Chato’s Wife
2012 Mental Health Hero Cartoon-A-Thon

Drawing done by Chato Stewart

Hi! I feel so privileged and honored to be included, however, I am no hero…just an ordinary woman relying on her faith to help her cope with extraordinary family circumstances.

My thoughts, prayers and “respect” go to all True Heroes–those living with the day-to-day, moment-to-moment challenges of chronic illness, pain of any kind and to their caregivers and loved ones!!

I’m thankful for the courageous example of the hero in my life, you know him as Chato Stewart. My husband has been a mentor of mine for 20 plus years now. The lessons he teaches have not always been funny or easy, but necessary for my personal growth as an individual. I am still a work in progress, but hope to reach my full potential some day…

I’ve learned the importance of distinguishing the “real” person from the symptoms of his illness. I’ve learned the value of patience, endurance, forgiveness and compassion when dealing with unexpected, unforeseen chaos. I’ve learned a family can survive many emotional tsunamis with God’s help and with support of true friends. Most of all, I’ve learned LOVE….”bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things….because Love never fails.”

Cartoon-A-Thon: Humble Beginnings

If you’ve been following my blog for any length of time, you probably know about my annual Cartoon-A-thon for Mental Health Awareness month.  Here in short is the history of the Cartoon-A-thon:

In 2008 when I started blogging, I decided to do something special for the month of mental illness awareness in May. (Will you?)  I decided I would draw a cartoon for each day of May. In 2008 and 2009, I drew just cartoons.  That was a success, but something was missing.  I felt I was being a little too self-deluded in my own cartoons. Then, I drew two of my readers into cartoon characters.

My peers were so elated that I drew them into the cartoons. Which gave me an idea -  but I didn’t think I had the skill set to even attempt this idea.

Originally Post http://blogs.psychcentral.com/humor ©2011

Jodi Riley Mental Health Hero Coach

You Can Have More Joy and More Happiness Right NOW!

Jodi Riley wants you to know that happiness is always at our fingertips. Her firm belief that it is the  responsibility of those who have acquired the secrets and the skills to access that happiness to teach others how to find happiness for themselves.  That is Jodi Riley’s mission and the focus of her website The Secrets to Being Happy!

The 5 Steps for Better Living

Originally Post http://blogs.psychcentral.com/humor ©2011

Meet our second Mental Health Hero Clive Edwards.  He is a well traveled guy, both in reality and in his own mind with his recovery.  From England to Saudi Arabia, Singapore and America…  Clive a.k.a “WILD” has been around…even lived in L.A. during the 1990 riots.

His recovery, like our own, sometimes comes with hills and valleys and his mental health story of survival and recovery and “wellness” is amazing!  Read more about Clive and each Mental Health Hero at http://mentalhealthhero.com.

This week we are highlighting just this one cartoon.

Sign: Future Site of  Suicide Barrier Net – Pending Funding

Caption: Please Don’t Jump… yet!!!
1-800-SUICIDE       1-800-237-TALK

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