Health – Be as One

Budget-Friendly Self-Care: Simple Strategies for Your Well-Being

Published on July 29, 2024 by susanwbailey1 Comment

Guest post by Julie Morris

In a world where self-care can sometimes feel like a luxury, finding affordable ways to care for yourself is crucial. Prioritizing self-care doesn’t have to break the bank. By making small, intentional changes to your routine and mindset, you can cultivate well-being without overspending. Here are some budget-friendly methods to incorporate self-care into your life, ensuring you maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle without financial strain.

Enhance Your Sleep Quality

Getting more sleep is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to practice self-care. Quality rest boosts your mood, improves cognitive function, and enhances overall health. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and making your sleeping environment comfortable are practical steps you can take. Ensuring you get enough rest each night sets a foundation for other self-care activities, helping you feel more energized and balanced.

Manage Your Finances

Creating a budget ensures you don’t overspend on self-care activities. Start by using free budget templates to systematically organize and manage your financial information. Give this a try to customize expense categories, set realistic budget limits, and track and monitor your expenses. This allows you to allocate funds specifically for self-care without feeling guilty or financially strained. A well-planned budget empowers you to enjoy self-care activities with peace of mind.

Discover Affordable Hobbies

Finding an affordable hobby can provide you with joy and relaxation without a hefty price tag. Whether it’s reading, gardening, drawing, or knitting, hobbies offer a creative outlet and a break from daily stressors. Engaging in a hobby can help you disconnect from work and other responsibilities, promoting mental well-being. The key is to choose activities that interest you and fit within your budget, ensuring you can enjoy them regularly.

Embrace Meditation

Meditation is a powerful tool for managing stress and promoting emotional health. You can learn to meditate at home without spending any money. Many free resources, such as online videos and apps, provide guided meditation sessions for beginners. By incorporating meditation into your daily routine, you can enhance your mental clarity, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being. The practice of meditation also complements other self-care activities, fostering a more holistic approach to health.

Start a Yoga Practice

Practicing yoga offers numerous physical and mental health benefits. You don’t need to join an expensive studio to enjoy yoga; many free online classes and tutorials are available to help you get started. Yoga enhances flexibility, strength, and mindfulness, making it a valuable addition to your self-care routine. Regular practice can help you manage stress, improve posture, and increase your overall sense of well-being, all without straining your budget or resources.

Exercise at Home

Exercising at home is an excellent way to stay fit without the cost of a gym membership. You can find various free workout videos online that cater to different fitness levels and interests. From bodyweight exercises to cardio routines, home workouts can be effective and enjoyable. Regular exercise improves physical health, boosts mood, and increases energy levels. By committing to a consistent home exercise routine, you can maintain your fitness without financial burden.

Stay Local and Enjoy a Staycation

A staycation can be a refreshing break without the expense of travel. Explore your local area, visit nearby parks, or simply relax at home with activities you enjoy. A staycation allows you to unwind and recharge without the stress and cost associated with travel. You can plan fun and relaxing activities that make you feel like you’re on vacation while staying within your budget. This approach helps you enjoy quality downtime without overspending.

Self-care is vital for maintaining balance and well-being. By adopting budget-friendly practices, you can nurture yourself without financial stress. These small, intentional changes foster resilience and health, helping you navigate life’s challenges more effectively. Embrace these strategies to boost your happiness and well-being without overspending, demonstrating that self-care can be both affordable and impactful.

You can find out more about Julie Morris at juliemorris.org.

Join us in building a stronger, more connected community through faith and creativity at Be as One. Explore our resources and find inspiration.

Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read my other blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion

NEW MUSIC!
Susan’s new release, Amazing Grace” is now available!
Available on Amazon, Spotify, iTunes and YouTube

Purchase Susan’s books.

River of Grace Audio book with soundtrack music available now on Bandcamp.
Listen to the preface of the book, and all the songs.

