mental health
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I grew up with a strange mix of values. My parents split up and me and my sisters were raised by our mom while my brothers grew up with our dad. Times were very hard for us as my immigrant mother had trouble finding work and the welfare we received wasn’t enough. We often approached…
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I have often found myself wondering where the line is between resignation and acceptance. Ultimately the end result is the same between the two, but how it is reached is markedly different. One is the high road with clear visibility and the other goes through the dark undergrowth of festering weeds. The definition of resignation:…
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The relationship I share with my employer is fundamentally one of economics. They pay me to dedicate some of my personal energy for the benefit of their bottom line. If I am not successful enough to earn them the amount of money they have deemed my efforts to be worth, then I will no longer…
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I was one month shy of turning 33 when my mom died. Not too young to lose her, but she was the most significant loss I had experienced. As a child of elementary school age, I lost an uncle in the Vietnam War, but because he was in the military, I didn’t see him often.…
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I admit to not just knowing I don’t always fit in with the people I am surrounded by, but also to not really caring about it. It creates a conundrum of not being liked but not caring enough about that to alter my representation of self. It has worked well enough for me thus far.…
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I have never been what one might call a go getter. I have been pretty satisfied with seeing a situation for what it was and doing the best I could with it. With a few exceptions, I didn’t seek to stand out in any way. Being one of the crowds was very much my comfort…
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The author struggles with a back injury that disrupts sleep, compounded by emotional challenges since a 16-month-old accident. Despite chronic pain and a recent setback, they find comfort in the companionship of their dog, who offers emotional support through her presence. A new doctor brings hope for recovery and forward momentum.
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The author reflects on their journey from an active life, particularly in softball, to facing limitations after an accident. Despite celebrating milestones in recovery, they grapple with grief over lost dreams and physical abilities. Emphasizing the importance of redefining their relationship with pain, they seek to embrace their new self and continue moving forward.
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The installation of security cameras at my workplace, covering all angles, has made me reflect on my accident involving a falling gate. While the cameras could provide clarity, the missed footage from a nearby building is frustrating. I am processing the traumatic event, understanding its rapid unfolding and its long-lasting impact on my life.
Ignite Life 