Archives for May 2020

In Honor of Those Who Gave Their Lives for Our Freedom

May 25, 2020 By Deanna 4 Comments

Happy Memorial day, 2020! As the United States of America is slowly starting to open up again from the quarantine, no doubt families will be having cookouts and enjoying the great outdoors all across the nation today. Mine will be.

As a sober woman today, I’m able to truly embrace all the freedoms available to me as an American. Today I honor those men and women who fought and died for my opportunity to choose freedom.

I have a good friend who’s son is in the navy and she recently posted on social media the difference between the following holidays which honor our servicemen and women:

To be honest, I don’t think I truly knew the difference between these holidays. 😉

I pray that this post finds you healthy and safe during this unique year.

Additionally, I pray you are able to enjoy your family to some capacity today.

Furthermore, I pray that you are able to take some time today to reflect on those men and women who never were able to take off their uniforms.

Remembering Our Fallen Heros

I’m grateful for the freedom I have in America. I’m certain at times I unintentionally take it for granted. It’s easy to do that when it’s all we’ve ever known.

The older I get I try to really reflect on what the holidays truly mean. Today is a solemn day. Sure, we, as Americans typically celebrate it by cooking out and enjoying the outdoors in some fashion. And, there’s nothing wrong with that!

Others, who’ve lost someone close to them, may visit the cemeteries.

However, I urge all of us Americans, at some point today to take a pause and have a moment of silence. Actually, each year on Memorial Day our country has a moment of silence at 3:00 pm local time.

If you are a praying person, pray for the families who’ve lost a loved one who died serving our country or better yet, reach out to these folks.

Lastly, teach the young kiddos in our lives what Memorial Day means and share that moment of silence with them.

Creating Space in a Small Apartment

May 18, 2020 By Deanna 6 Comments

I’ve always loved getting rid of stuff but now that I have a word to define it (minimalism) I’m more intentional. I’ve known about minimalism and even subscribed to it but recently as I’ve studied it a bit more mostly via the site, Becoming Minimalist, I’m more inspired to reduce.

Less really is more…especially in a small apartment.

This post is in part inspired by the need of a friend and a recent article I read by Rose Lounsbury on Becoming Minimalist. After reading it, I then went over to Rose’s website and found her Ted talk…

Yeah, she based a talk and an article all on a very simple question – how many towels do you need? It’s a good question and one that should provoke thought. It does and did for me. And to be perfectly honest it couldn’t have come at a better time.

You see, I love getting rid of stuff but what I love more than getting rid of stuff is giving stuff to people in need. I have a friend in recovery who newly moved out of a group living situation and into his and his new bride’s first home. They need all kinds of things and I knew I could contribute, even in some small way, to them.

So with the question that struck me as relevant, “how many towels do you need?” and a friend in need, I went to work with more decluttering.

How I am Simplifying My Morning Routine

May 11, 2020 By Deanna 10 Comments

As I recently minimalized my wardrobe, I’ve also focused on simplifying my morning routine. I’ve never been one to wear lots of makeup but I don’t know why it took this long for me to finally focus on what I truly love and don’t need.

Firstly, I know many folks, including Moi, are still working from home. However, as we slowly get back into the world of working with others why not embrace a simpler morning routine? Maybe now, as we get ready to reset and reenter, is a perfect time for such a change.

Anyway, it was something I did just before the pandemic, and I’m eager to share it with you now.

Brain Health: The Power of Music

May 4, 2020 By Deanna Leave a Comment

Well, it’s been a while since I’ve written in my Brain Health Series. What better time than during quarantine to read, research, and write more about the most fascinating organ, the brain!

The book I most frequently refer to, at least so far, in my series is Brain Rules by Dr. John Medina. Today we’ll be focusing on his brain rule #10 Music – study or listen to boost cognition.

Dr. Medina, and I’m sure other scientists, are looking for some longer-term, real-life studies that will prove conclusive evidence about the ability of music and the brain. However, there have been several studies performed in lab settings that show intriguing results.

I’m no scientist but the results I’ll be highlighting here are quite amazing!

Please note all the studies and results highlighted in my article were taken from Dr. John Medina’s book, Brain Rules.

Additionally, as a person of faith, I can attest that there are biblical stories pertaining to the power of music and worship. I’ll intertwine some of these stories here in this article as well.

Let me whet your appetite with the fact that Gabrielle Giffords, the congresswoman who survived a gunshot to the head, was able to learn to speak again in part due to singing and music therapy. When Dr. Oliver Sacks was interviewed about Gifford, he said, “nothing activates the brain so extensively as music. It has been possible to create a new language area in the right hemisphere. And that below my mind.”

That gets my heart to beat a little faster!! You?