Advocating for Sgt Bowe Bergdahl, US Army - POW!

June 30th marks the end of three years captivity for Sgt Bowe Bergdahl, US Army!

Today is the first day of The Week of Action and Prayer to remember Bowe as we count down to the anniversary of his 3rd year of captivity in just 6 days.

We have a request for those who are praying for Bowe and his family. Please pray that those who are working extra hard this week to get the word out about Bowe, as well as those who are contacting government, would have courage and boldness in their work. Give them the right words to say and open the ears and hearts of those who are hearing those words. Please pray that through the work of those across the nation who support Bowe, thousands more will come to actively join us all in the effort that is being undertaken to bring him home. And, as always, please pray that blessings would be poured out on Bowe and his family and that their reunion would not be delayed a minute more. And for those who don't do much praying, please take time to visualize these things as real.

Along with our prayers this week, there are many things happening around the country for Bowe. (We'll keep everyone posted as the week progresses.) The primary goals this week are 1) to contact those in government to remind them that Bowe's rescue must remain a top level priority. Let's push hard this week to call, write and email so that our Members of Congress and others in government would receive a flood of contacts form Bowe's Supporters. 2) we want to raise awareness about Bowe's situation. Get the word out, tell his story- so many have yet to hear it. Help to guide these people who are just learning about him so they will know how to translate their awareness into action. 3) Pray. Prayer is the fuel to our fire. It is the thing that will move the ordinary into realm of extraordinary. Prayer is what transforms that which is limited by our human abilities into that which is infinite with possibilities.

Please continue to invite others to join us this week to remember Bowe. Please pass this post along to your friends. We're also including some links below to some very useful info.

Are You ready? So let's do what we all do best this week- come together as a force to be reckoned with and show the world that we are standing strong for Bowe.

USEFUL LINKS:
JOIN the Week of Action & Prayer and INVITE your friends (remember that this an "anywhere you are" event so it's easy for nearly everyone to be part of): https://www.facebook.com/events/161867847243827/

INFO about how to Contact you elected officials: http://supportbowe.org/contact-elected-officials/

A DOWNLOADABLE BROCHURE you can use to get the word out:

http://supportbowe.org/bowe_bergdahl_brochure/

MAKE YOUR OWN SIGN with this template to show your support:

http://supportbowe.org/bowe-support-sign/

GREAT IDEAS- What others are doing to raise awareness about Bowe: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.302700829818923.74928.186446128111061&type=3

HELP to get Bowe's name into the Twitter feed (this is where we've had a lot of luck getting the attention of celebrities, politicians and the media- it's amazing who'll actually reply personally to a tweet that they receive about Bowe): https://www.facebook.com/photo.php fbid=281340658621607&set=a.196725307083143.51330.186446128111061&type=3

PTSD/TRAUMA IN THE AFTERMATH OF ABUSE

Recovering from NPD abuse, or any form of domestic violence.

When recovering from NPD abuse, or any form of domestic violence, what many therapists miss is the fact that PTSD is a very debilitating symptom that accompanies the aftermath. Unfortunately, many misdiagnose our symptoms for bi-polar and sometimes even borderline personality disorder, amongst other things. This is detrimental and harmful to our recovery, as while some other mental illnesses may accompany the injury we've suffered - or may have existed prior to the relationship - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is REAL and there are various treatments available to help with symptoms.

It is important to find a skilled therapist that understands NPD abuse, as well as one who is skilled in PTSD and/or C-PTSD as an UNskilled therapist can actually do MORE damage.

I am not the trained professional, but my "title" as Narc Raider Educator finds me in a position of always wanting to live up to my name; therefore, I am humble enough to know that I cannot be a master of anything other than allowing members to vent, and maybe helping in putting some of this in perspective since I've walked the walk - SO since I am not planning a thesis on PTSD but I believe I've gotten myself under control...I shall provide a few links that will help members better understand what they're up against to the best of my ability. Please do share, discuss and ask questions as if I don't have the answer or can't find it - I remain hopeful that those who have walked this walk might be able to share some of their experiences in an effort to help those recently injured make some sense of all of it.

Ultimately the decison in terms of treatment rests with the victim; however, without knowledge it is difficult to take a front row seat in your recovery. At best, a therapist as a facilitator in your recovery is there to listen and help you find your own answers - they don't hold any magic key other than a script for some meds that will help take the edge off if that is the route you elect to go. The responsibility lies on the victim to advocate in their own best interests. The only way to do that is to be armed with a general knowledge so that one can make informed decisons about their treatment plan.

