Welcome to On the Inside. This is a blog that I had the vision to create about a year ago in the middle of the COVID 19 shutdown. I was struggling at the time with several things affecting my health, mood, energy, and overall wellbeing. I felt alone and isolated. Being in a new city with my family of six just prior to everything closing down increased this feeling. I loved my life, where we lived, my family, our new start, but I did not have a support or group of people established. I thought about how blessed I am to have so many friends and family on Facebook and started this blog as well to be a help and support to anyone who wants to join, as well as find common ground with others wanting support and encouragement.

            I will be making posts about things I have gone through, what I have learned, and also post questions to get other members to think or give answers and ideas with how to better our lives. We all need human interaction. Someone that can identify with what we are going through. I will be here for you and vice versa.

            A little about me. I am Stephanie, and I am 47 years old. I am a wife of 24 years and a mother to four children. I have always been quite the introvert, especially until I get to know people. This has always made making a lot of friends a challenge. I love helping and caring for people of all ages, and have had careers along those lines in nursing and education. I have always struggled with putting myself as a priority. I have had bouts of depression and anxiety that have definitely affected my wellbeing. I also have a heart condition and fibromyalgia. I have struggled with weight loss throughout my life and less than accepting body-image, when it comes to my own body. I am learning day by day with how to deal with these struggles, and how to learn to be kinder to myself. To remember that I am not perfect, but can do my best to try every day.

            I know there are so many of you out there that have your own struggles. This is a place where we can share those struggles with others and support one another. I know we could all use a word of encouragement. Mental health is so important to talk about. As vulnerable as it is to share with others, you can help someone by talking about it and showing them and yourself that you are not alone.

            Please feel free to share your story, ask questions, and find friends here. Invite others you think could benefit from this group to join and subscribe to the blog. All are welcome. You are loved. Let’s find the beauty On the Inside.