#BeYourOwnAdvocate

[i-will-always]

Don't Pretend

Trust me it is so easy to become actors in a world that you are told you look fine, but we have just got to knock it off, me included! We have got to quit saying 'I'm fine' when we aren't. We have to start getting mad, when people tell us what we need to do to make us feel better, doctors included. Most of us have tried everything under the sun, more than once.

It is easy to throw that mask on, just to make people go away, I know I am guilty of this, just because I am tired, it is just easier to think they've "won" or to just placate them into thinking we are listening, when in fact we have tuned them out a long time ago.

Do become honest with how we feel. I know no one reads this, which is fine, because I can put things down, and maybe someday someone will find them and the words will help them. This has been my journey for 13 years so far and this is becoming my therapy. But I need to be honest when I am angry about how I feel about injustices and try to find a way to make a change, not just be angry. We need to be our own advocates, because no one else knows how we truly feel. We can express it, to a certain degree, but no one else is in our body to feel the pain, the emotion, the fear, the joy, the sorrow. It is time to take a stand!

[flourishwithfreda]

🌟 Prioritizing Self-Love: Navigating Boundaries with Confidence 🌟

Ever felt guilty for putting yourself first? You're not alone. But here's the thing – when you prioritize your own well-being, you're not being selfish; you're practicing self-love and setting healthy boundaries. Here's why it's essential to disregard the negativity from those who resist your self-care:

1️⃣ Self-Love is Not Selfishness: Taking care of yourself isn't selfish; it's a necessity. Just like you'd put on your own oxygen mask before helping others on an airplane, self-care equips you to be there for others in a more meaningful and sustainable way.

2️⃣ Boundaries Define Respect: Setting boundaries is a sign of self-respect. It communicates to others how you want to be treated and what you're comfortable with. Those who respect you will honor these boundaries.

3️⃣ Your Needs Matter: Putting yourself last can lead to burnout, resentment, and dissatisfaction. By prioritizing your needs, you're investing in your mental, emotional, and physical well-being – and that ultimately benefits everyone around you.

4️⃣ Energy Matters: When you consistently prioritize others over yourself, you risk depleting your energy reserves. When you're running on empty, you're less able to give your best to others, leading to subpar relationships and interactions.

5️⃣ Empowerment Over Guilt: Choosing self-care over people-pleasing empowers you to make choices that align with your values. It's a move away from guilt-driven decisions and towards choices that nourish your soul.

6️⃣ Healthy Relationships Thrive: People who genuinely care about you will support your self-care journey. Healthy relationships flourish when both parties prioritize their well-being and respect each other's boundaries.

7️⃣ Inner Peace: Prioritizing yourself creates a sense of balance and inner peace. It shields you from resentment and promotes a positive mindset that ripples into all areas of your life.

Remember, those who get upset when you put yourself first may be uncomfortable with the shift in dynamics. But your well-being is non-negotiable. It's a statement that you value yourself, your time, and your energy. So, stand firm in your self-care journey, set those boundaries, and surround yourself with people who genuinely support your growth and happiness. 💪❤️

[abovegroundpodcast]

Clean up your mental clutter!! When you are aware of what you are carrying around you can decide for yourself what is of no use to you and what is serving you. Only choose the things that serve you on your path. Let go of everything else 💚🤘🏻 #mentalhealthmatters #lettinggo #healingjourney #walkyourownpath #mindfulness #awareness #brainhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthpodcasts #declutteryourlife #mentalwellness #mentalillnessrecovery #mentalillnessawareness #heal #growth #beyourownadvocate #motivateyourself #innerpeace #pathtoyou #podcastersofinstagram #stayabove https://www.instagram.com/p/CkoeW3Gvmo8/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[sutrakaja]

Be proactive with your health. What you put in your mouth will either come back out or cause your body issues. Be aware of what you are consuming. Don't wait yntil the white coats tell you that you have a life threatening disease. #facts #beyourownadvocate #eattolive #eatthisnotthat #checktheingredients #eathealthyfood #eat healthy #healthyself #cancersucks #lupus #fibromyalgia #autoimmunediseases #sutrakaja https://www.instagram.com/p/CjTNMoKOMEP/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ddarkn3ss]

This just hit today, because I was feeling so proud of someone that I look up too and how they were so forward in admitting they were not okay. And I got home and started reflecting on the fact that most of the time I refuse to admit I’m not okay and kinda resent the world for noticing I’m not. #beyourownadvocate #selflove #selfcare. https://www.instagram.com/p/CaoImliLyuJ0R3datbsVMCC_W9grsHiKxvDuxI0/?utm_medium=tumblr

[jsalvati-blog1]

Why are you sharing your experience? This isn't something normal people do, Joe. And I mean that in the most respectful and curious way possible.

Hi there, Noel!

