, my first thought is, "Well, I guess I'm grateful for what I have," but that's not what it means. Practicing isn't generally being grateful, it's about actively finding and building gratitude for things (people, places, animals, moments, etc.) in your life. A good place to start learning about gratitude … Continue reading How Do You Practice Gratitude?
What is Cognitive Flexibility?
Are you familiar with the term cognitive flexibility? It refers to the ability to change our thinking based on new information. A link has been established between sleep deprivation and impaired cognitive flexibility. There's ongoing research on how conitive flexibility affects our decision making. I don't know about you, but when I get poor sleep … Continue reading What is Cognitive Flexibility?
Why You Should Care About Mental Health Month
Did you know that 1 in 6 adults in the United States live with mental illness? Or that mental illness in adolescence is rising? Or that support services are struggling to meet the growing demand for mental healthcare? In some states there are 6 times the individuals needing treatment to 1 mental health professional. It … Continue reading Why You Should Care About Mental Health Month
Toxic Masculinity
We have finally begun to acknowledge the damage that rigid definitions of what it means to be a woman have done. While we continue to work on expanding the definition of what it is to be a woman it is important that we also recognize and work to shift restrictive perceptions of manhood. Toxic masculinity … Continue reading Toxic Masculinity
S.A.D. Light Therapy Lamp Review
I got a light therapy lamp shortly after my post in October to assist with seasonal affective disorder. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't awkward at first sitting in front of a little box beaming a bright light in my general direction for twenty minutes after waking up in the morning. I struggled for the … Continue reading S.A.D. Light Therapy Lamp Review
That Liz 