MENTAL HEALTH UPDATE

I just finished 2 weeks at the Bryan Hospital (Lincoln) Partial Program, which included lots of group therapy. There was information regarding depression, anxiety, & stress management. We spent time working on our WRAP [Wellness Recovery Action Plan]. Some of this was new to me; some was information I had learned in the past, but it was a great review.

I also had a neuro-psych test. It was determined that my issues are primarily the result of depression & anxiety, not cognitive impairment. This was reassuring to me. I also need to have my meds adjusted, adding a new anti-depressant & tapering off one or two others.

RESOLUTIONS UPDATE

How am I doing? I'm glad you asked.

• Write a 365-day devotion book.  Finished. Now I have to decide whether or not to have it published.
• Average one road trip per month.  As of today, we've had 4 road trips, so we're ahead of schedule. Our next road trip is a visit with Nathan, Laura, Calvin & Clair in the Twin Cities, coming up at the end of this month & beginning of April.
• Add to our National Park & bucket list.  We've booked an Alaskan cruise in July, & this will include visits to Denali & Glacier Bay National Parks.
• Lose at least 10 lbs.  Only 11 lbs. to go.
• Work out at least 3X per week.  This is not going very well.
• No politics in my Mental Health MON blog.  This is going well.
• Receive a DNA report from Ancestry. com.  Not accomplished yet.
• Cut back on coffee.  I'm down to 3 cups per day & no coffee after noon.

CORONAVIRUS

"Scientists and doctors say the next few weeks are crucial, that the virus’s spread must be slowed. We have to slow it. We have to be health hawks. 

"Bite the bullet, close the schools a few weeks, and see where we are. Cancel celebrations. Marry, but have the wedding party later. Make the birthday bash twice as good next year. Put everything on pause. The need for social distancing may at this point make the difference between a hard time and hell. Work from home if you have a job that allows you to. 

"Get money to people who are now working sick. This is an emergency, that’s your job if you’re in Washington, make it work.

"Get. The. Tests."  Peggy Noonan, Drudge Report, 3/14

Dept. of Shameless Joke-Stealing*

* compliments of Reader's Digest, Feb. 2020

Thomas Rainer, founder of Church Answers, asked ministers & churchgoers alike to share the best excuses they've heard for skipping church.

• I couldn't get the lid off the peanut butter.
• Both of my girlfriends attend church there.
• The pastor stays in the Bible too much.
• The pastor i too attractive. When I see him preaching, I have impure thoughts & I am distracted.
• My wife cooked bacon for breakfast, & our entire family smelled like bacon.
• The worship leader pulls up his pants too often. It's distracting.
• I always get hemorrhoids on Sunday.
• Someone called me "brother" instead of using my name.
• The church is too close to drive & too far to walk.