As I have said many times, the music and words of Lauren Daigle kept me hanging on throughout these dark times.  Her concerts create such a beautiful atmosphere.  Beginning in, seeds were planted and change occurred at each one.  I feel it is essential to have something or someone to connect to, something that resonates deep within your soul.  I listened to Lauren 24/7 in various platforms and in a multitude of ways, in the hopes that these words and this atmosphere would take home in my spirit and grow and thrive.  If music is your source of joy, then listen to it.  Listen long and listen deeply.  If your source of strength is poetry, books, sports, painting, or other forms of art, whatever it may be, latch on.  Let it speak to your soul and beginning to heal your mind.

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), what is that?  I had no idea, but am extremely grateful that I had friends that did.  This fascinating therapy practice has begun my healing journey and the healing of millions of others.  EMDR therapy is a captivating look at the power of the human mind and the beauty of healing.   Bilateral stimulation is achieved through eye movement, audio, or tapping exercises.  The therapist begins to ask the client to bring up the traumatic memory and focus on it, and through biological mechanisms thought to be associated with the REM cycle, the brain begins to reprocess that memory and heal the trauma it caused.   It needs to be stated here that everyone’s traumatic experience and healing journey is different.  What works for some, may not work for others.  EMDR therapy should only be recommended and administered by licensed and trained professionals.  The EMDR professional also must have proof that they completed the 5 day training as approved by EMDRIA.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is often misunderstood and limited by society.  There are many ways trauma occurs, both directly or indirectly.  When nightmares, anxiety, and depression lasts longer than a month of two, or you notice that specific things trigger you into an episode of hysteria, that is a warning to seek the help of trained professionals.  PTSD is a serious and debilitating conditionthat can affect the thoughts, emotions, and actions of the individuals it roots itself in.  Always remember to be kind and patient as we work with ourselves.  This is all we ask.

Broken bones and other health conditions are easily recognizable, but what if your health condition is internal? What if you cannot treat your health concerns with a band-aid, an assistive device, or an external aid of some sort?  What if because no one sees your health condition, you are expected to live and move through the world as if there are no limitations?  This is the life of an individual with a traumatic brain injury.  We struggle in silence, often comparing ourselves to the version of the person before the injury occurred and setting goals for ourselves that we are not able to obtain.  This is a difficult condition, tearing lives apart and presenting countless challenges.  Please, always be kind.

Schizophrenia, in my opinion, is a mental disorder that is so misunderstood and therefore villainized.  These people are seen and thought of as harmful and strange, instead of the beautifully made individuals that they are.  Because of my brother, I have had many friends and interactions with this disease.  The love and innocence of these friends have brought vital moments to my life that I would not change for anything.  We all need help, medically, financially, spiritually, etc.  With the proper help, these individuals can lead beautiful and fulfilling livesthat bless the world in rich and powerful ways.

This website has a variety of courses and resources for you to use and explore.  I have found meditations that are so relaxing and fulfilling.  I have also found courses that explain things that I am experiencing, emotions and feelings.  As I have said many times, you cannot correct things that you do not understand.  These courses break things down beautifully into small pockets that you are able to digest and use.  I have also found exercises and techniques that have proven to be very useful, for example calming the Vagus nerve is key, in my opinion, to dealing with anxiety.  Look around, enjoy, and learn.  We can never obtain enough information and there is always more to learn.

Deepak Chopra is a brilliant man that has developed this resource to help you understand, learn, and practice meditation.  I began to experience meditation at the beginnings of the Covid pandemic.  This practice was able to keep me calm and in whatever balance I was able to obtain.  Balance is very important and learning ways to achieve this balance is extremely beneficial.  You can start out as I did with only one minute.  My mind would not stay quiet for any longer at this point, always thinking of what I needed to do next.  I finally built up to a 30 minute meditation, which I find powerfully beneficial.  You can do either guided meditation, which helps you concentrate and guides you to think, or you can sit in silence with yourself.  Either one is beneficial and a different experience, but either one is sure to add to the goodness of your life.

I have enjoyed listening and reading from Nichole Myles.  She is a dear friend with so much knowledge to share.  Nichole is educated in and understands trauma in a way that makes her a special resource.  She has many trauma- informed practices that she would love to share.  From trauma coaching, to public speaking, to workshops, the possibilities, techniques, practices, and information is infinitely valuable.  Please go to her website and explore the possibilities.  Reach out to her for more information.  If the information you seek is not present, I am confident Nichole can direct you where to find it.  We are all on a journey, we all are in process.

I cannot say enough about Ashley Orbanus and Transformations Counseling and EMDR Services. Her professionalism and skills are above the standard. Ashley develops relationships with her clients and walks the journey of healing with them.  She is there every step of the way bringing comfort and safety.  Ashley works hard to investigate new strategies and options for her clients, showing them she truly cares. Every person’s healing journey is different, and Ashley has the skills to meet these differences and promote success. One step at a time she encourages, nice and slow no pressure, for we must remember, ‘this is only temporary’.