Alias In Town

The Great Mystery

noreply@blogger.com (AnitaWilson) — Thu, 21 Mar 2019 11:54:00 +0000

I'm fascinated by the word "mystery". It means anything that is kept secret or unknown. It always arouses curiosity and we are driven to solve the mystery--to know the unknowable. When we find the word mystery in the Bible it takes on a different meaning. You see, in the Bible a mystery is a truth that is revealed only through divine revelation. This fascinates me.

Other religions in the same time period of Christ kept knowledge of their religion secretive, or mysterious, on purpose. Information was withheld from the followers perhaps to keep interest piqued. But Christianity is different. It centers around revelation. It thrives on the journey one takes to know and experience more of God. When God's purpose is revealed scripture calls this a mystery.

Our mysterious God desires to be known. He desires to reveal himself, his plans and his ways. To find the jewels in the Kingdom of God, one does not need to go on a scavenger hunt with cryptic clues. The parables of Jesus are a great example of this. His parables reveal the mysteries of God through story in a profound manner.

Divine mystery reveals three aspects of God's character.

God's omniscience. He reveals his knowledge through his word and relationship.
God's sovereignty. He reveals his power over all things.
God's grace. He reveals himself in the salvation plan through Jesus

The book of Ephesians is strewn with mystery, especially, chapter 3.

Will we understand all the mysteries of God? Certainly not. They are beyond what we can even imagine. I have faith that God reveals the mysteries of our faith that we need and within his timing. He is a great God.

Stress Coping Strategies That Will Change Your Life

noreply@blogger.com (AnitaWilson) — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 22:06:00 +0000

Coping strategies are ways to manage external or internal stress. When we experience stressors we change cognitive thought patterns and behavioral patterns in order to cope with the demands the stressor is placing on our bodies.

These strategies can be healthy or unhealthy to our emotional, cognitive and physical well being. They are almost always habitual, and we are usually unaware of many of our responses. A bad habit or an addiction are examples of unhealthy coping strategies. Even though they are unhealthy, they bring comfort and relieve the stressor. This makes the unhealthy coping strategies extremely difficult to replace with healthy ones. Coping strategies are unique to the individual. However, there are six coping strategies that apply generally to everyone.

1. Your Environment.

Don’t pollute or allow others to pollute your environment. This is difficult because it requires a lifestyle change. If you are an addict you must be brave enough to ask your friends and family not to use around you. You must not frequent places where the substance is being used. Sometimes you may have to change the type of entertainment you listen to, watch or read. The old adage GIGO, garbage in, garbage out, is a truth. In some cases, you may need to move to a new neighborhood or city depending on your current environment. This is your LIFE! This is serious and you are worth the best chance you can give yourself.

Triggers. Avoid your known triggers.

I’m sure you know what they are. If not give it some thought, and make a list. If the trigger is a person, you may need to either avoid the person or avoid them in certain situations.

Respect.

Treat yourself like you would treat other people. Be kind to yourself. Forgive yourself. Don’t expect perfection from yourself. Love yourself.

Distraction.

A two minute distraction is all it takes to stop the mind from brooding over a craving, stewing in anxiety, or mulling over depressing thoughts.

Socialization.

Loneliness is a health risk that some say is as dangerous as smoking. Create a regular social life with healthy, supportive people. Reach out. Don’t isolate yourself.

Power of No.

Learn to say “no” to others. You cannot be a people pleaser. You simply do not have the strength to always say, “yes.” Know your energy level, and say yes only if you really are able. Do not say, “yes” to just make the other person happy or to have them think well of you.

Your Unique Coping Strategies

The purpose of this exercise is for you to create as many things in lists as you are able. The list is of activities you can perform to de-stress. They become your new positive coping strategies. You can pick and choose from these activities when facing stress.

There is a rule that comes with behavioral coping strategies. The rule is DO IT even if you don’t FEEL like it. Frankly, you are not going to feel like doing these things. They push you out of your comfort zone. They force you away from your patterns of negative coping and everything in your brain is going to fight you. DO IT EVEN IF YOU DON’T FEEL LIKE IT. No excuses my friends.

Following, I provide my own lists. I hope this will help your own thought process as you create your lists. I have divided the lists into contemplative/peaceful activities, other-focus activities, and creative activities. Though not included as an example, a physical activities list would also be beneficial.

Contemplative & Peaceful Activities

Sometimes a stressor requires you to relieve anxiety and help infuse your being with peace. Make a list of things that give you a sense of inner peace, comfort or love.

Contemplative & Peaceful Activity List

Alias In Town’s List	Your List
Being in nature
Reading Scripture
Music
Prayer
Meditation
Calling a family member or friend
Taking a bubble bath
Coloring
Going to a bookstore
Drinking a Chai tea in a real china cup

Become Other Focused

Sometimes we increase stressors because our minds continually swirl around our own circumstances. You may find yourself thinking constantly about yourself. This doesn’t mean you are selfish. It is just one of the realities of this existence. Other-focused activities can take your mind off yourself. They will help the stress melt away.

Other-Focused Activity List

Alias In Town’s List	Your List
Pray for needs of others
Write notes, emails or messages of encouragement
Do a simple good deed or act of kindness
Give sacrificially to a charity
Play with my grandchildren
Call someone to say you were thinking of them
If you are able, do an errand for someone

Creativity

Please don’t see the word “creativity” and say “I’m not creative” and skip this section. Everyone is creative. It’s a human quality we all share. Sometimes it’s expressed in art and design, but most of the time it is expressed through projects and problem solving. Besides, even if you do want to express yourself artistically it can be for your own eyes and fun. I believe everyone is an artist.

