Category: Mental Health

Leisure, Mental Health

My favorite cartoon character…

beingmesober

Who is your favorite cartoon character?

SNOOPY!!! I’ve watched Charlie Brown growing up and have fond memories. Who doesn’t love Snoopy!

Incase you don’t know the story behind Snoopy and Charlie Brown, let me enlighten you.

Charlie Brown adopted Snoopy from the Daisy Hill Puppy Farm after Snoopy was returned from his first owners. How lucky both Charlie and Snoopy were to have found each other. They built a relationship full of love, loyalty and trust. The show was based on real life experiences by the artist, Charles Scultz and his dog Spike.

Charles didn’t have anyone really close to him, people made fun of him and he just had a rough time. His gf rejected him and he was left alone. Instead of turning that heartbreak and rejection into something worthless, he took it and made a comic about his life and his beloved dog Spike, aka – Snoopy. How incredible and inspirational.

Since 1950 Charlie Brown with Snoopy has been a comic and character on many television sets, that never died. Its filled homes with love, laughter and relatable content for some viewers to let them know, they’re not alone. What he did for himself and others is very selfless. He let strangers into his world and we had no idea it was actually based on the artist and his dog.

Sometimes we either take what comes at us and let it eat at us or we turn that rejection into something positive. Excellence on Charles part.

While I was writing this it reminded me of the prompt from yesterday, how your mindset can influence your financial success. Charles Scultz is a prime example of how cabaple we are to be successful even when you’ve been rejected your entire youth and young adult life. Turn that negative mind into a positive mind.

While he was silently creating and healing his inner child, he was helping so many other people and I’m not sure if Charles even realized how many he helped.

Thank you Mr. Scultz for your comics and cartoons and Snoopy ❤️

Mental Health

How does your mindset affect your financial success?

beingmesober

How does your mindset affect your financial success?

Ohhhhhh, that powerful organ in your head. That one that speaks to you. Telling you you’re a failure or a success.

Our minds can excel us or bring us to our knees. It can heal us or make us very ill. Its a vault of memories and learned skills. We train our brains and form habits and thoughts and some of us remember everything said and done to us.

Negative thoughts can impact your life and the people around you. If you keep telling yourself that you are weak, unsuccessful, ugly, fat, etc, you will be. Your thoughts become reality.  The people you choose to associate with can affect you as well.

Everyone is born to be successful in a way no one else is. Its unique to you. It doesn’t always have to be monetary, although that’s what todays topic is.

How much is determined by being financially successful? Some have very little and are successful. Successful in family, friends, helping others.

Your mind, if you listen to the negative, self sabotage, like I said will bring you to your knees. Its in you to be successful and rise above the negativity around you or in your mind.

We are all capable of being financially successful but it comes with work, determination, dedication and, the right mindset. If you tell yourself you will be successful and be “something” then you will.

If you’ve come from a place where people you love have emotionally abused you, know that what they say to you is not what you are. It is quite the opposite. I came from that and the words that were once said to me did impact how I saw myself and my success. I was told, I’m a failire, I will never amount to anything, I’m this and that. At times when something in my business went aray, which happens, I always blamed myself and those awful words came back to me circling in my mind. She was right, I’m a failure. Thats what I told myself until I finally realized, NO, I’m not! I’ve raised 2 beautiful kids, I ran a successful business and I’m a good wife. Those words are on them. Those words are how they feel about themselves.

You can have anything you want in this world if you just work hard, be grateful and honest. Be happy with who you are. Don’t listen to the harsh words that were never meant for you, don’t ever listen to the voice that tells you you can’t or your not worthy of it. Take whatever makes you happy and successful and run with it. Take your passion and make it grow.

Be kind to yourself and have faith in what you do. ✨️

What makes you rich is not always about money. Its just a state of mind.

Leisure, Mental Health

What being an Author has been like….

beingmesober

It’s funny labeling myself as an Author. I’ve had many labels, or worn many hats, in my career path. Some career choices I’ve made along the way haven’t been “the one”, and I’m okay with that. I’ve been able to experience so many valuable lessons and knowledge from those positions in my life.

I’ve been a hair stylist, creating hair styles. I’ve been a stay at home mom (favorite career choice btw), I was a school bus driver, so I could bring my kids with me and still earn an income. I then opened my own cleaning company and ran it successfully for 12 years. Employed 5 people and made a lot of customers happy. I’ve been a Real Estate Agent and loved every minute of it.

When I resigned from RE, it was because of a lifestyle change my husband and I had/have. Being away 6 months of the year in one place and 6 in the next was conflicting with RE so I resigned.

It was when Covid hit that I discovered my art which led me to wearing another hat of an Author of a published Children’s Book(s), one in the works.

I have to say it’s been totally different from anything I’ve done, but I know everything I’ve been through and done has led me to write. To help others. To send a message. To relate.

I want to spread messages of help. How to help. To encourage children. The young and vulnerable, vulnerable to too much. I want to instill good into the world and this is the way I can get my message to so many.

It’s a lot of work and it doesn’t just magically appear in schools, in parents hands or children’s hands. I myself have to get infront of people and share my message.

