Mental Illness Is Not A Choice, But Recovery Is...

May  is Mental Health Awareness Month and was inspired to write a blog on what it means to live this illness.  I don't speak by experience however it exists as I've seen family members go through this ordeal of pain and have also volunteered along and worked with mental ill patients in my community.

It happens to everyone. Mental illness knows no  age limit, economic status, race, creed, colors or celebrity status. It doesn't make a difference it happens to all. When I worked as a volunteer for The San Pedro Mental Health Center in my community couldn't understand what happens with the mind as they lead their daily lives and wanted to know more.... this is when I studied "Life Coaching" and "Leader Intership" and received by certification by Harvard PHD Medical School 3 years ago.

I figured helping the ill would make our community a better thriving city however it involved  a lot of hard work... more than I anticipated and I was already working a business from home which took my time away. You need to also learn how to not get too involved in the process as it can affect your life. It became draining to me because I've also dealt with it in my family. 

This is a touchy subject as I haven't come forward speaking of this in itself within my family however we must be authentic as it can help others heal, seek help and know they are not alone. The dilemma is not doing anything about it and thinking it will go away. IT won't go away. 

One of the things people need to understand about mental illness is that we can be clueless as to how to deal with it. I've caught myself as well not knowing how to deal with it when others go through this and how to help... However maybe we can ask "Help me to understand what your going through?" "What's going through your mind?"  

We've heard lots of celebrities that also endure this illness. Some of the greatest Leaders and Celebrities are the following:

• Robin Williams (Rest In Peace)
• Demi Lovato
• Catherine Zeta Jones
• Emma Thompson
• Jim Carrey
• JK Rowling
• John Nash
• Beethoven
• Winston Churchill
• Charles Dickens
• Abe Lincoln

Whether it's bipolar, depression, schizophrenia, paranoia, anxiety... they all derive from mental illness and to not seek therapy or counseling is very unwise! Majority of  times medication will be prescribed however I a a firm believer of healing the mind with a higher power. To me that is God (Jesus Christ) 

Not pushing religion on anyone - (Just thought I'd throw it out there)

There is one things in common that I've found with mental illness people and that is that they are incredibly intelligent. They have great memory, are the most profound mathematicians... Although I was considered a whiz kid (I don't fall into that category)  As a matter of fact I couldn't stand Math! Worse subject ever that I failed over and over again ha! (Just being real!) 

Ever seen the movie "A Beautiful Mind" starring Russell Crow? 

It was based on the life of "John Nash" a nobel in economics. A mathematical genius, he made an astonishing discovery early in his career and stood at the brink of international acclaim but the handsome and arrogant Nash soon found himself on a painful journey of self-discovery. 

That movie was crazy! You didn't know what was real and what happens with a person that suffers this illness. Movies are incredible because they depict real life stories of what people go through and helps us understand a little more of what they go through in life. Another movie similar was "What's eating Gilbert Grape" Anyone remembers? Starring Johnny Depp and Leo DiCaprio (oldies but goodies)

And the reason I write this blog is to share this month's awareness and to be REAL. It takes guts to be real but it takes more guts to accept help and seek recovery.  Recovery takes time and if you suffer from it and unable to function in your daily activities my suggestion is to seek therapy. If it's too expensive research programs in your neighborhood. Medi-cal can be accepted or your own private insurance... But seek HELP! As it won't simply go away... 


"End The Stigma"

Super Fun & Creative Way To Be Greatful :)

"Gratitude Is The Best Attitude"

 Are you running into serendipities? Signs? Awe moments? If not pay attention to your surroundings. I love to be out in nature and lead a balanced life and when this happens I tend run into animals, signs, amazing moments. Today I seen a hummingbird on some purple flowers and had to say awe! How cuuute! It flew by the time my phone was about to snap a selfie ha!

Yesterday and today noticed lots of signs very good ones so I'm thinking were going to have a great week full of them if you have haven't experienced them maybe you should head out in nature and notice the stillness, the wind, the sun, the rays, flowers, animals and be Greatful for the simple things we often take for granted and not pay much attention to! :)

At the beginning of 2016 read somewhere in social media about a really cool project you can do to feel more greatful. Not only is it creatively fun but trains your mind to feel greatful and focus within rather than what we lack or comparisons. I do it daily in the mornings and intend to have it filled by the end of the year. I've included in this vlog the jar which I decorated and as you can tell it's filling up! Yay! :)

Laura has many things to be greatful for especially after recovering from very bad stomach pains I had recently endured that landed me in the ER. Not a happy camper! I'm good now though thank GOD! :)  Life is precious and last time I take it for granted! And so I'm greatful for starting over, turning a new leaf and getting my body back in shape.

