Laurie's Journal

What you are about to read IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. Please do not replace solid therapy and well laid out treatment plans. These are only (deep dive researched) suggestions from another person who has suffered and understands what you are going through. Finding the right diagnosis can feel like finally receiving a map after wandering in the woods for years. For me, getting the words Bipolar I , severe anxiety , and severe OCD on paper wasn't a burden—it was a relief. It meant I could finally build a toolkit that actually worked for my specific brain. But then comes "Old Man Winter." For those of us navigating complex mental health landscapes, the shorter days and freezing temperatures aren't just an inconvenience; they are a genuine hurdle for stability. If you’re like me and trying to keep your head above water this season, here is how I’m shaking the winter blues while honoring my diagnoses. With OCD and anxiety, sensory overload can trigger a spiral. In the winter, ...

  The Monday Shuffle: Finding the Silver Lining in a Part-Time Schedule Ugh, it’s  Monday . The alarm goes off, the cozy weekend blankets are pushed aside, and it’s time to head back to the grind. We all know that specific "Monday morning" feeling, but my routine looks a little different than the standard 9-to-5, five-day-a-week hustle. Because of my disability, I work a part-time schedule—usually just  two or three days a week . The Trade-Off Living with a disability often means navigating a world that wasn't necessarily built for your pacing. While "working less" might sound like a dream to some, it’s often a necessity for managing energy, health, and accessibility. But if I’m being honest? It comes with a pretty incredible perk:  the 4-day weekend. Why the 4-Day Weekend is a Game Changer When you have a disability, "rest" isn't just about watching Netflix (though there's plenty of that). It’s about: Physical Recovery:  Giving my body the act...

 Honestly, there is something about the combination of a quiet atmosphere, rhythmic speech, and forced stillness that acts like a pressure cooker for the imagination. You aren't alone—some of the best ideas happen when our brains are told to sit still and listen to something else! If you feel a bit guilty about it, look at it this way: inspiration is a gift, and you’re just making sure it doesn't go to waste. To help you keep those sparks flying without feeling like you're being "disrespectful," here are a few ways to lean into the process: The "Stealth" Strategy The Bulletin Method: Use the margins of the church program. To anyone watching, you’re just taking diligent notes on the sermon. The Analog Feel: Carry a small, leather-bound pocket notebook. It looks more like a prayer journal or a spiritual diary than a "plot hole solver." Phone Etiquette: If you use your phone, turn the brightness all the way down and use a dark-mode notes app. I...

  It’s Finally Time to Step Into the Light For a long time, I’ve been content working behind the scenes, keeping my best ideas tucked away like a well-kept secret. I stayed in the shadows because it felt safe there. But safety doesn't lead to growth, and it certainly doesn't lead to  sparkling. Yesterday, January 2nd, I had a transformative conversation with my Senior Editor. We talked about the future, my voice, and the impact I want to have on my readers. He gave me the nudge I finally needed: it’s time to stop hiding. Shifting from Shadow to Sparkle There is a specific kind of magic that happens when you decide to own your space. To "sparkle" isn’t just about being seen; it’s about bringing your full, authentic energy to everything you do. For me, that means opening the doors to a project I’ve kept under wraps for far too long. Breaking the Silence My website has been live, yet "hidden," for months. It was a digital ghost town because I wasn't ready t...

  Chasing the Spark: Big News and 2 AM Inspiration They say the early bird gets the worm, but in the world of writing, the "early bird" usually gets a double espresso and a fresh set of ideas. I have some incredible news to share: My latest article was officially  accepted by my Senior Editor and Publisher!  There is no feeling quite like getting that stamp of approval from the top. It’s a validation of the hard work, the research, and the voice I’ve been trying to cultivate. But the news gets even better. More Than Just a "Yes" During our meeting, I decided to pitch a few "sidebar" ideas—topics I’ve been ruminating on that felt like natural successors to this piece. To my delight, the Publisher loved all of them! What happens next?  The ideas are now headed to his  Staff Editor  for her final approval. Having the backing of the Senior Editor is a massive head start, and I’m feeling incredibly optimistic about building a long-term road map for my work this...

  The Year of the Tilted Halo: Finding Grace in the Mess As I sat down today, January 1, 2026, to reflect on the dawn of a new year, I couldn't help but laugh at the version of myself from just a few days ago. I had spent the final weeks of 2025 on a relentless mission. I was determined that before the ball dropped, every baseboard would be scrubbed, every junk drawer organized, and every speck of dust banished. My logic was spiritual: God pours His blessings into new wine skins. I convinced myself that if my physical environment wasn’t pristine, I wasn’t "ready" for what He had in store. I was channeling my inner Martha, convinced that perfection was the prerequisite for favor. But as it turns out, God has a beautiful sense of humor—and a much better perspective on "cleanliness" than I do. When "Life" Meets the To-Do List The more I demanded perfection from myself, the more Life decided to throw a monkey wrench into my plans. For every room I sanitiz...