Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep the faith. It will all be worth it in the end.

~~Unknown~~






Picture taken in Collingwood, ON

Have you ever noticed your mouth being dry? Do you know what causes it? What do you do to help moisten your mouth when you are dry? When I was taking certain medications my mouth was very dry...my lips would crack and it was painful some days...and it was something that just drinking water didn't fix. 

I'd like to share some information today about the causes of dry mouth. This information is shared for your entertainment use only and is not meant to take the place of direct medical care from a qualified professional. If you are experiencing this please speak to your doctor. 

Do you suffer from a constant pasty, dry mouth?

Most times, dry mouth is due to something simple, like dehydration or weather. However, if you’re constantly plagued with dry mouth regardless of the season and how much fluids you drink, it could be a sign of a more serious condition—such as Crohn’s or another autoimmune disease.

Here are the seven most common causes of that dry, pasty mouth…

1. Medications
Medications—such as certain chemotherapy drugs to treat cancer—are linked to dry mouth. However, the most common culprits as far as drugs are antihistamines and anti-depressants. If your prescriptions are causing dry mouth, talk to your doctor about swapping to another medication.

Before we get to the medication I need to remind you...

• that what I am providing is NOT meant in any way to replace the conversation between you, your doctor, or your pharmacist
  
• please do not self-diagnose or make medical decisions about this drug without talking with qualified professionals
  

• the information provided here is the reference sheet you would find at WebMD. During my journey I found this site to be helpful in providing support. All credit for this information belongs to them. I copied it right from their website and I have removed the hyper-links. Please visit their site if you would like to read further.

For this installment, I have chosen Percocet 
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): OXYCODONE HCL/ACETAMINOPHEN

Uses: This combination medication is used to help relieve moderate to severe pain. It contains a narcotic pain reliever (oxycodone) and a non-narcotic pain reliever (acetaminophen). Oxycodone works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain. Acetaminophen can also reduce a fever.

**Please read this information carefully** 
 If you have any questions about what is provided here....talk with your doctor or pharmacist please.

Courage is doing what you're scared to do. There's no need for courage unless you're scared.

~~Unknown~~






Picture taken in Port Stanley, ON

PPPPPPlease? 

There are many religions and beliefs in the world today and I although I don't know them all...I am open enough to respect all equally while holding my own...and I hope during this conversation you can too. 

Have you ever turned to your faith to find comfort? Have you ever sought guidance and advice through your faith? Do you believe in prayer?

I'd like to challenge you today to give thought to your religious and spiritual beliefs and give thought too to how it may help you with your pain. Do think it's possible? Can you find you comfort in your beliefs? 

Some people turn to the clergy of their faith...the leaders...and the elders too...have you? Have you ever communed with nature? Music even? Whether spiritual or religious...where do you find comfort and solace in your beliefs? and how often do you seek it?

I personally don't believe God lives only in a church and I feel closer when I'm in nature or near water. I can pray anywhere and I can talk at anytime. My faith has faltered greatly over the years and my opinions have changed too...but I still do find a measure of comfort in my faith. Do you?

Whatever your beliefs may be...for some...there is a source of comfort and support in our faith. When struggling through your pain...emotionally, mentally or physically...have you ever turned to your faith and beliefs for comfort and support? Do you think it's possible? Will you try?

take good care of you okay?

Today we believe God wants you to know that worry often gives a small thing a big shadow.

Worrying, you get stuck over the same things over and over again without making any progress. Instead, spend some time with nature to calm your mind and feed your soul.





Picture taken on the pond

HA! guess which shoulder the angel is sitting on ;)

When I first saw this it hit me...hard. I'm not always so gentle and nice to myself. I can be my own worst enemy and the things I can say to myself can be very hurtful...but the thing is...I wasn't the first to talk to me this way...and you know what? You weren't the first either.

Someone else...maybe even someone you know and maybe even someone you love...was the first. And the thing is...they won't be the last.

BUT...

We can promise ourselves that we will be more gentle with our hearts and with ourselves.

We can promise ourselves that we won't treat ourselves like this anymore. 

We can promise ourselves to let go of the bad habits we've picked up along the way and....

We can promise ourselves to heal...to allow ourselves to move beyond the things we've heard.

NO! it was never your fault! But it can and will be the making of the lioness inside you. Be gentle with your heart sweet soul...and please...

take good care of you

The hardest thing about moving forward is leaving something behind - and usually it's a part of ourselves.

~~Unknown~~







Picture taken in Collingwood, ON