What is “anxiety”

Ever experienced a time where there was just so much on your mind you couldn’t even stay asleep through the night? The constant worry is just there in the back (front and sides) of your mind and it can actually alter the way our body functions.

“Anxiety” and “depressed” are such  lay-terms in this day in age. Everyone will say, “I’m having some anxiety over this…” or “I’m just so depressed over this…”

It’s one thing to be anxious or sad or down in the dumps, but that doesn’t mean you have anxiety or depression.

Anxiety and Depression are medical terms used to diagnose patients with mental illness.

I, unfortunately, happen to suffer from both. I have days where I just do NOT want to get out of bed. My mind says “get up, don’t be lazy, just shake it off,” but the rest of me says, “forget about it – nothing great will happen today.” That’s the depression talking.

I overthink everything. I constantly think I’m doing something wrong or that someone is out to get me or that someone is mad at me for something I may have done, even though I didn’t do anything at all.

I have times where I just feel like my mind has so many thoughts at one time I just don’t know how I’ll ever stop and come to some peace. One thought turns into another two thoughts and those two thoughts branch out into just a forest full of thoughts and, usually, worries or fears. Then once you have that forest, you try to find your way out of the forest of thoughts and worries and fears and just as you start to make some progress…

a forest fire.

THAT, folks, is anxiety. I hope that someday people will stop using these terms [depression, anxiety] as lay terms and realize that there really are some people suffering out there.

 

With mental illness comes coping mechanisms. Most people see a psychiatrist to talk about their feelings and find some sort of medium in their struggles. Many may also take prescription anti-depressants or anti-anxieties. But aside from those, there is also the aspect of self-help which I am a BIG advocate of.

When you’re all alone and you’re having these feelings of doubt and despair, are you going to sit there and wallow? You might. But eventually you’re going to have to pick yourself up and conquer the inner demon that’s eating you.

I’m a big fan of books. Especially self-help books. One book that truly inspired me and kept me on track to getting my degree and just keep persevering is You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. Sincero is a phenomenal author who writes with true integrity and a splash of humor and she has that ability to really grasp the reader. I’d consider this book a good one for those of you who really need the help, but have no motivation to get it. She will inspire you! To do GREAT things! And will really explain to you why we should all understand that we are worth something. We are all here for a reason.

If you’re feeling down and you’re sitting around watching Netflix and eating you’re feelings, go buy that book! Then take it to a park and read it in the fresh air!

 

Seriously, I did it.

 

Twice.

 

🙂

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These are a few of my favorite things..!

I am a huge fan of Pinterest and I tend to search random things on it when I’m bored or feeling funky. Usually I end up scrolling and saving a bunch of DIY ideas that I think are super cool, but I know for a fact I will NEVER do.

Or maybe that will be a goal?! Something to look forward to?! Actually do one of those DO it YOURSELF things…? That’d be cool.

 

So… anyways… I was on Pinterest earlier and I was searching “blog ideas” and one of them was to write about your 10 favorite foods.

WELL… this is a blog about seeking happiness and food does WONDERS for the happies inside (at least for me, anyway), so I guess I could do that!

Seriously, though, I love food so this will be fun. Not to mention I also have a board on Pinterest of about 200 recipes that I definitely will try one day when I have my own place (goal!).

Ten foods… hmm… is “foods” in reference to meals? or individual food items? Let’s go with individual.

 

• 10. Cereal – call me crazy, but hands down, cereal is a GREAT go-to for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. There are bazillions of cereals out there (some diabetic shock-inducing, some really great for ya, and some inbetweeners). There is ALWAYS a different option to choose from.
• 9. Burgers – now… some may say, ‘how is that only #9?!’ … two reasons. First, while I love a good burger, I have a GI condition that restricts me from red meat consumption, so I’ve decided to try and dislike burgers (tried…) and secondly, ever since I was VERY young, I’ve always hated when my food falls apart or makes me messy. I used to cry when my PB&J would leak from the bottom or a wrap didn’t stay together… burgers can be greasy and sometimes can fall apart, so call me weird, but that is definitely a reason I leave it at #9.
• 8. Pizza – I’m Italian. It’s a staple. No matter where on the list, it’s a favorite.
• 7. Smoothies – does this qualify as food? Well… sure! To me they do. I love anything frozen, but especially smoothies because they are fruity and made with yogurt. I like my milkshake here and there, but I’d rather a smoothie (plus, you can add whey protein and make it a meal if you’re on the go!).
• 6. Veggies – any veggie. Most veggies can be eaten raw or cooked and they can be cooked in so many different ways! They make a great snack, side dish, or main course. Versatile and full of color!

**I’m sure my first 3 food choices make me look like a seriously unhealthy eater, but I do care about what I put in my body! Everyone should.**

• 5. Yogurt – Full of probiotics, calcium, vitamins, and protein! Great source of the nutrients we need and also beneficial for the digestive tract (especially for people like me with GI issues). It can be eaten alone, but also used for dressings, dips, smoothies, and more.
• 4. Fruit – I like all fruit and am blessed to not have any allergies. I love being to explore the different types of fruits out there. If I had to pick favorite fruits out of the hundreds, I’d say apples, oranges, bananas, and berries.
• 3. Cheese – that is all.
• 2. Coffee – not a food, but a BIG part of my daily intake 🙂
• 1. PASTA  – again, that is all.

 

Well! It’s been fun! Hopefully someday when I accomplish one of those DIY’s or recipes I can share with you, but until then, I’ll keep living vicariously through Pinterest. Hope you enjoyed my food splurge. I’m hungry 😉

 

Later!

 

 

Another day, another…

Here we are – Labor Day.

Feels like just yesterday we were ringing in the New Year and coming up with our resolutions. How are we almost done with 2017? Did any of you accomplish anything you said you would?

I feel like I’ve done NOTHING this year!

 

I want to do something great. Something that makes me feel accomplished and complete. Something that gives me a purpose! I go to work sometimes (I’m a nanny) and swear to whatever higher power is out there that I have absolutely NO purpose. I love being a nanny, don’t get me wrong… but when the parents are home and the kids are sleeping where is your purpose?

 

I’m seeking stability – a stable home, stable income, stable relationship, stable emotions… but I’m not sure where to find it.

 

And that’s why I’m here on this journey and sharing it with you (whomever this audience may be).

 

I’m hoping this Fall I make progress and come closer to what I’m looking for and working for. Fall is my favorite season – the air cools down, the leaves change colors, not to mention Pumpkin Spice Lattes are just… (call me basic, I don’t care). I’m trying to find joy in the changes I’m seeing and feeling and I feel like Labor Day always marks the start of a new season. Some people say, “No! It’s Summer for another 3 weeks!”

Don’t hold on to the past! Move forward with a spring in your step as we fall into the new world of color and light. I look forward to the upcoming season and hope I can come back with positive vibes in the next few weeks!

Another day… another step on this walk of life…