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Conquering Stress: A Modern Guide to Achieving Balance and Harmony

Published on December 18, 2023December 17, 2023 by susanwbaileyLeave a comment

Guest post by Julie Morris

In today’s fast-paced world, especially during the holiday season, stress can become an overwhelming presence. The added pressures of holiday planning, family gatherings, and financial concerns often intensify our usual stressors. This article, brought to you by Be as One, is designed to not only identify the common and holiday-specific sources of stress but also to provide effective strategies to manage it. We will explore how to navigate through the festive chaos with ease, ensuring a more joyful and relaxed holiday experience, along with overall well-being for a happier, healthier life.

Learn Your Stress Triggers

Identifying the causes of stress involves uncovering often overlooked factors like work pressures, personal relationships, financial worries, and health concerns. This recognition acts as a crucial first step in combating stress, illuminating hidden triggers. Armed with this knowledge, you can strategically tackle stress, moving from guesswork to targeted action.

Embrace Regular Physical Activity

Regular exercise goes beyond physical health, serving as an effective tool for stress relief through the release of endorphins, nature’s mood enhancers. Incorporating at least 30 minutes of enjoyable activities like walking, cycling, or dancing into your daily routine can significantly lift your spirits. This form of physical engagement not only boosts physical wellness but also operates as a natural antidepressant, making it a vital component in managing stress.

Nourish the Body and Mind

Improving your diet plays a critical role in stress management. Foods rich in nutrients fortify your body against the ravages of stress. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins offer fuel for your stress-fighting engine. On the flip side, limit caffeine and sugar, as they can amplify stress and anxiety. Consider your diet as a palette from which you can paint a more stress-resistant lifestyle. It’s not just about eating; it’s about nourishing both body and mind.

Go Back to School

Sometimes, stress is our mind’s way of telling us that we aren’t doing what we’re supposed to be doing. So if you’re thinking about a career change, going back to school is a great place to start! Online programs in particular offer a great deal of flexibility, and there are plenty of degrees to choose from. For instance, if you’d like to be a nurse, you could pursue an RN to BSN online, gaining valuable knowledge you need to get ahead.

Balance Professional and Personal Worlds

Establishing work-life balance is essential in our always-on world. This balance is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Setting clear boundaries between work and personal time is key. Dedicate time for relaxation and hobbies that rejuvenate your spirit. Remember, no job is worth sacrificing your mental and emotional well-being. In this balancing act, prioritize yourself; it’s the only way to sustain your productivity and happiness in the long run.

Cultivate Positivity

Maintaining a positive attitude is a cornerstone of stress management. It’s about focusing on solutions, not problems. Practice gratitude daily; it shifts your perspective from what’s going wrong to what’s going right. Surround yourself with people who uplift you. A positive mindset doesn’t just reduce stress, it also attracts more joy and success into your life. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy: the more positivity you emit, the more you receive.

Restore Yourself with Rest

Getting enough sleep is crucial for rejuvenation. Quality sleep is as vital as food and water for our well-being. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine to signal your body it’s time to wind down. Create a sleep environment that’s conducive to rest: cool, quiet, and comfortable. This restorative process is your body’s time to heal from the day’s stresses, preparing you for the challenges of tomorrow.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Practicing deep breathing and meditation are keys to inner peace. These practices bring a sense of calmness, helping you to navigate life’s storms with a steadier hand. Integrate them into your daily routine, even if it’s just for a few minutes. This commitment to mindfulness is an investment in your mental and emotional bank account, offering rich dividends in stress reduction and overall well-being.

