The period of Lent is coming up on the Christian calendar. It is an important and somber time for many people. But what if you are not religious or believe in another religion? You can still benefit from the sacrifices and attitudes Christians experience during this period. Keep reading to learn why and how everyone should observe Lent. This article contains affiliate links, and we will be … [Read more...] about How To Observe Lent If You’re Not Religious
Spirituality
How to Host Your First Passover Seder
Growing up, Passover was never my favorite holiday. It meant a time-consuming dinner where I would have to wait a long time before actually getting to eat, followed by a week of not being allowed consume any of my favorite foods. It wasn’t until I went to college and had to spend Passover away from home for the first time that I realized how important the holiday really was to me. Of course, the … [Read more...] about How to Host Your First Passover Seder
How to Use Your Lenten Resolution to Better the World
For some of you, Easter is a holiday just like any other – you spend some time with family, eat some food, and maybe get a day off work. But for others, Easter is the culmination of a lot of preparation thanks to Lent. If you’ve never really understood Lent, here is a quick breakdown: What is Lent? Lent is a season of 40 days (minus Sundays) practiced by many Christians prior to Easter. … [Read more...] about How to Use Your Lenten Resolution to Better the World
The Painting I Made After Surgery Gave Back in an Unexpected Way
I fell into art accidentally. For me, all it was was a way to get my thoughts sorted out before I was actually able to speak them. After my 13th surgery (intended to reconnect my digestive system so I could finally eat!) I went to California on vacation, and after my wound ruptured, I was immediately air-vacced to Yale Medical Center. Once again, I was told that I could not eat or drink so … [Read more...] about The Painting I Made After Surgery Gave Back in an Unexpected Way
25 Ways to Fight Stigma in the Media
I'm packing my bags for Alexandria, VA and heading off to present at the Mental Health America Conference this week! The Power of Storytelling Gutless, Grateful and the Power of Words: Healing Through Our Stories I couldn't be more excited to be part of this year's conference. And this year's theme particularly excited me: Media, Messaging and Mental Health. In their own words: MHA's … [Read more...] about 25 Ways to Fight Stigma in the Media
How My Brother’s Journal Entries While I Was In A Coma Helped Me Heal A Decade Later
Has a book, a note, or a journal ever changed your life? Re-membering My Coma This month, I premiered a reading of a play I wrote, roughly based on my life, so far: Imprints. It all started with one journal entry from my brother Jeff, as he sat beside me in the ICU: April 25th, 2005: 1st night. Took part of the stomach out b/c of 4.5-inch tear. Most of it was black and dead. Blood … [Read more...] about How My Brother’s Journal Entries While I Was In A Coma Helped Me Heal A Decade Later
The Four Hardcore Survival Skills You Can’t Live Without Are Simpler Than You Think
Who knew that mental health first aid was as simple an inspirational wall hanging? Survival - Simplified. Surviving – and “thriving” – through any setback, obstacle or ”detour” in life can be that simple. I learned that from over ten years of “detours” in and out of hospitals, where every road sign said “uncertain path ahead.” Now I like to share what helped me through my stressful … [Read more...] about The Four Hardcore Survival Skills You Can’t Live Without Are Simpler Than You Think
What to Say (and Not Say) to a Survivor of Sexual Assault
Everyone has a place in sexual assault prevention. According to RAINN, an average of 68% of assaults in the last five years were not reported. Together, we can help all survivors come forward to share their story and heal. The Stifling Problem Sexual assault is a serious problem in our society, and one of the most important things we can do is know how to best support a survivor. You … [Read more...] about What to Say (and Not Say) to a Survivor of Sexual Assault
A Guide to Finding the Support You Need
We all need support from time to time. No (wo)man is an island - we can only be on our own for so long before we start going a little stir crazy. No matter what you’re having problems with, it helps to have support. This guide will help you to find the support you need. Take a look: Speak to Friends and Family Speak to your friends and family and let them know that you’re going through a rough … [Read more...] about A Guide to Finding the Support You Need
5 Easy Morning Tricks to Help You Stay Healthy
If you’re like me, you probably have great intentions to make healthier choices. You may plan to hit the gym at least three times a week (you even bought the clothes for it!) and eat a nutrient-rich diet, but sometimes it feels like the demands of everyday life get in the way of accomplishing those objectives. Perhaps you have to stay late at work to finish a project and you don’t have time to fit … [Read more...] about 5 Easy Morning Tricks to Help You Stay Healthy
Why Respecting Religion is Important Around the Holidays
You may have heard the recent backlash on popular coffee chain Starbucks about their holiday red cups. In years past, the coffee giant included holiday-themed images on their cups. However, after receiving numerous complaints the chain decided enough is enough and this season is only producing red cups. In turn, coffee-drinking Christians have been in an uproar because of the lack of Christmas … [Read more...] about Why Respecting Religion is Important Around the Holidays