Creative Activities List

Alias In Town’s List	Your List
Coloring, painting, drawing
Sewing, crafting
Organizing something
Write your family history
Research your family tree
Ask your friends how they met and write their love stories
Design website
Use online tools to make grand-kids story books
Fix that thing you’ve been putting off
Find someplace local on the internet and go on an adventure
Take your camera and: - Take pictures of something starting with every letter of the alphabet - Photograph anything that looks like a face - Get a snapshot of something from every color in the rainbow - Capture the phases of the moon for a month - Create some before and after photos
Start an art journal or art journal Bible

I sincerely hope the above information and activities are helpful to you in someway. It is time to be WELL.

The Puzzle Of Faith

noreply@blogger.com (AnitaWilson) — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 14:05:00 +0000

Sometimes, it feels as though faith is a puzzle that must be assembled correctly. There are two especially puzzling things about faith personal to me. The first is frustration. I get frustrated that I don’t understand faith. Oh, how frustrated I get that my puzzle pieces are not assembled correctly, and I don’t have a clear picture of what faith looks like. This leads directly to the second puzzling thing - guilt. Sometimes, I either feel guilty I don’t have enough puzzle pieces or just when I think I have it figured out, I am missing the last piece of the puzzle.

The good news is I have found an example in scripture that shows my thinking is completely backwards. Faith isn’t a puzzle after all and I’m not missing pieces either. The good news is the simple story about the Angel of the LORD telling Abraham he would have a son within a year, and Sarah overhearing the conversation. It is a story of laughter, which of course is the meaning of the name Abraham and Sarah give to their son, Isaac, when this promise was fulfilled. Isaac means laughter.

Laughing Off Faith

Abraham was 98 years old when he was told he would have a son. This was the second time Abraham heard this prophecy. The first time he doubled-over in laughter. Sarah was 88 when she overheard the prophetic announcement and she laughed too.

I believe there is a difference between Abraham’s laughter and Sarah’s laughter. When Sarah laughed she was questioned about it. She was questioned by God about it.

God asked, “Why did laugh?”

Sarah lied and said, “I didn’t laugh.”

Abraham laughed too, but God never questioned him about his laughter. I’m making the following observation that is completely my own opinion. Abraham was laughing out of joy. He had faith that God would bring about his promise. God had been faithful to Abraham along every step of his journey from his homeland. Abraham believed God would continue to be faithful. Sarah, on the other hand, laughed in disbelief. “Ha!” she said, “I’m having a baby at my age. Ha, ha! Yeah, right God! You’re going to give me a son, ha, ha, ha!”

Does Our Disbelief Stop God?

If my observation of Abraham is right it showed that he had faith. It also shows that Sarah did not have faith. Did Sarah’s lack of faith stop God from delivering on his promise? No! It did not!

David Feddes, a professor at Christian Leaders Institute, says, “Faulty faith doesn’t stop God’s irresistible grace or prevent his promises from coming true. Sarah may have laughed in disbelief, but did that stop God? No, says the Bible. ‘The LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said and the LORD did for Sarah as he had promised.’ That is what happened. God was faithful in his promise to Sarah even though she obviously had a lack of faith.”

This story made me think of my own frustration and guilt over what I thought was a puzzle of faith. I asked myself, “Does this stop God from fulfilling promises to me?” It does not stop God! Not only does he fulfill his promises to me, he sends mighty blessings my way, and he is working out his plan for my life regardless of my conundrum over the enigma of faith. As I watch God’s faithfulness and grace, my faith becomes more established and it grows deeper.

Grace Creates Faith

“Don’t think God’s promise is based on our faith. It’s the other way around. Our faith is based on God’s promise. Some people have the idea that God looks ahead to see who will have faith and gives grace and life to those who he foresees will have the proper degree of faith. But that is backward. It is grace that creates faith, not faith that creates grace. “ - David Feddes

Doesn’t that make you feel happy! Grace creates the faith. God’s grace in fulfilling promises to us. God’s grace in blessing us. God’s grace in sending his son to die for us creates faith. As we continue to be faithful and as we continue to walk along with him, our faith takes root. It becomes established. It grows.

Yes, Sarah laughed in disbelief but God’s faithfulness in fulfilling his promise to her caused her faith to take root. In fact it took root so deeply that she is mentioned in the Faith Hall of Fame in Hebrews 11.

Is faith really a puzzle?

No, it is not. Just look at God’s faithfulness in your life. Look at the grace he has given. Over time, your faith will deepen and grow as well. This makes me laugh. It makes me laugh with joy. Perhaps, one day I can get over my frustration and guilt. Perhaps I can just smile and say, “God’s grace is building faith in my life.”

Vestibular Migraine And My Four Non-medicinal Treatments

noreply@blogger.com (AnitaWilson) — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 17:14:00 +0000

Vestibular migraine or migrainous vertigo is a type of migraine which may or may not cause a headache. It causes a number of debilitating symptoms including vertigo, nausea, pressure in the head and ears, balance disorders which include fall risk, ocular aura and other symptoms. When an episode happens I am completely incapacitated.

Medications are given as a prophylactic (preventative measure), but once an episode begins medications cannot relieve all the symptoms. Anti-nausea medications help with the vomiting, if taken in time. Other symptoms must run their course throughout the episode. As a result, I have found four ways to help with symptoms to get me through an episode.

The Stare. Along with vertigo comes nystagmus which is involuntary eye movement. Your tendency when experiencing vertigo is to close your eyes and ride it out, but this actually prolongs the episode. The best thing to do is keep your eyes open and stare at a fixed object. This reduces the nystagmus and shortens the vertigo episode.

Other Focused Prayer. It is very natural and easy to feel sorry for yourself and even angry during an episode. This just increases your stress level prolonging your suffering. I have found that if I pray for others, it takes my mind off myself and focuses it on the need of others. My prayer list includes people with much greater issues than my own, as well as people who are dealing with everyday life stressors. I am not alone in suffering.

