Author Q&A: Margaret Dulaney, To Hear the Forest Sing: Some Musings of the Divine

The following is a guest post.  This post does not necessarily reflect the views of Suzanne and David E. McClendon, Sr. or Manian Debil Productions.

Q&A with Margaret Dulaney, the author of To Hear the Forest Sing: Some Musings of the Divine and founder of www.listenwell.org.

1. Tell us about how you came to finding faith?

I don't remember a time when I did not have faith. Though my understanding of God, and how God works in the world, has shifted greatly over time. When I was young, I suspected God was either punishing or rewarding me when things went badly or well. I know now that this was a false notion and that God is love, comforting me in the dark times and celebrating my joy in the good times.

2. What do you do to maintain joy when life gets difficult?

Simply put, I walk. And, if possible, I do so in nature. Walking has always had the power to free my mind, and lift me. This is where I am most likely to commune with God. I walk and talk to God.

3. When you feel like life is falling apart, how do you keep from falling apart also?

I think the best thing one can do when things are falling apart is to run to the places, people, philosophy where one belongs. This could be your family, spouse, patch of woods, church, or the heart of a friend. We all belong somewhere.

4. Tell us about your book, To Hear the Forest Sing. What do you hope readers get from it?

I always hope, both with my spoken word website Listenwell.org, and my book To Hear the Forest Sing, to lift the reader to a place where they might find their own unique view of God. I don't believe that any of us has the exact same perspective. This depends too much on who we are and where we happen to be standing at the moment. I hope to walk alongside my readers, not lead them. I want them to turn on their own searchlights and uncover their own truths.

5. What is one message of hope and faith you would like to share with our readers this holiday season?

These are not times for cynicism and despair, rather hope and forward movement. If the point of this life is to awaken, enlighten each individual soul, then we must try and hold on to this understanding. We must continue to pray for the world, the earth, and the individual awakening of all of the souls on earth. The real progress on planet earth is measured by the tiny lights in the hearts of man. This is how God sees us.

It is possible to light one's heart with good thoughts: prayers, generosities, kindnesses, gratitudes, love. These are the true gifts of the season.

If you would like for me to pray for you, please drop me an e-mail by clicking prayer.



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Guest Post: Overcoming Obstacles: Tips For Single Fathers On Maintaining Mental Health

The following is a guest post.  This post does not necessarily reflect the views of Suzanne and David E. McClendon, Sr. or Manian Debil Productions.

Overcoming Obstacles: Tips For Single Fathers On Maintaining Mental Health

Photo via Pixabay by PublicDomainPictures

Being a single parent can take a toll on anyone, no matter how much they love their children. It’s extremely difficult--even under the best circumstances--to take on the role of both parents at once and make sure your child is well taken care of physically, emotionally, and mentally. When you add in the stress of making sure you yourself are taken care of, it can be overwhelming. Yet it’s important to make sure you practice self-care, especially when it comes to your mental health; this will not only prevent burnout, it will help you be the best parent you can possibly be.

The issue most single parents have is a lack of time. There never seems to be enough of it when it comes to relaxing, having alone time, or getting in some exercise, all of which are important for your mental health. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to make time in your life for everything that needs your attention. Below are some of the best tips on how to do just that, as well as how to make sure your mind and body are in good shape.

Get support

One of the easiest ways you can take care of yourself is by garnering support, either from friends and family or from a support group aimed at single parents. Having someone to talk to when things get stressful--or when you need advice--can be extremely helpful, and it will keep you from feeling alone or isolated as well.

You might also think about finding a therapist or counselor who can help if you’re feeling symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mood disorder. These are common afflictions for single parents and there is nothing to be ashamed of in asking for help. The way we eat, drink, love, and cope with stress, depression, anxiety, and sadness all play a big role in the state our mental health is in. Sometimes, it’s necessary to take a step back and ask yourself if you’re doing the right thing for you, and not the easiest thing. Read on here for tips on how to find support in your area.

