Many of us have seen that stereotypical image of a blind person wearing sunglasses and carrying a white cane. For years I wrongly assumed that wearing sunglasses was because the person either had no vision or their eyes didn’t look natural. It wasn’t until I lost my own vision that I learned otherwise.
Now blind people wear sunglasses for a host of reasons. Some might be because of total blindness or appearance of their eyes. Or it could be they have trouble making continuous eye contact.
National Sunglasses Day
Since June 27, is National Sunglasses Day it’s perfect timing to talk about this topic. The Vision Council started this day in 2014. The idea was to encourage people to wear sunglasses in order to protect their eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays. But let’s explore other reasons why the blind wear sunglasses.
Sunglasses Help Improve Vision
1. Again, not all blind people are totally blind. Actually, the majority have some level of vision. They might see light, shadows, shapes, or objects with magnification. Sunglasses reduce glare and help improve vision. A glare that only takes up a small portion of a seeing person’s visual field may take up nearly all of our visual field.
People with vision loss commonly experience photophobia, also known as light sensitivity. Sunglasses can decrease discomfort or further vision loss from bright lights. When I went blind I experience photophobia. Actually, it was what prompted me to seek medical attention. I couldn’t stand light of any kind; indoor or out. My eyes burned and I had severe migraines.
Sunglasses Protect From the Sun
2. When outside we all need to wear sunglasses whether sighted or blind because of the sun’s harsh UV rays. The blind are just as vulnerable as the sighted. Exposure to these rays can cause eye damage. UV rays increases the risk of developing conditions like cataracts or macular degeneration.
Sunglasses Provide Protection
3. All kinds of foreign objects can enter the eye and sunglasses provide a protective shield. Damage to the eye can be caused by dust, dirt, pollen and debris. Then there is possible eye injury from open cupboard doors, things flying around outside, or tree branches. Ouch!
Sunglasses Communicate Blindness
4. As I mentioned earlier, seeing a person wearing sunglasses and carrying a white cane is often recognized as a sign of blindness. Yet, some people who are not totally blind may choose to wear sunglasses to easily communicate blindness in certain situations. This encourages people to adopt helpful responses. For example, keeping a safe distance to not cause injury or harm, or to extend help when offered.
Bonus fact. We are fashionable and look for trendy sunglasses not just the typical black wrap around styles. For years I wore red trimmed sunglasses and alternated with ones with rhinestones.
Learn something? I sure hope so. Now you know why the blind wear sunglasses and it’s not just because we are blind.
Tuesday, June 21 is my birthday and I am breaking tradition. I am celebrating by writing gifts to myself. I know you are supposed to receive gifts from others and I will happily take them. I just wanted to do something a little different this year. After all the birthdays I have had, and there has been plenty. You got to spruce things up a bit and get a little more creative.
Now you may be asking, “What is a writing gift?” I am not talking about physical gifts like fancy or expensive writing pens or decorative writing paper. Not even cute little paperweights with witty writing sayings or slogans. Or a writer T-shirt with matching tote bag or coffee mug. What I am talking about are gifts that bring sparkle and joy to my creative process as a writer. These gifts are not covered in shiny paper and bows. Rather they are internal and part of the process of a writing life and routine.
1. Gift of calling myself a writer
No imposter syndrome here! Although I am currently not on the writing payroll, I do consider myself a writer. I am writing this post, aren’t I?
Publication and payment are not sole determinations of a true writer. Writing takes work, energy and perseverance but it is also fun and exciting.
Whether I get paid or see my byline writing is a gift. Not everyone can do it. Coming up with creative and interesting content, and writing compelling prose is a real talent. Nothing to sneeze at! The actual acknowledgement it matters is Honoring the time and talent to my craft.
Thinking of myself as a writer is a gift because half of the writing process is mental. I am the first person to make my work legit. If I don’t believe I am a writer then I can’t expect anyone else to believe it either.
2. Gift of time to write
My lifestyle affords me the time to write. I don’t have to squeeze it in between work and family. I don’t have to get up early before the kids wake up. I don’t have to leave my home for a quiet place to concentrate. I can write at any time I want. Morning, noon or night. I have even gotten spirts of writing inspiration in the wee hours of the morning. Booted up my computer and got to typing.
And because I am very organized I can plan and prepare in advance. Well, you know, as much as humanly possible. Things can come up unexpectedly. I can schedule my time, giving space for life, friends and social activities along with moments to write.
3. Gift of letting go
I am a perfectionist by nature and it comes out in my writing. I will ruminate over a piece of work, nick picking before pressing the submit or publish button. I am learning to let go and that this is a gift to myself. I don’t have control over how my work is received by others. I don’t have control if an editor will publish it or not. I don’t have control of reactions from a social media post. I can just control what I write on the page.
The ability to release and let go reduces stress and anxiety I didn’t even know I had. When I let go I can focus on the pure joy of writing.
4. Gift of boredom
Taking time away from writing to just sit and think about nothing is a gift. I do this in the A.M. while listening to the bird’s chirp outside or rain pelting across my windowpane. I just lay in the bed and do nothing. Letting my mind scatter, thinking of nothing in particular.
