Interview with a Therapist
For this week’s blog, I decided to do something a little different. I have a lot of questions about the mental health field, for I want to be a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner when I am older. I know what I want to do, but sometimes I am not so sure of the route I should take to get there. To answer some of my questions, I decided to interview my boss, Amber Madden. I learned a lot from her answers, and hopefully you will too!
How many years of college did it take for you to become a therapist?
I attended 4 years of college for my bachelor's degree and then another 2-3 years for my masters. How much time one may spend on the masters degree is dependent upon how many classes they may choose to take at a time. I was working full time while pursuing my masters, so I took classes at a bit of a slower pace.
What is your favorite part about your job?
My favorite part about my job is the amount of creativity it provides. In general, I am the type of person who likes to have the ability to explore different elements of creativity and to have new challenges. I have found the mental health profession to offer a variety of ways to be creative whether it is from developing individualized treatment plans for challenging clients, creating a private practice, utilizing social media to advocate for mental health or writing on a widespread range of topics related to mental health. There are lots of ways to be creative in this field and I find it adaptable to almost any industry as mental health applies to almost everything we do.
To be successful , what are 3 qualities that you believe a therapist should have?
Self-discipline - I say self discipline, because there is a significant part of mental health that requires devoting extra time and attention to clients in order to make sure they are receiving quality services. There are many times I need to devote extra time to researching about mental health conditions and the best and most effective ways of treating those conditions. At times, this can feel a bit like I'm preparing for a research paper, which may not be ideal to some individuals. However, I find this is important in making sure clients needs are met. Along the lines of self-discipline also comes with documentation. Documentation is a HUGE part of mental health practice and one of the areas that many clinicians have the most suffering because it can be unpleasant to have to spend additional time documenting sessions. It takes a great amount of discipline, especially in private practice, to make sure proper documentation is completed.
Interpersonal Skills or "Soft" Skills - I once read a book about becoming a "master" therapist. Actually, the name of the book is, On Being a Master Therapist, by Jeffrey A. Cottler and Jon Carlson. In this book, the duo explored on what elements were believed to become a "master" therapist. Time and time again, they referred to the relationship between the therapist and the client. This was also based on years of research and experience. I also believe this is a very important quality to have for being a good therapist. A therapist needs to have excellent interpersonal skills in order to be able to effectively listen to their clients, as well as convey empathy and caring about their presenting conditions. The relationship often is more important than the therapist skills utilized, as well.
A Knowledge of Ethical Principles - Do no harm continues to be a message in the medical and mental health professional world that is often stated. Therapists have a responsibility to their clients to ensure they are constantly helping them and not harming them. Many times, this can often refer to any ethical dilemmas that may come up during therapy and how the therapist navigates these challenges. A quality therapist needs to be well versed in the ethical guidelines of how to work with clients and what they can and cannot do to help clients.
What college did you attend, and what degrees did you receive?
I attended University of the Cumberlands receiving a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. I attended Union College to receive a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology. Lastly, I received a Graduate Certificate in Eating Disorder Treatment from Northern Illinois University.
What made you decide to become a therapist?
I have always thought of myself to be an analytical person and someone who has enjoyed learning about people. When I was in college for my undergrad, I actually started out as a music major. I played violin and piano growing up and I thought I wanted to become a music teacher. However, I found the classes VERY challenging, the competition was steep between students and at the end of the day, I really did not know how much I actually wanted to teach. As part of my undergraduate basics, I was required to take an Introduction to Psychology course. I was completely fascinated by the material in this course. I loved everything I was learning and the learning felt effortless, so I took another course, Abnormal Psychology. Again, I continued to be intrigued by the material and it all felt very effortless because I was so interested in what I was learning. I switched majors and decided to commit myself to becoming a mental health professional, mostly because I really liked learning about people and the different parts of our lives that makeup who we are as individuals.
What is your preferred style of therapy?
I would not say I have a preferred style. I utilize a blend of humanistic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and existentialism. The mode of therapy I utilize tends to be based on the presenting problems of the client and how they perceive their problems.
What are some things you do outside of your work to help you maintain a happy, healthy life?
I love to take walks and listen to an audiobook or podcast. I also really love cooking when I have the time for it. I enjoy reading and of course, watching some Netflix from time to time. Most importantly, I like to spend time with my family.
If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring therapist, what would it be?
I would tell an aspiring therapist to make sure they attend an accredited school, one accredited by CACREP. I did not know about CACREP at the time I pursued my degree and the schools were not as widely recognized. I am credentialed through the National Board of Credentialed Counselors now, but a CACREP degree would have been nice, as well. This is a single decision that could potentially have a large impact on the types of employment you can find when you begin looking. I would also advise aspiring therapist to plan well for student loans. I have been fortunate in that I worked for a place that partnered with the National Health Service Corporation and I was able to trade my service for student loan repayment. This has been a huge saving grace for me. I know many others her struggle with upwards of 200k debt and it is so important to make a plan for that when going into this field and how you will plan to pay back those loans or try to work for a place that may help you pay them back.
