Happy Mother's Day/ Time Goes By Part 1

          Well, another Sunday has gone by and it’s Mother’s Day but not a word from my son who turns 30 years old tomorrow. Where does the time go? It slips through our fingers just like flower seeds in the spring and is as fleeting as their tender blossoms in the harsh noonday sun. It is something we take for granted, complain about, sleep away, wait endlessly, procrastinate on the most important decisions and waste it more ways than the four winds blow.

         When I was a child, summers seemed to last forever. That’s because as children we filled every second of the day with interactive play, games of rough and tumble, our first real friendships and talk of dreams of our biggest lifetime plans. There were no game boys, x-boxes and computers to waste our precious youth on. From the minute the sun rose and we opened our sleepy but curious eyes, my sister and I were already playing and making our childish, innocent plans to fill the day. Hurrying our breakfast to get outside in the warm summer sun’s rays and create make believe villages out of used, discarded refrigerator and washing machine boxes. Or we’d just walk a miles to local candy store to spend our allowances on pop and penny candy.

(to be continued)

          Diet is also important for healthy, glowing, clear and younger looking skin. I’m not talking about a weight loss diet but you may find yourself a little slimmer from taking these tips. Anyone who follows a healthy diet or even practices a few easy changes and habits to the way they eat will notice the overall mind and body health benefits from these suggestions.

          There are 7 simple steps to follow when you want to get healthy and thereby have healthy, glowing and clear skin.

1.     Drink water – 8-10 ten oz. glasses a day.

2.   Don’t drink alcohol – it’s mostly sugar and poison.

3.   Don’t eat fast or prepackaged food – too much fat, salt and preservatives = bad skin.

4.   Don’t add salt to food before you eat – there’s already enough in it naturally.

5.   Don’t add sugar to drinks or food – sugar is devastating to your skin.

6.   Exercise daily – use what muscles you have.

7.    Make sure you do your facial exercises.

This list should not only give you beautiful skin, but you just may find yourself a few pounds lighter.

Beauty Skin Care Part 3

Keeping the body well hydrated is not only crucial for overall health but makes your skin glow, supple, plumps up lines and wrinkles and clears pimples, whiteheads and blackheads! You should drink at the very least 8-10 8oz. glasses a day but the more you drink the better. If you are not used to drinking water, you may find yourself in the bathroom more than usual. However, this will lessen over time as your body adjusts to the change. Patience is key here so don’t give up! I drink a gallon of water every day but of course I’ve been increasing slowly for many, many years.

         Water flushes toxins from your body, cleaning out your liver and kidneys. These are the two most important organs for filtering your blood of toxins and an over amount of free radicals which cause cancer, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer’s and premature aging among many more. It is imperative to try and eat a healthy diet, to get some kind of regular exercise and take a multivitamin with essential minerals along with the other supplements previously mentioned every day.

         I’m not implying you follow a strict diet and deviate from it. Quite the contrary, there are only a few simple rules of thumb that will keep you healthier, slimmer and happier. And I will list them for you.

1.    Don’t add salt to food – there’s enough in it to begin with.

2.    Stay away from the sugar bowl – each ordinary spoon has between 20 – 50 calories.

3.    Give up pop/soda (sorry) not even the diet the sugar substitute just rots in your bowels, the chemicals in it can’t be digested.

4.    Stop drinking alcohol or significantly cut down – alcohol turns to sugar  once digested

5.    Don’t eat prepackaged food unless it’s healthy choice or lean cuisine. Try to eat fresh foods only prepared at home.

(to be continued)

        First, there are vitamins, minerals, supplements and herbs you take orally and use topically for healthier, more radiant, clearer and younger looking skin. I buy mine online all from one website called “Puritan’s Pride”. They have great prices and always offer buy one get one free on every product they sell. Once a year they even have a super sale where they have buy one get TWO free.

       Vitamin A 1000mcg taken orally is especially helpful for fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin E 100mg not only combats sun damage but smoothes the skin and fights wrinkles. Vitamin C 40-90mg topically and 500mg orally helps to make over 30 skin more even toned from sun damage and aids in erasing deep wrinkles.

       Collagen is an important supplement in the anti-aging routine. It is the body’s own building block in many internal bodily systems and will actually strengthen and tighten the skin and strengthen the hair and nails. You can use it topically in creams and orally at 1000mg 2-4 times a day. It is very effective in firming the skin.

       Selenium is a super antioxidant and destroys free radicals in your body which play a large part in sickness and aging. So it only stands to reason if you’re slowing free radical damage you’re also slowing the aging process. Besides selenium has skin building properties of it’s own. Alpha lipoic acid is another super antioxidant with skin resurfacers and rejuvenators.

       There are two supplements that help heal and control acne and breakouts. One is an amino acid L-lysine which actually is healthy for all skin types but especially calms and heals breakouts. The other is zinc and one should take 50mg a day for less scarring, breakouts and blackheads.