Explore Alternative Relief Methods

In the quest for balance and harmony, exploring various alternative therapies can be a transformative journey. These therapies often focus on healing the body and mind holistically. Here are a few that have gained popularity:

Acupuncture: This ancient Chinese therapy involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It’s believed to correct imbalances in the flow of energy (Qi), thereby promoting relaxation and healing. Acupuncture is widely used for pain relief, stress management, and even for chronic conditions like migraines and arthritis.
Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants to enhance physical and emotional health. Each oil has unique properties and can be used in various ways, such as in diffusers or for topical application. Lavender, for example, is noted for reducing anxiety, boosting mood, and aiding in better sleep.
Reiki: Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation. Practitioners believe in channeling universal energy through their hands to the recipient, fostering emotional or physical healing. It is often sought for its ability to impart a deep sense of peace and well-being, often complementing traditional medical treatments.
Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid: THCA is a non-psychoactive compound found in raw and live cannabis. Unlike THC, it doesn’t produce a ‘high’ but is researched for its potential therapeutic benefits. It has been associated with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, making it a subject of interest for treating various health conditions. Be mindful when purchasing THCA that you find a reputable source.

Navigating stress in today’s hectic world, particularly during the holiday season, is an evolving process that demands self-awareness and dedication. The holiday period, with its unique blend of joy and stress from planning, family dynamics, and financial demands, adds another layer to this challenge. However, by pinpointing both everyday and holiday-specific stressors and applying the strategies discussed, you can steer towards a more balanced and joyful existence. Keep in mind, effective stress management, especially during these festive times, is crucial for your overall well-being. Prioritizing it not only during the holidays but throughout the year is key to a healthier, more rewarding life.

Photo courtesy of Pexels.

Be as One is here to help you get the harmonious life you deserve. Questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out!
You can find out more about Julie Morris at juliemorris.org.

Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read my other blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion

NEW MUSIC!
Susan’s new release, Amazing Grace” is now available!
Available on Amazon, Spotify, iTunes and YouTube

Purchase Susan’s books.

River of Grace Audio book with soundtrack music available now on Bandcamp.
Listen to the preface of the book, and all the songs.

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Your Comprehensive Guide to Personal Improvement: Health, Wellness, and Beyond

Published on December 5, 2023December 7, 2023 by susanwbaileyLeave a comment

Guest post by Julie Morris

Personal improvement is not just a catchphrase; it’s a lifelong journey that impacts every facet of our existence. This guide aims to provide actionable insights across various dimensions – health, social well-being, mental wellness, and more – to help you live your best life.

Elevate Your Physical Health Through Exercise

Exercise is your first line of defense against physical and mental ailments. Not only does it keep you in good shape, but it also elevates your mood and reduces stress levels. From cardiovascular exercises like jogging and swimming to resistance training like weightlifting, choices are abundant. The key to successful physical improvement lies in consistency. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week to reap the rewards.

Fuel Your Body with Healthy Eating Habits

What you consume greatly affects your energy and mental sharpness. Embrace a diet centered on fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and use meal planning as a tool to maintain this balance. By planning your meals weekly and adhering to your grocery list, even small dietary adjustments can lead to profound benefits for your overall health and mood.

Invite Friends Over for a Get-Together

Our social environment significantly influences our thoughts, beliefs, and ultimately, our actions. To nurture a positive mindset and strengthen emotional resilience, consider planning small get-togethers or online catch-up sessions with friends and family who uplift you and make you feel good about yourself.

Go Back on the Job Market

It can feel a little intimidating to go back on the job market – especially if it’s been a while – but there are plenty of resources to help. While much emphasis is rightly placed on the importance of a resume, don’t forget that the cover letter can be just as vital! After all, that’s usually the first thing prospective employers see, so it’s important to make a good first impression. If you’d like some tips, consider this option to give yourself an edge over the competition.

Seeking Sobriety: Consider the Benefits of Rehab

If you or someone you know struggles with addiction, know that there’s a way out. Rehabilitation centers provide specialized programs and treatments to help individuals regain control over their lives. Professionally administered treatment is often the most effective method for recovery. External help, structure, and support can make sobriety more manageable.