What a fantastic question.  I must say, the initial impetusfor sharing this dates back to 2005.  In the Summer of the same year, Ilearned that I needed heart surgery to repair a failing valve.  Monthsprior, I learned that my first child was on the way.  In fact, Max (whoturns 13 this August) was the reason why I learned I needed surgery.  I’llsave the rest of this back-story for another post to focus on your posedquestion.  So, as a soon-to-be first-time dad facing heart surgery, I wasdetermined to find and secure the best care possible to ensure that I wasaround to argue with Max about cleaning his room, stop watching so many videogames and reminding him to finish his veggies.  

With that,and after a significant amount of research, I decided to fly from my home in CTto Cleveland to have surgery at the arguably best institution in the world, TheCleveland Clinic.  So, my growing family and I packed up a week’s worth ofclothes and were off to home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame museum and thelowly Browns football franchise.  

Despite theimpetus for our trip, the plan was rather simple.  Fly in, surgery, 1-2days in the ICU, another 2-3 days on the cardiac floor and then back to theNutmeg state.  Now, when you are having a serious procedure done, youcertainly want to keep friends and family apprised of your status and progress. However this is 2005.  Neither smart phones nor social media existedthen (gasp!) and texting took longer than a carrier pigeon.  Sure, youcould call folks but there is only so much time you can spend on a phone callwhen you’ve been on a heart & lung machine and recently had a breathingtube shoved down your throat.  But, the internet was just coming into itsown as the Great Communicator platform.  Blogs were not prevalent then butthey started to gain momentum as a way to broadcast your thoughts, beliefs,etc.  This resulted in the first iteration of The State of the Heart.

What I didnot anticipate is that the Blog improved the quality of my care and likelysaved my life on at least one instance.  Let me explain.

A JohnsHopkins study released on February 22, 2018 revealed that medical errors is thethird-leading cause of death only behind heart disease and cancer.  WHAT? Yup.  Dr. Martin Makary of the Johns Hopkins University School ofMedicine, defines a death due to medical error as one that is caused byinadequately skilled staff, error in judgment or care, a system defect or apreventable adverse effect. This includes computer breakdowns, mix-ups with thedoses or types of medications administered to patients and surgicalcomplications that go undiagnosed.

I willdedicate an entire post to this topic since this iteration of the blog is myprimary “Why.”  Thank you again for the excellent question, Noel. I’m grateful for your support and for you coming along on thisCardiovascular Journey.

~Joe

[fatimaazohraa]

#beyourownadvocate #beyourfuckingself #BEYOUCREW #beyourowncaptain #beyourownrecoveryhero #beyourselfie #beyourownbestfriend #beyourowngoals #beyours #beyourtrueself #beYOUty #beyourpartnersbrandchallenge #BeYouCampaign #beyoucompany #beyoutifuldecor #beyourselfremaja #beyourownperson #beyourowncompetition #beyoubesmart #beyourowncheerleader #beyourownsunshine #BeYouBravely #beyourownchef #beYOUfuego #beyourownleader #beyourowncoach #BeYourBiggestChallenge #BeYOUtiFULL #beyourselfisnotacrime #beyoutilfullife https://www.instagram.com/p/CIHGt-sjOua/?igshid=1r9ngc34dkc9a

[ketolifecolorado]

Thank you team at ketogenic.com 🥳🎉🥰 . . . #ketocertificate #metabolicdysfunction #metabolicflexibility #metabolicconditioning #metabolicallyflexible #insulinresistance #diabetis #ketonesforfuel #ketonesoverglucose #ketones #keto #ketocoach #selfcare #wholebodyhealth #guthealth #herbs #holisticliving #holisticlifestyle #beyourownadvocate #healthyfood #mitochondrialhealth #fightagainstcancer (at Denver, Colorado) https://www.instagram.com/p/CC4IZF7AQ29/?igshid=19l6whw3dfdkq

[mommafriendly]

Love this!!! It's YOUR birth, don't feel like anyone has power over that. You do what you have to, don't wait for someone to "let" you. #YOURbody #YOURbaby #YOURbirth #thedoctorworksforYOU #beyourownadvocate #improvingbirth #ownyourbirth https://www.instagram.com/p/tDlUMdSsIV/?igshid=1un65jxrr6e9w

[jso129]

