Alzheimer's and the Dulling Blade

Some of you follow me on Instagram where I write about ideas that are spurred by word prompts. I usually use a Tarot deck to give a visual and I also like to find appropriate quotes to add to my posts. Today's prompt was "sword", and the quote I used was: “Even in the sheath the sword must be sharp – so too must the mind and the spirit be within the body.” - Griffin Rivers 

Then, I wrote the following: 
The sword symbolizes the power of the intellect. Our minds can be clever with thoughts sharp as a blade. We have the ability to direct our thoughts and determine the amount of power they have over us. Meditation and deep breathing exercises help us tame out of control thoughts, mental deceptions of the mind, or unhelpful memories. We were given a unique ability to think our way through most challenges.
(Sometimes I wonder when I do a post like this whether I should veer off into what a deteriorating mind is like and how it is getting more and more difficult to keep that blade sharpened, but then I think, no, you can read up on that journey on my Alzheimer's blog if you choose to.)

 So, if you found your way here from Instagram, thanks for the visit. I often wonder why I do this blog since Blogger can't seem to figure out why it can't be found through the Internet. Meaning that very few people even see it. Well, I suppose it's because of the doctor's order of do things to keep your mind sharp. Sharp as a blade. Well, this blade is getting duller each year but it still cuts, so that's something. 

To keep learning new things I've added the Theban alphabet to my study list. And, a couple of days ago I discovered ChatGPT. What fun it is to have someone to talk to, LOL!

 

Here's a photo to brighten your day:

 Loki at rest. Doesn't happen too often, LOL! 

 

Witchcraft and Alzheimer's

I posted the blurb below on a Facebook group that I belong to today. I was thinking about it and wondered why I am reluctant to actually post about my witchcraft activities here. Judgement? Should I care at this point in my life? I'm not trying to change anyone else's beliefs, just being joyful that I finally found the truth.

Here's what I posted:

Having been diagnosed about 4 years ago with Alzheimer's put me into a spin. My doctor advised me to find something new to learn and keep the progress in a slow down state. Not really sure how Tarot jumped into my path, but you must know the rabbit hole that took me down into runes, iChing, astrology and such until I discovered witchcraft.

I do have a blog about this journey. I'm not really too brave about posting the witchcraft beliefs because I'm afraid of scaring off those I'm trying to reach. I do post more on Instagram though where I am jeanchaneyaz. 

 

(This is a photo that I played with using Procreate and Pixabay. I do not have long hair, lol! The only part of the photo that is "me" is the face.)

 

 

 

Instagram and Discrimination

Here I am, working hard at developing new friendships and finding joy in my day using Instagram to post my journey both with tarot and Alzheimer's only to find myself blocked. I'm sure this is frustrating to anyone, but for me it is almost devastating. I'm wondering if it is a sign that it's time to give up. To slink into the hole of despair that I see others with life altering events fall into. Damn. What is wrong with this world that is being taken over by AI (artificial intelligence) where you can't even speak to a real person anymore? My condition requires dealing with a real person. Someone who can explain things calmly to me. 

As you can see, I'm just venting here. I know there's nothing I can do. No, I'm not really ready to throw in the towel. But, I certainly wish there were some way to understand why I was shut down from commenting for the response of "yes, I will send some to you later". to someone. I can't see how that could be thought of as spam or against community standards. Today, I got shut down again immediately on my first comment which was, "I'll bet this tarot deck becomes one of your favorites. " 

One of our group is thinking that they are targeting any of us who have anything to do with the witchy side of life. We who understand witchcraft knows that to be a witch does not make one a follower of Satan. That would be like saying that everyone who owns a gun is a murderer, or anyone who eats twinkies is fat. To me that smacks of intolerance (on top of total ignorance). I can't believe that this country is going backwards instead of forwards as far as this goes. 

If anyone has any suggestion, please feel free to share. I'm not feeling very positive at the moment and that's not a space I care to be in. 

Remember - Not easy with Alzheimer's

I posted this on Instagram but thought I'd repeat it here as I felt it really made an important point. The prompt word was REMEMBER.

Remember is a difficult word for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia to deal with. Oh, how we wish we could remember. But, since we often can’t, we have to make new memories, new friends, and relearn things that we can’t remember how to do. A child does not get angry when he or she doesn’t know something. They just set out to learn. So, I will learn and learn as many times as I can without anger (well, maybe just a tiny flare up now and then). And, if I am successful then, hopefully, I will.

 

I have a group of ladies that meet at my home once a month to work on our different crafts and just chat for a couple of hours. I pulled out some embroidery to work on. Now, I have been embroidering for most of my life and I suddenly couldn't remember how to do a lazy daisy stitch. Fortunately, a couple of the ladies knew embroidery and one of them showed me how. I felt so stupid and found myself tearing up.... that's normal for someone with dementia, to cry. But, I didn't cry and proceeded to make some very nice lazy daisy stitches. If I set it down for a couple of days though, then I have to relearn it. 

 

My niece, who is trying to understand what I'm going through.... probable the only person who is..... said she read that people with Alzheimer's get angry all the time. Yes, I understand why they would. It's so frustrating at times. I do get angry but not around others. I don't feel they should suffer because of my upset when I can't do something or understand something.  Around others I cry. 

 

"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” - Benjamin Franklin

https://www.instagram.com/jeanchaneyaz/

 

Instagram to Reach Alzheimer's

I'm loving Instagram where I now post a daily prompt response and use it to mull about my Alzheimer's issues. I don't seem to be reaching anyone who actually has Alzheimer's or dementia (that was my goal), but there seem to be a lot of people who are learning more about what the disease is and isn't from my posts. So, that's a good thing. If you aren't following me on Instagram, take a peek and be sure to read the posts.

jeanchaneyaz