Unlocking Potential: The World of Entrepreneurship

Taking the plunge into entrepreneurship can be a catalyst for personal growth. It pushes you out of your comfort zone and challenges you in new ways. You’ll not only learn about business but also about your own strengths, weaknesses, and capabilities. While entrepreneurship is not for everyone, it’s worth exploring if you have a passion you want to turn into a livelihood. Make sure to do thorough market research and develop a solid business plan.

Meditation: Stress Reduction and Mental Clarity

Meditation has long been valued for providing a respite from our hectic lives, offering moments of peace and clarity. Simple practices like breath focus or thought observation can significantly reduce stress and enhance mental clarity. As little as 10 minutes of meditation a day can yield lasting benefits for both your mind and emotional well-being.

Yoga: Balancing Body and Mind

Yoga combines physical postures, breath control, and meditation to enhance flexibility, reduce stress, and improve mental clarity. It complements other forms of exercise by providing both strength training and relaxation. Practicing yoga offers an accessible route to a balanced body and mind.

Hydration for Health: The Power of Drinking Water

You’ve heard it a thousand times: drink more water. Yet, many of us fail to heed this advice. Staying adequately hydrated is crucial for physical performance, cognitive function, and even emotional well-being. Aim for at least eight cups of water a day, more if you’re active or live in a hot climate.
Life is an ever-evolving journey – and personal improvement is its lifelong companion. From physical activities like exercise and yoga to mental strategies like meditation, the avenues are endless. Likewise, tackling social well-being and even considering entrepreneurship add more layers to your personal development. By taking proactive steps in these various aspects, you can significantly enhance your quality of life. Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Make that step count.

You can find out more about Julie Morris at juliemorris.org.

Susan Bailey is an author, musician, and speaker who’d love to hear from you!

Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read my other blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion

NEW MUSIC!
Susan’s new release, Amazing Grace” is now available!
Available on Amazon, Spotify, iTunes and YouTube

Purchase Susan’s books.

River of Grace Audio book with soundtrack music available now on Bandcamp.
Listen to the preface of the book, and all the songs.

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The Journey of Personal Growth

Published on November 7, 2022 by susanwbailey1 Comment

I am pleased to present this guest post by Julie Morris, a life and career coach. She blogs regularly at juliemorris.org.

Before you begin your own quest for personal growth and development, you must define what that is for yourself. What is “self-improvement”? This depends on where you are now and where you want to be in the future. Make no mistake: personal growth is just that—personal. Nobody else, not even Tony Robbins or Dr. Phil, can define that for you.

Once you have defined self-improvement goals for yourself, there are several strategies available that can guide you to becoming who you want to be.

Meditation and Prayer

Practicing meditation is an excellent first step toward personal growth. Contrary to popular conception, meditation does not require the lotus position, mantras, incense, candles or other such accouterments. The only purpose of meditation is to empty your mind of distracting thoughts that may be holding you back. An easy and effective way to meditate is to sit in a comfortable chair with the room darkened and focus on some kind of white noise, like a hiss or a fan. There are many white noise generators available as apps and on YouTube.

The practice of prayer, whether alone or in community, can also be a useful means of personal growth. Whether you are praying for guidance or in appreciation for what you have accomplished, prayer can help you focus on those things of greatest importance.

Self-Care

Here is a radical, yet valid idea: it’s okay to be selfish. In fact, you should. Not in the obnoxious and demanding sense, but rather in prioritizing your own needs before the desires and demands of others. The reason is that if you are not satisfied and happy with yourself, you will be of little help to those around you. Take time to eat right, exercise, nourish your mind, and get rest when you need it. A healthy psyche and a healthy body go hand-in-hand—and the people around you will appreciate it and benefit.

Push the Boundaries

How long have you been doing the same things in the same manner? How is it working out for you? If the answer is “Very well,” then, by all means, continue. If not, it’s time to try something new. That may be a new career, which may involve returning to school for a new degree. Or, it may be something that builds on skills and knowledge you already have.