I can’t even begin to express how incredible 2019, has been! 😍 I started my Wellness Journey in December 2018, when I got my premium starter kit of essential oils through my best friend @2learnand2love!! 💕 I embarked on a wellness journey unlike any other! I’ve ditched & switched ALL toxic chemicals from my home, and I’ve embraced every little bottle with open arms! 🥰 Through my journey, I’ve found support in all areas of my life. 🙏🏻✨ These oils have given me the freedom to feel empowered to be in charge of my own wellness! I’ve seen a huge change in my overall health. My Asthma has seen huge support through using R.C., Raven, and other essential oils (that specifically target your Respiratory System) as well as, from ditching & switching harsh chemicals out of my home. 🤩😍 My emotions, feelings, and hormones are supported more and more balanced. I love knowing that I have an oil to help aid in anything digestion and sleep related as well!!! 😍💜🙏🏻✨ They’re truly little miracles in a bottle!! Not only has my oil collection grown (majority for free!!), but I’ve also found many supplements to help support my immune system and my overall health as well! 🙌🏻 It’s not just oils! There’s so much more to this amazing company, and the fact that they’re 100% pure and contain NO harsh/toxic chemicals makes it that more sweeter. 💕 I’m not looking back!! This is a lifestyle change that I’m keeping, forever. 🙏🏻✨💜 #MyOilyLife #EssentialOils #OilsLover #Wellness #BeautifulColorado #TakeControlOfYourWellness #BeYourOwnAdvocate #EmbarkOnTheUnknown #EmbraceTheFuture #ThankYouGod #FeelingEmpowered (at Littleton, Colorado) https://www.instagram.com/p/B37B1wTJJqH/?igshid=12qszdcjl5i4w

[abovegroundpodcast]

Really not much more I can add to this. When you learn the power that is within and learn to utilize it to your advantage you will be unstoppable…. Be unstoppable. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it 💚🤘🏻 #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthpodcast #letstalkmentalhealth #autonomy #youhavethepower #wellnessjourney #healingjourney #heal #grow #beyourownadvocate #mentalillnessawareness #mentalillnessrecovery #yougotthis #mindset #writeyourstory #podcastnation #podcasting #podcastersofinstagram #nippertown #stayabove https://www.instagram.com/p/CiqQ8r9uV8a/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[angelc1989]

Obviously this is not my most glamorous picture of myself. I wanted to share it none the less because truth is chronic illness is ANYTHING but glamorous I am now admitted to the hospital recieving IV for a UTi I am on a overflow unit for the er department it is calmer here. After sitting in the waiting room for 12 and half hours I was grateful just to be able to lay down. I had to advocate for myself when I realized by sitting in my wheelchair so long I was becoming sicker. As bad and chaotic the er was and mom and I laughed at point out of nervousness and exhaustion. The sad truth is we saw so many people there in desperate need of mental health care I am extremely fortunate to have access to proper mental health treatment. I want to thank my mom for everything she does for me as a caregiver she laughs when I thank her because she says I'm your mom. I am still extremely grateful. I miss Nikki like crazy and being able to use medical marijuana when I want or need to I wish I was a home right now the is the safest place to be me to be #beyourownadvocate #antibiotics #brokenhealthcaresyste#nursesareawesome #grateful #mentalhealthisimportant #mentalhealth #chronicuti #chroniillness (at UC Davis Children's Hospital) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwoIILGhPtv/?igshid=19oovlsydkfr7

[carefarmacy]

Just a reminder, when you read something super interesting on the interwebs, fact check it. Two reasons: (1) if it’s true, taking the extra few minutes to look it up will reiterate the fact in your head, increasing the likelihood that you’ll remember it post scroll; (2) anything you read naturally has a 50/50 chance of being true/false - but it’s basically 2019 and people still think the NY Post is a reliable source so those odds are more like 40/60. Factor in error in human comprehension... #beyourownadvocate — Tip for reading medical studies: agonist = binds // antagonist = blocks — For example, THC is a partial agonist at CB1 receptor sites. It connects with the receptor, primarily located in the Brain, which in turn causes a “high”. If we’re talking about Cannabis responsibly, this stimulation at CB1 is why THC also helps with nausea and pain. We know that we can use CBD in conjunction with THC to mitigate intoxicating/psychoactive effects. That’s because CBD, when in the presence of THC, is an ANTagonist at CB1 - it blocks THC from properly connecting to the receptor. — The higher the ratio of CBD:THC is, the less THC is able to connect with CB1, the less psychoactive the formula becomes. This is important to understand because if stimulation of CB1 receptors is what you’re going for, utilizing too high a level of CBD chances basically cancelling out the THC (at CB1, depending on your body). Finding what ratio is right for you is a bit of a game, but so is life - and I’ll say it until I’m blue in the face, that ratio is likely to change as life changes. — The purpose of the endocannabinoid system is to maintain balance, therefore the purpose of utilizing cannabis as medicine is to assist in achieving said balance. Sometimes you’re going to be really off balance, hopefully sometimes you won’t be. Learning to recognize where you are on that spectrum, and determining what receptors to target + how, will make all the difference in your healing. — borage + a freshly flowering cookie glue, late june https://www.instagram.com/p/Br8H-0SB8c7/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=16elblu7p0c9a

[artszcraftsz]

"VerbatimDebatem" #yourvoice #truetothineself #beyourownadvocate #speakup #expression 💖🎼🎥💫 #energetic #energiapositiva #emoto #video #graphicdesign #graphicart #motiongraphics #art #artszcraftsz #smz #susanmarie #susanmariez #studioz #creative #animatedgraphics #gif #gifart #powerfulwords #positivewords #changeyourwords #changeyourlife #healing #blessing #lesson #season