We all know, children get scolded for letting their minds wander, not paying attention or listening. But actually, in this situation, being a kid is a good thing. Mental musing is a gift . It allows the brain to recharge and helps creative ideas to flow naturally.
5. Gift of community
The writing life is typically solitary. Yet having a community of fellow writers is not competition but friendships that feed and nourish creativity.
Having others to “talk shop” builds connection and a sense of belonging. I am not alone and having others to converse with is a wonderful gift to myself. Every writer needs a friend who truly gets it without having to explain. Support one another through this writing life because we are all in it together.
6. Gift of saying no
Saying no is a powerful gift to myself. I have to prioritize what writing I am going to do. Do I have the time? The energy? The head space? The knowledge? Sometimes I want to be Super Woman and do it all. I don’t have to feel guilty or obligated to write a piece or take an assignment that doesn’t fit. Can you relate? I can’t begin to tell you the number of times I have looked over writing opportunities trying to decide if I should take the gig or not. Sometimes you find yourself compromising for the money, the opportunity, the prestige. Or fill in the blank. This is the time to weigh the cost and use the gift of saying no. It will free you for that yes coming around the corner.
7. Gift of saying yes
Understanding the powerful gift of saying no, leads to the time to say yes. I am imagining that moment when this amazing writing assignment comes to me out of nowhere. The one I have been waiting for and didn’t even realize it. The one I was a little shy and afraid of. This is when I will use my gift of saying yes.
What Are Your Writing Gifts?
These seven writing gifts are included in my self care regiment and writing toolkit. They are great reminders of who I am and motivate me to keep going. Now, that you know my writing gifts, what are yours? Share in the comments and let’s celebrate the power of gift giving.
Do you remember as a child when mama told you to eat your vegetables? Perhaps it was broccoli, green beans, cabbage, spinach, Brussels sprouts. Or in my case those horrible canned red beets and raw radishes! Yuck! Maybe you would dutifully eat them, as mama said, wanting to be the good little child. Hoping later for dessert or some kind of reward. Or maybe you would feed them to the dog when mama wasn’t looking. Regardless, mamma had it right. We needed to eat our veggies. Not only as children but now as adults.
We Aren’t Eating Enough Veggies
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in 2019, 1 out of 10 adults met the daily recommendations of eating fruits and vegetables. And it has only worsened with the pandemic and supply chain disruptions. Now, for those eating vegetables the amount has decreased to about one per day. The State of the Plate: America’s Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Trends, from the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH), explains despite decades of industry and public health efforts, America’s fruit and vegetable consumption continues to decline. The research shows people are eating fruits and vegetables less frequently.
This is not good news because eating fresh vegetables has incredible benefits to our overall mental and physical health. I can attest to this very fact. When I was growing up vegetables were a big part of my family’s diet. We ate all kinds of leafy green veggies. Collard and mustard greens with blackeye peas were served on a regular basis. Even grew a vegetable garden one summer. A green salad of lettuce, tomato, cucumber and those nasty radishes were on the table daily. To this day my family eats their veggies just like mamma said.
Changed to Plant-based Diet
As an adult I still maintain this habit of vegetables on my plate. About a year ago I moved to a more plant base diet which I shared in a previous post. This decision has had wonderful affects for me. First, I just feel better. Second, my struggle with migraines are virtually gone. I do eat some poultry and fish but most of my meals are plant based. I even changed my smoothies to plant-based protein powder and almond milk.
National Eat Your Vegetables Day
Friday, June 17, is National Eat Your Vegetables Day and an important reminder to continue and/or add veggies as a part of a healthy diet. The goal is to eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
What is a Serving?
As I mentioned above we are only getting about one serving daily. This is a major difference. But what is exactly a serving? Use this list as a guide.
One serving is equal to:
1 cup of raw carrots
1 cup of raw spinach
1 cup of cucumber
1 cup of raw bell peppers
½ cup cooked broccoli
½ cup cooked cauliflower
½ cup cooked green beans
Now that you’ve got an idea of a serving of vegetables, it will be easier to add them to your daily eating habits. If you’ve been slacking on consuming your veggies, use this special day to reorganize your diet and start adding more veggies to the menu.
Ways to Fill Your Plate
How do we get those servings of crunchy and leafy plants into our daily meals? Here’s some ways to fill your plate and make your mamma proud.
1. Prepare all your favorite veggies for all your meals. This could be a vegetable omelet for breakfast. Vegetarian soup, sandwich or salad for lunch. Then top off dinner with a vegetarian casserole. Or one of my favorites, vegetable lasagna. Too many vegetables for one day? Then pick one or two meals to be all vegetables.
2. Not in the mood to cook. Visit a local restaurant and go vegetarian. Many eateries offer meatless entrees on their menu. You don’t have to be a serious vegetarian. Try a new dish and explore the possibilities.
3. Visit your local farmer’s market and purchase some locally grown produce. You not only support local farmers and businesses but get fresh veggies too. This is a win-win situation.
