This week is Dementia Action Week in the UK. It's a topic I focus on in my publication as my father suffered from Vascular Dementia (2nd most common form of Dementia) amongst other health issues.
The Alzheimer's Society focus this week is on raising awareness of Dementia symptoms and early diagnosis. I chose to showcase the work of many people who are leveraging their skills and knowledge, not just to connect with Dementia sufferers, but to engage, entertain and create something meaningful together—focusing on the person, not the Dementia.
Thanks so much for subscribing - I've had a little exploration around your 'Brand Therapy' publication and LinkedIn.
Would it be okay for me to connect you with a few people in the Carer Mentor: Empathy and Inspiration community in Substack Notes?
When you have time to look around the Carer Mentor website (aka Substack homepage) you'll see that there's a post called 'Dementia Anthology' - you'll find a directory of publications and their authors to connect to there. I hope it can be of service, resonate and help you connect to others at your own pace. xo (we both know time is our most precious asset!)
This week I've been focusing on non-Substack projects: final (???) proofs on one book, and revisions to another. I'm leading a 100 Day Writing Challenge, so that is kicking me into gear on the days when I don't feel like writing. I'm also in upstate NY, and the endless rain really is a blessing to keep my inside writing instead of out hiking!
We are getting quite a bit of cold weather here in Portland, Oregon -- I wish it was providing me with the inspiration you're drawing from your rain -- all it makes me want to do is take a nap!
Oh, gosh. This really spoke to me. I remember my college had a free screening of Reality Bites before it even premiered in theatres. It's always been a cultural touchstone for me. And AI... I share your experience and concerns. It feels so unavoidable yet so troubling.
I read your post (not just your note! ha ha) and I was really moved -- excellent writing and points well made. So much of writing's beauty is in the actual process of writing -- I can't understand the writers who just hand that process over to AI.
This was great. I saw Reality Bites twice in the theater the weekend it came out. I was obsessed. And at that age I 1000% would have chosen Troy over Michael.
I appreciate all you wrote about AI. It's just gross and I so wish we could be back in the social media, cell phone-free 90s.
I read it this morning, Jodi. ❤️ I thought it takes a special person to connect all these dots and appreciate the care/wisdom that we share. Circular mentoring or perhaps you're the glue and connector. xoxo I hear you.
Hi Everyone -- and yes -- a shout out to Jessica for hosting this lovely gathering. My post this week was about the tough decisions we have to make when we are the medical surrogate for a loved one. I hope it provides food for thought.
Your essay definitely provides much food for thought. This quote in regard to your sister hit me hard: “She’d kept her beloved seventeen-year-old pup alive long after it could chew food or walk.” I wouldn’t want that, for myself or my pets, but I understand the emotions behind it. I think your words show people the importance of talking about medical intervention before it’s unfolding.
Thank you for your kind words. Until I read this essay to my husband, he had no idea how strongly I felt about him being VERY clear with me on his wishes (he's almost ten years older) even though I'd brought it up several times.
I wrote a long comment on your article. My heart twisted reading through your post. Hugs.
You raise important points. Having been through a fractious palliative journey and called paramedics numerous times when we were caring for my Dad, I can safely say many people are unaware of how UNclear, grey that time is. You did exactly what was asked of you, and you've made a strong, wise decision now. Bravo.
Victoria, you said it perfectly: "People are unaware of how unclear, grey that time is...." Yes. Thank you for your thoughtful and insightful response. so appreciated.
Yes to silliness, joy and fun! Here’s a ridiculous one: Stand in front of a mirror and make every ridiculous, twisted up face you can at yourself. And one other I actually do on a regular basis: Google bloopers /outtakes from my favorite funny shows.
This week I finally attended a co-writing session after weeks of being consumed by my work as a high school teacher. Today, I sit in my stepson's home in Florida on a visit. Here is my writing from our session:
I am witnessing a marvelous interaction; that of mother and newborn. My daughter in law and stepson have a newborn baby and I have come to help in whatever way I can, crossing state lines, latitudes and climates to witness this miracle, which has come back into my life.
