So I hinted before that I had a surprise diagnosis fairly recently.
It's been one that, for many reasons, I am having a very hard time dealing with. You see, I have been doing a ton of work on myself. Lots of introspection, getting to the root of certain thoughts, feelings, fears, and behaviors....Unpacking trauma and getting past the pain in hopes of growing, healing, and being the absolute best version of myself that I can be. Not only for my own sake, but so my kids don't have childhoods they have to spend the rest of their lives recovering from. Been there. Done that. 0/10 Stars. Do not recommend. Anyway, I have been working hard on myself. I have seen a few different specialists, and have ended up with a few different diagnoses. Some are no shock at all: Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, C-PTSD, Body Dysmorphic Disorder are all things I was fully aware that I struggle with. Oh, you can add Seasonal Affective Disorder, too....The Holidays are super hard for me, so I can't leave that out. The diagnosis that shook me? Well, after seeing a couple different specialists, I've basically been diagnosed as being on the Autism Spectrum. I am super high functioning, and since I am female, and females mask things quite well, it wasn't diagnosed earlier. In fact, according to my doctors, Autism is often missed altogether in adults, especially women. When we were kids back in the 80s and 90s, we didn't GET diagnosed properly. Our quirks? Well, they just made us the weirdos. No one ever got to the bottom of WHY certain behaviors exist. At first, this diagnosis upset me. You see, there are things about myself that I hate....That now, I know I might never be able to "fix". My weird, sensory issues? Well, there may not be any way to turn them off. Some lights, sounds, textures, etc may always just be "too much" for me. Social gatherings? Well, I may never be "normal". I may never be the life of the party. I may never be able to make and sustain eye contact with others. Certain jokes and references may always be over my head. People might always assume I am weird or cold or snobby because I sit quietly in the corner, just observing and trying to stay as calm as I possibly can. I may always have to leave well before the party is over, because I tend to get overstimulated and *have* to make my escape before I melt down internally. Making close friends with people? Ha! I don't know how to do this. I don't know how to let people in, and I have a hard time asserting proper boundaries. I am working on this, and it's gotten better....But I also have a very hard time trusting people in general, and am used to always feeling like I don't fit in. So I mask. I put on a smile, go on what I call "autopilot" and I get through it. But at least now I know WHY I am this way. I'm not a freak. I'm not a loser. I'm not hopelessly broken or damaged. I literally process the world, and everything in it, differently. This is a new diagnosis for me. I have known for several months, but I am having a hard time accepting it. I was honestly somewhat blindsided by this. They always say that Autism is linked to no feelings or lack of empathy. For me, this is the opposite....I feel TOO much....I can't handle seeing pain or suffering, and when others cry, I often get teary, almost like it's a reflex. I never thought that my over-feeling self could possibly be on the Autism Spectrum....But I am. Every specialist I've spoken with and every test I have taken all have the same general result. I am still learning to live with it, and be gentle with myself, despite my differences. Has anyone else gotten an adult diagnosis like this? Did you find out later in life that you're neurodivergent? Any tips in general as I try and learn to accept and navigate my new normal? Leave it in the comments, please and thank you!
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Sometimes, we all need a break.
Whether it be for our mental health and wellbeing, or because we're just physically exhausted, sometimes a break is needed to regroup. I have been on a fairly long but totally necessary hiatus from blogging. There's been too much going on to keep up, and my own personal life has needed to come off of the backburner for a bit. For many years, too often, I put my own needs aside for the sake of helping others or getting my own work done. It became too much. Something had to give. And well....It did. I stepped away from the keyboard, for the most part, and I have been focusing on things that matter more than any website: My family. My kids. Therapy. Healing. And a surprising diagnosis....More about that later, though. ***Disclosure: I received information and access to the film to facilitate my post. All opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***
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This is the prequel we've all been clamoring for, and includes the backstory of Gru and the loveable, kooky Minions! Now with even more frolic and fun from the world’s most irresistible Minions, fans get a chance to learn the comedy-filled origin story of how Gru and the Minions became the world’s most villainous team! Jam-packed with exclusive bonus content, this Collector’s Edition includes two all-new mini movies, hilarious outtakes, a how-to draw (& animate) lesson with co-director Brad Ableson and tons of activities the whole family can enjoy. Stay Young Longer with Superior Source Vitamins Plus GIVEAWAY #NoPills2Swallow #Partner 8/17/16/2022 ***Disclosure: I received products and info to help facilitate my post. All opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.*** GET $5 OFF SUPERIOR SOURCE NMN ON AMAZON HERE! During the summer especially, I like to stay really active. We go to Cedar Point every week, and average walking 5+ miles a day each time we go. We also go hiking on the trails of our beautiful National Parks and exploring Lake Erie and all of her natural treasures.
