Photo by LOGAN WEAVER | @LGNWVR on Unsplash In case you are new to my blog, my name is Joel and I live in Charlottesville Virginia. I am a middle-class male, and I have worked since I was 10 years old. My career spans over 50 years in retail management and along with my wife, I have raised 3 remarkable children. Recently, I finally said out loud that I have lived with … [Read more...] about Straight Talk About My Journey with Depression
Mental Health
It’s Just a Hike, Why Am I Using All or Nothing Thinking?
Why would I turn a 4 ½ hour trek in Shenandoah National Park into an all-or-nothing scenario? After all, this was just a warmup to trekking the Inca Trail this October in Peru. A chance to test out gear and remember what worked and what did not when we climbed Kilimanjaro in January. And maybe it was hotter than any recent hike I have undertaken. But why should that trigger … [Read more...] about It’s Just a Hike, Why Am I Using All or Nothing Thinking?
Until 4 Years Ago, I Never Called My Depression By Name
I’m Joel and I have Major Depressive Disorder. This short video gives a snapshot of what I am up against. I have learned one amazing thing about myself. Most of what I worry about never happens. I will time-travel into the future and imagine all kinds of trouble. But as the event plays out, the trouble never appears. My depression throws out some form of unhelpful thinking … [Read more...] about Until 4 Years Ago, I Never Called My Depression By Name
Why Am I So Busy Doing Everything Except …?
I tell myself I am better than most because I do not spend hours each day watching viral cat videos. Yes, I’m the guy who is always busy. There is always a project to plan, start, or finish. I am busy at work and busy at home. I always have a list. Mostly my list is written. Many times, the list is on the back of an envelope or an old receipt that I found on my dresser. At … [Read more...] about Why Am I So Busy Doing Everything Except …?
Today Is Memorial Day in the US
Many years ago, on Memorial Day, our children would march in the local parade in New Jersey. The weather was always suspect. The kids would be wearing their soccer or band uniforms, or the official attire of whatever club they represented that year. The parade began at 10 AM and would last an hour or so. The fire department always had their engines in the parade. The local … [Read more...] about Today Is Memorial Day in the US