So much of my life has been dominated by the belief that the mind rules over the heart, logic over emotion, rational thought over instinct. That belief brought an inherent dismissal of my own intuition, profound yet intangible. My father, a man of medicine, my aunt, uncles and cousins, on my father's side, all lawyers or doctors. Such pride in knowledge, appreciation for the reaches of man’s intellect. I, too have earned my M.A. from a reputable university and claim my spot among them… almost. The poet in me knows more and draws me to conclusions without the scientific method. I don't reject intellectual pursuits but recognize their limitations. Here, with my grandson, my intuitive knowledge stands proud amid the intangible, the mystery of new life.
Yesterday I wrote this.
The minding of a newborn is more than observation. It involves a complex coordination of sending and acting, of hypothesizing and confirming only to need a new hypothesis hours later. It is relentless flexibility and patient love for the newborn and for self. There is no linear, logical process yet we are equipped for the integration of tasks, both emotional and physical, mental and spiritual. Perhaps the mother's and father's instincts complement each other in dynamic Yin and Yang, but the potency of the mother- child interactions remains at the center. The mother is the heart-mind source for care of her newborn. Her body flows in and out of the growing, turning, expanding of the new life, opening pathways for it to climb to new heights. Providing support when required in whatever way for however long. A father must understand this and trust the worlds of wisdom she possesses.
Happy Friday everyone :) This week I wrote an educational piece on dealing with the common problem of mental rumination, which is obsessive, repetitive overthinking which fuels anxiety, depression, and OCD.
I also read 'A Profound Situation', Maura. This: “You don’t have to be strong,” the nurse tells me. I’m not. I can’t pretend.' I experienced this with several people when my father was in his last months. A beautiful essay. My condolences for your loss.
Hello everyone 👋🏻 Thanks, Jessica. xo
This week is Dementia Action Week in the UK. It's a topic I focus on in my publication as my father suffered from Vascular Dementia (2nd most common form of Dementia) amongst other health issues.
The Alzheimer's Society focus this week is on raising awareness of Dementia symptoms and early diagnosis. I chose to showcase the work of many people who are leveraging their skills and knowledge, not just to connect with Dementia sufferers, but to engage, entertain and create something meaningful together—focusing on the person, not the Dementia.
"Empowering People Living With Dementia" - The Brain Charity. https://www.carermentor.com/p/empowering-people-living-with-dementia
Mindfully Using Music with Dementia, and 'A Playlist for Life.'
Dementia Action Week (UK) 2025. Engaging, Creating and Empowering with Music, an evidence-based tool in Dementia. https://www.carermentor.com/p/mindfully-using-music-with-dementia
Wow! Thanks for this. I, too, am a caregiver -- the sole caregiver for my partner who suffers from Lewy Body Demtia.
My heart goes out to you. That’s not an easy role.
Thanks, Carol. It's not a news flash that caregivers are the invisible army on the front lines of dementia but it's a very lonely road.
Hi Lyn! Yay to being connected via Midstack.
Thanks so much for subscribing - I've had a little exploration around your 'Brand Therapy' publication and LinkedIn.
Would it be okay for me to connect you with a few people in the Carer Mentor: Empathy and Inspiration community in Substack Notes?
When you have time to look around the Carer Mentor website (aka Substack homepage) you'll see that there's a post called 'Dementia Anthology' - you'll find a directory of publications and their authors to connect to there. I hope it can be of service, resonate and help you connect to others at your own pace. xo (we both know time is our most precious asset!)
This week I've been focusing on non-Substack projects: final (???) proofs on one book, and revisions to another. I'm leading a 100 Day Writing Challenge, so that is kicking me into gear on the days when I don't feel like writing. I'm also in upstate NY, and the endless rain really is a blessing to keep my inside writing instead of out hiking!
I love your positive spin on the endless rain :)
We've just come out of a three day rain-bender here in Milwaukee, and I agree, its the perfect atmosphere for writing!
We are getting quite a bit of cold weather here in Portland, Oregon -- I wish it was providing me with the inspiration you're drawing from your rain -- all it makes me want to do is take a nap!