Kylee Roberts, Mental Health Therapist
Co-Written by Amber Madden, LPCC-S
How to Practice Positive Thinking
One of the biggest problems in the world today is pessimism. Pessimism is when you have a negative outlook towards almost everything in life. This can cause more stress, and negatively affect your mental health. Turning pessimism into positive thinking can be a hard transition, but it comes with many benefits. Positive thinking can increase your life-span and lower your chances of developing depression. In this article, I am going to give some tips on how to think positively.
One of the biggest problems in the world today is pessimism. Pessimism is when you have a negative outlook towards almost everything in life. This can cause more stress, and negatively affect your mental health. Turning pessimism into positive thinking can be a hard transition, but it comes with many benefits. Positive thinking can increase your life-span and lower your chances of developing depression. In this article, I am going to give some tips on how to think positively.
Identify Where The Negative Thinking Is Coming From
The first thing you need to do when you are trying to think positively is assess your life and find the source of the negativity. Is it coming from a situation in your life? Is it coming from negative thoughts about yourself? Once you find where the negative thoughts are stimming from, then it is time to slowly transition those thoughts into positive ones. Take small steps into thinking about the negative things in your life positively. It can be hard, but putting a positive spin on the bad things in your life can help your mental health tremendously.
Spend Time With Positive People
One thing that can trigger a pessimistic mindset is being around others with a pessimistic mindset. We humans tend to copy the behavior of the people around us. By surrounding yourself with people who are positive, it can encourage you to be positive, as well. Putting yourself around positive people can give you encouragement, help you reach more goals, and boost your self-esteem. Try looking for people who encourage you instead of people who put you down.
In conclusion, having a positive mindset is great for your mental health. While a negative mindset can lead you to feeling fatigued and stressed, a positive mindset uplifts your energy and gives you a better quality of life. If you are struggling with developing a positive mindset, visit a mental health professional and voice your concerns.
Resources
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, February 3). How to stop negative self-talk. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved August 6, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950
Santos-Longhurst, A. (2019, February 21). How to think positive and have an optimistic outlook: 8 tips. Healthline. Retrieved August 6, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-think-positive#overview
Think positive: 16 simple ways to start thinking positive. The Berkeley Well-Being Institute. (n.d.). Retrieved August 6, 2022, from https://www.berkeleywellbeing.com/think-positive-16-ways-positive-thinking.html
Kylee Roberts, MH Virtual Assistant
Co-written by Amber Madden, LPCC-S
Mental Health Myths
Mental health is very complex, and therefore is commonly misunderstood. One of society’s biggest problems today is the stigma that has been created against having mental health issues. This is very harmful because it can prevent people from getting the help they need. The only way to stop this is by educating yourself and others on what is true and what is fake about mental health. This post will focus on debunking common myths surrounding mental health and giving you the truth behind them.
Mental health is very complex, and therefore is commonly misunderstood. One of society’s biggest problems today is the stigma that has been created against having mental health issues. This is very harmful because it can prevent people from getting the help they need. The only way to stop this is by educating yourself and others on what is true and what is fake about mental health. This post will focus on debunking common myths surrounding mental health and giving you the truth behind them.
Myth #1 : Having a mental illness is rare.
Mental illness is actually more common than cancer and diabetes. About one in five Americans have had issues with their mental health, and one in twenty have a serious mental disorder. Today, about 450 million people are living with a mental or neurological condition.
Myth #2 : It is impossible for children to have mental health issues.
It is very possible for young children to show warning signs of serious mental health issues. Half of mental health disorders show first signs before the age of 14, and three quarters show signs before the age of 24. Because of this myth, many children are deprived of the mental healthcare they need. Giving care to children can help before the illness begins to affect their everyday life.
Myth #3 : Taking medication for your mental illness is bad.
Just like any other illness, sometimes taking medication is necessary. Medication for mental illness can be used to help people function in general and in society. It can also be used to ease symptoms of their disorder. When paired with therapy, medication can greatly improve the quality of someone’s life. Therefore, the use of psychiatric medication should not be looked down upon.
Myth #4 : You cannot prevent mental illness.
Addressing risk factors, such as exposure to trauma, can greatly reduce the chance of having a mental illness. Some different ways you can address risk factors are :
If you experienced a traumatic event, try to get help as soon as possible. Early treatment can reduce the risk of having problems in the future.
Reduce the stress level in your job and home.
Try to keep yourself in positive situations and around positive people. By doing this, you can reduce your overall healthcare costs and have an overall better quality of life.