4. Make your desserts using veggies. And I’m not just talking about carrot cake or pumpkin pie! Veggies like zucchini, peppers, butternut squash and sweet potatoes provide a great addition to sweets . Check out vegetable dessert recipes online for some inspiration.
5. If you are feeling industrious or have a green thumb, plant a vegetable garden. No need to worry about supply chain problems or expensive grocery store produce. Grow your own. Many vegetables like green beans, tomatoes, cabbage, squash, peppers, zucchini, onions and spinach can be grown at home.,
For my last veggie tip. Did You Know onions are the world’s most widely used vegetable? If you love onions like me, squeeze a little lemon juice or vinegar on raw cut onions to eliminate the strong sharp smell and taste while adding flavor. Or try sweet Vidalia onions. They are grown in Vidalia, Georgia, not far from my home.
Ready to Make Mamma Proud?
Are you ready to do what mamma said and eat your veggies? Share with me some creative ways to get in your daily servings.
Last month I contacted the courthouse to request a copy of my deed. For some reason I misplaced my original and needed to replace it. As I was reading the copy they sent, it dawned on me that it has been about 20 years since I purchased my house. Where has all the time gone? As they say, time moves fast when you’re having fun.
Reflections on Purchasing Decision
I reflected on the past. When and why, I made the decision in the first place. What was happening in my life at the time. The steps I took to finally get the house. The challenges and rewards along the way. And today, how happy I am now for my simple yet cute piece of real estate, which is truly a home sweet home.
Next to my college degree, home ownership is another thing I am the proudest. The ability to have a place to call your own and have total control over is powerful and self-gratifying. When I made the huge step to purchase property, rental rates were continuously increasing while mortgages were not.
Benefits and Challenges of Homeownership
I reasoned why not look more seriously at home ownership. I thought about all the possibilities and positive outcomes. Things like a stable monthly payment. No more surprises when the landlord increases the rent when time to renew the lease. The sense of permanence . The idea of something to call my own that was solely mine.
Then I also weighed the challenges. No more calling the landlord when the toilet needed fixing or to service the air conditioning system in the summer. I would have to handle those tasks.
Of course, my disability played a major role in the decision but it was not a deterrent. I already knew people with vision loss who were homeowners and doing well. So, I knew it was possible. It was just a matter of educating myself, getting my ducks in a row and going for it.
Planning and Preparation to Purchase
I did just that with taking home ownership classes, reading audiobooks from the library and talking to friends who were long time homeowners. Also, I got advice from my family because I grew up in a house. My family up to my great grandparents were all homeowners so this was not totally unfamiliar territory. I just needed to learn the nuts and bolts of home ownership. I needed to weigh the cost because once I signed the mortgage contract it would be over. Unlike a rental lease, you can more easily walk away.
More Challenges of Homeownership
There have been ups and downs over these 2 decades. Dealing with the housing and economic crash in 2008. That was pretty tuff with homes foreclosing all around me. At one time I was one of two owners on my short street in my subdivision. It took time but over the next few years things improved.
Then it was dealing with noisy neighbors which ended when they finally moved out.
Next it was the pandemic. I had already been working from home however others in my community were now as well. At first, this meant constant slow neighborhood internet and power outages which improved over time as we all adjusted to this medical crisis. But because I was working in my home office, I was able to keep plugging away with no more disruption to my life.
I also had to replace and purchase new appliances. First it was the dishwasher . Next some years later it was my gas stove that died during the holiday season. Cooking my Christmas dinner was a bit creative because I had no working oven and had to use my microwave more than usual. Recently it was my washer and dryer that I brought with me from my old apartment days.
Today, I am happy and at peace in my home sweet home. My little town house has served me well. I am proud of the decision I made to become a homeowner and I have no regrets.
National Homeownership Month
June is National Home Ownership Month and was created to celebrate the value and joy of owning property. Do you own a home? If so, how has the experience been for you? Would you encourage others to also become homeowners?
I came across another excellent audiobook read from the library by New York Times columnist and bestselling author, Frank Bruni. “The Beauty of Dusk: On Vision Lost and Found” is a wise and moving memoir about aging, affliction, and optimism after partially losing eyesight.
The first time I heard about Frank was listening to his interview with the Hadley Institute for the Blind and Print Impaired. Then again with Oprah as he was discussing this book. I knew, when the book was available in audio, I had to read about his vision loss journey .
Book Summary
The book Summary from Bookshare. One morning in late 2017, New York Times columnist Frank Bruni woke up with strangely blurred vision. He wondered at first if some goo or gunk had worked its way into his right eye. But this was no fleeting annoyance, no fixable inconvenience. Overnight, a rare stroke had cut off blood to one of his optic nerves, rendering him functionally blind in that eye—forever. And he soon learned from doctors that the same disorder could ravage his left eye, too. He could lose his sight altogether.
In The Beauty of Dusk, Bruni hauntingly recounts his adjustment to this daunting reality, a medical and spiritual odyssey that involved not only reappraising his own priorities but also reaching out to, and gathering wisdom from, longtime friends and new acquaintances who had navigated their own traumas and afflictions. The result is a poignant, probing, and ultimately uplifting examination of the limits that all of us inevitably encounter, the lenses through which we choose to evaluate them and the tools we have for perseverance.