Create A Mantra. A mantra is something that you tell yourself repeatedly and it includes a truism. I have two different mantras that I repeat. One is a simple statement, "This too shall pass." The second mantra is a song written by Ze Frank. It is a song that goes "Hey! You're OK. You'll be fine. Just breathe." The story of how the song was written is a fascinating story you can read about here (http://www.zefrank.com/chillout/)

Social Network. A social network is a vital tool. Network sounds like a large group, but in reality it can be just a handful of friends or family members. I am ill and I need help. My network are people with whom I have the freedom to be my authentic self. With them, I can take off the mask of wellness and reveal how I am truly feeling. They are there for me at all hours and are just a phone call away when I am feeling in crisis.

Coping with symptoms without medications is essential. Medications are not magic potions and simply cannot help with all symptoms related to migrainous vertigo. These four things have become a sustainable, indispensable requirement for my well being.

My book Well contains other methods for coping with chronic illnesses of all types. It is available on Amazon here.

Addiction And Suicide Self-Help...NOT!

noreply@blogger.com (AnitaWilson) — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 13:55:00 +0000

I belong to a news organization where reporters seek out sources for articles and books they are writing. If I feel I can be a source of help, I respond to the reporter. I've had a few snippets with a byline in some articles.

Yesterday, I ran across a request that is so dangerous it has me praying with righteous indignation. There is an anonymous author searching for sources with addiction and/or suicide stories. That caught my attention because I have both of these stories. As I read the description of what this author was looking for I had chills run up my spine.

The author is looking for stories and any sources of online help or organizations that you found useful in recovery. Not too bad so far. Then I read that the author is putting together a self-help book for addicts and suicidal people. Chills, right!

I'm not against self-help. There are many areas in your life where you can help yourself. You can set some goals, create new habits, learn a new skill, and so on. However, I'm sure there is no reputable counselor, therapist or minister would suggest self-help for addiction or suicide.

Addiction is stealthy and subtle. The addict has a brain that has been addled with chemicals that force unhealthy behaviors. This is out the control of the addict. Their minds are not thinking clearly and the truly addicted will risk anything to get their next fix. Yes, anything. Their relationships. Their health. Their freedom. Taking a brain that is wired for addiction and applying self help techniques will simply drive the addict further into their addiction.

Suicidal people are also not thinking clearly. They are not themselves. The natural will to live that normally keeps us safe from danger and preserves life is not functioning in the suicidal mind. There is no safety net left in the brain. A suicidal person will almost always reach out to someone for help, but not always. They certainly can't look to themselves for help.

This book will be dangerous. I am praying for protection for future readers of this author's work.

Why I Made An Ebenezer

noreply@blogger.com (AnitaWilson) — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 11:40:00 +0000

First of all, what is an Ebenezer? I’m not talking about the main character in Dickens, A Christmas Tale. It actually comes from the Bible. The Israelites were under attack by the Philistines. They were outnumbered and terrified. They asked the prophet Samuel to call out to God for help. In response, Samuel prayed and offered a sacrifice and the Philistines were defeated. Then Samuel did this:

I Samuel 7:12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”

The definition of the word Ebenezer means stone of help. Samuel created a monument as a reminder of God’s help in a seemingly impossible situation.

There are many places in the Old Testament where stones are used as monuments to God’s help. It’s probably not an exhaustive list but I found at least 15 verses where this took place.

I have been doing a summer Bible study with a group of women friends based on the book, The Me Project by Kathi Lipp. It is a wonderful book to help you learn to focus on getting to know yourself, love yourself, understanding more of God, and creating a deeper relationship with God.

In one chapter she mentions the importance of remembering the successes that God has helped you achieve. She mentioned an Ebenezer and other ideas as tangible memorials that can be looked at to take us back to that place of remembrance and be grateful.

As part of my “Me Project”, I decided to complete the marketing plan for my book Well, and do it incorporating the process used in Lipp’s book.

I am so happy to say that with God’ help I completed my project in a way that honors him. I learned a lot about myself and God while I was doing it and my relationship with God is stronger as a result of this study.

To remember this summer study, I decided to build an Ebenezer. It seemed fitting to create a well replica out of my stones of help. It’s sitting on my desk and every time I glance at it, I feel a little extra joy in my heart.

Fallacies Christians Are Told About Chronic Illness

noreply@blogger.com (AnitaWilson) — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 00:02:00 +0000

There are many things you must deal with if you have a chronic illness. Some of the common struggles are depression, insomnia, struggles with identity, and being incapable. If you are a Christian, like Job you will have well-meaning friends trying to give you spiritual advice about your illness. They mean well, but like Job we must weigh what is said against scripture and the truth of our personal relationship with God.

video blog

Let's Play Never Have I Ever

noreply@blogger.com (AnitaWilson) — Thu, 19 Jul 2018 06:26:00 +0000

I will list 20 things I have never done. If you have done one or more of them leave a comment referencing the number from my list. Feel free to add any explanation in your comment you feel is required. Also, leave me your own "Never Have I Ever" statement and see if I have done it.

Here we go! Never Have I Ever...

been scared of clowns.
successfully made a duck face while taking a selfie.
wanted to be a Kardashian.
flown in a helicopter.
thought about what type of dog I would be.
read a single Harry Potter book.
licked a frozen pole.
dropped Mentos into a diet Coke.
attempted martial art moves while by myself.
imagined my life as a sitcom and who would play me.
thought a fart smelled good.
tried anchovies.
tried counting the number of licks it takes to get to the center of a lollipop.
used a fake ID.
crashed a wedding.
driven drunk.
romantically kissed anyone but my husband.
pushed all the floor buttons in an elevator.
started a diet on any day but Monday.
ridden a stand up roller coaster.

What Wikipedia Can't Tell You About Chronic Illness

noreply@blogger.com (AnitaWilson) — Tue, 17 Jul 2018 17:54:00 +0000

Wikipedia gives a great scientific definition for chronic illness. It even lists some common chronic illnesses for reference points. However, it is missing some facts that sufferers of chronic illness have in common.

