Common Symptoms of Someone With Bipolar Disorder

Posted on November 22, 2011 by okhelua01

Bipolar Disorder, also known as Manic Depressive Illness, is a disorder that affects the moods. Swinging from one polarity to the other, manic (the highs) and depression (the lows). Bipolar affects not only moods, but thoughts, and behavior. This disorder afflicts about six million Americans every year and is no respecter of persons. It runs in men and women equally. It is found in all races and ethnic groups, and while most people start manifesting symptoms in their teens or young adulthood, it can also surface in children, or later in adulthood. Bipolar Disorder tends to run in families.

Three Types of Bipolar Disorder

There are three types of Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymia. Bipolar I is the most severe form of Bipolar. The mood swings are more extreme with the emphasis is more on the mania. Bipolar II is a milder form in which the mania is less intense (referred to as hypomania) and the depressions are more frequent and severe. Cyclothymia is milder yet, with frequent hypomania and less intense depression.

Mania and Hypomania

Mania is the high mood. Each person’s mania has its own characteristics in varying intensities. Let’s start with Bipolar I mania.

Highly elevated mood

Feelings of grandiosity, invincibility, overly self-confident

Rapid flight of ideas

Excessive irritability and/or aggressive behavior

Risky behaviors (gambling, shopping sprees, risky business deals, risky sexual behavior)

Poor judgment

Impulsivity

Racing thoughts

Racing speech

In extreme cases, psychosis (paranoia, delusions and/or hallucinations)

Bipolar II mania is actually called hypomania. It is less severe than that of full blown mania of Bipolar I. According the Depression Bipolar Support Alliance, sometimes hypomanic symptoms are not noticed and a misdiagnosis of unipolar depression can occur. Here are some symptoms of hypomania

heightened self-confidence

More energetic and less need for sleep

Irritability which can turn quickly to anger

Mildly racing thoughts or speech

More productivity at work

More active and heightened pleasure in activities

Trouble concentrating and/or distractibility

Increased physical activity

Agitation

Cyclothymia is much the same as bipolar II with hypomania being more frequent.

Depression

The opposite mood from mania in bipolar disorder is depression. Here are the symptoms of bipolar depression:

Prolonged sadness and bouts of crying (often times for no obvious reason)

Sleeplessness, or too much sleep

Loss of appetite or increased appetite

Anxiety

Hopelessness

Loss of interest in things that usually give you pleasure

Fatigue

Suicidal thoughts

Decreased sex drive

Excessive guilt

Inability to concentrate

Self-loathing

Low energy

Suicidality During Depressive Stage

Depending on which type of Bipolar you have, the symptoms of depression will be more or less severe. There is a higher rate of suicide for bipolar II, however, bipolar I also has a high rate of suicide. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that as many as 1 in 5 bipolar patient’s attempts and/or succeeds at suicide. This is an alarming statistic.

Rapid Cycling

Rapid cycling can be a very difficult and problem to treat. Rapid cycling is when there are 4 or more episodes of mania, hypomania or depression in a year. Cycles can swing from high to low as often as months, weeks, days, and even hours. According to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 58, 1995 [Suppl.15], women are 3 times more likely to suffer from rapid cycling. Experts say that antidepressants or alcohol and drug abuse can trigger rapid cycling. However, NEVER stop taking any of your prescribed medications suddenly. Work with your doctor so he can monitor you closely. Abruptly stopping medication can be very dangerous.

Mixed Mood or Mixed State

Mixed moods are when someone is experiencing mania and depression at the same time. During a mixed state one can be in the deepest despair and hopelessness, and at the same time experience the rapid thoughts and high energy of mania. There is feeling of being completely out of control. It can be a very scary and dangerous situation. People in the throes of a mixed mood are at high risk for suicide, aggression, and other self-destructive behaviors.

Hope for Bipolar

There is hope for those suffering from any type of Bipolar disorder. Treatments vary and you will have to work very closely with your Dr. to find the right medication combinations and dosages. Medication and talk therapy go hand in hand, and a strong support system of friends and family can add tremendously to the quality of life.

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Are You a Teenager With an Eating Disorder?

