Stomping out Stigma

As a mental health professional, I know the stigma that is associated with any kind of mental health disorder or diagnosis. So often, folks slip through the cracks, stop taking their medicine or feel so alone. One of the best things people can do it not alienate those with mental health disorders, but embrace them and allow them to feel normal.

Yesterday, I have a great opportunity stomp out Stigma with a few of my favorite people.

 

Mental health disorders have affected different family members and friends of mine. Being an advocate is something I'm very passionate about and something I feel is necessary for this community. It also helps that I'm a social worker...  

 

 

 

It was great to see so many organizations come out to support the 5k walk. I think it would be super great if they added a 5k run to the event and I believe they would raise a lot of money!! 

Either way, it was a great day and a great cause! I was happy to support a great organization and spent the day with my sisters! 

What organizations are you passionate about?

3 Great Reads

Well, as promised, I have a few good book reviews. With Memorial Day coming right around the corner and the weather turning beautiful, you might find yourself looking for a couple of good reads.. I have a couple that you might be interested.

Book 1:



It's normal to wish on a falling star. Have you ever found yourself in this position? Having a wish and throwing a penny in a wishing well or wishing on a shoot star? I did this a lot of times as a young kiddo. Do you think wishes come true? 

Thirty- six-year old Kendall Haynes has been wondering do dreams really come true? She is seeing the dreams of her friends, coworkers and even little sister get married, but for her, she is only pursuing her career and that doesn't fit the dream she has for herself. She wants to fall in love, but with no prospects, she feels doomed for love. 

While she and her friends are out to dinner one night, a teenage boy has an allergic reaction to his food. She immediately helps and learns the man she thought was the teenagers father, is his brother.. Griffin soon becomes the unlikely prospect she had been looking for, only the adventure is much different. Griffin is the guardian of his younger bother, Ian. Thir parents died in a plane crash and Griffin is in the Air Force, but has been having dizzy spells, so he has been unable to fly. Will these two become a pair or will Kendall find herself not interested in Griffin because of his life situation?? You'll have to read to find out..




Book 2:




Lyssa Chapman is a twenty-five year old woman who is well beyond her year because of her experiences, bravery and strength to tell her story in this beautiful memoir. What this woman has been through and her story is truly remarkable. You wont be able to put this book down. It was a quick read.

If you have heard of the Bounty Hunter, Lyssa is the 9th child of Duane, Dog Chapman. He is the famous bounty hunter. I have never heard of this reality show.. Maybe I live under a rock, I don't know.

Lyssa is very honest as she describes to the reader how she had suffered abuse through her childhood and teenage years. If that wasn't enough, she had to fight several addictions. This transpired to her being a teen mom at a young age. Determined to get her life back, she moved to Hawaii to live with her father and join the family business. At one point, Lyssa did marry, but her marriage did not last long and she is left raising another daughter. However, Lyssa has gotten her life together by the end of this book. At first you're crying and by the end, you're jumping for joy! This is a fantastic book! I recommend!




Book 3:

Do you ever find yourself asking the questions of why would God allow this to happen to me? Are you afraid to ask these questions or be transparent to those around you because you're afraid of judgement? Why does God allow such pain in our lives? 

Pastor and Author, Josh Ross is very transparent in "Scarred Faith", where he shares with us the loss of his sister, the impoverish communities of Memphis and the questions of his faith. He is man who is trying to be a "restorer" and offer hope to those in pain. This is a small, quick and yet challenging read. It will get you thinking about how you offer hope those who are in painful situations.

Thank you Howard Publishers for the review of these three books! 
 

Working through injuries!!

It's so lovely to see the weather turn beautiful. Over this past week, I have spent a majority of my time running, walking, swimming, yoga and resting. My PF is ramping up along with having some knee issues. Actually, I believe it to be runners knee caused by the PF.. My hammies are so tight!!

So, when I went out on a run earlier this week, I was pretty disappointed with my time, but I have to remember I had to wear these stupid braces and that wasn't helping.. I went from a 9 min mile back to 12 mins.. UGH!

 

I can tell the braces are helping my legs and knees.. I need to keep wearing them and stretching my hamstrings. This will help my PF and decrease my runners knee..

 

Either way, it's been great to hit the pavement. Double Dare Dumbo training has started. My goal is to finish.. With the current injuries, I'm trying not to over do it.. Hate runner injuries... ugh..

Since I've been icing, foam rolling and rolling a golf ball under my foot, I have had a lot of down time to get some reading in.. I have a couple of reviews coming your way..

I also have 1 big summer announcement coming and a possible life changing announcement.. Stay tune, the blog is gonna get juicy soon! 

How have you been enjoying this nice weather?

