STARS: On The Way Back: Part 1.

I hope this multi part series can help and uplift someone that may be struggling and can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

Two decades ago, I had to start from scratch and focus on my personal health. I was young and unsure what to do to move forward. 

I allowed myself to rest, found good specialists to heal and recover.  I then plugged into Vocational Rehab in Gaffney, SC. I had a degree and job experience but due to not having a car of my own at that time and other factors, I could not break back into my career field. Therefore, I had to think outside of the box. 

I went for an avenue that would accommodate my skillset and limitations. A month in after acceptance into their work-skills program, I had two temp offers. One was the Robert Allen Group in Gaffney. I had not heard of them before that time. 

On June 4, 2003, I began as a temp worker for Robert Allen and Voc Rehab was funding my pay. On October 13 of the same year, RA hired me full time. 

I would go on to have job and financial stability as I stayed with the company 12 years. This is just where the story begins though. 

STARS: How I kept the pharmacies from shorting me on my pills

I realize the title really shows my age. Many of us need regular prescriptions for some sort of affliction. I need 4 currently and hope to knock that down to 2 by the end of this year.

I got shorted on a controlled substance I take and anyone knows if you don't get the proper dosage of that, those withdrawals can have dangerous effects. Here's how I mitigated that risk. Also, this will do for any pharmacy.

I bought myself a pill counter container 3 years ago after the incident and my doctor being kind enough to write me another prescription and trust me. I count my pills into that container everytime I get that particular medication. 

3 years later, I've only been shorted once and I caught them on it right away. They were courteous, admitted their mistake and gave me the proper amount. 

Moral of the story is treat your medications like your money. I know I don't ever leave the bank or ATM without counting my money. I also do not leave a pharmacy without counting my pills either and you shouldn't. 

STARS: Surviving High Gas Prices

I'm not flattered to say I have experienced these types of problems twice before I turn 44. It does give me field experience regarding how I have survived and thrived through many unprecedented times. 

I have learned to budget for gas higher than $3/gallon. It's now $4/gallon in my area and could increase to $5 soon. I consistently fill up at the halfway point. I have made sure I purchased gas efficient vehicles. If you can get a vehicle with an eco option, do it! It's a long term gas saver. 

I also enroll in every gas saving program I can: GasBuddy and Ingles Rewards are two of the ones that stay in my rotation. I was in Bi-Lo's program prior to them folding. I try to do my errands in one trip or while I am out on my work commute. I try to travel smarter and more strategically. 

I filled up at the pump just yesterday as gas hit the $4 mark and got $32.26. I am carving out a weekly budget of $85, $250/month. Therefore, I have already pre-planned for that. 

There are no two ways around this: it sucks. Many of us have to drive and thus have to get gas. Therefore you may as well save up, enroll in saver programs and be strategic. This too shall pass!

STARS: Social Media Promotions and Marketing

I will post these types of blogs as long as they are necessary. Mistakes will be made, everyone will not find out about your event. You still have to figure out what to do to increase your efficiency and percentages. 

The goal I have is not to have anyone locally that's on all of the social media platforms often to say they didn't know. 

I go hard, relentlessly and vigorous in my promotions, starting early and often. I manipulate the algorithm to my favor, ensure it's visible if it's a public event. I also have multiple people doing the inviting, which means inviting all of their friends and then their friend's friends. I do this early and often. 

I ensure that my pictures of the event are shared daily in stories, posts. I post during the peak hours: mornings and evenings and days (Sunday evenings through Thursday nights). I discovered that's when folks are checking out what's in the air. 

I have also found Eventbrite to be an awesome source.  Outsiders may moss ads but they can subscribe to Eventbrite notifications and know months in advance. 

I have seen this work and have attendance increase by 50%, complaints reduce by 75% and overall visibility is at 100%. I don't ever want to be mad at the results from the work I didn't do. Read that twice. 

STARS: How I started reading more

I had gotten out of reading basically and this wasn't a great trait as an author. I continued to read articles, blogs and such but I wasn't reading any books anymore.  Those that know me best know this was different for me.

I began supporting my fellow author friends, which helped me to read more books. I know 20 people that have released their own books and I have read most of their works. I hang out at a coffee shop/bookstore and have bought more than 50 books wholesale. I also joined the WU virtual book club just before the pandemic two years ago and am now about to begin book number 11 with them. All in all, I have read 30 books over the past 5 years by reading a chapter or a few pages daily. This keeps me active and sharp here. 

I will continue my activity in my book club and supporting local and favorite authors. 

STARS: My Turnaround in high school grades and rank

I always wanted to attend college but like many families, I couldn't afford it without financial assistance. I would definitely need scholarships.

My grades were good but not great in 9th and 10th grade. I was ranked around 15th in my class and struggled in math and science classes. 

I attended Upward Bound the summer before my junior year. I got the motivation and outlet I needed for high school and beyond. I had study skills class, SAT prep, and classes involving all of my subjects I would be taking in the school year. 

This continued during the school year as I went once/month for continued assistance and review on my coursework from current teachers, college professors and other students. 

I then studied properly and my grades went from the occasional A or two, Bs and the occasional C or two to straight As my final two years of high school. My class ranking shot to 6th, I was inducted into the National Beta Club, graduated with honors, and earned almost enough scholarships and financial aid to fund my 4 and a half years of college at a fine university (Winthrop University, go Eagles!). 

This is encouragement for high school seniors trying to finish strong and all underclassmen trying to make it happen. You can do it!

STARS: How I Keep My Overall Mental Health in Check

20 years ago, I was a mess.  I am not perfect now but I feel better internally. I let too much stuff hinder me and felt too much undo pressure. It took much of my 20s but I finally reached a happy place. 

I had to really admit I had problems. I sought out professional help, went on proper medications (I have adjusted both over the years based on need and efficiency). I have engaged in more fun, thought provoking activities. I ensure I get my proper rest. I relax my brain and mediate. I also develop a healthy balance between personal, professional and social engagements. I no longer over exert myself, use "No" effectively and I get my me time. I also have a great circle and good barometers that keep me in check and level..

I have been able to maintain well the past two decades and not only not have any episodes, I have also helped others conquer their demons and find peace.