(to be continued)

       Skin care is something that is crucial for the spinal cord injured and a subject I have discussed in the past. However, I would like to detail my skin tips for beautiful, healthy, younger looking and clear skin for anyone who desires it.

       I will be talking about topical treatments as well as supplements, vitamins, minerals and healthy eating and living habits. I’ll give you my favorite picks of over the counter beauty products, a special recipe for best body moisturizer ever, step by step instructions on how do neck and facial exercises and my own beauty secrets for shrinking pores, smoothing skin and safe sun practices.

       Not only is this information from years and years personal practical use, but also weeks of exhaustive research. Just so I give you the best skin care advice on the internet today.

       I rarely tell people my age but they always guess at least 15 years younger. And when I do tell them, they very surprised and always comment that I appear many years younger. Getting older is part of life but you don’t have to look your age and many women would rather appear more youthful. I can tell you how to just that.

       Many folks, men and women suffer from acne and breakout well into their adult years. There are also just as many things you can do to have clearer skin with less scars. I can share my knowledge on this subject as well. As with anti- aging regime, there are topical as well as supplements and vitamins you can take, lifestyle changes and many other of same methods previously discussed that will change your skin’s behavior thereby clearing it, calming it and helping heal old scars. I’ve been through this as well in my late 20’s and early to mid 30’s until I found the right combination of treatments.

       So as this series of blogs continues, you may want to take notes or keep your printer ready. No matter your skin type, there is an answer for you! So get ready, get set, better more vibrant skin is just a few blogs away!

(to be continued)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Feeling Depressed

          I’ve been feeling depressed and anxious lately and I’m having a hard time taking my own advice by feeling grateful for things I have, not procrastinating and letting go of worry.

          I know very well the things I should be doing but I can’t seem to quiet my brain enough to think straight let alone meditate or pray. The best I can do to get through the din in my head is “Dear God, please help me!” I’m not sleeping at night, I force myself to eat, I’m feeling physically sick all the time and I’ve been in more pain.

          I see these words and think how disgusting, I’m actually whining! When I read them back to myself I’m reminded of every word I’ve written on the subject on the overcoming depression, anxiety and procrastination and I know what have to do. I’m going to go back through my blogs and read every sentence of advice and firsthand knowledge I’ve written about the subject AND I’m going to buckle down, swallow my pride and pray. Also, I don’t care what I have to do, short of taking too many meds, and getting some sleep.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Addiction and Alcoholism in the SCI The End

         The bottom line is you CAN get clean and/or sober if you’re willing and ready to take the step to do so. No one just happens to stumble upon the chance. Yes, addiction to drugs and/or alcohol is a disease and it’s not your fault that you have been stricken by it but it is your responsibility to choose recovery. I realize it’s a hard choice to make but there are only three ends to addiction: jails, institutions and death. But I could add a fourth and perhaps so could some of you…paralysis.

         So I if anyone out there has a problem, please get help. Call your local chapter of AA/NA today. Don’t wait one more day…PLEASE.

GOOD LUCK and God bless you and your journey.                                                                                               

Reply To Comment

         First, have you even bothered to read “My Story” which starts at the beginning of this lists of blogs back in 2010? It details everything I’ve been through since I became injured on March 26^th, 2005, including two major affairs Eric had while I lay helpless paralyzed from the chest down with both hands paralyzed which used to take photos for magazines and create paintings that I sold all over the country? Before you step into God’s shoes and start judging a person who you don’t even know, you should at least get the most background information you possibly can. Even then what kind of person would encourage ANYONE to commit suicide? It is obvious to me that you have many unresolved issues of your own to lash out so viciously and violently at a fellow human being (and in my suspicion another woman) in the manner in which you did. I feel sorry for you if reading my blog is how you entertain yourself.

         As far as modeling goes, I do this with special adaptive clothing made specifically for the handicapped. I want other women with SCI’s to know they too can still be alluring, sensual and special to their significant other and don’t have to wear moo moos and flannel pajamas if they don’t want to, that their injury has NOT diminished their ability to desirable. Besides, in my last photo shoot I wore a full length evening gown and in my next I’ll be wearing a little black dress and I’ll be changing into a specially made pair of jeans and my own design of a lovely long sleeve blouse with reinforced sleeves for added warmth because quadriplegics get cold easily. I work with a designer named Liz Callahan.

         And another reader expressed concern about my internet relationship. Well, I’d like them to know it no longer exists. I stopped chatting with all strangers on the internet. I have neither time nor patience to meet people that way. Even though I don’t get out at all, I’d rather stay at home with Eric for the rest of my life than take my chances on someone that could be a serial killer. Although Eric has made it clear that he’ll never see me in an intimate way, there’s probably no chance we’ll ever make love again, he doesn’t even sleep next to me at night, or give me a deep kiss, I know he’s completely dedicated to me and loves me in a way that transcends sex.