Bruni’s world blurred in one sense, as he experienced his first real inklings that the day isn’t forever and that light inexorably fades but sharpened in another. Confronting unexpected hardship, he felt more blessed than ever before. There was vision lost. There was also vision found.
Initial diagnosis and Advocacy
His story was very relatable, especially in the beginning. The first doctor was reluctant to give a proper diagnosis of his sudden vision loss. It was all maybes and guessing which can send you down the rabbit hole of possibilities. He was referred to a specialist who gave the final diagnosis of a stroke and no cure. I recalled some of the same experiences talking to multiple eye doctors. Taking numerous tests and also telling me there was no cure.
Image courtesy of the National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Frank stresses the importance of being your own advocate when it comes to medical care. Doctors are busy and you are one of many patients. Be prepared to ask questions and do your own research. Also, bringing a friend or family member to appointments to help is useful as long as they understand their role and let you take the lead.
For example, Frank mentions not knowing about low vision services or opportunities for clinical trials. Or the doctor not asking questions about mental and emotional health. I can definitely relate. The same thing happened to me too. I had to find out about those resources from other people, and once Did, I chastise my eye doctor for not informing me. Fortunately, he took the constructive criticism well and promised to do better.
Why Not Me?
Frank poses the questions, “Why me?” Yet, there is a better question, “Why not me?” Why should any of us be spared struggle when it is a universal condition? Comfort and happiness are not automatic; we should expect some kind of difficulty to come into our lives. Having this mindset leaves us unprepared for pain and struggle. I have always been told just live long enough and pain and suffering will ultimately come into your life. I have also come to believe that perfect or even excellent health is not a guarantee until death. At some point something on our bodies will break down.
Millions of Americans have some form of vision loss and that doesn’t include hearing loss or other bodily functions especially as we get older. Frank’s viewpoint is not that he overcame an obstacle but lives a condition. I appreciate this statement in the sense that being disabled is not something that I have overcome but what I live every day. It is a part of who and what I am. Yes, there are difficult moments but sometimes an ending is a new beginning. Sometimes a limit or a loss is a gateway to a new encounter. Skills you wouldn’t have acquired, insights you wouldn’t have gleaned come to live during this time.
Career as a Journalist
Frank talks about his career as a journalist and his ability to write well. When he lost his vision he made tons of errors in his writing. This of course was devastating. But he began to focus on the ability and the gains. The fact he could still write in the first place. Editors who still wanted to work with him and readers who still wanted to read his work. I can identify. I too am a writer and lost vision immediately after receiving my journalism degree. I wondered what kind of career could I have as a blind writer? How would that work? I knew how to do the work as it was all in my head from my education and training (I graduated with 7 journalism internships under my belt). The access to assistive technology as allowed me to pursue this not only as a career but as a passion.
Growing Old and Being Disabled
Privileges and blessings were so much greater than what was loss. It was eye-opening in Frank’s perception of the world around him. How he saw other people with disabilities and those who were elderly. These people were out here living their lives.
To grow old is to let things go. I see this more and more as I get older. But it first started when I went blind. My disability forced me to release the reins. I had to shift my focus and prioritize the things that really mattered. I pick and choose my battles because I want to live for another day. It takes energy to pay attention and/or push the envelope on everything.
Frank points out we are a country that focuses on youth. As a result, we miss the greatness of the accomplishments that people make later in life. People are still doing phenomenal things in the later stages of life. With aging comes wisdom and maturity. You feel more comfortable in your own skin. What determines people’s happiness is not their physical conditions but what they pay attention to. When it comes to being disabled you are not focused on that all day long. You are living your life, working, going to school, spending time with friends and family, etc. Frank finally muses there is beauty in every stage of the day, from dawn to dust
I’ve never been great at growing vegetation. Plants and flowers don’t seem to flourish around me. The idea of getting outside in the heat. Dealing with bugs of all kinds. Tilling soil and getting dirty. None of these are my thoughts of a fun and enjoyable activity. Then add my visual disability to the mix and my interest quickly wilts like leaves on an unwatered plant. Although there are blind gardeners they must have a passion I don’t possess. But what I have found fruitful is writing about the topic. Now, that is something I can do.
I have been reading a lot about spring and it has inspired me to write about the season as it relates to the writing craft. I can’t grow an actual green thumb but I can do it with words. Here is how I do it.
1. Start New Writing Habit
Spring is the time to rejuvenate. The time for rebirth. The time to try something new. With that in mind, start a new writing habit or ritual. I tried something new with writing this blog post. Before writing anything down or doing any research I wrote a list of keywords that communicated spring and growth. Words such as: nature, nurture, flourish, blooming, blossoming, petals, plants, leaves, stems, root, ground, dirt, soil and germinate. This writing exercise helped to get the creative juices flowing. It boosted my excitement about writing this piece. I felt energized . Also, it helped eliminate using the same standard, old words and phrases multiple times.
