Daily Blog

Saturday, March 15, 2025

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

The Rainforest Vacation: Chapter 6

Yes! I am attempting to write a book and using my Blog to keep me accountable. To read the preceding chapters of this story, please click here.

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

I have always disliked triggers. To be more specific, I've disliked the word trigger. And I realize it's because they have been so overused. But even more than that, the word has been used ... incorrectly. If you don't like something, you can say it triggers you, and suddenly you are allowed to avoid the said thing. But that really isn't what triggers are about.

The truth is, if something triggers you, the "fault" lies with you. The need to fix it lies with YOU. You are being triggered and the trigger owns you. And it doesn't have to keep triggering you! You don't have to live with this forever.

That isn't to say you have done something wrong if you are triggered. It is simply something that is coming up from your past. Your brain doesn't tell time. When the amygdalia gets input in, its job is to protect you. It goes on high alert and says, "We remember that this feeling equals something bad! We don't want you to be hurt again! We are TRIGGERED!" That trigger is telling you that something is wrong and you need to be careful.

That's what the amygdalia does! It says "We remember something bad. We want you to be careful to never feel the way you did in the past." This trigger is telling your body "Be careful!" In some cases, this is good. Remembering that something burned you will keep you from touching something hot again. And if you don't pay attention, it will make you pay attention! It will increase your breathing or give you muscle aches.

That's the whole thing! The trigger is triggering you to something that isn't real! It's a fake threat. So as you complain to people telling them to not "trigger you", what you actually want is for them to not sound your alarms. And that's about your alarms, not them doing anything wrong.

And of course, we aren't talking about just not liking certain content. There are some people who don't want to hear about brutality against children. It bothers them. A trigger is another level. A trigger is something that affects your body and stays with you for a long time.

You can heal these patterns! It's what I've been working on for the last year of my life. You don't have to just "deal" with this forever. You don't have to be just battling your anxiety for the rest of your life. It can go away. You can heal! In my case I used a combination of EMDR, Christian Counseling, and my own study of "Story Work." (I encourage you to visit adamyoungcounseling.com) for more information on the "Story Work" aspect.

Zach and Zoey Zirthday

On Satuday, I spent the day with my Aunt Jan. John was in charge so he took the girls to the Dunham's birthday party at The Factory Adventure. He had a little opportunity to hang out with Craig Dunham (his FLCS classmate from wayyyy back). We have loved having the Dunhams here with us this year. It is hard to believe that in just a few short weeks they will be moving back to Malaysia where they will continue their "World Schooling" adventures. Happy for them. Sad for me.

Speaking of the Dunhams, on Sunday afternoon, Jacob invited the four of us to join him for a lovely dinner in Bristol, Tennessee at a steakhouse. It was Erin's first real steakhouse dinner (she's a recovering vegetarian). We had such a fun night!

Community is Cool

I have been blessed, so many times in my life, with amazing community. Each place we moved, God has provided fantastic people that have ended up truly being FAMILY to us.

Our friends Catherine McCoy and Kristy Dick have been hosting monthly-get-together for the teen girls in our homeschool cooperative. This one was for March so it had to be St. Patrick's Day and all things green.

I was, honestly, clocked with activities all weekend so I sent Pomegranate with Aunt Hannah and felt wonderful about her enjoying the festivities with the other gals. (Abigail is a little too old -- she ends up cycling upwards with friends -- most of her friends are in high school.)

The Lord is so faithful and wonderful with even the little things. What a blessing.

Tagging Ducks (Take 2)

Elijah is very interested in joining the TWRA after college. He has started volunteering with them. Today they tried for a second time to tag ducks, and they were successful. I love how passionate Sidge is about all things nature and wildlife. I am excited to see where his future takes him.

By the way, big brother Isaac got his first job today! He is going to be working at Yoder's starting next week -- about 25 hours a week. This is just about 7 minutes from our house so it is truly a perfect starting location. It is an Amish Market. I'm so proud of him!