         Even though I’m lonely and long for his touch and I’m not ready to give up that part of life and die an old woman who gave up making love in her 40’s, I suppose there are more important in life; like dedication, friendship, sacrifice and caring.

         Now, as far as me being a “junkie” and a “whore” when you throw around words like that you definitely have problems of your own. If I say I was an alcoholic for 20 years and finally got sober but now I take pain meds because I broke my neck and use them as prescribed, that’s a fact. I have no reason write a blog with the mission to help others and waste my time making up lies. As far as I’m concerned a person that would leave that kind scathing comment is not only mentally and emotionally disturbed but just plain jealous. Which is ridiculous because if you’d rather be paralyzed from the chest down then by all means go for it. You, my dear, are the miserable one, dissatisfied with your own life. I published your comment just to see what my other readers would think but I won’t publish anymore hate mail so don’t bother.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Addiction and Alcoholism in the SCI 7

If you can’t decide to whether or not to go to a meeting consider the last time you went through withdrawal. If you’ve never been experienced the hellish nightmare of withdrawal I can tell you firsthand it’s a process you want to avoid.

        First, comes the panic of the realization that you’ve run out. Despite the promises you made to yourself that THIS time you would use less and make it to end of your prescription or until your next paycheck. Whatever reasonable excuse you have for running short doesn’t matter now because now you can look forward to at least a week of a running nose, sneezing, itching, craving, shaking, hot and cold sweats, nausea, vomiting and the worse diarrhea you can think of. I hate to get too graphic but on or about third day your bowels will turn to water. it won’t matter what you take, nothing will stop it. You’ll want to sleep but sleep won’t come.

(to be continued)

Addiction and Alcoholism in the SCI 6

        I’ve been in 6 rehabs for alcohol addiction and been to more meetings than I can possibly count and I couldn’t stay sober for very long until my psychiatrist put me in what’s call a “dual diagnosis” center.

        A dual diagnosis facility helps you deal with not only your addiction but your psychological issues at the same time. When you are able to on work both problems simultaneously your chances of staying clean and sober are much better because if you are depressed, obsessive, compulsive, prone to anxiety or panic or in any way psychotic it is almost impossible to stay clean and sober even if you’re going to meetings and following the 12 steps. Some of us need medication and therapy.

        Now, it is true that some people in group at the meeting will protest and insist that you’re not REALLY clean because you take meds but there are more and more people who attend who are on some type of psychological treatment so you don’t have to feel self conscious.

        AA and NA work in several ways. First, it’s the fellowship of other alcoholics and addicts. For the first time in life your life, it feels you’re with people who truly understand you and your struggle. Most veteran members will go out of their way to try and make you feel welcome and comfortable. There are even members who will help you with transportation, a place to live or food to eat. No matter how low down your addiction got you there will be someone who has story worse than or just as bad as yours.         Here is one place you won’t judged, ridiculed or lectured. Some of the newcomers just like you may say some stupid or condescending things but they haven’t learned or practiced the principles of the program long enough to give the best advice. That’s why it’s a good idea to listen and stay close to veterans in the group. It’s also important to find a sponsor, someone who can guide and mentor you as you begin your journey into the steps. But that comes later.

        If you want to do some reading about either or both programs there two main books that are indispensible to learning all about the 12 step program, they are the AA Big Book and the NA Basic Text. These books not only explain the steps and principles in detail, but contain basic information about staying clean and sober, history of the program and stories submitted by real alcoholics and addicts. They are free at every meeting. Or I’m certain you could have one sent to by your local chapter.

(to be continued)  

Addiction and Alcoholism in the SCI 5

Even if you’re lucky enough to find a doctor, make up an imaginary and debilitating pain, you NEED to keep him so you wrack your brain trying to say only the right things. When the time comes, which it will, when you need an increase, you try to be delicate yet desperate.

         All of these things I’ve talked about give you a very poor quality of life and not at all good for your compromised health. It’s time to get some help right away. Call a rehabilitation center. If you have no insurance, you’ve got to get a meeting. You can choose either 12 step program, AA – Alcoholics Anonymous or NA – Narcotics Anonymous. If you’ve never heard of them or know very little about how they work, I’ve had extensive experience with both programs and can explain in detail how it works.

         For example, a 12 step program is just that. It is based on 12 consecutive steps designed not only to help you overcome your addiction to drugs or alcohol but to teach you a brand new way of thinking and living. it would be a beneficial philosophy for anyone to live by. I must say it changed my life and way seeing the world around and inside me. I would recommend it to it to a person who never touched a drop of alcohol or smoked so much as one marijuana cigarette.

(to be continued)