What is it you ask? Shape Shifting!

That’s how I embrace what is happening as my weight slightly increases, gravity starts to pull, and the decades of southern California sun begin to show on my skin.

I could just get angry at the changes, deny the years under my belt, get defiant and self-recriminating. Force myself to run another lap, ride another mile, do squats until my knees give out. Give up on the joy of wine and cheese, and start counting ...

By Natalie Peatfield

Each week as I seek out topics to write on, I find that as I move around my life, certain themes take on a certain three dimensional quality.  The sign posts come in the shape of anything from phone calls, films, incidents and all manner of interactions with friends and strangers.  It feels like a fun and mysterious game as I watch the pattern emerge.  For the last 3 weeks however, I have watched and watched and ...

There has been a lot of attention lately on the equal rights of women, what with the Women’s March on Washington and International Women’s Day.

And even though this is coming out as a political issue, I think it is more an issue of equality and worth. So regardless of your political persuasion, this topic may affect you. Are you a woman? Do you know a woman? Do you love a woman?

Yesterday was Day Without A Woman strike. What does that ...

By Jacky Miller

Meditation means different things to different people. One thing that most will agree on is that it has been around for a very long time and is a part of many religious traditions and beliefs. You may use a type of meditation to still your mind before an exam, or to stay focused on trying to keep calm. Meditation is often used to clear the mind. You may not be aware that it is also recommended as part ...

By Constance Ray of RecoveryWell.com

While admitting you have a problem may be the biggest step in overcoming addiction, it’s certainly not the hardest. Recognizing that you have a problem with addiction and deciding that you need help is a huge accomplishment – and you should be proud of that decision. But one of the most important things for a person struggling with addiction to understand is that patience is key. There’s really no way around it – it’s a long, ...

By Constance Ray of Recoverywell.org

The holiday season is one of the most difficult times of year for those in recovery. A number of seasonal specialty drinks are advertised, family get-togethers place pressure on you to drink, and the stress makes you second-guess your resolve. However, it is very important that you remain strong and get through the holidays sober.

It is also important that you remember to enjoy the holiday season. You don’t need to abuse substances to have ...

By: Adam Cook

Living with social anxiety can be stressful and overwhelming at times, especially for those who need limited interaction with the public. Working in busy stores or restaurants isn’t always conducive for good emotional health, but staying away from people altogether often leads to feelings of isolation or even depression. While no one job will work for everyone living with S.A.D. — depending on diagnosis and treatment options — there are several paths to try when looking for a ...

By Adam Cook

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by extreme mood swings. Extremely high and low periods may last hours, days, weeks, or months. More than five million people in the United States live with a form of bipolar disorder. Typically, symptoms of the disorder appear in the late teens or early adult years, but children can experience them too. Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder. There are varying opinions on Continue Reading →

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and every year my family participates in the Santa Barbara Cancer Center Walk/Run. This year will be no different. We have walked in support of my mom, who has been living with stage-four lung cancer for 10 years – an absolute miracle! And we have walked in honor of my Grandma Jacqueline (breast cancer), Aunt Rochel (breast cancer) and Uncle Shelby (lung cancer) who have all passed on.

In support of those going through ...