Myth #5 : There is no way to recover from a mental illness.
Mental health does not stay the same, and can change many times over the course of your life. Going to therapy and getting the help that is needed can help you work through your problem and recover. However, recovery does not always mean that the problem is gone. Recovery means you have learned to live with your problem and you have found ways to cope with it. Some mental health problems never go away, such as schizophrenia. Others, like depression and anxiety, might go away with the proper treatment and care.
This may be surprising to you, but many people genuinely believe these myths surrounding mental health. This is very harmful misinformation. The stigma surrounding getting help for mental health can cause some people to never seek treatment at all. Some even take their own lives because they are scared what people will think of them. This should never happen. Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of. Learning the truth behind these myths can help you and others, and could possibly save a life.
Resources
“Mental Health Myths and Facts.” Mental Health Myths and Facts | MentalHealth.gov, https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/mental-health-myths-facts .
“Six Myths and Facts about Mental Illness.” NAMI, https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/October-2019/Six-Myths-and-Facts-about-Mental-Illness .
familydoctor.org editorial staff and Alex Rice. “Mental Health Myths: Stop the Stigma.” Familydoctor.org, 28 Sept. 2021, https://familydoctor.org/mental-health-myths-stop-stigma/amp/ .
“Myths & Facts About Mental Illness.” Frontier Behavioral Health, 22 June 2022, https://fbhwa.org/facts/about-behavioral-health/myths-facts-about-mental-illness .
“11 Myths about Mental Health.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-mental-health-misconceptions .
By Kylee Roberts, MH Virtual Assistant
Co-Written by Amber Madden, NCC, LPCC-S
When You're Celebrating this July 4th...
I contemplated not writing this. After all, our Nation is at a time in history when everything is very uncertain, tormented and broken. On this 4th of July, a day that marks our freedom, I want to remind you of a few things… of not only all of the things that we have fought for, but also of all the things that could so easily be taken away if we don’t stop fighting. Let freedom ring.
I contemplated not writing this. After all, our Nation is at a time in history when everything is very uncertain, tormented and broken. On this 4th of July, a day that marks our freedom, I want to remind you of a few things… of not only all of the things that we have fought for, but also of all the things that could so easily be taken away if we don’t stop fighting.
The position statement from the American Counseling Association says it better than I probably ever could. From the American Counseling Association:
“We recognize that the loss of access to safe, legal abortion may hinder the ability of women to participate within the workplace and society effectively and successfully. Unwanted pregnancies may affect women’s education, employment, earning prospects, and health. These effects would disproportionately fall on those who are already marginalized, those living in poverty, people of color, nonbinary, and transgender people, as well as those who live in medically underserved areas (e.g., few primary care providers, high infant mortality, high poverty).
Overturning Roe v. Wade means we can expect an increase in economic hardship and insecurity that may lead to increased stress, lower life satisfaction, decreased work productivity, increased turnover, and decreased mental well-being. Professional counselors assist clients and students facing life’s challenges such as the deeply personal decision to have an abortion, and how to access such services.”
Let freedom ring. ~ Amber
~~~
In 1777 all states passed rights to take away a woman’s right to vote.
The first state, Mississippi, granted the right for women to hold property in their own name…. with their husband’s permission.
In 1875 Minor v Happersett, 88 U.S. 162 (1875): The U.S. Supreme Court declares that despite the privileges and immunities clause, a state can prohibit a woman from voting. The court declares women as “persons,” but holds that they constitute a “special category of _nonvoting_ citizens.”
1890 The first state (Wyoming) grants women the right to vote in all elections.
1900 By now, every state has passed legislation modeled after New York’s Married Women’s Property Act (1848), granting married women some control over their property and earnings.
The Constitution is finally AMENDED in 1920 to declare every woman the right to vote.
In 1963 (less than 100 years ago) The Equal Pay Act is passed by Congress, promising equitable wages for the same work, regardless of the race, color, religion, national origin or sex of the worker.
In 1972, in Eisenstadt v. Baird, 405 U.S. 438, the Supreme Court rules that the right to privacy encompasses an unmarried person’s right to use contraceptives.
In 1973 Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 and Doe v. Bolton, 410 U.S. 179: The U.S. Supreme Court declares that the Constitution protects women’s right to terminate an early pregnancy, thus making abortion legal in the U.S.
In 1974 Cleveland Board of Education v. LaFleur, 414 U.S. 632 (1974), determines it is illegal to force pregnant women to take maternity leave on the assumption they are incapable of working in their physical condition.
In 1976 General Elec. Co v. Gilbert, 429 U. S. 125 (1976), the Supreme Court upholds women’s right to unemployment benefits during the last three months of pregnancy.
