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In this episode of Dare2Talk, I conduct an interview with my AMAZING mother, MistyDawn, where we address topics such as raising a child with mental health disabilities, combatting one’s own mental and physical health concerns, and the importance of having a good support structure. Music: “Sunny” by Benjamin Tissot (Bensound) Used under royalty-free license, certificate…
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Have you ever had a time when you didn’t want to do anything? You’re tired, drained, unmotivated, and just cannot be bothered to care enough even to put in the effort to make things happen. That is me today and a bit this week. I just cannot bring myself even to want to care. I…
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*disclaimer: I am not a medically licensed psychologist or medical practitioner. These blog posts are not meant to replace getting real help and guidance from a trained medical professional. If you are in crisis and need immediate support, contact 911 or call the suicide prevention hotline at 988.* The next tool in our toolbox for…
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In this post on Dare2Talk, we discuss mindfulness and just being without judgment. We must take time to practice non-judgment and non-action and recognize that our feelings are there for a reason. Sometimes it is nice to step away and go for a mindful walk, do some yoga, or take a moment and sit with…
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*disclaimer: I am not a medically licensed psychologist or medical practitioner. These blog posts are not meant to replace getting real help and guidance from a trained medical professional. If you are in crisis and need immediate support, contact 911 or call the suicide prevention hotline at 988.* One thing I struggle with a lot…
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*disclaimer: I am not a medically licensed psychologist or medical practitioner. These blog posts are not meant to replace getting real help and guidance from a trained medical professional. If you are in crisis and need immediate support, contact 911 or call the suicide prevention hotline at 988.* In the blog post “Overcome Exercise Barriers…
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In this episode of Dare2Talk, we discuss the mental health benefits of exercise as well as some ways to overcome the barriers that prevent us from exercising. Exercise as a whole is good for us, and while it can be challenging at times to know where or how to start, just starting and being consistent…
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*disclaimer: I am not a medically licensed psychologist or medical practitioner. These blog posts are not meant to replace getting real help and guidance from a trained medical professional. If you are in crisis and need immediate support, contact 911 or call the suicide prevention hotline at 988.* Physical activity is something most doctors will…
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*disclaimer: I am not a medically licensed psychologist or medical practitioner. These blog posts are not meant to replace getting real help and guidance from a trained medical professional. If you are in crisis and need immediate support, contact 911 or call the suicide prevention hotline at 988.* In recent posts, I have talked a…
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Hello All. I planned on getting a blog post out today on coping skills and their relationship to stress management and mental health. The post is over halfway written and will definitely come out next week; however, this week has been a bad symptom week. I have a rare form of Multiple Sclerosis, and sometimes…
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In this episode of dare2talk, we discuss the importance of breathing for getting us out of the Five F’s! We discuss the importance of focusing on breathing calmly and with purpose, as well as the benefits of belly breathing. If you have anything you want to be considered for Dare2Talk episodes, such as mindful moments…
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*disclaimer: I am not a medically licensed psychologist or medical practitioner. These blog posts are not meant to replace getting real help and guidance from a trained medical professional. If you are in crisis and need immediate support, contact 911 or call the suicide prevention hotline at 988.* In the previous blog post, Understanding the…
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I was not able to get the audio for this podcast post before it posted out to the other podcast locations (user error, but we learn from our mistakes!), but here is the YouTube video for S1E2 of Dare2Talk Podcast! Enjoy! Dare2Talk podcast S1E2: The Importance of Mental Health Awareness. Music and Sound effect credits:…
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Happy New Year and Welcome to Dare2Talk- Dare2Play Rebranded!! We are kicking off with a discussion on the importance of mental health!! Let’s Talk!!
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By Dare It’s such a cliche. “Treasure today because tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.” What a worn-out phrase. Who is living their life for the moment anymore anyway? There are bills to pay, jobs to work, houses to find, and stresses to keep you awake at night worrying about tomorrow. “Treasure today…” What’s so great about today?…
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Some exciting announcements concerning the new year! 2026 is going to be a good one for us!
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As Christmas and New Year approach, the author expresses excitement for upcoming changes in their blog, including a clearer focus on positivity and hope. Aiming for a consistent weekly posting schedule starting January 3, 2026, they will also share a personal short story and launch a related podcast.
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The author reflects on the overwhelming uncertainties and fears of life, particularly regarding financial and health challenges. Despite feelings of anxiety, they acknowledge the importance of facing the unknown and are motivated to pursue new opportunities, like blogging and podcasting, as a way to overcome fear and fulfill their aspirations.
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“When I let go of what I am I become what I might be.” ― Lao Tsu, Tao Te Ching I’ve been absent a lot in the last couple of months dealing with mental health challenges made worse by stress and financial challenges. Took a bit off to get myself right again and focus on…
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Today, I had a list of things that I was supposed to do. I was supposed to fold laundry, sweep around the litter box, cook dinner tonight, work on my book, and write a blog. Obviously I’m working on the blog, but the only way I’m able to do so is that lovely thing called …
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This post explores finding value in my existence as a human being and explores the option of writing my book again.
