STARS: How I Have Kept Mental Health In Check

I have only taken full control of my mental health over the past 20 years and it hasn't been easy at all. I still struggle and have days but I look back and I'm not where I used to be. 

I definitely think have Christ at the head of my life and enrich myself in understanding and practicing the Bible and His teachings. I also talk with like minded followers and stay plugged in to my mentors. The latter helps with every aspect of my life. 

I ensure I see my therapist and stay on my medications. I seek any extra care as well. I practice self care, workout, have fun, and rest. I know keeping my mind healthy is key to keeping the body healthy as well. It's my energy.  Poetry, writing and podcasts are huge for me also.

I sleep through the night, I panic 60% less, am 100% more focused and am more happy and cheerful. I simply like being and feeling healthy and I am blessed to have a village that looks out for me when I'm not myself. I am valued, loved and needed.

STARS: How I Increased My Faith in Christ

Disclaimer: I am not trying to force anyone away from their home church or towards a church. This is my experience and what has worked best for me in my life. I do feel everyone that follows Jesus Christ should form a solid, personal relationship with Him though. 

I have fought many internal battles in my life. One is my relationship and faith in Jesus Christ. 

I was brought up in the church and attended for years and years. I became non-denominational in 2002 and although I have attended services and belong to a particular group, I realized I needed to become more spiritual and form a stronger bond with Christ. 

I aligned myself with several similar minded followers and ministers. I'm blessed to have a network of both. I needed to be around those that understood that I wanted a deeper understanding that extended beyond church. I wanted to be a follower that did more than go to church 2-3 times/week, read the Bible daily and such. I needed understanding.

I have read the entire Holy Bible 3 times but I have went through an additional time to understand more of the Hebrew and Greek origins that apply today. Additionally, I have learned more about God being about love, grace and forgiveness and that you only come to the Father through His son.  

I not only plug into spiritual services and podcasts, I am in a worship group called Ekklesia. This group has changed my life over the years as they have been an extension of the foundation I have developed but containing more of the discussion and understanding of the Word along with more open worship. 

I now pray 10 times more than I did before, ensure I read my word in the mornings and throughout the day and that I remained plugged in to my network. I am not ashamed to pray, receive prayer and guidance and understanding. I want my relationship to continue to grow in Him as I can shine my light onto others and help them find their path.

STARS: How I Survived Living With a Drug Addict

I realize that several causes and philanthropies are going on in this great month of October. One is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 

Now while I haven't undergone domestic violence in any relationship, romantic, personal nor family, I have had to endure being around a drug addict: my brother Adam. 

Many of you know of his troubles which eventually led him to leaving us 16 years ago. What many of you do not know what it was like for me to live with someone for 3 years that was abusing different types of drugs. 

I will say respectfully it was a challenge on myself and my mother. Friends and other addicts around constantly, his behavior when he was intoxicated, the outbursts, stuff being stolen, etc. I had went from living on my own for 6 years to almost being like a prisoner in my own home that my mom made for both of us. This was definitely not my brother: it was a demon. 

I had to get really creative with hiding food and snacks and even valuables. Adam would eat, steal and destroy anything he could. I had a spot in my closet where I hid belonging and food and made it difficult for him to get to. There were honestly things, even perishable foods, I found years later since I had forgotten them. All in all, I prevented him from consuming 50 snacks, destroying and stealing 25 shirts, 15 pairs of shorts and ten pairs of pants. 

Adam did better with my shoes as he really did not mess with those. I had to pretty much stay in my room 90% of the time watching TV and movies. I would stay gone on weekends and even late some weekdays to avoid confrontation. I knew when he was knocked out from a Xanax binge that the next 48 hours would be Hell for us. I did all I could to stay out of the way. We did have a couple of run ins though. I was stabbed once, two more times I fought and beat him up and got him sent to jail on domestic violence. I heard a good quote in Cobra Kai: " best defense is no be there." I definitely did this for 3 years until he started getting cleaner.

I certainly do not have all of the answers here. This is simply my survival story and how I was able to have normalcy and peace during a tough period in my life. I definitely encourage anyone undergoing this to find every avenue to help a person that's addicted to drugs. You may have to place them in a shelter, home or facility but being in your home is a definite challenge. You have to be there as much as possible but 1. Protect your own peace first and 2. Realize that everyone isn't going to be receptive to health. That's when you must separate yourself from this person. I had to do it this way and I pray it's easier if it occurs again.

STARS: How I Built My Infamous Cup Collection

Another thing that folks are learning about me is my passion and meticulous nature regarding collecting cups and bottles. I own over 50 different types of cups and bottles and I may drink out of five of them. 

I have been physically active and going to the gym off and on for 18 years so I've always kept at least two water/shake bottles there. Although I worked for Robert Allen for 12 years, I didn't start acquiring excess bottles until I started running long distance and working for Amazon. 

Through both of these outlets, I have literally been given numerous cups and bottles. I couldn't drink out of all of them and didn't want to throw them away. Therefore, I sanitized and collected these as well.

I find random water bottles at work and I keep collectible bottles and cups and also sanitize those. I have accumulated so many cups I'm cleaning off another table for them. Many are simply in a box as of current. 

I like always having a bottle or cup handy as I have more than 50 in my home, one main one I drink from for work, a QT cup in my trunk and two bottles for the gym and fitness. Yep I know.

STARS: How I Have Improved Sunday Funday Over The Years

Sunday Funday was birthed about a decade ago when folks got out of the tradition of going to church or watching football all day. It's a good day to do fun stuff for many reason and of course to relax with family and friends. 

For me, it's mostly been church and football and for a period Snapped.  I have tripled my activity level over the past decade. 

I make it a point to frequent Wisefire, Liberty Coffee or both. I simply love the vibe and it's almost as good if not better than a Friday night. 

I love going to the movies and/or hang in a downtown like Spartanburg, Charlotte or Rock Hill. It's a lot of fun and many have bought into the Sunday Funday concept. 

Many of my friends and family have realized that Saturdays can get crowded so they will have activities and kickbacks on Sundays.

I have also attended fairs, carnivals, cruise-ins, concerts,  or tried new restaurants on a Sunday. I have so many options and I try to use that as my fun day of the week now. It should be interesting on Halloween weekend this year since Halloween is on a Monday.

I make the most of life and good vibes and a day once considered restricted and even mundane bow has life to begin the new week ahead!