In 1978 The Pregnancy Discrimination Act bans employment discrimination against pregnant women.
In 1981 Sandra Day O’Connor is appointed by President Ronald Reagan to serve as the first woman on the Supreme Court.
In 1993 Harris v. Forklift Systems, Inc., 510 U.S. 17 (1993) The U.S. Supreme Court rules that the victim did not need to show that she suffered physical or serious psychological injury as a result of sexual harassment.
In 1994 The Violence Against Women Act funds services for victims of rape and domestic violence, allows women to seek civil rights remedies for gender-related crimes, provides training to increase police and court officials’ sensitivity and a national 24-hour hotline for battered women.
In 2000 United States v. Morrison, 529 U.S. 598 (2000). The U.S. Supreme Court invalidates those portions of the Violence Against Women Act permitting victims of rape, domestic violence, etc. to sue their attackers in federal court.
In 2010 The Affordable Health Care Act is signed into law. Under this law, private health insurance companies must provide birth control without co-pays or deductibles. The law requires private insurance companies to cover preventive services.
In 2013 The ban against women in military combat positions is removed; this overturned a 1994 Pentagon decision restricting women from combat roles.
~~~
Amber Madden, NCC, LPCC-S
Bloom Therapy Services, Clinical Director
Grieving the Loss of a Pet
We brought Chester home when he was only 6 weeks old. He was such a tiny thing. When I think back on that time of my new marriage and Chester being our first “child” I am filled with warmth and love. I remember thinking, at the time, a 10-15 years of a life of a pet is such a very long time. Only it isn’t…
We brought Chester home when he was only 6 weeks old. He was such a tiny thing. When I think back on that time of my new marriage and Chester being our first “child” I am filled with warmth and love. I remember thinking, at the time, the 10-15 years of a life of a pet is such a very long time. Only it isn’t…
This year was Chester’s 12th year with us. While every time I took notice to see him moving slower and his fur graying faster, losing him still seemed like someday away. Last month we said goodbye to Chester. As for many others as well, losing a loved one during the holiday season is never easy. It was a weird thing to notice his empty bed or to no longer see him gazing at the Christmas tree with his brother. More than ever, sounds of door bells ringing on the television was where I noticed his absence the most. He would always grumble and growl as if it were our own doorbell, something that always made me chuckle.
I was very gracious to have received a number of calls from my closest friends and family checking on me during that difficult time. A post on my Facebook must have had over 100 notifications from distant friends and family expressing their condolences. And I received a very special delivery of beautiful Christmas flowers from a fellow Dog Mom who no doubt understands.
However, I want to recognize for many, the loss of a pet is an unusual thing. Losing a pet sometimes goes unnoticed and unmentioned by the people in their own lives. Had it been a human family member, you are sure to receive flower arrangements, baked goods and phone calls from friends checking in on you. However, not everyone will have the pleasure of knowing and understanding the love of a dog or pet the way that you may have.
Here are some things I have taken comfort in since my own Chester’s passing and I hope that you do, too.
A Comfortable Life - We made sure Chester had the very best life. I take comfort in knowing that he had a warm home, all the toys he could want, daily snacks, a food bowl that was filled everyday, comfortable bed and all the snuggles we could give him. While he was just in my life a short 12 years, he spent his whole life knowing he was loved.
Dying with Dignity - They told me that I would know when the time was right. In the days leading up until Chester’s last, I questioned often if it was the right time. I anguished over knowing whether or not to give him more time to get better or if I would be giving up on him too soon? However, when the moment came, I knew in that instant that it definitely was time. We stayed with Chester, holding him until his very last breath. I take comfort in knowing that we made the right decision for him and in knowing that I was there with him until the end.
Being Sad is Okay - There is absolutely nothing wrong with being sad and grieving your pet. The love I gave Chester was true and honest. I know that he loved me, too. Even if others do not understand your grief over the loss of a pet, just know there are many others out there that do. Being sad another is gone from your life means that you cared deeply for them while they were here, no matter what form that may be.
I want to leave you with a poem that I found. I have no idea who wrote the poem, but it gave me great comfort and I hope it does you, too.
The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this — the last battle — can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close — we two — these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
— Unknown
Other helpful resources:
Winter Loving Lately
Cozy Fireplaces
Last year my husband and I made the investment to install gas logs for our fireplace and it has definitely been a great decision. I never had a fireplace growing up, so having one now has been such a cozy experience during these icy Winter months. Jasper LOVES the fireplace and often we'll find him cuddled up in front of it or sometimes leaning on it so that he can get even warmer. It absolutely cracks me up when sometimes he walks over to the fireplace and leans on it even when it's not on. It's like he's saying, "Hello? Can someone please turn this on?"