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Did you know that April is Stress Awareness Month?
Well, now you do! Stress is something that we all have to deal with, especially in today's world. Whether it's inflation, fuel prices on the rise, work woes, sickness in the family, or just life in general, stress is a normal, albeit unpleasant, part of life. Thankfully, stress is something that can sometimes be managed quite simply. Things like getting a good night's sleep, eating well and drinking plenty of water, and even taking the right supplements when needed can help a lot. When you are looking to eat healthier, one of the best places to start is to evaluate your food choices. This includes the types of foods you eat and where you purchase them. With the popularity of online meal delivery services like Sunbasket, more and more people are opting to buy their weekly food from the comfort of their own homes.
While this is a great convenience, it can also be overwhelming trying to figure out how to make sure you are getting the best and healthiest foods possible. Here are five tips to help you make better choices when ordering healthy foods online: 1. Shop at Reputable Stores When it comes to online grocery shopping, not all stores are equal. Do some research to find stores with a good reputation for offering quality, healthy foods. Does the store offer a good selection of organic and natural foods? Do they have a focus on fit and sustainable eating? These are all things to look for when choosing a store to buy your groceries from. 2. Read the Labels Just because food is sold at a “healthy” store doesn’t mean it is good for you. Get in the habit of reading labels carefully, paying attention to the nutritional information and the ingredient list. Avoid foods high in sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives. If possible, opt for foods made with whole, unprocessed ingredients. 3. Buy in Season One of the best ways to get fresh, healthy food is to buy produce that is in season. It will be less expensive, but it will also taste better. When fruits and vegetables are in season, they are at the peak of their flavor and nutrients. Check your local farmer’s market or online store to see what is currently in season before making your grocery list. 4. Choose Quality over Quantity It is tempting to want to save money by buying large quantities of food, but this is not always the best idea for healthy eating. Instead of opting for the cheapest option, choose quality over quantity. Look for foods free from pesticides and GMOs, and make sure meat and dairy products come from animals raised humanely and without antibiotics or growth hormones. 5. Know your kitchen staples. Every cook has a few staple ingredients that they always keep on hand. These are the items you can use to whip up a healthy meal at a moment’s notice. Your favorite kitchen staples may include healthy oils, herbs and spices, vinegar, beans, and whole grains. By stocking your pantry with these items, you will always have the makings of a healthy meal close at hand. 3. Check the expiration dates This is especially important with perishable items such as dairy and meat products. Ensure the items you are ordering are not close to their expiration date. These tips will help you make better choices when ordering healthy foods online. By doing some research and comparing prices, you can be sure you are getting the best possible deal on fit, quality foods. Kids love playing in the snow, but as parents, we sometimes worry about them getting too cold or wet. That's why we're tempted to bundle our kids up in all of their winter gear and keep them inside where it's warm. However, there are actually lots of good reasons to let your kids play in the snow, and we're going to discuss them in this article. What you just need to do is ensure they're well-prepared for the outdoor weather. For instance, before your kid goes outside, they should have a snow suit with warm clothes inside and snow boots. That way, they won't get too cold, and their clothes will stay dry. 1. Playing in the Snow is FunWhether your kids are enjoying a good snowball fight or building a snowman, playing in the snow can provide the much-needed enjoyment to keep them engaged and entertained. Rather than letting them stay inside the house where they'll get bored, let them go outside and laugh as they enjoy various activities. Even kids have stress, and as they play in the snow and have fun, their bodies will release endorphins that will help them feel better. 