annecreates

The Power of the Group Run

Peer pressure can be positive! My outfit has been carefully laid out on the bathroom floor. I’ve set my alarm for a ridiculously early hour, even earlier than normal for my work days, but it’s Saturday night. It’s a time so early that most people don’t realize it comes twice in one day. Why amContinue reading “The Power of the Group Run”

A Tale of Two Graduation Ceremonies

The contrast between outdated tradition and future innovation What I saw of the Benedictine College ceremony was edited, of course. Still, the message delivered to their graduates was in stark contrast to what my daughter and her class heard at Longwood University this weekend. I’m sure most of you have seen video excerpts from theContinue reading “A Tale of Two Graduation Ceremonies”

I’m Collecting Mountains

The joys of thrifting art Do you have a happy place? In trauma recovery, part of my treatment includes regulating my symptoms of anxiety by visiting a place in my mind that I find peaceful. For me, this is Crabtree Falls, a beautiful place in the mountains of southwest Virginia, and a popular hike amongContinue reading “I’m Collecting Mountains”

Humans Are Seekers

It’s instinct Seek, and ye shall find. How often do we hear this in life? It’s from the book of Matthew in the Bible and has made its way into average conversations. Whether you are into religion or not, it’s repeated often. This trifling little saying isn’t necessarily wrong, but I suppose it also dependsContinue reading “Humans Are Seekers”

Are You a Rhythmic Runner?

Do you feel a beat when you run? Do you establish a pattern with your breathing and foot strikes? Then congratulations! You have rhythm. When our breaths are in sync with our footstrikes, it feels soothing and almost meditative. Getting into that pattern is so comforting to me, opening the doors to release excess energy,Continue reading “Are You a Rhythmic Runner?”

I Have Become Uncomfortably Numb

The process of changing medications sucks. Logically, the point of medications to manage anxiety, nightmares, and the eventual slide into the dark hole of depression is to make you feel better, right? But no one tells you how challenging the process of deducing what is best can be. I started this exercise last week. It’sContinue reading “I Have Become Uncomfortably Numb”

When Subarus Do Not Develop Normally

A case study analysis Did you ever have to write an essay in school about nature vs. nurture? There’s only so much of a role that genetics can play in our development. The rest is influenced by our environment and how we are raised. This Subaru had a decidedly atypical upbringing. Look closely at theContinue reading “When Subarus Do Not Develop Normally”

To Kill a Mockingbird Is Still Relevant

My review of the show on tour. It’s been a few years since I read the novel, but I remember feeling extensively moved by the experience of absorbing the story of Atticus Finch and his family. Of course, white people love this story, right? It makes some of us out to be heroes. This isContinue reading “To Kill a Mockingbird Is Still Relevant”

I’m a Fucking Lunatic

This is what walking into a psychiatrist’s office feels like. It’s finally come to this. And the stigma I feel is real. My primary care doctor waived the white flag on managing my psych issues and referred me to the pros. Nothing seals the deal on confirming you are crazy than that. Admitting defeat isContinue reading “I’m a Fucking Lunatic”

So I Did a Little Experiment on Myself…

It was unintentional, but revealing, I was in my car and halfway to work when I realized I’d forgotten to take my blood pressure medicine. It’s only 25 mg of losartan, so I didn’t think it was making that much of a difference. You know how when you are taking a medication and you don’tContinue reading “So I Did a Little Experiment on Myself…”