A person with chronic illness will:

Experience grief

If your chronic illness has changed the way you live your daily life, caused you to lose a career or drastically change your life, you will grieve over these losses. There are five stages of grief, and you will experience them all: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. In fact, you will repeat stages as you move through them. I especially repeated anger during my grieving process.

Give yourself patience until you reach the acceptance stage. There is no timeline. I lost my career and my whole life turned upside down in 2008. This is a journal entry from 3 years later.

September 3, 2011

Such a strange word for me to describe a future. Seriously, NO ONE has died and yet I am dramatic enough to use the word “GRIEF” as a descriptor! What am I Grieving?

LOSS of a career
Inability to provide for my family
Incapable to volunteer ministry time
A lonely, unconnected life
Loss of ability to physically live life I emotionally and spiritually conceive as my passion and purpose

I am so lost right now. Really, really lost!

Wrestle with identity issues

Journal Entry - October 2, 2012

I used to have a career as a Sr. Database Analyst. I used to be an elder in a church. I used to be the life of the party and enjoy hanging out with friends. I used to volunteer time with charities. I used to be constantly on the go, enjoying a very busy, yet fulfilling life

Now I am no longer those things. I am no longer her. I haven’t been her for a long time. That is NOT my identity now. I hear from people or feel the expectation of others they want that person back. Well that person is gone. Truth is, I miss her too.

But she was just a construct. I am me and I am right here. A new way of living will be built, but it will be a temporary construct as well. That is how life should always be.

Even the dictionary definition of identity is confusing! It is not a mystery that an understanding of identity will morph and confuse you. If you allow yourself to become stuck in an old identity, it causes great pain and blinds you to your future. It also creates a sense of hopelessness. This is why it is so important for your identity to be defined more from your soul than your body and your capabilities. I root my identity within my faith. This means regardless of what happens to my body, my identity remains the same.

Likely have insomnia

According to a survey done by Psychology Today, (citing Article September 26, 2013) 30% of respondents said they never got a good night's sleep and 53% said they had a sleep problem.

I have networked with many others who suffer from chronic illness and their sleep patterns coincide with the above referenced survey. Many people describe having their days and nights switched. Meaning they stay up all hours of the night and sleep, as best they can, during the day. I am one of those people. I call it vampire hours. My husband's caregiver support group also state their loved ones have this issue.

Not like to asking for help

It is an act of self care to ask for help. You need help. That is a reality. For some unknown reason, our society makes you feel that asking for help is an example of weakness. There are some ordinary negative thoughts in regards to asking for help that likely hinder you.

I should not need help.

I did not used to need help with this.

I will be a burden if I ask for help.

People will tire of me asking for help.

I will lose my independence if I ask for help.

These are all insidious thoughts not based in reality. You will find that your caregivers are there for you and it is OK to ask for their help. Love yourself enough to ask.

Become frustrated

Frustration is a constant companion. This is a fact of your illness. You are going to be fed-up sometimes. You are going to be sick of being sick. You are going to have bad days. There will be days that your frustration is at maximum, and you are just angry and/or sad. Frustration will become a regular part of your life, and this is normal. After all, you have something to be frustrated over. You have something to feel sad about.

Have limited capability

A chronic illness, by definition, will limit your capacity to live life as you once did. I am profoundly struck with how much the simple routines of everyday impact me.

There are only so many units of energy that you have to function during your day. Things that most people don't think of take away units of energy from you. For example, getting a shower and getting dressed for the day use up units of energy. When those units are gone you are done for the day.

However, you are a whole person in spite of your illness. You are not inadequate, but you are incapable of doing many of the things you used to do. It is important to make this distinction between inadequacy and incapability. Feelings of inadequacy are ambivalent and lead to shame and remorse. Acceptance of incapability are just the facts of life. For example, you cannot always attend appointments because you are unsure of what will be a good day for you. This means that the people in your life, from friends to doctors, need this understanding. You are not inadequate or unreliable in being dependable for scheduled appointments. You are incapable of the certainty of attendance to a scheduled appointment or event.

Wikipedia is a great source for clinical definitions but it certainly will not tell you about the above commonalities people with chronic illness deal with on a consistent basis. Unfortunately, this is only a partial list. Hang in their friend! Chronic illness does not need to define you. It simply affects the way you live your life. It doesn't take value away from your life.

Top Ten Things I've Learned As A New Indie Author

noreply@blogger.com (AnitaWilson) — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 03:58:00 +0000

I've only been a published author for a month, but it seems I've learned a decades worth of information about independent publishing in this short amount of time. Right now, I'm pretty cynical about the process. If book sales were my goal then I would certainly consider paying a small publishing company to publish my book, or try the traditional route of obtaining an agent.

1. There is real cost to independent publishing.

I thought the cheapest route to go was independent publishing, but I have discovered there are many hidden costs I wasn't expecting. Marketing is expensive and essential. Come to find out my book cover should have been professionally designed and that is expensive as well. I was lucky enough to have access to an editor free of charge, but not all independent (indie) authors have that resource. This is a great article on the real cost of indie publishing.

http://mediashift.org/2013/05/the-real-costs-of-self-publishing-book/

2. Independently published books are still snubbed in the market place.

Anyone can be an author now. There is debate in the industry as to where indie publishing will take the market. The number of readers remains consistent but the number of books produced through indie publishing has glutted the market exponentially. There are millions more books than there are readers for them. This means that unless you have the backing of a traditional publisher, your book is lumped in with the masses and not recognized as up to standard. Yes, there are success stories, but they are few.

3. It appears most indie authors don't generate primary income from their books.

From what I have observed indie authors generate income by selling other products and services about indie publishing to other indie authors. It's really crazy on the internet. You can buy products and services on marketing, formatting, editing, book reviews, and how to anything related to indie publishing. I've even seen a list of blog post ideas for sale. This tells me that if my goal were to make an income from being an author, I better start writing about how to write, edit, market, and publish books.