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Well, I am back to being a housewife. My ex-husband can tell you that I do NOT make a very good housewife. There are only so many times that I can sweep the floor, vacuum, do dishes, do laundry, make a menu and go shopping, not to mention all of the other fun stuff that…
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It’s been a hot minute since I have posted anything because I haven’t been quite sure what to write. I moved over the summer and that went well. Managed to make the drive through Canada without much incident. All my bills were paid, I found a job I loved, and I was connecting with the…
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Squishy and mine’s first night on the road was eventful with the moose and porcupine but it was only day one of three, each of which with its own adventures. Squishy and I traded places shortly after the porcupine incident day one as he attempted to sleep so we could continuously keep driving and get…
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As I have stated in previous posts, I have been preparing to move states from Alaska to Washington. This is a move made necessary by my health, living circumstances, and changing support systems. As much as I love Alaska and will likely always claim it as home, it is not known for great healthcare. Nor…
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Dare shares a personal account of struggling with an addiction to Monster Energy Drinks, which began in the Navy. Despite attempts to replace it with coffee, the cravings and emotional turmoil remain intense. The drinks negatively impact her health, exacerbating tremors and nausea. Dare seeks help, considering a 12-step program to overcome this addiction.
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The author reflects on their evolving understanding of their mother’s chronic illness after being diagnosed with their own. They discuss the emotional and physical challenges of living with such conditions, acknowledging the importance of energy management, sympathy towards others, and the pervasive impact of illness on daily life. A newfound appreciation for their mother’s experiences…
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The author reflects on their heritage and the importance of ancestry, emphasizing that the United States is a nation of immigrants. They recount personal experiences with friends from various countries, contrasting their immigrant roots with the deep ancestral ties of others. As the Fourth of July approaches, they encourage remembering one’s origins and shared immigrant…
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*this is part of the Life Lessons Series* As a little girl, I lived in a small Alaskan Village in the north. For more information on the village see “Surviving and Thriving in Alaska’s Bering Strait Village.” The location was highly remote, surrounded by tundra and water. We weren’t on the road system at all…
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As I prepare to leave this beautiful state of Alaska that I have called home for so long, I have often found myself thinking about all of the things I am going to miss about this state. I have claimed Alaska as my home since I was a small child and grown to love this…
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“The past is behind, learn from it. The future is ahead, prepare for it. The present is here, live it.” ~ Thomas S. Monson I think a lot of people in this world are guilty of this, I know I for sure am. We are guilty of looking at our past mistakes and decisions with…
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I think, since this whole experience has started, the most annoying symptom I’ve experienced is these tremors. The doctors have been calling it either pseudoseizures or functional movement disorder. Some doctors, who have since proven themselves to be unreliable, believe that they are focal seizures that aren’t getting picked up on EEG’s and have put…
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*This is part of the Life Lessons Series* When I was a young girl, I lived in a village in the northern region of Alaska. For more information on the living conditions and cultural aspects of this village, see “Surviving and Thriving in Alaska’s Bering Strait Village.” This village was small, with a population of…
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*Disclaimer: This post contains sensitive information on trauma and mental health that may not be suitable for all readers. At the end of this post are resources that can be helpful if you or someone you know and love is in crisis.* I am not shy about sharing my challenges with the world and discussing…
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This summer has turned out to be a very busy one thus far, with things changing all around! When I was 11, we moved from the Village in Northern Alaska to the home that my parents inhabited for over 20 years. I spent my teens in this house and came back to it again after…
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*This is part of the series “Life Lessons.* When I was young (from the age of 4 to 11), I lived in a small village in the northern region of Alaska, on the Bering Strait. My parents were both teachers, and they had moved my brother and me up to the village with $60 to…
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*Dislaimer- This post discuses some sensitive topics of emotional and mental abuse, homelessness, and unloving family dynamics. It is not suitable for all readers* *I have been given full consent to share this story for the reason that it may serve to show people they are not alone and spread a message of hope to…
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*This is part of the Life Lessons Series* Growing up, I guess it is fair to say that I was a little bit of a tomboy, mostly in the fact that I loved going on adventures and roughhousing with my brother and father. My brother and I, growing up, would frequently wrestle, box, and sword…
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*This is part of the series “Life Lessons.* I am the eldest sibling. My brother is almost exactly three years and one month younger than me. I have been close to my brother from the day he was born. I visited him in the hospital shortly after his birth, wearing the best big sister shirt.…
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This post is an Introduction to a Series of posts on hard won life lessons.
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One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood. -Lucius Annaeus Seneca I met my now best friend back in 2023 on a dating app of all things. At the time I was getting over the separation from my ex husband, just starting to dip my toes in…
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Over the last few years, I have enjoyed murder mystery parties and have been finding excuses, such as my birthday, to solve pretend cold cases with my family. We would get these cold case files, pretend to be detectives, and solve the crimes together after looking through all the evidence. It has been something I…
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*Disclaimer: This post contains some discussion on eating disorders and mental health struggles. If you need help or support, there are links following this post to resources available to you. I was going to wait a little bit to make this particular post, but with the events of the week, it seems to me that…
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“The greatness of animals is that they are just themselves.” – Alice Walker In December 2024, I had a pretty good sense that something was not right. How could I not have that sense with all the symptoms I’ve listed previously (read any of my previous posts for a more complete list)? But, as also…
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“Be there for friends and family regardless, when it matters most, because you never know when you might need them to be there for you.” – Martin Jeszke I am writing this post ahead of the day I post it (May 17, 2025 intending to post this Monday, May 19, 2025) because I want to…
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“The only constant in life is change.” -Heraclitus One thing I have had to contend with in this life is the fact that things change. I HATE change and don’t know anyone who doesn’t. The worst kind of change, however, is the change to the unknown. The change that is followed by a giant question…
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“People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing.” ~ Dale Carnegie In my humble opinion, life without fun and silliness isn’t worth living. During my search for quotes to start this post, it seems that many people would agree. Life without fun is no life I’d want to have, at least,…
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It has been said often that the best way to get God to laugh at you is to tell him your plans. While my relationship with God is complicated and not up for discussion here, I cannot deny that this statement has quite a ring of truth to it when I look back at all…