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Breaking into My Life

Breaking Into My Life chronicles the impact that growing up with a mentally-ill mother had on author Michelle Dickinson-Moravek, and how she finally reclaimed herself and the life she deserved.

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Author Archives: Michelle Dickinson

Getting Knocked Down

Getting Knocked Down

About a month ago, I was with an old friend and found myself watching a women’s UFC fight. I was blown away by what I saw. First off, I am not a fan of violence of any kind, so watching this put me clear outside of my comfort zone. Yet as soon as I began watching it, I couldn’t look away. Oddly, I quickly found myself actually rooting one of the two girls. Don’t ask me why. Until that moment I had no idea who either of them were. But that is not the point here.

The thing that I realized immediately was the agility and strength that these fighters need to have and maintain in order to just stay in the fight. The girl that I was rooting for was clearly winning. She just seemed to have the upper hand. That was when it happened. The other girl punched her so hard that she stumbled back and fell on her butt. I wondered if this would be it and the match would spiral to an ending. However, without flinching she bounced right back up and regained her position. In that pivotal moment when she was pushed down, for her there was no option to stay down. Instead, she forced herself back to her feet because she knew that her opponent was ready to take her down. 

That was when it hit me that this fight was so similar to our brains. Life will pummel us with challenges and stun us with challenging life events that feel like they are hitting us square across the face. And it is in that pivotal moment where we have the choice. We can either allow it to totally take us down or bounce right back up immediately and not allow it to totally crush the little bit of momentum that we still have left. The magic really is in bouncing back up. This was such a powerful reminder for me given what I have been struggling with in my own life. Keeping my brain in check and grabbing momentum in my triathlon training is what I need to do to keep going and maintain my stance. The moment I allow my thoughts to run the show is the moment I will be down for the count.

So here’s to all of us remembering the power of determination and doing whatever we can to bounce back!

Reaching our Youth

Reaching our Youth

Sharing a very cool resource available for reaching our youth when it comes to openly talking about mental illness. Check this out. The target audience for this campaign coming out of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention are youth age 16-22. Have a look and please pass along to the youth in your life. https://seizetheawkward.org/?gclid=CjwKCAiAs8XiBRAGEiwAFyQ-erSthuV31pi0_mgfp8O1dGzTgbQpLVd70_88TLWjdO5bpn-M0KM6xRoCkUgQAvD_BwE Continue Reading

My Latest Podcast

My Latest Podcast

Last week I had the opportunity to be interviewed for a podcast about my book by a wonderful nurse. Nurses have always been near and dear to me for so many reasons. They have big hearts and often times are the ones who help calm you down when you aren’t well. I thoroughly enjoyed my… Continue Reading

What a Whirlwind!

It has been a whirlwind few weeks for me. I wanted to pause and share with you how life is unfolding for me. I have to say that it is really pretty amazing! In October, I finally moved into my own place in my home town of Westfield. It is so good to be home… Continue Reading

Thank You Chicago!

I had such a great time in Chicago on The Jam Morning Show! Talk about mid-west love! With such a  warm welcome and kind crew, I immediately felt comfortable. I hope my message reached those who needed to hear it. Here is the video from that interview. https://www.facebook.com/TheJamTVShow/videos/555272338259551/ Continue Reading

You Are Made Ready

Lately, I feel like I have been drinking from a fire hose. With so many balls that I am juggling in the air both personally and professionally, I find myself questioning if I can do it all. Last week was one of those weeks for me. And, I made it through. They say that luck… Continue Reading

Creating a Beautiful Future in the Face of the Past

I am so humbled by this write up by Landmark Forum news. If you have not read my book, here is a great summary by a wonderful Landmark program leader and writer, Mindy Sullivan. https://www.landmarkforumnews.com/breaking-into-my-life-bringing-mental-illness-out-of-the-shadows/ For anyone who has endured any kind of pain in their past, this message is for you. I would never… Continue Reading

Writers on Fire – Podcast

Recently, I had the great pleasure of participating as a guest on this podcast. If you have not yet read my book, this podcast summarizes many aspects of my book. Give a listen if you don’t have time to read the book. I hope my story can offer you something. http://www.writersauthorsonfire.com/140-michelle-dickinson/ Continue Reading