To keep things simple, I think it best to break this down into a few discussion threads keeping in mind that in the early stages, it is hard to focus and concentrate. I acknowledge I am long winded at times, so I will try to keep it short and digestible. With that in mind, here is a link which describes symptoms of PTSD in a very simple fashion. You can access that link HERE. (*Note: there is no religious agenda at Narc Raiders and while I realize that this particular link did have a religious affiliation, I am simply endorsing the list - should you desire to explore that site further it will be at your own discretion, the link was simply provided as a means of providing members a simple to digest thumbnail sketch of PTSD) I will be sure to include other sources of information, but if you can identify some of these symptoms, it might be possible you are suffering some from of trauma, and might wish to investigate the subject further. Remember, the key to healing is learning enough about NPD to own that you do not deserve to own any blame in what has happened to you, or feel shame, but if we're going to get obsessed about anything, it should not be every detail of NPD but rather, obsess about healing from debilitating after effects. Recovery IS possible...

Source: http://narcraiders.ning.com/forum/topics/ptsd-trauma

12 Steps To PTSD, by Randy J. Hartman, Ph.D

THE TWELVE STEPS TO THE FORMATION OF A PTSD

The formation of a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) starts with the event developing. The event(s) can be positive or negative in content. The event may start out initially as a traumatic occurrence, but this is not an absolute requirement. The event may start out as pleasant, but conclude as traumatic.

First we need to understand what constitutes trauma. The definition of “trauma” that I offer is; When an event occurs that causes us physical and emotional pain that goes beyond our control. The events can be initiated by our environment, people and us.

In these traumatic events we receive pain from two sources. Physical pain is the most obvious source. This occurs from an impact to our physical self and results in bruising, bleeding, cuts, fracture sand tears to our body parts. The emotional pain can also be horrific pain. This comes to our emotions from being told negative information, being threatened, demeaning and derogatory words to describe us lead us to believe we are a bad person. As a result of this pain our memory implants this information as well as our Skelton-muscular system becomes imprinted with memory. All of the body’s resources are affected.

There are buttons that become pushed because of things that are imprinted in our visual, auditory and old factory sensors. The senses stimulate the fight or flight response. Perhaps just the smell of an order or the sounds of something happening or maybe the sight of something can be the catalyses for negative reaction by the client that may send them into an uncontrollable panic attack.

The trauma may be real or imagined, the pain/symptoms the individual is experiencing is very real to them. For that fact we must respect their “Model of the World”. The client alone owns their reality, otherwise known as their “Model of the World”. If we attempt to deny them their reality then strong walls of resistance will develop and impede any attempt at a meaningful intervention.

Until proven wrong, I contend that people who have had a lobotomy or lost use of their frontal cortex and have no capacity for emotions are incapable of experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in its true form per the DSM Four, TR. To add an additional thought, I also assert that those individual who are Antisocial Personality Disorders are also impervious to the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Per the DSM Four, TR, page 647, the Antisocial Personality Disorder (301.7) states the following; that the client frequently lack empathy and tend to be callous, cynical, and contemptuous of the feelings, rights, and sufferings of others. The description continues to go on to suggest that this client operates at a level devoid of human feelings.

There are two problematic areas in dealing with PTSD as a clinical hypnotherapist. First, is that the majority of people suffering with PTSD is being treated with medications for anxiety, sleep loss and nightmares/terrors. My experience has taught me that a good many PTSD patients do not want to stop or wean-off the psychotropic drugs. The pleasant feelings that the drugs creates is a depressed “buzz” that is legal and insurance companies pay for it.

Secondly, there is the issue mainly clinicians in the field avoid talking about; secondary gains. Patients will use their PTSD diagnosis to elicit sympathy and pity. There can also be a nice cash reward in the form of a permanent disability check every month amounting to hundreds, if not a thousand plus dollars. Unfortunately our society does not offer any real incentives for a person to improve or be cured. It takes a highly motivated person to seek and complete treatment.

Clinical hypnotherapy has proven itself in treating patients with “flashbacks” and intrusive repetitive thoughts. The NLP application of the Swish pattern and fast phobia cure has been very successful. Reframing of the crisis events is also extremely helpful. The mainstay of treatment for PTSD is still “talk therapy”, otherwise known as cognitive behavioral therapy. This has also been referred to as exposure therapy. The more a patient is repetitively exposed to the crisis; the impact of the crisis diminishes.

Another issue not to be overlooked in the treatment of PTSD is suicide. There are a significant number of suicide gestures and attempts in this population. The patients are not only overwhelmed by their situation, they are also usually under the influence of legal or illegal drugs that cloud their judgment.

