Sleepy black and white cat on a blanket beside a steaming coffee mug and open journal on wooden kitchen table

The Armor of Morning Gratitude

The author shares how cultivating gratitude has significantly improved her life. Through daily reflection on what she is thankful for, both big and small, fostering a positive outlook and mental well-being. Readers are encouraged to adopt this habit, highlighting its potential to transform perspectives and enhance emotional health.

Fiery glowing heart breaking through a cracked stone pillar in an ancient stone hall

Choosing Peace Over Validation: The Shift That Is Setting Me Free

WordPress Daily Writing Prompt #2812 for July 4, 2026 We live in a world driven by metrics, likes, and constant feedback, making it incredibly easy to fall into the trap of measuring our worth by how much others notice us. I recently stumbled upon a profound reminder to step off that treadmill. While scrolling through…

Strawberries in a bowl in a garden and halved strawberries in snow outdoors

Heartfelt Haikus: Exploring Emotions Through Poetry

Maria Appleby’s haikus capture nature’s beauty and emotions, from summer’s ripe strawberries to winter’s chill. Themes of love, longing, and serenity resonate through her poetic imagery, offering readers reflections on life’s fleeting moments and the complexity of the heart. The poems span various years, showcasing her evolving artistry.

Person sitting on wooden bench beside mist-covered lake during sunrise

From there to here.

A journey from what I dreamed my life would be to what it actually became.

A low-angle shot of a single yellow wildflower viewed from underneath against a pale blue sky.

Changes.

Yesterday marked the end of my therapy journey with a long-term MST/PTSD therapist who guided me through nearly four years of challenges. I’m moving on to a new therapist and ACT, feeling a mix of gratitude, pride, sadness, and fear about this transition. I reflect on the emotional impact of changing therapists.

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.