4. The traditional publishing world is not interested in memoirs.

I have read from multiple sources that unless you are famous the chances of you pitching an idea to a publisher and having them catch the pitch for a memoir is 0%. They just aren't interested. In one article I read, not only would publishers not be interested in my memoir, but I wrote it completely wrong. Again, if my goal were book sales, I'd be worried.

5. Self marketing your book takes time, creativity and lots of failures.

In the last month, I have schemed and created marketing from all angles. I've used social media, direct mail, free give away-s, gimmicks and tricks. Most of which have failed. Oh, I'll keep trying because of the challenge and because my goal is to reach as many people with my story as I can. I can accomplish this without book sales.

However, the book is a tool to convey my story of redemption. I am the walking, talking storyteller. So I am really marketing myself but not for financial gain. I am marketing strictly for Kingdom of God building. That mindset doesn't lend itself to dollar sign marketing techniques.

6. Press Releases are a waste of time.

I've used free press releases, but even if I paid for them they wouldn't have helped me much. Let's be realistic, what news agency cares about an indie author they have never heard of with a memoir. I have decided not to waste any more time on press releases. They have not driven any traffic to my website. I have only one source of publication of a press releases, which I highly suspect is a mock-up website with no real following.

7. Social media is not a marketing tool.

There are only so many times you can go to the well of social media for marketing your book. I try hard not to come across with "Buy my book" messages, but of course that is the undertone of the my posts. I also have followers who follow me only because of my book. I have to post regularly for that audience. I can almost hear the eye rolls of family and friends who are viewing yet another post.

I have been successful through Facebook ads to drive some new traffic into my author Facebook page. I don't have enough twitter followers who are too concerned with my indie book. I don't really use Instagram and other social media sites. But social media is more like the radio in your car it isn't the engine running your marketing.

8. Establishing a platform, who knew? No one knows!

An author platform is an ambiguous term. No one really knows how to define it, yet every author, especially non-fiction authors, must have one. The basic idea of an author platform is figuring out how to establish your credibility within the market place. Trying to build this nebulous platform is like catching bubbles.

You must have a website and your own domain name. The freebie websites and even free email, like gmail, are viewed as non-professional.

I've had to pursue recommendations, endorsements and references from respected individuals in order to establish some sort of credibility.

Another essential is you must have a media kit. This includes things like a video book trailer, author biography, endorsements, etc. You can view my press room here https://www.aliasintown.com/press-room. Having those resources at the fingertips of anyone interested in interviewing you, hosting you for a book signing or speaking engagement is an absolute must.

The rest of my platform I will have to figure out as I continue to plod along as an indie author. Since, there is no definition of what an author platform actually is or looks like it should make the rest of this year interesting.

9. It is difficult to drive new traffic to your website.

I am a nobody to the outside world. Why would anyone want to visit my website? Yet, it is the hub of all of my information gathered in one place. I have redesigned my site several times and it will likely look different next month.

In order to become known, I have to somehow get people I don't know and who don't know me interested in visiting my website. Once there, I need them to be interested enough to click around in it to find my books, schedule a speaking engagement and participate in my marketing plan. I have about 3 seconds of attention when they first arrive to accomplish this. It is very difficult to do and I still haven't figured it out.

I have learned the term SEO, search engine optimization, and continue to tweak my online presence so that it comes up on search engines. I am proud to say that if you do a google search on "Alias In Town" the top 6 results are related to me. Now the task is to get someone to do a search on "Alias In Town"! If you search my name there is a gospel singer named Anita Wilson who has two entire pages that are returned in the results. So a pen name was absolutely essential for me.

10. Be mobile friendly in anything you do.

The number one way people are accessing anything regarding me online is through their mobile device. I still have not figured out how to get my blog to work like I want it to on a mobile device. My website had some serious bugs that had to be worked out.

There you have it. My top ten things I've learned so far as a new indie author. It is a list which leaves me skeptical. At least I'm learning from my mistakes. Perhaps you can too.

Declaring My Independence

noreply@blogger.com (AnitaWilson) — Wed, 04 Jul 2018 12:51:00 +0000

Today, I am making a declaration. A declaration of my independence.

On this day, I declare:
I am free from the bonds of addiction. I am clean and sober.
I am free from debilitating depression.
I am free from a chronic illness stealing my contentment.
I am free to receive help without losing my independence.

6 Questions To Save A Life

noreply@blogger.com (AnitaWilson) — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 13:27:00 +0000

Suicide is now the number one cause of death for men under 50. Now that is a terribly sad statistic. And our sadness grows deeper after we hear news story after news story of yet another suicide victim.

Since the publication of my book Well, I have fielded some calls, emails and texts from people with suicidal thoughts. This was not something I expected to happen. When it did for the first time, I immediately started educating myself on how to properly respond.

The SPRC (Suicide Prevention Resource Center) offers free certifications in online training. I urgently signed up for all four classes and earned the certifications. Yet, I still feel so unprepared.

The number one thing to know is that it is OK to talk to a suicidal person about suicide. Questioning them with specific evaluative questions will not push them closer to suicide. It does the opposite. You help them see that they are valued enough to be asked these questions and your compassion is felt deeply.

In the picture above are 6 questions you can ask someone who says they want to kill themselves. If they answer "yes" to any of these questions they must be taken seriously. Stay with them until they are handed off to someone who can help. A close friend or family member who will stay with them and remove any lethal means from their environment. The most lethal being any firearms they can access. If they answer yes to 4, 5, or 6 you must immediately escort them to Emergency Personnel.