Pajama Sets
You guys. I could LIVE in pajama sets! Especially wintery ones with polar bears in scarves. Or penguins. Or puppies! It's always a sad day when it starts to get too warm for these and I have to pack them away during the warmer months. I make sure to soak up every minute I can spending time kicked back in my jammies while I can.
Snow Days
Last year, we actually did not see a lot of snow in Kentucky. This year we've had a couple of small snows, but we did have a pretty great one a couple of weeks ago. It was beautiful!
ALL The Books
I've been trying to make a consistent effort to read more. I love reading, but between flipping through social media accounts and everything else going on in life, reading often gets tossed to the wayside. That's why I decided to come up with my new Bloom Book Club, an intuitive eating book discussion group that is completely virtual. It's definitely helping to keep me on track with my reading AND it's turning out to be a ton of fun getting to know others from all over. Have you joined? It's free!
What favorite Winter things have you been enjoying lately?
Bloom Book Club
Happy Thanksgiving!
I hope you and your family and loved ones have a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving holiday!
I hope you and your family and loved ones have a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving holiday!
Below is a round-up of many great posts for if you struggle with disordered eating, want to learn more about intuitive eating, or simply need some additional support through the holidays. I hope you find something that resonates!
Being Better to Your Fat Friend This Thanksgiving - Medium
Tips for Dealing wit Diet and Weight Talk Over the Holidays - Jennifer Rollin, MSW, LCSW
5 Tips to Have a Health Thanksgiving - Jessica Spiro Nutrition
How to Not Obsess Over Food During the Holidays - Robyn Nohling, RD, NP
The Holidays Aren't 100% Healthy - Robyn Nohling, RD, NP
Intuitive Eating Holiday Survival Guide - Emily Fonnesbeck, RD
The Day After a Holiday... - Emily Fonnesbeck, RD
Self Care During the Holidays - Rachel Hartley Nutrition
How to Have a Stress Free Holiday Eating Experience - Anne Mauney, RD
A Holiday Survival Guide for Sad People - Pinch of Yum
How to Feel Less Stressed Around Food During the Holidays - Robyn Nohling, RD, NP
What To Do In Vegas (Part 2)
In this post, we're catching up on what we did on our trip to Vegas, travel tips for the area and a suggested itinerary. If this is not of interest for you, feel free to check back later this week! And if you would like to read Part 1 of our trip, check out this post here.
In this post, we're catching up on what we did on our trip to Vegas, travel tips for the area and a suggested itinerary. If this is not of interest for you, feel free to check back later this week! Click here to read Part 1 of our trip.
Day 3
On our third day, we decided to make an entire day of The Strip. But first....food!
Nacho Daddy
We found Nacho Daddy on the Strip and it was amazing and the perfect place for us to grab a late lunch. The hubby had a massive order of BBQ Chicken Nachos and I had the Fish Tacos.
The hubby finished ALL of his, while I finished most of mine. I have nothing negative to say about this spot. It was a great, and affordable place to lunch on the Strip.
National Atomic Testing Museum
As I mentioned earlier, the husband is a huge fan of a video game called Fallout. The game is set in a dystopian environment which envisions what life might have been like in Las Vegas had the United States actually been hit with an atom bomb in the 60's when the concern of such an event was very real. The nearby desert is where the nuclear testing grounds were many years ago, so of course, a stop at the Atomic Testing Museum was on the agenda!
I thought this was a really cool experience. I loved learning about all the history of the bomb testing sites and how it impacted not just the Vegas culture, but the culture of America in general. We learned about how Vegas business BOOMED as a result of people flocking to the area out of curiosity about the testing. We also learned how the atomic bomb testing influenced America's pop culture and even the way of life. Very interesting!
Cesar's Palace
One of the things I wanted to do the most on our trip to Vegas was try to wander inside as many of the grand hotels on the strip as possible. I loved seeing all the grand architecture and beautiful, over the top designs. We saw the Bellagio the day before, so on this day we made an effort to see Cesar's Palace.
The hotel was amazing and we especially loved the pool area. So beautiful and peaceful! (I could't resist the photo op below!)
Las Vegas Welcome Sign
Still tired from traveling and the time change, we headed back to the hotel for awhile to rest up before our next adventure. Later that night we traveled back out to see the infamous Las Vegas Welcome sign.
Our trip took place exactly 1 month after the shooting tragedy in Vegas. The Las Vegas sign area was adorned with a memorial to the 59 people who lost their lives during this traumatic event. It was very surreal to walk past the Mandalay Bay. I can only imagine how the many families that were impacted by this tragedy must feel. Prayers and thoughts to everyone.
Day 4
After battling the transit system, we were so excited to finally have a car rental to travel in! On this day we decided to visit Boulder City and Hoover Dam which is a short 40 minute drive from Vegas.
