Mental Health: Into the Volcano

(Silverdale, Washington; Jun. 23, 2019) – I debated for a long time whether this column should go under “Travel” or “Mental Health,” but the mental health analogy won out. However, that does not alter the fact that, last Saturday (June 15) I accidentally hiked right into an active volcano’s crater. I know, I know—you’re wondering … Continue reading Mental Health: Into the Volcano

Mental Health: Be kind, Be Patient, Be Courageous and Act

(Virginia Beach, Virginia; July 13, 20187) – This was not the column I had planned to write tonight. I’m back in Hampton Roads. Earlier today I was the master of ceremonies for a fellow Navy chief petty officer’s retirement ceremony. Currently I’m sitting in Barnes and Noble in Lynnhaven Mall. I’d hit up a young … Continue reading Mental Health: Be kind, Be Patient, Be Courageous and Act

Mental Health: Anxiety and Experience

(Bowie, Maryland; May 5, 20187) According to the American Psychiatric Association, an anxiety disorder is defined as: Anxiety out of proportion to the situation or age inappropriate Anxiety that hinders one’s ability to function normally This can be found on their website (https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/anxiety-disorders/what-are-anxiety-disorders), but the mere definition of it doesn’t do much to help those … Continue reading Mental Health: Anxiety and Experience

Mental Health – Depression

(Nov. 19, 2017) - This will be brief. It’s late and I’m tired and soul-sick. Nothing bad has happened. I’m at my parents’ house in Niceville, Florida (yes, Niceville) following my retirement from the Navy. I’m between jobs at the moment and planning to do a massive road trip. But the upheavals I’ve experienced these … Continue reading Mental Health – Depression

Expectations Are Not “Supposed” to Happen

Expectations are NOT “supposed” to happen. I was in the base gym the other day, having just come out of the showers and opening my locker to start getting dressed when I was overcome again by the sadness, the despair, and the darkness. Despite all my efforts and beliefs, despite the goals of my generational … Continue reading Expectations Are Not “Supposed” to Happen

Now, THAT was Anticlimactic!

Now, THAT was anticlimactic! Yesterday morning I had my retirement/separation physical. It consisted of me sitting in a doctor’s office while they reviewed my record, made a couple of referrals for small things, but otherwise signed me off as “safe to retire.” Compared to the intake physical I went through at Jacksonville’s Military Entrance … Continue reading Now, THAT was Anticlimactic!

The Darkest of the Night

Romantic stories often center around the iconic image, either literal or metaphorical (depending on the actual story in question), of the lover holding the hand of his/her love in the darkest moment of the night. Comforting, protecting and assisting their loved one in the darkest of the night. Those stories really crack me up sometimes. … Continue reading The Darkest of the Night

It Was NOT Suppose to End This Way

It was NOT suppose to end this way, but it did. What was supposed to be (for me, anyway) the final triumph, the final “hurrah” of my career before retirement instead became a very sobering reminder of the dangerous nature of the jobs we do. 2017 Fleet Week New York came to and end tonight; … Continue reading It Was NOT Suppose to End This Way

Start Spreading the News!

Start spreading the news! We’re leaving tomorrow morning from the Navy Public Affairs Support Element East (NPASE East) for New York City. Starting Tuesday the Big Apple is hosting the 29th annual Fleet Week New York, a huge celebration of the sea services that will swamp New York City with enough ships to, well, make … Continue reading Start Spreading the News!

Poetry Night!

The future may feel dark and life overwhelming, but if you can write, if you can put word to paper, you are never alone! Even a simple haiku can break your isolation. Unendurable Nathanael Miller, 30 April 2017 Unendurable. To forever sit alone; The night never ends. *** The Future is Dark Nathanael Miller, 30 … Continue reading Poetry Night!