2. Writing in a Different Genre
Another new habit worth trying is writing in a different genre. If you are a nonfiction writer try fiction. If you are an author enter a writing contest or pen an article for a newspaper or magazine. Just like growing the same crop every time the soil will lose nourishment, your writing can go stale. Your creativity can suffer. I have tried a new writing assignment. A submission I wrote was recently published in my local library’s anthology. it has motivated me to continue in this direction and I am working on another anthology submission for Black female writers.
3. Interact in Person
Spring is also the time to come out of the winter cave. During those cold months we stay at home and hibernate. Plus, the pandemic has made many of us hesitant to physically interact with each other. But this is the prime time to get out of the house. Slow down those numerous Zoom calls. Renew old friendships and meet new people. Whether it is a writing group, book club meeting, or just hanging out, these interactions boost positive energy perfect for growing creativity.
I am an introvert but love interaction. This spring I started attending live theatre again. I went to my first production last month and it was a wonderful experience. I will share more in a future post. Later this month, I will be meeting with my dinner book club in person for the first time since the pandemic started.
4. Write Down Ideas and Thoughts
Now, for the real dirty work. You must plant seeds in order for your writing green thumb to grow. Just like in a real garden, seeds must be sown in order for flowers, fruits or veggies to materialize. Something I do regularly is write down blogging ideas whether they turn into a published piece or not. This boosts my creativity and gets those little writing shoots growing. When you write a list of ideas you can refer back and it keeps your creative brain fertilize. You are giving your thoughts and ideas a safe place to grow and germinate.
The seeding stage is the most important of phases of a plant’s growth and can’t be rushed. In other words, you can’t speed up creativity. it has to sprout over time, and with water, sunlight and nurturing creative ideas will soon emerge through the soil.
5. Remember the Writing Process
Seeds are resilient to weather changes, fighting their way through the ground. You will see little spurts of green sprouts inching their way up. As a writer it is easy to focus on the victories and successes of our craft. The published article, blog or even book, without properly acknowledging the hard work it took to get there. There is real time and struggle in accomplishing any objective or success story. Remember the experience and don’t forget the writing process as you work toward your goals. Enjoy the journey not just the fruits of your labor.
6. Stop Writing If Burned Out
Are your writing seedlings not growing? Don’t see any shoots sprouting up? Experiencing creative burnout? Yes, I can relate. If you are Stuck on the next section of a story, unclear on a headline, struggling with a character. Then stop. Do something totally different than writing. Do something you enjoy but doesn’t require a lot of mental gymnastics. This gives your brain a break allowing creative ideas to blossom. For me exercise is my thing. Turning up the music loud and walking on my treadmill not only is good exercise but I can relax and enjoy the moment. usually by the time I am done I can get back to writing. Other times, I will sit on the piece and sleep on it. Then come back the next day and continue to write.
Spring is here and full of writing possibilities. Use my ideas to inspire and refresh your work. I am sure that one, two or maybe even all of them will help you grow that writing green thumb.
Today, Apr. 25, is National Telephone Day and I am feeling somewhat nostalgic. I am reflecting on my usage of this important communication device invented by Alexander Graham Bell. I remember my first telephone. It was a white Princess model purchased from Bellsouth. It sat on my nightstand next to my bed. I remember my parents and I going to our local shopping center where there was a Bellsouth store. In the store were a variety of makes and models of phones much like the cell phone stores of today.
In my hone, there was one in my parents’ bedroom and one more in the kitchen. The kitchen phone was a wall mounted version with a rotary dial. For those too young to remember or those who have forgotten a rotary dial was a type of phone where you had to place your finger in an open metal circle and turn to the corresponding number you wanted. You had to do this one digit at a time and it was a slow process but that is how we dial numbers back then. Also, there wasn’t a need for area codes unless you were calling long distance.
Now getting back to my Princess model. I can’t remember if it was a rotary dial or push button because it was so long ago. All I remember is that as a teenager I had my own phone and that is what counted.
But having my own phone quickly ended when I started college and lived in the dorms. It was the phone in the hall mounted on the wall . Someone would yell loudly, “Empish, you got a phone call!” Then later it was housemates in an apartment. Depending on the situation maybe I had a phone in my room or not.
Blindness and Using a Landline
When I went blind the importance of the telephone and my ability to use it really became critical. I didn’t realize how vital vision was until I couldn’t dial a number on my landline phone. Back then cell phones were not really happening quite yet. This was back in the mid-90s. People were still using landlines. But my vision loss kept me from seeing the small numbers on the keypad. Initially I got a large print phone with high contrast. The numbers were big and pronounced. The colors were black on white for better visibility. But as I lost more vision those features were not as helpful anymore. I began to totally rely on the small, raised dot on the number 5, slowly navigating around the keypad. I started memorizing the sequence and order of the numbers to know which one to press. I also began to be more particular about my phone purchases. Touching carefully the display models in the store before walking out with one. I duplicated this same method when cell phones became popular. Carefully touching the display models to be sure I could access the buttons.
