Although mental health stigma has declined over the last year, it is still a major issue. Here are some ideas on how to recognize and reduce it. Mental health stigma affects how we perceive psychiatric disorders. It also affects self-esteem and progress in mental health treatment. …

Although life can be rough, there are many things that make me smile. This poem is a list of the things that make every day worthwhile. Waking up feeling refreshed and excited to begin my day, Watching my nieces play, and hearing all the funny things they say, Engaging in…

Some people believe that if you are a Christian, you will have faith at all times. But Christians are still human. We become angry at God. We lose faith sometimes. I know this well. When I begin facing difficult times, I cling to faith that God will pull me through…

A Follow-Up to My Story Called “Teeth Check!” — It took a lot of work for my teeth to get where they are today. When I was a child, I had bucked teeth. So, I had to wear all those lovely teeth contraptions — expander, retainer, headgear, braces, and a permanent retainer. Getting dental work done was like sitting…

You’re stone-cold dangerous! — Dear Winter Ice in Chicago, When I was getting out of the car, you nearly made me slip yesterday. Also, you caused a lot of car accidents. On dark days and at night, people can’t see you. You think you’re really slick, hiding like that and hurting people. It’s not…

This is going to be a mouthful. — Do you know what sucks about the beginning of a new year? You suddenly remember all the appointments you didn’t make the year before. Like, I didn’t go to the dentist last year! I was brushing my teeth this morning when I realized that. But then I thought to myself…I…

I’m Letting You Go — Dear Breakup, This letter is for you, not my ex. Why? Because I’ve given myself time to process the pain from my ex. I haven’t processed your impact on my emotions. I’m writing to you now because I have felt vulnerable, nostalgic, and lonely. My relationship started last winter. When…

A Prompt From a Writing Group — One of the best things about technology is that it allows you to meet people from all over the world! This week, I found several online writing groups from many different states. Tonight, I attended a group that mostly involved using writing exercises and prompts to inspire creativity. This was…

Other People’s Opinions Don’t Matter — Have you ever gone to the gym and done something completely unrelated to fitness? Or have you compared yourself to the person working out next to you? This has happened to me many times. This morning, I missed breakfast. So I bought a protein bar and sat down in the…