Boulder City
Boulder City was very cute and quaint and we decided that if we were to live anywhere near Vegas, we would want to live here. We enjoyed wandering around the antique shops and checking out the local neighborhoods. On to Hoover Dam!
Hoover Dam
This was, by far, one of our favorite things we did while on our trip to Vegas. The first stop at the Dam was the walking bridge.
The view was absolutely breathtaking! We climbed to the top and along the way were exhibits explaining how the Dam was built, the planning phases and major contributors. Very interesting!
At the bottom of the Dam we walked along the bridge taking in the beautiful scenery. It definitely helped being out away from the city for a day and was a welcomed break from all the hustle and bustle of the crowded streets.
According to the story of these statutes, The Winged Figures of the Republic, you're supposed to rub their toes for good luck!
Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace
After Hoover Dam and a brief refreshing and relaxing at the hotel, we headed back out to the Strip. In search of dinner, before a show we were scheduled to see, we stumbled upon the Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace.
Forum Shops
Most of the shops are very high-end, but we enjoyed walking around and taking in a lot of the unique architecture of the building which has a ceiling painted just like the sky. Beautiful!
Carmines Italian Restaurant
For dinner, we settled on Carmines Italian Restaurant located inside of the Forum Shops. This was definitely my second favorite eatery of the trip. Dishes are traditional Italian cuisine, but served family-style with a huge plate of the dish brought out for the entire table. We went with the Sausage Rigatoni with Broccoli. So good!
Cirque Du Soliel
I really feel like one cannot go to Vegas and NOT go to one of the Cique Du Soliel shows. We had tickets to the Mystere show presenting at Treasure Island.
This show was beautiful, whimsical and every bit of the mysteriousness promised. We really loved the performance and just how much athleticism and talent the artists have!
That's it for Part 2! Check back next week for Part 3, the last couple of days of our Vegas vacay!
Las Vegas 2017
Hey all! We are back from an overpacked week in Las Vegas! I know this is a bit out of the norm of our usual conversations here in this space, but nonetheless, I'm hoping some will find these life/travel posts of interest, as well. If not, feel free to check back next week when we resume normal programming. :)
Hey all! We are back from an over packed week in Las Vegas! I know this is a bit out of the norm of our usual conversations here in this space, but nonetheless, I'm hoping some will find these life/travel posts of interest, as well. If not, feel free to check back next week when we resume normal programming. :)
The husband and I have not had any REAL travel plans since way back at our 1 year anniversary trip to Savannah, Georgia. We were WELL overdue for some fun and travel. The husband is a huge fan of a video game called Fallout, a dystopian type story set in Las Vegas. So, we decided to travel to Las Vegas and check it out for ourselves!
Day 1
We flew into Vegas on a Sunday and were already so exhausted by the time we arrived to our hotel room that we really had no big plans for the evening.
Where did we stay?
We arrived late Sunday night and were already extremely exhausted and hungry. We had few plans of any real activity on this night other than checking our our resort and any nearby happenings.
We chose to stay at the Golden Nugget, one of the original hotels in Las Vegas dating back to the startup of the casino culture. Our hotel was beautiful and even though it wasn't located on the Strip, we felt it was perfect for us as newbies to the Las Vegas culture. Some of the amenities included on site casino, several 4 and 5 star restaurants, a spa, a pool that boasts an aquarium with a live shark, gift shops, chocolate shops and almost any other comfort and luxury you could think of needing.
We were very pleased with our room and I found the price of this hotel to be very affordable compared to some of the others in the area.
That night we dined at the Grotto Italian Ristorant in the hotel and the food was amazing. Sorry, no pics of this because it was too dark.
Pros
- Located directly beside the Fremont Street Experience and Fremont Light Show attraction.
- Affordable and offers many of the same amenities as other hotels on the Strip.
- Hotel rooms very comfortable and nicely decorated.
Cons
- Not directly located on the Strip.
- Located directly on Fremont Street, which could be a negative if you don't like all the noise and crowd.
Fremont Street Experience
Fremont Street is located just off The Strip on the North end and is it's own "experience" of Vegas. The vibe on Fremont was very laid back/party style and most everyone was out in the street drinking, singing and dancing. The main attraction on Freemont Street is the overhead Light Show, the largest screen in the U.S. to view. The Light Show plays after dark every hour, on the hour for most of the night. (We know because our room was directly above the show, lol!)
Day 2
Container Park / Arts District
On our second day, we decided to venture out on foot on Fremont Street and into the nearby Arts District area. Here you find what is known as the Container Park, a hipster like shopping center where the small boutiques are fashioned out of recycled shipping containers and other recycled goods. We grabbed coffee at the Black Cup and strolled along checking out the small shops and some of the artwork from recycled materials. A very cool little spot!
