Let your life lightly dance on the edges of Time like dew on the tip of a leaf. ~ Rabindranath Tagore ~
Hello Olivia, how long has it been since you last cut a rug in "The Blair T. Hunt" gymnasium? Continue to dance lightly on this milestone of time and enjoy the dew of this life like manna from heaven. Enjoy your day today, as well as this old school cut...
I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has had to overcome while trying to succeed.
~ Booker T. Washington ~
" FIRST OF THE SEVENTIES, TO SUCCEED IS OUR GOAL"....Do you recall this statement? We've overcome many obstacles to reach the designated full retirement age, that's success alone. Happy Birthday Fred, have yourself a gratuitous celebration as you recall this oldie and ride into the sunset of the day.....
I am happy to say that everyone that I have met in my life, I have gained something from them; be it negative or positive, it has enforced and reinforced my life in some aspect. ~ Walter Payton ~
Hello Annie, you didn't play football, but you know who Walter Payton was. You, my friend have always been a positive influence upon those around you. I truely believe that you've helped others to score touchdowns during our lifetime. I only know you as a TEAM player. Wishing you a phenomenal day today and the days ahead....Here's a flash back, oldie for your consideration......
Well, in the first place, military service, they don't call it service for nothing. You are actually serving your country. And it is a worthy and valid vocation. ~ Rick Warren ~
Semper Fi Marine ! You've been validated as a soldier, but more so a great friend. Always faithful / always loyal. Enjoy your day of celebration today as you continue to perform our famous 1969 Liberty Bowl " Iwo Jima " Salute. Here's another flashback for you......
Goodness is about character - integrity, honesty, kindness, generosity, moral courage, and the like. More than anything else, it is about how we treat other people. ~ Dennis Prager ~
Enjoy your day today JB and may you continue to exhibit these character traits towards everyone. Thanks for your friendship and may all your Facebook friends wish you well also. Try remembering what you were doing back in the day, while listening to Wilson Pickett....
If we are strong, and have faith in life and its richness of surprises, and hold the rudder steadily in our hands. I am sure we will sail into quiet and pleasant waters for our old age.
~ Freya Stark ~
As you celebrate your special day, may the thoughts of loved ones and friends continue to provide wind for your sails through out the day. May your inclusion to "Club Sixty Six" sustain you with Faith, Riches and Strength to endure....considerate it as a your
I feel more grounded and more settled than I ever have. I don't know whether that is to do with my spirituality or whether I'm wiser about life, but as you age you become more selective about what you listen to, devote your time to and who you hang out with. ~ Sharon Stone ~
Welcome to "Club Sixty Six" Lillian. I'm not the owner, but I'm elated that you've arrived. As we reflect upon the attributes mentioned above, I wish you a joyous day of celebration for today and the future. I see that you've been hanging out with a few celebrities, so I've selected some music for you to listen to and be kinda easy like....
It’s difficult when we feel the heavy weight of anxiety bearing down on us, but watching a loved one deal with it can be just as hard. In fact, one of the most common questions we hear from our meQuilibrum community is, “How do I help my partner/child/sibling/parent/friend who’s really stressed?” So we decided to dedicate this week’s Cup of Calm to providing concrete ways you can help a loved one in distress return to a place of calm and capability.
April is Stress Awareness Month, which is all about increasing public awareness of both the causes and cures for our modern stress epidemic. In that spirit, we’ve put together a list of meQuilibrium’s top tips for soothing anxiety in others, from our Chief Science Officer Dr. Andrew Shatté.
It’s common to feel frustrated or powerless. The key? Counterbalancing the physical symptoms of anxiety and helping to put the issue in perspective. Here are five actionable ways to do just that:
1. Help them reconnect with the present. When someone you love is in the throes of anxiety, your first instinct might be to urge them to “calm down” or to “just relax.” But this may not be possible, because anxiety has a physical component that you can’t always “think” your way out of. “Anxiety is triggered when we perceive a threat, and that perception, accurate or not, causes a release of adrenaline,” says Shatté. “It activates the sympathetic nervous system, an age-old way to get us to flee from danger. We sweat, and we even get dry mouth as a way to preserve moisture. Any activity that requires blood or energy shuts down, so we get cold feet and tingling fingers.” These sensations are real, so don’t invalidate them. Instead, help your loved one reconnect with the present moment. You can do this by asking them to close their eyes and notice their body or what’s going on around them: the feeling of their feet touching the ground, the weight of their hands in their lap, the quiet hum of an air conditioner or heater.