                                                                 Posted by...

10 Things You Can Do to Help Veterans with PTSD

Another lead up to PTSD Awareness Day, June 27.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is one of the signature medical issues for returning combat veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. So, it’s important that the civilian community from employers to educators understand and know how to help those living with PTSD.

Vietnam veterans have been instrumental in pushing for PTSD awareness among the military hierarchy, government officials and civilian communities. For veterans, understanding the symptoms and seeking early treatment is critical for successfully living with the disorder. But, civilians can help too.

10 Ways community members can help:

1. Understand that anyone can experience trauma, such as accidents, assault, war, or disasters.
2. Think broadly. When trauma happens, the survivor’s family, friends,coworkers, and community are affected.
3. Learn about common reactions to trauma and readjustment to life outside a war zone.
4. Be aware of where get help for trauma survivors, Veterans, and people with PTSD.
5. Expand your understanding of how PTSD is identified and treated.
6. Know that treatment for PTSD works.
7. Ask a Veteran or trauma survivor if talking would help, but do not push if someone is not ready to discuss things.
8. Realize that stigma is a barrier to getting treatment. Getting people to talk orseek help is not always easy. Your encouragement matters.
9. Know the facts. More than half of US adults will experience trauma in their lifetime. About 7% of adults will deal with PTSD at some point. For Veteransand male and female sexual assault survivors, the figure is higher.
10. Connect with self-help resources, apps, and videos about PTSD.

The list is courtesy of the VA National Center for PTSD. You can stay informed about PTSD through the PTSD Monthly Update.

If you feel you have symptoms of PTSD and are looking for help the Veteran's Crisis Line is always open. You are never alone, call 1-800-273-8255 to talk to someone who knows what you are going through and can help you get the treatment you need.

The Crisis Line is available to anyone who needs help 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. There is always an understanding and caring voice on the other end of the phone who will help you with questions, concerns, treatment options and talk as long as you need to. 

Please do not hesitate to call at anytime for any reason, you are important to a lot of people and getting help with your PTSD is what your loved ones want for you, you are not alone!

                                                                        Posted by... 

America’s Last Prisoner of War~Sgt. Bowe Robert Bergdahl, US Army

Sgt Bergdahl was captured in Afghanistan on 30 June 2009, He is being held as a POW.

Three years ago, a 23-year-old soldier walked off his base in Afghanistan and into the hands of the Taliban. Now he’s a crucial pawn in negotiations to end the war. Will the Pentagon leave a man behind?

The mother and father sit at the kitchen table in their Idaho farmhouse, watching their son on YouTube plead for his life. The Taliban captured 26-year-old Bowe Bergdahl almost three years ago, on June 30th, 2009, and since that day, his parents, Jani and Bob, have had no contact with him. Like the rest of the world, their lone glimpses of Bowe – the only American prisoner of war left in either Iraq or Afghanistan – have come through a series of propaganda videos, filmed while he's been in captivity.

In the video they're watching now, Bowe doesn't look good. He's emaciated, maybe 30 pounds underweight, his face sunken, his eye sockets like caves. He's wearing a scraggly beard and he's talking funny, with some kind of foreign accent. Jani presses her left hand across her forehead, as if shielding herself from the images onscreen, her eyes filling with tears. Bob, unable to look away, hits play on the MacBook Pro for perhaps the 30th time. Over and over again, he watches as his only son, dressed in a ragged uniform, begs for someone to rescue him.

"Release me, please!" Bowe screams at the camera. "I'm begging you – bring me home!"Private First Class Bowe Bergdahl arrived in Afghanistan at the worst possible moment, just as President Barack Obama had ordered the first troop surge in the spring of 2009. Rather than withdraw from a disastrous and increasingly deadly war started by his predecessor, the new commander in chief had decided to escalate the conflict, tripling the number of troops to 100,000 and employing a counterinsurgency strategy that had yet to demonstrate any measurable success. To many on Obama's staff, who had been studying Lessons in Disaster, a book about America's failure in Vietnam, the catastrophe to come seemed almost preordained. "My God," his deputy national security adviser Tom Don­ilon said at the time. "What are we getting this guy into?" Over the next three years, 13,000 Americans would be killed or wounded in Afghanistan – more than during the previous eight years of war under George W. Bush.

For more information and the full story behind Sgt. Bergdahl's capture go to this link: 

http://supportbowe.org/

To print a brochure for distribution to raise awareness go to this link: 

http://supportbowe.org/bowe_bergdahl_brochure/ 

These soldiers must not be forgotten.

