Why Art Journal?
LisaDiana Delaney
Because I want to feel better! I finally want to be in control of my brain disease symptoms and be able to function like a "normal" person. To do that, I need to be able to "dump" my symptoms . Did you see I didn't say, "my emotions"? Why? Because I see Bi-Polar 2 as a brain disease with symptoms NOT a mental illness. That's MY view on it. It's not in my mind. It's in my brain and it causes anxiety, panic, tremors, stammering, dizziness, exhaustion and a depth of depression that is bottomless. Those are MY symptoms. I don't create them. They are caused by my brain disease. I'm not responsible for my symptoms any more than a cancer patient is responsible for hers. My view might not be familiar or popular but I believe the only way to change anything, like the terrible...
Thumbnail image by Justin Posey
Shift a Problem-Saturated Focus to a Solution-Finding Zone
A positive attitude or positive self-talk may not solve all your problems but it will put you in a better space to find solutions. When you shift your self-talk to “what is the best way to get through this?” you will move out of a problem-saturated state into a positive solution-focused zone. Your body's anxiety/fear response calms and brain cortisol levels reduce. The brain's alarm bell (the amygdala) settles and endorphins - the feel good hormones, are released and flood your brain and body. The biofeedback body-brain cycle reduces the fear you are experiencing. You can now access the memory and creativity part of your brain and connect to your higher functions in the brain's frontal cortex.This is how the science worked for me.I was camping with my friend and our children in the Australian bush. My friend... 
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The Power of Positive Self-Talk
Do you want to feel calmer and less anxious? Do you want to improve your health and well-being, and confidence? Do you want to have the energy to give your goals your best effort? Your positive words and outlook has a powerful impact on your actions.Each time I sat down to write an internal voice in my head said "you can't write". This self-dialogue had been running for many years and despite all the evidence that countered this claim each time I was required to write a report or an assignment the thought "you can't write" created a change in my brain and my body. My heart would race, I felt sick in the stomach, I was unable to focus, and often I would avoid the task because my my mind was in turmoil. The thought changed my brain and my... 
Respect (definition) is a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.Respect has many facets.Respect for gender. Respect for culture. Respect for religious or spiritual beliefs. Respect for sexual preference.Respect for Your-Self.
Different but part of the whole
Respect difference - yours and mine.
Not everyone has the same values, beliefs or ways of being AND that is OK.You can respect difference AND enjoy connection.Diversity adds a richness to life
Have you ever let something go until the resentment explodes from you like a spewing volcano?Have you tried to avoid conflict by "swallowing" the anger at the lack of consideration for your needs or disrespect for you? When you have had a "gut full" you finally ask for what like a screaming banshee only to have the other person say "why didn't you tell me?" or loose the relationship/friendship/job.Be respectful with others -... 
Sleep rejuvenates your body, mind and spirit
An adequate amount of regular sleep is essential for good mental health. 8 hours sleep is recommended for the average adult. Research shows that healthy sleep habit strategies provide a long-term solution to sleep difficulties.Medications tend to be effective in the short-term however the ongoing use of sleeping pills may lead to dependence and interfere with developing good sleep habits independent of medication.Sufficient and restful sleep is a human necessityStudies have shown that if your regular sleep hours are reduced by one hour over a three-week period your physical, mental and emotional well-being is impacted negatively. You may begin to experience mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression and stress-induced symptoms. Poor or reduced hours of sleep can affect your daily functioning - fatigue, irritability, tension headaches, and poor concentration and memory.InsomniaInsomnia is defined as difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep at least 3 nights... 