2. Get them moving. Next, help them begin to calm down their body. Encourage them to take a deep breath, which reduces anxiety—breathing deeply activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which balances out the sympathetic nervous system and works to calm us down. Ask them to take 5 to 10 deep breaths, or try walking them through a breathing exercise. Offer them a drink of water, which eases an upset stomach and dry mouth. Then, get active. When Shatté’s kids feel nervous, he takes them on a walk, “because anxiety has that motivational piece of wanting to run away,” he says. “Behaviorally, walking forward is the exact opposite. Moving toward something shows you have nothing to fear.”
3. Help them get perspective. Imagine you’re standing in a dark, unfamiliar room. Fearful of what could be lurking in the shadows, you stumble around, blindly searching for the exit. Not very pleasant, right? Now imagine you’re in the same room, but someone switches on the light. There may be obstacles in your way, but you can see the exit—and your path becomes clear. This is a good analogy for anxious thinking. When anxious thoughts are rattling around in our mind, it’s easy to get lost or overwhelmed. Simply naming our worries can bring some much-needed clarity. Turn on the light for your loved one by asking them to clearly verbalize what they fear. The trick is to get those thoughts out of their head and into the light, so they become less scary—and less believable.
4. Ask “then what?” Once you understand their fears, walk them through worst-case scenarios. Maybe your spouse is worried about a stressful meeting with a boss. Ask, “And then what?” They might be afraid of being criticized. “And then what?” They may be afraid of getting fired, losing their income, and ending up on the street. Walking them through these steps illustrates how remote our worst fears often are. For example, the chances of one high pressure meeting ending in your home being repossessed is unlikely, to say the least. “When people are anxious, they often go well beyond the evidence in front of them—they go from layoffs to a dumpster,” Shatté says. Verbalizing worst-case scenario fears helps to neutralize them.
5. Bring positivity into the balance. It’s human nature to spend more time and energy on the negative events in our life than we do the positive—but this keeps us stuck in survival mode. In order to truly thrive, we have to mindfully bring more positivity into our lives. So, once your loved one has found a place of calm, help them shift their thinking to the positive. Have them list three things they are grateful for—there is no wrong answer, and nothing is too small to qualify. Bonus points for writing it down. To help prevent future anxiety, encourage your loved one to make it a habit—beyond reducing stress, the scientifically-proven benefits of this practice range from better sleep to improved self-esteem.
By helping a loved one cope with anxiety, you’re helping them to guard against it. Coping isn’t easy, but by offering your support, you can ensure that your loved one doesn’t have to tackle it alone.
Kara Baskin is a Boston-based journalist who writes about food, health, wellbeing, and lifestyle for The Boston Globe, Boston Magazine, Women’s Health, and AARP’s Life Reimagined. She’s also the author of “Size Matters: The Hard Facts About Male Sexuality That Every Woman Should Know” (Random House). Find her on Twitter @kcbaskin
One's life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others, by means of love, friendship, indignation and compassion.
~ Simone de Beauvoir ~
Happy Birthday to you Shirley. I didn't forget to make this statement earlier, just attending to some things. If by chance I've used this quote previously, in the words of Janis Fullilove, charge it to my head and not my heart....Here's a litle something else for you because we will miss Aretha, just as you will....born in Memphis, but the both of you have made Detroit heaven for all...Marvin said it best, we truly have the blues these days..
Friendship is something that creates equality and mutuality, not a reward for finding equality or a way of intensifying existing mutuality. ~ Rowan Williams ~
My reward has been your constant friendship, regardless of the miles in between...enjoy your day of celebration today and have one on me...you can collect the next time I'm in Memphis....Here's a Marvin tune that summarizes this day and a few precious memories...