Tell your friends about them. Contact your Members of Congress.

Leave no one behind.

Sergeant Bowe Robert Bergdahl, United States Army 

Captured in Afghanistan 30 June 2009.  Current Status:  Prisoner of War

Please join the BOWE TUESDAY movement, a way that would reach more people than could be reached via email chains and word of mouth.

More ways to support the safe return of Sgt. Bergdahl can be found on his Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/supportbowe/info

Folding our flag & the meaning behind it.

Why we fold our country's flag the way we do?

As Americans we take great pride in our country's flag. If you have ever seen the flag being folded you probably have wondered why we fold it so perfectly and precise each and every time. Below is the process of folding the American Flag and the meaning behind each fold. I think some of you will be surprised, I was when I discovered all the little details that go into folding the flag.

Before I go on with the folding process I would like to add in a few other facts about our flag.

~The stars symbolize the 50 states of the Union and the stripes signify the 13 original colonies that made up the United States of America.

~The Continental Congress defined the symbolic meanings of the colors as used in the flag, “White signifies Purity and Innocence; Red, Hardiness and Valor; and Blue, Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice .”

~The 21 gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776. 

Now onto the flag folding:

Have you ever noticed how the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!

The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decaur, "Our Country", in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.

The 6th fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for defense of our country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nations motto, "In God We Trust." 

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, Ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep

meaning. In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why. Share this with the children you love and all others who love the symbol of "Liberty and Freedom." 

http://www.hopehavengospelmission.org/13_folds_of_the_american_flag.htm 

A historical look at the US Flag on this Flag Day!

A look at each version of the American Flag.
Are you looking for a quick American flag history lesson? You've come to the right place! You can learn a little history about American flags here, and see what each version of the historical American flags looked like.

Some people display their American flags every day, while others display it on patriotic holidays - Flag Day, Independence Day, Memorial Day and others. There is just something about seeing the American flag waving in the breeze, it is so beautiful!

The next time you see the stars and stripes flying, take a moment to think about the American flag history and the sacrifices that have been made protecting it.

"Resolved, that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field representing a new constellation."

The American Flag history began with the words above. These words were written on June 14, 1777, when the Marine Committee of the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution establishing a new flag design for the United States.

History of Flag Day
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation making June 14th National Flag Day. We now celebrate Flag Day each year on June 14th. Many local and state celebrations occurred on that day prior to 1916.

That year it was proclaimed an official national holiday. In 1949, during Harry Truman's term, Congress signed a law making June 14th national Flag day every year, with a flag day proclamation to be given annually.


History of American Flag
The first United States flag was the Stars and Stripes flag. Prior to June 14th, 1777, the Grand Union Flag still bore the Union Jack in its design.

The resolution signed on June 14th, 1777 gave no instruction as to how many points the stars should have, nor did it mention how those stars should be arranged on the blue union. Because of this, stars were arranged in various ways on the blue background. One of the popular designs during this time was the Betsy Ross flag.

Fun Fact: The earliest known depiction of a U.S. flag was found at an old encampment at Pluckemin, New Jersey. This camp was occupied by troops in 1778-1779. The plate was mistakenly engraved with 14 stripes instead of 13.

Another popular flag in America's history was the Bennington flag. It was used by the American militia during the Battle of Bennington, August 16, 1777.

In 1795, the number of stars and stripes was increased from 13 to 15 to reflect the entry of Vermont and Kentucky as states of the union. It was this flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star Spangled Banner.

Five more states had been admitted to the Union by 1818, and legislation was passed by the United States Congress requiring that the stripes on the American flag be fixed at thirteen, one stripe for each of the 13 original colonies. The stars would number how ever many states were admitted to the Union, with each star representing one state. The last star was added on July 4th, 1960, after Hawaii became the 50th state. This 50 state flag is the one that is still used today.

American Flag Colors and Flag Color Meanings
While there are differing opinions on rather the colors in the American flag represent anything, some believe that they represent the same things as the colors in the Great Seal.

White signifies purity and innocence
Red signifies hardiness & valor
Blue signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice


"The colours of the pales are those used in the flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness & valor, and Blue, the colour of the Chief signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice. The Olive branch and arrows denote the power of peace & war which is exclusively vested in Congress. The Constellation denotes a new State taking its place and rank among other sovereign powers. 

The Escutcheon is born on the breast of an American Eagle without any other supporters to denote that the United States of America ought to rely on their own Virtue."

Charles Thompson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, in his Remarks and Explanation of the Great Seal – June 20, 1782

Birthday Balloons!

