It must be said…
Everyone has been very kind in telling me they’d be sad if I died. And Josh, let me know if you’re coming to Philly! A beer wouldn’t be that weird.
As for blogging, it seems working at a partial hospitalization program leaves little time for the computer. But I love it, and am glad to be so engaged with meaningful work that makes a difference for mental health consumers. I promise to find a better balance between that job and this one. It’s taking me time to adjust. Change is hard. But I think it’s exhilarating too. I think if I had to choose, I’d opt for change over stasis every time.
You are all kind and generous people, and I appreciate your caring. I also appreciate how engaged people are when they comment here, and how willing to talk to others. And for those who just started to comment, don’t stop! We love it.
Again, thanks to all. I’m not going to die, though. Who would take care of my hamster?
liz | 7:50 PM | Uncategorized
Being a “pocket pet” family of girls, we had a hamster born in the middle of the night, when most drama seems to happen with women. This baby hamster was too tiny to calculate, and we nursed him with tiny round the clock droppers of water, and i forget what else, in a sock– for weeks, and we named him Lucky.He had a great life.
I’ve just caught up with your blog after a few weeks away and so have only now read the piece on who would be sad. Now, you haven’t heard from me before so this will sound strange – but if you died I would feel a piece of the world breaking right out from under my feet. Let me explain – I’m new to blogging, as reader and writer, and it’s like discovering a vast new world ready and welcoming for exploration. I’m just getting my feet used to walking on this new terrain and am finding insightful writers like Spikol, and here I have to consider one part of this new world disappearing. Shakes me to think about things disappearing, especially this special Spikol who can write on a subject like who would care if I died and toss out all the sentimental stuff that could ruin it for others – and focus in on the key issues, like a reporter after the news.
You’re a wonderful writer – and that’s how I’m getting to know you – so don’t stop for any reason. So, so many like me are searching for a few truth-tellers amid all the ads and self-promotion.
Stay with us.
John
I totally concur with your comments re: change. I need security & stability and I don’t initially adapt well to change—in fact I usually fight and fear it! But once I embrace it, I realize how it has expanded my mind and my world—-and feel so damn lucky. I think your new job sounds interesting—probably demanding and overwhelming at times but we need more Liz Spikols in mental health settings. Congratuations & best wishes. Don’t worry about less blogging time. We know you’re out there making the world a better place, just like you do here at TTWS.
Not dying??? I had already decided what I was going to have on my post-funeral bagel!!
Will be interested in hearing if your thoughts on mental health care shift now that you are in a role of caring for patients (have never really liked the “client” thing- sounds like I am selling carpet). Potential first topic could be decanoate (long-acting) meds- pros and cons.
Very belatedly, I would be very, very, very sad if you died. Your voice is uniquely funny, sweet and brilliant.
I only know you through your blog, which is a recent discovery for me, but I already know you individually would be greatly missed. Just your presence in the world.
And yes, your blog is an important contribution. Not even talking about the news and information you pass on, just the fact that you are publicly “out” about living with mental illness is radical and brave and revolutionary. The more people who are out, the less stigma will exist and easier it will be to get the health care we all need. Your example inspires other people to be brave and unashamed. I’ve been spreading the word about your blog to everyone I think might be interested. Thank you, thank you, thank you and please remember to save and read the loving comments when you need the support.
Hey Liz,
I feel so compelled to comment on this post.
Liz, if anything ever happened to you, it would have such a huge, huge effect on me. Frankly, I’d be a mess. Not to get all Dionne Warwick on you, but you are such a role model. The grace and aplomb with which you handle your illness is so awe inspiring. Your videos are amazing – you are just so honest about everything, so real. Although we only met once –at TTWS Book Club – you’re a part of my life. I’ve *learned* so much about how to deal with my illness not just through facts you present, but through your wonderfully quirky sense of humor.
And I’m sure other TTWS readers feel the same.
Dennis
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