By Trina O’Quinn for the NABBW In my last post I explained how an ordinary course of events – like traveling and not immediately being able to find something – can create much anxiety, even a panic attack – actually, a “Dyslexic Spin,” is how I label it.  It is part of my lifelong learning disability, with which I’ve learned to cope over the years. Journal writing is one effective tool in this process of coping. In my earlier discussions of journaling technique, I have been promoting unstructured, or free form, journaling. When using this type of journaling, I... Read More

By Shirley Meerson, CHWC ~ NABBW’s Ageless Wellness Lifestyle Associate Stress levels these days have increased dramatically…unfortunately. Have you noticed that during the times of intense stress your willpower flies out the window?  And then you eat to comfort yourself. Most of us know that we are doing it but prefer to take the instant dopamine rush of wrongful eating. Hey, splurging is OK by me, but put on the brakes if you know it is a habit. Evidence shows that diets high in processed foods can increase anxiety. And then picking the wrong foods to eat will add to increasing... Read More

By Trina O’Quinn for the NABBW I have heard the expression, “stop and smell the roses” since I was 19 years old. This has been 56 years of my life. That is the entire length of my marriage. Until I was 19, my parents believed that they needed to keep me busy so I wouldn’t get into trouble. (Translation: so that I wouldn’t get pregnant.) This was the 50s and early 60s, so that was their greatest fear — to have a daughter get pregnant before she was married. The message I understood from their attitude was that ‘if you do not stay busy all your life, you will get into trouble.’... Read More

By Trina O’Quinn for the NABBW “Life Is What Happens While You’re Busy Making Other Plans” – John Lennon As I began pondering this month’s blog, this quote continued to run through my mind. I am one of many people in the world who has music in the background of my brain all the time. Along with the quote came the music and lyrics to the song Let It Be, also by John Lennon: “Singing Words of Wisdom, Let It Be, Let It be.” So, I asked myself: What do either of these quotes have to do with my current Blog? What do they have to do with my theme of Grief? The answer was the theme of... Read More