mental health
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Odds & Ends
Hello! It’s me again. Beth. The Big Blue Mess. You know, the writer? (hah) Author? (HAH!) Rando with a keyboard and an internet connection, too much free time, and too much caffeine? (Ooh, that’s about right.) Anyway, you know—me. Well, it’s Sunday, and rather than doing the things I should be doing, I’m casting about…
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I’m Not Above Bribery
Look, I know. You’ve seen the posters (psst, last post). You’ve watched the reels. (You did do that, right?!?). You’ve read the post where I offered to write daily if someone donated $250 (Ok, no getting out of it, you definitely did that – I saw 7 of viewed it – I mean, I may…
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Once More Into the Breach
Oh hey! It’s me! Let’s go on a little ramble, you and I, because if there’s one absolute, indisputable truth in this world, it’s that you love it as much as I love writing it. (That’s what I’m telling myself at least, so play along, please and thank you.) I’ll start with… Every few days,…
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This Ol’ Wagon
My counselor moved to a new practice last month. I don’t know if you’ve ever tried to find a counselor – one you connect with, but it’s a right PITA as you navigate counseling styles and personality fits. But through no small effort, and a couple of whoopsies, I finally found my person – someone…
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Why Do You Walk?
Every year that I put together a fundraising team for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) Out of the Darkness Walk, I’m asked “Why do you walk?” My answer is always some variation of, “I walk to remove the stigma surrounding suicide. I walk to honor my husband who was my best friend and…
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AFSP Austin Walk – 2024
On July 9, 2016, we said goodbye to a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend… my best friend, my favorite person, and my husband, Jay . This could have been the final period on a tragic story. However, together our team, The Jay Walkers, successfully raised close to $20,000 for the American Foundation for…
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The Wreck
Before I start this story, let me stress: I’m ok. The other folks in the story are ok. Everyone is ok. A few weeks ago I was involved in a car accident. How it Happened I was stopped at a green light behind a truck as we waited for an emergency vehicle to clear the…
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2023: That’s A Wrap
As I sit here typing, I realize that as much as I try, I won’t find the right words to wrap up my 2023 in a way that’s satisfying to me. My words won’t quite capture everything that’s happened (and in some cases, if I’m honest, didn’t happen) and also be relatable? meaningful? enjoyable? See,…
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Every Year…
Every year she comes back and asks us to donate to AFSP. Blahblahblah. Hand outstretched yet again. We get it. Your husband died. But that’s your cause that ain’t mine. “Please donate to our walk.” “Please help end the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health.” “Please help end suicide.” I’ve heard that request…
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We’re Nearly There: The Importance of Community
My grandfather died when I was 16 years old. I have no real memory of him – no endearing stories of “the time when Grandpa and I…” I’ve heard I once sat next to him on a piano bench, and that he was very sweet to me, his only grandchild at the time, while I…
The Big Blue Mess 