I consider myself to be a high-functioning individual, living with mental illness. My medication works very well for me. I have three children who are on the Autism spectrum, who I care for. I have a partner, a social life, and I volunteer frequently at my children's school. I have a moderate level of stress in my life, that does not trigger voices.

When I try to be too adventurous and go to loud, crowded places, I can relapse into voice-hearing. Sometimes, I welcome the voices because, I believe there is a story there, which gives me something to write/blog about. On other occasions, such as family holidays, the voice-hearing can add to an already stressful day. It zaps the joy out of the holiday completely.

Last night I went to a loud and bustling restaurant, with a friend, and experienced a mental health success. I did not hear any voices. What I appreciate, from my friend, is that she asked me a few times, during the night, how I was doing and if I was hearing any voices. I really appreciated her checking in on me. When I feel that I can lean on someone and open up about my mental illness, it is very comforting. That is what I would recommend to any partner or friend of someone battling mental illness, do not ignore or forget, the obvious needs of your partner or friend. It can make a world of difference in the mood and success of the experience.

Someone discussed the shamanic view of psychosis today, on a therapy site, that I frequent. This article raised my curiosity about Shamanism. I know nothing about Shamanism. When I went off my medications, I went searching for a Shaman to help me battle the individuals who I believed were practicing Santeria/hexing me. I called my only Native American family friend, who said that he would call me back. So, he NEVER called me back. I probably scared or offended him. I did not find it easy to find a shaman who would speak to me.  Shamanism sounds fascinating but, for my sanity, I need to accept their point of view and put it aside. "Psychosis is not the path to enlightenment or some spiritual perk."  I do feel sensitive and intuitive but I know I need to take my medications and focus on my reality!

This is an interesting article though! :)
https://upliftconnect.com/shamanic-view-of-mental-health/

Looking back on that misguided period in my life, and in light of today's synagogue attack, I think trying to use one religion to battle another religion, is a terrible idea. People need to let each individual, religious or non-religious, live their life and worship freely, if they so choose. I am saddened by today's events. Please let's stop the violence!

"Sometimes the world is dark and I just can't see
With these, demons surround all around to bring me down to negativity
But I believe, yes I believe, I said I believe."- Matisyahu

God bless everyone on this very dark day!

I am having a good day, but bitterness exists in the world! LOL They were discussing this on GMA Day today!


https://betches.com/the-most-annoying-things-youre-doing-in-your-couples-pictures/

Today I went on a spider-hunting mission in my backyard and noticed all this beautiful fruit! Anyone want a pomegranate? Our grapes are ripening too!

Chris Isaak - Wicked Game (Live)

Blissed out couples are living their best life at my nail salon!

I cannot even get away from men and their weird vibes, at the nail salon anymore. More and more clingy men are escorting their women to the nail salon and touching them the entire time! I have never been a clingy, PDA type, in fact, it really irks me to see other people do this. I watched this couple at the nail salon today. They were weird, to me, but I see this more and more at the nail salon I frequent.

I admit, I people-watch, everywhere I go. I wasn't staring at this man or anything. I wasn't even attracted to him, but I noticed that every time, I looked over at him, he was touching his girlfriend. He tried to make contact with her the entire time she was getting her nails done. He seemed NEEDY! He also enjoys acting like the perfect, attentive boyfriend. He doesn't have eyes for anyone but her. Oh boy! I know it is all an act anyway!

So, KUDOS to all the show offs and fake "perfect" couples out there at the nail salon and beyond! You know who you are!