Las Vegas North Premium Shopping Outlets
The next stop was a walk to the North Premium Shopping Outlets located not too far from the Fremont Area. The hubby had forgotten his sunglasses at home, so our main purpose for stopping here was to purchase him some new glasses. I also decided to purchase some athletic type sandals at the Nike Outlet. I had brought walking shoes, but the weather was a blazing 85 degrees on this day and clearly the flip flops I was wearing were not working out for all the walking.
The Mob Museum
After the shopping outlets, we hopped back on the city transit bus (more on this later) and caught a ride back to the hotel. We rested up and then decided to check out the Mob Museum, which was a short walk from the hotel. This was easily one of my favorite things we did on the trip. The hubby and I love historic and educational type activities, so learning all about Vegas Mob culture was very interesting! I also really liked how the Museum included many of the popular mob movies, like Casino, into their exhibits and how those movies were influenced by history. Very cool and highly recommend!
The Chart House
After having only snacked since grabbing coffee earlier in the day, we were famished after the museum. We were also still a little tired from the time difference and from flying the day before so we decided to call it an early evening and head back to the hotel to grab dinner. We had dinner at the Chart House, an upscale restaurant offering steak and seafood cuisine.
I had the Blackened Salmon which comes with string beans and stick rice. This dish was so amazing I don't know if I'll EVER be able to have salmon again without comparing. So good!
The hubby had Coconut Shrimp with a side of Baked Mac and Cheese. He also proclaimed this to be one of the best meals he has ever had.
I loved the ambiance of The Chart House and highly recommend if you're staying at the Golden Nugget or just visiting the Fremont Street Experience. Though a bit pricey (entrees ranging $40 - $50), it's worth every penny.
Bellagio Water Fountain Show
After dinner, it was still a bit early, so we decided to venture out to the Strip for the first time. We took the bus transit system to the Bellagio and and took advantage of some of the Vegas free attractions. We watched the beautiful fountain show display. The fountain show is often listed as a 'must see' in Vegas and I can understand why. It really was amazing.
We also wandered inside the Bellagio to check out their amazing Botanical Garden and Conservatory display. They change the flowers and scene with every season.
The Fall scene featured a sort of rain forest type scene with forest creatures, trees with faces that moved and beautiful fall foliage flowers.
It smelled absolutely amazing inside the hotel because of all the flowers. I really do feel like seeing this free, and spectacular display is something everyone traveling to Vegas must do!
```````````````````````````````````
That's all for Part 1 of Vegas. I'll be discussing the rest of our trip later in the week in Part 2!
Fall Loving Lately
Fall Coffee
I always know it's OFFICIALLY Fall when I get my first Fall coffee shipment in. Both of these flavors are amazing!
Fall Coffee Flavors
Fall Porch
I finally got around to making it Fall around here. I love how everything turned out and I spent several hours enjoying the cooler temperatures and Sunday rain shower on my porch.
Fall Porch Decor
New Bedspread
We purchased a bedspread when we first moved, but it was too small for this bed. Even though this is a Queen bed, the pillow top mattress demanded a King size comforter. We loved this one we bought from Belk's!
Comforter
Hellofresh
A while back I posted about how much I love meal delivery companies. We had taken a break from them for awhile because I had gotten a little tired of all the cooking, but this past week we got another Hellofresh shipment in. This one was Chicken Pineapple Quesadillas. So good!
Hellofresh
Kroger Clicklist
I have mentioned before about how much I love Clicklist and they continue to impress! This past weekend it was so nice to not have to get out of my car in a downpour. The Clicklist attendant was so nice to hand me a Halloween treat bag the store was passing out to all their Clicklist customers. So nice! I highly recommend Clicklist, especially if your area does not yet offer door stop grocery delivery.
Clicklist Treat Bag
What Fall things have you been loving lately?
Why I Quit Running (My Exercise Bulimia Story)
Something that once brought such joy and strength in my life was slowly tearing me apart, crushing my spirit and taking away everything I loved about running in the first place. I felt weak. I was weak.
This is a long one....so get settled in!
I have been running since I was 16 years old, nearly 2 decades. It's an amazing amount of time. There have been breaks here and there, but for the most part, I have been a consistent runner.
I have written about running MANY times on this blog and I absolutely love running. I love the rhythm of my foot strikes on the pavement, crisp white mornings covered in frost and the sense of accomplishment and strength I feel after each run.
When I was 16 years old, I began running for a boy. It sounds weird when I type the sentence, but I know that's the real reason. I began running for a boy because a boy I was interested in was a runner.We never actually ran together, and I'm not even sure he knew I was running, too. I would run around the pasture at home on our farm. It began very slow, running one stretch of path and walking the next, but I'll never forget the day I ran an entire lap around the field -- and then when I ran 4 laps. It was in those square paths around barbed wire fencing and Cat Tails that I found myself. I began running for a boy, but I continued to run for me.