Posted on November 22, 2011 by okhelua01

Are you struggling with your self-esteem? As a teenager you may struggle with getting good grades, making friends, starting to date and pleasing your parents. Many times the pressures of being a “perfect” teenager can be difficult. When you allow these struggles to get the best of you, low self-esteem may be the result. A low self-esteem not only affects how you interact with others, but also how you interact with food. Unfortunately, some teenagers develop an eating disorder.

Take a look at this example. You are having one of those days where nothing seems to be going right. You failed your geometry test. After class, your boyfriend said that he wanted to just be friends. To top it off, you get in trouble for having a messy room. This is the point where a negative relationship with food may begin. Feeling hopeless and unloved, you turn to the one thing that you feel is always there for you, food. While eating a large amount of food you begin to feel a sense of relief. This type of behavior is a sign that you have an eating disorder.

What happens after that? You may begin to feel ashamed about the negative relationship that you have with food. You may start to feel that your weight or your looks are causing you to be rejected by your peers or your family. You may even go into a perfectionist mode and attempt an extreme diet. You may think that this is the only way you can feel loved. You begin to develop negative thought patterns about becoming successful through weight loss. This may continue until the next time you feel beat down and again turn to food.

The cycle of binge eating and dieting is very common in teenagers with eating disorders. The teenage years can be a very tough time, and you may base your self-worth on the thoughts and actions of others. If you diet you may become obsessed with your weight and overall appearance. You may begin to feel that you can only be successful if you are skinny and go to extreme measures to make sure this happens. However, most diets fail! When this happens you may begin to develop negative thought patterns about your abilities. If you are a teenage with an eating disorder, you can start to regain control over your life by ending your diet.

The steps to regaining control of your life are simple. If you are a teenager with an eating disorder, you can achieve a healthy relationship with food. First, stop dieting. Then you need to transform your negative thought patterns. You need to develop strategies such as hanging out with friends, listening to music and participating in other activities you enjoy when you are tempted to eat for emotional reasons. By following these steps you will begin to learn to listen to your body. Your body will tell you when it is full and when it is hungry. Listen to it and allow it to be your guide to eating.

If you have an eating disorder, you can begin to develop a healthy relationship with food. The negative cycle can stop when you begin loving yourself and allow someone you trust to help you through the process.

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Qualities to Look for in a Motorhome

Posted on November 22, 2011 by okhelua01

If you need a temporary place to live, or if you love camping and taking long-distance trips, consider buying or renting a motorhome.

Those who opt to buy a recreational vehicle will have a greater selection to choose from than those who rent. Although there are more recreational vehicle rental stations today than ever before, the selections they offer are ordinarily limited.

Buyers, on the other hand, have a wide range of makes, models and sizes from which they may choose. Visit motorhome conventions and trade shows or go to your local recreational vehicle dealerships. You’ll be amazed at the diverse selection – and the optional features – that are available.

Whether you’re renting or buying, however, everyone who’s in the market for a motorhome should look for the following important qualities.

Value

Perhaps the most important attribute of a recreational vehicle is its value. If you’re renting, assure that you’re getting good value for your money by comparing rental station prices. Buyers should consult motorhome value guides like NADA, either in print or online, before they sign any contracts. Verify the great deal you think you’re getting, and make sure you’re not being overcharged. Don’t rush into it, if you think you’re not getting a fair price – walk away.

Dependability

Another important quality in a motorhome is dependability. If you’re renting, ask rental station representatives if the RV you’re considering has been recently serviced or inspected. If you’re buying, particularly if you’re buying used, take a knowledgeable friend along with you or hire a motorhome mechanic to inspect your prospective purchase. You don’t want to buy or rent a recreational vehicle that has a short life expectancy.

Features

You also want a recreational vehicle that’s equipped with the features you’ll need for your excursions. Most RVs come with sleeping areas, kitchens and bathrooms. The size of these, however, varies – as does their elaborateness. Some of the largest motorhomes, for instance, have full-size kitchens, separate sleeping quarters and bathrooms with showers. If you’d like additional features, such as entertainment systems or retractable awnings, you’ll have to pay more.