2. It Promotes Physical ActivityWhen kids are playing in the snow, they're getting plenty of exercise. This is great for their health, especially during the colder months when we sometimes have a hard time getting them to move around. Plus, it's always more enjoyable for them to be physically active when they're having fun. So, if you're struggling to get your kids to be more active, let them go play in the snow. 3. It's Good for Their Immune SystemsExposing kids to some cold weather can actually help boost their immune systems. This is because when their body is fighting off a cold or the flu, it's helped by having been previously exposed to colder weather. So, if you want your kids to be less sick during the winter, don't keep them cooped up indoors. Instead, let them go outside and play in the snow. 4. They'll Sleep BetterIf your kids are getting outside to play in the snow, they're likely to sleep better at night. This is because they'll be tired from all the physical activity, and their body will have cooled down from being in the cold weather. As a result, they'll fall asleep more easily and have a more restful night's sleep. 5. It Teaches Them to Be ResourcefulWhen kids are playing in the snow, they often have to come up with creative ways to have fun. This can include building things out of the snow or coming up with games to play. As a result, they learn to be resourceful and think outside the box. These are skills that will come in handy as they grow older. 6. It Helps Them Develop Their Cognitive SkillsPlaying in the snow can also help kids develop their cognitive skills. This is because when they're outside, they're constantly learning and problem-solving. For instance, if they want to build a snowman, they'll have to figure out how to get the snow to stay together. Plus, being in the cold weather can help improve their concentration. 7. It's a Great Bonding ActivityFinally, snow play is a great way for kids to bond with their friends or family members. This is because they'll be working together to build things or come up with games to play. It's a great opportunity for them to talk and laugh together. So, if you're looking for a way to bond with your kids, go outside and play in the snow. As you can see, there are plenty of good reasons to let your kids play in the snow. Just make sure they're well-prepared for the cold weather, and they'll be sure to have a great time. The most difficult element of your solar purchase procedure may be locating a
reputable solar power business. As a result, you must do a comprehensive investigation of a solar installation before making a final decision. What if there are hundreds of solar companies in your area? In order to begin, let's see what kinds of solar firms you could come across on your "going solar" adventure. What you need to know before choosing a solar firm Choosing a good solar power company is important! Lots of solar power firms with experienced and well-trained personnel are out there. If you're unsure about where to begin, this useful step-by-step guide is here to assist you. The goal here is to assist you in locating the best solar energy supplier to meet your specific requirements. Manufacturers of solar panel equipment In order to put in a solar PV system on your house or company, you'll need solar panel equipment manufacturers. These are the firms that produce the actual solar panels and associated solar equipment. Installers must have these components on hand if they wish to sell solar panels to individual customers. Companies that install solar panels When it comes to getting solar, you'll be dealing with solar installation businesses the most. These firms buy critical components like solar panels from solar device makers to be used in the installation of your solar panels. Experts from the company will set up the device on your building rooftop. Installing solar panels is also their job. A site assessment is the first step in the process of installing solar panels. Your roof will be examined and any required measurements will be taken. You may expect installers to make any necessary adjustments throughout the course of the site visits. Financing companies for solar power Companies that specialize in solar finance are only concerned with supplying the funding choices required to assist both homeowners and businesses in making the switch to solar power. They often work in conjunction with distributors and solar installers like NRG Clean Power Companies that generate solar-powered leads Companies that specialize in the development of solar power industry leads and sales are the focus of solar lead generation firms. Their job is to set together sales appointments or contacts for solar sales, which are subsequently sold to installers or dealers. Suppliers of solar panels Solar dealers are those who have been granted license by a certain manufacturer to market their solar equipment. It is common for them to specialize on the production, development, and sale of machinery. An in-house installation staff is provided by several solar equipment and solar panel vendors. Some choose to leave the installation to a third-party service provider. Providers of complete solar solutions Full-service solar providers are firms that take care of everything for you, apart from producing the solar equipment, so you don't have