A woman with curly hair sitting at a wooden desk from a behind-the-shoulder view, looking at a glowing 27-inch computer monitor displaying a global network map with the bold text "OUTRAGE BY DESIGN" and a button reading "RECLAIM YOUR FEED".

Outrage by Design: How to Spot Digital Manipulation and Reclaim Your Feed.

In my last post, I noted that “Modern technology amplifies political and religious polarization. Digital platforms don’t just connect us; they often actively sort us into groups that reinforce our existing fears.” Today, we are going to look under the hood. We are going to examine the exact playbook influencers and political actors use to turn…

Again.

I’m not asking about all guns. I’m asking about military style weapons. Is it really that important for an average citizen to own an AR-15? This is not a hunting rifle. Why shouldn’t background checks become universal, and stricter? Why shouldn’t there be waiting periods on all gun sales? Why shouldn’t there be “red flag”…

From there to here. (1/21/22)

I know some folks who have known me all my life……find some of this so strange. That I went from being one kind of person, to another so different. Most, if not all, of what I am writing tonight, I have mentioned before. But, I still get asked why I am like this now. How…

Did it. (1/19/22)

(Originally posted on Facebook on 1/19/22.) Here’s how things went today, for my first official “outing” by myself. I would have preferred it not be a 60 mile round trip via Interstate driving to an office so full of people, but what to do? That’s what it was, and that’s what I had to do.…

Don’t wanna, but gotta. (1/10/22)

(Originally posted on Facebook on 1/10/22.) So. Next Wednesday will be the first time I’m driving myself to the VA in Danville (about 70 miles round-trip). It’s also going to be the first time that I will be doing ANYTHING by myself in 4-5 years. It’s one of those “no choice” deals, the only way…

Changes.

Yesterday was my last therapy session with my long-term MST/PTSD therapist. She helped me through nearly four years of “stuff” …… some of it hellish, some of it hard, all of it a learning experience. Enticing me out of long entrenched comfort zones that were no longer beneficial to me, was probably not that easy.…

What I learned this week.

I learned something about myself this week. I have realized that I take way too much “stuff” from people in order to have a friendship with them. I also learned that if someone didn’t think much of me as a human being 35 years ago, they don’t now, either. I invest my time and energy…

The list that thwarted me.

The V.A. has enabled me to do a lot of my PTSD therapy at home via Telehealth. I was provided with an iPad mini for this purpose. The last several weeks I have done therapy at home, and am very grateful for this. I’m able to stay home and stay safe, while my state is…

Feeling bad about feeling bad.

THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2020  I’ll start this off by reminding readers that I am not a mental health professional. I write from the perspective of a person who lives with a myriad of mental and emotional health issues. Those that have followed my haphazard blog along it’s bumpy road, know some of the reasons and…

Purple journal labeled 'Journal Thoughts & Musings' open with handwritten notes, coffee mug saying 'CREATE', pens, and colorful pencils

Random Ramblings

The author reflects on their journey of journaling and note-taking during PTSD treatment, rediscovering writings in a cherished purple notebook. They plan to compile these writings for personal revisitation, emphasizing self-discovery rather than seeking external validation. The content includes poetry and a personal mission statement centered on kindness and self-love.