Keep the above points in mind as you shop. Although buying or renting a motorhome isn’t rocket science, it should not be done on impulse. Keep the above points in mind, and without too much effort, you should be able to find the right recreational vehicle for you and your family to rent or own.

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Learn How to Meditate Correctly

Posted on November 22, 2011 by okhelua01

So you want to learn how to meditate but you don’t know where to start from. Well if this is your purpose, you came to the right place, because in this article I will explain the most important things about meditation and what you need to know to start this amazing insight journey. First of all, you must know what you are meditating for, so you must set a purpose or a goal from which you will see your progress or realizations. I do not encourage people to meditate for material things and don’t even think about meditating for negative or bad things.

From ancient times until now, people who dedicated their life to meditation and prays of all kinds, performed them for self-realization, self-improvement and enlightenment. Other prefer to meditate for peace and happiness, or to cure an old illness or just for relaxation. Whatever the cause is, it must be on the good part. So once you select your purpose it is time to have fun, because above all, meditation is a relaxation activity, so you must have fun while you practice it. Start by finding a quiet and comfortable place in your home, where you can perform your meditation.

It does not have to be large or small, or painted in different colors, it just has to be comfortable and quiet, so that nobody will disturb you during the practice. Now after you found the right place, the position of your body is one of the most important criteria in meditation. Some choose to meditate in the Lotus position, other lying down, other use a chair or a bench, whatever you use or select your body must be completely relaxed and your back straight, to allow the energy to flow through the whole organism.

Now that you found the right place to perform your meditation and the body position is comfortable and adequate, it is time to go to the next step, which is concentration. Slowly closing your eyes, try to block all the external thoughts and desires that are trying to enter your mind. Concentrate for a few minutes and feel the energy warming your body. If it doesn’t work, bring your awareness to your breath. Take long and deep breaths and try to keep your mind still. Study your breath in details, don’t allow your mind to wonder. It will take a little bit of practice, but I am sure that after some sessions you will be able to easily get into a state of meditation.

Once you enter that state, it is all fun and easy. Imagine everything you want and feel your thoughts and emotions expending to the entire world. You will have to practice meditation daily and stick to your plan if you want to have results. Try to select an hour in a day which you will dedicate for this hobby. Respect the schedule and be serious with the practice and you will be amazed by the benefits and personal realizations.

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The Connection Between Erectile Dysfunction and Type 2 Diabetes

Posted on November 22, 2011 by okhelua01

Recently it has been scientifically proven that there is a link between type 2 diabetes and erectile dysfunction or male impotence, as it is also called. Various medical experiments show that men suffering from type 2 diabetes are at more risk to develop the erectile dysfunction disease. Therefore in order to lower the risks it is necessary to treat type 2 diabetes as effectively as it is possible.

Let us regard the link between these two diseases more thoroughly. At the first glance it seems there is no visible link between ED and diabetes. However, the statistics shows that about 70% of men with diabetes also suffer from erectile dysfunction. Moreover, some experts even believe that for men younger 45 years old ‘sexual inability’ is the first and evident sign of diabetes. So, how are these two disease co-related with each other?

The problem is that uncontrolled blood sugar damages the blood vessels throughout your body thus resulting in the ability to achieve an erection. Diabetes also results in nerve dysfunction and in penile shaft the muscle starts to atrophy, thus leading to the inability to perform a sexual intercourse.

However, there is no need to desperate even if you suffer either from diabetes or erectile dysfunction. Both these conditions are successfully treated or controlled. And it is not obligatory to think that if you have diabetes you will inevitably suffer from erectile dysfunction. There is only a probability of such development of situation. Everything depends upon your personal care of your health.

In order to lower the risk of having erectile dysfunction (in case you have diabetes), follow several important rules:

- control your diabetes. It means you should be aware of the level of your disease. For this purpose visit regularly your physician and take a course of treatment with necessary medications.

- Maintain a healthy lifestyle. This notion includes a healthy well-balanced diet combined with regularly physical exercises. It will have a positive effect on your whole body in general.

- Respect a healthy weight. Obesity or extra weight has always been and remains one of the major health problems. It has lots of complications which may lead with time not only to erectile dysfunction but to other health disorders as well.

