Snowflake Submerged

 So, I've been reading this great book called "The United States of Anxiety" by Jen Lancaster.  It has a subtitle, but honestly, if you are searching for it, the above will get you there.  In this book, the author talks about the many things that make Americans anxious, and let's face it, they are different in a lot of cases from the things that impact people in other areas of the world.  At any rate, one of the issues that she was discussing was being anxious about her weight and fat-shaming. I've been a person that has struggled with my weight for all of my adult life. Once I turned 21, my metabolism went to sleep but my eating habits didn't.  It was a recipe for disaster resulting in my weighing 220 pounds by the time I was 45. It wasn't a pretty picture, as the photo below clearly demonstrates: As I was reading the chapter, I thought of the ways that people in my life had fat-shamed me.  But honestly, it isn't just fat-shaming - it's body-shami...

 So what exactly is Baroque music? Baroque is a style of music that was popular from 1600-1750.  This type of music is recommended for people who have anxiety?  Why?  Well, usually baroque music adheres to the 60 beats per minute tenant and this is relevant because this pace can cause the brain to synchronize with the beat, creating alpha brainwaves. These types of brain waves are present when we are calm and relaxed.  Interestingly enough,  some of my favorite composers like Haydn, Bach, and Vivaldi are composers of this particular type of music.  The challenge from my anxiety journal today was to listen to some baroque music and let my mind wander while writing.  The problem is, the music opens up my mind by the page provides itty-bitty little writing space.  It made me feel like Genie in Disney's Aladdin. 0 full of promise with nowhere to go. Then, I remembered that I am, in fact, the author of a blog and I could write my thoughts here whi...

 So, so much happening here in my life.  As I'm sure it has been with all of you.  Uncertainty is a major stressor in the lives of most people and 2020 has dished out more than the usual variety.   Let's start with the obvious of the recent Presidential election.  More than 9 days later and we don't have a confirmed victor and by that, I just mean that the votes haven't been validated.  There is no doubt in my mind that Joe Biden is the new President of the United States and for that, I am eternally grateful.  It will be so nice to have a decent human being in the Oval office again.  That said, January 20th is still some time away and there remains much damage that can, and I'm sure will, be done.   I am anxiously awaiting Inauguration day.  There has been a lot of uncertainty with my job too, which has been wonderful for my anxiety.  The local school board  in their infinite wisdom ( can you smell the sarcasm??)...