MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'creative'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:55:39 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5174614&cid=t_117294_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-beneficial-effect-of-laughter-on-your-health%2F2011.08.29 I stumbled upon the article ‘Laughter: gender-specific variations’ in Revista Clínica Española (‘Spanish Clinical Journal’) and I can’t help thinking about the need for taking this into account to improve doctor-patient relationships. The text can actually be read as a guide to understand how every person laughs and how to use it in clinical practice. Table 1. Laughter effect on health (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Diario Medico* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5174614 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:00:27 +0100 5174614 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139878&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F08%2F17%2F5-quick-facts-about-art-therapy%2F The very words “art therapy” can sound abstract (no pun intended!), and many people have little understanding about its origins, principles and purpose. That can easily create myriad misconceptions. Here, we lay out five facts about art therapy. 1. Art therapy has many uses. According to Cathy Malchiodi in her book The Art Therapy Sourcebook, art therapy is “a modality for self-understanding, emotional change and personal growth.” A vast field, art therapy has been used on a variety of populations, with everyone from young kids to the elderly, war veterans to prisoners and people with physical disabilities to those with psychological disorders. In her own practice, Malchiodi helps clients with everything from processing emotions to gaining personal growth. In her book, she explai... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139878 Wed, 17 Aug 2011 12:36:16 +0100 5139878 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5140020&cid=t_117294_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FG3_SB0nhgiw%2F Charting Brain Growth in Humans and Chimps (New York Times): – “Although baby humans and baby chimpanzees both start out with undeveloped forebrains, a new study reports that the human brain increases in volume much more rapidly early on.“ – “The growth is in a region of the brain known as the prefrontal cortex and is part of what makes humans cognitively advanced compared with other animals, including the chimpanzee, our closest relative. The prefrontal cortex plays a major role in decision-making, self-awareness and creative thinking.” –> To learn more about study Differential Prefrontal White Matter Development in Chimpanzees and Humans: click Here (requires subscription). –> To explore what may have happened otherwise, you may want to watch the new movie Rise of ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5140020 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 20:59:35 +0100 5140020 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5103377&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F08%2F06%2Fart-therapy-exercises-to-try-at-home%2F I’ve always loved art. Looking at interesting, unique, beautiful-in-their-own-way images and objects always has made me feel alive and happy.  As a child and teen, I also loved drawing, painting and creating everything from collages to greeting cards. And I loved losing myself in the work. So I was excited to learn more about art therapy, where clients create their own art to help them express emotions, better understand themselves and grow in general. In her book, The Art Therapy Sourcebook, art therapist Cathy A. Malchiodi describes various exercises that readers can try at home. Below are three that I found especially helpful. By the way, remember that this has little to do with artistic ability or the final product. Instead, Malchiodi suggests focusing on the process, your intu... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5103377 Sat, 06 Aug 2011 16:35:08 +0100 5103377 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096345&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F08%2F02%2Fthe-critical-thinking-coach-interview-with-stephen-haggerty-part-2%2F This is part 2 of an interview with Stephen Haggerty (read part 1 here), a Critical Thinking Teacher of the Year award winner at Eastern Kentucky University. Does one need to be highly intelligent to be a good critical thinker? Highly intelligent…what does that mean?  Does that term imply book intelligence? Street smarts?  I would argue anyone could engage in higher-level thinking if they are trained in the terminology and how to apply it. It takes a lot of practice to be a critical and creative thinker who communicates effectively, but I do believe if one is dedicated to being more successful in life, then they can learn to apply the principles of critical and creative thinking through effective communication. It seems some critical thinking advocates view critical thinking as nothin... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096345 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 11:10:16 +0100 5096345 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069531&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F27%2Fthe-dangers-of-letting-your-online-persona-do-the-talking%2F Last week, while taking a break from work, I found myself reading through a friend’s personal blog. While everything was well written, and while the author herself did a careful job remaining anonymous to most of her readers, I couldn’t help but cringe at some of the stuff she was writing about. Personal stuff. Stuff that, once it’s out there, you just can’t take back. Part of my cringing was due to the fact that about a year ago, I was right there with her. I’ve had a personal blog for years, and it used to be the one place where I could completely dump my emotions. A creative writer who has to work (on non-creative writing) quite a lot to pay the bills, I don’t always get to spend the hours a day I’d like to on my own pieces — so whenever I... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069531 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 10:13:22 +0100 5069531 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5057762&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F23%2Fthe-critical-thinking-coach-interview-with-stephen-haggerty%2F Stephen Haggerty is a 2011 recipient of Eastern Kentucky University’s Critical Thinking Teacher of the year award.  The award is given to recognize “outstanding faculty members who have had an effect on developing their students’ critical/creative thinking skills.” (Read more about the award at Think EKU.) In this two-part interview I discuss critical thinking with Stephen Haggerty. What is the primary goal of critical thinking? If I am a critical thinker, I am thinking things through before making choices.  In other words, a fundamental goal of critical thinking is to be able to consider multiple perspectives before deciding to act upon information, a person’s request, or even something like buying car or a house. A critical thinker in school will be more success... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5057762 Sat, 23 Jul 2011 16:44:52 +0100 5057762 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028452&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F14%2Fone-of-the-biggest-barriers-to-creativity-and-how-to-overcome-it%2F Anyone who writes — or creates anything that goes out to the public — knows that oftentimes the product is akin to putting your heart out on a piece of paper (or laptop, or canvas and so on). Vulnerable, scary and vomit-inducing. So even if you get 100 compliments and kind words, one negative remark roars above the rest. It sticks out and stays with you. Not only does it have you questioning your work but, worse, your worth. Or even just the idea of being evaluated gets under your skin. Instead of telling the truth or letting your creativity flow freely, limitless and liberated, you’re paralyzed because you’re thinking about what everyone else will be thinking. So one of the biggest barriers to creativity is, as you’ve probably guessed by now: concern over the critics — be they... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028452 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 10:15:04 +0100 5028452 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4952993&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F06%2F17%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-june-17-2011%2F Most therapists, even before they were therapists, have a natural ear for pain. They are like magnets attracting people who are in dire need of a listener. I know because I was one of them. And over the years, I’ve learned that the real challenge underlying all of the stuff they talked about was acceptance. People felt rejected, heartbroken, beaten up emotionally because they felt that the life they were living wasn’t the life that they were supposed to be living. They mourned their inability to look a certain way, be a certain kind of person or get married and have kids by a certain age and be nurtured unconditionally by two loving parents. But life never unfolds the way we think it’s supposed to. And there is a lot of grief in that. One of the most painful things to con... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4952993 Fri, 17 Jun 2011 11:07:40 +0100 4952993 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4921419&cid=t_117294_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcreative-cakes-for-people-with-diabetes%2F2011.06.11 You know when you’re skimming through the newsfeed on Facebook, and something totally grabs your face and says “LOOK AT ME I AM THE AWESOME?” Yes, that’s precisely what happened when I stumbled upon Faye’s photo of Novolog-inspired cake pops.  (You did read that correctly.  Here, look:) Photo – and cake pops – by Faye! Faye has been living with type 1 since the age of 9, and for her 18th diaversary she wanted to make something special and bolus-worthy. Her current obsession has been cake pops (making them and feeding them to her non-d friends, even though I can safely say that some of her d-friends would happily go chompies on one), so when she saw the bright orange candy melts at her local AC Moore, a lightbulb went off – NovoLog cake pop... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4921419 Sat, 11 Jun 2011 13:00:44 +0100 4921419 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893556&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F06%2F03%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-june-3-2011%2F It’s easy to slip into the “coulda, woulda, shouldas” of our lives. There’s the trip you didn’t take. The relationship you might have ended too soon. The career that sits, still waiting to be pursued. And though it maybe difficult to admit, it’s not the boss that held you back or the friend that slighted you. In fact, there’s probably some true to the saying that “you are your own worst enemy.” It’s the weekend again. It’s June. Summer is upon us. Why not take the time to reflect on why you’re holding yourself back? A few days ago, I asked our Facebook friends what’s the best decision they ever made. It was one of our most popular topics and we received responses on everything from living to accepting their life.... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893556 Fri, 03 Jun 2011 11:16:55 +0100 4893556 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4883937&cid=t_117294_180_f&fid=38607&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fsuccessbeginstoday%2FBHWQ%2F%7E3%2FJoXkYSUtNd0%2F While I have been putting the initial outlines together for my new book, I’ve been trying some new things to organize my thoughts and put together the pieces to start writing. I’ve had a great experience with Evernote, to capture all my ideas in one place, accessible from the cloud on most almost all of my online devices. My new iPad 2 works well for typing and collecting ideas. The iPad version of Apple Pages exports right into the Mac version. Overall things are coming together. But when I went to sit down and actually write, I noticed I was missing a few things. The main thing I was missing was a comfortable chair. When my wife and I moved a little over a year ago, some of our old furniture would not fit into our new house. One of the casualties of the move was a cloth couch... Success Begins Today blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4883937 Sat, 28 May 2011 17:13:50 +0100 4883937 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872095&cid=t_117294_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fkudos-to-the-cdc-for-creative-health-messaging-the-zombie-project%2F2011.05.26 This is good.  I knew the CDC was socially tuned-in but this came as a surprise:  Preparedness 101: Zombie Apocalypse .  It’s every American’s guide to dealing with a zombie attack.  You come thinking zombies but take away principles for emergency preparedness.  Well done, CDC. The real take away for those of us looking under the hood: effective health messaging should be creative and fun.  While we’ll never be able to measure the true effectiveness of this approach in an emergency, expect the post’s massive traffic to convert important links on emergency preparedness.  Hopefully the CDC will release stats on the effectiveness of this campaign. I’d like to write more, but I’m goin’ to make my kit. *This blog post was originally published at 33 Charts* (Source... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872095 Thu, 26 May 2011 19:00:36 +0100 4872095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4862631&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F24%2Fself-exploration-getting-to-know-thyself%2F Many of us go through life skimming the surface of our identities. That is, we don’t truly dig deeply into our thoughts, feelings, desires and dreams. Part of the problem is that we’re always on the go. When to-do lists keep swelling, self-exploration takes a backseat. How can it not, when we barely find time for self-care? Specifically, self-exploration involves “taking a look at your own thoughts, feelings, behaviors and motivations and asking why. It’s looking for the roots of who we are — answers to all the questions we have about [ourselves],” according to Ryan Howes, Ph.D, psychologist, writer and professor in Pasadena, California. Having a deeper understanding of ourselves has many benefits. It “helps people understand and accept who they are and why they d... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4862631 Tue, 24 May 2011 15:14:26 +0100 4862631 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4852942&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F21%2Fthe-link-between-creativity-and-eccentricity%2F It’s common knowledge that creatives can be eccentric. We’ve seen this throughout history. Even Plato and Aristotle observed odd behaviors among playwrights and poets, writes Harvard University researcher Shelley Carson, author of Your Creative Brain: Seven Steps to Maximize Imagination, Productivity and Innovation in Your Life, in the May/June 2011 issue of Scientific American. She gave several examples of creatives’ strange behaviors: “Albert Einstein picked up cigarette butts off the street to get tobacco for his pipe; Howard Hughes spent entire days on a chair in the middle of the supposedly germ-free zone of his Beverly Hills Hotel suite; the composer Robert Schumann believed that his musical compositions were dictated to him by Beethoven and other deceased luminaries fro... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4852942 Sat, 21 May 2011 16:30:10 +0100 4852942 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4828985&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F16%2Fover-40-playful-yet-practical-ways-to-cultivate-creativity%2F This article is designed specifically for marketing mavens but everyone can take away some good ideas, regardless of your profession. What are some of your favorite creativity-boosting activities? What helps you get those creative juices churning? (Source: World of Psychology) World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4828985 Mon, 16 May 2011 12:06:04 +0100 4828985 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4803440&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Ffiction-tabloid-inspired.html A couple of weeks ago, the homework for my writing class was to take a headline from a tabloid and use it as a jumping off point for a more serious short story or poem. I was uninspired by the headlines in my grocery star tabloids ("Brad Gives Angie Ultimatum!" "Jennifer Lopez Fights Eating Disorder!" "Larry King Marries Again!") and decided to go to that old standby - the now sadly defunct Weekly World News. I stole a legendary headline from them. The monologue that follows is all my own."Bat Boy Found in West Virginia Cave!" by Bill Creighton, Weekly World News, June 23, 1992 I blame the doctor. I wanted a baby so badly. The other doctors I'd seen wouldn't help me, so I sought this one out. The office was in a bad part of town and it was dark and smelled a bit funny but he didn't ask me ... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4803440 Mon, 09 May 2011 13:00:00 +0100 4803440 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4704873&cid=t_117294_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F04%2F12%2Fandr-gagnon%2F The upright grand piano in our living-room was given a good work-out most days when I was a kid, if not from older brother Craig or me (our sisters never took to it) then most certainly from Mom’s many piano students on weekdays after school, evenings and the occasional Saturday.  