Tranquil Trekker

Spring Forward: Daylight Saving Time In this post, I discuss how my SAD symptoms decrease with the time change.

It’s that “time” again! (At least in the US) Read on for why I will forever be #teamtimechange (at least for northern latitudes!)

#timechange #daylightsavingstime

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Getting Older... From the perspective of a Xennial approaching their mid-40s...

As I’m edging toward my mid-40s this week, my thoughts about getting older…

#birthday #gettingold #happybirthday

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Mindfulness When Health is Chaotic I discuss my experiences dealing with two major surgeries and the American, healthcare system.

After two major surgeries in the last two years, I thought I’d talk about my experiences and what I learned traversing the American healthcare system…

#healthcare #surgery #hysterectomy #anklesurgery

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I just know I’ve never known anyone who couldn’t get the care they needed timely; or who lost their home to medical debt; or who was forced into ungodly wait times—the people I know are in no way wealthy—many are blue collar workers. I’m not saying the system works for everyone but it does many.

The US is NOT perfect but decent insurance gets you good care quickly. Traditional and Expanded Medicaid and the Marketplace make this an option for many additional people too—and Medicare (with supplemental insurance) is good for the elderly and disabled.

I have heard absolute horror stories regarding these “socialized” systems—lengthy wait times of months to years—sometimes in immense pain or with horrific bleeding—for procedures. I’ve also heard about lengthy waits for pathology results—what about cancer or heart attack/stroke concerns?

My Lenten Fast I review my Lenten Fast that I endeavor to complete each year

“Happy” Ash Wednesday all! Does anyone else do a #lentenfast?

#lent #lentenseason #fasting #fast

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Increasing Daylight as Winter Wains As we near the end of the cold season, I discuss our ever-lengthening daylight and the subsequent reduction of my SAD symptoms.

New post is up on Substack! Bring on the daylight!

#SAD #seasonalaffectivedisorder #winterdepression #winterblues

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We’re hoping to “retire” by 50–it can’t come soon enough!

A Tranquil New Year Congratulations! If you are reading this you have survived another year of the 2020s!

#happynewyear everyone! I’ve got a new substack up of my anxieties and my hopes for 2026!

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Enjoying the Winter Solstice My excitement for the shortest day of the year. We have made it to the Winter Solstice!

One of my favorite days of the year is tomorrow!! Happy #wintersolstice!

#solstice #longestnight #shortestday #SAD #winterdepression #seasonalaffectivedisorder #winterblues #seasonaldepression #yule #albanarthan #mothernight

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Be Mindful Towards all Holidays Celebrated this Season Friction among various holiday traditions seems to rear its ugly head this time of year. We need to get back to what really matters during the holiday season.

I’ve got a post up on Substack about respecting all holiday traditions this season!

#holidays #christmas #kwanzaa #yule
#hanukkah #solstice

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My PT says no skiing for me this year—ankle is still healing—I’m looking forward to snowshoeing though!

Seasonal Depression SUX! I attempt to shed a “sunny” light on the dark days the winter season brings…

Another post on how I deal with #SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) this time of year!

#seasonalaffectivedisorder #winterdepression #winterblues #darkness #darkdays #mentalhealth

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Happy Thanksgiving! What I’m thankful for on this Thanksgiving holiday, as well as why we eat that giant, delicious bird.

Happy Turkey Day to all who celebrate!

#thanksgiving #happythanksgiving #turkeyday #holidays

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My first trip to the Rockies in 2004–Mesa Verde NP!

I LOVE huckleberry! Also the bear claws at the Polebridge Mercantile—YUM!

Agreed! We enjoy road trips! I also DESPISE flying for many reasons!

Q10: I was thinking, Acadia has the carriage roads you can bike on!

Embrace the Dark Winter Days Some of the tools and techniques I use to help control the symptoms of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

In this substack I discuss my annual struggle with #SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and techniques I use to help combat it!

#seasonalaffectivedisorder #winterblues #winterdepression #anxiety #depression #mentalhealth

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Enjoy Fort Robinson State Park and Toadstool Geologic Park : Tranquil Trekker Check out Fort Robinson State Park in western Nebraska for great, family-friendly hiking and historical opportunities!

A new post is up! Nebraska isn’t all flat and boring! Check out Toadstool Geologic Park and Fort Robinson in the beautiful, western part of the state!

#nebraska #hikenebraska #travelnebraska #camping #hiking #roadtrip

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Q10 Rangers and Locals!

Q6 Wind Cave NP in SD is known for the cave (obviously) but it’s got great hiking above ground too!

Halloween, a Creepy Holiday? My thoughts on this fun holiday, and some of its quirky traditions...

Happy Halloween all—a fun little writeup I put on Substack!

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Q11 LOTS of sun and getting outside as much as possible. Hubs and I also do 10,000 IUs Vitamin D3 all winter long. With the low sun angle of the Northern Plains this is the only thing that keeps my SAD at bay—fortunately the Black Hills are very sunny! Tried antidepressants, side effects SUCKED!

I think you are right, the one farther in from Dream Lake!

Hmm, you may be right, those 2 are close and I get them confused 😂😇

Q6: not an NP but moonlight on Sebago Lake, Maine!

I LOVE this lake (and the Snowies! 🥰)

There’s a Lake Helen in the Bighorn Mountains (Wyoming) that looks a lot like this! 😂