I was very nervous at first, reading to a large group of….children…I know, it should be easy but it was a tad scary. Anything new and good should make us a little scared. I got threw it and was relieved but proud. It was a great turn out and got my book into the library!

I love being an Author and creating stories. I also love being able to touch just one person, or many with my message of being kind, accepting others and friendship. My next book is about bullying. Based on a true story about me and my childhood dog Bonnie. I also hope to one day write a book about life’s challenges and sobriety. 

If you’re thinking of writing, I’m here to offer any advice I can!

Happy reading!

This is Being Me Sober

Mental Health

Learn to Love what you’ve been through…

beingmesober

My husband will say he feels sorry for me and my past. I always respond saying, “Don’t feel sorry for me. Thank you though for your concern and empathy.”

What I’ve been through has given me strength and resilience I never knew I had in me.

I’ve forgiven and tried my best to understand why the people who loved me the most could hurt me the most.

I’m a 70s born Gen X, who along with the others grew ourselves up. The latch key kids. The generation that went out and stayed out til the street lights came on. Our parents had no idea where we were. My grandmother always told me to keep a quarter in my pocket so I could call home if I was in trouble.

I love the generation I grew up in. We were so free.

That generation was still “quiet” though. No one  talked of abuse or mental health issues. It stayed in the home and we thought it was normal. When someone would speak of it, people would question their validity of the accusations. It wasn’t discussed in public, it was not acceptable to speak of such things.

I was 4 when I knew what I seen was very wrong. I was 8 when I said no more. I was 15 when I confronted my father and said what I thought. I was 18 when I was forced to be independent. 

I was the child that spoke up when I had enough. I was the teenager who spoke her truth and stood up for all women. I was the adult full of anger, secrets that were ready to be revealed, full of sorrow, defense and alcoholic.

I am now free. I am free of my past. Free of alcohol. Do I regret it? NEVER.

What we go through in life is what builds us. Either we do better and want better or we continue the same cycle for generations to come. I wanted way better for myself. The life I had growing up was something that taught me to respect myself, never let people hurt me physically or mentally, treat my children with love and support no matter what. It taught me that if and when I fell, I will get back up. My past taught me a lot and made me who I am and what I stand for.

There will always be people who have worse situations than us. Take what you’ve had and use it as a lesson. Do better and be better.

Don’t be sad or drown in it. Take it and use it to go forward and be successful. Take it and make it powerful and meaningful. Take it and change it.

Love the life you’ve been given. Only you can do that.

This is Being Me Sober

Leisure, Mental Health

Something I do completely different from how I was raised…

beingmesober

What’s something you do completely differently from how you were raised?

I have 2 very different parents. My dad was so young at heart and always wanted to have fun but instilled such good morals and values, he was easy going and easy to talk to and share anything with. My mom, yikes. She was very strict, quick tempered and closed minded. Not easy to speak to about pre-teen, teenage girl problems. She was abused as a child and with no therapy the trauma just continued down the line onto me. Until I did something different, nothing would change. I would continue the generations of abuse.

My father was also abused but he never directed that anger towards me, just his wives. Again, no therapy, trauma continues down the line along with alcoholism and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety etc.

I always made an oath with myself growing up. Number 1 – No man will ever abuse me or my children. Number – 2 – I will never mentally or physically abuse my children. I will be open and remember what it was like for me at that age. They will be well mannered and respect authority and their elders.

My parents both raised me to have manners and respect people. Don’t make fun or hurt others and do not lie. Always tell the truth. If you have nothing nice to say then don’t say anything at all. The core morals and manners.

With my kids I raised them in a way that they could always count on me, they never have to question my judgement, they never have to wonder if I would leave them. I raised them to be strong adults and with good work ethic. I raised them to be who they wanted to be and to never question their ability of what was possible for them. I raised them to know that family is everything and no matter what we can always work it out. I raised them to get through the hard stuff together and don’t run, face it head on.

The hardest job in the world is being a parent. There’s no manual or You-Tube video to guide you through the next 50 + years of being a parent. Just because they turn 18, doesn’t mean we are done. Parenting ends the day we die. We do the best we can as parents and do better if we need to than our parents. We can not be selfish when we have children because as soon as they are born, it is about them, your second fiddle now for awhile.

I think I can be proud of the way I raised my Son and Daughter. They are polite, funny, open, good humans and my son is an amazing father to his 3 sons. We have a great relationship with each other and gotten through the tough times. There will be more to come, I know, but I also know we always find our way back to the good times.

Leisure, Mental Health

My 5 favorite apps on my phone…

beingmesober

What are your favorite 5 apps on your phone?

My favorite 5 apps are…..drum roll please 🥁

#1 –  Should I say Jetpack? Lol. It is in my top 5 but not #1.

#1 –  Deezer. Its my music app. Its the app I go to when I’m done my coffee and ready to start my day. It plays on our Bose system throughout the house and outside! I’m never without music unless we are eating dinner and settling in for the night.

