Rebecca Kay Bright, Author

Breaking the Mold: Rethinking Education Beyond Standardized Testing Ah, the word "school" – for many, it evokes a sense of dread, while for others, it's a beacon of excitement. But why such a stark contrast? It's time we delve into the heart of the matter. There's a troubling notion out there, one that suggests education is not meant for everyone. It's a mindset that relegates certain individuals to low-paying jobs and tells them to be content with their lot in life. This mindset, rooted in the Industrial Revolution's socioeconomic disparities, seemed to fade with the rise of the middle class in the mid-20th century. Alas, it appears to be making a comeback among today's affluent and can be seen in certain state's public school curricula once again. In far too many states, standardized tests have become the be-all and end-all of education. They dictate whether a student progresses to the next grade, graduates, or even receives proper attention in

Solutions For Common Sleep Issues In the quest for a restful night's sleep, especially for those of us navigating the complexities of mental health, let's dive into some holistic strategies to transform your bedtime routine into a sanctuary of serenity and tranquility: 1. Mindful Consumption: Delve into the art of mindful eating by being conscious of what you consume, particularly in the hours leading up to bedtime. While that afternoon cup of coffee may be a tempting pick-me-up, its stimulating effects can linger well into the evening, disrupting your ability to unwind and drift off to sleep. Likewise, tobacco and other stimulants can wreak havoc on your body's natural sleep-wake cycle, so consider limiting or avoiding them altogether, especially as bedtime approaches. 2. Digital Detox: Picture this: an hour before bedtime, the soft glow of your electronic devices fades into darkness as you embark on a journey of relaxation and self-care. By unplugging from screens and e

I' m  Just  So  Tired  I' m  not  physically  tired  but  tired.  You  see  I  have  Bipolar  I  with  psychosis,  PTSD, and  General  Anxiety  Disorder.  “Wow  you're  nuts!”  you  are  thinking.  I  probably am!  Of  the  three  the  bipolar  is  the  worse  and  longest  running.  My  depression episodes  run  so  long  and  are  so  severe  I  was  originally  misdiagnosed  with  Major Depressive  Disorder  for  nearly  thirty  years!  “Why  are  you  sad?  Whatcha  got  to be  sad  about?  Just  think  positive,”  you  are  probably  wanting  to  tell  me.  Let  me stop  you  right  there.  You  may  use  the  words  “sad”  and  “depressed” interchangeably  but  sadness  doesn't  even  come  CLOSE  to  what  depression  feels like.  People  thinking  sadness  equals  depression  and  thus  discounting  what  we  go through  on  a  daily  basis  is  where  a  large  part  of  the  stigma  surrounding depression  comes  from.  Both  major  depressive  disorder