No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem

Last week I went on vacation with my entire immediate family to St. Simon's Island. By "entire immediate family", I mean my parents, all five of us siblings, all of our significant others, and each family's kids. As we don't all live in close proximity, it's not often that we manage to get the whole crew together - probably every couple of years or so.

St. Simons Island, if you're not familiar with it, is a small island off the coast of Georgia that's rather historic and, while it offers beach rentals, is not built up like many other beach rental destinations. Sure, there are a few cheap beach shops and kayak rental places, but the majority of the island seems to actually live there, at least part of the year. It has a more "off the grid" kind of feel.

As you may know, I often times have a tough time unwinding. I can get lost in a good book for hours, or spend some time in quiet contemplation writing or meditating, but "chilling out" isn't really my thing. Partly, I think it's my general type A personality. Partly, it's my cyclothymia. My brain is always going. I mean always. Reading works because it gives my brain a story to get enraptured with. The same with writing. Meditation works because, quite frankly, I don't do it for all that long, and even then, I'm much better with guided meditation which allows me to focus on a story, than I am just sitting there quietly. In day to day life, I'm the queen of sticky notes, calendar reminders, and"to do list" alerts on my phone. I have numerous methods of jotting down notes, thoughts, or things I must remember at any given time. My phone, computer, and ipad are never far from my sight, lest I miss an email, text, or push notification. I am made instantly aware of the Facebook comments on the comment to my comment - and get an email about it in case I miss the push notification. When I put it in writing, I have to admit, it sounds a bit over the top.

So two Fridays ago, when we left on our drive to Georgia, I did something remarkable: I ensured that my Out of Office messages were enabled, shut down my computer, and turned off almost all of my push and email notifications, including those for social media. As I got into the swing of the week, surrounded by loved ones, the sun, the sand, and the casual way of life on the island, I left all of my electronics for hours at a time. A couple of days into the trip, I all but abandoned shoes, and barely wore anything except my bathing suit during the day and pjs at night. I relished coming downstairs in the mornings to the chatter of my family - usually my parents and a couple of the kids who arose earliest - and the smell of coffee brewing. I began to let myself be free of the "rules" I somehow managed to create for myself about constantly being in contact with everyone and having to constantly be working on something. I didn't worry about the workouts I was missing or the extra few calories I was eating, because I knew it was temporary. Eventually, I'd have to get back to "real life". Without realizing it, I was absolutely "working" on something - my peace of mind.

I was incredibly sad to leave the island, and the family. Being with people who love all of me, including my condition, as opposed to despite it, was incredibly healing. I felt free to completely be myself for the first time in ages. Upon returning, I chose to keep a large number of my push and email notifications turned off.  Oddly, the decision wasn't as difficult as I thought it might be. Yes, I now have to check for work and client emails more frequently. Yes, I have to watch a bit more carefully what I eat, and include a bit more activity in my daily routine. But I'm forcing myself to re-examine the rules I've set for myself and ask myself why they are there in the first place. Are they really helping me? Now? In the long run? I'm also trying to retain a bit of that sense of love, acceptance, and self-freedom that I acquired there. It's tough for someone like me who's never had a whole lot of self love and confidence to begin with, but I'm trying.

I realize I can't be on vacation every day, and that we must, of course, earn the money to take those kinds of vacations in the first place. I'm back to work at my part time job and back to running my company. I haven't completely abandoned my computer or my phone.  But perhaps now, when I do pick up my phone, I'll be more likely to choose my meditation app, or my skyguide app that allows me to find all of the constellations in their current locations, instead of replying to that Facebook comment on a comment of a comment.

The beach on St. Simons Island on an overcast day.

20 Questions... Or Something Like It

I recently read an article entitled "How To Grow Close By Asking the Right Questions". While the post is intended for dating or at least getting to know someone new one on one, it got me thinking about the ways in which we do actually size people up, and how well people actually know us. I think the way we answer questions, at least questions that go slightly deeper than surface level, says a lot about us, and I became curious as to my own answers. So I answered the questions for myself, at least the ones that didn't require back and forth rapport with another party that was supposed partake for purposes of "growing close". I found that more than a few of them made me actually pause and reflect. I also thought it might be interesting for my readers to see my answers, and for me to learn some of theirs, if they chose to share. I'm always up for a study in people, and this seemed to provide a good platform for one. Below are the questions, copied word for word, along with some of my answers. Curious how you'd answer? Play along!

Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?  

Assuming they mean a famous person, or at least someone who wouldn't normally come to dinner such as a loved one, this answer was easy: the Dalai Lama. 

Would you like to be famous? In what way? 

