by benforred | Sep 26, 2023 | Cancer, Health, history, Medical Procedures, Medical Providers, Mental Health, Ostomy, Pain, Short Bowel, Surgery, Survival, Symptoms
La Mémoire Noire or The Dark Memory is a letter series written to my first surgeon. The man who caused everything ultimately in my life to reach this point today. I was to have 2 surgeries beginning at the age of 9 and his surgical errors altered the course of...
by benforred | Jun 23, 2023 | Anniversaries, Family, Grief, Health, Mental Health, Pain, PTSD, Relationships, Surgery
I started this article as 2022 was coming to a close and I was reflecting on all that has transpired and what is presently at hand. I only now feel ready to publish it though as it has been a pretty intense 6 months of 2023 already! As I was reflecting on 2022, I had...
by benforred | Jan 31, 2023 | Mental Health, Stress
I spent 2022 learning self-care after realizing I never actually given myself self-care before. I think this maybe actually could even be considered as fawning, a trauma response. I have dedicated my life to the service of others, focusing on their mental well-being...
by benforred | Jun 15, 2022 | Mental Health
I attended a reconnection retreat this Spring focused on reconnecting to myself, others, and the universe. Here I learned and practiced new self care rituals beyond the typical meditation for mental health. As I’ve shared before, the last year has been...
by benforred | May 19, 2021 | Advocacy, Mental Health
When I look back on my life, I am drastically different now than how I was as a child and even how I was when I started Life’s a Polyp in 2012. My views about myself – physical and emotional have greatly evolved over time to culminate in a wonderful sense...
by benforred | Apr 9, 2021 | Mental Health
My boyfriend, Mike, sent me to his massage therapist for a massage last year due to my stress causing shoulder and back pain. His massage therapist also does energy work, including Reiki. Out of curiosity, Mike also purchased me a Reiki session. I didn’t have...
