Upside Down Rainbows, in the midst of mayhem...

WOW...

These past few weeks have been filled with mayhem, craziness, and odd happenings. So many things that have happened in the world lately have been devastating. From natural disaster to tainted products in China, hurting so many people. Please, don't forget, if you are a prayer-er (highly recommended here:)) to keep all of these people in your prayers, thoughts, and actions.

While reading the news today, I came upon, yet, another strange incident, but this time, it was beautiful, and a winner!

In the UK, Cambridge to be exact, a upside down rainbow was spotted, and captured by photo. Take a peek at the story here. Click here for the story and picture.

Wow. One commenter on the story mentioned "It looks like God's smile!". It is a beautiful thing.

Thanks God! I am sure that it really helped some people today. When I take the time to look at the beauty of nature, it seems to always put things back into perspective. I am so blessed. I thank God today for his mercy, and kindness he has given me. Again, I am so blessed.

Bernadine Wade Marches On! Protesters March to Protect Children

Nearly 130 gather to raise support for new law that would require monitors on school vehicles.

Click here to read the update on the story of the courageous Ms. Bernadine Wade, and her struggle to get the laws changed to protect our children! Ms. Wade, you and your family are in my prayers, and thank you so much for what you are doing!

Also, to keep up to date on her family's story, and what this is all about, click here to go to the family's website. This is an issue that we all can help and do something about. Please, check it out.

Photo credit: REPOSITORY SCOTT HECKEL

Press Release | Bernadine Wade The March to Protect Children

Seven Year Old Girl Sexually Assaulted on a School Van in Ohio Leads Family and Activists to Join Together to Change Law North Canton, Ohio – March 11, 2008 – On Friday, April 11th, activists, parents, child advocacy groups, disability rights organizations, media personalities, clergy, community leaders, lawyers and others will convene in Ohio.

read more | digg story

Dick Gregory is the Absolute Coolest Man on Earth

I have always loved Dick Gregory; his analogies, his words of wisdom, his unmatchable charisma!

I encourage you to visit his website. Click Here to check it out.

Dick Gregory is truly a man of wisdom, and he teaches and shares his wisdom with such a humor and straightforward approach. When I hear him speak, I find myself laughing at his cleverness, and then crying because of his sincere truthfulness.

Dick Gregory once said, “Once we used to have to crank up our cars, now you can pop it on from inside your house. Everything has changed except how we get freedom.”

Today, I just wanted to thank God for Dick Gregory, and thank you Mr. Gregory, for sharing your light and love so generously!

Why Me? Depression and Narcolepsy - What I Have Learned

Why me?

Have you ever thought this, or said these two words?

I am a person who has Narcolepsy. When I was diagnosed with Narcolepsy, at first, I felt so much relief. I felt like finally, I know what it is! Finally, I knew why I fell asleep so many times when it wasn't normal. I knew why I couldn't focus on one thing for very long. I knew why my knees would buckle, and why all of the sudden I just couldn't talk! Wheew. After 14 years of wondering what the heck was wrong with me, I'm not crazy, or lazy, I just have Narcolepsy! WOOHOO!!!

And then came the hurricane. Why me? Why me? Why didn't the doctors test me for this 10 years ago? Why didn't they listen to me? Why did they just say "you have depression, that is why you are so sleepy." And all of the people in my life, they got so mad at me. They told me I needed to get more sleep and eat right. I remember people telling me everything from how selfish I was for not doing things that I should have been doing, to someone asking me if I had a drug problem. errrrrrrr. I got so mad. Mad at the whole world! Mad at God for giving me this illness!!

Today, thank God, I am not mad anymore. Ok, I admit, I still have my "not so pleasant" moments, and sometimes I do feel depressed, but I stopped blaming other people for just simply not knowing. I stopped the inner hate that I had for myself for not being able to live up to other people's standards. I started living again. One thing that helped was finally admitting to myself that I have Narcolepsy. I have limitations. I still am working on that one, but I learn more each day.

The really strange thing is that even though Narcolepsy is not my friend, it has been my teacher. I don't believe that God wants anyone to be ill, and some illnesses are caused by the way we care or don't care for ourselves. I don't know why I have Narcolepsy, but I don't think about as much anymore. If I ever start thinking about how bad I have it, it takes just a few minutes to remember how much worse it could be and how many other people in this world have so much less than I do. So many people suffer with so much, and I know that I am so fortunate.

I have learned that having an illness that is not easily visible to the eye is not easy. I have learned that someone telling me that they care and that they understand means more to me than anything anyone could ever say to me. And here's a little tip, If you ever want someone to know you really care, flowers and gifts are nice, but telling them is by far the most incredible, healing gift anyone could ever give and receive!!

I now feel that my illness has allowed me to relate to others with more compassion and empathy. And let me tell you, when I have a day that I feel awake, I mean really alive, I appreciate that more than you could ever know.

