It Really Has.

Having (more than one) invisible illness can just be so f**king draining at times. Today is one of those times. I keep a folder of motivational images handy that I make myself look at to try to help. Sometimes they do. Sometimes not. Thought some were worth sharing. #invisibleillnessawareness #migrainessuck #depressionsucks #mentalhealthmatters #selfcare https://www.instagram.com/p/CC_g-CAh-W8/?igshid=73rhu8jqmusj

Men

My kid is the coolest. She spent a lot of time this past weekend working on a 3D map of her fictional city (New Asguard). The dinosaur paddock was particularly inspired. #mykidrocks https://www.instagram.com/p/ByaSrv8BpuvDW2w8zZpHwtPeLNTEcMvvhV3wV00/?igshid=aezcbdsbgxt1

We often see what we want to see, and we all have our own inherent bias and pattern recognition. That said, I went in cold turkey to the movie Thunderbolts* when my daughter and I went to see it recently. I didn't watch any trailers, avoided spoilers, etc.

And what I saw was me.

Here's My Short Spoiler-Free Review:

I was not at all expecting the amount of depth the story has

There are some very authentic-feeling portrayals of living with mental illness

It was fucking awesome

And My Slightly Longer And Still Not Very Spoilery Review:

As a person who lives with mental illness, I got to see A LOT of what I feel, have felt, have experienced reflected in a certain character's own experiences. And their journey isn’t just an inclusivity checkmark; it’s the core of the movie. I think a lot of people will see themselves reflected here, and by not explicitly stating this character’s diagnosis, they allow the story to include anyone who lives with mental illness, addictions, trauma.

And all of the thoughtful and nuanced handling of mental health notwithstanding, this is just a great movie all around. You should go see it.

In just a few minutes... Let There Be Carnage!! #venom2 #movienight #nightoutwithmykid https://www.instagram.com/p/CUdgGgMLdSlaxXXuak8fNKikrFyCAeZsy99rFk0/?utm_medium=tumblr

Go easy on yourself. And others. We've all been through a lot, and we rarely know what anyone else's traumas have been. #justbreathe #youvegotthis #youareworthy https://www.instagram.com/p/CVAgfeyLhfMEN3xgwKsX05jAOVhxG_6HOVOdmM0/?utm_medium=tumblr

Have to agree with this. I know I didn't order either of these... #anxietysucks #mentalhealthmeme https://www.instagram.com/p/B2FKUlAhtjO/?igshid=1u2w7xwifa2cd

Lots of talk lately about what is and isn't a chrismas movie. Here's my "it's not christmas until" list. https://www.instagram.com/p/CI1lbGJBx4NEgS5jr60Qx-Qvl7tCNyhCDE0mGw0/?igshid=335bp8thot63

Looking after yourself isn't selfish; it's necessary. Look after yourselves when you need to. This inspirational message was sent to me earlier by @omhomelife and I wanted to share. They're good words. #selfcare #selflove #nonotthatkind https://www.instagram.com/p/BvWkRrVBKfWvHmW7MJLIggzLEb3xhV-uhQZ0Mg0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=m53s9t7c0gcs