Over the years running would turn into a passion, each day ending with a run and feeling a sense of power build within myself. Knowing that I was able to tackle mile after mile and do something many could never even think of gave me confidence, peace of mind, stress relief and grounding.
You may remember in 2015 I ran a half marathon, and I made several posts about training for the half marathon. It was an amazing feat, one that I definitely do not regret. However, it was during this time, I think I began to lose myself in running. Running further than I ever had before was a great accomplishment. I'll never forget the day I ran 10 miles, it was truly like running that first grassy lap all over again. But during this time, an obsession began to take hold.
I wanted to run more miles, more training, be better, do better and run ALL THE RACES. So, despite having a full time job, working a part-time business, spending time with friends and family, I began to prioritize running above all else. Running slowly became a chore. And because of my training schedule, it felt like something I was tied to. So I began to ask myself -- WHY?
WHY am I training for a race I no longer wanted to do?
WHY do I feel disappointed in myself?
WHY do I feel like I'm failing?
WHY am I doing this?
WHY am I scared to quit?
In all of these questions, I realized I had lost myself. Something that once brought such joy and strength in my life was slowly tearing me apart, crushing my spirit and taking away everything I loved about running in the first place. I felt weak. I was weak.
Along with all of this, another problem was emerging. Bulimia was taking hold, more specifically, Exercise Bulimia. Behind every race, every training day and every mile logged was also a precise count of every calorie burned. Deep down, my one thought behind all of the training -- Maybe I'll lose some weight, too.
So I logged more and more miles without properly fueling myself. I logged more and more miles, putting stress on my body and causing more stress on my emotional state. I logged more and more miles even though I was both mentally and physically exhausted. I thought I needed to push through the anguish because that is what is expected and the only way for reassurance and strength. After all, everyone feels like giving up, but only the true fighters push through.
In April of last year (2016), I began experiencing irregular cycles (known as amenorrehea), a problem I hadn't had since my starvation days of high school. At first, I didn't tie it to overexercising. I actually was very concerned. As a female in my early 30's, I worried it was pre-menopause. My doctor confirmed that I had depleted my estrogen levels, a symptom common in those with bulimia or anorexia. I knew in that moment that I had relapsed.
So I stopped. I stopped racing. I stopped obsessing. I stopped counting. I stopped hating and chose to love myself more. So, I stopped running.
And you know what? I am happier.
I FEEL healthier. I feel like I got my life back. When I stopped training for races, running 5 miles after a long day's work and stopped dreading having to spend an entire Saturday doing the mandatory "long run," I actually realized all the things I had been missing out on in my life.
Like late nights enjoying a glass of wine...
Enjoying more time with family....
More couch time with these two...
More Redbox date nights with the hubby...
More time moving my body in ways that I want to, like taking walks...
Investing more time in my passion...
Time to be more creative in the kitchen...
And enjoy donuts without feeling one bit guilty...
I have not completely stopped running, but I'm definitely only running to the point that I WANT to be running. I have brought back the enjoyment of running, usually running no more than a couple of miles at a time. My cycle has returned to normal AND I FEEL much more saner. I think most of all I have REALLY enjoyed just getting to come home every evening and enjoy some relaxation time, family time and treat myself to some personal freedom from having to be tethered to a training plan.
`````````````````````````````
If you believe you have become OBSESSED with your training plan, with exercise, then I highly recommend you just STOP. Life is too short and the people in your life are too important. There are more parts of your life that make up YOU besides just your training plan. It is amazing to exercise to the extent that you feel happy with what you're doing - that you ENJOY doing it. But if you start to feel yourself slipping away, then reassess why you're doing it!
If you would like to learn more about your own behavior, there is a Compulsive Exercising Questionnaire available for you to take here.
Similar Stories
For more recommended reading on this topic, a few other great female bloggers have also written on the topic. Their posts inspired me to share my own story and I would love for you to read theirs!
Not Having Your Period is Not Normal - Robyn Coale, RD, NP
Exercise and Me (AKA My Story + Some Thoughts Helping You Get Out of an Exercise Compulsion - Kylie Mitchell, RD
Recommended Reading
Exercise Bulimia and Drunkorexia: The Lesser Known Disorders - Eating Disorder Hope
Exercise Bulimia: Symptoms, Treatments and More - Healthline
(Edited to add the below articles.)
What it Feels Like to Have Exercise Bulimia - Shape
The Reality of Exercise After an Eating Disorder - Shape
Originally posted on my other blog on February 13, 2017. Moved to this blog on October 13, 2017.
Join our Book Club community! It’s free!
Bloom Book Club
A supportive reading community for individuals and professionals.