President Biden signed The Inflation Reduction Act yesterday. A nearly $400-billion investment in clean energy subsidies will mark the United States' most serious effort ever to combat climate change. Seniors on Medicare will have a cap on their prescription drug costs each year. And an extension on subsidies provided during the COVID-19 pandemic will lower healthcare costs for 13 million Americans.

I’m not bringing this up to talk about politics. On today’s episode of The Be Ruthless Show, I discuss finding gratitude during challenging times.

This was impossible for me when I first lost Jim. And, of course, some days are still more difficult than others. Difficult, but not impossible!

Grand Lake, Colorado. The first place Jim took me in Colorado. Our wedding venue. My absolute favorite place. And the place that helped me find my path. My way.

Tomorrow is our 8 year wedding anniversary. And the 5th I’ve experienced without Jim. Being in Grand Lake doesn’t change that…

But it makes it less painful. More peaceful.

On today’s episode of The Be Ruthless Show, I share my healing journey. I share my progress - that I’m seeing vividly here in Grand Lake.

I remember being here in 2018 and being in SO much pain and feeling completely lost. And I see myself now - still in pain but not at all lost.

To everyone struggling - this episode is for you. I’ve been there. I get it. And I promise you you’ll get through it!

I talk about the “invisibles” regularly. Chronic health. Mental illness. Loss and grief.

So much goes on that the world doesn’t see. 

On today’s episode of The Be Ruthless Show, I discuss what you need to know to support someone dealing with an “invisible.”

I also address things people struggling with an “invisible” can do to help others understand.

And remember, asking questions and having conversations is always encouraged! Connect with me at [email protected]!

I’ve been pretty open about feeling a bit off lately. It’s not in my nature to ‘fake it until I make it’ or to hide it, because talking about it is part of what helps me get through it.

On today’s episode of The Be Ruthless Show, I discuss the shifts I’m making, the tools I’m using, to navigate my way.

Simple adjustments that make a big difference.

And I discuss how to use these tools proactively. Whether it’s back to school, a new job, a move - or a difficult stretch - it’s important to have tools and supports in place.

>>>Mark Your Calendars<<<

Join me on October 2nd for a 5k walk fundraiser in conjunction with CKG Foundation, an organization devoted to raising awareness about teens and mental health. Please consider joining The Be Ruthless Show Team or make your Donation now and thank you for your support!

A portion of the proceeds raised will be donated to CKG, and the rest will be awarded to the winner of the 2022 Jim Ruth Scholarship.  Nominate a teen here.

I don’t know much about Twitter - but I’ve connected with someone truly amazing. She’s real and raw and open - and working diligently to break stigmas surrounding mental health. MY kind of people.

And today, I’m honored to have her as my guest on The Be Ruthless Show.

Ashley Perkins, PharmD, is a mental health advocate with a background as a pharmacist and educator. She graduated from Butler University's College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in 2008 and is currently in the Ed program at Marshall University, with a focus on curriculum and instruction. In March of 2020, with John Bollinger, she formed We Matter Too, Inc. which focuses on helping those with mental health issues and mental disorders through first-person narratives of experience.

On todays episode, we discuss a LOT of things, including what you can ask your pharmacist, the benefits of sharing - especially when you’re trained NOT to share, your rights, and more. Ashley also discusses We Matter Too, Inc and her book, I Matter Too - which absolutely everyone needs to read!!

Connect with Dr. Ashley at:

https://www.drashleyperkins.com/

wemattertoo.org

Buy the book:

https://www.amazon.com/I-Matter-Too-Ashley-Perkins/dp/B0B6XX2ZNY

Listen to her Ted Talk

https://www.ted.com/talks/ashley_perkins_mental_disease_empower_others_by_sharing_your_story

Do you ever send out little hints hoping that someone will just read between the lines? Or say something when you’re hurt or angry hoping for a certain response?

Maybe it’s been the other way around and you’ve had someone communicate this way with you.

On today’s episode of The Be Ruthless Show, I share 5 real life examples of communication mishaps - as well as the alternative, healthier ways to communicate.

I talk about why it’s so important to mean what you say and say what you mean - for yourself AND for others in your life.

Sexy Pizza in Fort Collins is my new favorite Pizza - and I’ve never eaten it before!

After a patron was found unconscious in the bathroom, the owner decided to do more. He now provides medical training for his staff, specifically training on how to use and administer Narcan, a nasal spray given to overdose patients.

On todays episode of The Be Ruthless Show, I discuss why I’m a fan. Too many people are afraid to seek help because they fear consequences. Proactive measures, like Narcan, save lives AND raise awareness.

Thank you, Sexy Pizza, for making a difference!

I had the craziest migraine last week, and Dallas knew before I did. For Real!

On today’s episode of The Be Ruthless Show, I get a little personal. I talk about living alone in a new area and how something as simple as a migraine can become overwhelming.

I discuss how Sassy and Dallas keep me going when, truth be told, without them it would be easy to neglect myself and my needs.

I say all the time that we live in this fast paced world. Healing isn’t fast. It’s not linear. It’s ongoing.

What do you think of when you hear Domestic Violence? Something physical?

Verbal abuse is just as dangerous and often overlooked. On today’s episode of The Be Ruthless Show, my guest discusses all of this, and more.

Susan Omilian is an attorney, author and motivational speaker who has worked to end violence against women for the last forty years. With the death of her nineteen-year-old niece Maggie, killed in 1999 by her ex-boyfriend, Susan’s work became more personal and immediate. She vowed to help victims move on after abuse as Maggie could not. She is the originator and facilitator of My Avenging Angel WorkshopsTM based on the idea that “living well is the best revenge.”

Since 2001, her free workshops have helped hundreds of survivors take the journey beyond abuse from victim to survivor to thriver. Susan’s innovative seven-step motivational model follows the three stages of recovery from trauma developed by Dr. Judith Herman, a psychiatrist best known for developing the diagnosis of complex PTSD.

Prior to this work, Susan founded a sexual assault crisis center, worked as a courtroom victim advocate and represented domestic violence victims as an attorney in divorce cases. She also led psycho-educational groups for male domestic violence offenders for fifteen years.

You can connect with Susan at [email protected]

http://www.thriverzone.com/

On Saturday, we had a huge event in The Mental Health Community. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

On todays episode of The Be Ruthless Show, I celebrate this and go more in depth about how we can all take advantage of 988.

For informed about Relief From Grief, contact me at [email protected]

To donate to Whole Lotta Love: The James Lincoln Ruth Foundation click here: https://gofund.me/a00bc584

Email nominations for The 2022 Jim Ruth Award to [email protected]