Today is #worldbookday and here is one of my favorites. The Giver is a 1993 American young adult dystopian novel written by Lois Lowry. I first read this book when I was fairly young, a teen, but have read it a few times since (as it is rather short). I always find something new to love.

* Mental Health Tip *

If you feel stuck, in a funk, depressed, have a depressive disorder, or are completely numb... Go out into nature. A forest. A park. Your front yard. A playground. Being around plants, trees, flowers, and even plots of grass can reduce depression symptoms.

Medications developed for mental conditions are NOT the same as 'street drugs'. The vast majority are non habit forming and non addictive. These medications save lives, allow people to work, raise families, have prosperous marriages and relationships. Being able to live a normal life is a right.

*Mental Health Tip*

Unplug from the news and social media with a book. It doesn't matter what genre or topic, whether its a new release or an old classic. Maybe you picked it for the cool cover, a friend loaned it to you ages ago, or it's an audio book. Reading calms the mind and the body.

I decided to take a different approach on my Bluesky account. Instead of ramping up the polarization and hate speech, I am going to focus on the people that I love and care about. Difficult times call for community and bonds that cannot be broken.

First post. Just saying hello
Photo by Dalia Kvedaraite