Either way, it will be time for you to dust off and update your resume. While this may seem daunting, the task will be made easier by using a free template online. Most of these are available at no charge and come in a vast variety of professional designs. Customizing these by adding your own content and elements is easily done.

Launching a Business

A common personal goal is to start a business, but it can be an intimidating task. Part of growing means seeking assistance when necessary to achieve one’s goals. If you’re wondering how to get an LLC, a formation service can guide you through the process so you can more effectively accomplish your goals of business ownership. And it will save you both time and money in the process.

Need Guidance?

Depending on your own personal development goals, it may be helpful to hire a coach or mentor. The advantage here is objectivity; sometimes, it is difficult to see the barriers we inadvertently place in front of ourselves. Furthermore, a life coach or mentor has valuable experience and knowledge that can help you on your journey.

Eye on the Prize

One way in which people sabotage themselves is by focusing on the bad news of the day, especially headlines. As grim as the global and national news may seem these days, it’s important to understand that very little of it can affect you personally. There are also uplifting and positive stories out there, even if the corporate media chooses to spin it into something else. By focusing on the beauty in the world, you can easily change your mindset into a more positive one over time—and this will manifest into positive change in virtually all areas of your life.

Whether you’re beginning a meditation practice, starting a business, or prioritizing your self-care, the tips above will help you become who you want to be.

Find out more / Purchase your copies

River of Grace Audio book with soundtrack music available now on Bandcamp. Listen to the preface of the book, and all the songs.

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Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
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November remembrances: Guided from darkness to light by those who have gone before us

Published on November 17, 2017 by susanwbaileyLeave a comment

My November column for The Catholic Free Press and Catholicmom:

With November comes the descent into the cold and darkness of the forthcoming winter. After an extended period of warmth and sunshine it is difficult to see the barren trees and lifeless gardens. Birds are flying south and chipmunks are scurrying about, gathering nuts for the winter before setting into hibernation. Nighttime exceeds the daylight hours; many of us will only see the morning sun as we head into work only to be greeted by darkness when we go home. The world around us is preparing for winter sleep. November feels like death.

Artur Rydzewski, “Cranes migration,” Flickr Creative Commons

Darkness into light

Yet, come December 21, the trend changes. After the shortest day of the year, daylight begins to increase. Ice, snow and cold engulf us and yet, each day is a little longer. The silence of January is replaced by birdsong in February. By March 21, we are celebrating the coming of spring.

Nature is a sign of God’s promise to those who believe in Him. Each year the seasonal cycle reminds us that even as we descend into darkness, we emerge again into the light.

Du Ende, “Dusk,” Flickr Creative Commons

Pondering heaven

The Church has designated this month of November as a time to pray for our beloved dead. It can be a difficult and somber time as we are reminded of our grief. Yet at the same time, it is a time of hope, the recent Feast of All Saints being the perfect example. We celebrate those saints, known and unknown, who have gone before us and who intercede for us. The readings from the day’s liturgy help us to focus on the glory that awaits us if we continue to persevere. Although no living person has seen heaven, still, it is enjoyable to ponder on the mystery even as a clear picture eludes us. Our hope is based upon the promise that we will rise, as did Christ, in a glorified body, freed forever from suffering and sorrow. Sainthood is the eventual end, and beginning, for all believers.

Moving through our season of darkness

November reminds us that all must pass through the winter of suffering and death first, along with the purification of Purgatory. There is no way to avoid these winters even if we are fortunate enough to die in our sleep. We are aware of the aging of our bodies with all its aches and pains. The mind becomes dulled and emotions are magnified. Disease exacts great suffering. We lose family and friends to death and feel increasingly isolated as our world becomes smaller. Those who care for aging loved ones suffer as well, often feeling powerless in the relentless march towards the inevitable. Clinging to the hope given to us by God becomes the existential challenge. Truly there is martyrdom in aging.

