By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey
As a young girl, I was a collector of turtles. Mostly the ceramic knick knack variety along with some occasional turtle-themed jewelry that I often received as gifts over those early years.
And before the salmonella info came out and it was deemed illegal to sell the tiny tutles, I was the caretaker of a couple of live ones – both named “Myrtle” – that resided for too short of a time in my childhood bedroom in a clear plastic “swimming” enclosure donned with a plastic lime green palm tree.
In regretful hindsight, not the greatest existence for the poor creatures.
I don’t quite remember the allure of my collection aside from the fact that the live ones were a personal pet – somewhat of a rarity to call anything your own while growing up in a family with five siblings – unless the pet cat or dog happened to choose you as its person.
These days the grown up version of me relates to the reptiles of old in a way that makes me want to pull back into myself and hide. Turn away from the din and the disappointment. The distressing news cycle and all the garbage that floods from social media and feeds into the human psyche in the worst of ways.
I’m feeling a little war-weary and maybe you are, too.
We can’t always find the fortitude within ourselves to meet the day ahead and that’s okay. Wild turtles pull into their shells for protection but they can also be found basking in the sun as a way to warmth.
Find your rest and your rays and maybe you’ll find your way to a better day or maybe just a moment to build upon. Maybe make a phone call or reach out.
It’s a thought. A hope. A step forward perhaps.
Now onward.
Peace. M
Read More Onward Columns/Essays from Editor/Owner Michele Miller
Having a Day? Need a Hand? Check out local resources – food resources, housing, physical and mental health – in Helping Hands
Mental Health Resources
- Text or call 988 to reach trained counselors who can provide help in coping with a mental health emergency and offer direction for resources for mental health and substance use treatment. Visit 988lifeline.org
- NAMI of Pasco County – NAMI Pasco, an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that provides free support, advocacy, outreach, and education to those with mental health conditions and their loved ones. Go to the NAMI website at namipasco.org.
- Florida Health Department Coordinated Opioid Recovery Program – CORe is the first of its kind in the United States and places Florida as a leader in sustainable addiction and opioid recovery. Visit pasco.floridahealth.gov/CoordinatedOpioidRecovery
- Crooked Taile to Recovery – Provides assessment and coordinates with community resources for medical and mental health needs, employment issues, benefit status, and options for social services, housing, and support. Also provides Peer Support Counseling and creates an environment of respect, trust, community, and accountability. Located at 7730A Little Rd, New Port Richey FL 34654 and call (727) 877-6800.
Be the first to comment