Author: Sephira

Born and raised primarily in Northern Virginia, my family and I moved to North Carolina in 2006. Married for over 20 years, my husband and I have two boys and a gaggle of cats. For me, writing is a great stress reliever. I can let my mind wander and let my emotions run free in a way that is generally not possible in my normal everyday life. My writings run the gamut in terms of style and genre – for instance my first novel is a historical romance set in the Civil War, but some of the other things I have in the works are fantasy or thrillers, among other things. It probably goes without saying, but my poetry is somewhat eclectic in nature, and again while some may feel the need to stick with a particular form, I tend to write just whatever comes to mind. Let the winds of inspiration lead me on… I’m always interested in comments and feedback. So please feel free to share your thoughts with me!
~ Sephira ~ Leave a comment

About 2.6 percent of American adults – nearly 6 million people – have bipolar disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). But the disease, characterized by significant and severe mood changes, is still dangerously misunderstood.

Bipolar disorder is vastly different from the normal ups and downs of everyday life, but many have co-opted the term to refer to any old change in thoughts or feelings. The mood swings in someone with bipolar disorder, sometimes also called manic depression, can damage relationships and hurt job performance. It has been estimated that anywhere from 25 to 50 percent of people with bipolar disorder attempt suicide at least once.

Artist Ellen Forney detailed her diagnosis with bipolar disorder in the graphic memoir Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, and Me. Forney previously shared her story with us, specifically detailing how her bipolar disorder has affected her creative work.

Below are some poignant pages from the memoir, along with unique commentary into how these panels came to be and what they mean to Forney, in her own words… What Bipolar Disorder Really Looks Like

~ Sephira ~ Leave a comment

Stay With Me – Sam Smith

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The first time I heard this song I immediately got Sigyn and Loki feels, like nearly bawling in the middle of driving down the road feels. Still can’t listen to it without tearing up.

Obviously the lyrics refer to a one-night stand, which doesn’t apply, but the entire rest of the song (past that first line) speaks to me on a level that is hard to ignore. Some of the lyrics are fairly self-explanatory, but to others I’ll note the following…

For whatever reason, I see this as right after Loki’s binding – everything is falling apart, their children torn from them and he’s pleading with her as she stands there – silently of course, because he can no longer speak, but still she hears every word.

These nights never seem to go to plan – because Loki’s “adventures” never quite end up how he’d like them to, and though he usually makes amends, this time it wasn’t enough and now he’s paid the ultimate price for them (short of his own death). 

This ain’t love, it’s clear to see – they are past that point, how could anyone still love him after he’s brought all this on them. Of course she still does, because that is part of who she is, but he doesn’t know that yet.

[Verse 1:]

Guess it’s true, I’m not good at a one-night stand

But I still need love ‘cause I’m just a man

These nights never seem to go to plan

I don’t want you to leave, will you hold my hand?

[Chorus:] Oh, won’t you stay with me?

‘Cause you’re all I need

This ain’t love, it’s clear to see

But darling, stay with me

[Verse 2:] Why am I so emotional?

No, it’s not a good look, gain some self-control

And deep down I know this never works

But you can lay with me so it doesn’t hurt

 [Chorus 3x]

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
~ Sephira ~ Leave a comment

yoursunandstars:

Hearing Aid Ear Plugs Concept by designaffairs

Rising self-confidence is taking prostheses to another level. People don’t try to hide their handicap anymore.Show what you‘ve got, don’t make a fuzz about your problem. Wear your hearing aid like a piece of jewelry, a stylish accessory. Be individual, be cool, be yourself.

Hearing aid is made for customers with a medium level of hearing disability. In case of a severe hearing damage one could order the PLUG which contents a more powerful system.

COURTNEY, THE PERFECT REASON FOR ME TO GET PLUGS XD

~ Sephira ~ Leave a comment

Sigyn’s way takes such courage. Her way is a quiet way of personal mindfulness and dedication. It is a simple way. It is a terrifying way. Walking in Her footsteps means that there is no place to hide: no fine words, no angry posturing, no pride, no ego, no boasting—Her deeds are boast enough. There is nothing but what must be done and a heart committed to the doing.

Galina Krasskova, forward to Sigyn: Our Lady of the Staying Power  (via empathxia)

Why Recognizing Addiction Recovery Month Matters

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Recovery Month, recognized each September, is now in its 25th year. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) website,

Recovery Month promotes the societal benefits of prevention, treatment, and recovery for mental and substance use disorders, celebrates people in recovery, lauds the contributions of treatment and service providers, and promotes the message that recovery in all its forms is possible. Recovery Month spreads the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, that prevention works, treatment is effective and people can and do recover.

Recovery Month spreads the message that everyone deserves the opportunity to receive quality treatment for mental illness and substance abuse. Being the founder of an elite and respected addiction treatment center, I know that treatment works. I see it every day. Recovery Month provides an opportunity for treatment centers, hospitals, out-patient facilities, and others to share their successes treating addiction and co-occurring psychological disorders. This is important because of the prevalence of addiction and other mental health issues in our society.

read more

Why Recognizing Addiction Recovery Month Matters

To Sigyn,

~ Sephira ~ Leave a comment

falconcloaked:

Strongest arms who never stop caring

Unfailing will who can never collapse

Even under the rage of your beloved Worldbreaker

Please, lend us resilience and steadiness

Please, allow us to forgive anger and forget pain

Please, let us take care of our loved one as you do

Dear Sigyn, mother of our heart

Please, let us feed the dying seed with soothing water.