Billie Greenwood,
“In the Winter of My Life, I Bloomed,” Flickr Creative Commons

It is a journey from death to life even as Christ suffered on the cross and died. He endured the agonies of mind, heart and body. He also rose to life again in a glorified body. While many of us will need to go through a period of purification after we die in order to prepare for sainthood, we can find comfort in the fact that many living souls are praying for us and holding us close to their hearts. Springtime will come.

Remembering those who have gone before us

November reminds us of the importance of remembering loved ones who have died. We can actively pray for them and help them through their journey of Purgatory. They can know the comfort of our companionship through their suffering.

Remembering those in our midst

November also reminds us of the need to draw close to our suffering elderly. As difficult as it can be to confront aging and the dying process, there is a profound sacredness in offering our love and care. They are going before us, acting as our guides. Those who cling to the hope of God’s love demonstrate how to let go of life while remaining engaged in it, entering into the unknown of death with courage and grace. No lesson is more important.

November is a month of grey skies and blustery winds. It is also a month to ponder the greatest of all mysteries – life, death, and resurrection. As we pray for those living and those gone on before us, let us embrace these mysteries in all that we do.

Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, MA; photo by Susan Bailey

Susan’s latest CD, “Mater Dei” is now available!
Purchase here.

Find out more / Purchase your copies

River of Grace Audio book with soundtrack music available now on Bandcamp. Listen to the preface of the book, and all the songs.

Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read my other blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion

Another great discovery right under my nose!

Published on July 20, 2016July 20, 2016 by susanwbaileyLeave a comment

Remember when I posted about discovering a little piece of heaven across the street from my house? After living there for twelve years?

Looks like I’ve found another treasure in my town. Continue reading “Another great discovery right under my nose!” →

Healing begins with knowledge: understanding the emotional impact of IC

Published on June 30, 2016 by susanwbaileyLeave a comment

JUNE 29, 2016 – Last week I wrote about dejection; today it’s anxiety. This current season of feelings, beginning with extreme aggravation, moving towards dejection and now morphing into anxiety has me quite puzzled. After this past weekend I needed to step back and try to understand just what was going on,

Last week I anticipated a wonderful weekend away with my husband at Hampton Beach, NH. I looked forward to the carnival atmosphere, the gorgeous pristine beaches along Route 1A, the shops and restaurants, and finally, the Happy Together Tour featuring singers and bands of the 1960s (The Turtles, The Cowsills, Mark Lindsay, Billy J. Kramer, Chuck Negron and Gary Puckett).

The weather was perfection – upper 70s with a refreshing onshore wind. My husband and I have needed this time together after the last hectic few months.

And yet during the trip I was overcome with anxiety. Why?

I have continued to ask God for healing as I pray for friends and family as I sensed I needed those prayers. Just as the book lifted me up and out of myself, prayers for healing uncovered information that related directly to my anxiety. It came from a most unexpected source.

I am researching a biography at the moment and have several years’ worth of notes. They need organizing so today I attended to that. In the course of the task, I came across an article called “The Psychological Effects of IC.”

Just what is IC? Short for Interstital Cystitis, IC is a painful and chronic urinary condition. When paired with Overactive Bladder (which I also have) sufferers experience sudden urges to urinate. If you are not near a bathroom, it can be an excruciating experience both physically and emotionally. It can be quite embarrassing as well. Over time you are conditioned to place the needs of your bladder above all else. I go nowhere now without immediately scouting out bathrooms.

It took years to have this condition diagnosed. Heck, it took years to get a doctor to take my complaints seriously! I took meditation for the Overactive Bladder but it did nothing for the IC. Over time I learned what foods to avoid. The discovery of AZO products (especially Bladder Control Go Less) finally began to bring my IC under control, at least during the daytime. Nighttime is another story (and for another day).