Piano music, therefore, is something [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4704873 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 22:42:13 +0100 4704873 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4704995&cid=t_117294_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2Fq42Bb0wplvg%2F Do you enjoy writing – or dread it? I write for a living, and I also coach writers and would-be writers, so I know just how tough it can be to get up the motivation and the courage to write. But in almost every job, you’re going to have to do some writing. You might also want to write for personal reasons: perhaps you’d like to write your memoir for your grandchildren, or you’re keen to write fiction or a blog. How can you make writing seem less terrifying – and more fun? #1: Write About What’s On Your Mind This is something which I still do from time to time, even though writing’s usually pretty effortless for me – and I know a lot of other people find it useful too. Write for ten minutes without stopping (set a timer) about any topic you like. You could write about your d... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4704995 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 07:11:52 +0100 4704995 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4693461&cid=t_117294_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F04%2F07%2Fmessiah-the-musical%2F I know, I know – George Frederick Handel’s famous work is actually an Oratorio.  (A musical would require lots of period costumes and at least one big dance number!  Now imagine combining that with Mel Gibson’s gratuitously blood-letting Passion of the Christ.  No, let’s not.) This was the time of year, probably forty years ago, [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4693461 Fri, 08 Apr 2011 03:27:48 +0100 4693461 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684260&cid=t_117294_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FR4kmVtI45Ts%2F By Michael F. CannonIt's not an easy period for major media organizations, what with all this creative destruction revamping that sector of the economy.  So the Washington Post Co. couldn't help but be pleased when it received a $570,000 bailout from ObamaCare's Early Retiree Reinsurance Program.  That program allows the Obama administration to run up the national debt another $5 billion by doling out cash to corporations that provide retiree health benefits.   The CBS Corporation received more than $720,000.  General Electric, a part owner of NBC Universal, Inc., cleared nearly $37 million. Since The Washington Post, CBS News, NBC News, and MSNBC have now received subsidies (the latter two indirectly) from this very controversial law, their reporters should disclose that fact to thei... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684260 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 18:05:21 +0100 4684260 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4653379&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F03%2F29%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-march-29-2011%2F As a dental hygienist, my mom not only cleans people’s teeth, but listens to do them as she does so every day. And like hair stylists and therapists, she often hears their problems too. One of the most valuable advice she has ever given me is to not judge what other people are going through. “You never know what you would do in that situation unless it happened to you.” Our posts this week makes me think about what she said. You may have lived through difficulty, failure, loss of self-respect. You may, in fact, be going through this right now. If so, remember to find the people in your life who won’t judge you, but have compassion for your situation. That person may even be you. I hope you will enjoy our top posts this week! There are some good ones everything from ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4653379 Tue, 29 Mar 2011 11:31:31 +0100 4653379 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4636481&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F03%2F25%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-march-25-2011%2F It happened to me the other day. I was admiring a fellow writer’s accomplishment while someone else was admiring my own. The funny thing is that we were both shocked by the compliment. I guess I could dish it, but was surprised that I couldn’t take it. Why is it that we have such an easy time seeing the beauty, hard work and achievement in another, but neglect to see those same things in ourselves? The impact over time of finding the silver lining in our partner’s, friend’s, co-worker’s lives, but focusing on only the shadows of our own lives can make us jealous, bitter, resentful and depressed. It can reinforce negative thoughts and beliefs about what is possible for us instead of motivating us to take risks, play big instead of small and follow our dreams. O... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4636481 Fri, 25 Mar 2011 11:49:38 +0100 4636481 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4622289&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F03%2F22%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-march-22-2011%2F What is it about childhood books and television shows that are so wise and still applicable to us as adults? This morning I got a newsletter from beliefnet.com sent with quotes from Mister Rogers. I grew up with his melodic voice singing goodbye to me as he took off his shoes for the day. And I always felt comforted in hearing it. But I didn’t know how wise he was until I read this: “There is no normal life that is free of pain. It’s the very wrestling with our problems that can be the impetus for our growth.” It also made me think about all of the children’s books in my life that affected me as a child and still influences my life today. Has anyone else been impacted by Shel Silverstein’s books, for example? My cousin bought me The Missing Piece as a y... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4622289 Tue, 22 Mar 2011 10:53:57 +0100 4622289 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4610848&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F03%2F18%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-march-1-2011-2%2F I have been reading a book called The Book of Awakening: Having the Life You Want by Being Present to the Life You Have by Mark Nepo. It is basically daily reflections on life written in a way that is so heartbreakingly honest and beautiful that it reads like poetry. I am a bit behind on my daily reading so I am only on, “February 19: Instead of Breaking.” But the daily awakening was so moving that I thought I’d share a snippet with you here: “Instead of breaking the bone of our stubbornness, we can nourish the marrow of our feeling unheard. Instead of breaking the bone of our fear, we can cleanse the blood of our feeling unsafe. Instead of counting the scars from being hurt in the world, we can find and re-kiss the very spot in our soul where we began to withhold o... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4610848 Fri, 18 Mar 2011 11:22:28 +0100 4610848 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4592457&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F03%2F15%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-march-15-2011%2F There are just two things on my mind right now: Japan and the time change. One is weighing heavy on my heart and the other has turned me into a zombie. Both have affected the way I view my life. How can two things so different in severity–a natural disaster and a loss of an hour–have anything to do with each another? For me, it crowns time as King and places everything else as a lesser priority. What we choose to spend time in our lives suddenly becomes clearer. Like the grains of sand falling in an hourglass, time slips away putting a spotlight on the impact hardship and an hour loss have on what’s really important. It forces me to ask what moments should I be spending more time on and which ones should I lay to rest? As we begin a new week, our bloggers have a pulse on ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4592457 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 10:25:35 +0100 4592457 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4575098&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F03%2F11%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-march-11-2011%2F I have a confession to make. Last year, I did something crazy and unlike me. I participated in a comedy show called Penn & Teller’s Bullshit on Showtime. For someone as introverted as I am, it was one of the most scariest and embarrassing things I ever did. It’s not something I am especially excited to share. But I’m doing so for a reason. The subject of the show was affirmations. It questioned whether there was anything really beneficial to it or just another laughable practice best turned into a parody on Saturday Night Live. You know like Stuart Smalley’s, “Daily Affirmations?” Surprisingly, it’s not all, “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it people like me.” There are actually real benefits to affirmatio... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4575098 Fri, 11 Mar 2011 10:37:29 +0100 4575098 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4560354&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F03%2F08%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-march-8-2011%2F My first year of grad school was one of the most relaxing years of my life. Sounds crazy right? But the reason for my surprising sense of peace and tranquility, despite the stress of moving to a new city and all the papers and presentations that come with getting your masters, was due to one simple word. Meditation. My first course in the semester was, “Stress Management 101.” My daily homework assignment consisted of an hour’s worth of meditation on my own time and than 3 hours of talking about and practicing mindfulness meditation in class at night. Basically, on top of sleeping better, I was spending a good part of my day focused on being relaxed. Boy do I miss those times. But then I wondered what the difference was between now and then? Why do I need a homework assig... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4560354 Tue, 08 Mar 2011 12:46:36 +0100 4560354 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4549779&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F03%2F04%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-march-4-2011%2F Life is a work in progress. When I think about who I was 10 years ago, that girl was barely distinguishable from who stands before me today. Ever read an old journal and feel astonished by who you were? I feel the same way. I was lost, confused and did not know who I was or who I wanted to be. I was a slave to my emotions and my experiences. I let others create the road in front of me and define my worth. While I have grown a lot since then, I am still a work in progress. I don’t know where you are on your journey, but if you are struggling to get to where you want to be in your life, I hope a few of these top posts this week will bring you solace. It takes a lot to get to your goals. You may be dealing with depression, body image issues or struggling with your own self-identity. If ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4549779 Fri, 04 Mar 2011 12:44:20 +0100 4549779 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4525145&cid=t_117294_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F02%2F26%2Fresistance-and-recording-history-through-music-in-palestine%2F Songs from a Lost Homeland, which originally aired on Al Jazeera English last year, is in the programming rotation again this weekend. Is there a song in the west right now with even a small percentage of the punch of these musicians? I hope you get a chance to see the entire documentary. There’s another [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4525145 Sat, 26 Feb 2011 23:46:00 +0100 4525145 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4495250&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F02%2F18%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-february-18-2011%2F This article looks at the big D (as in denial), when it can be good for us and when it can be hazardous to our health. (Source: World of Psychology) World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4495250 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:09:02 +0100 4495250 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4477815&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F02%2F15%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-february-15-2011%2F You can come out from your hiding place. Valentine’s Day is officially over! Yes, a surprising amount of our Facebook friends said they hated the holiday. Some found it to be too commercial. Others found it to be lonely for singles. There were also many who thought it was a good excuse to celebrate love. In general, while everyone had their own reasons for loving or hating the holiday, I thought it was a great discussion about love and an opportunity to reflect on the four letter word itself. Our bloggers were no exception. Everyone had their own take on love. One blogger talked about how Valentine’s Day can bring up unexpected pain and sorrow in our lives. Another discussed the various stages of a romantic relationship (a perfect post for couples). A third mentioned the import... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4477815 Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:53:34 +0100 4477815 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4464701&cid=t_117294_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FbUj0HjKisYk%2F The usual interplay between Hollywood and drugmakers occurs when a celebrity endorses a drug. Now, though, Roche is about to encounter a Hollywood experience of an entirely different sort - James Marshall, who played a US Marine in the 1992 hit film ‘A Few Good Men,’ claims his acting career was derailed after he used the Accutane acne pill and developed inflammatory bowel disease. His colon was subsequently removed and he is suing the drugmaker for $30 million $11 million in lost earnings. His trial, and two others, start next week in a New Jersey courtroom and the spectacle is likely to cause a side effect of its own - attention on product liability litigation in ways that previous lawsuits have not generated. For all of the thousands of such lawsuits filed against drugmakers in rec... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4464701 Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:38:19 +0100 4464701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4450334&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F02%2F08%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-february-8-2011%2F From where I am sitting, the view is great. The sun is shining. It is 70 degrees. There is a light breeze and a warm summer vibe in the air. Yet regardless of what the weather is outside, when mental illness is an issue, what is going on inside carries more weight. Did you ever get exciting news — you got the job you wanted, your boyfriend proposed, or you found out you were having a baby — and felt wonderful despite the rain pelting on the windowsill? Or in contrast, have you ever felt horrible even when it was warm and summery outside? If you are suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), then the weather outside can dictate your mood. But for those who don’t experience SAD, there are moments, experiences and hardship that impact us regardless of our external sit... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4450334 Tue, 08 Feb 2011 12:05:40 +0100 4450334 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4438932&cid=t_117294_117_f&fid=38856&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timemastermd.com%2F%3Fp%3D2024 LET’S ALL MATE LIKE RABBITS THIS YEAR 29 year old Alessandra Ambrosio – says “Happy Chinese New Year” – Brazilian Victoria Secret Supermodel Style!  She has two really big ears. We are 3 days into the Year of the Metal Rabbit! The rabbit’s peaceful nature combines with the noble, protective metal element to usher in a gentle phase governed by diplomacy. These Rabbits are very ambitious and can be quite crafty in their dealings with others. They throw themselves and their emotions into everything they do, making them intense lovers and immerse themselves into projects…both business and personal. This Chinese New Year will allow more time for family pursuits. Spending time with your nearest and dearest will take precedence over work and romantic love.... Timemaster MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4438932 Sun, 06 Feb 2011 00:47:26 +0100 4438932 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4436796&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F02%2F04%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-february-4-2011%2F I love what you have been sharing on our Facebook page recently. Reading about the things you love about your uniqueness has been very inspiring. (If you missed it, catch up here.) Some days it’s hard to love ourselves-the quirky things we say, our crooked smile, or how we need to be around people as much as we need to get away from them. The funny thing is that what makes us different is often what makes us so lovable. Simply because there is no single person on this earth like you. When you think about it, isn’t that pretty cool? In the world we live in, it is sometimes hard to love our unusual parts, the things that make us stand out from the crowd. But your uniqueness (the way you write, speak, walk and how you just are) is really a fingerprint, a distinct and permanent imp... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4436796 Fri, 04 Feb 2011 11:00:32 +0100 4436796 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4433136&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F02%2F03%2F10-blogs-to-spark-your-creativity%2F Recently, I’ve talked quite a bit about connecting to our creative selves. (Yes, everyone is creative!) One way to access our creativity, I believe, is through inspiration from other amazing minds. In honor of that, I wanted to share 10 blogs that help me get creative (this is by no means an exhaustive list), find tons of right answers and most importantly, get super-excited about the world and all there is to see. In no particular order, they are: 1. Scoutie Girl. This blog features interesting independent craft and design work. As their about page states, “Simply put, Scoutie Girl is the blog with a penchant for the passionately handmade.” The posts are always a lovely surprise. Topics include creative living and mindful spending. 2. Susannah Conway Susannah is a writer and ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4433136 Thu, 03 Feb 2011 19:53:54 +0100 4433136 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4394776&cid=t_117294_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2FJ5fyAtqwyX0%2F Creativity is a lot like oil. Society needs it in ever increasing amounts, yet as time progresses it seems to be quickly diminishing. No matter who you are, or what you do, you need creativity. Many people, such as bloggers and artists, rely on creativity every day. However, few people know how to really channel creativity. In this article I’m going to show you how to be creative whenever you want. 1. Creativity is a state of mind Creativity isn’t some mysterious phenomenon that only happens every once in awhile. It’s a state of mind. Many people report that their creativity comes and goes, sometimes leaving for months at a time. This is because they only reach the state of mind responsible for creativity once every couple of months. Rather than relying on luck, why not t... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4394776 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 07:52:16 +0100 4394776 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4382967&cid=t_117294_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2FAdwOfJTq2j8%2F GETTING yourself stuck in a creative rut can completely halt your productivity and hold you back. In my day-to-day, it’s difficult to write about things like credit cards and debt in an engaging way without at least a little creativity. When you find yourself struggling to think of something new and innovative, consider these words from 10 great thinkers. 1. “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” - Scott Adams (American cartoonist) Allowing yourself to make mistakes, without fear of failure, can be liberating for your creativity. This kind of anxiety keeps you from expressing your opinions and ideas, so get rid of it. 2. “Don’t think. Thinking is the enemy of creativity. It’s self-conscious, and anything self-conscious is ... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4382967 Fri, 21 Jan 2011 06:48:46 +0100 4382967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4361068&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F01%2F18%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-january-18-2011%2F No matter who we are, where we live, how much money we have or what we do for a living, we all essentially want the same thing. We want to feel validated that our worries, feelings and emotions are justified. We want to be seen, heard and felt valued for who we are. We want to know that how we feel and what we think is normal. And most important, we want to be both loved and understood. Knowing these things, can we change the way we perceive our relationships? Can we change the way we treat ourselves and others? That’s a hope I have and a realistic resolution you could have for 2011. A simple change to gain a worthy result. Recently, my great aunt was snappy on the phone with my dad, I took the chance and spoke to her, validating her concerns, calming her fears, and noticed an instan... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4361068 Tue, 18 Jan 2011 11:52:11 +0100 4361068 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4349576&cid=t_117294_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FmMnjFqx8cMU%2F A fascinating New York Time article on solving puzzles: Why you do it, how you do it, and what’s going on in your brain while you do it. The appeal of puzzles goes far deeper than the dopamine-reward rush of finding a solution. The very idea of doing a crossword or a Sudoku puzzle typically shifts the brain into an open, playful state. There are different ways to solve a puzzle: an analytical way of trial and errors and an “insight” or creative way.  Recent neuroimaging studies looked at what happens in the brain of people preparing to solve a puzzle. Results suggest that a particular signature of preparatory activity, one that is strongly correlated with positive moods, can be observed in people’s brains who are more likely to solve puzzles with sudden insight than with trial and... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4349576 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 19:57:31 +0100 4349576 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4343360&cid=t_117294_180_f&fid=38607&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fsuccessbeginstoday%2FBHWQ%2F%7E3%2FyPBllxtNocI%2F In my last post I talked about scheduling using Google Calendar. This tool allows you to have multiple calendars overlaid over one another. This allows you to see possible conflicts and to move things around to make things more efficient. The cool thing about using a calendar tool like this is to put down all the things you are currently doing and look for time areas that can be better utilized. Here is an example from my daily calendar that many people have to deal with. Given our busy lives and the way most cities are laid out, many of us have to commute to work. This may be by car or public transportation. For many people this is just wasted time, especially if you have to drive. Additionally, most people have a lunch hour, which can be a time to wind down, but many times is unproducti... Success Begins Today blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4343360 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 14:31:54 +0100 4343360 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4326901&cid=t_117294_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-musicians-brain-on-mri%2F2011.01.09 Dr. Charles Limb is an otolaryngologist, and he’s also on the faculty at the Peabody Conservatory of Music. Wanting to study creativity on the neurological level, he used fMRI to scan the brains of musicians while improvising along with them. Here he describes the experiment, including the building of an MRI-compatible electronic keyboard: Link @ TED… *This blog post was originally published at Medgadget* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4326901 Sun, 09 Jan 2011 20:00:26 +0100 4326901 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4322550&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F01%2F07%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-january-7-2011%2F The first month in the new year is often filled with reflections. We reflect on the past year. We reflect on what’s still to come. We reflect on the choices we made, good and bad, and wonder what we can do better for the coming year. Do you feel the inner struggle with the past in one hand and your future on the other? Reflections often bring both excitement for the new year and a mourning for what we haven’t yet achieved. As we sink our toes into 2011, what will you wish for? What are your dreams? Whether you want to create a more healthy work/life balance, be happier, or more compassionate, these posts will help you get there. It’s 5 posts to start the ending of 2010 and the beginning of 2011 right. Enjoy! Does Work/Life Conflict Cause You Stress? Dialectical Behavior T... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4322550 Fri, 07 Jan 2011 12:48:40 +0100 4322550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4309668&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F01%2F04%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-january-4-2011%2F Well here it is. Here we are. It’s 2011 and we made it through another holiday season and a whole other year. How do you feel? Was it everything you expected and hoped for? Did it exceed your expectations or underwhelm you? Oftentimes high hopes and unrealistic expectations set us up for disappointment. We place our bets on the new year, putting our dreams and wishes to be thinner, happier, more successful all on the chance that something will change just because we want it to. If we’re lucky, sometimes it does. But more often than not, a day is just another day whether it’s 2010 or 2011. With that being said, ordinary days provide extraordinary opportunities. We can choose to walk a different path, changing our usual responses and reactions to the same triggers. In the e... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4309668 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 12:44:46 +0100 4309668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4295032&cid=t_117294_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2FnQsIVCgKkNg%2F Productivity counts, no matter what kind of job you have; no employer is going to be happy with someone who lags behind and is a slacker. However, it’s easier to be more productive at some jobs than others – jobs that have repetitive tasks and do not require too much concentration or brain work can be done at optimal speeds if not for boredom which usually butts its ugly head in; productivity can be boosted at jobs that require skill with concentration, interest and undivided attention; but for jobs that require creativity, how do you boost productivity? If your creative muse dries up and inspiration remains elusive, how do you force yourself to be productive? How do you boost productivity when you’re an artist, a writer, a designer, or in any similar profession? Do the most when th... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4295032 Tue, 28 Dec 2010 07:08:20 +0100 4295032 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4265856&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F12%2F17%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-december-17-2010%2F As I’m writing this, I’m in shock. I was busy checking things off of my things to do list when appointments and planning for the upcoming holidays completely threw me off my schedule. That’s why this is late. Yikes! I let the ball drop. And I’ve been doing that a lot lately. It is a great lesson for me. Recently, an illness has made it difficult for me to keep up. While I’m usually on top of things, once an A student, someone who despises procrastination and has a strong passion for getting everything done, I realized that I just can’t do it all anymore. But maybe that’s a good thing. It’s teaching me about the importance of making mistakes, being imperfect and accepting where I am now instead of comparing where I was in the past. I might not... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4265856 Fri, 17 Dec 2010 23:10:29 +0100 4265856 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4266278&cid=t_117294_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fpositive-moods-for-recovery%2F This article may help.Humor is known to be therapeutic just as is music to set a mood.People who watch funny videos on the internet are not necessarily wasting time. They may be taking advantage of the latest psychological science—putting themselves in a good mood so they can think more creatively."Generally, positive mood has been found to enhance creative problem solving and flexible yet careful thinking," says Ruby Nadler, a graduate student at the University of Western Ontario. She and colleagues Rahel Rabi and John Paul Minda carried out a new study. For this study, Nadler and her colleagues looked at a particular kind of learning that is improved by creative thinking.Students who took part in the study were put into different moods and then given a category learning task ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4266278 Fri, 17 Dec 2010 17:57:00 +0100 4266278 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4258923&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F12%2F14%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-december-14-2010%2F Not to worry you, but did you know it’s less than 2 weeks until Christmas? Ack! If I freaked you out, I apologize. I nearly gave myself a panic attack when I realized it myself. But then, I thought about something. As you’re racing through the stores to find the “perfect” gift for your children or thumbing through cookbooks for the “perfect” Christmas dinner, think back to your Christmases in the past. When I recalled my holidays as a child, I don’t remember what we ate for dinner or what toys I got. Somehow the holidays are wrapped up in a pretty bow of imperfection, of days that I fought and made up with a parent, or the quiet time spent with a spouse. I was surprised that not even the image of a Christmas tree made it into my top holiday memorie... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4258923 Tue, 14 Dec 2010 12:24:33 +0100 4258923 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4245354&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F12%2F09%2Fdoes-the-gre-measure-anything-related-to-graduate-school%2F The Graduate Record Examination, or GRE, is required for admission to many graduate schools around the country. The computerized test includes verbal, quantitative and analytical writing sections.   The test was designed to predict success in graduate school. The research, however, does not support the idea that a high GRE score will predict graduate school success. Sternberg & Williams (1997) conducted a study to investigate how well GRE scores predicted graduate students’ success. Forty psychology faculty members at Yale were asked to rate graduate students’ abilities on five scales:  analytical, creative, practical, research and teaching.   The researchers also looked at first- and second-year student’s grade point averages, and overall evaluations of disserta... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4245354 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 13:56:11 +0100 4245354 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4237942&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F12%2F07%2Fjohn-lennon-psychodrama-of-a-gifted-child%2F When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy.’ They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life. ~ John Lennon On Dec. 8th, 1980, I was in bed listening to the radio when suddenly, in a voice labored by heavy breathing and halting words, the disc jockey broke the news that John Lennon had been shot and killed in front of his New York City apartment building. The news ransacked my brain. The Beatles weren’t just a rock band; they gave us an identity. Their songs weren’t simply catchy tunes or stray memorable lyrics. The music told us who we were. It pointed us in a whole new direction. The simplicity and ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4237942 Tue, 07 Dec 2010 16:43:08 +0100 4237942 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4237943&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F12%2F07%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-december-7-2010%2F When my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease more than 10 years ago, I thought my family would fall apart. My mom and her siblings had a few years earlier, lost their father. And now they would inevitably lose their mother in spirit. At that time, I was in my early twenties and had the luxury of never really knowing the woman my family was afraid of losing. I took that opportunity to really be with her, get to know her and listen to what she had to say when she could say it. Those moments would prove valuable to me. After she was unable to live by herself, my family moved her to a care home. Although she couldn’t remember who I was when I visited, she would always remember my name. She would often count me as one of her daughters instead of her granddaughter. Her ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4237943 Tue, 07 Dec 2010 12:38:28 +0100 4237943 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4225372&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F12%2F03%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-december-3-2010%2F I think one of the greatest self-inflicted suffering comes from comparing our own lives to the one we think we should be living. Instead of focusing on accepting who we are in this moment, it’s easy to get sucked into what everyone else is doing and how much better they are at doing it. It’s a lot easier, for example, to focus on the presents you can’t afford or the job/relationship you don’t have. But tough times also give us an opportunity. It challenge us to be and do better. If you’re going through a personal struggle right now, remember to take care of yourself, find people (therapists/friends/family) to support you, find peace and solace in your religion or spirituality and discover something hopeful in your life, no matter how small, to help lift you up... