The first of three concerts I recently attended was by a local artist, Braydon Zinc, held at NJC in the Dorothy J. Corsberg Theater. He called it a 10th Anniversary Concert, which felt more like an appreciation celebration. Braydon gave credit and kudos to his roots and the many who supported and encouraged him to live his dream of writing and singing music. Braydon was crazy … [Read more...]
Newspaper Column, "Mental Matters" published each Wednesday in the South Platte Sentinel Health Section
Venus goes to the city
Yesterday, I told myself, “Jennifer, you could feel better about your Methuselah age if you tried a little harder.” So, I made an appointment at Ulta, a beauty supply company. I told them I wanted someone to show me how to apply makeup. I intentionally put only lotion on my face, put my chin down and shoulders back, and walked into the glitz, glam, and mirrors. Did I mention … [Read more...]
Same feeling—different story
As I write this morning, a wildfire is burning close to Loveland. Isn’t it interesting how news can trigger fear, compassion, and worry in a nanosecond? The smoke billowing in the sky fed thoughts of what I should do and people I feared could be affected. I was also thankful and in awe of the firefighters who stepped up to help and the aviation masters who flew above spreading … [Read more...]
Exercise both brain and body
I’ve been thinking about the word happy recently. It means different things to different folks, but it is a universal concept, and most people would say they want to be satisfied. I consider myself happy most of the time. Some triggers drop me into a dark hole, but not often enough to cause complaining. I’ve overly tasked myself lately, and it occurred to me that I’ve had a … [Read more...]
A good time to talk about Lucy
Finding a less-than-dreary mental health topic to write about this week is difficult. It may be a good time to talk about Lucy. Lucy pooped and puked on a friend’s floor last week while we attended a birthday party. She zoomed and zipped around nonstop, and people probably thought—well, I don’t know what they thought, but I knew the buck stopped at me. Shift to when she … [Read more...]
We can still be friends
When logic and reason lose the battle, I’m stranded in a canoe with no oars. Emotions seldom drive my decisions, but feelings and frustrations can disrupt even the most beautiful sunny July day. It seems we have conflict everywhere these days. People may be on their last nerve. They may feel the need to control more intensely because there is so much in our political … [Read more...]
Put things in perspective
We’ve had much political “stuff” this week, depressing for many and joyful for others. I’m sorry to say, but large numbers of those opposites live in the same house, on the same street, attend the same church, and drink beer at the same pub. I am trying to do what my mother often told my sisters and me: “Just don’t think about it, Honey!” I wonder if she thought the … [Read more...]
Protect our America and her Flag
Tomorrow is the day of gratitude, memories, and hope. Many of us are the children of men and women who believed so strongly in freedom for all; they risked or gave their lives so we could live as we do today. Many of those very young soldiers who left the comforts of their families would be disappointed in the present state of our union and wonder why they did what they did. … [Read more...]
Wisdom in children’s picture books
One of the most transformative tools I discovered during my time in a counseling office was the use of children’s picture books. These books, with their perfect blend of words and illustrations, had a remarkable ability to break down complex struggles and inspire personal growth. They offered a beacon of hope and a path to solutions. Among my favorites was “Minou” by Mindy … [Read more...]
Father’s Day in retrospect
To all the fathers reading this column, I hope your Father’s Day focused on YOU. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing and experiencing fathers’ unique and invaluable influence on young and adult children. To all the men who have stepped up to the plate and embraced the roles of protector, provider, confidant, and friend to a child, I salute you. Whether you are a natural … [Read more...]
What do you want from your _____?
I read something this week that asked, “What do you want from your government?” After thinking about it for thirty seconds, I concluded that I want from my government the same things I want from my family, school, friends, and church: common sense, honesty, hard work, compassion, and communication. I don’t know about you, but I want people to get along with each other, even … [Read more...]
Blowing in the wind
I admit I strongly dislike wind–the blowing, not the turning knob kind. It can ruin, or at least spoil, what is ordinarily pleasant, such as picnics, track meets, farmer’s markets, or simply walking in the park. It can be my excuse for never leaving the house and binging on TV. Wind also contributes to undesirable emotions such as low mood, sadness, or depression. Sitting in … [Read more...]
It’s that time of year
Now that Memorial Day is over, many have cleaned our yards and prettied our patios. It is a good idea to make and take the time to enjoy the fruit of our sore muscles as we wait for our garden harvest and blooming flowers. When I was much younger, I would watch friends and neighbors work in their gardens and flowerbeds for hours daily. They would rake, haul, clip, water, … [Read more...]
Musings of life, love, and laughter
An essential aspect of mental health is the ability to focus on the present or to look toward the future—not to get stuck in the past. Recently, though, I was at events (a funeral, alumni, and a visit to my former home) and was inundated with memories of people and long-ago times. It was refreshing and thought-provoking, and the pictures running laps in my mind have been very … [Read more...]
Nickels and dimes
Browsing Amazon, I saw my morning K-Cups range in price from $.33 to $1.09 each. I then saw my automatic monthly payment to Google amounts to $.20/day. Out of curiosity, I calculated my daily Sterling expenses for other “necessities.” What does one DAY of living cost? Car insurance: $6.00 HOA fees: $6.50 Home insurance: $9.00 Property … [Read more...]