I live my life pretty soberly–no drinking, no drugging, etc. It has been difficult at times explaining this to people, or hanging out with people who do take part in this behavior. Tellings someone, “I don’t drink because I was raped by an ex who used alcohol as a way to weaken my defenses” isn’t always something I feel I can say (if ever). Continue reading
Tags: Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Behavior, Drugs, Health, Sober, Sober Living, Substance abuse
Me at 18
Sometime last week, I was walking with my boyfriend around town on a warm, sunny day. A large truck passed by us, and I glanced at it for a second, and turned back. I did a double-take, because I noticed that this truck happened to have my rapist’s last name on it. Continue reading
Tags: Feminism, Identity, Sex, Rape, Relationships, Women's Studies, Empowerment, Trauma, PTSD
As you know, I practice yoga quite a bit. One of the classes I go to frequently is called Hot Power Fusion, and it’s a blend of Bikram (hot) yoga and vinyasa flow. The sequence is nice, and I enjoy not doing any chaturangas for a change 
You might be thinking, “How are YOU–someone with such a strong aversion to heat able to practice yoga in a room over 100 degrees?” Well, I think this often as well (trust me). I mainly take this class to work with the huge amount of discomfort that I feel with regard to heat, brought on by my Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Continue reading
Tags: Anxiety, Bikram, Chicago, Exercise, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Gym, Hot Yoga, Religion and Spirituality, Vinyāsa, Working Out, Yoga
Many of you know that I really dislike summer. I hate the heat, the stickiness; I even hate the abundance of sunshine (I know what you’re thinking). Summer seems to give me a lot more anxiety as the added heat reminds me of how my body feels when experiencing a panic attack. It’s not a fun time. So, I thought I would write a little post on some tips to stay cool during the dreary (in my opinion) and hot summer months. Continue reading
Tags: Air Conditioning, Anxiety, Coconut water, Cool, Health, Heat, Panic attack, Summer, Temperature, Weather, Yoga
Can you believe this guy just turned 64!?!
Today is my dad’s birthday. He is an amazing person, and I’m so lucky to have him in my life. I’ve written about my mom on here before, but not so much about my dad. I wanted to write a bit of an “Ode” to my lovely, lovely father. Continue reading
Tags: Dad, Family, Father, Feminism, Home, Men, Parent, Parenting
