Skip to main content

Hope

 


There is still a war going on within me, but things have changed. I'm no longer trying to destroy myself, I'm on a rescue mission now.

Today, I am hoping for a breakthrough in my mental health journey. As I hiked today, I received some exciting news that brought a smile to my face and made the journey even more enjoyable.

I ended the day with a new treatment plan that begins tonight.

I met with a psychiatrist (recommended by Dr. Erin) and he went over my mental health history and, ultimately, he prescribed a new medication. Doctors categorize this medication under the anxiolytic classification and primarily use it to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It is an FDA-approved medicine for managing anxiety disorders or the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms.

Ironically, the mere thought of seeing him or relying on medication for mental health caused me a great deal of stress. Eventually, I mustered up the courage to trust Erin and pay him a visit after ruminating on it for quite some time. To maintain my health, I rely on medication for my heart, cholesterol, and blood pressure. I convinced myself that my brain also needs something to get me through the days.

The other bit of news I received today was that my leave from Humana will be extended. I now will return on April 1st with a small transition. I will work my first week back 4 hours a day, then week two will be 6 hours a day, then the third week will be full time. This, of course, is still waiting for final approval from Humana.

I have a follow-up with Dr. Erin this Friday and seeing the psychiatrist on April 9th. I appreciate all of those who have reached out to me and/or Marcie during this time. It means a lot to me.

I have hope. My hope is a flicker of light in the darkest corners of my mind. It’s a fragile thing, sometimes no bigger than a single ember, but it holds the potential to ignite a roaring fire. It warms me from the inside out, pushing away the chills of doubt and despair. Hope paints the future in bright hues, a canvas splashed with possibility. Hope whispers a gentle promise, caressing my skin like a soft breeze, and reminds me I can conquer even my most formidable anxiety. It’s the invigorating feeling that propels me out of bed each morning, eager to confront whatever obstacles lie ahead.

I curled my aching fingers around fistfuls of maybe and called it hope.”- Mira Harlow

Until next time,

Tim

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Rocky Ridge/Breeden Ridge Trail

Photo by: Tim Bindner Photography Today I met my buddy Mark at O’ Bannon Woods State Park for a hike.  In this Coronavirus terrifying world, I needed to get out. My week had not been going so well.  I got some surprises at work that changed how future projects will go for me and I was bombarded by daily messages of doom about the Corona Virus.  I was looking forward to the weekend because I had two hikes planned.  This is the only one that happened. After a two day headache (Friday and Saturday) I was able to get out and hike.  I met Mark at the campground in O’ Bannon Woods and we set off on the Rocky Ridge Trail.  This is the trail we had planned on hiking a few weekends ago but it ended quickly when the forecasted 30% of rain became 100% sleet. The trail this time was still muddy but as I could tell by the campground area we would be alone.  As my boots slushed through the mud I watched from behind as Mark often caught a tree root or rock with the toe of his boot, sending...

Kevin Mullins

I finally was able to get one of my favorite (if not my favorite) professional photographer to answer a few questions as part of my interview series.  I am honored he took the time to answer a few questions for me. I discovered Kevin’s work via research on YouTube and happening upon his channel.  He is a professional wedding photographer (and some street) but emphasizes documentary photography.  Most weddings especially here in the United States are portrait driven or posed, Kevin’s is not.  He captures candid moments from various views and none are staged or posed.  He also shoots predominantly monochrome which is my favorite. Kevin is a Fujifilm ambassador, which means he gets to try out various Fuji cameras, provides feedback to Fuji and helps to promote the brand.  Unlike other camera companies (to my knowledge) he is free to like or dislike cameras, lenses or even functions of those cameras without repercussion.   Also unlike other companies, though he gets to try vario...

Nova Scotia - Day 5

Day 5. September 29, 2022. Today would be a bit of a longer day of travel, but we saw sights that surprised me. I guess I now know why Nova Scotia means New Scotland. The morning began as normal, but this time packing up our stuff to head to the next location. We had a Merci chocolate bar, and our receipt was left for us by our host. Our first stop was breakfast. We heard about a place that served breakfast, so we backtracked to Portside Lounge and I had the best pumpkin spice French toast I have ever eaten. Marcie got the same but couldn’t finish her portion, so extra for me. Our first destination was Cape Forchu Light House . It is a lighthouse like no other. The light house sat high on a rocky hill and is at the bottom of Nova Scotia. I remember looking out at sea and thinking that if a boat went straight, it would not hit land until the Bahamas. There was a visitor center (closed) and walking paths around the place. There was even a pole with destination markers on it. Everywhere ...