Learn to cope in healthy ways

Another issue for single parents is learning to cope with stress in a healthy way. For many people, this isn’t an easy task, and for some, stress and anxiety lead to substance abuse or a dependence on alcohol. It’s important--for your child’s wellbeing as well as your own--to find healthy ways to handle those stressful situations. This might include finding a hobby you enjoy doing (or one you can do with your child, such as creating art or woodworking) or finding a new workout routine that allows you to release those pent-up feelings; for more great ideas on how to cope with stress and anxiety, head to Drugrehab.org.

Set a schedule that works

It can be difficult to work out a schedule that will allow you to take care of all your responsibilities, but it may help to talk to your employer and find out if the company can be flexible when it comes to the hours you work, especially if your child is young and needs to be picked up from school or has other commitments.

Stay social

It’s important to stay social as a single parent. Keeping those adult relationships can help you stay happy and give you an opportunity to wind down and have fun after a long week. If your schedule won’t allow you much time to yourself, consider asking a friend who also has children to meet up for a playdate at the park; this way, the kids can go have fun and you can sit and have an adult conversation. New to the area and don’t know anyone? Head to the local bookstore for kids’ storytime and strike up a conversation with one of the other parents.

Remember that it’s also important to stay physically healthy, not only so you’ll feel better and have more energy, but so you can be the best father you can be for years to come. Find a routine that works and stick with it, such as walking around the neighborhood after dinner or going for a swim. Daily exercise--along with eating well and keeping stress at bay--can help you keep your mental health in tip-top shape.

Guest post by Daniel Sherwin of DadSolo.com

If you would like for me to pray for you, please drop me an e-mail by clicking prayer.



Please Visit My Child Bride Suzanne's Blog
Other posts you will love: +++

I respond to all approved comments on this blog, ideally within 24 hours.  Please check back here for a response to your comment.  Thank you!

Please be advised that all the information in this course is provided to educate, enlighten, and broaden your views in life.  The information provided is not a substitute for medical, legal, dietary, financial/accounting, or religious professionals.   Always consult a professional before you act on any of the information you find in this course. 

Do you have a frugal recipe?  Please e-mail it to me.
Help us reach 1,000 YouTube subscribers. Please watch some of our videos. If you like them, please subscribe. Also, please share our YouTube information with your friends.  We thank you so much for all your help. 

Disclaimer: The opinions or advice listed in this blog or website should be used as a place to start only. It is not a substitute for the use of a professional.

 Please be sure to consult your attorney, accountant, and/or other professionals with any specific questions. There is no one right answer to any business question that will cover all circumstances.

Notice: This post may  contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction. Thank you for your support!

Free Today: Redneck and Anne Present: How to Pay Off Your Debt

David has written a book about how to get out of debt. It is available for the Kindle only. It is free for the next five days. After that, it is only 99¢. You can get it by clicking the book cover image below.



Please give us any feedback that you care to offer on his project here in the comment section. A review on Amazon.com would be appreciated, too. Thanks!


Disclosure: The book image above is an affiliate link. Your purchase of this book helps to increase our self-confidence as well as to keep Internet access. Thank you for your support!

Please visit us at McClendon Enterprises

Free Today: Redneck and Anne Present: How to Pay Off Your Debt

David has written a book about how to get out of debt. It is available for the Kindle only. It is free for the next five days. After that, it is only 99¢. You can get it by clicking the book cover image below.


Please give us any feedback that you care to offer on his project here in the comment section. A review on Amazon.com would be appreciated, too. Thanks!


Disclosure: The book image above is an affiliate link. Your purchase of this book helps to increase our self-confidence as well as to keep Internet access. Thank you for your support!






Disclaimer


The opinions or advice listed in this blog or website should be used as a place to start only. It is not a substitute for the use of a professional.


Please be sure to consult your attorney and/or accountant with any specific questions.


There is no one right answer to any business question that will cover all circumstances.
Please Visit McClendon Enterprises