In case you notice any signs of erectile dysfunction seek for medical help. This is a serious issue which should be resolved as soon as possible. Otherwise you are at risk to develop depression – one of the most dangerous diseases today. There are lots of methods to treat the disease including medication and other alternatives. However, before starting treatment make sure a certain ED medication suits you. It is better to consult with your physician in this case.

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Bulimia Stories – The Signs and Symptoms of Bulimia and Hiding Out

Posted on November 22, 2011 by okhelua01

Having had bulimia for 20 years I know firsthand that people with bulimia are very good at what I call “hiding out” – hiding their binging and purging and even hiding themselves from the world. I’ve read many bulimia stories and they all talk about how efficient they became at hiding their behaviors and preventing people close to them from detecting the telltale signs and symptoms of bulimia.

Often in the beginning bulimics hide their overeating because they want to lose or maintain their ideal weight, but want to eat foods they enjoy. Unfortunately, it becomes a slippery slope. In time, they find themselves with more reasons to hide out. Their secret makes them feel ashamed and lonely because they don’t feel comfortable telling anyone. The hiding out causes them to isolate themselves physically, emotionally and from life really. This is why so many bulimia stories are about women who feel very alone in their battle to overcome bulimia.

Masters of disguise and deception

The practice of bulimia involves eating massive quantities of food and purging it from the body. Purging is most often thought of as vomiting, but it can also include laxative abuse and over exercise. Bulimics don’t want people to know they bought a dozen donuts and/or two gallons of ice cream and it’s all gone. So, they use various strategies to avoid detection.

You may know someone with bulimia and not even realize it. Outwardly bulimics look healthy, often maintaining an ideal or normal body weight. Their physical appearance won’t give them away like someone with anorexia who is more often underweight.

Bulimics often eat a very healthy diet and watch their calories carefully (in fact they are often compulsive about nutrition). It’s the hidden eating when no one is around that leads to their purging. Bulimics can consume double, triple, or even quadruple the normal amount of calories you would in a single sitting.

If you suspect someone you know has bulimia you may think to look for purging behavior by watching to see if they go to the bathroom immediately after a meal. But it isn’t always the toilet where they purge their food if they’re trying to avoid detection. They could use Tupperware jars under their bed, plastic bags in their car, or even the bushes in the backyard. Whatever they have to do to avoid someone detecting their signs of bulimia is what they’ll do.

Everyday isolation

Whether their isolation is deliberately contrived or incidental doesn’t matter. The fact is that this isolation has bitter consequences. The hidden nature of this addiction keeps bulimics from being with people. They may go about their day and be around people, but the shame and guilt they carry with them in every moment is a hidden barrier between them and the rest of the world. Their blanket of fear of anyone finding out possess their every move, every action and is a constant obsession.

There are so many bulimia stories about women in recovery wishing that their friends or family had known sooner about their eating disorder. The hiding, isolation and shroud of secrecy falsely serves their purpose. Ask any recovered bulimic if all the years of guilt, shame, loneliness and fear were worth it and they’ll say no. Giving up happiness and connection to people is a costly price bulimics pay to avoid dealing with life.

Read real life stories of women who battled bulimia and won. Start to learn how to identify the signs and symptoms of bulimia so you can help a loved one if you suspect they may have bulimia.

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Best Natural Cures For Migraines

Posted on November 22, 2011 by okhelua01

A migraine headache can be some of the worst pain you will experience and not all migraine treatments are created equal. Maybe you’ve found that conventional migraine headache treatments don’t seem to work, you have an aversion to prescribed medications and their side effects, or you need something to alleviate the pain until your medication starts working. There are some natural remedies you can use to help alleviate the pain and get back to the normal routine of life. These are just a few options for natural migraine treatment.

Warm/Cold Compress/Towel – Since irregular dilation and constriction of blood vessels can cause migraines, use the different compresses in combination to help normalize the vascular system. Cold temperatures constrict vessels and reduce blood flow while warm temperatures dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow. Place a cold compress on your forehead or on the back of your neck for 10 minutes then switch to a warm one. You can also put your feet in some warm water and use a cold compress on your forehead and then alternate.