What I have discovered about IC is that it is triggered by stress and anxiety. Going away from home is a sure-fire way to trigger it. If you are not sure where the next bathroom is, you are going to obsess over finding one. Such stress triggers flare ups and before you know it, you’re in a vicious cycle.

What I did not know, however, was that there are long term emotional consequences, something I had begun to suspect after coming home from our weekend. The article I stumbled upon today confirmed that suspicion:

“Although IC is a physiological disease, the effects are emotional. The pain of IC automatically induces an emotional response … The messages from the bladder pain can make a patient feel upset, emotional and depressed as a result.”

In my case, it’s panic. And that’s what I kept experiencing in the lovely yet unfamiliar setting of Hampton Beach, NH. That, and hyper-vigilance:

“IC patients may be seen as emotionally laden victims of a traumatic experience demonstrating hyper-vigilant behavior (the need to be on guard against harm), instead of a person in need of medication to calm the unsettling symptoms of interstitial cystitis.”

This may sound a bit dramatic but the fact it that it is true. This article described my experience to perfection. There was more:

“IC is a daily responsibility … it is not a situational stress that will resolve in time. And, even though most of us build a certain amount of tolerance to the everyday bladder sensitivity (not the painful flare-ups), we still have to place our bladder needs first.”

The world with IC can become very small. And, problems can seem too big to overcome. Sometimes the limitations can make us feel stuck, sometimes with no hope for the future.”

My world has definitely shrunk as demonstrated by the tremendous anxiety I experience whenever I have to go away. I am a confirmed homebody—no trip to Europe for me. I chaperone confirmation retreats twice yearly and each weekend is a constant struggle with anxiety-induced obsessive and compulsive tendencies that interfere with my work on the retreat. Finally I have a better understanding of WHY.

I reflected a bit before sharing this blog post. IC and Overactive Bladder are hardly things spoken about freely in polite company. I don’t even know anyone who has it though I know it’s common. So why share this with you?

First of all, because someone out there might also be a sufferer and perhaps, this information can be helpful to them.
Secondly, to show that healing that comes through God’s grace is more often revealed in steps rather than granted miraculously. But just because a healing unfolds rather than effects an instant cure doesn’t make it any less miraculous in my mind.

I am convinced that because I approached God in prayer for healing (even though I didn’t specify what the healing ought to be) that he gave me the mindfulness to pay attention to this article when I found it.

We’re told that knowledge is half the battle. I believe that. This knowledge has given me great relief.

I’m not going crazy.
There is a reasonable explanation.
Now I know what to ask for in prayer for my healing.

This wave of anxiety will, in fact, pass. And when I feel it return, I know where to go and Who to ask when I need help.

p.s. Those of you suffering from Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – there is something for you in “The Psychological Effects of IC.” Something tells me we have walked down a similar path.

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Find out more / Purchase your copies

River of Grace Audio book with soundtrack music available now on Bandcamp. Listen to the preface of the book, and all the songs.

Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read my other blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion

Reaching my weight loss goal through the toolbox of Grace

Published on June 18, 2016August 18, 2016 by susanwbailey4 Comments

My latest Catholic Free Press column (June 17, 2016)

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Grace is invisible.

We feel its power pushing us forward, carrying us as does a river’s current. It takes us many places both serene and chaotic. It molds and shapes us. Yet there’s nothing concrete to grasp onto. We cannot dip our hands into its waters nor physically feel that current.

Or can we?

Continue reading “Reaching my weight loss goal through the toolbox of Grace” →

Diving deep into River of Grace with Elizabeth Reardon, host of “An Engaging Faith”

Published on December 2, 2015 by susanwbaileyLeave a comment

In this in-depth hour-long interview: we dive deep into River of Grace – gratitude in the midst of difficult times – obedience as a joyful “yes” to new adventures, new life after loss and restoring the joy of living, life metaphors for grace … Also, a quick sneak peak at Louisa May Alcott: Illuminated by The Message! Elizabeth Reardon really did her homework! Check it out.