Let no one weep for me, or celebrate my funeral with mourning; for I still live, as I pass to and fro through the mouths of men.
~ Quintus Ennius ~
Through the mouths of men, I have received confirmation from James Stone, who was notified by his brother, that we have had another classmate to transition beyond the azure blue. Although she lived in Denver Colorado, she was recently eulogized, Saturday August 25, 2018, at Greater Harvest COGIC, Memphis...Let us remember her, in prayer, for her family and for each other, as classmates of a wonderful classmate and friend.....Thanks James and do thank your brother on our behalf....
Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes.
~ Joseph B. Wirthlin ~
To the one individual, who was my mentor on becoming a website Administrator. Thank you for your guidance and honesty. You were the original and I'm only a sample of what you accomplished. Have a joyous celebration today as you continue to open doors and fashion friendships....thanks to you, this website is for "We The People"...
The divine light which you carry within your soul is inherited from God because you are His daughter. Part of the light which makes you so magnificent is the blessing of womanhood.
~ Margaret D. Nadauld ~
Hello my friend ! I haven't seen you recently nor forgot that today was your date of birth. Our website has truly been a blessing....
I've been doing a little research to add to this special day. I pray that your day has been prosperous and blessed. I have a few blasts from the past, to highlight the day. Hope that you've had a wonderful celebration today and that you will continue to remain a divine light of magnificent blessings to womanhood......Long live the ladies of the Class of 1970.......
Photos courtesy of Bonnie Pippin & Kenneth Davis............
Hello Warriors, I have not consistently been on our site for a while. I am so sorry to hear about Maggie's death, another Warrior down. It is a wonderful blessing that death is not the end.
Happy Belated birthday Marilyn and wishing you many more.
Larry, thanks for the information about the BBQ contest. Darnell and Liz, I hope you are still planning to come and be apart of the event. We had ablast with our classmates and other classes last year. A donation was made to the school from the contestant entry fees. I hear there will be more contestants this year.
Kenneth, thanks for all you do to keeep us connected.
Please give Larry a call with your donations or bring your picnic lunch, lawn chair, share food with us and fellowship. It is a great event for a worthy cause.
" DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF LINDA SUE JOHNSON WHITE "
Human experience resembles the battered moon that tracks us in cycles of light and darkness, of life and death, now seeking out and now stealing away from the sun that gives it light and symbolizes eternity. ~ Eugene Kennedy ~
Linda S. White, age 65, died May 9, 2018. Service will be held Wednesday, May 16th, at 12 Noon at M. J. Edwards Funeral Home, Whitehaven Chapel. Interment will be in West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery at 2 p.m. Published in The Commercial Appeal on May 13, 2018
"BIRTHDAY GREETINGS TO JACQUELINE FRANKLIN DANIELS "
A healthy friendship is one where you share your true feelings without fearing the end of the relationship. It's also one where you sometimes have to let things that bug you slide. The tough moments will make you wiser about yourself and each other. They will also make you stronger and closer as friends. ~Rachel Simmons ~
If the chemistry is right between star and photographer and the geometry of the pictures pleases the star, often the two people end up with a long-term professional friendship during which they continue to work together and to produce highly personal images.
~ Eve Arnold ~
Happy Birthday Jackie...The quotes above are still relevant to this day. I thank you for being the star and allowing me to be the photographer during Mrs. Barbers Geometry class...were it not for your star ability and informal methods of teaching, I'd have never passed her class. Until then, I thought that I wanted to be a CPA...Albeit, I remain the photographer to this day, attempting to entertain our class with personal images maintained over the years...Thank you for your continued friendship and for the achievement of your Professional Development as an Administrator, which has allowed others like myself, to advance....Here's a blast from the past for you ( and others ) to grin about...Enjoy your day of celebration with your family and friends.....
