WRITING *

* Compliments of Reader's Digest, Nov. 2021

" . . . hundreds of studies over several decades have looked at the potential benefits of expressive writing & found that it can strengthen the immune system, including for people with illnesses such as cancer, PTSD, depression, asthma, & arthritis. Research also found that it can help reduce chronic pain & inflammation & improve mood, sleep, & memory. And it may even help reduce symptoms of depression & PTSD, & prevents colds & flu. 

"Expressive writing works because it allows you to make meaning out of a painful experience, experts say. Recognizing that something is bothering you is an important first step. Translating that experience into language forces you to organize your thoughts. And creating a narrative gives you a sense of control.

But there are a few caveats. Expressive writing isn't a magical panacea. It shouldn't be used as a replacement for other treatments.And people coping with a severe trauma or depression may not find it useful to do on their own, without therapy . . . 

How to practice expressive writing

> Set aside time, alone.

> Think short-term.

> Pick your medium.

> Choose a topic.

> Let sleeping dogs lie.

> Make the connections.

> Give  yourself advice.

> Don't limit yourself.

> Don't share.

> Power through.

> Move on.

HERE'S TO YOUR HEALTH

More specifically, here's to OUR health. Last WED I started suffering from some troublesome symptoms--particularly a bad cough & aches. By THU I was experiencing more achiness & fatigue. When my symptoms hadn't improved by FRI morning, I went to see my doctor. I tested positive for influenza A & a "non-COVID corona virus." So, I started taking Tamiflu & industrial-strength cough medicine. Some of my symptoms are lingering, but I do seem to be getting better. [Well, read on.]

Then there's Lois. She decided to take part in a Meridian study, so on FRI morning she got a Pflizer shot. By FRI night she was starting to exhibit some of the same symptoms as me, plus a fever. Was it COVID? Influenza A? A reaction to the vaccine? She was feeling pretty rough by SAT, but yesterday seemed to be doing better.

Monday morning update:  Last night at supper I discovered that I had lost my sense of taste. Well, that seemed alarming, so this morning I took another COVID test at home. I tested negative, but I feel pretty crappy. I had to reschedule an eye appointment & phone in sick for Orphan Grain Train. My cough is really bothering me a lot more, too.  In the immortal words of Linda Ronstadt, "Poor, poor pitiful me."

THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE WYOMING

"Wyoming has new app for claiming roadkill." Norfolk Daily News, 3/22

 . . . FLORIDA

"Miami Beach officially declares state of emergency after 2 shootings." msn.com, 4/23

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Worst fast food sauces you should never order *

* Compliments of msn.com, 4/23

> McD's creamy ranch sauce

> Culver's sweet & tangy bbq sauce

> Raising Canes's cane sauce

> KFC honey mustard.