My Blogging Process

Today's challenge is to do a quick blog meditation on blogging itself: my blog-writing and post-publish process. Do you immediately tweet a link? Email it to everyone? Re-read it for spelling errors?

I don't have one single process for writing for my blog. I begin in one of any number of different ways, including... thinking of an interesting title (though this often changes, once I write the post), coming up with an idea, writing about an image or quote that inspires me, or expanding on something that I've previously written (either on my blog or in my written journal).

There are many times that I come up with an idea, and then the writing part comes so easily... the words just pour out of me. Finding an image that truly adds to the post can sometimes be a little more difficult.

Before I publish something to my blog, I edit and proofread it... multiple times. Typically, I come and go from a post multiple times before it ever gets published to my blog. Especially if it's an emotionally charged post (such as venting), I feel like I need to get it out, separate myself from it for a while, and then come back and see if it's really something that needs to be shared (sometimes just typing it up or writing it out is enough... then delete or throw it away).

Finally, I do a final proofread of the post in its entirety, and preview it (multiple times), before posting it to my blog. I try not to make changes to the post, once I've pressed "publish"... unless I see some really bad typo.

Depending on what the post is about, I sometimes post a link on Facebook (I don't have Twitter). I periodically check the site analytics, and I try to respond to comments that I might receive.


This post was written as part of the National Health Blog Posting Month (NHBPM).

Dear 18-year old Me

Today's challenge is to write a letter to myself when I was 18 years old - what to do more of, what to do less of, and what you have to look forward to in the coming years.

Dear 18-year old Jamie:

Congratulations on doing so well in high school! Honestly, you're already on the right track, in so many ways, so continue dreaming big and striving hard to be the best you can be. I just have a few thoughts I want to share with you, so that you can enjoy the coming years as much as possible.

As you head to college, remember that grades aren't everything. Perfection is an impossible feat, so relax and just do your best... don't be so hard on yourself. Spend more time with friends, and cherish what you learn from one another. Balance your time, and enjoy every moment because it goes quickly. By the way, during your semester in Europe, get plenty of dried strawberries in the Florence, Italy market!

Try not to worry so much, don't take things so personally, and don't keep things bottled up inside. Enjoy each step of life, as it comes. Be more flexible and spontaneous... but learn that it's okay to say, "No."

I know you're in good shape, but life gets busy. Try to get into a routine of working out - maybe try yoga, since you're still struggling with hip and back pain. It's best to try to get into a workout routine now, otherwise you may never do it.

Always do the best you can and stay true to your morals. Remember that God will faithfully provide you with what you need. Try to keep your eyes on the Lord, even when it seems impossible. You have a wonderful and loving family that is there to support and care for you... let them.

Remember... you're smarter, stronger, and more beautiful than you think you are; God is always here for you; and you're loved.

Blessings,
26-year old Jamie

from Heart Prints

This post was written as part of the National Health Blog Posting Month (NHBPM).

The Weather

www.WeatherHeadaches.com

I didn't particularly care for today's prompt, so I'm going to write about something else. I've been wondering all day what to write about, but I haven't had any luck (due to migraine-brain). So, when at a loss for words, what better to talk about than... the weather.

Our temperature has dropped almost 30º in the last few hours (and the winds have increased, gusting to around 40mph). I live in Texas, so I expect the craziest weather patterns... It's a roller coaster! Starting in mid-October (10/17-18), each week has delivered a cool front, dropping our temperatures at least 20º in a few hours. The temperatures go back up, and then a big drop again.

Unfortunately, my health seems to follow a similar pattern as Texas weather... drastic ups and downs. I'm seeing a pattern emerge with some of my migraines, when the weather changes so quickly. I love Texas, and I love fall so much... but they're both torturous. Unfortunately, there's no magic bubble that I can surround myself in to protect myself from the changes in weather.

This post was written as part of the National Health Blog Posting Month (NHBPM).

Titles of My Future Book(s)

I've decided to participate in National Health Blog Posting Month  (NHBPM). I've been out of the writing/blogging world for a little while, so I hope I'm able to keep up. WEGO Health is going to be providing a daily blog prompt. I'm looking forward to getting back into writing, and seeing what prompts there are.

Today's challenge is to come up with 5 working titles and a quick book jacket synopsis for a book about my life, community, condition, or Health Activism. This came at a great time! One of the reasons I've decided to participate in NHBPM is because I need to work on disciplining myself and getting back to writing. One of my goals is to be a writer and publish books. It can be so easy to fall into a rut, especially when dealing with constant, debilitating pain.

Here are a few of the working titles I have (by the way, any feedback anyone would like to share is welcome):

Relationships and chronic illness

Chronic illness can change all of the relationships in your life - with yourself, your family, friends, coworkers, and with God. Some of these changes will be losses that need to be grieved, but others may strengthen in ways you never expected.

Re-defining 'normal'

There are many different events in life that require us to re-define our 'normal.' From changing schools to moving out of your parents' house to getting married to starting a family, and so forth. Many of these changes are just the natural progression of life, while others are personal choices. But, sometimes something happens that is completely unexpected, and you must re-define what your 'normal' is. Chronic illness changes your life in so many ways, and your 'normal' has to be adjusted to account for new limitations and other life changes someone living with chronic illness faces.