#2 – Tik Tok. I enjoy that app for the new musicians, again music, I discover while scrolling and seeing people from around the world. Time spent on the app, no longer than 30 min.

#3 – Instagram. That’s where I share my Art and my books. I’m a children’s Author and like to use that platform to get my message out about diversity, kindness and friendship.  I try to stay diligent and post to help brand Storyberry Books. You can find my published book Mingo N Bumble anywhere books are sold.

#4 – Pinterest. That’s where I spend maybe too much time? Nah! Any interest is on Pinterest!! My design soul gets a little attention too.

And finally #5 – Very Fit Watch app. Keeps track of my sleep, steps and heart rate. I will have heart palpitations sometimes due to anxiety or panic or nothing at all, and I like to check my Heart rate to make sure I’m not dropping over. I also like to have competitions with my hubby on steps. He cheats because he goes to the gym lol 😆.  The steps are also good to keep me active. My goal is to get atleast 8000 steps a day and usually get 10,000!!

Whatever your favorite apps are, always be aware of time spent on these apps. Too much of anything is never good.

Here is a good article about scrolling and Apping.

The Psychology of the Scroll: How Social Media Quietly Rewires Your Mood, Focus, and Self‑Worth

Happy Appy..

Leisure, Mental Health

A time Machine speaking to my past self and what I would say..

beingmesober

If you had a time machine and could send just one message to your past self, what would it say?

Dear Self,

Let. it. Go.

Focus on what you have in front of you.  Give time to those who give the same time to you. Don’t blame yourself for others choices.

Leisure, Mental Health

The best piece of advise I’ve ever received…

beingmesober

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

I can hear him now, “Just listen”. That’s what my dad would tell me all the time. I love to talk and sometimes I would talk too much. Not about anybody or gossip, I would just tell people more than they had to know.

It took me a long long time to figure that out. I went through some betrayal and had things thrown in my face from sharing to much or just opening up to someone that doesn’t have the best intentions. 

I now tell my daughter the same thing. “Just listen” or silence is golden. It is very hard to do. She loves to share absolutely every detail of the story she’s telling. I sometimes cringe 😬…ohhh don’t say that.

A lot of people don’t like silence, they will talk just to talk. Silence makes them uncomfortable.

I now listen and stay silent when I need too or know too. I keep things to myself or talk to my hubby. I think before I speak and ask myself, do they really need to know? The answer is usually, no.

God gave us 2 ears and one mouth for a reason. 😇

Leisure, Mental Health

One life changing tip…

beingmesober

If you had to give one life-changing tip, what would it be?

The one life changing tip I would offer is giving up alcohol.

When you make a change such as giving up alcohol you will notice huge changes over time.

Sleep quality, quiet mind, savings, no hangovers, more motivation, priorities change, healthy heart and liver, no shame, no explaining, more love for yourself, better mood. There is so much more to not drinking and removing it from your life.

Many people think it makes life boring, it’s the complete opposite. Waking up every morning feeling fresh and functional is worth removing the alcohol.

Give it a try, not for just a month, try 6 months then another 6 months. You will be questioning yourself whether you really do want to pick up the drink. You may enjoy the clear mornings and an amazing sleep. You may enjoy all the extra energy and the amazing feeling of LIFE!

Who am I to say tho, I only have 17 years alcohol free under my belt and I am loving life!

Leisure, Mental Health

What’s my home decoration style?

beingmesober

What’s your home decoration style?

Lets talk decorating!!!! Just one of my favorite topics!

I have to say interior design has always been in me. My room growing up was so meticulously clean and styled. I knew right from grade 11 that I wanted a career in interior design. Life had other plans.

My husband and I have renovated and designed 5 houses together over the last 20 years. Staying up-to-date with the trends and maintaining the home as needed.

I would say my style of decorating is classy chic modern. I like clean lines, light furniture with colorful accents.  Calm and cozy. I do not like clutter. Displaying only a few items of decor. Less is more.

Our Home we sold in South Florida

I love bringing the outside in. A continous flow from outdoors to indoors. We love being outside so our outdoor space needs to be just as stylish and comfortable as the inside.

Our Backyard in South Florida

Our home in Ontario is more of a beachy rustic style. Again bringing the outdoors in. We live at the beach there also so we use beachy but northern rustic style decorating.

Our Backyard in Ontario

I just love sitting in these spaces we’ve created. I feel very blessed when I think of what we have accomplished together. I feel proud of myself when people come to visit and they love what we have done. They feel comfortable and calm in our space and can’t wait to return.

You want your home to be your recluse and safe space. Somewhere to hang your hat and feel happy and relaxed in your home.

All it takes sometimes is a can of paint and some elbow grease. Change out handles on your cupboards for a fresh look. Thrift shopping 2nd hand items that are in good shape can really make the difference if you can’t afford a big project. Ask friends or family if they have items you can have to spruce up your place. Reuse, recycle. Have you ever heard of curb shopping? Grab a coffee and cruise the neighborhood for discarded furniture thats repairable or in good shape. Who has to know?

Decorating is not for everyone but there’s always someone willing to help get the style that’s uniquely yours.

Stay trendy! ⚒️🏠