No, unless I was well known for doing some sort of charity or philanthropic work, but not in any other way. I don't like attention or limelight focused on me. 

Before making a phone call, do you ever rehearse what you're going to say? Why?

Absolutely, unless it's to a loved one or close friend. I have phone anxiety. 

What would constitute a perfect day for you?

Time with my loved ones doing something carefree and without set rules, most likely exploring some place new. 

When did you last sing to yourself? To someone else? 

All the time. Probably 10 minutes ago. Does my dog count as "someone else"? I sing to her daily. 

If you were able to live to the age of 90 and retain either the mind or body of a 30-year old for the last 60 years of your life, which would you choose?

My mind. I know what it's like to feel like you can't control your mind momentarily. I can't imagine 60 years of that. 

Do you have a secret hunch about how you will die?

Nada. Despite my tendency for foresight and premonition dreams, I don't have a clue. And I don't want to. 

For what in your life do you feel most grateful?

Family and friends. No doubt about it. 

If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?

Not a thing. Though I wish I myself had been a bit more daring, but that's no fault of my upbringing. 

If you could wake up tomorrow having gained one quality or ability, what would it be?

Better confidence/self-esteem. I don't want superpowers (though teleportation would be cool). I just want to wake up every day believing in myself. 

If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future or anything else, what would you want to know?

Nothing. Life's an adventure, meant to be lived out and adjusted to as it comes along. It freaks me out enough when I have premonition dreams. I want no part of a crystal ball, unless it would help me help loved ones somehow. 

Is there something that you've dreamt of doing for a long time? Why haven't you done it?

A round-the-world trip. Why not? Money, and responsibilities in my life here. But I'll do it one day! 

There are plenty more questions that I plan to answer in another blog. In the meantime, I'd love to hear some of your answers, so feel free to comment! 

The Event That Has Changed My Life

This past weekend, I participated in one of the most moving events of my life. The Out of Darkness Overnight Walk is an annual event, traditionally held in just one city in the U.S. every year (this year it was fortunately held in two, Philadelphia and Seattle). It's a walk I've wanted to do for several years, and with it in my backyard, I had no excuse. Oh I could have made excuses - it's a long walk and I have some reoccurring injuries; will I be able to raise $1000 for a cause that people are leery to even acknowledge let alone pledge?; I go to bed at 10 PM, how will I stay up late enough to walk that many miles? But I didn't allow myself excuses.

If you're not familiar with the Out of Darkness walk, though if you follow my Facebook page I'm not sure how this is possible, it's a 16-18 mile walk to bring awareness and funds to suicide prevention, hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, or AFSP. The obvious point of holding the event from dusk to dawn is to point out that no matter how dark it may seem, there is hope. (I feel like this explanation might not have been needed, but I also feel that you can never point out too often for those who are experience deep depression and suicidal feelings that there is hope).

Walkers and their supporters before the opening ceremonies. 

I have done charity walks before, and I know the sense of accomplishment felt at being able to raise the money and complete the mileage, along with the adrenaline that occurs during the actual walking/activity. But this event touched me in ways that I never expected. It started when we got to choose which honor beads we would wear for the night. There were different colors which indicated your reason for participation. They ranged from "support the cause" to having lost different people in your life to suicide - different colors for family/friend, parent, and child - to military or first responder, to personal struggle. As I chose my honor beads, I took careful consideration. Of course I chose blue, for support the cause. I then chose purple, as I've lost a second cousin to suicide. Finally, I picked green for "personal struggle". You see, I write this blog, I post all over facebook and twitter, and I run and support events and organizations, but choosing those green beads was akin to walking around with a t-shirt that says "I struggle with mental health". It's not that I'm ashamed or even worried what people will think. It's simply the first time I've physically worn something out in public that indicates my condition, and for some reason, it felt like a big step to take.  I wasn't alone. I'd say at least a quarter of people walking, and that's an eyeball estimate that might be rather low, were wearing them with me. And nobody looked at us funny or edged away or made an ignorant comment. In fact, before the event (I'd gotten there quite early to register) I went with my family to a nearby restaurant, and when others from the event walked in wearing their own beads and walk shirts, we just nodded at each other and smiled. A silent "I get it. You too."

