Where you can share your struggles, learn about mental health issues and study the Bible
I have been busy painting rocks for Easter. I videoed myself next to my church and left them for people to find tomorrow on Easter.
I posted the video to my re-named YouTube channel. Since I am new to posting on YouTube, my video editing skills are rough. So, I hope you will be forgiving as I learn.
I have been wanting to make a Mandela design on a rock.There is a lady in my city who creates the most beautiful rocks. She calls herself the Dotting Chick. So, I decided to try to create one.
As you can see, my rock has none of the eye popping color or the perfect dot size and spacing. When I Googled in order to share a link, I discovered on her Facebook page that she does classes at a local store. I went to her class yesterday and enjoyed it. I will practice and try making some more Mandela rocks.
My second experiment was to see how a rock would look without a white base coat.
The heart on the back is not as bright as I think it was when I did a white base coat.I will return to using a white under coat.
One of the YouTube channels that I follow posted a video on how to use a dollar sign to draw two hugging bunnies. Here is a picture of my sixth drawing.
I have picked out three rocks that I will try to paint this on. I will be looking for some more Easter ideas.
Here are the three rocks with the hugging bunnies. I like them but hope to get better.
Now, if I can get the guts to set up an e-mail subscription and YouTube channel.
What have you done that is new or different recently?
What are you working on getting the guts to do?
What strategies do you use to cope with negative feelings?
I have experienced a lot of negative feelings including sadness (major depressive disorder), social anxiety, anger and grief. So, this post will probably be long.
When I was angry, I went on a brisk walk. I can’t even remember why I was mad. I just remember wanting to kick or throw the stuff in my apartment. So, I deliberately wore myself out. I remember having an inner argument as I walked on the sidewalk. I wondered if anyone saw me walking and gesturing with my hands.
Other times, I have cried or talked it out. I have also scribbled or torn up a paper with a word that represents what I am mad at.
When I was in a depression episode, I reached out to a therapist and psychiatrist for help. The therapist helped me to work through some unresolved issues concerning the death of my great aunt while the anti-depressants helped me by reducing social anxiety and improved the sleeping pattern.
I also wrote “Dear God” letters, pretend therapy and created some of my own art therapy as a way to express and work through my emotions.
What has worked for you? What have you seen work for others?
I thought of this idea while at work. I have a job that uses low level brain power and a lot of hands on work. I think a good therapist would suspect that fear is a large factor in our nation’s disagreement. So, the therapist would work to reassure the parties that neither outcome will destroy the US. Perhaps, he/she would say,”We have survived world wars and a Civil war. We will survive this election too.”
Then, both parties would start sharing their worst case scenarios. The therapist stops them and says,”I can only hear one at a time.”
“Thanks to President Biden, we have open borders. Immigrants are flooding in from all over the world. Border patrol stops them, processes them and releases them into the country to await a hearing. They may be terrorists or criminals.” The Republican sighed in frustration. “Having a secure border is essential to our ability to be safe.”
“But, the Biden administration needs Congress to work with him in order to secure the border ”
“I am hearing that you are concerned about the safety of our nation due to the struggle to secure our border. Is that correct?” The therapist made eye contact with the Republican.
“Yes. I know that some people use this argument in relation to racism. But, I am not saying that one race is more violent than others.” The Republican looked nervously at the Democrat.
“I am not going to call you a racist. I believe most of us work hard to not be racist. It is just that our culture has racism deeply embedded in it. So, we have instinct like racism that hides under our more obvious beliefs.”
“If we are a racist society, how will minorities be willing to work hard to get ahead. Many black people have left poverty and worked their way into high government positions, started companies and many other achievements.”
The Democrat replied, “True. It is possible to achieve the American dream no matter what your race,sex or income. It is more challenging for some groups than others. There is a school activity that teaches about ‘white privilege.'”
“Interesting. What is this activity?”asked the therapist.
“It is a race. The teacher instructs the students to take a step forward if they had access to tutors. The teacher continues to list these early life advantages that some students had while the others did.n’t have them” Explained the Democrat.
“Many of us whites didn’t have tutors or decent clothes, yet we became successful. Anyone can do that.”
“Most successful people had a time when someone encouraged them or gave them a chance. Perhaps, their first job, a teacher or coach guided them. I want everyone to have access to these moments of encouragement and nourishment.”
“That sounds great. But, I am concerned that it would take too much money and resources to mentor all students. This needs to be done through charitable organizations and churches rather than our government.” Added the Republican.
“I can see some schools choosing to set up a mentor program. I doubt that it could be done for all students.”
I suspect the debate would continue like this. I believe that we need to make our voting decision based on who will be best for the job. I suspect that many of us are unhappy to see that it will be Trump vs Biden AGAIN.
I believe that we all love this country and want what is best for this country. I ask that we all cease insulting the other side and remember to treat our neighbors as ourselves.