Print out this blog post and cut the "Questions To Save A Life" graphic out, and carry it with you in your wallet. The epidemic of suicide could require you to have this tool on hand. I know I will. If at any time you feel you have lost control in the situation, call 911 and wait with them I know I will.

www.aliasintown.com

Free eBook, Exclusive Membership, Other Freebies!

noreply@blogger.com (AnitaWilson) — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 04:02:00 +0000

Click Here for your free stuff!

One Shot, Two Shots, Three Shots, MORE

noreply@blogger.com (AnitaWilson) — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 04:36:00 +0000

There are no local support groups for my disease because it is rare. So, I found
solace in a group of others online. We communicated through Facebook and
twitter: sharing information, commiserating with each other through hard days,
throwing each other pity parties, and trying to support each other the best we could.
After a series of particularly bad vertigo days, I had enough! Someone in the
support group mentioned that alcohol will take the vertigo away because it
suppresses the nervous system. He said, “Take a shot of whiskey and get some
relief.” So I did.

Since I had never drank alcohol before, the one shot of 100 proof liquor knocked
out more than the vertigo. It felt so good to get relief. Alcohol became my medicine.
Of course, tolerance being what it is, one shot was soon not enough. Then two
shots weren’t enough. Then three shots… Along came something much bigger than
I was able to handle on my own. The euphoria of complete escape became
something I craved so deeply it almost destroyed my life.

After about six months from the journal entry above, I was drinking about one
liter of 100 proof liquor a day. Soon, it wasn’t enough to completely escape anymore.
I did lose a certain sense of reality, but I couldn’t completely disappear. Then in
one of my falls, I had a major injury and was given pain pills. At first, I didn’t drink
when taking the pills. The pain pills took away both pain and vertigo. But then
the craving for escape became so strong, I couldn’t deny it. My depression was so
great, and the yearning and pull of disappearance was so strong, I drank just a
couple of shots with the pain pill.

Soon, I thought I was a Pfizer chemist or something. I reasoned I could take x
number of pain pills with x shots of liquor and still survive. “Still survive.”
I didn’t even hear myself thinking this way. I was plainly gambling how close I
could get to death just to feel escape.

My prescription didn’t last forever, but I knew people on prescription pain pills.
I stole them. If I went to someone’s house I looked in the medicine cabinet. If the
pills had an old date on them I reasoned they weren’t being used anymore.
If I didn’t have the alcohol, I drank a whole bottle of NyQuil, Listerine or
vanilla extract.

Once, the self-proffered Pfizer chemist position failed me. I ended up in the
hospital from an accidental overdose. I almost died. I lived in denial about that
incident for years. But the truth is, I almost accidentally killed myself from taking
too many pain pills. Later, I would try to kill myself on purpose with sleeping pills
and alcohol.

I robbed people of relief from their own pain and took away from my children the

mother they deserved. I was lying, stealing, and destroying my body. I gained
170 pounds from abusing. I pickled my brain to the point my personality
changed and my depression worsened. I was unrecognizable except for this
really great mask I learned to expertly wear.

It was easy to fool people because this behavior was so uncharacteristic of me.
I drank secretly, and everyone just believed I was really sick from my illness.
I barely functioned. I never let on to the true disabling cause. I don’t know what
addiction is like for anyone else, but I would have done anything to grasp the
escape lever. I was doing anything.

I disturbed the still waters and dove into the depths. I’ve brought up into the
light what lurked beneath the surface. I confessed, on paper, my
still-water-once-stagnant life. Confession is part of the recovery process
for addiction, and now it is so obvious to me why. Praise God, I am in recovery and
the freedom this brings is amazing.

Christians dealing with alcoholism or addiction suffer silently because of the shame.
How can you confess this to someone? How do you bring it up in a small group
prayer time? You feel like a failure as a Christian and you feel your prayers for
deliverance get no further than the ceiling. But until the problem is brought into
the light. Until it is confessed, not only to God but to the people you have hurt
you will remain in your dark, silent struggle. God has the power to deliver you
but you have to surrender, confess and create the path for his Spirit to work in you.

I have heard stories of miraculous deliverance. But I feel most of the time it
will be a struggle. A battle. An all out war. But there is hope of victory if you
put on the whole armor of God and practice the disciplines of surrender and
confession. All one day at a time.

To The Depressed Christian

noreply@blogger.com (AnitaWilson) — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 05:21:00 +0000

You are not alone. The rate of depression among the Christian community is no different than the general populace. This means there are many Christ followers who are suffering with depression. I am one of those Christians. There are many things I have learned in over 30 years of dealing with this mental illness.

1. Your faith is not weak. There is no relative or causal relationship between your quantity of faith and your quality of mental stability. If anything, when you are still clinging to God, praying and/or believing your faith is probably stronger than you realize.

2. God's presence in your life is not dependent on how you feel. There are times when you feel your prayers are not being heard and God feels very distant. You wonder where God is and why he is showing up in your life. The truth is, God is right there with you. He doesn't leave you or forsake you. His presence in and around your life is not dependent on whether or not you feel it. He is there. He sees. He has compassion on you.

3. Your pain is not wasted or unfruitful. God has a miraculous way of redeeming the time. You may or may not be aware of how he will use your suffering for good. Your story may help someone else who is also depressed. You may be giving others an opportunity to serve through compassionate care ministries. Your walk with God may grow closer. It's all unknown but we know according to Romans 8:28 God works ALL things together for the GOOD for those who love him.

4. When you are at your lowest you may not find comfort in certain scriptures but you will find friends. The Bible is full of stories of people who went through and wrestled with depression. Job, Jonah, and Elijah to name a few. You will find people who felt inadequate like Moses, David and Gideon.

So to the depressed Christian I want to say your faith is not weak, you are not alone, your pain will be redeemed and others have gone before you who ended up serving mighty purposes for God.

I pray for you. May God's face shine upon you and give you peace.

