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.
Author Archives: Bailey Reber
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”
S3. Episode 18: I’m Grateful For YOU! (Round 2) – Show Notes
This is the second annual episode that is a tribute to YOU! Tune in as Bailey expresses her gratitude and appreciation to you.
12 Journal Prompts for Healing
I’ve been seeing a therapist for over a decade now and she’s been recommending for years that I engage in journaling as a healthy coping mechanism in order to help me work through and heal from my past traumas. I’ve decided to give in and do some journaling, specifically around this topic. Except… I had absolutely no idea where to start. I stared down at the empty page and racked my brain for a few moments before giving up and heading over to Pinterest to see what prompts were out there.
S3. Episode 17: Sobriety + Bipolar Disorder = The Way to Go! – Show Notes
In this episode, Bailey tells her story of how she came to choose a life of sobriety, along with why it’s a healthy choice for her since she’s diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She recounts real-life events that happened throughout her drinking days and how she wouldn’t have been in these awful situations had she not been drunk. Additionally, she informs you of research that she’s found which helps support her decision to stay sober. She hopes you’ll find the strength to do the same, if you feel that a life of sobriety may be best for you too.
Mood Sewciety Pattern Review: The Piper Shorts
One thing that both my friend and I have noticed is that there is a lack of reviews of these free patterns. Sure, you can scroll to the bottom of each post to read the comments, but that doesn’t suffice when exploring new patterns and trying to learn about how well they work. Therefore, I’ve decided that I’m going to take it upon myself to write my own reviews for each pattern that I try out, in hopes of helping others when they go to try them for themselves.
Here, you’ll find my review of The Piper Shorts, complete with photos and links. Please feel free to leave a comment at the very bottom with your thoughts, any information you think I may have missed, questions or with the outcome of your own sewing project after checking out my review.