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4225372 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 13:07:08 +0100 4225372 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4207525&cid=t_117294_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2FT9ciyHJZf68%2F This article is especially for all you writers, artists, business owners or anyone looking for some new ways to get their creativity flowing. Here are 15 ways to give your creativity a jump start: Write Your Ideas Down Get into the habit of writing your ideas down as soon as you get them. This way you train your brain to keep coming up with ideas, and as soon as you get them you write them down. When they are written down you don’t have to worry about remembering them and this allows more room for new ideas to form in your mind. Relax Good ideas and creativity usually do not appear under stress. When you are relaxed and rejuvenated, creative ideas usually come rather naturally. Take a walk on the beach, take a nap, go and play some sport or do whatever it is that relaxes you so that... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4207525 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 06:37:55 +0100 4207525 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4203283&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fbut-i-have-excuse.html I bailed on National Novel Writing Month on the first day, having written just under 700 words.I felt like there were too many other interesting bits of writing that I wanted to do, including continuing to edit last year's novel.And then my life became insane. I've been really hard on myself for all the things I'm not doing lately. This week, though, I've had two people who are very important to me (my coach/therapist and my friend DM) listen to me unload and then tell me that I would have every right to feel overwhelmed with a fraction of what I've got on my plate.I tend to be hard on myself because I don't work outside the home right now. If I don't go to a job I feel like I should just sail through my other commitments. It felt really good to list everything going on in my life and have... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4203283 Thu, 25 Nov 2010 20:43:00 +0100 4203283 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4183342&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F11%2F19%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-november-19-2010%2F Every moment, we have an opportunity for self-growth. In fact, I was having one of those just yesterday. It was about five in the evening and I was stuck in traffic. As cars attempted to race past me, getting just a mere two cars ahead, I started to think about the frustration and impatience we all seemed to be feeling in the moment. Would I choose to give into the overwhelming negativity all around me? Or would I drown out the sounds of car engines and frustration with the radio and the TV I could see in the van directly in front of me? I decided to use this unpleasant situation for my benefit by fully being in the moment. I saw the dark clouds looming overhead, the lights from cars shining through it and the feeling of impatience that was slowly taking over me. It was an hour of sitting ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4183342 Fri, 19 Nov 2010 11:52:33 +0100 4183342 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4172113&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F11%2F16%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-november-16-2010%2F Do you remember the first time you began thinking about yourself as your own person, separate from mom and dad? I think for me it began when I was a child and saw that I could choose what I wanted to wear for school, what I wanted to eat and what I liked to do. But not only that. My tastes, sense of style and opinions were different too. Yet, this sense of, “Who am I?” definitely did not stop as a child. It grew in my twenties and continues to grow for me as an adult. The more I am able to step out of my family’s shoes and develop my own sense of me, the further along the path I walk toward authenticity and self-identity. It’s a road less traveled especially if you come from a family-centered culture like mine. If you are an artist, writer or any creative person, th... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4172113 Tue, 16 Nov 2010 12:59:46 +0100 4172113 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4151878&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F11%2F09%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-november-9-2010%2F I’ve had quite a bit of visitors in the month of October. And while it was fun and I was grateful for their company, it was exhausting. It reminded me of the upcoming holiday season. Giving me a preview of what’s to come in the next few months. The good thing is that I learned something during the parade of October visitors that may help you get through the season with friends and family peacefully. Conflict often occurs because of misunderstanding and miscommunication. You may, for example, have gone to therapy and learned ways to take care of yourself. But your family hasn’t done the same. Returning to the home you grew up in and the life you used to live sometimes means that those who knew you before, may not know how to interact with you now. Here’s where my tip... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4151878 Tue, 09 Nov 2010 11:59:46 +0100 4151878 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4133833&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F11%2F03%2Fcan-your-creative-brain-ease-negative-moods%2F Your moods and emotions color the way you see the world, yourself, and your future. Negative mood states, such as anxiety, sadness, and anger, are part of the normal ebb and flow of human emotions. They provide a necessary counterpoint to the joyful and happy occasions of life, and they add depth to the “rich tapestry of human experience.” Of course, that doesn’t make them any more pleasant or easy to get through at the time you’re experiencing them. We have negative moods and emotions, however, for a reason. They are a way of alerting us that all is not right with our world and that we may need to take some sort of action. Rather than trying to escape these negative feelings — with pills, liquor, or thrills of some sort — we are better off exploring them and trying to ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4133833 Wed, 03 Nov 2010 10:40:23 +0100 4133833 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119078&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F10%2F29%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-october-29-2010%2F You know what I’ve been thinking about lately? The ghosts of Halloween’s past. The heat from a plastic Strawberry Shortcake mask, the discomfort of being herded with groups of children, the shame of begging for sweets and the sickening feeling from eating too much candy. Funny how recalling those memories actually make me happy. Watching mom dig through my winnings, tasting what seemed like every single one, made me feel comforted. And even though walking around in a costume felt silly and uncomfortable, there was something exciting about dressing up and being anonymous for one night. When did Halloween get so complicated? Yep, there are rules now about age limitations for Halloween and questions about what kids should and should not wear. But at least for me, I’d love to... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119078 Fri, 29 Oct 2010 12:43:29 +0100 4119078 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119527&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fwhat-i-would-miss.html I just did an interesting writing prompt from Old Friend From Far Away by Natalie Goldberg: "Tell me what you will miss when you die."The instructions were to write for ten minutes without censoring yourself. Here's what I wrote:My kidsMy spouseMy familyMy friendsMy dogBeautiful fall daysWalks along the canal with my dogGetting lost in a bookTaking a nap on a cold afternoonKnitting with friendsThe feeling of euphoria when I write something goodMusicGood foodLaughingWondering at artA hot bath after exercisePhysical intimacy (all kinds)The happy feeling when I unexpectedly run into someone I likeLearning new thingsAha! momentsSeeing people do good thingsBeing proud of my childrenNoisy gatherings around my dining room tableDoing fun things for the first timeDoing familiar things that make me ... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119527 Tue, 26 Oct 2010 14:17:00 +0100 4119527 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4098057&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F10%2F22%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-october-22-2010%2F Anyone catch the Oprah Winfrey show yesterday? Tyler Perry was on. I was running around checking my computer, looking at my iPhone and cleaning up with the show running in the background. When I finally sat down to watch, I was moved by what I saw. Perry revealed the pain and struggle he endured from his traumatic childhood. While it was heartbreaking and difficult to watch, what he said was also hopeful. He talked about forgiveness, his ability to use writing as his escape and how he was able to empower himself and the little boy he lost when he was abused. It’s a touching piece. One that reminded me of the impact inspiring people can have on us and the importance of support through times of adversity. It’s a hope we all have for you as well. That you’ll read these posts... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4098057 Fri, 22 Oct 2010 13:20:28 +0100 4098057 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4082276&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fomg.html If you are reading this post on a site other than Not Just About Cancer (besides Facebook or a feed reader), you are reading stolen content. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4082276 Tue, 19 Oct 2010 14:09:00 +0100 4082276 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4082135&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F10%2F19%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-october-19-2010%2F Try as I might, I could not think of a time when a childhood argument ended a friendship. Can you? I remember squabbles over crayon colors and anger over sharing toys, but that’s it. There’s no recollection of arguments going longer than a day. In fact, what is embedded in my memory is a lot of moments when a heated fight one day was immediately forgotten the next. Why then, as adults, do we hold grudges and find it so hard to forgive? Is it that life suddenly gets more complicated? Is it because knowing more about life makes it harder to forgive transgressions? Or are the wounds deeper and the hurts greater? Whatever the answer, one thing’s for sure, forgiveness heals our own hearts more than anything else. So if you’re in the process of trying to forgive someone, ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4082135 Tue, 19 Oct 2010 11:50:23 +0100 4082135 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4060650&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F10%2F12%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-october-12-2010%2F I am an only child. Growing up, I didn’t have siblings, but friends and family to play with. And when it came time to the hard parts of my young life, I found comfort in books. Books can provide a space for fun, escape, and information. And I soaked them all in. They also worked as mentors, heroes and teachers to me. No matter what was going on in life, I could always count on the excitement, fantasy and often hope in the tattered pages of my favorite book. That’s why this week’s posts are so meaningful to me. We’ve got posts on healing through books and one on how narcissism and the  ego can negatively effect creative people. If you’re a book lover or a creative person, you’ll love these posts. We’ve also got posts on body image, the importance o... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4060650 Tue, 12 Oct 2010 12:08:23 +0100 4060650 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4013260&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F09%2F28%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-september-28-2010%2F I just got back from a trip I took for a few weeks to London and Paris. Before you hate me, let me tell you that the trip was filled with challenges. From our hotel “losing” our reservations to getting sick, it was not the relaxing vacation I was expecting. That being said, it was also one of the best trips I ever had. Why? It reminded me that the idea of a retreat or vacation from reality is a temporary fix. Your problems do follow you wherever you go and can be a microcosm of your real life. Although taking a break is a necessity for our mental health, it should not be perceived as an escape or a cure for what’s really ailing us. In the end, it gave me the insight to see that I didn’t need to wait for big vacations and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to change my... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4013260 Tue, 28 Sep 2010 11:23:58 +0100 4013260 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4003463&cid=t_117294_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2FVA26_jfdq4M%2F The more we stress about our problems, the bigger they get. Sometimes the best thing to do is let go of our problems.  Not to give up, but to let up – and make some “space.” Yesterday I took the afternoon off.  Even though it was during the week I decided to go on a date with my wife.  No blackberries, hand held devices or computers.  No email.  Just the two of us hanging out for the afternoon; just like we used to when we first met. It was such a great afternoon.  I forgot about all my problems.  I forgot about all my concerns and I forgot about my work.   That evening, 8 or so hours later I solved two of my biggest problems… one of which didn’t require any work on my part.  The other one came to me as a new idea. How did I do it?  What’s my s... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4003463 Tue, 28 Sep 2010 05:13:21 +0100 4003463 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3938391&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=36089&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesituationist.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F09%2F07%2Fthe-situation-of-property-ownership%2F Patricia Kanngiesser, Nathalia Gjersoe, and Bruce M. Hood recently published a fascinating paper, titled “The Effect of Creative Labor on Property-Ownership Transfer by Preschool Children and Adults,” in the August 16, 2010 issue of Psychological Science.  Here’s the abstract. * * * Recognizing property ownership is of critical importance in social interactions, but little is known about how and when this attribute emerges. We investigated whether preschool children and adults believe that ownership of one person’s property is transferred to a second person following the second person’s investment of creative labor in that property. In our study, an experimenter and a participant borrowed modeling-clay objects from each other to mold int... The Situationist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3938391 Tue, 07 Sep 2010 04:01:43 +0100 3938391 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3911740&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F08%2F27%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-august-27-2010%2F The other day I was driving when I heard a familiar song playing on the radio. It was Bob Marley’s Buffalo Soldier. In fact, as I type this I can hear it playing in my head. The funny thing is that the sound automatically took me back to my childhood. My cousins and I were sitting in someone’s living room. The radio was playing. That song was on. And my older cousin was sitting on this huge comfy chair while the rest of us kids were sitting on the ground. Why do I remember this seemingly mundane event? My cousin spontaneously began belting out the song, dancing to the beat and being as silly as a kid can be. We rolled on the floor and laughed until our sides hurt. It was a memorable moment. We were young, spontaneous and free. How does this relate to this week’s top post... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3911740 Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:25:50 +0100 3911740 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3889126&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F08%2F20%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-august-20-2010%2F The creative process is a mysterious one. I sit down at my computer twice a week not knowing how I will do it and what will come out when I type. Yet, if I come to my desk present, open-minded and trusting, somehow my fingers do the work for me. That doesn’t mean that I don’t have days when the writing doesn’t flow and that I don’t feel stuck. On those days, I notice it’s one or all of the three f’s: fatigue, fear or feeling frazzled that pushes me over the edge. Then, it feels like I’m trying to run in water or force a piece into a puzzle that just doesn’t fit. I tend to think of those times as moments when self-care is vital. I might be feeling anxious, overworked or my own negative thoughts could be sabotaging my efforts. Yet, when we&#821... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3889126 Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:25:53 +0100 3889126 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3872620&cid=t_117294_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fmy-role-model.html Salman Khan is my hero ! Not the Bollywood star, but this Harvard grad, who has created a 1600+ video library which has become " the most-used educational video resource as measured by YouTube video views per day and unique users per month. " His next step is to " complement this ever-growing library with user-paced exercises--developed as an open source project--allowing the Khan Academy to become the free classroom for the World."What do I love about him ?1. It's the work of one person - which proves that it takes just one person to improve the world2. He started small - without waiting for funding !3. He dreams big ! (Source: The Patient's Doctor) The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3872620 Tue, 17 Aug 2010 03:22:00 +0100 3872620 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3865306&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F08%2F13%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-august-13-2010%2F Happy Friday the 13th! Anything spooky going on where you are? I know at least some of you are at the American Psychological Association’s 118th convention in San Diego (I’m not sure how spooky that is.). While you’re there, you might as well be a sponge and absorb everything you can. Oh and do me a favor will you? Since I didn’t go, could you report everything you’ve learned back here? I actually remember going to my first and only APA convention. It was six years ago in Honolulu, Hawaii and I was in my first year of graduate studies. Being young and green, I was an eager beaver, wanting to learn everything I could about my field. I was also poor as heck and yet, my life seemed much more carefree back then. I studied full-time and worked part of the time as a... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3865306 Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:39:54 +0100 3865306 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3854570&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F08%2F10%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-august-10-2010%2F I’m an avid reader who’s been alternating between five to ten very different books lately. Why so many? Well it’s still summer and I’m soaking every bit of it while I can. One that’s been taking much of my attention is The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook by Edmund J. Bourne, Ph.D. While the title isn’t very sexy, the read is very illuminating. Why? It talks about the comprehensive (what I’ll call) diet plan for someone suffering from anxiety and phobia. One of the topics it covers is negative self-talk. The kind that often exacerbates anxiety and is also described as one of five mind traps in this week’s top post. It also talks about the importance of exercise, meditation and even nutrition. All things that can help ease your anxiety so that yo... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3854570 Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:26:12 +0100 3854570 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3805876&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F07%2F30%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-july-30-2010%2F Boy where did July go? It’s hard to believe there’s just one more month left in summer. Being that we’re more than half way through 2010, it’s a great time to reflect. Have you thought about your New Year’s resolutions and life goals lately? I have. In fact, it’s all I have been thinking about recently. I’ve been wrestling with the battle between accepting the present while working on improving myself for the future. What stirred up this sudden focus on self-reflection? I’m enrolled in an online writing course and something the instructor said really hit home. She said that our unconscious drives our behavior and this includes how we treat others, ourselves and even how we write. In fact, if we are not aware of it, it can sabotage our life. T... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3805876 Fri, 30 Jul 2010 10:29:46 +0100 3805876 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3790750&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F07%2F26%2Flying-on-the-couch%2F What happens when a psychologist writes a memoir? To tell the truth I have to lie. To write a memoir these days you had better be telling the truth. When I met with the publisher about Confessions of a Former Child: A Therapist’s Memoir, she specifically asked me if what I wrote was true. I hesitated, and a worried look crossed her face. Finally, I insisted it was all true, except for the parts I made up. She told me I needed to explain. I told her that in essence, as a psychologist and a memoirist I serve at the discretion of both disciplines — the first devoted to understanding the human condition, the second to the condition of being human. Both employ methods of nonfiction writing to achieve their goal, but with a major difference: A psychologist must follow strict guidelines p... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3790750 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:35:52 +0100 3790750 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3706730&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F06%2F28%2Fgood-versus-evil-in-strength%2F You have to hand it to Kurt Gray, a doctoral student at Harvard. He knows how to spin a set of three small experiments he conducted to make headlines. Here’s what Gray had to say about his findings: “By perceiving themselves as good or evil, people embody these perceptions, actually becoming more capable of physical endurance.” and “But in fact, this research suggests that physical strength may be an effect, not a cause, of moral acts.” Did Gray actually measure a person’s inherent “goodness” or capacity for evil (or did he measure artificial situations created in a lab that may or may not actually mimic these qualities)? And if so, did he also measure physical strength (or simply one small aspect of strength, physical endurance)? In the three exper... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3706730 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:33:44 +0100 3706730 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3690804&cid=t_117294_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fjob-productivity-8-ways-to-bring-creativity-to-work%2F photo: Thinkstock Let’s say you work in a finance job and sit in a grey cubicle all day crunching numbers and have a high productivity rate. Do you go home and think about numbers? Do you daydream about numbers? Do you crunch numbers for fun in your spare time? We’re going to answer those for you: No. You are a creative person stuck in a non-creative job, just like a lot of other people who need to make a living. Is there a way to bring your love of painting into the investment bank? Lifehack.org has eight ways to make your creativity work for you at work. 1. Don’t complain – adapt. If your job is cramping your free spirit, don’t gripe about it to co-workers. Instead, invest your energy into thinking about how you could adapt your work to be more creative. There&#... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3690804 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 21:19:47 +0100 3690804 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3666161&cid=t_117294_134_f&fid=36985&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fsugarstats%2F%7E3%2FVqiaOkURsaU%2F Had a business lunch today and only had 3/4 of a club sandwich…maybe had 20 or 25 homemade potato chips….Took additional insulin to cover and 2 hours after lunch and I am pinging 244 on my Dexcom…..What the heck?  It is times like these that you question yourself and your ability to estimate carbs. I’m [...] (Source: SugarStats.com - Simple, Online Blood Sugar Tracking for Diabetes Management) SugarStats.com - Simple, Online Blood Sugar Tracking for Diabetes Management blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3666161 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 20:29:10 +0100 3666161 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3648598&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F06%2F10%2Fintroducing-the-creative-mind%2F We were sorry to see Susan K. Perry of our Writer’s Mind blog leave after only a few short months blogging with us. By all accounts, people enjoyed her blog and I know I learned something about writing from her insights. But producing new and interesting blog entries week after week can sometimes be more work than people realize. (Trust me, I understand!) But as they say, when one door closes, another one opens. With that, I’m pleased to introduce our new blog on psychology and creativity, The Creative Mind, with Douglas Eby. The Creative Mind will explore some of the main emotional and psychological topics that can affect how well or how freely creative people are able to express themselves. Douglas hopes to cater this blog to both professionals and to anyone who may want to f... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3648598 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 15:30:41 +0100 3648598 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3648740&cid=t_117294_134_f&fid=36985&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fsugarstats%2F%7E3%2FCOQJuhkJ34U%2F I was just interviewed by Kay Fontana who runs a site for Baby Boomers who are Grand Parents and for whatever reason are raising their Grandchildren. The emphasis of the interview was to speak to Grandparents who are raising Diabetic Grandchildren, or are diabetic themselves. You can hear it here …... http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/68906 Cheers,  Bob (Source: SugarStats.com - Simple, Online Blood Sugar Tracking for Diabetes Management) SugarStats.com - Simple, Online Blood Sugar Tracking for Diabetes Management blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3648740 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:43:01 +0100 3648740 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3644757&cid=t_117294_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FNW2jA7ZkyOo%2F By David Boaz Indeed, every improved product or service may make us no longer value products and services we previously used. That’s what Schumpeter called “creative destruction.” A longer version of the same phenomenon was on the front page of Monday’s Wall Street Journal, in an article about how Wal-Mart’s rivals secretly fund “grassroots local campaigns” against Wal-Mart, organized by political consulting firms, to protect the existing firms’ positions. Every innovator puts somebody out of business, as Agnes’s friend recognizes. (Source: Cato-at-liberty) Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3644757 Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:40:59 +0100 3644757 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3632400&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fmays-ten-things-how-i-did.html Here's how I did with May's "To Do" list (still playing along with the List Lovers at BlogHer):As with previous months, completed tasks are in blue, partially done tasks are in green and the tasks I didn't even started in purple.1. Spend an average of eight hours writing a week (I didn't even come close but I did make some progress on the editing of the draft novel and I started meeting - and exchanging writing - with my awesome writing buddy so I'm going to give myself partial credit anyway).2. Do strength training at least twice every week (I did it once all month but I've been suffering from some gastrointestinal issues that made strength training, especially ab work, less appealing. It's pretty lame but it's all I've got).3. Do an average of five hours of cardio every week (Completed a... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3632400 Sat, 05 Jun 2010 13:00:00 +0100 3632400 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3611906&cid=t_117294_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Factive-kids-outdoor-play-and-little-mishaps%2F2010.05.30 This study suggests that school children in this age group should be provided with daily recess. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Health in 30* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3611906 Sun, 30 May 2010 13:19:26 +0100 3611906 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3589049&cid=t_117294_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2F9rA1gdDX8QY%2F What’s Your Greatest Asset? Amy Eden writes about the assets of ACOA’s. “I don’t know about you, but I sometimes feel exasperated with the emphasis on problems tied to being the offspring of alcoholics. Today I need to hear the B side of the record, to think about our other characteristics.” Here are her first five assets of ACOA’s. YOU CAN EMPATHIZE YOU’RE INDEPENDENT YOU’RE CREATIVE YOU’RE RESILIENT YOU’RE CALM Full post at Guess What Normal Is. Alcoholism, Addiction & Codependency Recovery Bookstore Hazelden Books, DVD's & Medalions (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3589049 Wed, 19 May 2010 18:56:01 +0100 3589049 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3573754&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F05%2F18%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-may-18th-2010%2F It’s still early in the week and there are already tons of great posts floating around our site. So much so that it made choosing just five particularly difficult. I’d have to agree with this generous statement made by Twitter follower @counsellingnews: “a round of applause from the AIPC Team for ongoing high quality & interesting content PsychCentral provides.” This goes for our bloggers as well. Great job guys! While I’m singing out praises, I also want to thank Sonia who was quick to catch an error last week on the Best of Our Blogs. Instead of May 14th, I jumped ahead to the 21st. Talk about spring fever! All in all, thanks again for your support, comments and compliments.  What a supportive, informative and active community we have! And now for the b... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3573754 Tue, 18 May 2010 13:44:17 +0100 3573754 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3511585&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F04%2F28%2Fintroducing-mental-health-humor%2F I’m pleased to introduce the new blog, Mental Health Humor — humor from the creative and always-interesting mind of Chato B. Stewart. We’re pleased to welcome Chato to Psych Central, as he’s been blogging elsewhere online for years, sharing his unique and funny perspective on all things mental health and human behavior. Humor is an individual thing, though, and we recognize that. So you may not find everything Chato does “funny,” and that’s okay. That just reminds us all that we all have an individual and unique sense of humor. But Chato says it best – I’ve known all my life the power behind humor, it can give help, hope and healing. My goal and mission has also been to tap into humor and use it as a positive tool to cope with the serious ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3511585 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:40:28 +0100 3511585 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3408596&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Finside-lauries-head.html saying "no" to:beating myself uppeople who make me feel bad about myselffeeling ashamedhiding from people who love megiving into my fearsjealousy Saying "yes" to:spending time with the people who fill me upreading for pleasuretapping my own creative resourcestrying new thingsfuntalking to my Mom more often giddy about:all the great books that are available to readthe way my kids and spouse make me laugh until I crydog bellies and snoutsthe potential of things I could knitthe thought that I am a Writerscared of:dyingnot being able to read, or write, walk my dogs or play with my kidswriting fiction and discovering that I don't have the talent for itanything bad happening to someone I lovedeeply inspired by: beautiful prosemy sister my friendsmy kidsLenebeing in loveobsessed with:the clu... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3408596 Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:24:00 +0100 3408596 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3378777&cid=t_117294_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2FACKTnMhPma4%2F “Beth” courtesy of Michael Nye ‘”Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life thinking it is stupid.” Albert Einstein. Ever been told you’re a perfectionist, too sensitive or that you dream or think too much? To have a high degree of creative intelligence is a gift — but because our society, schools and workplaces privilege more conventional and conformist intelligences, it is not always experienced that way. If you, or your nearest and dearest, do not understand what it means to becreatively intelligent, in everyday terms, a great deal of suffering can ensue. “In a society that doesn’t appreciate them, creative abilities are often labeled and experienced as liabilities,” says Mary Taylor... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3378777 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 06:20:56 +0100 3378777 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3350607&cid=t_117294_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2F1965-slice-of-life.html Seniors, have you tried writing your life story? Or just short anecdotes or vignettes? Here is one from my blog at http://lifestorytelling.com. 1965 - A Slice of Life - Scandal and Me Open the mind's closet for 1965. I'm 13 years old, and this is the era of "Scandal and Me." Scandal was a black half-Arabian, half-thoroughbred mare. Scandal and I often stayed out on the trails in the snowy winters until after dark. I leaned down low over her neck, shining a flashlight on the paths. It was an adventure. It's 1965, and I'm in the 8th grade. A huge horse farm was built a few years ago across the corn field behind our house. For several years I've been working there after school and on Saturdays. In the 6th grade I started at $2 a day and now I'm up to $3. I give the money to my parents to he... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3350607 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:52:00 +0100 3350607 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3307100&cid=t_117294_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2F5zM96sc22pU%2F Ten Roadblocks to Creative Success To stay competitive in the work world today, you must use your imagination and creativity. These innate gifts have the potential to give us an edge in business and life, yet we are often blocked and fail to accomplish the projects we intend to finish. People in recovery from alcoholism, addiction and codependency also need to use imagination and creativity. But, perhaps, in a different manner than they did while drinking or drugging. Or, perhaps, using these life skills for the first time they get confused and disheartened. Creativity is one of the most essential human talents. You have all the creativity you need to accomplish your goals. Your creative ideas provide you with tools for meeting challenges and coping with adversity. By definition, creativit... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3307100 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 01:40:00 +0100 3307100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3279955&cid=t_117294_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FgmMpPMpw6qY%2F By Jim HarperIn typical Washington, D.C. fashion, the capitol city is convincing itself that it has a role in “saving” journalism from the technological and market forces that are now reshaping it. Adam Thierer summarizes his remarks this morning—aimed at bursting D.C.’s bubble—in this TechLiberationFront post. (Source: Cato-at-liberty) Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3279955 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:47:29 +0100 3279955 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3266985&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F02%2F12%2Fsnow-blizzard-2010-and-mental-health%2F I’M GOING CRAZY. Ahem. Okay, here’s the deal. Annapolis was hit with 30 inches of snow last Friday and Saturday. Annapolis owns three snowplows. Most roads have at least six inches of ice. Ours do. And if you’ve ever witnessed the way I drive, you would agree that I shouldn’t be on the road. Moreover, our cars won’t be moving from our icy driveway anytime soon because… we’re supposed to get another 10 to 20 inches tonight. Schools have been canceled all week, of course, and schools are canceled next week (Monday through Wednesday) for some other lame reason. So, I’m grumpy. Bite-everyone’s-heads-off grumpy. Because I can’t use most of the tools in my sanity box this week. The discipline to eat well is buried under three feet of ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3266985 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:01:24 +0100 3266985 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3266905&cid=t_117294_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2F13B4-V9mFUI%2F Kids learn best when they are having fun.  This should come as no surprise to anyone. When I go into schools with my new program: “Creative Core Curriculum”TM and we learn through story and song, writing and rapping, music and movement – the kids have no clue that I am just following their curriculum, with a little creative spin.  Why?  Because, unfortunately, students are don’t equate fun and learning. Time to shift that outdated paradigm. In today’s world, children are experiential learners.  They learn by doing, creating, moving — diving into topics and exploring them, firsthand.  That’s why the worksheet mentality of the 1950’s just doesn’t make sense anymore (if it ever did). And, yet when our school system and government needed to “teach” our children t... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3266905 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:01:29 +0100 3266905 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3259185&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fit-scares-me.html Every since I could read (and probably even before), I have wanted to be a writer of fiction.And now that I have the opportunity, I am terrified.My professional life helped me overcome a great deal of writing anxiety. When you have a writing deadline and you know that fifteen other people are going to comment and edit what you write, you learn to just put fingers to the keyboard and get the job done. This is a lesson it took me a long time to learn but I got there (more or less).I enjoyed doing the kind of writing that I was able to do for advocacy organizations and labour unions but I seldom got to pick the subject of the pieces I wrote. I learned to write in the voice of the organization I represented or the person for whom I was writing a statement or speech. It was fun and I got to be ... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3259185 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:30:00 +0100 3259185 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3244055&cid=t_117294_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FiHF5EFs4q6g%2F AA can be a bridge to recovery The recovery process in Alcoholics Anonymous includes several general phases that people may pass through. These are not time related but are usually dependent on the persons particular circumstances. Initial Sobriety Surrenders to alcohol – accepts alcoholism Begins humble search for self Restoration of physical health begins Restoration of memory begins Restoration of mental functions begins Begins to practice self-honesty Is pre-occupied with sobriety Growth of open-mindedness Lessening of needless guilt Freely discusses alcohol and its problems Mild depression and anxiety lessens Mental functions are more alert Learning Sobriety Accepts and owns their alcoholism Loss of freedom acknowledged and accepted Alibis replaced by sound reasons for sobriety S... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3244055 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:49:22 +0100 3244055 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3212601&cid=t_117294_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F_JqHnduMapo%2F The Academy Award-winning director of ‘Rain Man’ and many other flicks just signed on to direct the controversial movie about obesity, which GlaxoSmithKline agreed to underwrite. The drugmaker continues to insist the effort is a philanthropic initiative - its share of revenues will be given to charity - and is designed to raise awareness (background). But yes, Glaxo does acknowledge selling the Alli diet pill, although the drugmaker continues to maintain that the Creative Coalition, a non-profit political and social advocacy group with backing from such stars as Alec Baldwin and Susan Sarandon, will have creative control. You can read a chat with a Glaxo exec in The Wrap. (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212601 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:28:43 +0100 3212601 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3197844&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fin-other-news.html I was felled by a yucky stomach bug this week and really didn't feel much like blogging. It's the price I pay for a weakened immune system. My older son is home sick today, too. Not sure what his excuse is.Also, my spouse is in Florida. As far as I know, he's not sick.To compensate for my bitterness at having been struck down during a week of single parenting (I know, some of you have to deal with this kind of thing all the time), I thought I would show off a little.Here is my latest clapotis. I made it for my mom.She thinks she's not very photogenic but I think she's lovely.I made this thing on tiny (2.75mm, if you care about these things) needles and a laceweight (read very fine) yarn. It nearly killed me. I was working on it during chemo one day and one of the pharmacists, herself a kni... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3197844 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:22:00 +0100 3197844 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3189345&cid=t_117294_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F01%2F20%2Fthe-seventies-certainly-werent-all-bad-r-i-p-lindsay-cullen%2F Yesterday I learned of the death, on New Year’s Eve, of one of my favourite high school teachers. A reporter from The Gleaner, the local small-town newspaper, contacted me when she saw that I had written a letter which mentioned Lindsay Cullen a while back. I was a student of his from approximately 1972 to [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3189345 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:10:34 +0100 3189345 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3163851&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2010%2F01%2F12%2Fthe-neuroscience-of-curiosity%2F In conclusion, the speculative neuroscience of curiosity is summarized by: creative people may be endowed with brains that are capable of storing extensive specialized knowledge in their temporoparietal cortex, be capable of frontal mediated divergent thinking and have a special ability to modulate the frontal lobe-locus coeruleus (norepinephrine) system, such that during creative innovation cerebral levels of norepinephrine diminish, leading to the discovery of novel orderly relationships. What do you think, I especially like the low arousal part, going into suspend mode now, take care………. Heilman, K., Nadeau, S., & Beversdorf, D. (2003). Creative Innovation: Possible Brain Mechanisms Neurocase, 9 (5), 369-379 DOI: 10.1076/neur.9.5.369.16553 Related posts:Neurosc... Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3163851 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 07:56:34 +0100 3163851 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3156627&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fsurvivors-review.html I have a guest post up at Survivors' Review, a wonderful blog that "encourages the creative expression of cancer survivors."My piece, which is in the section called "Write Now!" is about my take on the importance of writing for cancer survivors and includes a few of my favourite (and completely unoriginal) writing prompts. And, I have to admit, that when I look at the list on the bottom of the page of former contributors to the column, I am tickled, well - tickled pink, I guess.My book also tops the list in the Resources section of the Review.I feel good about this. It's a nice thing to have happen at the end of a hard week. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3156627 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:25:00 +0100 3156627 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3149317&cid=t_117294_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FGG8kFj-eUlY%2F The drugmaker sells the Alli over-the-counter diet pill, but says the film won’t be a marketing vehicle. Its partner and producer is the Creative Coalition, a non-profit political and social advocacy group with backing from such stars as Alec Baldwin and Susan Sarandon, The New York Times reports, adding an ‘Academy-award winning’ director will be named this month at the Sundance Film Festival. “This won’t be a marketing tool at all,” Robin Bronk, Creative Coalition’s executive director, tells the paper. This is “a natural progression of our mission to develop educational projects.” Glaxo marketing exec Rachel Ferdinando says a signed agreement gives full creative control to the director and Creative Coalition, and there are no expectations Alli will be mentio... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3149317 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:53:43 +0100 3149317 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3142784&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fkeeping-it-small-and-specific.html It's time to dip my toe back into the regular writing of this blog by letting you know that I have scaled way back on the New Year's resolutions this year.In 2008, I had a list.Last year, I resolved to "treat my body as well as I treat my mind." Since I gained at least 10 pounds (I'm afraid to get on the scale) and even more than that since my breast cancer diagnosis in early 2006, abandoned yoga and did no strength or core training, I was inclined to view this year as an abject failure on the resolution front. But then my spouse reminded me that I rode my bike pretty much everywhere between April and the first snow. Also, I ran regularly throughout the summer (this was brought to a halt by H1N1 but I'll start again) and cooked more than I ever have in my life.So I've decided to tell mysel... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3142784 Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:17:00 +0100 3142784 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3126822&cid=t_117294_180_f&fid=38607&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fsuccessbeginstoday%2FBHWQ%2F%7E3%2FbR34Eva0n64%2F As the year is winding down it’s time to think about goal setting for the new year. I like to set goals and have found that setting HARD or BHAG goals to be much more fulfilling than setting very specific SMART goals. As I have been reading the new book by Mark Murphy, entitled Hundred Percenters, I have come to some simple conclusions about my goal setting ritual. When setting a goal, it needs to be a “Want To” goal. If I make it too specific, it becomes a “Have To” goal. Let me give you an example. I love to blog and interact with an audience. When I sit down at my computer, I usually have a relatively blank slate. But things in the news, other people’s blog posts, and the general feeling of the day usually lead to a post idea rather quickly. But if I set a specific goal to... Success Begins Today blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3126822 Mon, 28 Dec 2009 20:56:46 +0100 3126822 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3119069&cid=t_117294_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F5-strengths-of-an-acoa-2%2F What’s Your Greatest Asset? Amy Eden writes about the assets of ACOA’s. “I don’t know about you, but I sometimes feel exasperated with the emphasis on problems tied to being the offspring of alcoholics. Today I need to hear the B side of the record, to think about our other characteristics.” Here are her first five assets of ACOA’s. YOU CAN EMPATHIZE YOU’RE INDEPENDENT YOU’RE CREATIVE YOU’RE RESILIENT YOU’RE CALM Full post at Guess What Normal Is. Related Reading: Share/Save (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3119069 Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:26:58 +0100 3119069 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3108378&cid=t_117294_107_f&fid=35026&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheTreeOfLife%2F%7E3%2FCnt5MCnzTjM%2Fcreative-commons-licenses-adopted-at.html Cool - Creative Commons spreading even to Palo Alto High School - See Paly Voice - Creative Commons Spotlight.  According to the article, multiple Palo Alto High publications have adopted CC licenses and are the first high school publications to do so.  Good call I say.  Plus check out the article which discusses other diverse uses of CC including Nine Inch Nails, PLoS, Wikipedia, and others. Of course, this might have something to do with Lawrence Lessig being from the neighborhood, but that's OK by me. -------- This is from the "Tree of Life Blog" of Jonathan Eisen, an evolutionary biologist and Open Access advocate at the University of California, Davis. For short updates, follow me on Twitter. -------- (Source: The Tree of Life) The Tree of Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3108378 Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:10:11 +0100 3108378 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3089289&cid=t_117294_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2FHZ5a7F78f-I%2F The following guest post by Ellen Dorsch, Founder of Creative Women, is part of Disruptive Women’s “The Value of Health: Creating Economic Security in the Developing World” series. Building on her commitment to women’s well being, her love of travel, her desire to experience the challenges of the private sector, and her love of hand-made products, Ellen Dorsch decided to leave the non-profit sector and start Creative Women. Today, Creative Women imports elegant hand-woven products from women-owned businesses in Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Swaziland, and Mali. Each product Creative Women sells, allows the company’s colleagues to hire more workers and to pay them decent wages and benefits helping them, and their families, to live a healthier lifestyle, and to receive hea... