The Hard Stuff

You've lived through the warning signs that your marriage is in trouble. You're done snapping at each other and being miserable. It's time to make a new plan. But, you ask yourself, "Where did things go wrong" in an attempt to understand. The thing is, marriages and long-term relationships tend to go downhill over the course of time, so it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly when the decline started. However, when you do acknowledge that things are just not working well, and you've done all that you can, it's time to consider ended things. Here are 3 things you can do to stay emotionally healthy before and during a divorce.

In our youth, we're often told that we only live once. "Live life to the fullest!" they scream. Though these cliches for enjoying life are fun to embrace at the time, ultimately, they do more harm than good. Living a life full of exciting experiences and interesting adventures is one thing, but taking it to an extreme steals the very life you're trying to live. This one body you have is your ride for life. Cherish it. The alternative is sickness, disease, pain, and possibly dying young. My mom died when she was only 59 because of the things I'm about to share with you. Yeah, it's that real...and that important. You might want to ask yourself this: "Is my lifestyle killing me?".

To most, the idea of living with a chronic health condition is terrifying and with good reason. Getting a diagnosis that is there to stay can bring on some strong emotions, stress, and physical signs that change your life. When they told me I had MS (Multiple Sclerosis) I went through days and weeks of fear, anger, and frustration. On one hand, I pressed myself for the reasons it was happening and, at the same time, I searched desperately for the guts to fight it.

There’s nothing better than having a glass of something strong to relax you on a Friday night. It’s harmless, right? Maybe so, but it can lead to something much worse. Alcoholism is a harmful, dangerous disease. If you suspect one of your friends is going down that path, it’s crucial you act fast to stop the spiraling. Before you can act, you need to be sure your suspicions are right. Don’t fall out with your friend by jumping to the wrong conclusions. Some people drink more than others, and it can be hard to detect when there’s a problem. Here are some signs you should look out for if you’re worried that your friend might have a drinking problem.

There are few things in life more painful than watching the suffering of someone you love. Even worse, if you don't have the tools or information to help, you feel lost. Sometimes, you can do nothing but watch him or her drift away from you. If you've ever had extreme challenges, you know it can be difficult to ask for help or even admit that there is something wrong. So, how do you support a hurting loved one without creating a wedge or resentment? Even if it seems hopeless, there are things that you can do. Here are a few ways to help and support a loved one in need.

Many of us enjoy drinking now and then, but what happens when drinking becomes excessive or even an addiction? Addictions are characterized by a compulsion to do something, even when you know it’s not good for you. Has that social drink on a Friday evening become a daily event? Do you find that you turn to alcohol if you’ve had a bad day or you’re feeling down? Do you crave alcohol or feel like you need it? Are you desperate to drink even when you feel hungover, tired or run down?

When someone you love has a problem with alcohol or drugs, it is painful to watch them go down the slippery slope of substance abuse. You want to help. You want your loved one back. But it’s difficult to help someone who may not be thinking clearly or is having trouble seeing their problem. Unfortunately, they may only get help when they are either forced to or when something bad happens like illness, accident, or legal issues. But, you still try. The fact is, those who are dealing with addiction will either wake up and get help, stop on their own, or they will eventually suffer horrible consequences for their lifestyle.

Ah, yes, the stowaway...to whom or what are you referring, Kellie? Well, I thought it was about time to talk about the big pink elephant in the room...the MS (Multiple Sclerosis). Many people have asked me what it is like, while others politely avoid the conversation altogether in fear of offending or making me feel bad...yes, I know they do that. So, I want to enlighten you all about what it's like for me to carry a stowaway around all day long.

Every mother wants her daughter to grow up feeling beautiful and confident, but babies don’t come with owner’s manuals and we can only teach our girls what we know ourselves.

It gives me very great pleasure, to say nothing of pride, to introduce a woman who is all the above and more and also my friend of some years’ standing. Please meet aged care worker, Monica Perrett, mum to six and grandmum to one. A real battler. Monica says, she has always supported the underdog and fights for what she believes is right. And, believe me, I have watched her, albeit from afar, and she is all that she says she is.

Here on the wet coast, it's, well, it is very wet. As I look out my window I see a whole lot of mud and three rather soggy horses. The west coast is not particularly perfect country for horses, whose roots are in high, arid, dry places. But, these mares, despite their somewhat low spirits and muddy legs, seem to keep on keeping on just fine. In fact, that's a bit of what I wanted to touch on this week. For many, these last few weeks have been a roller coaster...and I started to get really curious about what the first powerful step is when it comes to things falling apart.

It was two-thirty in the morning when she sent me the message. I could feel her stress and fear even though it was a digital communication. “I am tired of living a lie, a double life…I am gay,” she confessed. Her declaration did not move me, but her sadness and fear did. I felt sorry that she had not been able to truly be herself in this world without experiencing hate and ridicule from others. Individuality is at the core of our existence and the pursuit of it a path no other should ever block.

March marked the 110th anniversary of the birth of Theodore Seuss Geisel. He was most famously known for his work in children’s literature, both writing and illustrating. We all remember many of these stories from our childhoods. From The Cat in the Hat to Marvin K Mooney, Dr. Seuss created characters that we have loved for over 6 decades.

Back in December my family and I sold our home and we rented a big, beautiful house in upstate New York. But rather than being overjoyed and grateful for the opportunity to enjoy a fresh start, I went into one of the deepest depressions ever.

Welcome to Women's Life Link and our New You in 31 Days Challenge. We have a new contributor! Christina Taylor is another dear one from down under. She has a special story to share with us about her challenges and victories within her experience with Depression. She will be sharing some of her poetry that is featured in her book, A Woman's Courage. You can check out her bio and more about her book on the Contributor Page! Please welcome her with some comment love. I'm sure she would love to hear if any of you have experienced depression and, if so, how you handle challenges, what has worked for you, and what hasn't. Be YOU!