Today I am a master at my landline phone. Yes, I still use one . It has a large size keypad. A dot on the number 5. I can quickly dial numbers without even thinking much about it. I also have several cordless phones throughout my hone. All with distinctive keypads for easy dialing. I have these phones in case of an emergency because you never know when you need to quickly grab your phone. If you have a cell phone it could be anywhere in the house while you are someplace else.
Also Using a Smartphone
Now, don’t get me wrong. I love my smartphone too. Unlike older cell phone models my iPhone is totally accessible with voiceover command. I just don’t make calls much on it. The shape and design is not made for holding up to my ear. Yes, I know I can get earbuds but for some reason I have been slow to get on that train. So, I use my smartphone for other things like reading my audiobooks, listening to podcasts and watching movies. I do some text messaging and store my contacts as a digital address book. I also find it helpful as a quick and handy dictionary and spellchecker.
The evolution of the telephone has come a long way. Who would have known that our phones would become minicomputers in our pockets or purses? The advancement of technology and what we can do with it is amazing. I wonder what Alexander Graham Bell would say if he could see how far his invention has come. I know he would say more to Mr. Watson than, “can you hear me now?”
Fun Telephone Facts
Looking for some fun facts about the telephone? Read these provided by National Days Today:
Alexander Graham Bell and his helper, Thomas Watson, made the first phone call.
The first phone book only had 20 pages.
Mark Twain was the first person to own a phone.
In the United States, telephones expanded rapidly, from one phone in 1876 to 11 million phones countrywide by 1915.
By 1910, New York Telephone had 6,000 female telephone operators.
When Bell handed Watson the phone and said, “here, hold this,” the phrase “to put someone on hold” was named after them.
When Alexander Graham Bell died in 1922, all telephones were silenced for one minute with respect to the inventor.
In 1956, the first transatlantic telephone cable was laid. A telephone cable was laid across the ocean floor, reaching depths of 12,000 feet. The cable connects Canada and Scotland across the Atlantic Ocean.
There are around 150 million telephone lines in the world, with the number growing by thousands every day.
Suggestions for Celebrating National Telephone Day
Whether you still use a landline phone or only use a smartphone, or like me use both, celebrate National Telephone Day with these suggestions:
1. Call someone today you either rarely speak to or normally communicate with via text.
2. Who is your favorite person to talk on the phone with? Give them a call today and check-in to see how they are doing.
3. Feeling nostalgic? Inquire with your grandparents about the amount of energy required to “dial” a phone — and why they disliked numbers with a lot of zeroes.
4. And if you are really feeling musically inspired and bold call a friend or loved one and sing Stevie Wonder’s iconic song, “I Just Called To Say I Love You.”
Writing has been such an intricate part of my life it is hard for me to remember the days when I was not a writer. With that being said writing is something I love to do not just a task to make money. The creative process is a joy. Coming up with topics to write. Stringing interesting words and phrases to make sentences worthy of reading is exciting. Researching fascinating topics for a blog or an article thrill me. But I noticed a shift recently. It was not glaring directly in my face like a deer in headlights. Rather it was more subtle and quiet.
It all started around the Christmas holidays. My mother came to visit me and boy what a treat. For her short visit I set up a firestick so we could lounge on the sofa and watch TV and movies. This is what we typically do when I am home. We did that and had a wonderful time. But after she left I kept lolling on that sofa. It was hard to get up and get going. I would tell myself, one more movie and then I will get to writing only to look up and the whole day was gone. This strange and weird pattern stretched over several days and then weeks. I began to wonder if something was wrong with me. This behavior was not my style.
Showing Signs of Creative Burnout
I did a self-check in and noticed my love for writing was not gone. I was just not in the mood. I was just not motivated.
After reading all the new year articles about setting goals and intentions I stumbled across some talking about creative burnout. As I continued to read and research I discovered this was me. Like being diagnosed with a disease, I was displaying the signs and symptoms. I became my own doctor and started to work on a cure. Or at least a way to reduce the symptoms so I could get back on track. As of this writing I am in a better place but don’t feel completely recovered. I don’t feel that I have fully gotten my writing mojo back. Rather I am managing my creative burnout and here’s how.
Need to Chill Out
AS they say in the Alcoholic Anonymous meetings you have to admit there is a problem. You can’t be in denial and expect to get better. As I said earlier, I knew something was wrong. Or at least something was off. But I had to go a little deeper. I looked at my personality. I am one of those Type A people most people love to hate. I am on time every time. I am meticulous about keeping things organized. I keep a running list of things to do and don’t handle it well when I can’t scratch items off my list daily. So, you get the idea of the kind of person I am. In a lot of places my type works very well yet in other places people want me to chill. I have worked on relaxing and cooling out over the years. Which leads to my creative burnout.
Since I know who and what I am, it began to dawn on me this period in my life was probably a needed respite. Instead of getting stressed out, worrying or even ramping up my work, I needed to stop and listen. To take a chill pill as they use to say. To slow down and be quiet.