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3089289 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:54:04 +0100 3089289 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3067137&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2009%2F12%2F08%2Flove-is-great-for-creativity-sex-for-analytical-thinking%2F Most people think that love and sex are tightly related. Nevertheless the size of the overlap between these two varies with culture, history, education and social values. In the United States, males report having less problems imagining sex without love than females do; in China, however the link between love and romance seems to be generally less pronounced than in Western cultures; and in the West, the views of sexuality and love differed between the Victorian and the Freudian eras On a neurobiological level the brain systems for love, sex and attachment communicate and coordinate with one another. But if love and lust aren’t completely the same, what different psychological effects do they have in humans? Researchers from The Netherlands and Germany proposed a cognitive model for... Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3067137 Tue, 08 Dec 2009 07:40:18 +0100 3067137 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3030057&cid=t_117294_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F25%2F2744%2F To mark the eighteenth anniversary of Freddie Mercury’s death (reflections here from his mother) – really 18 years? – his old friends The Muppets have destroyed, all in good fun mind you, Bohemian Rhapsody. All in time for World AIDS Day! (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3030057 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:12:12 +0100 3030057 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2989244&cid=t_117294_113_f&fid=36504&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedicalRecordShow%2F%7E3%2FeHIgYejngTI%2F I want to preface this with something I should have said a long time ago: All posts reflect my own opinions, not those of anyone I’ve had the good fortune to learn from, work with, and otherwise spend time around. It could hardly be otherwise with my own blog. But addressing folks in healthcare, you’ve got to be a bit careful. IT folks get it, but in healthcare we’re not all individuals, much as we’d like to think otherwise. We are born from a very old profession, and that means being tied like nobody’s business to colleagues, training academies, membership societies, support staff, patients, and public opinion. Say the wrong thing, and you step on some toesies of other bees in the hive. And that’s a problem, when it comes to innovation. So That’s ... The EMR/EHR Show: Making Your Electronic Medical Records Really Work blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2989244 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:57:40 +0100 2989244 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2912483&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fmilestone-reviewed.html I am featured on a blog called "Women at Forty" today.When I was aked to submit a post, I thought it would be appropriate to re-visit a post I wrote on the eve of my fortieth birthday.I'm looking forward to writing my fiftieth birthday post. Only eight more years and countless clean scans to go. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2912483 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:23:00 +0100 2912483 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2904997&cid=t_117294_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FL4Vkd6TGdG4%2F We recently run an online survey among subscribers of our monthly eNewsletter, and over 500 people said we have helped them make better personal or professional decisions on how to maintain and improve brain fitness. Most gave very illuminating examples, which we are reading and enjoying as we speak. Respondents also had many good questions to ask, so I have selected 15 common ones, paraphrased/ synthesized them below, and answered them by linking to our most relevant posts and resources. I hope you enjoy the FAQ session. Q: I teach a brain fitness class at my library/ senior center/ school, using much of your info. Can you share some of your presentations? A: Yes, we have just decided to share, using a Creative Commons Attribution No Derivatives License, the full presentation of my recen... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2904997 Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:32:09 +0100 2904997 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2871971&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fnothing-ventured.html I have decided that I won't be doing NaBloPoMo this year.My heart just isn't in it. This is in part because two of my NaBlo compadres have died. It just won't be the same without Sara and Emily. I miss their voices so much and I just don't feel like blogging every day without them at my virtual side.But November can be a hard month for me and I still need something to distract and consume me.I also need motivation to return to the scary (for me) world of fiction writing. I got so much done during my online writing course last year but have done nothing since submitting my outline for a novel, as my final assignment on December 31.A few weeks ago Rachael suggested to Zoom that she try NaNoWriMo. And that got me thinking. If structure is what I need and my inner critic is my worst enemy then... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2871971 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:13:00 +0100 2871971 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2824227&cid=t_117294_114_f&fid=34646&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FHealthCareBlogLaw%2F%7E3%2Fgq8E0HprZqw%2Fcreate-wv-conference-2009-personal_22.html Over the last few years I have been involved in Create West Virginia, an organization affiliated with Vision Shared whose mission to create and stimulate new economy growth and empower West Virginians to grow creative communities in West Virginia. Communities centered on innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, education, quality of life and arts/culture. Each year Create WV holds an annual conference. The first annual conference was held in 2007 and attracted approximately 250 attendees. Last year’s event held at Snowshoe Resort and attracted 395 attendees. This year’s Create West Virginia 2009 Conference is set for October 18-20 in Huntington, WV at the Big Sandy Arena. I want to personally invite you to attend the Create West Virginia Conference 2009. Check out the keynote speake... Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2824227 Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:27:44 +0100 2824227 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2793115&cid=t_117294_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F14%2Fthe-trouble-with-wikipedia-as-a-source-for-medical-information%2F Image via Wikipedia Do you ever use Wikipedia? I do and so do many other people. It is for free, easy to use, and covers many subjects. But do you ever use Wikipedia to look up scientific or medical information? Probably everyone does so once in a while. Dave Munger (Researchblogging) concluded a discussion on Twitter as [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2793115 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:38:14 +0100 2793115 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2782280&cid=t_117294_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F10%2Fautumn-writing-group%2F Following three successful summer workshops seventeen participants, including facilitators Linda Dawn and me, have signed up for the fall writing group starting 15 September and continuing most Tuesdays thereafter through 8 December from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. You do not need to have attended the workshops to join us nor are you required to commit [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2782280 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 05:29:31 +0100 2782280 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2699857&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fsomething-else-ive-been-up-to.html This blanket is called the "Curve of Pursuit" and was designed by Pat Ashforth and Steve Plummer of Woolly Thoughts:"The design is based on the curves that are formed if four dogs set off to chase each other from the corners of a field. The path created by each dog is an equi-angular spiral."Mine was made in the colour sof one of my favourite dogs and was gifted to her humans.I am very happy with how this turned out and proud of my persistence. It looked kind of funny in the beginning and I almost gave up. I'm so glad I didn't; even if it did mean I spent much of July with a wool blanket across my lap.If you're on Ravelry, you can check out the details, here. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2699857 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:55:00 +0100 2699857 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2657880&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Ffree-to-good-home-part-2.html A few weeks ago, I wrote that I had an almost new prosthesis that I was seeking to re-home. This is what happened next:Julia consulted other directors of Breast Cancer Action, who suggested that there might be a program to send prostheses to developing countries. She also called the social worker at the cancer centre who told her that Canadian Cancer Society takes donations (1745 Woodward Dr., Ottawa, ON K2C 0P9. 613-723-1744). I am so grateful to her for doing this.Throws Like A Girl , who is part of our group at Mothers With Cancer, suggested that we need "a prosthesis relocation program."Imstell jumped in with the following:"Maybe we [Mothers With Cancer] could just host a bulletin board where people could post their needs:FREE TO GOOD HOME Single 36C teardrop prosthesis. Likes to trave... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2657880 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 19:00:00 +0100 2657880 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4098289&cid=t_117294_132_f&fid=35016&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffgibson.com%2F2009%2F07%2F10%2Fattribution-vs-citation-do-you-know-the-difference%2F This article outlines the differences between attribution and citation, and suggests that what most scientists are interested in is not attribution, which can be ensured via licensing restrictions, but instead citation, which is a much tougher nut to crack. At ISMB last week, there were a number of conversations about the difference between attribution and citation. This topic was brought up again yesterday in a conversation between the two authors of this post, Frank and Allyson. It is an important distinction which is explored in this post. First, some definitions for attribution and citation. These are not the only definitions possible, but for the purposes of this discussion, please keep these in mind. Attribution: Acknowledgement of the use of someone else’s information, data, ... peanutbutter blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4098289 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:23:45 +0100 4098289 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2571139&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Ffree-to-good-home.html It's not the kind of thing I'd want to advertise on Craigslist or Kijiji.I can't set it out on my front lawn and hope someone takes it away.I doubt the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy would want it as part of their drive to collect use goods for re-sale.But I have a perfectly good prosthesis, worn only a handful of times that I'm sure someone could use, even if it was wrong for me (and I have replaced it with another one I don't seem to be wearing much).The government covers about two thirds of the cost of a new prosthesis. That balance must be prohibitive for many who don't have private insurance to take care of the rest.How do I find someone who can use it though?Maybe someone at Breast Cancer Action would know.Of course, I could always use my p... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2571139 Sat, 04 Jul 2009 02:18:00 +0100 2571139 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523127&cid=t_117294_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F06%2F26%2Fboredom-can-be-a-door-to-new-growth%2F A few days ago a friend forwarded me a post on DailyOM.com called “Boredom: Fanning the Creative Flames.” It says: The human mind thrives on novelty. What was once a source of pleasure can become tedious after a time. Though our lives are full, boredom lurks around every corner because we innately long for new experiences. Yet boredom by its very nature is passive. In this idle state of mind, we may feel frustrated at our inability to channel our mental energy into productive or engaging tasks. We may even attempt to lose ourselves in purposeless or self-destructive pursuits. While this can be a sign of depression, it can also be an invitation issued from your mind, asking you to challenge yourself. Boredom can become the motivation that drives you to learn, explore the exotic... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523127 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:32:10 +0100 2523127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4098290&cid=t_117294_132_f&fid=35016&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffgibson.com%2F2009%2F06%2F07%2Fthe-obo-foundry-principles%2F This week, is a week long ontology building week, consisting of two days at the OBO Foundry workshop followed by 4 days at the OBI workshop, all hosted at the EBI. In advance of the meeting (even though I am writing this during the meeting) Duncan asked “how can the ontology development principles be improved“. Ally and Melanie responded commenting on each principle, and I would pretty much agree with every issue the ontology ladies raise. These principles should be used to guide ontology developers to build a consistent resource and which are used to “peer-review” the ontology. However, my concern is that there is no indication or recommended methodology in how these principles could be met, during the development process. This was my motivation for reviewing all t... peanutbutter blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4098290 Sun, 07 Jun 2009 10:01:17 +0100 4098290 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2381094&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fisnt-this-lovely.html I'm still feeling crappy, so I thought I would share something that really makes me smile.I met Claudia at the 2009 Conference for Young Women Affected By Breast Cancer. Every time I saw her, she was wearing a very different and very funky hat.This one, made from coffee filters was one of my favourites:When Claudia was diagnosed with breast cancer, she launched the She Arts Project: "a collaboration with 30+ Artists with photographs from Meg Luther Lindholm."The photographs eventually became part of an travelling exhibit. You can see more of them here.I love this kind of thing. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2381094 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 22:05:00 +0100 2381094 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2376633&cid=t_117294_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F04%2F25%2F1993%2F A great scene from “The Golden Girls”, although I remember Bea Arthur from her 70’s show “Maude” and her first portrayal of that character on “All in the Family”. The hilarity of Bea Arthur, and the rest of “The Golden Girls” helped get me through some of the roughest moments in the early years [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2376633 Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:04:35 +0100 2376633 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349384&cid=t_117294_134_f&fid=36985&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fsugarstats%2F%7E3%2FSBkg2nl9Y4s%2F Ran across this the other day, this is definitely a new one for me but perhaps this is old news. In the middle of the night in a “typical” family home in Florida, a 12 year old girl, named Hunter, sleeps, while her German Shepherd, Diva, lies close by, snoozing on her own bed. All is [...] (Source: SugarStats.com - Simple, Online Blood Sugar Tracking for Diabetes Management) SugarStats.com - Simple, Online Blood Sugar Tracking for Diabetes Management blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2349384 Mon, 13 Apr 2009 18:36:20 +0100 2349384 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2326678&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fsomewhat-random.html 1. The long week end looms and it promises to be a busy one around here. We are hosting a secular Passover seder for 22 people. At the moment, you can't actually see the top of the dining room table around which most of us will be sitting. We have a ways to go before we are ready. Denial is a wonderful coping mechanism.My sister and I both married Jewish men, despite being raised in the Catholic Church. My spouse and his brothers all married shiksas (we are reclaiming the derogatory term). We do Passover and Easter (otherwise known as "chocolate rabbit day" or "the one day every year that my kids eat chocolate for breakfast").On Sunday, the Easter Bunny will be setting up the egg hunt at my spouse's brother and sister in law's house. I'm pretty sure the Bunny will remember to drop off some... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2326678 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:53:00 +0100 2326678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2298741&cid=t_117294_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F03%2F30%2Fmixing-analogies-with-easter-sensibilities%2F Perhaps it is the season but it has been interesting to see the number of hits my night-time photo of Almuth Lutkenhaus-Lackey’s “Crucified Woman” has been getting at my photo blog photosbykenn. The dramatic sculpture sits in a courtyard of the University of Toronto’s Emmanuel College, the local theological college of The United Church of Canada. [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2298741 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 03:49:27 +0100 2298741 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2260167&cid=t_117294_132_f&fid=35028&url=http%3A%2F%2Flurena.vox.com%2Flibrary%2Fpost%2Fchoosing-a-license-for-your-ontology.html%3F_c%3Dfeed-rss Over on Friendfeed this week, I started a discussion (both in The Life Scientists room and in the Science 2.0 room) about ontologies and licensing them. I am creating a couple, and was trying to determine whether I should use some flavor of CC lic... Read and post comments | Send to a friend (Source: Systems Biology & Bioinformatics) Systems Biology & Bioinformatics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2260167 Fri, 13 Mar 2009 08:29:42 +0100 2260167 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2260492&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Funrelated.html photo: J. Sussman"It is one of the ironies of the creative life that while drama is part of what we make, it has almost no place in how we make it." Julia CameronWalking In This World. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2260492 Mon, 09 Mar 2009 20:05:00 +0100 2260492 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2232534&cid=t_117294_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2009%2F03%2F01%2Fis-there-a-creative-genius-in-all-of-us%2F Is there a ‘creative genius’ in all of us? Elizabeth Gilbert, author of bestselling book Eat, Pray, Love (One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia), thinks so. In this TED talk, she considers the possibility that everyone has a ‘genuis’ inside them and they just need to find it and let it out. Watch it. It will inspire you to keep working on finding your genius. Tags: creative genius, creativity, elizabeth gilbert, genius, positive thinking, SuccessShare This (Source: Healthbolt) Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2232534 Mon, 02 Mar 2009 01:27:59 +0100 2232534 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2194993&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fasymmetry-at-songbird-branch.html I have a post up at The Songbird Branch (a blog started by the brilliant Jacqueline) about my attempt to knit an asymmetrical sweater for my asymmetrical body.Go check it out and the really beautiful items that have been found and made for the post-mastectomy body. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2194993 Wed, 18 Feb 2009 19:31:00 +0100 2194993 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2177582&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fre-writing-novel-in-140-characters.html Peter Sagal, the host of NPR's Wait...Wait Don't Tell Me! (yes, I am a big nerd. And so is my spouse. My son listens to podcasts of the show on his ipod) has started a meme.He is encouraging folks to write Twitter-length versions of novels. For those who don't know about Twitter (or can't be bothered to sign up), every "tweet" must be no longer than 140 characters. Sagal came up with a Twitter version of The Grapes of Wrath:"Times are hard. Sister breast feeding homeless guy. I am so outta here."You can read more examples here.Here's mine:"Ambitious mothers are annoying. Nice girls marry well. Loose girls get trapped. Colin Firth smolders on."See? (That's Pride and Prejudice, by the way).Want to play? If you tweet, then be sure and add the hashtag #twitternovels. If not, feel free to just ... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2177582 Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:44:00 +0100 2177582 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2141427&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fsome-days-are-blue-some-days-are.html I have been feeling kind of blue these last few days. I'm always relieved after I get good scan results but a feeling of let-down seems to follow almost every time and I find myself, once again, channelling Peggy Lee and asking "Is that all there is?"I just finished the latest round of edits on my book (coming out this spring with Women's Press!) and I have been left wondering, 'so, what's next?'I haven't looked at the outline for my novel since I submitted it for my writing course on December 31st. The course is over and I am feeling kind of daunted. I've been asking myself, "Can I do this?" and "What purpose would it serve?"This morning, I had an appointment with my wonderful oncologist who confirmed my CT results. He also referred to my "normal" life.I told him that I have been feeling ... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2141427 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 20:19:00 +0100 2141427 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2092649&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fobamas-canadian-playlist.html It's the last day to vote! The CBC has invited us to put together a list of "49 songs from North of the 49th parallel" that would make up an inaugural present for Barack Obama.What songs do you think of as quintessentially Canadian? Which ones would help educate the soon-to-be President about his neighbours up North ? What subtle (or not so subtle) messages would we like him to be playing on his mp3 player when he goes for a run?The last day to nominate a song is Friday, January 9th (that's today) at 8pm ET. The CBC will then put together a list of their top 100, which they will post by January 12th. Voting for our favourites will close on January 16th.You don't have to be Canadian to vote but the songs, or the singer or the songwriter must be Canadian. Send your suggestions to "obamasplay... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2092649 Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:53:00 +0100 2092649 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2090475&cid=t_117294_134_f&fid=36985&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fsugarstats%2F%7E3%2F505564092%2F You might have heard, but if not please go over to http://www.healthefda.com to get more info and sign this petition. The FDA has its place for many things and I’m sure they have the best of intentions at heart. But they could be doing a whole lot better in regards to diabetes and new diabetic [...] (Source: SugarStats.com - Simple, Online Blood Sugar Tracking for Diabetes Management) SugarStats.com - Simple, Online Blood Sugar Tracking for Diabetes Management blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2090475 Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:23:16 +0100 2090475 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2075900&cid=t_117294_134_f&fid=36985&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fsugarstats%2F%7E3%2F499534526%2F I wanted to wish everyone a Healthy, Happy, and Prosperous 2009. I know 08 was a tough one, but the future is ours to make what we will of it. I believe that there is a lot of opportunity out there right now and in the upcoming year if we only choose to find it. [...] (Source: SugarStats.com - Simple, Online Blood Sugar Tracking for Diabetes Management) SugarStats.com - Simple, Online Blood Sugar Tracking for Diabetes Management blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2075900 Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:40:07 +0100 2075900 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2021617&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fphotogenic-if-somewhat-disturbed-family.html Obviously, I married him for his looks.He's even got blonde groupies.These women can't keep their hands off him.And since what's good for the gander is good for the goose...And our two beautiful children wish to included.Suddenly, though, things took a sinister turn.Look out little lovebirds!This is where it starts to get truly disturbing. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2021617 Mon, 08 Dec 2008 19:32:00 +0100 2021617 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1985015&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fare-you-writer.html The guy at the UPS Store asked me this question (I was using UPS to send some photos to my publisher because PSAC members at Canada Post are on strike).I looked around to see to whom he was speaking.Then it dawned on me."Yes, I am."Or at least I'm working on believing it.I've mentioned before that I have been meeting with a coach since last January. Joyce has a Masters in Education and is part therapist and part life coach. She works with lots of struggling artists and writers, many people currently working in the labour movement and several cancer survivors.I have always made my living with words but this year I pledged to begin to think of myself as a writer. This need for this had become acute as I relinquished the sense of identity I had derived from full-time work and as the struggle ... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1985015 Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:41:00 +0100 1985015 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1943434&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fprocrastination-pays-off.html If you've been reading this blog for a while, you may remember this blanket. Some of you occasionally ask me about it. I have never sown it together. All 120 pieces still sit in a big basket in my bedroom. Sometimes, I refer to it as my 120 potholders. This blanket, however, has recently served to teach me a valuable lesson. Last week end, I was fortunate to spend some time with my friends Jacqueline and John in Philadelphia (they came all the way from New York to hang out with me). During our visit, we talked a bit about my book. I told them that I was feeling lukewarm about the cover design (we were considering stepping stones. I loved the idea we were trying to convey of an unfinished journey but was finding the image a bit new agey). Both of my friends gave it the thumbs down.I asked i... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1943434 Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:51:00 +0100 1943434 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1906016&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Frandom.html 1. It was lovely enough to sit outside for a while today. The air was crisp and the birds were very, very loud. I had to come in for a phone appointment and meant to go out again but got swept up in other things.2. We have a couple of good friends staying with us for a few days. We sat around at the dining room table this morning and I realized that the last time we had done that was when I had my head shaved in March 2006. Doesn't feel that long ago.3. I am listening to an audio book and really enjoying it. It's The Ethical Assassin by David Liss. I am thinking of becoming his groupie.4. The puppy (I need to take more photos of her, she is much bigger and hairier now) was spayed yesterday. She is feeling a little low, poor thing but I admit that I have enjoyed the quiet.5. A few friends a... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1906016 Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:16:00 +0100 1906016 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1892421&cid=t_117294_134_f&fid=36985&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fsugarstats%2F%7E3%2F426926314%2F In our last post from our interview with Jennifer McCabe Gorman of the Health 2.0 movement and Health2con.com we hear about her own incredible journey of recovery from physical trauma and pain and how she utilized the internet to help navigate and motivate her through it all. You can find Part 1 here: http://www.sugarstats.com/2008/10/11/interview-with-jennifer-mccabe-gorman-pt-1-of-3-background-on-health-20/ and Part 2 [...] (Source: SugarStats.com - Simple, Online Blood Sugar Tracking for Diabetes Management) SugarStats.com - Simple, Online Blood Sugar Tracking for Diabetes Management blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1892421 Tue, 21 Oct 2008 03:35:45 +0100 1892421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1844837&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fshifting-prioirities.html I have a new post up at MyBreastCancerNetwork.Com. It will also be my last for a while:I am very grateful for the opportunities I have had here at MyBreastCancerNetwork.Com to further extend my reach, to share my stories and reassure so many women that a diagnosis of metastasis is not without hope. For so many of us, metastatic breast cancer is treated like a chronic illness, one that must be managed but through which we can live active, healthy lives. However, as I have written before, when metastatic breast cancer is well managed, the stories one tells can start to be repetitive and even boring (Another clean scan! No new signs of cancer! Today, I felt like a normal person!). And while I vigorously embrace the lack of drama in this part of my life, I also find myself lacking in inspirati... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1844837 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:45:00 +0100 1844837 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1841113&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fdrops-in-water.html Today, is the Jewish New Year.My spouse is Jewish but I am not.Neither of us is even remotely religious.But I love the idea of fall renewal, of having the chance to start a brand new year, in this time of harvest and change.Nonlinear Girl has a post on this subject today and on having the chance to "cast off" the things that hold us back:"In the Jewish religion, today is the ceremony Tashlich, which is Hebrew for "casting off." As part of the start of a new year, this is a chance to symbolically cast off the sins of the past year. Jews go to a natural body of flowing water and throw in pieces of bread to symbolize the shedding of these old errors. The idea is to get rid of things you do not want to take with you into the new year. While traditionalists focus on specific errors made in the ... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1841113 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:33:00 +0100 1841113 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1825887&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2F5-minute-fantasy.html A couple of Sundays ago, I participated in a writing workshop with my breast cancer survivor/former co-worker support/writing group. It was a fantastic, inspiring energizing experience. I wanted to share one of my more light-hearted pieces from that day. The exercise: Choose an object that is important to you (I brought in a necklace, designed by my friend Jacqueline (who also designs clothing for women who have had mastectomies). The necklace has a pendant that says “Rebel” (it’s a beer cap) and eight beads. Four are red and one is white, representing the one woman in eight who will get breast cancer. We were asked to write a description, a memory, a fantasy and a monologue in the object’s voice. Each exercise lasted five minutes. This is my fantasy: I am not a rebel by nature. Pe... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1825887 Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:00:00 +0100 1825887 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1810568&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=37852&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdonnatrussell.com%2F2008%2F09%2F20%2Fthe-writers-must-be-crazy%2F Wonderful New York Times essay by writer/professor David Gessner (on the sanity required by academia versus the madness of creativity) got me thinking about one of my favorite songs. In an interview John Hiatt revealed how he came to write the offbeat love song “Ethylene.” I saw the name on a road sign in Missouri. There was this two mile stretch of road, and Ethylene was the name of the wife of the couple who had adopted this stretch of highway. I remember going to a gas station, and this guy was asking me questions, and running me through the wringer. In this gas station there were a bunch of stuffed heads of hunting trophies, and he mentioned that he and his wife bowhunt. He says, `Oh, my wife’s a better bowhunter than I am. She can bag her limit.’ I thought it... Donna Trussell blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1810568 Sat, 20 Sep 2008 18:02:49 +0100 1810568 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1782738&cid=t_117294_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Frandom-kind-of-day.html I'm sitting on the couch with a coffee as both dogs snore beside me. I seem unable to focus on any one thing today so it seems like a good time for another "random" post.1. I pressed send on the latest round of changes to my book on Monday afternoon. That felt pretty good, I can tell you. And I have only had to send three different versions of the acknowledgments as I keep finding mistakes. 2. When I went to pull together the photos that I want to include in the book, I discovered that they are gone. Apparently, when we backed up "My Documents" to a hard drive before re-formatting my computer, it copied everything but the "My Pictures" folder. Many are on Flickr and the blog but the resolution is not so good. And, what's more, there were hundreds of photos that I have never posted anywhere... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1782738 Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:43:00 +0100 1782738