Expectations: Yours, Mine, and God's

Whose expectations are you measuring your life by? What do your priorities reveal about whose expectations are important and guiding your life? Life never seems to go as we think it will. Taking a deeper look at our priorities and choices can help us examine who's expectations are really guiding our lives. 

Prayer: How the power of prayer can bring peace and happiness to your life

Life is often moving at the speed of light. There is so much going on, and it never seems to slow down. Bringing peace and happiness into your life can begin with prayer. Prayer calls for you to "be still" and focus on God. Incorporating prayer into your daily life offers you a refuge where you can rest in the Lord's presence, and both prepares and energizes you to fulfill God's calling for you.

One of the books I started working on before my car accident is... Finding your way through a landmine: A young woman's guide to navigating the business-world

The business-world can be like a foreign land to women. This book will serve as a guide to navigating aspects of the business-world, including relationships, obstacles, expectations, perception, and balance.

The Girl Behind the Mask

I don't let many people see behind the mask that I present to the world. I've always been guarded. Chronic illness makes it more exhausting to keep the mask up, but having an invisible illness makes it easier to appear "fine" to the outside world.

Many people hide behind a mask in order to not burden others with their troubles / struggles, and sometimes it's just to help ourselves get through the pain (by allowing us to "pretend" to be okay for some time). But, one of the problems with hiding behind a mask is that others don't know you're hurting, so they don't offer help... then, you may feel like no one understands you or cares, and the cycle continues.

The most difficult thing now is that I'm not quite sure who the girl behind the mask as anymore. I can't just wait for glimpses of the pre-accident me, but I haven't quite accepted all the ways my life has changed. So, while I continue to re-define myself, I'll give you a peek behind the mask... some of the truth behind the smile. I can see myself writing more on this topic in the future, but here's a peek.

Stages of Grief

Chronic pain involves working through the 5 stages of grief (denial, anger, depression, bargaining, acceptance), over and over. I grieve the loss of good health... my identity... the future I envisioned for myself... and all of those moments lost to pain. I don't always go through the stages in order; and even if I make it to the acceptance stage, I often find myself back in one of the other stages.

Time is Warped

Chronic pain has a way of warping time. Sometimes time just seems to drag by, and it feels like the pain will never cease. Other times, it seems like it flies by.

It's hard to be asked the question, "What have you been doing lately?" Sometimes I haven't been doing anything, except try to make it through days of migraine pain. But, sometimes (most of the time, these days), I honestly don't know the answer. People think that I'm just trying to avoid the question, but I really don't always remember... that's what happens when you have to focus on getting through a moment at a time... time slips away, often with nothing to show for it (no memories, accomplishments, etc...).

I used to plan my life out - days / weeks / months / years. I knew that things wouldn't work out "as planned," but I found comfort in having a plan... a direction. Now, everything seems contingent on how I feel. I rarely drive, limit my time out of the apartment, and miss countless moments that I can never get back (including family get-togethers and friends' weddings). I feel like my life has no (known) plan, direction, or purpose. I know that God will use these trials to fulfill His will, but I don't feel like I'm doing anything more than trying to get through each day.

Mixed Emotions

There are a lot of different emotions that come along with chronic illness. Just some of these are: denial, anger, fear, guilt, anxiety, apathy, devastation, depression, disappointment, grief... but there is also HOPE and GRATITUDE.

It may be difficult to find hope at times, but there's always a possibility that things will get better. This isn't to say that your chronic illness will be cured (it might be, but it very well might not). But, there are many treatments and other things that you can do to help improve your quality of life. Life may not look the way you thought it would, but that doesn't mean that you have to live an empty life completely controlled by pain.

One of the things that has helped me through, has been my family. My family can see the pain in my eyes, no matter how much of a front I have up. They're always there to love and support me, and I'm so grateful for them. I also have the most caring, loving, and understanding husband I could ever imagine. He sees me in the good times and bad... he knows my battle scars, but sees who I am beneath the mask and scars. I'm so blessed to have such a loving God and family!

The Girl Behind the Mask

Who is that girl behind the mask?

What lies behind the smile?

When I go out, instead of putting on make-up,

I find myself putting on a mask.

A mask to superficially cover the incessant pain,

Lost moments, and looming darkness.

A mask to protect others from the burdens

Of living a life with chronic pain.

© 2011 Jamie Valendy.

Drug Disposal

There's a National Take Back Initiative taking place October 29th (10am to 2pm) - see below for details. Local collection sites and law enforcement agencies will be available to safely dispose of accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs.

Find a collection site near you.

DEA has scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 29, 2011, from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. to provide a venue for persons who want to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. More than seven million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Each day, approximately, 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.

DEA in conjunction with state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the United States conducted National Prescription Drug Take Back Days on Saturday, September 25, 2010 and April 25, 2011. Nearly, 4,000 state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the nation participated in these events, collecting more than 309 tons of pills.

Four days after last fall’s Take-Back Day, Congress passed legislation amending the Controlled Substances Act to allow the DEA to develop a process for people to safely dispose of their prescription drugs. DEA immediately began developing this process after President Obama signed the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010 on October 12. Until that process is complete, however, DEA will continue to hold Take Back Days every six months.