Creating this gratitude jar really helps! :) You can buy any clear jar as the reason for it being clear is to notice the gratitude papers inside crumpled or folded. At the end of the year you can read each one and see how you lead a greatful year and many reasons to be greatful for :) It's super easy, super simple and super duper fun! :)

It doesn't matter how you apply gratitude whether a journal, a blog, social media or a jar like this one! What matters is your putting it out  and being grateful for the small things is sexy! 

"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.

Take a look at the video I did for a little more info on the jar and how fun it can be!

What Do Stars Do To Be Happy... :)

Wikipedia defines "Celebrities"  as fame and public attention in the media, usually applied to a person, group of people (celebrity couple, family, etc.), or, occasionally, to animals. 

Celebrity status is often associated with wealth (commonly referred to as fame and fortune) and fame can often provide opportunities to make money.

Successful careers in sports and entertainment are commonly associated with celebrity status; political leaders often become celebrities. People may also become celebrities due to media attention for their lifestyle, wealth, or controversial actions, or for their connection to a famous person.

I began to research what celebrities do to stay happy as they are like all of us only difference is they have more chi-ching! And this is what I found and you will see your not any different. We are all people and next time you see one... don't be star-struck (note to self) ha! 

• 1) THEY FOLLOW THEIR PASSION - it takes nerve to do what you love! They’ve done just that and show what can happen when you commit to a dream the rest of the world thinks your crazy. They don't quit or let others get in the way of their goals
• 2) THEY DEFINE THEIR OWN SIGNATURE STYLE - forget the trend du jouivez. Enduring icons develop their own unique style and identity. Think of your all time idol. Chances are she can claim a signature look or defining fashion statement.
• 3) THEY TAKE RISKS- Whatever its playing an unexpected role, experimenting with a new hairstyle or speaking up about controversial issues, trendsetters have the courage to put themselves out there
• 4) THEY ARE GREATFUL - The benefits of cultivating gratitude are endless.  Being thankful opens doors, enhances self-esteem and improves emotional mental and physical states.
• 5) THEY FIND INSPIRATION IN OTHERS-Why go it alone? Mentors offer guidance and support professionally and personally. Models are admired because they recognize the importance of asking for help.
• 6) THEY KEEP IT POSITIVE - They are optomistic, root for themselves, live in the present and understand the importance of self-care, our most admired stars approach their goals holistically from all angles and find balance in work, family and play (One star comes to mind: Gwyneth Paltrow)

These are pretty good traits we can also follow as our self-care matters and should be a priority in our lives. When we inspire others, take risks, define our own style, keep it positive and most importantly follow our passions we can be unstoppable! 

Have a great one! 

XO

You Are Your Brand, How Are You Seen?

How To Fascinate By Being More... :)

Do you run a business from home? from the beach? wherever? whenever? 

Then you know it's all about marketing and getting your products in the hands of your right audience. Many times we market to everyone without knowing what their needs are and we are seen as salespeople and that is not what we need to be seen as.

Times have definitely changed in this new era in technology. From magazine writers v's bloggers, from reading the newspaper to getting your news online, from blockbusters videos to netflix. 

As the growth in millennials rapidly advance it's all about trust what your selling and can you be trusted. Millennials do more research, are into technology & want to be part of something bigger then themselves. 

It's safe to say if your not branding yourself, not your company nobody will know about you or your services. People do business with people that is why we are in the relationship business. If you brand only your company there is not a mutual trust as they don't know much about you!  

How are you being perceived? Do you feel the way to sell is by changing how you are to please your audience? Must you sacrifice yourself to sell? Must you be looked upon as desperate?

Prior to branding myself had no clue as to how others perceive me and I've tried to be everything to everyone. I call it the people's pleasing syndrome! It was draining and tiring and felt as I was chasing down my customers like a dangling carrot haha :)

Here are examples of 7 advantages of fascination...






Have a great day! :)

Laura Ramos
@TheBuzzingCatalyst