I know that I have not posted to my blog in 16 weeks. Although it was not my intent to stay away, it was important that I did. I was not in a good place. I have been struggling with challenges pressed upon me. These challenges have not yet passed, but I have persevered. Although I wish that I could…
Crystal Joy
I am a dreamer. I am an artist. I am an adventure-seeker. I am a storyteller. I am a wife. I am a mommy. I am a cancer survivor. My name is Crystal Joy Hall. Share in my journey at crystaljoyhall.com.
In these past few months I have experienced a significant amount of emotional distress, as explored in my recent posts It is Never Quite Behind You and Falling Down the Rabbit Hole. I have had to dig deep within myself to find a way through, to place one foot in front of the other and persevere, all while remaining calm,…
In my most recent post It is Never Quite Behind You I shared my fear regarding a pending breast ultrasound to further investigate a questionable axillary lymph node detected in my mammogram. At that time, I was feeling scanxiety at its worst – fear, panic, and dread. The breast ultrasound was 28 days ago, and as feared, a piece of…
As a breast cancer survivor, I have learned to share space with the fear and anxiety that follows a diagnosis; and to give myself permission to express the range of heightened emotions felt post-cancer. The emotions are big, bold, and often overwhelming. This is my new emotional normal. When I am happy or excited the emotions expressed are huge, and…
We are back!! It is hard to believe that just 3 weeks ago we were in Dublin, Ireland. We experienced a flawless journey over the pond – from take-off to touch-down. The ease of travel was much-appreciated, and it proved to be a smooth start to our new adventure … and a grand adventure it was! Day #1 Sunday May…
As I mentioned in my previous blog, Embracing Chaos, the year 2025 comes with some big anniversaries and big changes to mark – pending celebrations and a pursuit for new opportunities – albeit approached with cautious hopefulness. Cautious, because of the disquiet we find ourselves in. As a little family unit, we all feel frayed. It has been a busy…
“We live in a rainbow of chaos.” – Paul Cezanne I have not posted to my blog in 42 days. FORTY-TWO DAYS! How have I allowed so much time to pass? How is it that days and weeks are silently slipping by? I will admit that 2024 ended on a low for me. I experienced personal and professional losses that…
It has been a whirlwind. These junior years have gone by so quickly, and the end of a school era draws near. Decisions for next year are upon us, as the whisper of change surrounds us. Where has the time gone? I reminisce of our earlier days together – playgrounds, splash pads, bike rides, trail walks, indoor play time, drawing,…
It’s no surprise to anyone who follows my blog that I have spent these past two years struggling to both find and maintain balance in my life. I’ve often sought the advice of others, and I have even offered my own advice to those who share my struggles. However, I have regularly failed to commit to making small adjustments to…
It is a new year. Many would consider this the ideal time of year to invest in new goals – or new year resolutions. I have tried this in the past, but it didn’t work for me. I didn’t hold true to the resolutions. Therefore, I use this time of year to reflect. I reflect on my life – where…