Chynna T. Laird's Blog, page 16

Talk About It Tuesday ~ Psychotherapy: Being Strong Enough To Step Past Stigmas To Be Well

As many of you already know, I write regularly for a psychology website in addition to what I do here. Every so often, I'm given post ideas to assist with raising awareness on specific subjects concerning mental health wellness. Today's subject is one area I feel very strongly about.

Life can be very difficult and the journey, despite what many people may convince themselves of, isn't a road to be traveled down completely alone. Many of us are capable of enduring the different bumps, hiccups a...

Music Mantra Monday ~ The Inspiration of Folk Music

It's funny of what memories pop into your head when certain songs come on the radio, or are part of a soundtrack from a movie.

I grew up in the 1970's (::cough:: dating myself ::cough::). During that decade, people were coming off of a more psychedelic, drug-infested time where they were free to do, and be, whatever they wanted. Yes, they it was also a time of huge social movements and focus on peace. But in the 1970's, I remember the music becoming more focused on these issues in a quieter wa...

Writing Prompt Saturday ~ What Do You Do To Stay Positive?

I was feeling crank when I woke up this morning, not that I'm the best example for a 'morning person'.

First, I got zero sleep because my youngest daughter came into my room in the middle of the night. This isn't an unusual occurrence. Usually, she flops down and sleeps on the floor until I notice her there, then I unsuccessfully try escorting her back upstairs to her own bed. She'll stand there staring at me vacantly, since she's still sleeping, so I end up guiding her into bed with me. Sleep...

Foodie Fridays ~ Easy Recipe for At-Home Falafels

This week, we're going to share a recipe, much to the delight to some of you out there asking for a new one.

I'm really fussy about my falafels. I've only discovered a couple of places that not only make them 'right', they make them with the traditional spices and flavors that are a good falafel.

This recipe is pretty basic because my kids aren't huge fans of East Indian spices, but it's pretty close. As long as the cumin, garlic and lemon is in there, they'll get gobbled up pretty fast.

As alwa...

In The Spotlight ~ Join Our Chat With Author Vincent Zandri

We are excited for today's In The Spotlight as we're being joined by award-winning author, Vincent Zandri. If you are writing in the mystery/action/adventure genres, or just really enjoy reading the works of those who do, this is the chat for you.

Vincent truly understands the keys to becoming a successful author in the very competitive publishing arena, and he's got amazing material out there to prove it. Plus, he's a genuinely nice guy and cares about his readers.

So, grab yourself a cup of y...

Writing Sample Wednesday ~ Angels Comforting A Dad-To-Be

Alright, alright. I can just hear those of you who have followed me for awhile and know my obsessiveness...::ahem::...I mean, appreciation for The Beatles. Yes. I do need to include a sprinkle of Beatleness in everything I do. It makes me happy.

When I came across this picture several years ago, I literally teared up. To me, this photograph, which I'm pretty sure Paul's wife Linda took, personifies what a dad is. And there is a huge difference between being a 'dad' and a 'father', which I'll e...

Music Mantra Monday - Leaving It All Behind

I realize I may be dating myself here, but I adore Simon and Garfunkel. They each have such beautiful voices and when you couple that with outstanding talent? Well...that puts you very high in my musical books.

To answer the initial question that most likely popped into everyone's mind when seeing the song chosen for today's Music Mantra: No, I am not leaving anyone. BUT I am trying to clean up what's holding me back from doing what I want, and need, to do.

Rather than thinking of, 'Fifty Ways...

Writing Prompt Saturday - Treasuring Special Moments With Your Children

One of the times I treasure most with my four children is any time I can squeeze in 'just Mom time' with each of them. Even if it's just during the travel time to an appointment, these are moments I truly value.

I have two teens, a preteen and a tween. I remember when they were very small, we had to get up and go to wherever we needed to all together because each of them was too young at the time to leave them on their own. As frustrating as it could be at times, I look back on those days with...

Foodie Friday ~ Top Foods For Reducing Mood Disorders

Usually, I share a recipe or two for this segment. Today, however, we're going to use our last day of raising awareness during Suicide Prevention Week focusing on the best brain foods to eat to ease some symptoms of depression and anxiety.

I call them 'brain foods' because it's very important to feed a hungry brain that is already enduring enough strain. Oftentimes, a person living with a Mood Disorder may experience an increase in their symptoms because their bodies aren't getting the right v...

In The Spotlight ~ Top Websites For Suicidal Prevention

Usually for today's segment, we focus on one person, charity or group who is making a true difference in their community. Today, however, in keeping with our support for Suicide Prevention Week, we are going to share resources from various individuals and groups to offer some ray of hope to those who may be searching for help.

Seeking help on any level is a very personal thing because you want to be heard, respected, and be given solid guidance. In this state of mind, you don't want another pe...