The psychiatric unit. It’s seen as a place of despair, a stereotypical “looney bin”, a mad house, a dark place that people go when things feel impossible. Over the last 20 years that I have actively engaged in mental health treatment, I have been in often rotating or long term stints at these units for … Continue reading What I have learned from the psychiatric unit
Tag: court
What they see matters
Hazel had a spring chorus concert today at her elementary school. It was super sweet to hear their little voices and see the effort they put into rehearsals. Hazel stood out, projecting and singing so clearly that at times her voice was the only recognizable sound. We got home and reminisced about the many performances … Continue reading What they see matters
Chasing the unstoppable
It’s not for lack of things to say or write. I could come up with more than a few reasons to have disappeared into this unstoppable world around me. I feel as though I am always struggling to catch up and keep pace with my surroundings. So as change each day occurs, I am chasing … Continue reading Chasing the unstoppable
Kamala…and Trump… and Bears, oh my!
I am not a political person, never have been, never will be. I do believe in democracy and the right to exercise my vote. Growing up in a conservative household and even now having many family members and friends that are staunch conservatives, it is hard being the odd ball out. Despite my conservative upbringing … Continue reading Kamala…and Trump… and Bears, oh my!
Turning back time
I sat up late thumbing through memories of the girls when they were younger this evening. Reflecting on so many happy moments together. Questioning if I am making the right decisions for our girls. This Sunday like any fall daylight savings time, we turn back time. For a moment we are happy to gain another … Continue reading Turning back time
Very demure, very mindful.
I diligently try with every ounce of my being to be mindful. To be attune to my own needs and aware of my surroundings. Last night I facilitated a NAMI support group meeting, not unusual for a Tuesday night. Prior to the meeting I sat through hours of court proceedings in my work role. After … Continue reading Very demure, very mindful.
Changing hats
It’s been a long and exhausting week. An update in general on life, Hazel had eye surgery last Thursday. It was to correct a drifting right eye. She did amazing and she is excited to take a few days off school due to the redness in the eye. Jason has had some residual excitement with … Continue reading Changing hats
Steady as we go, Week 4 post op
A favorite song of mine from written by Dave Matthew’s. He sings, “if the road gets rocky girl, Just steady as we go. I know troubles they may come and go, but good times they’re gold…And if your load gets heavy, girl I will lift you up…I will walk halfway around the world, just to … Continue reading Steady as we go, Week 4 post op
Back to reality
I spend the early morning hours trying to coax myself back to sleep. The last few days I have had some disrupted sleep, spending the 3-4am hour lying awake and trying desperately to fall back asleep. I despise when my routine is thrown off and my mood starts to shift. Lately I have struggled with … Continue reading Back to reality
Everything is going to be okay
Sometime the simplest concept is the most difficult to practice. Today my best friend, shared an album with me that I immediately dismissed. Its message is one of positivity, and just that being okay. At first I had this preconceived notion, judged the material, the album. When I settled into the beat a little more … Continue reading Everything is going to be okay
Silence
Lately I have felt increasingly helpless. As much as I try. As hard as I may want things to be different. I cannot change others. Deep down I know this. I can only make an impact to some degree. Especially when it comes to choices others in my life may chose. I can only help … Continue reading Silence
Steps forward
Since my last update, I have been busy with the new job. I am taking over a caseload shortly and have been doing many hours of training and Court observation. My office is cozy and put together, co-workers are amazing and supportive. My health has improved lately. I am sleeping almost every night, throughout the … Continue reading Steps forward
Here we go again.
I managed to keep it together for a rather busy day. I did some work early on. Got hazel out the door (Ella I found out later has strep throat). Met virtually with my psychiatrist and IOP in the morning. Took Ella to urgent care, attempted to fill her Rx of antibiotics twice. Took Ella … Continue reading Here we go again.
There’s no place like home—GAL Fundraiser
Spent the later half of the Friday evening volunteering with Guardian Ad Litem with their annual fundraiser, this year’s theme mimicked a Wizard of Oz theme toting, “There’s no place like home.” I arrived to the empty factory, that had been transformed to a fancy venue space called the Glass Factory, in downtown Jacksonville. A … Continue reading There’s no place like home—GAL Fundraiser