 

 

A different perspective

If you live in Grand Rapids, you know about the annual Riverbank Run, 25k race. It's huge around here. Everyone participates in some fashion. Whether you walk, run a 5k, run a 10k or even run the 25k, you participate. They even have runs for the kids.. For the past couple of years, I have been a participate.  This year was different. 

Coming off our marathon, I had and currently have Plantar Facittis super bad. I also am walking around with two painful knees, which I equate to not stretching enough with the PF and possible tendonitis.. SUCK! 

So, I've had to suck up my pride this year and not run it.. Especially with Dumbo Dare Dumbo training.. I'm not taking any risk.. Rest, run, rest, ice, run, stretch, stretch, yoga and more stretch.. you get the point.

This year, I was proud to be able to cheer on a bunch of my friends and my husband who ran the 10k.. 

I was proud of him, especially since he hasn't trained at all, which is silly, but six miles is nothing when we trained and ran 26..

 

It was weird to be on the other side of the fence this time. Instead of running towards a finish line, I was cheering at one. It offers a different perspective and I had tears in my eyes.

 I couldn't be more proud of my husband who ran his first 5k last year, ran a marathon in January and now did this! He has come along in his running journey!

Although I have had lots of injuries, when I run pain free some day, I will remember to savor the journey. For today, I'm thankful for a different perspective and to encourage my husband near the finish line.

Congrats to my husband for being my hero and always cheering me on ! This one is for you!!!

QUESTION: Who is your hero?

 

 

Victim of Grace

As a runner, I always find somewhere I can grow. Whether I'm working on a better stride or trying to improve my time, I can always grow. 

Running is a sport I enjoy because it allows my brain chatter to go. Maybe I had a stressful day at work or a teacher isn't happy with my decisions, running allows me to be free. Running in a sense allows me to experience grace. In the mist of chaos, shattered dreams, medical nonsense, family crisis and financial worries, I always experience grace when running. I'm reminded God is good in all.

 

Recently, I was given an opportunity to review a book by my favorite author, Robin Jones Gunn. In her latest book "Victim of Grace", she talks about different times in her life where she has experienced some major "grace." I would have never known how the Christy Miller series began or how Robin has gone through some medical junk. I never realized the series of events that have led her to this places as a wonderful author. I can appreciate her authenticity and her willingness to share her heart. This book is brilliant and allows you to experience the goodness of God in Robins life. It allows you to reflect on your own journey to find his grace.

 

As I write this, I am battling some serious leg/ feet issues. I have PF (plantar facittis) horribly. My knees and legs are in so much pain and yet, I am still reminded that I have legs to walk, feet to walk on and an ambulatory body. We all in some way, have something to be thankful for in the mist of great despair. Although I'm struggling and training for #doubledaredumbo is tough, I'm not giving up. His grace is suffcient and will carry me.

I will keep stretching, icing, foam rolling, yoging and whatever else I need to do, in order to finish..

Where do you find grace?

 

Storm turns 27!!

I cannot believe I'm twenty- seven!!! When did that happen?? I feel so old... I can't believe I'm always knocking at the doors of thirty! YIKES!!

 This Birthday was awesome!!! It started about a week ago when I started receiving free- desert coupons for my Birthday.. You can't eat all of them on your birthday! Let's be honest... So, we started eating out and getting Birthday desert.

Friday night, I babysat Connor and Sidney.. They are moving to Georgia, so their parents have been calling us a lot to babysit, so they can see everyone before they move.

To my surprise... 

 

A Cake! 

Disney Balloons.. You think they know me??

It was a good evening.. Drew and I got home and we had Birthday cake and Drew sang to me.. We went to bed because the next morning we were headed to IKEA..

At Ikea, we were looking for a craft table/ scrapbook table. I just need space to put my stuff that is just mine. We found this for a good price and bought it. We had fun looking at all the awesome stuff Ikea has to offer.. I love this place! Reasonably priced and good quality merchandise.

 

 

We headed to Five Guys Burgers and Fries.. I have never eaten there before.. We don't have any of these near us, so we were excited to eat there.. The burgers were delicious!!

We headed home a short while later and got the craft table up!

Yay!! Success!!!

It was a great Birthday weekend! I know I gained a few pounds, so I'm off for a 3 mile run..

What is your favorite way to celebrate your Birthday??

 

Days like These

The weather here has finally turned beautiful. We are in the 80's and I'm LOVING it! Spring you didn't abandon us!


This past Sunday, I struggled a lot. If you know me, I don't let things bog me down or define how I'm going to react. This year has been hard for me in a lot of different ways. On Sunday we went for a run and I thought surely I was going to go down.. I definitely thought I was going to pass out or dare I use the word that starts with an S..(seizure)  I told my husband I was going down, but somehow I willed it not to happen. This is scary.. My husband freaking out.. Telling me I could crack my head open and such.. . I could feel it come on and then it stopped. 