Acupressure – Firmly grip the flesh between your forefinger and thumb with your opposite hand for a few minutes. You can also get someone to push on 2 points on the back of your neck that are 2 inches apart for 2 minutes. If you need to remember the process, just think 2-2-2. The spot between your big toe and second toe is known to be a place that will help relieve migraine pressure. Grip the flesh just like you did for your hand. Press or rub the spot for one minute and then do the same to the other foot.

Aromatherapy – As some studies show migraines can be brought on by certain smells, it should not be surprising that aromatherapy has been known to help reduce some of the pain associated with migraines. Lavender, Jasmine, Rosemary and Peppermint are especially recommended. You can put these in a hot bath where you can soak until you start to feel some relief. Health food stores will carry these items in essential oils.

Food/Vitamins – Eating foods that are rich in calcium can help even prevent the onset of a migraine. If you choose to take Calcium in supplement form, it is best to take 1000 – 2000 mg. Magnesium has also shown to be helpful. Foods rich in magnesium are spinach, oatmeal, pumpkin seeds, nuts and halibut, just to name a few.

You can use these remedies on their own, in combination or you can supplement these with any medication that you are taking. They will probably not interfere with any prescribed medication, but it is best to consult with your doctor. Although there is no guarantee these treatments will work for you, it is likely that they will produce less side effects than any medication.

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Barefoot for Better Sleep

Posted on November 22, 2011 by okhelua01

Earthing, Circadian Rhythms, Cortisol and Better Sleep

So you might be asking ‘What the hell is earthing?’ Fair question! Earthing is the practice of making direct contact with the earth without shoes, carpet, leather, plastics, cement ect. We’re essentially talking bare feet on the grass folks. Yep it’s become so uncommon they’ve had to create a name for it!

And just covering the basics of Circadian Rhythms and Cortisol…

According to the National Institute of General Medical Sciences “Circadian rhythms are physical, mental and behavioural changes that follow a roughly 24-hour cycle, responding primarily to light and darkness in an organism’s environment.”

While whole discussions can easily be had about Circadian Rhythms more then a general address of them is beyond the scope of this article.

Cortisol is a hormone that is linked with psychological and physical stress as well as inflammation and has a direct effect on sleeping habits and patterns. The levels of cortisol secretion should follow a circadian pattern of rising from 4am peaking around 8 am dropping sharply till noon and then a gradual decrease until 4 am.

Illustration of Normal Circadian via Sabre Sciences Laboratory 2002

Having an abnormal fluctuation of cortisol secretion can severally affect the amount and quality of sleep you get. With abnormal rhymes your body is amping itself up for the ‘flight or fight’ response. Unless the boogie man is under your bed or a robber has slipped in the house not only is it not needed but it’s not wanted!

Checked under the bed? Happy Halloween!

So how are they linked?

There is now a growing acceptance that the earth’s diurnal electrical rhythm, which is largely linked with sunlight, helps to set the bodies hormonal rhythms including cortisol.

But…

This can only be done with direct contact to the earth’s surface! In various trials in as little at 15 minutes a day with direct contact with the earth surface has resulted in improved regulation of the body’s natural cortisol rhymes. This can improve your sleeping patterns in itself! Also this can be useful when travelling the time zones to help combat Jet Lag.

It’s that simple! No products to buy, no supplements to take, no money to spend. Obviously there are other methods which can be incorporated with earthing to improve the result, which will be included in the follow up article, but why not start with the simplest and most natural way to address your body’s needs.

So get out there on what might be the last really nice weekend of the year and get your feet on the ground!

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Birthday Marketing for Massage Therapist

Posted on November 22, 2011 by okhelua01

1. As a Massage Therapist, preparing and working on your birthday card marketing is one of the most essential strategies you need to achieve for a successful business. Although advertising on various web pages and using social media networking sites are known to be effective methods to market a business, studies have also shown that birthday card marketing has been proven to be more effective most especially if you wish to connect with your clients and to develop a long professional relationship with them.

Some individuals might find it a bit weird to use birthday cards for marketing, but if you have a massage therapy business; you’ll find it easier to understand why most therapists prefer this type of marketing strategy.

