It's a Brand New Day

If you are a regular reader of "Jase-isms," then you know I can't commit to anything "regular," but that's kind of the way life is with me.  In fact, its part of living with mental illness.  You can go days, weeks, maybe a month if your lucky, without having any major issues, then one day your world collapses because someone forgot to put the milk back in the fridge. It really can be something that simple.  So, here's the only promise I can make... What you read here will be irregular, personal, thoughtful, and passionate.

But Jase...this is like your 4th blog, why do you keep changing? I wish I had a good answer for that, but the only answer I have is that I'm having trouble finding my voice as an "adult."  Let me caveat that - I don't think anyone is really an adult until somewhere between obtaining a mortgage and procreating, and sometimes that is even questionable.  When I was in college, I wrote for the school newspaper, as well as having several technical and research papers published. I've had articles published over the years, even some in the last 12 months....but - I feel like for the last decade everything I write has been forced.  Like its not really me...in fact, there's a few things I wrote that literally sounded like another person. That has to stop.  I need to write with my voice, no matter what that is.  It's time to stop allowing others to decide what topics I can write about and how I should write them. I might be angry about the acne on the butt of a random gay adult entertainer or I might be pensive and philosophical about the nuances of cheese.  No matter what it is...I should be able to express myself uninhibited by the masses...be they friend or foe or somewhere in between.

Anyway...that's where this is coming from.  That is why I'm giving my blog a new face.  I want to write about my life, my struggles, my pain, my joy, my right nipple...whatever...without worry. Okay...I'm kidding about the nipple thing...sort of.  The reality is I intend to right about my life as a parent living with mental illness.  I've written tons of things about parenting special needs kids, being a teacher of special needs children, etc.  Those days are kind of over for me as my kids are all grown now. (My baby just started college.) Now, I want to go back and reflect on the struggles I faced (for better or worse) and put them into words.  Maybe somewhere along the way, I've gleaned some wisdom that I can impart to others to make their journey a bit smoother.

With that said, I need your help.  If my tidbits are going to make a difference, I need your help in spreading the good news.  I'm not asking for shameless plugs and senseless advertising, but...if you could share me, tweet me, +1 me...whatever format you use (all of the above?!?!?)  it would be amazing.  Encourage people to comment on the blog directly, sign the guest book, and to follow me on Google+.  In fact, I'll be doing the same for you!  Perhaps if we keep sharing with each other, we'll finally create a world where understanding and compassion are the tools of every trade and tongue.  Until then...journey well!