We finished our run. We slowed down for a quarter of a mile and then I picked it right back up.  Even to the point where we reached about 15 houses from our apartment complex and I yelled at him "How bad do you want this?" I proceeded to floor my legs, as much as possible, but he still passed me.. Next time, I need more of a head start. :)

 This feeling repeated itself into the evening. Feeling like I was going to vomit and then pass out.. Now, if you're thinking pregnant, nope... Not a chance... Just a typical day in my life. I went to the Dr. on Monday, I knew something was wrong... I was tested for an infection, which was positive.. I'm on antibiotics and this could possibly be causing problems, especially with female reproductive organs, which could be triggering seizure like events.. Let's hope they got this figured out..


Either way, I'm down 11 pounds from my doctor visit last month! BAM!  I couldn't believe it... I'm not even working out, or least not enough.. I have to wonder if it's because I'm eating healthier and have lost muscle mass.. 


As I have been reflecting on my week, I have been reading this book called "Days Like These" written by Kristian and Rachel Anderson. Kristian Anderson is a young husband battling bowl cancer. His story is moving and an ordinary person who loves extraordinary. His story leaves such a legacy to those facing cancer and those who have lost a loved one. 

He even made this Youtube video for his wife's Birthday. Take a peek. It's very inspiring and humbling.

As I reflect on the human, father, son and husband he was, I am reminded that we must love deeply. He also has made me remember when I feel like I've reached the end, I still can stand and keep moving forward. My reflection comes from a place of ...

How will I be remembered? What legacy did I leave here?

Aren't these questions we long to ask ourselves and wonder the answers? 

I am reminded by Kristian and his wide, Rachel, life is short. Every moment counts and live life to the fullest. You never know when a trip to the doctor could turn fatal.. "Days Like These" will bring perspective back into your life. It did for me.

Question: How do you want people to remember you?

Wishing on Willows Book Review

Katie Ganshert is the author of "Wildflowers from Winter", which I have not read, but has written this sequel "Wishing on Willows." 

The plot revolves the little town of Peaks Iowa changing to build houses and a community to fit a more wealthier population of people. Many of the residents are in favor of the changes, but The Willow Tree Cafe is a staples in the town and the owner does not want it to change. 

Robin Price is the owner of The Willow Tree Cafe. She is a widowed with a young son who has dreams for the cafe and isn't ready to part with them, especially since her husband passed away. The cafe was their dream together and she isn't ready to let that dream fade away.

Ian McKay, a developer offers to buy The Willow Tree Cafe, Robin does not budge. She cannot let go such a huge piece of her life. Ian is interested in more than just acquiring the cafe. His father owns the development company and Ian feels pressured to get the cafe. Not to mention his mother is dealing with cancer and he is feeling even more forced to acquire this business. 

Will Robin and Ian have a romance or will the guilt of her husbands death and memory keep her from loving again? Will Ian's business involvement be more important than finding love??? Who knows.. You'll have to read the book to find out.

Thank you Waterbrook for allowing me to read and review this book. The oponions expressed here are my own. 

A real princess and a run disney challenge

Glass Slipper Challenge

Disney has a way of getting people into their parks and spending their money. I was really excited and thrilled to hear of the New Glass Slipper Challenge.

It is very similar to Double Dare Dumbo Challenge in California. Participants can run a 10k one day and the next day a half marathon earning 3 medals. 4 medals if your running a C2C challenge.. I'm hoping to do this in February. I think we are choosing not to do marathon weekend, but instead do the Glass Slipper event. Registration opens June 11.. Anyone else thinking about doing this challenge??

Speaking of being a princess, my sister had her prom this weekend! I cannot believe my sister is old enough to go to the PROM!!! When did she grow up?? I don't know! She looked liked a princess though!

I know she had a great time and enjoyed herself! I cannot believe my baby sister is going to be a senior next year.

Question for today: Would you do the glass slipper challenge??

Happy Birthday, Animal Kingdom!

Happy Birthday, Animal Kingdom!

Today, Animal Kingdom celebrates 15 years! So, exciting!!! It's Earth day too.. They have some pretty cool things going on and I wish I was there celebrating.

The best thing about Disney, they allow their guest experience the excitement near and far. 

If you're at Disney, their was a special ceremony this morning at The Tree of Life.. I'm sure it was awesome. Did you go? Have you ever attended a ceremonial event at Disney??

Since it's Earth Day- "Party for the Planet" Festivities are going on at the park. These events focus on animals and nature that go till 5pm. I hear special food is around the park too.

Also, you have the opportunity to purchase special 15th anniversary merchandise in he park and online. So even if you cannot be there, you can order a shirt and celebrate at home!

If you're not at the park, you can purchase this special shirt here!!

 Happy Birthday, Animal Kingdom! Can't believe you're 15 today! You've grown into being a favorite for many people and one of my favorite parks! 

I will see you and all your animal friends soon!!