Suicide. Did you know?

noreply@blogger.com (AnitaWilson) — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 06:14:00 +0000

Did you know:

Adult men are more likely to commit suicide than adult women?

Adolescent girls are more likely to commit suicide than adolescent boys?

Removing lethal means from the environment of a person with suicidal ideation greatly increases their chance of living?

Talking to a suicidal person about suicide is helpful to them and makes them feel cared for?

Suicide survivors are statistically likely to try again?

Suicide kills more people in the United States than homicide and car accidents combined?

Only a fraction of suicide attempts are successful?

Firearms are the deadliest means of suicide?

It generally only takes 5 minutes to talk someone out of committing suicide?

You can receive free online training and certification in suicide prevention?

You can save a life?

Christians are not less likely to commit suicide than the general populace?

Source: Suicide Prevention Resource Center

Happenings

noreply@blogger.com (AnitaWilson) — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 09:51:00 +0000

There are Happenings-a-plenty.
Here is a snippet of what has been going of late:

Met with a Sr. Pastor of a mega church to talk about Kingdom Building through my story. He had some amazing ideas on how to use my story for impact.
I received another endorsement from a Connections Pastor.
I received a recommendation from the Chief Of Staff at Point University.
I have an appointment this week with a Care Pastor. (super excited about this meeting!)
I was invited to do a book signing at "The Book Loft" in German Village in August! (That's a big deal for an Indie Author!)
Christian Bookaholic reviewed my book and posted her review not only on her website , but also a few other high traffic sites like Goodreads.
I was contacted by a pastor in Toronto who is considering a book review. Which means I made his initial cut.
I have a speaking engagement on July 8th at Oscoda Church Of The Nazarene. You can find that posted on Eventbrite .
Broadway world picked up another story in their Book News section.
My website is up and running smoothly.
The Book Launch party is coming up in 5 days! It is posted on Eventbrite
I finished two certifications on suicide prevention training.
I have two other speaking engagements in the works.
My mascot Taz-The-Spaz made his debut.

That's a lot of momentum for a little book. I'm so thrilled that God can use my story.

I'm just a brick layer in the Kingdom.

Sacrifice Identity

noreply@blogger.com (AnitaWilson) — Sun, 17 Jun 2018 14:11:00 +0000

Journal Entry - April 17, 2012

Quote “...simply because we choose to sacrifice our identity for those we love
also speaks volumes as a defining characteristic. I may be a singer who provides
by waitressing but of all the labels implied, ultimately the single driving force is
I am one who loves and provides. I put myself in sacrifice for those I love. I am
willing to sacrifice joy for love… and in this state I can say I am selfless.”
(quote source not identified in journal)

“...I am willing to sacrifice joy for love… and in this state I can say I am selfless.”
Which seems to me to be the ultimate goal. I long to become less so others and
Jesus can become more..

The Question is: What’s True?

------Um, OMG, I’m not sure! There are so many nuances to this disease I feel
I have lied to others. It’s just too laborious to lay out all the facts. Plus, I don’t
get an invitation to be completely factual.

It’s easier for me to just say “I fell” rather than relay the whole scenario leading
up to the bruises. It’s so complex and convoluted in my own brain. I don’t
understand or, at times, even know the “me” that is living this illness. Many times
I feel like I am a spectator in my own life, then I have to be reporter to explain all
the stuff I can’t explain to myself.

Humbled By This Inspirational Review

noreply@blogger.com (AnitaWilson) — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 01:37:00 +0000

Received your book in the mail today, I liked it. It was well written, full of information and reminded me of some of my own emotions when I was battle-ing cancer. I would recommend your book to everyone. You don't have to have a chronic illness to receive good instructions from it. As a matter of fact I didn't want to stop reading and found myself annoyed when I would have too. I also finished reading it. I felt inspiration from it. Makes me want to get even closer to God. Thank you for writing it.

- Brenda Siegert

How To Define Yourself

noreply@blogger.com (AnitaWilson) — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 04:34:00 +0000

I ran across this article “How To Define Yourself” on Wiki-How.

https://www.wikihow.com/Define-Yourself It's very good and I think I'll go through the steps just for a good introspective exercise. However, I no longer feel the urge to define myself. I'm not sure when it happened Defining my identity used to be a huge motivator in my life choices and the subject of many a journal entry. But now? Not so much.

When I was growing up in the 1970s a common phrase I would hear is, "I need to find myself." As a little girl, I remember thinking it a very odd thing to say and an even odder thing to pursue. I thought, "Heaven's sake, go look in the mirror!" Needless to say, as I grew into a young woman I, indeed, needed "to find myself." It's part of the angst of growing into those first years of adulthood.

My entire childhood I thought, when I am 8 years old then...When I am 10 years old then... When I am 13
years old then.. When I am 15 years old then...When II am 18 years old then... Fast forward to my
age, 52. Now I think when I was 8, 10, 13,16, and 18.

When I look back at my younger years I do not feel any different at the core of my identity. I am the
same little girl who would anxiously wait for Daddy to get home and give me the treat from
his lunch box. I’m still the doe-eyed teenager in love with the first boy I kissed.
(I married him by the way.) I haven’t really changed.

Oh, I know there have been new roles that have come and gone in my life. Different titles
to put after my name during certain stages of living. There have been hard lessons learned,
pain, loss, and suffering. There have been moments of awe, joy, peace, and elation that taught
me even better lessons. No doubt, I have been shaped by the years of my life but somehow
at the very center of me is, well, me. I’m right here. I guess I found myself.

It's All Good With Well And Thanks Dad!

noreply@blogger.com (AnitaWilson) — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 07:06:00 +0000

Things have been good with Well. So many positive experiences have happened since the publication the end of May. And I have a calendar that is starting to shape up like there is a future purpose for me through the avenue of this book.