So many of us are in upstate NY!
Jana! From Lesley! Hello!!!!👋🏻
Hello Jodi!
This week, I wrote about Reality Bites, the idea of authenticity, and how that relates to Substack and AI. That's just how my brain rolls. 😂
https://thelongclimb.substack.com/p/the-answer-is
Oh, gosh. This really spoke to me. I remember my college had a free screening of Reality Bites before it even premiered in theatres. It's always been a cultural touchstone for me. And AI... I share your experience and concerns. It feels so unavoidable yet so troubling.
Thank you! Yes, it is very troubling. And going to get more so...
I read your post (not just your note! ha ha) and I was really moved -- excellent writing and points well made. So much of writing's beauty is in the actual process of writing -- I can't understand the writers who just hand that process over to AI.
Loved this read - thank you.
Thank you! ❤️
This was great. I saw Reality Bites twice in the theater the weekend it came out. I was obsessed. And at that age I 1000% would have chosen Troy over Michael.
I appreciate all you wrote about AI. It's just gross and I so wish we could be back in the social media, cell phone-free 90s.
This week I found myself in an odd liminal space, disoriented by an almost circular chain of events. I wrote about in Notes. https://substack.com/@onlythejodi/note/c-119422291?r=3lkhj&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
Read this post...love personified.
Thanks Kaarin.
Perfect graphic for this bc your heart is fat and abundant. Beautiful like you. And like this little piece of writing.
I read it this morning, Jodi. ❤️ I thought it takes a special person to connect all these dots and appreciate the care/wisdom that we share. Circular mentoring or perhaps you're the glue and connector. xoxo I hear you.
Hi Everyone -- and yes -- a shout out to Jessica for hosting this lovely gathering. My post this week was about the tough decisions we have to make when we are the medical surrogate for a loved one. I hope it provides food for thought.
https://alifeunpacked.substack.com/p/i-almost-killed-my-mother
Your essay definitely provides much food for thought. This quote in regard to your sister hit me hard: “She’d kept her beloved seventeen-year-old pup alive long after it could chew food or walk.” I wouldn’t want that, for myself or my pets, but I understand the emotions behind it. I think your words show people the importance of talking about medical intervention before it’s unfolding.
You read between the lines....
Thank you for your kind words. Until I read this essay to my husband, he had no idea how strongly I felt about him being VERY clear with me on his wishes (he's almost ten years older) even though I'd brought it up several times.
I wrote a long comment on your article. My heart twisted reading through your post. Hugs.
You raise important points. Having been through a fractious palliative journey and called paramedics numerous times when we were caring for my Dad, I can safely say many people are unaware of how UNclear, grey that time is. You did exactly what was asked of you, and you've made a strong, wise decision now. Bravo.
Victoria, you said it perfectly: "People are unaware of how unclear, grey that time is...." Yes. Thank you for your thoughtful and insightful response. so appreciated.
You're very welcome, Kaarin.
Hi everyone, thank you Jessica for the opportunity to share on this thread.
This week I wrote The Ridiculousness! The so-called silly things that soften the edges of daily life.
You are all welcome to join me in a Silly and Soulful Challenge for the remainder of the week! A sprinkle of silliness every day!
https://traceyfenner.substack.com/p/the-ridiculousness
Great stuff! I'll definitely be following along!
Thank you ❤️ feel free to add in any ideas of silliness, the more the merrier!
I'm going to follow you instead of the news...
Thank you.❤️ it's definitely going to be more positive than the news! For sure!
Yes to silliness, joy and fun! Here’s a ridiculous one: Stand in front of a mirror and make every ridiculous, twisted up face you can at yourself. And one other I actually do on a regular basis: Google bloopers /outtakes from my favorite funny shows.
Oh yes I love the bloopers!! 🤣
This week I finally attended a co-writing session after weeks of being consumed by my work as a high school teacher. Today, I sit in my stepson's home in Florida on a visit. Here is my writing from our session:
I am witnessing a marvelous interaction; that of mother and newborn. My daughter in law and stepson have a newborn baby and I have come to help in whatever way I can, crossing state lines, latitudes and climates to witness this miracle, which has come back into my life.