Me, pre-walk, with my three colors of honor beads

As I listened to the opening remarks, speakers discussing their loved ones lost to suicide, I watched the faces around me. You could see the acknowledgement in their head nods, the tears forming in their eyes. At one point, one person with each color of honor beads step forward on stage, with the speaker explaining why that specific person was walking. The second to last person stepped forward wearing green beads for "personal struggle". The speaker described how she'd spent most of her life feeling like she just didn't belong in the world and just didn't fit in anywhere, but there, that night, she finally felt like she wasn't alone. I lost it. I let the tears fall freely, feeling absolutely no shame, especially as I looked around and saw others doing the same. If you have read my blog before, you know how I've never been close to cool and always kind of jumped around life, randomly maybe fitting in here or there, but always always feeling like something in life was just off, like I just didn't belong. But finally, finally, I realized that there, I too, fit in. I was not alone. Not even close to alone. The people there that night understood how it felt, a feeling that is impossible to fully describe, that you don't really know until you experience it. Trust me, it's not a "group" that I wish my friends and loved ones to be part of. I'm glad most of them don't know what it feels like. But the knowledge that you're surrounded by people that do was something I've never experienced in person. While I'm terribly saddened that each and everyone one of those people do know what it feels like, I finally felt like I belonged. The nods and tears of my fellow walkers told me that they felt the same.

Those called to stage to represent the different honor beads

As we walked, a few of us - most walking by ourselves - formed our own unofficial team. We openly asked each other, and just as openly explained, why we were walking. There was no taboo. There was no "what will they think of me?". Despite the fact that everyone had a slightly different reason, we all had this one, hugely personal, thing in common - depression or suicide had somehow affected us all deeply. I have to say, that's a much deeper connection than I suspect you can get in one book club meeting or one sports practice, and yet we had this as the result of one walk.

You learn a lot doing an event like this. You learn who supports your cause, through monetary donation or moral support. You learn how much physical and emotional strength you have to push through the walk. You learn how much water you can drink without having to use a port-o-potty, and that if you've walked long enough without eating, generic snack products actually become appetizing. You learn you can indeed stay up past your usual bedtime, and easily, if the reason is right... though I do have to say I'm glad and proud to have finished by midnight. But most of all, you learn that no matter how much it hurts at times, no matter how isolated you may have felt, no matter how dark things get, there is hope and you are not alone.

Luminaries lit for lost loved ones, waiting for us at the end of the walk. 

To learn more about Out of Darkness Walks, including the Overnight Walk, and three to five mile Community and Campus Walks, click here. If you are interested in getting involved with AFSP, check out their opportunities, including finding your local chapter, here. 

A Father's Day Quiz

For Father's Day, my dad did a quiz about his father, which was part reminiscent from things I'd known, and part a bit of new trivia. So I thought, in turn, I'd do a quiz about my father. In the days of Facebook, when even those who don't see him weekly as I do can be updated on family happenings, this quiz is probably a bit easier than that about my grandfather who passed away fourteen years ago, and grew up in the first have of the previous century. Still, though, I thought it would fun - mostly to share some fun facts/funny stories, but also to reminisce as well. So here we go:

1. Dad was involved in the march on Washington and other protests during the Vietnam war. However, he nothing to worry about when it came to personally being drafted - he'd never have been "approved" because he's allergic to penicillin.

2. Dad was the first person in his family to graduate from college. He originally wanted to be a veterinarian but his studies led him elsewhere.

3. When we were young, one of our favorite games created by dad was to put the kitchen wok in the middle of the floor on a bed sheet, pop popcorn in it, and run after the popcorn as it flew out of the open wok.

4. Dad has held all of the following jobs during his life: paper boy, bus driver, pizza delivery man, shoe salesman.

5. When we were young, dad used to create scavenger hunts for us around the house and yard, with little prizes at the end.

6. Dad's parents were originally from North Dakota and North Carolina.

7. Dad is the only one in our immediate family (parents and siblings) that is left handed.

8. Dad has lost his camera on at least three continents.

9.  Dad used to be a picky eater, but he's now gotten quite adventurous.

10.  While dad has adjusted to the way we speak on the East Coast, he still says pin and pen the same way, as he learned growing up.




Answers:
1. False: He wouldn't have been drafted, but it's because he's allergic to bee stings. It's Eli and I who are allergic to Penicillin.

2. True: He ended up as an educator in numerous facets.

3. False: While we played this game, surprisingly dad was not the one that created it.

4. False: Have you ever seen dad's shoes? He did hold the rest of the jobs, however.

5. True: This was one of my favorite activities as a kid.

6. False: His mom was from North Dakota, but his dad was from Virginia.

7. True: Though I believe at least one of his grandchildren inherited the left-handedness.

8. False: Believe it or not, I can only think of two continents on which he's lost his camera on - North America (numerous places) and South America (Argentina).

9. False: I honestly can't name a food dad doesn't like, and I don't think they were allowed to be picky eaters growing up with seven kids in the family.

