April 2024 Ultimate Blog Challenge

 

Here I Go Again!

Hello to my readers!  I've signed up for this blog challenge again.  Why?  Let me tell you!

First, let's recap the last challenge from January.  If you go back and look, you'll see that I stopped writing mid-January.  My goal was to complete the challenge, but not in the traditional way a challenge should be completed.  I wasn't trying to write every day of the month.  I was trying to write more than the previous challenge, which I accomplished.  For me, I successfully completed the challenge.  This time, I plan to post more than I did in January.

It's about progress, not perfection!

What's the goal for April?

• Create more blog posts for the challenge
• Increase consistency with online presence
• Expand more on my online shop
• Tie in my products with my blogs because they are related

Medical Update from January

During the last challenge, I faced medical unknowns from a head injury.  It will be five months since I hit my head and experienced the symptoms of fatigue, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath.  I've seen two specialists alongside my primary care doctor, and I still have no definitive answers.  

I have more non-answers than answers, which is aggravating.  I still can't drive because my vision blurs in and out at random times.  I completed numerous tests which came back normal, and I feel so betrayed by my own body.  I've recently completed some lab work for my cardiologist, and my follow-up is in two weeks.  I also have more lab work to complete for my primary care doctor.

Five months, and I'm still stuck in my medical limbo.  I've felt so inadequate at home, and lost.  I needed to do something, which is what led to my little online shop.  Designing merchandise that focused on mental health allowed me to cope with my own mental health in a creative way.  These are some of the things I've designed, and there is more that hasn't yet been released.

Why is the shop important?

Part of the reason the shop is important is because I wanted to create something that would bring income to my family.  If this mysterious medical issue is keeping me from returning to work, this gives me something to look forward to.  It helps me feel like I'm contributing to my family, spread mental health awareness (breaking the stigma), and cope with my own mental health struggles.  

Thank you!

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.  Thank you for joining me on my journey.  I have so much to learn while I figure out what my future might look like, especially since the plans I had for myself are drastically changing!

What kinds of things have you done to cope with mental health struggles?  Is there anything you wish to share with others?

DISCLAIMER:  My intention is not to sell you anything from my shop during this challenge.  This was meant as an update from the last few months.