to worry about it. Additionally, they provide financing and installation services in addition to selling and supplying the essential equipment. Every part of your solar procedure is taken care of by these experts! It all begins with making the panels and ending with placing them on the roof of your home. Compare prices from a variety of solar service providers For solar installations, solar energy firms charge a variety of prices. Some people have a higher level of ambition than others. The most common and easy pricing system is cost-per-watt. You may obtain a better idea of pricing to evaluate the top solar businesses by requesting various quotations. To get an exact quote, most solar firms will set up a meeting at your house. We all go through phases of exercising to lose weight, but some of us make exercise a
regular part of our lives, not just to lose weight, but to improve both health and fitness. Exercise has many benefits. Here are just some of them. Improving physical coordination Taking part in fitness activities or sports can help improve your coordination. Team sports such as volleyball rely on working with other members of your team. The maximum contact with the ball before getting it over the net is three, so this means each hit or touch of the ball counts. As you improve your coordination skills, you’ll become a better player. When the weather is colder, it’s difficult to motivate yourself to take part in outdoor sports. So, if you want to find the best volleyballs for indoor play, you can read the reviews on Ace Volleyball. Although your team’s performance is mostly down to their skill and increased abilities over time, getting the best equipment, such as a professionally recommended volleyball, can help you and your team get in the right mindset for success. Mental health Exercise can improve your mental health. While severe depression and other mental illnesses will still need to be treated by a professional, exercise can help. Getting out of your house will always be more beneficial for your mental health, and being active produces endorphins, which make you feel happier naturally. This is a healthier habit to form, without the unhealthy use of alcohol or unprescribed drugs. Making friends When you take part in a team sport or join a local running club, one great thing is meeting new people. You all have something in common; an interest in fitness and your chosen sport or activity. You can motivate and encourage each other, so if one person is struggling, the others in the team or group can keep them going. Many sports teams have social events too, so you can improve your fitness and expand your social circle at the same time. Improved confidence There are so many reasons exercise can improve your confidence. Reaching your goals is a big confidence boost, making you feel more capable of tackling other things in your daily life. As you lose weight, improve your sporting abilities, or see positive changes in your health, you are more likely to feel confident. If you compare this to staying in and bingeing on the latest box-set while eating unhealthy food, it’s not difficult to see which is better for your physical and mental health. If you’re making progress through exercise, then you’ll be more inclined to eat healthier foods and take better care of yourself, which will also boost your confidence in other areas of your life. The main motivation for exercising is often weight loss, but as you can see, there are other benefits too. These can go beyond the physical improvements and give you a much-needed boost to pursue other opportunities which can further improve your lifestyle. SpreadGame with the Harlem Globetrotters and Save 20% on Tickets #GlobieSeal #USFG #Partner1/12/2022 ***Disclosure: I received complimentary tickets and information to facilitate my post. All opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.*** We recently attended the Harlem Globetrotters show at the Canton Civic Center in Canton, Ohio, and boy was it fun! We're not even a "sports family", and we were all definitely at the edge of our seats the whole evening. It's quite entertaining, even if you don't follow the NBA or college hoops. The Harlem Globetrotters bring something to the table for everyone.
This is more than a basketball game! It is more than a show. You'll be on your feet, out of your seat, laughing until it hurts and loving every moment. The 5th Quarter - The game isn't over after the final shot! Meet your favorite Globetrotter courtside after the game to get an autograph and photo. The focus? Well, it's a positive one! The Harlem Globetrotters are all about teaching others to SpreadGame. |
PR Friendly Mama!
I'm Brandy, a happily married, proud Mom of 3 amazing kids. If you're interested in building a working relationship, please feel free to e-mail me at: NewlyCrunchyMamaOf3@gmail.com Links We Love :Archives
June 2023
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