2. Initially, you can make use of this effective marketing strategy by including cards in one of your packages. This will attract your customers to go for your services, and let them avail of the birthday cards that will serve as a gift certificate that can be given as a gift. Initially, it will be seen as a traditional birthday greetings but the surprising part is the exclusive gift to allow the celebrant to pamper herself. Isn’t it a great way to give your loved one a present that she/he will never forget? Probably, this is something that you don’t see every day, but its uniqueness and the thought that you want the celebrant to relax and pamper them self is really touching.

3. If you include post card marketing in one of your packages, this card can also be given as a corporate gift or present, most particularly to the executive and even the senior executives of a company. It can also be a personal gift to a very close friend or relative just to make them feel special on their special day.

Aside from including a promotional birthday card along with your packages, you can also start organizing and start sending out these cards to your regular customers. This way, you can easily build rapport, and gaining their trust with your company is not going to be a huge problem any longer. It is simply easy.

4. The first thing that you have to do is to organize and start asking your customers to fill up some sort of personal information, the moment that they enter your massage therapy clinic. From there, you will have the details that you need including their birthday, name and, personal e-mail address even home address. From there, you can choose which birthday card marketing suits your massage therapy business best. You could either send an electronic greeting card, or simply send a card through the traditional snail mail method.

Pros & Cons

Electronic greetings cards are faster, but there is no certainty that they will be received or viewed by your client. Traditional birthday cards get there slower but your client will receive their birthday card in their hands and this will ensure a higher open rate than a email sent birthday card.

At first, this birthday card marketing strategy is a little bit different, and it can usually get business owners and marketers confused. But once you get used to the marketing system, sending out birthday cards to your beloved customers will just pass by just like a breeze.

Don’t lose those customers. Take care of them, and make them feel that you are concerned about them. Include birthday card marketing as one of your strategies, and in no time you’ll notice that the number of customers that your massage therapy business has dramatically increased.

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Consciousness: Shift Your Self-Awareness To All That Is

Posted on November 22, 2011 by okhelua01

Many years ago there was a popular song called “Dust in the Wind” by a band called Kansas. It is a very beautiful song, with a very tragic message that has reverberated through time for centuries on end.

The message is that we are all just hopeless, helpless little specks that are being blown about, with little say or authority over what happens to us. As much as I enjoy that song, I have to say, loud and clear, that the message is absolutely false.

You have the say and authority to control what happens to you, and in greater measure than you have ever imagined. The way that you can step into the role of authority that you have over your own existence is to take steps toward a radical consciousness shift – changing your entire point of view.

The Problem

Here is where most people get into trouble. Instead of realizing that they are infinite, truly All That Is or Could Ever Be, they see themselves as Joe Schmoe… just a salesman, and a poor one at that…. just an overweight guy with few friends… just someone that is a victim of circumstance.

Well, I’m here to tell you that you are much more than that, my friend.

You have the choice to view yourself as “just this, or just that” for your entire journey here on the planet earth, but that is a poor use of the time you’ve been given. Instead, learn to take the leap of a consciousness shift, and see yourself for what you are – limitless, powerful and in control.

Overcoming the Problem

Now that you know the truth of who you really are (whether you believe it or not, it is true), it’s time to take ownership of that truth.

From this point forward instead of being trapped by your name, your family history, your diseases or whatever else is holding you back, see yourself as the powerful All That Is and Ever Could Be. And you are this, but simply experiencing life as “just this, or just that.”

Do you see the power of shifting your point of view?

Instead of being forced to live out a script that you don’t agree with, this truth empowers you to take control and start living like you ought to. You’re entitled to this, as an Infinite Consciousness, so step up to the plate and start living this life according to your own script.

I hope you see by now that this isn’t merely positive thinking or hyping yourself up into a frenzied state of denial. This is making a conscious decision to live up to your limitless potential. To not be bound by circumstances or toxic thinking.

You have the power inside of you, and trust me, it is just itching to be released. Once you start the first steps of this consciousness shift, you’ll be on a ride that you won’t soon forget. Living life as the adventure that it was meant to be; growing wiser and stronger day by day.

Hey, it’s either that or continuing life in a limited, helpless state of being. So which one will you choose?

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