I have seen many storms in my life. Most storms have caught me by surprise, so I had to learn very quickly to look further and understand that I am not capable of controlling the weather, to exercise the art of patience and to respect the fury of nature. ~ Paulo Coelho ~
I thank you all, in advance of your concerns and there are members of the Class of 1970 who cannot utter such words....I maintain my faith......
When I moved from Memphis, I only traded Earthquakes for Hurricanes. As mentioned above, through education, I am prepared for the storm approaching. I am further inland , than those on the coast. I have been advised that rain, flooding and winds will be the greatest hazard for my area. Please pray for the folks nearest the coast in both North and South Carolina. I will keep you all informed of any changes, relative to my well being. The storm is not scheduled for impact until Thursday, on the coast. I am not in a mandatory evacuation zone. I am, however, patient, prepared, respectful and not capable of controlling the weather.......
We won't be able to stop disasters from happening. On the contrary, climate change may increase the frequency and severity of floods, droughts and storms. But we are better equipped today to prepare for them and reduce their impact. ~Sri Mulyani Indrawati ~
Kenneth, I can relate to what you are feeling during these troubled times. I face the same situation in 2005 in NO as Katrina approach land. I say to you my brother be strong and stay anchored in your faith. My prayers are with you and I feel our classmates share the same sentiments. So until I see you again be blessed.
The beginning of a friendship, the fact that two people out of the thousands around them can meet and connect and become friends, seems like a kind of magic to me. But maintaining a friendship requires work. I don't mean that as a bad thing. Good art requires work as well. ~ Charles de Lint ~
You've been a silent friend ( to many of us ) over the years, but I for one, was extremely happy to see you during the 40TH Year Reunion. The rekindling of past memories was a fun event. With each passing year, a precious few of us remain. I thank you for your participation that year and I look forward to seeing you once again in the near future. Enjoy your day of celebration, with family and friends, as the Class of 1970 wishes you a prosperous day!!!! Here's a few works of art to remind you of just how much everyone was excited to see you....
People talk about physical fitness, but mental health is equally important. I see people suffering, and their families feel a sense of shame about it, which doesn't help. One needs support and understanding. I am now working on an initiative to create awareness about anxiety and depression and help people.
~ Deepika Padukone ~
Women in particular need to keep an eye on their physical and mental health, because if we're scurrying to and from appointments and errands, we don't have a lot of time to take care of ourselves. We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own 'to do' list.
~ Michelle Obama ~
African Americans are no different when it comes to prevalence of mental health conditions when compared to the rest of the population. However, your concerns or experiences and how you understand and cope with these conditions may be different.This page focuses on how mental health affects the African American community so that you know how to find help.
Why Does Mental Health Matter?
Without mental health we cannot be healthy. Any part of the body—including the brain—can get sick. We all experience emotional ups and downs from time to time caused by events in our lives. Mental health conditions go beyond these emotional reactions to specific situations. They are medical conditions that cause changes in how we think and feel and in our mood. These changes can alter your life because they make it hard to relate to others and function the way you used to. Without proper treatment, mental health conditions can worsen and make day-to-day life hard. If you feel you or a loved one might be experiencing a mental health condition, remember that these are biological brain disorders. Anyone can develop a mental health problem. It isn’t your fault or your family’s fault. Seeking treatment can help you live a fulfilled life and can strengthen you and your family for the future.
How Do Mental Health Conditions Affect the African American Community?
Although anyone can develop a mental health problem, African Americans sometimes experience more severe forms of mental health conditions due to unmet needs and other barriers. According to the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, African Americans are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general population. Common mental health disorders among African Americans include:
African Americans are also more likely to experience certain factors that increase the risk for developing a mental health condition:
Homelessness. People experiencing homelessness are at a greater risk of developing a mental health condition. African Americans make up 40% of the homeless population.
Exposure to violence increases the risk of developing a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. African American children are more likely to be exposed to violence than other children.
Issues to Consider
Different reasons prevent African Americans from seeking treatment and receiving quality care.
Lack of Information and Misunderstanding about Mental Health
In the African American community, many people misunderstand what a mental health condition is and don’t talk about this topic. This lack of knowledge leads many to believe that a mental health condition is a personal weakness or some sort of punishment from God. African Americans may be reluctant to discuss mental health issues and seek treatment because of the shame and stigma associated with such conditions.