I have received an endorsement from a Theologian. An actual Doctor of Theology. (Thanks Dad!)
I'm learning all types of new words and phrases;i.e. Amazon ASIN numbers, virtual book tour, KDP countdown, and author platform.
I received word today that someone with over 300k followers wants to review my book.
I'm in process of getting a great endorsement from a Connections Pastor at a mega church.
I have a meeting with a Senior pastor of a mega church.
Another mega church asked me for my story.
I have a speaking engagement in July. (Thanks Dad!)
My book launch party is coming up on the 24th.
Amazon approved my marketing plan.
I have had two author interviews.
My book will be listed on several blogs and websites during a promotion I'm doing next week.
My blog has over 670 hits.
231 people have downloaded previews.
I've sold 10 books so far. That's at least 10 people my story can touch.
I have a new website with my own domain name www.aliasintown.com complete with booking services and a media room.
I've got a 5 star review. (Thanks Dad!)

Yes, all is good with Well.

Thanks Dad!
Praise Abba!

What People Are Saying About Well - A Memoir

noreply@blogger.com (AnitaWilson) — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 15:31:00 +0000

"Just wanted to give you a heads up. I have read your book and it’s amazing.
I love the honesty, the creativity, the art! " - Julie Shomo, RN

Endorsement

"I had the privilege to read the book Well a memoir by Alias in Town, and being a pastor of some fifty years, I was truly impressed with the author's face value honesty. Courageously she opened her heart and soul, revealing to family and friends secrets hidden so deeply within.

Her deep devotion to the truth, exposing herself to others with the same addictions,
chronic illnesses, and pain, reminds me of these words of Jesus when He tells us,
"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32

Whether we are dealing with sickness, disease, addictions, or sin, truth is not only the
best policy, it's the only policy.

The exposure of herself to those who read and heed may well be the soothing
balm of Gilead that produces the healing they need from the anguish of pain and suffering."

Samuel J. Blakely, ThD

Church of the Nazarene

Oscoda, MI

Depression And Addiction Among Christians

noreply@blogger.com (AnitaWilson) — Sun, 03 Jun 2018 01:43:00 +0000

Depression and addiction are often taboo topics in the church. However, Christians are just as

susceptible to depression and addiction as any other social group. Christians who suffer from these

afflictions often don’t seek help because of shame and fear of alienation. We all want others to see

us in the best light. For a depressed Christian or a Christ follower with an addiction, seeking help

feels like shining a spotlight into their spiritual life and highlighting a failure as a Christian. We often

hear that we simply need to fight harder, believe more, or trust God more, but scripture tells us

differently.

There are many hurting Christians in desperate need of help, and it is common to feel like you have

nowhere to turn. Christians are just as likely as non-Christians to experience depression, addiction,

and suicide. I am very passionate about this topic because I am one of those Christians. I live with

depression, and I am in recovery for addiction and attempted suicide. I have a chronic illness with

depression, and I made incredibly bad decisions in coping with my illness, desperately seeking relief.

My memoir, Well, chronicles my journey toward healing in a unique way. It is an incredibly

vulnerable and emotionally raw story. When I came home from treatment at the psychiatric facility, I

was still so confused how this could have happened to me. I was such a strong Christian. I was

very involved in my local church. I was a leader of ministry. How did I stray so far, so fast? I

started pouring over old journals and found entries where I sought forgiveness, healing and

deliverance. I gathered them up into a scrapbook. I also added original artwork telling my journey

through the end of a paint brush. I dug through my blog, gathered essays I had written and put them

in the scrapbook as well. I realized this scrapbook had become something. It had become a

memoir telling a story of hope.

Well - a memoir is an incredibly vulnerable and emotionally raw story. I wholeheartedly believe it

can help other Christians. Who should read Well? I would recommend it to anyone, but especially

believers who struggle with:

Chronic Illness
Suicidal Ideations or Suicide Attempt
Addiction
Clinical Depression

Well, by Alias In Town, is available on Amazon.com. Here The “Look Inside” preview of the Kindle
version will give you an excellent preview of the book.

"Well" Is Now Available On Amazon

noreply@blogger.com (AnitaWilson) — Wed, 30 May 2018 15:52:00 +0000

I am pleased to announce the publication of my memoir, Well. You can find it on Amazon by searching "Well Alias In Town". Or click on this link Buy Well
You can view the book trailer here Well Book Trailer Video

I chose the pen name Alias In Town because it is an anagram of my name and because in every town there are alias people living with chronic illness, chronic pain, addiction and depression. The book includes information on Identity, Authenticity, Addiction, Coping, Grief and other topics associated with living well while ill.

Well by Alias In Town, began as a memory book project compiling relative journal
entries, poetry, essays and original artwork in an effort to tell the story of a life
journey through brokenness to recovery. This activity morphed into an incredibly
vulnerable and emotionally raw memoir.

"Well is a testament to the courage of a strong woman who has allowed God to be

her Shepherd 'even though she walked through the valley of the shadow of death'
...this story is one of hope.” - J.Shomo, RN

"Thank you, for this. I have no doubt the Lord will use your book to help many.
Thank you for bearing your soul. "

- J. Mize

From My Journal October 2, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (AnitaWilson) — Tue, 08 May 2018 08:01:00 +0000

Journal Entry - October 2, 2012

I actually tried to commit suicide. This illness has completely overtaken my life.

In July I had reached critical mass and it all crashed in. I’m climbing out of the abyss,

slowly but steadily. I’m working very hard...very hard. This is the most difficult thing

I have ever done. It’s frustrating to me that people who know me best, now see me in

such a negative light.

I used to be:

(List not included)

Now I am no longer those things. I am no longer her. I haven’t been her for a long

time. That is NOT my identity now. I hear from people or feel the expectation of

others they want that person back. Well that person is gone. Truth is I miss her too.

But she was just a construct. I am me and I am right here.

A new way of living will be built, but it will be a temporary construct as well.

That is how life should always be.