I Am Not Alone
The next thing I realized is that I was not alone. While sitting on my sofa mindlessly watching movies I felt a little isolated. Like I was the only one or one in a few dealing with this issue. But that is not true. People who are creatives can experience burnout. That is people who are writers, artists, social media experts, musicians, influencers, podcasters, etc. People who have to crank out content constantly for the man. You know who I’m talking about. It is a continuous grind to come up with creative ideas to write about, to blog about and on and on. After a while you get tired because you are not a machine but a human being.
As creatives, yes, we take breaks. Yes, we do all the selfcare stuff. But we can still get burned out. Because we are on someone’s schedule and the work has got to be excellent. The heat and pressure is on.
Switch Writing Gears
So, what to do? I have switched gears up a bit. I have worked on writing projects that don’t demand all of that from me. Projects where I can use the other side of my brain. This way I can give myself some needed rest while still doing what I love.
Not Demanding Perfection
I am also not demanding perfection from myself as much. I realized the huge amount of stress I was placing on myself. Not that I won’t produce excellent work. Or be open to correction and criticism to improve. That is not what I am talking about. I am referring to the fact that I am not perfect. That I tend to be nitpicky when it comes to my work. I know as long as I do my very best that is good enough. I just have to keep telling myself that until it sticks like old chewing gum on the bottom of my shoe.
Making Peace and Not Afraid
I have also made peace with this place in my life. I am not fighting where I am. Everything has a purpose. This transition or phase or whatever you want to call it is happening right now for a reason. I am learning how to lean into the moment and experience the ride. I don’t have to be in control of everything all the time. And actually, it feels pretty good to pump the breaks.
Lastly, with this new resolve I am not afraid of totally losing my mojo. AS a matter of fact, it is slowly coming back. Not in a big title wave like I had originally expected but more like drips from a leaky faucet. I can live with this fact because writing is my joy.
Talk to me. Are you a creative? Have you experience burnout? If so, what things did you do to manage it? How did you get your mojo back?
Although this year’s tax filing deadline is right around the corner on April 18, I traditionally file my taxes in February or March. I figure the sooner the better and to just get the whole maddening business out of the way quickly. But more importantly I file early because things get pretty busy and hectic. This way I avoid the stress and anxiety as much as possible.
Before losing my vision I prepared my taxes myself. It was fairly simple and straightforward. But afterward, I lacked the confidence to do it on my own and some tax preparation products and tools were not very accessible or complicated. Even though tax filing has become more accessible over the years I still prefer to have a professional handle the paperwork. So, when I was recently in my tax guy’s office he was telling me once again how organized my paperwork was and how easy it was to file for me. He tells me this year after year, marveling at how I do this with vision loss. I just smile and say, “Thank you for the compliment.” But it got me thinking and led me to share some of my tax filing tips. The things that keep me stress-free and organized each tax year. Hopefully, you will feel the same after reading.
Make Excel Your Friend
The biggest tool I use to stay calm during tax filing is Excel. This software program is my friend. I use it daily for all kinds of things. To track my grocery spending. To track my Uber/Lyft ride amounts. To track my credit card payments. To track my out-of-pocket medical cost. Do you get my drift? Excel is a great way to track numbers for nearly anything you want. So, each year I track my freelance income and expenses. For example, on my freelance expense spreadsheet I create rows and columns for the date, company, expense description and amount. On a spreadsheet everything is laid out and easy to read. You can also sort and reorganize the columns and rows to crunch the numbers in different ways which my accountant loves.
Each year I create new spreadsheets with the year in the title so I know the difference. I usually will do a save as in Excel and just update the new one. I find this easier because the formula I use to calculate my totals stays the same each time. Then when I meet with my accountant I just hand him the thumb drive and he can clearly read and review the spreadsheets he needs for tax filing.
Create Email Receipt Folders
Now, how to deal with all those paper receipts. And no, I am not talking about stuffing them in a folder or shoebox. I have noticed nowadays most receipts are provided electronically. I can even get my grocery receipts sent via email. Now what I do is create folders in my email provider for receipts. I label the folder in accordance with what is in the folder. I use Outlook for this process. I have a folder for all my Amazon orders. Another one for house-related things. Another for medical. I refer back to these receipts for taxes when I need to. I can simply punch all the info into my spreadsheets and/or print out the receipt for verification if needed.
For receipts that are not electronic I store in a paper file folder for tax filing only. I have a dedicated folder strictly for this purpose. Throughout the year, as I get receipts, donation letters, home ownership tax statements and other documents, I place in this folder. Although the amount is minimal this step keeps me from getting stressed out later because everything is in one place and ready to go during tax time.
These paper receipts I store with a copy of my tax return and place in my water and fireproof safe. There I keep copies of previous tax returns for the future just in case the IRS comes calling.
There you go. My two biggest organizing tips for stress free tax filing. Some might be looking for a long laundry list of tips and tricks but for me it is really this simple. I have been doing this for years and it actually works. Hopefully, if tax season is stressing you out, my tips helped you feel better. With some organization and preparation this year’s filing could be your calmest ever.