I ain't gonna lie, I do have day where I don't as if I really want to live. But, at the same time, I certainly don't want to die. I just want my life to be different, and I know that that is something that can only come from within.

I drive, I live independently. I can care for myself, and I am free make my own choices. I am not sick, and I am not crazy or lazy. I am blessed. I am not only a survivor, I am a conqueror!

Of course, if I had the chance right now to get rid of this Narcolepsy, I would jump and jump and jump at the chance to be Narcolepsy free!! But until that day comes, I thank God for everything that he has taught me, and teaches me from having Narcolepsy.

If you have gotten this far in reading...Thank you. I just want you to know, whoever you are, you can find good in the rough things in life. God loves you. There is a reason for everything...just do your best to use it all; It is a struggle, and we are all human, just do your best, change it around and turn it into somethin' good. You are loved. You are a living, breathing, human being. You have a purpose, and life is the journey in which the many purposes unfold.

Go easy,
Ja:)

Terrible Accident, "Miracles" Found!

Weeks ago, I posted a story about a man named Steve Litzkow, who uses a horse and buggy because of his illness, Narcolepsy. He was tossed from his horse and buggy by a hit and run driver. He was seriously injured, his buggy was in shreds, and most sadly, his horse was killed.

While he was recovering, another family donated a new buggy for Mr. Litzkow. It was a beautiful thing! Please read my earlier posts about this story for more details if you are interested.

So many people since then, have stepped up, and helped Steve. What I think is the most incredible part of his story is the way that he has responded to this whole tragedy. Click here for the latest follow up article from the East Central Minnesota Post Review website. You won't regret it!

This is a a tragic story that Steve Litzkow has turned into a story of blessings, and a perfect example of how a person can find miracles in the most unexpected places.

Thank you Steve Litzkow, for reminding me what life is really all about.

Your Limitations Are Not Weaknesses!

With me having Narcolepsy, one of the biggest struggles is accepting my limitations. At first, it was knowing what my limitations were. Now it is accepting them. In a world where most people have no idea what is going on with you, by having Narcolepsy, it makes it more difficult; for me anyway.

When you can't wake up, and are late to work. When you fall asleep while talking to someone on the phone. Things like this I am sure make it really hard for people without Narcolepsy to understand why these things happen.

Now, to be honest, some of these things that happen, I just do not have control over them. But some of them...I do. If I am not doing everything that I can to take the best care of myself, then these things can become worse.

Knowing your limitations, and adhering to them are two very different things!

Sometimes I will stay up way too late, because I feel awake and can do things that I want to do, and then, the next day, I pay the price.

Your limitations are not weaknesses. Everyone has limitations. You and only you know what your limitations are.

On the other side of the coin, Never let other people decide your limitations or capabilities.
There will always be people who will say you're not good enough, smart enough, healthy enough, etc. to accomplish your goals. Don't listen. Remember, you can accomplish anything you set your heart and mind to accomplish! Just do it in a way that doesn't exhaust your resources.

Know and adhere to your own limitations!

The Effects of Sleep Deprivation

Hola all!

Any of you feeling sleepy? Even if you do not have a medical condition that may contribute to poor quality sleep, or lack of sleep, sleep deprivation is so common in our fast paced, get it all done now, society.

Do you know how sleep deprivation can effect you? So many people don't realize just how important sleep is to your well-being. Fact is; you gotta sleep. You cannot survive without it. Here are some of the effects that sleep deprivation may have on you!

Sleep deprivation can cause:

Depression: This is common sense, isn't it? When you don't get sleep, you feel like crap. If you consistently don't get your Z's, you feel like crap everyday. And then, the grand prize for your efforts...Depression!

Heart Disease: Yes, it is true. Regular sleep deprivation can cause heart disease. Don't believe me? Look it up for yourself.

Difficulty with social relationships: This is another one that just is easy to figure out. When you are sleepy, you don't really feel like being the life of the party, or even thinking about any kind of party. With continued sleep deprivation, social relationships can become severely damaged. Isolation is just natural when you feel so tired. It is also common with depression too.

I am not trying to depress anyone reading this, so I will tell you, there is something that you can do!!

Relaxation techniques, pain management, exercise, and avoiding caffiene and alcohol are just some things that you can do for starters on your own. Sometimes though, these things are just not enough.

If doing your best to create the best sleep that you possible can does not prove to be successful, you may have an underlying condition causing a problem with your sleep. If at all possible, this is the best time to see your doctor, and discuss your symptoms to see if you may have a sleep disorder, or another condition effecting your sleep.

OK, people I know this may sound like some public service announcement, but it is really serious! For more interesting effects of sleep loss, check out these following articles. Some of them are amazing, and some are just plain scary!

Sleep Deprivation: Causes and Consequences

Sleep deprivation as bad as alcohol impairment, study suggests

Brain Activity is Visibly Altered Following Sleep Deprivation

Scientists Finding Out What Losing Sleep Does to a Body - This one is scary!

Ok, why are you still here? Go get some sleep!