Tuesday, September 19, 2017

3 Ways Writing Helps Me Cope With My Anxiety

Anxiety is most assuredly the most unwelcome guest at my table of life; I can't begin to describe what a struggle it can present itself as from time to time. Since the age of sixteen, I have dealt with this issue on many different, but equally as frustrating levels. Social anxiety, panic attacks, and the seemingly second nature act of social isolation, as a way of dealing with  the embarrassment and stigma that is placed upon those who suffer in this society. Why am I writing about this? I'm sharing my story because I not only want to be a disability advocate, but also a voice for those who share in the struggle of anxiety, and face its effects on the mind and body. You are not alone. We are not alone. 

Writing is a form of therapy that I find to be extremely helpful. I want to share my story because I am a voice. I have words to write, and thoughts to communicate on this matter. I know what it's like. I know how it feels to feel a creeping sense of uneasiness without a logical explanation as to why. I am here to share how I deal with my issue; I am not cured, but I am managed with medication and my passion for writing. How does being a writer help me? 

First of all, writing helps me to freely express myself without the fear of judgment from others that I feel so often from in person socialization. The feel of my pen slowly gliding across the pages of my notebook as I write out my thoughts in such an open and honest way leaves me feeling liberated in a sense. I know that I took on the role of a socially awkward individual as a result of growing up with cerebral palsy plus a couple of non  disability related life issues. I do not want pity. I am simply stating a fact; it is how I've grown up to feel and even as old as I am, I still deal with it at times. It's reality. It's valid.  I am getting better at dealing with anxiety, but it still has its moments of rearing its ugly head. Writing lets me see my thoughts, internalize them, and accept them. 

Secondly, life as a writer keeps my mind active and on many tasks at one time. I love brainstorming, but sometimes I can just take a couple of hours to sit down and let my mind roam, jotting down what I feel, and what's on my heart and mind. A non writing writer is an identity I just can't accept; that life cannot exist for me. A notebook and pen are my therapy; a most vital part of my functioning. A word of advice: keep going with whatever it is you love to do. Not everyone is a writer, but we all have different hobbies and talents within us. Get out there and do what you love. Learn to identify with your craft. Just keep going! You are not alone. We are not alone. 

Lastly, becoming a writer has helped me to gain a unique kind of strength that I don't get from seeing people in person. My writing has helped me to bond and relate to so many other writers who share my same struggles day in and day out. The disability community is open, welcoming, kind, and supportive. We all support one another in our careers and in life generally speaking. Through writing, my in person communication has slightly improved (still a work in progress!) However, I am part of the best group of writing friends a girl can have. The thing about anxiety, you just have to deal with it and try to remember how far you've come, instead of the struggles you face. Remember, you are not alone and together, we are not alone. 

Sunday, September 17, 2017

Welcome to my New Page! (Molly's Zone is Back!)

On this September Sunday afternoon, I am excited to announce the launch of Molly's Zone as part of the Blogspot family. Writing is an extension of myself that I have truly needed and missed; as an anxiety sufferer, it is like therapy for my soul. It is my identity. I am a writer. A creator. A visionary.

As you can see, this blog is set up a bit differently and allows for a pretty cool new feature. The one I'm most excited about? EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS! If you would like to be notified of my weekly posts before I actually post them on Tuesdays, please click Subscribe and provide your email address. Join in on the fun!

I have been feeling the absence of blog writing sessions so very much, so I will be returning weekly to share some new content with you guys. The Lord has given me the privilege of writing for Him, so I will have to focus all of my energy on my relationship with Him and my career.

I love you guys. Thank you so much for all of the support over the last two years. New material coming Tuesday (actually in brainstorming mode right now!)

With Love,
Molly

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

My Story: Jessica Niziolek

Jessica Niziolek
Freelance Blogger, Founder/Writer of The Abler Blog
9.12.17
Welcome to My Story
My name is Jessica. I am 35 years old. I was born with Spastic Hemiplegia Cerebral Palsy which affects the left side of my body. By the age of four, I was put into a wheelchair. I had a major growth spurt which threw off my center of gravity, and I never regained the ability to walk on my own again. In school, I flourished and by the time I graduated from high school in 2001 I had a 4.0 GPA, making high honors all 4 years of high school
 was mainstreamed in all but two classes by my senior year. When I graduated high school, I struggled with the reality of how the world and the state in particular treated young adults with disabilities. The assumption that all disabilities are the same was a rude awakening, and the way they abandon ship the moment you’re placed in a job, or position where things are settled for the time being and then that’s it, you’re on your own. It wasn’t until a year ago when I decided to write a blog that I realized where my talents and passions for both people and writing came together and thus The Abler was born.
I remember it like it was yesterday, my boyfriend and I were talking and I had said, “I am going to start a blog. It’s going to be about the disability community. Both visible and invisible. And I am going to have other topics that have far too much stigma attached, and not enough education or knowledge about them. It’s time someone spoke up. But what do I call it?”
He said, “What about The Abler?”
And a year later I have done roughly 8 interviews, covered 12 topics (so far). The Abler also has its own social media presence with it’s own FB page, FB group, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and StumbleUpon. And this summer, I continue to grow as a writer, and spread the message of The Abler by being allowed to share my story as a contributing writer for MEDIUM.COM, The Mighty, Project Wednesday, Scripted Sweetz, and (soon to be contributor) for the Easy Stand blog, and now I am sharing my story on Molly’s Zone. I have learned that whatever plans you have for life aren’t as worthy as the ones God has planned for you.
How my journey with The Abler began was so simple and pure. My precious baby sister was diagnosed with a very serious neurological disorder called cluster headaches. This disease is not widely known amongst the medical field and because of that, my sister wasn’t being believed about her illness or the severe pain she goes through on a daily basis. You can imagine being the older sibling and wanting to protect my sister, and how helpless and frustrated I felt.
I am a big believer in turning your mess into a message. The chronic pain, illness, visible, and invisible disability communities have a message that not only needs to be believed but most importantly heard. And they need a non-judgmental and safe place to do that. And I hope I have accomplished that with The Abler. It took me a very long time to be okay with the fact that I was not going to be on the exact path as everyone else my age, and I realize that was because God had better things in store for my life.
My work with The Abler has helped me to embrace change more, and grow as a woman, writer, and human being. I have learned so much from the amazing people I have met while doing The Abler. And I am so fortunate for the many doors that have opened so far for me. I’d like to take a moment and thank Molly’s Zone for allowing me to share my story with her and her readers. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to speak with you all today.
Here is the link to The Abler if anyone would like to check it out: https://seetheabled.blogspot.com
As well as the other social media platforms you can find The Abler on.
Facebook group: The Official Facebook Group For The Abler Blog: https://www.facebook.com/groups/326291217746986/
Facebook “Like” Page: https//www.facebook.com/seetheabledtheablerblog/

Pinterest: https//www.pinterest.com/angelluv2write/the-abler-official-board/

A Thought For Your Day

  The Lord placed this thought on my heart last night, and I felt like sharing it today.  It's easy to become so busy serving the Lord ...