When I think of veterans November comes immediately to mind because of Veteran’s Day. Or Memorial Day coming up soon in May. But I was surprised to see a national observation for veterans on my calendar. March 29 was National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
After I saw this commemoration pop up, it immediately made me think of two things. First was my father who was a Vietnam War veteran. He was not a fan of this war and rarely spoke about it. He passed away some years ago and I wonder his thoughts on such an observation. Second Max Cleland, a disabled Vietnam War veteran and Georgia politician. He died in Nov. 2021. His book, “Heart of a Patriot: How I Found the Courage to Survive Vietnam, Walter Reed and Karl Rove,” has been on my list to read. I thought there is no time like the present. This national day of observance was the push I needed to read and review his book.
Reading with My Ears Book Review
In the forward Cleland speaks directly to brothers and sisters of war. Those who are trapped in the memories. To those overwhelmed, coping on their own and struggling with what we have done and what has happened to us. To those left hopeless and confused about our lives. He says, “It does not make us victims, it makes us veterans.”
Cleland was born and raised in Georgia. He lived in the same town I reside in today. There is even a street named after him in the downtown district of the city. His father was in the navy during WW2 and he had other family members who served in the military. He was a captain during the war. He signed up for more time in the war because he felt he had to do his part.
War Injury and Rehabilitation
The day he was wounded by a grenade explosion was April 8, 1968. Eight days after President Johnson called for an end to the war. He came back from Vietnam missing three limbs (right arm and both legs) and was treated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Doctors were not optimistic about his future, but through the bonds he formed with other wounded soldiers, and through his own self-determination, he learned how to be mobile and overcome his despair.
As I read about his rehabilitation journey, I learned some new things about amputation such as the importance of knees. When he first tried to get artificial legs there was resistance because he had no knees and you need them to bend for walking and climbing stairs. They are the key to balance and mobility. During that time, they were made of wood and very heavy.
The doctors told him he would need crutches to use the wooden legs. But with one arm that would be nearly impossible. Yet, Cleland was determined to walk again and did everything required to do so. He did walk with those wooden legs until he was upgraded to plastic ones with knee support. Later on, the stress and exhaustion, especially during the beginning of his political career, caused him to go back to using a wheelchair.
He shares openly and honestly about his rehabilitation. For example, trying to get dressed using only one arm. He struggled with buttons on his shirt and putting on pants. It made me think about a recent episode of The Shark Tank where a contestant pitched her business of accessible clothing for people with disabilities, specifically amputees.
Disabled African American Man In Wheelchair Boarding Bus
He shared about the differences in treatment between Walter Reed and the Veterans Hospital. He was released from Walter Reed and had to continue at the VA Hospital. At that time, they were not prepared to deal with Vietnam veterans as most patients were from the Korean War or WW2. Additionally, he says that 80% of patients were there for health problems unrelated to war . As a result, he felt lonely because he couldn’t connect to the other men as many of them were veterans from a different generation and also heavily medicated.
Reading his story, I could relate to the feeling of loss. Cleland talked about how his feelings of safety, security and sense of self were gone in a heartbeat. Although I didn’t become disabled because of war it did happen pretty quickly and traumatically. My life was turned upside down.
Leads VA and PSD Revealed
Cleland takes his artificial legs and goes home to become the first Vietnam veteran to serve in the Georgia state senate. Next, President Jimmy Carter appoints him head of the Veterans Administration. He believed his mission was “to care for those who have born the battle.”
He recognized the lack of funding for veterans yet always plenty for war. Nine million served in Vietnam, from Aug. 4, 1964, to May 1975, with millions of them wounded and injured. There was a push to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PSD) not just physical injuries. Living on hyper alert takes a toll, seeing death firsthand takes a toll, and killing takes a toll. In 1978VA psychiatrists finally admitted that PSD existed. and became an official psychiatric diagnosis. Meaning that veterans could get treatment and financial benefits. Years later he would benefit from this decision as he too delt with PSD.
At 40, he became Georgia’s youngest secretary of state. During his time in office, he appointed the first Black assistant secretary of state. He opened the process and registered 1 million voters. He was secretary of state for 12 years but was not fulfilled politically.
It wasn’t until he became U.S. Senator. that he accomplished his dream. Battling a smear tactic causing him to lose his seat and 9/11 by the invasion of Iraq, Cleland was pushed to the edge. Depression and PSD surfaced during this time. He was dealing with deep depression and seeking therapy and better medications. He went back to Walter Reed for help.
Seeks Therapist and Help for Depression
At Walter Reed he was thrown back into Vietnam as he saw wounded veterans coming back from the battlefield. He was deeply distressed and moved by what he was seeing as the signs were so similar to what he had also experienced many years before.
Despite all of that, he was able to get help for his depression and PSD. He found a great therapist and medication that actually worked effectively. He learned how to reconcile his past with his present. To remember who and what he was before he went to Vietnam and became disabled. Reclaiming that part of himself was a big part of his healing. He learned to find a new sense of himself at last.
I got quite emotional as I read Cleland’s memoir. I thought about all he went through. All Vietnam veterans went through and probably still do. All my dad went through. Even in some ways how much things haven’t change since then. But also, how much it has changed. I realize the goal is to keep going. To not forget the past but to look forward to the future.
Empish J. Thomas 