We are all capable of a beast under the right circumstances. We can spew vitriol in a heartbeat, with the right trigger. What triggers that inner beast to immerge? Can it be tamed? Can we ever heal the damage it does? If you wake the Beast, do you deserve what you get for poking the bear?

Part 2 of the series, What's IN Your Mind. We shared time with our shadows, now it's time to embrace the light. We all have those little things that make us smile, even when we think we aren't able. Let's embrace those nuances that make us believe dreams come true. Often times, it's easier to sit with our demons, it's comfortable. Let's get out of the shadows and recognize the thoughts that motivate us, elevate us, and make us want to smile just because.

This week is a two-part series called, What's IN Your Mind. First comes the darkness. When we feel like our own thoughts are our enemies: negative self-talk, fears, the voices in the shadows, at times they haunt us all. Whether it's mistakes we've made, all the useless what-ifs, or paralyzing comparisons in unfortunate shoulds', tell us all about those dark and shadowy places that keep you up at night.

Celebrating the life love and spirit of our pets. The bonds of friendship in the comfort the gave us. The laughter they ignited. The secrets they kept, and the tears they licked away.

Oftentimes, people become who they perceive others need them to be. It's easy, too easy, to lose ourselves in the needs of others, with no regard for our own needs. Let us work towards finding a truth that let us be who we are while also being there for our loved ones. That balance isn't easy. It disrupts the status quo. Do we stay as expected to appease others, or do we embrace our own nature, even if that means losing people? Can we find an honest balance? 

We have all dealt with pain that we don't always wear on our sleeves. We paint on a smile to not burden others with our reality. It's never an easy feat. Why do we so readily listen to the pain of others and never think it a burden, yet we find it hard to share because we don't want to burden others? How many times do we suffer in silence to not inconvenience those around us or is that just an excuse to hold it in so we don't fall apart? 

Ever want to drop that baggage you’re carrying? I’m over the craziness of the Holiday season, over the hoopla of New Years. It’s another day in the grind. Let’s leave it all behind instead of letting it all bog us down. Let’s just declare: I’m over it!

The end is Nigh and, once again, it's time for parties, celebration, and new beginnings. Are you glad the year is over and looking forward to bigger and better things, Could this be the year you stick to the resolutions, or will next year screw you as much as this one did?

After the excitement of Christmas day,  sometimes we need to wind down a bit.  It was a night of open poetry and conversion. 

This is a special Boxing Day edition to wish our very own Titus Llewellyn a very Happy Birthday. You can listen to his recordings on SoundCloud. Just click the link:

https://soundcloud.com/titus-llewellyn-606309592

Titus has been an integral part of PrttySweet Distractions. His contributions and encouragement mean more than he knows. We hope this show can convey our care and gratitude for all the he is.

Titus, know you are both loved and appreciated. 

Happy Birthday