India Trip: Day 4 – The Taj Mahal (March 17, 2022)

We woke up a little before 5am to begin getting ready to head to the Taj Mahal! Of course, Moni and I not only woke up late, but we also took longer to get ready than everyone else, meaning that we left later than we had originally planned for. We were hoping to arrive right at 6am when the gates opened so that we could beat the crowds and watch the sun rise over the magnificent Taj Mahal.

S4. Episode 4: My Personal Experiences with Bipolar Medications – Show Notes

In this episode, Bailey discusses how her bipolar medications have affected her over the years. **Disclaimer: Bailey is not a medical professional nor is this episode intended to promote any medications.** This episode is here as a way to share personal experiences and to hopefully help others, especially those struggling to find a medication that works for them, feel less alone.

Episode 3: The Diagnosis. What Compelled Bailey to Seek Help? – Show Notes

Bailey recounts what it was like to be a scared, young high school kid who just wanted to feel “normal”. She knew something wasn’t right and worked up the courage to tell her parents that she wanted to seek professional help. Learn what it was like for her to see a mental health professional for the very first time, how she felt before, during and after and how her bipolar disorder diagnosis changed her life from there on out. Plus, you’ll learn valuable tips on how to help someone in your life who may be currently going through something similar.

S4. Episode 3: I HATED Being in My House While Growing Up; Here’s Why – Show Notes

In this episode, Bailey speaks straight from the heart and discusses why she hated being in her family home while growing up. She takes the time to explain what she’s learned about herself from this, how it affected her into adulthood and why she’s dubbed herself the “queen of self-inviting”. By tuning in, she hopes to help those with similar pasts feel less alone and give parents of young children and teenagers a new perspective…

We’re All More Alike Than We May Realize

After reading The Inheritance of Orquidea Divina by Zoraida Cordova, I spent some time reflecting on how I relate to the main character, Orquidea. While we are from two different countries and grew up in two completely different eras, we are a lot more alike than one might originally think.

S4. Episode 2: Bipolar Disorder & Sensory Overload – Show Notes

In this episode, Bailey discusses the connection between bipolar disorder and sensory overload (also known as hypersensitivity). She takes time to discuss research that she’s done on this topic and how it relates to personal life experiences that she’s undergone. Sensory overload affects many different types of people with mental diagnoses, more than just those with bipolar disorder. Bailey hopes that you’ll leave this episode with a better understanding and more empathy for those in the world around you.

S4. Episode 1: You Are NOT Alone – Show Notes

Tune into the very first episode of Season 4 of Distressed to Joyful; Bailey’s Way to hear about the updates and fun, new things to expect throughout this season. Additionally, our host, Bailey, takes the time to discuss how un-alone we are in our struggles with bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety and a host of other mental health diagnoses. Mental health is a topic that is talked about a lot more these days, but the more awareness we can bring about it, the better.

Why I’m Learning a Second Language and How I Began This Journey

As an adult, I can make an effort to learn a second language like I’d always wanted. The global lockdown provided plenty of time to devote to this daunting task, and the Enneagram 8 within me was up for a new challenge. After all, when else will I have time to undertake an enormous journey such as this one?

One more thing I should mention – I began dating my now-boyfriend-of-3-years, Monish, just two months before this lockdown began. The important thing to note about Monish? He was born and raised in India, having moved to the United States in 2017, and he is trilingual as he speaks English, Hindi and Gujarati. Not only did I already have a previous desire to learn a second language, but now I had an opportunity learn one that my new boyfriend and his family speaks – a SUPER win! In case you haven’t gathered this by now, I was beyond motivated and ready to get this language-learning-party started!

But… Where to begin?

Bailey’s 2022 Reading List

Before I get too ahead of myself, here’s my list of 14 books that I read throughout 2022. Nine of these fourteen books are considered part of the self-help genre. Three of these books are autobiographies and the remaining two books are fiction – one that I chose to read on my own and one that was part of a Reading Scholarship opportunity at my college. While autobiographies aren’t technically self-help, my opinion of that differs. We learn from the mistakes of others and reading someone’s life story with all of the ups and downs they experienced can benefit our own lives in many different ways.

60 Days Stronger Challenge

Back in August of 2020, I was talking with a friend and catching up on life. She mentioned that she was doing this online health and fitness challenge called 75 HARD. Being the challenge-lover that I am, I asked for more details and my jaw literally dropped as she spoke of it’s components. This challengeContinue reading “60 Days Stronger Challenge”