HAWMC Prompt 26: Spirit Animal Day

I'm participating in WEGO Health's Health Activist Writer's Month Challenge (HAWMC) in April.

Today's challenge is to give my condition a spirit animal. "Write about yourself or it as though you/it are that animal. What qualities of the animal do you or your condition possess that are positive? How is this a metaphor?"

I was having a little difficulty coming up with what to write about, so I did an online search to see what I could find. I ended up finding a simple 15-question quiz to help you discover your spirit animal. Once I took the quiz, my score resulted in my spirit animal being a wolf. I've always been fascinated by wolves. And, as I read the description on the results page, it started to occur to me how this might just be fitting. Some of the wolf's characteristics are listed below, along with a description of some ways that I display/ralate to them.

Enhanced senses. I have sharp, enhanced senses. I can smell even the slightest of smells, and can be easily overwhelmed by too many scents at one time. I can hear even the softest of sounds. I can see even a single beam of light through a curtain or under a door.

Stamina/endurance. I have endured a lot, especially through the trials of the last few years. My body has been through so much trauma. My mind has been faced with difficult challenges to overcome. My soul has struggled to find meaning in the chaos and keep faith in the Lord. He has helped me to endure... and is helping me still.

Family. I form deep connections with close family and friends, and they know that I'd do anything to protect them. I am steadfast, loyal, devoted, and passionate.

Inner strength and intuition. I am growing my intuition, instinct linked with intelligence. Even when I feel weak, I know that the Lord is building my inner strength, in preparation to fulfill His calling on my life.

Adaptability. I'm learning to take advantage of change. I've been faced with a transformation (a death of my old self, and a birth of my new self), and I strive to face it with courage. The new paths and journeys that lie before me are unknown/unclear; but I'm learning to fear change less, and trust God more.

Perseverance. Despite these trials and obstacles, I continue to put one foot in front of the other. Some days I need more help than others, but I try to keep pressing onward.

I ended up taking a second quiz (on a different website), and my result was the coyote. The coyote is a cousin of the wolf, so it seems pretty fitting and consistent with the other quiz I took. The website where I took the quiz describes the coyote:

"According to shamanistic wisdom, coyotes are the animal world's trickster. Coyote people have a way with words, and a unique way of seeing the world. Never ones to take things at face value, coyote people question authority with sly jokes. Luckily, their wit usually keeps them out of serious trouble. Coyote people often prefer to have a few close friendships instead of lots of casual ones.

If you are true to type, you probably have a wry sense of humor and are the first to weigh in with a sarcastic joke. People who don't know you well may not get your sense of humor, which may have gotten you into trouble here or there... unless you used that old Coyote charm to get out of it..."

HAWMC Prompt 25: Red Pen Day

I'm participating in WEGO Health's Health Activist Writer's Month Challenge (HAWMC) in April.

Today's challenge is to find an old post of mine and revise it as radically as I can.

I've always enjoyed proofreading (mainly for other people). It's one of those things that most other people hate to do, but I like it. I tend to see spelling and grammatical errors almost jump off the page. This is the one place my perfectionism and detail-oriented nature really come in handy.

I looked through a few of my older posts, but wasn't finding a whole lot that I would actually change. I typically proofread my blog entries (at least once) and do spell check, before I post them online. I also try my best to do my research, before I post a blog about migraine disease. And, posts that are on a more personal level are what I was thinking and/or feeling at that time, and that's not something that I'm going to change or even try to clarify because it's a snapshot of that time.

HAWMC Prompt 24: Best Moment of Last Week

I'm participating in WEGO Health's Health Activist Writer's Month Challenge (HAWMC) in April.

Today's challenge is to write about the best thing that happened to me last week.

Yesterday evening, we had a surprise birthday party for my mom. We invited family and friends out to the Olive Garden; where we enjoyed dinner, desserts, and great company. Part of what's so great about this is simply that I was able to go, and felt pretty well for most of the 3 hours at the restaurant. I got to see my twin nieces and my nephew (all of whom are about 3 years old)... they're always so good to see (they're growing so fast, though!). It was really good to spend time with everyone.

Photo by chiaralily

Today is Easter, and I hope that everyone has a blessed day! I've spent the day by going to church in the morning, and then spending time with family (first, time with my side of the family; then, with Jeremy's side of the family). We both have such wonderful families, and it's always nice to spend time together. So, Happy Easter! Thanks be to God!

HAWMC Prompt 23: Dr. Seuss Day

I'm participating in WEGO Health's Health Activist Writer's Month Challenge (HAWMC) in April.

Today's challenge is to write a post with as many rhymes as I can. It can be a poem with end-rhymes or a paragraph with internal rhymes. I can't say that my writing is at all like Dr. Seuss', but here it is:

I don't know what to do,
when I feel down and blue.

I don't understand why
there are times I can't cry.

I don't know how to stop the pain,
when it feels like a freight train.

HAWMC Prompt 22: Prescribed

I'm participating in WEGO Health's Health Activist Writer's Month Challenge (HAWMC) in April.

Today's challenge is to write about a wacky prescription that I wish were a treatment for my condition. So, here's the prescription I'd love for my doctor to give me:

Eat 3 chocolate chip cookies at the same time each day.

HAWMC Prompt 21: Who I Admire

I'm participating in WEGO Health's Health Activist Writer's Month Challenge (HAWMC) in April.


© 2009 David Madden Photography.

Today's challenge is to free-write about someone I admire. I'm going to use this post to write a little about my parents.

My parents are amazing individuals. They're also a shining example of true love. They've been married for almost 30 years, and they're still very much in love. It's absolutely beautiful! I'm so grateful for the sacrifices that they've made throughout my life, and I'm so proud of them for continuing to strive toward their own dreams.

My mom and I may not have always been super close, but we are now (and I'm so grateful that we are!). She has always been there for me. She's been my rock over these past few years, since my car accident - going with me to doctor appointments and meetings with the attorney, helping me with insurance company messes and disability claims, and just the general ups and downs. She's so much stronger than she thinks she is.

My dad and I have always had an indescribably strong connection. We can understand what the other is thinking and/or experiencing in an unexplainable way. We've always shared a love for old cars/car shows, art, and deep conversations. He always seems to know just the right thing to say, and his hugs make everything feel alright.

I'm so blessed to have an amazing family. I love and admire them so much!