10. True: While I've never heard it particularly, he says he can't distinguish between the two.

Goodbye, Old Friend

Four years ago, I moved into the city - Philadelphia, for those who aren't familiar with my location - on a personal quest: to figure out life, establish my independence, and re-find myself. I know, it sounds cheesy. But as a person who's life often feels a bit like an adult version of pin the tail on the donkey - feeling about randomly trying to find where you're going, only to realize you're completely turned around and you've actually directed yourself all the way to the opposite side of the house - it's one hundred percent true. Three years prior, I'd gone through a divorce, and more recently I'd suffered a rather significant personal crisis that I needed to at least attempt to shed. (I've chosen not to disclose the crisis, as the exact details don't seem necessary for the point of this blog, and it's one of the few things about myself I don't discuss publicly. Let's just say it was a humdinger that put me at a low I'd never experienced before).

In Philly, I started over. I became a regular at local restaurants, coffee shops, and stores. People recognized me and my dog walking down the street, and I recognized them. I made friends, I got involved in my coworking community, I became more or less a fixture in the leadership of several professional organizations. I started to grow into my element, and for the first time in years, feel not only independent, but happy in that independence.

Let me be clear, it wasn't all roses. In fact, I went through some terrible times in that apartment. Those walls, floors, bed, shower saw more tears than I can count. Heartbreaks both personal and professional happened over those years. People who faded from my life, or I from theirs. Positions I felt I deserved that were given to others for reasons that to this day still hurt a bit. There were a lot, and I mean a lot, of difficult times there. But I persevered and I continued to strive towards my goals. One foot in front of the other, as my grandmother always said.

This past year, I decided to make some major changes in my life. After years, I stepped down from my leadership positions, feeling that I'd done what I could do, and it was time for others to have their chance. I started to shift much more of my focus to mental health awareness and advocacy, with the goal of eventually establishing a successful non-profit. I took a part time job at a conference center, and for the first time in eight years, I have to get up and dressed and start working by a time set by someone other than myself. It's a major change, but I have to say, I love having the structure for at least part of my work week. Most notably, I have become part of a new family through my current relationship. In April, I signed a lease on a house in Cherry Hill, and I gave my 60-day notice at my Philadelphia apartment.

Yesterday, my dad and I finished cleaning out the apartment, removing (or trashing) the few remaining items that were still in there. As I stood in the empty rooms, I experienced what felt like a bit of time travel. Random images of the last four years, flashes of occasions that happened in those very rooms, or just outside in the surrounding neighborhood. I thought about all of the laughs that had echoed in there, and the tears that had been shed; the way too numerous to count solo song and dance concerts that I performed while listening to iTunes and cooking dinner; the first time I'd attempted to get Cinn (my dog) to go up the elevator, and how far she'd come in conquering that fear over the four years. I felt that "feel" that only my apartment had, even cleared of my things. Like an old, familiar friend, always there for me to come back to. I checked my mail one last time, in case forwarding mail wasn't quite as accurate as it claimed. And then, with one last sigh of nostalgia, I closed the door on that one bedroom apartment that had gotten me through so much, looking at the sign that I'd taped to the door informing people that there was a dog in there and to make sure she got out in case of fire or emergency. It felt wrong somehow to take it down, that last remnant of my and Cinn's adventure there, so I left it.

As my dad hugged me goodbye and I made a joke about it being the last time he had to worry about finding a parking spot to come visit me, a famous literary line popped into my head: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times". Dramatic, I know, but I think it sums things up nicely. Overall, I'll remember the good, with a quiet respect for the tough times that became learning experience. Over those four years, I do think that I established my independence rather well, and I have a bit better idea of myself. I never did figure out life. Maybe someday. 

Excuses, Excuses

One of the pieces of inspiration that's most stuck with me is something I read in the book The Artist's Way. The author, Julia Cameron, was discussing excuses that we make for ourselves. It went something like this:

Question (Excuse): Do you know how old will I be by the time I learn to play the piano (insert desired skill/task/project here). 

Answer: The same age you will be if you don't. 

The point? It's very easy to make excuses - no funds, no time, no resources, too old, too young, and the list goes on. These excuses, as they pile up, can also make the goals we're attempting to reach overwhelming. Often, we don't intentionally use excuses to stop progress. They are based on legitimate obstacles. How do I fund this new project? Who will help me (since I don't have the funding to pay people)? Where will I find the time? As they build up, they become seemingly insurmountable. After all, it can be rather tough to work on something when you have no time, money, or resources.