Many African Americans also have trouble recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions, leading to underestimating the effects and impact of mental health conditions. Some may think of depression as “the blues” or something to snap out of. Because of the lack of information about mental health issues, it’s not always clear where to find help when you may need it. Fortunately, you came to the right place to learn about what mental health conditions are and how to access treatments and supports.
Don’t let fear of what others may think prevent you or a loved one from getting better. One in 5 people is affected by mental illness. This means that, even if we don’t talk about it, most likely we have one of these illnesses or know someone who does.
Faith, Spirituality and Community
In the African American community, family, community and spiritual beliefs tend to be great sources of strength and support. However, research has found that many African Americans rely on faith, family and social communities for emotional support rather than turning to health care professionals, even though medical or therapeutic treatment may be necessary. Faith and spirituality can help in the recovery process but should not be the only option you pursue. If spirituality is an important part of your life, your spiritual practices can be a strong part of your treatment plan. Your spiritual leaders and faith community can provide support and reduce isolation. Be aware that sometimes faith communities can be a source of distress and stigma if they are misinformed about mental health or do not know how to support families dealing with these conditions. Do rely on your family, community and faith for support, but you might also need to seek professional help.
Reluctance and Inability to Access Mental Health Services
Only about one-quarter of African Americans seek mental health care, compared to 40% of whites. Here are some reasons why:
Distrust and misdiagnosis. Historically, African Americans have been and continue to be negatively affected by prejudice and discrimination in the health care system. Misdiagnoses, inadequate treatment and lack of cultural competence by health professionals cause distrust and prevent many African Americans from seeking or staying in treatment.
Socio-economic factors play a part too and can make treatment options less available. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2012, 19% of African Americans had no form of health insurance. The Affordable Care Act is making it easier and more affordable to get insured.
Medications
Some studies indicate that African Americans metabolize many medications more slowly than the general population yet are more likely to receive higher dosages. This may result in a greater chance of negative side-effects and a decreased likelihood of sticking with treatment.
Provider Bias and Inequality of Care
Conscious or unconscious bias from providers and lack of cultural competence result in misdiagnosis and poorer quality of care for African Americans. African Americans, especially women, are more likely to experience and mention physical symptoms related to mental health problems. For example, you may describe bodily aches and pains when talking about depression. A health care provider who is not culturally competent might not recognize these as symptoms of a mental health condition. Additionally, men are more likely to receive a misdiagnosis of schizophrenia when expressing symptoms related to mood disorders or PTSD.
Given this bias and the negative impact they have on our care, it is easy to understand why so many African Americans mistrust health professionals in general and avoid accessing care. While you have a reason to doubt whether professionals will mistreat you or not, don’t let this fear prevent you from seeking care. The section below gives ideas on how to find the right provider for you.
Finding the Right Provider for You
Cultural Competence in Service Delivery
Culture—a person’s beliefs, norms, values and language—plays a key role in every aspect of our lives, including our mental health. Cultural competence is a doctor’s ability to recognize and understand the role culture (yours and the doctor's) plays in treatment and to adapt to this reality to meet your needs. Unfortunately, research has shown lack of cultural competence in mental health care. This results in misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment. African Americans and other multicultural communities tend to receive poorer quality of care. However, you can improve your odds of getting culturally sensitive care.
While we recommend you go directly to a mental health professional because this is their area of expertise, if you do not feel comfortable right away, a primary care doctor is a great place to start. The primary care doctor might be able to start the assessment to determine if you have a mental health condition or help refer you to a mental health professional. Unfortunately, while you may prefer finding an African American mental health professional, this is not often possible because there are a small percentage of African American providers. The good news is that professionals are increasingly required to learn how to effectively treat people from diverse backgrounds. However, as mentioned before, many providers still lack cultural competence and do not know how to effectively treat African Americans.