So much of my life has been dominated by the belief that the mind rules over the heart, logic over emotion, rational thought over instinct. That belief brought an inherent dismissal of my own intuition, profound yet intangible. My father, a man of medicine, my aunt, uncles and cousins, on my father's side, all lawyers or doctors. Such pride in knowledge, appreciation for the reaches of man’s intellect. I, too have earned my M.A. from a reputable university and claim my spot among them… almost. The poet in me knows more and draws me to conclusions without the scientific method. I don't reject intellectual pursuits but recognize their limitations. Here, with my grandson, my intuitive knowledge stands proud amid the intangible, the mystery of new life.
Yesterday I wrote this.
The minding of a newborn is more than observation. It involves a complex coordination of sending and acting, of hypothesizing and confirming only to need a new hypothesis hours later. It is relentless flexibility and patient love for the newborn and for self. There is no linear, logical process yet we are equipped for the integration of tasks, both emotional and physical, mental and spiritual. Perhaps the mother's and father's instincts complement each other in dynamic Yin and Yang, but the potency of the mother- child interactions remains at the center. The mother is the heart-mind source for care of her newborn. Her body flows in and out of the growing, turning, expanding of the new life, opening pathways for it to climb to new heights. Providing support when required in whatever way for however long. A father must understand this and trust the worlds of wisdom she possesses.
Sensing, not sending...
Happy Friday everyone :) This week I wrote an educational piece on dealing with the common problem of mental rumination, which is obsessive, repetitive overthinking which fuels anxiety, depression, and OCD.
https://agroomes.substack.com/p/rumination-the-thinking-trap-keeping?r=30pxzo
Hi all! I’m Anna and I write in Scotland which has been my adopted home for nearly 25 years. This week I actually wrote about the home as a place that holds our core memories and relationships, but how change is a constant fellow traveller and the meaning of home changes along the way… https://open.substack.com/pub/annamaija487/p/feathering-the-emptying-nest?r=33ghj7&utm_medium=ios
I recently wrote about midlife identity loss and impact of creative well-being. https://open.substack.com/pub/revelandverve/p/midlife-identity-loss-burnout-anxiety
Glad to answer your ten questions, Nicole. And best of luck in your endeavors!
Thank you, Christine!
This week I wrote a Flash Musing for the class of 2025!
https://rhondasmusings.substack.com/p/the-graduate?r=2w1efc
I saw a photo of a friend's daughter graduating from high school yesterday and wondered if some form of time trickery had taken over my FB feed!
Time is really warped.
Oh, thanks for this! I have a high school graduate this year -- June 7 is the big day!
Congratulations! Savor these proud mama moments
Hi everyone. This week I wrote a quick update about the heaviness of my sister’s further deep dive into mental illness during her incarceration.
https://open.substack.com/pub/distractedbyprettythings/p/the-weight-of-my-sisters-descent?r=43tgx8&utm_medium=ios
This week I featured an essay I wrote just before turning 50 about the call to making art in midlife.
https://kathryndezur.substack.com/p/art-is-real-work
The final paragraph…! Wow.
The final paragraph…! Wow.
The final paragraph…! Wow.
The final paragraph…! Wow.
I wrote a lighter piece this week about an ordinary moment in my every-day, and seeing the absurd and universal within it. Enjoy.
https://modernstrength.substack.com/p/whatever-happens-i-make-coffee-first
I also read 'A Profound Situation', Maura. This: “You don’t have to be strong,” the nurse tells me. I’m not. I can’t pretend.' I experienced this with several people when my father was in his last months. A beautiful essay. My condolences for your loss.
Victoria, thank you so much for your kind words.
Last week I wrote on my ever-contentious relationship with AI and what it means for humanity. https://ingridwagnerwalsh.substack.com/p/move-fast-and-break-people
It seems that there is new info on the perceived benefits and the potential horrors of AI everyday. It makes my head spin.
Looking back on how an epic career implosion was exactly (in hindsight) what needed to happen.https://substack.com/@thebranddame/note/c-119024535