In addition, there are what I call the emotional excuses. I'll never be successful. I'm not good at stuff like this. I can't do this on my own. I'm not strong/smart/savvy enough to pull this off. I call these emotional because they play on our confidence and self esteem. They piggy back on our self doubts, or the criticisms of others. And while you certainly do need to think about your strengths, and the fact that you may eventually need to call on others to work with you, this doesn't mean that you'll never succeed, that you can't do it, that you're no good, that you shouldn't start at all. Yet this is often what we tell ourselves. 

I am absolutely guilty of both types of excuses. The trouble is, all too often, I don't recognize them for what they are - things I'm telling myself because I'm afraid to move forward. I'm afraid I'll fail. I'm afraid I'll make a fool of myself. I'm afraid I'll prove the naysayers right. Often, these fears are subconscious. There are perfectly convincing arguments for not starting something until you have the time, money, resources. The problem with this is, you could be waiting forever. It's unlikely that you'll fall into so much money that you can stop whatever you're doing and start your project from scratch without any affects on your finances. It's equally as unlikely that you'll suddenly have more hours in the day, or that all of the right people will stop what they're doing and volunteer to come help with your project, whatever you need. And so, we have to start somewhere. It may be putting out a couple of dollars to get things started. It may be recruiting friends who are willing to help, and while they might not be next in line for CEO of your project, they are willing to offer up their resources, and willing to do it for free (you hope). 

When the lists of tasks, time, and resources required gets overwhelming, break each aspect of the project into tiny, manageable items. Address one of these items daily, or at least weekly, until you have completed the list. As you go along, you might well find that you now have a project you feel comfortable putting some money into to get started.  Or you might find that you already have some traction, and getting the resources you need to go further isn't as difficult as you thought it would be. Or you might simply have more confidence in yourself, which to me is the best outcome of all. It's this confidence that will help you recognize the excuses for what they are, push pass the fear, and get you on your way. 

So my suggestion is this: make a list of all of your obstacles. Look at them, and call yourself out on your excuses. If you find an obstacle to be "legitimate" (ie you truly are physically unable to perform a task, or it requires legal licensing/certification that you do not possess) make a list of ways that you could work around it. I'm willing to bet, though, that the majority of obstacles will really be ways that you've been talking yourself out of moving forward. Once you recognize the excuses for what they are, things seem much more manageable.  And that's a great place to start! 

April Showers Bring.... Mental Health Awareness Month

May is the month of flowers in bloom, BBQs, and the unofficial start of summer. People throw parties, take vacations, and head down the shore.... excuse me....to the beach.

May is also important for another reason. It's Mental Health Awareness month. While I personally think we should be watching out for the mental health of ourselves and others every month, I am glad to see a month selected to focus on mental health awareness, and I thought I'd take the chance to write specifically about what people can do to honor this.

• Know that people dealing with mental health conditions are all around you, literally. One out of four people will be diagnosed with a mental health condition at some point during their lifetime. If you add in addictive disorders (now officially part of the DSM V), this number is as high as one in three. That means that you're virtually guaranteed to know someone that battles a mental health condition. 

• Educate yourself. List a few negative associations/thoughts you have about mental health. Now challenge yourself to reverse those thoughts. Do some research to learn the facts - you can find information in scientific and psychology-based publications.  While I'll admit that these days it's tough to get an unbiased opinion, stay away from obviously biased media and look more for research.

• Read a couple of mental health blogs (in addition to this one). Hearing what a condition is like from someone that's actually dealing with it every day helps to give a different perspective.

• Stop using words associated with mental health disorders in a non-clinical or negative way. Saying things like "I can't focus, I must have ADD today" or "my boss keeps changing her mind about this project, it's like she's bipolar" only further to spread stigma and create ignorance. Rule of thumb: if you don't personally know what it's  like to suffer from the condition, don't describe someone's actions as such. If you're not sure if it's inappropriate, replace the name of the mental illness with "cancer" or "heart condition"and see if it sounds insensitive. 

• If you know someone who has a mental health condition, reach out to them. It can be to offer help or support during a tough time, to ask them if they'd mind giving you a better understanding of their condition, or to ask how you can help spread awareness. 

• Contact a mental health awareness organization, such as NAMI or MHA, to see how you can get involved in a local chapter. Perhaps it's participating in a fundraising walk or event, or becoming involved as a volunteer. If there's a particular condition you're interested in benefitting, you can almost certainly find an organization that supports it. (If you need suggestions, please feel free to contact me). 

If anyone has a great mental health awareness resource, organization, or event that you'd love to share, please feel free to leave it in the comments. Thank you for helping support mental health awareness!