Celebrating a special birthday!

Twenty five balloons were released to fly high in the sky for Bobby's 25th Birthday. Bobby's sister & brothers along with his little nephew let the balloons go yesterday near his home. AJ is almost four years old and he got to release half of them all by himself. They watched as the balloons floated peacefully in the bright sunny sky on their flight to Heaven to help Bobby celebrate his birthday.

It was a beautiful day and there were a lot of smiles as everyone remembered Bobby's great smile.

AJ didn't quite understand why they didn't keep the balloons but he will some day and he will be happy he got to let half of them fly up to Bobby. Abbygail was taking a nap, she is 14 months old and she would not have let them go, she really likes balloons and she will for sure let you know if you try to take her balloon away, she is so adorable.

Happy Birthday Bobby, I'm sure you have a big smile on your face now and had a good laugh when they were letting those balloons go. We all love you and miss you and know your doing great and thank you so much for watching over us.

Bobby's Birthday Post 2011

Life Spot

You came to us 25 years ago & you left us to go to Heaven 3 years ago.

Dearest Bobby,

We all want to wish you a wonderful and happy birthday in Heaven. Knowing you are watching over us gives us great comfort and keeps us smiling.

We all miss you so very much, we know that we will be together again someday and until then you are in our hearts, our souls and always in our thoughts. You are with us everyday, each of us in our own special way.

We hear you in the birds singing, we feel you in the warm breeze and we especially know you are here when our babies' smiles are so big and bright, when they are laughing and playing so full of happiness it's you that guides their way. Thank you for sharing a little bit of Heaven on Earth with them and please keep them under your wings wherever they may go, you are the most amazing Guardian Angel they could ever have.

There is so much to share with you even though I know you are aware of it all, it's hard to not keep going on with this letter. It's as if ending this letter is again saying goodbye but being able to send this birthday wish to you is comforting and I just want you to know we are all doing good and know you are to.

You are in every part of our lives as you always have been, our son, brother, cousin, nephew, uncle, grandson, great grandson.

Now you are a Father to a beautiful little girl Kady. She is darling and looks so much like you, she loves you very much.

We all love and miss you very much. Happy 25th Birthday Bobby. Celebrate in Heaven, we are celebrating here for you in many ways. Ashley updated her Facebook status yesterday saying:

"It's about that time again....We're celebrating your 25th birthday tomorrow...It may be 3 years now....but it still feels like yesterday...I love and miss you dearly my big brother forever and always...R.I.P Bobby D. Green Jr. ♥"

Happy Birthday wishes are coming from everyone who loves in many ways and popping up in lots of places. Until we meet again, your always with us and please keep us with you forever, your beautiful daughter along with all of our babies are blessed to have you as their Guardian Angel. We love you!

Life Spot's New Look

My blog is almost two years old and I think it is time for a "blog makeover". I have been doing a lot of research on colors and themes that are appealing to the blog audience. During my what seemed like a never ending search for just the right blog template I discovered that going back to a blogger default template was the best choice at this time.

Since I started this blog I have used custom CSS or XML templates to give it a nice look and welcoming interface. When I decided to completely redo my blog this time I could not find a template that I was happy with or fit my blogs story line.

So being the graphics artist that I am and have been for over 15 years, just like I would do in the past, if I couldn't find the perfect graphic I would create one. I have found that if you have an idea and look in your mind of what you want your blog to be, the best way to accomplish that is to go with your talent and create exactly what your imagination is telling you is the perfect look, and that is what I did.

I created the header, post dividers, footer and many more graphics and elements featured in the template that is now my new blog with a very nice and welcoming front page that keeps your attention without too many animations and colors that could discourage readers from a nice long visit.

I started with a color theme of earth tones and a graphics theme that resembles a vintage scrapbook design. More and more scrapbooking sites are popping up due to the demand for that style of elements to accent a blog or website. I found several very nice websites that offered wonderful and free accessories to help dress up any blog.

It is still a work in progress or I guess you could say under construction because I have not added the post dividers or footer yet, but will be very soon. So far I am happy with my new look and can't wait for the final product and complete template to be done and uploaded, it is going to be beautiful.

I hope you enjoy Life Spot and it's contents, topics, stories, inspirations, causes and all of what Life has to offer. My goal is to have a little spot for anyone to come visit and stay a while, relax and find your little spot in life that is full of all the important little things the news channels and "big" websites leave out.

It is the little things in life that mean the most and you will find some wonderful and special little spots right here at Life Spot, enjoy and please share with your friends and family.