When meeting with your provider, ask questions to get a sense of their level of cultural sensitivity. Do not feel bad about asking questions. Providers expect and welcome questions from their patients since this helps them better understand you and what is important to you. Your questions give your doctor and health care team important information about you, such as your main health care concerns. Here are some questions you could ask:
Have you treated other African Americans?
Have you received training in cultural competence or on African American mental health?
How do you see our cultural backgrounds influencing our communication and my treatment?
How do you plan to integrate my beliefs and practices in my treatment?
Your mental health provider will play an important role in your treatment, so make sure you can work with this person and that you communicate well together. Mention your beliefs, values and cultural characteristics. Make sure that she understands them so that they can be considered in the course of your treatment. For example, mention whether you would like your family to be part of your treatment. If finances are preventing you from finding help, contact a local health or mental health clinic or your local government to see what services you qualify for. You can find contact information online at findtreatment.samhsa.gov or by calling the National Treatment Referral Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357).
" DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF GAIL GOSSETT WILLIAMS "
The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in his own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude. ~Joseph B. Wirthlin~
Dr. Gail Gossett Williams Memphis, TN Age 65, died September 4, 2018.
Many of us knew Gail from elementary and junior high school. She eventually graduated a "Warrior" although from Central. She attended Northwestern University in Evanston Illinois. At Northwestern, she pledged Delta Sigma Theta and eventually went on to attend Meharry Medical College in Nashville. She became a beloved Pediatrician to many children of Memphis, including the family of our beloved classmate James Stone. Here's an example of condolences expressed within the CA Memphis;
September 10, 2018
The very best of the best. It was a comfort to have her as my children doctor. My son was 13, and she nicely with a smile, told me I probably need to change his doctor to a male. My son looked at me like, did she really have to tell you that? She was just so good with children I just did not want anyone else. I'm sure she will be sorely missed. Job well done, thy good and faithful servant.
September 9, 2018
My heart is grieved after learning about the passing of Dr. Gossett. I met her in 1987 my son was three months old, later my 2nd child was born in 1990. She cared for my children all of their young lives. When my son was 13 months old she examined him and felt something hard in his back, she sent him for an Xray, test came back negative. She wasn't satisfied, she set up an ultrasound, results were negative. She still wasn't satisfied. She referred him to a specialist. We learned that he had a kidney blockage, he needed surgery. Of course I cried and she comforted me. The surgery was a success. About eight years later she started feeling something new. She sent him to a specialist, he said he'll be fine in about another year or so. Well she wasn't satisfied after a year she sent him back. The doctor said he needed testicles surgery. After the surgery I asked her if that would have prevented him from having children she said yes ma'am. Well my son is 31 years old with two sons of his own ages 8 and 9. I saw her about two years ago with my grandson. I am so thankful that she touched my life and blessed my generation. I thank God for Him sharing her with us. I pray that she have an awesome home going service to meet our King and Father. Servant well done take your rest, you're been faithful and I thank you Dr. Gail Gossett. Blessings to your son and family.
September 10, 2018
My prayers and condolences are extended to the family of Dr. Gail Gossett Williams, my grade school friend. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Let us extend prayers of condolence for her extended family and friends.
" EARLY BIRTHDAY GREETINGS TO MARY LIPSON RICHARDSON "
High school is what kind of grows you into the person you are. I have great memories, good and bad, some learning experiences and some that I'll take with me the rest of my life. ~ Giancarlo Stanton ~
One of the best ways to make yourself happy in the present is to recall happy times from the past. Photos are a great memory-prompt, and because we tend to take photos of happy occasions, they weight our memories to the good. ~ Gretchen Rubin ~
Happy Birthday Mary ! High school was a wonderful time for many and provided us with shared memories, which remain. As a member of Classmates.Com,I often see the photographs that you post and they're always of happy occasions. Today, I wish you a joyous day of celebrations, with family and friends. As you add to you scrapbook of photographs, here's a couple that you might like to add. They, like this musical blast from the past, represent happy occasions and should kind of grow on you! Look and listen as frequently as you desire......
Can you recognize any of these folks.....front row far right.....front row forth from the left??????
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