The Ladybug

Tag: Personal Blogger

  • BIG Announcement…I Wrote a Book!

    BIG Announcement…I Wrote a Book!

    It’s a memoir! Welcome, readers, to the 50th post of The Ladybug Blog! I am excited and humbled to have made it to the 50th blog post, and I wanted to make this entry special. Here is the memoir elevator pitch…The working title of my book is:

    The Diary of a “Crazy” Person

    A Journey of Faith Through My 20’s and 30’s Living with Mental Illness

    I wrote this book at two very different times in my life, ages 26 and 27, and ages 38 and 39. It has been a passion project for me for a long time. Each chapter is a journal entry covering my experiences as a young woman living with chronic mental and physical illnesses. This book focuses mainly on my mental health journey, although I do address my medical challenges as well to a smaller extent. I believe that it is impossible to separate the mind and body. The title of the book is meant to be a bit tongue-in-cheek, as the word crazy is used in a negative way far too often when people with mental health struggles are described or stigmatized in society. My hope with this memoir is to take the reader past all of the labels and stigma, and bring you into the thoughts and emotions of what my life has been like these last two decades. My faith in God, as well as the love of my family and friends, and the work of some wonderful professionals, has provided me with incredible support throughout my journey. I hope that you will step into my world and both laugh and cry as you travel through reading The Diary of a “Crazy” Person.

    What makes my book unique? I feel that the timeline of the book, which describes both my 20’s and 30’s, provides readers with insight into how one can stabilize when dealing with chronic illnesses over time. My book is full of my darkest moments, and I do not hold back in my descriptions of mental and physical suffering. However, the overall message of the book is not bleak like so many mental health memoirs. My story is one of hope and light, as I find healing while my faith and support increases over time. I will let you in on a sneak peek of the ending message, which is that I have evened out and built strength mentally throughout the years. This message is important to me, because God is Good, and through Him, all things are possible. Too many mental health memoirs only focus on the pain, and I want my readers to see both my struggles and my triumphs. I endeavor in this book to paint a picture that is not just black and white, but full of the grey tones which more accurately describes the process of recovery.

    As I type this book description, I am close to my 40th birthday. I can honestly say that I feel the most mentally stable now than at any other point in my life. The positivity and gratitude in my heart at this stage in my life is amazing considering the rough experiences I have lived through due to my chronic illnesses. And that is the take-away I desperately want to share. Never give up, because there is always a new dawn. The sun rises, and you’re blessed with another day and a new chance. No matter the difficulties you face, God is there with you. He has always been there with me, even when I turned away.

    Now comes the part where I need your help! I finished the original rough draft of my book manuscript in May 2026. Since then, I have edited it once fully myself, and then had a kind friend edit it in June 2026. I am now doing a 3rd edit of my manuscript myself, and I would love your assistance! I welcome any offers to edit my book further. Please let me know if you would like to read through the rough draft of my manuscript. I am also looking for referrals to professional editors. In addition, I have a goal of seeing my book published. I am currently reviewing my options for self-publishing, hybrid publishing, or landing a professional publishing contract. My time has been busy researching all three possibilities. Please let me know if you can share advice on this process, or if you can provide contacts to book agents or publishers.

    I ask you, Ladybug readers, to consider supporting my efforts as an author with the memoir I have written. My prayer is to reach your emotions and minds in a new way and change your perspective on mental illness. This is my invitation: will you join me on my new challenge of being a blog entry writer AND book author? Thank you!

    In Love and Gratitude, G.

    PS If you or a loved one is struggling with mental illness, please visit The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at the following link: https://afsp.org/

    PSS To read more of my writing please visit my archive of blog posts at the following link: https://www.theladybug86.com

    More updates to come!

  • The ‘Ber Months: Enjoying my Favorite Time of Year, Grateful to be Alive!

    Thank you so much to my readers of The Ladybug Blog! I thought that the last time I wrote an entry would be the beginning of a comeback. However, life got lifey! There were other events that the universe had in mind for me. As a result, I stopped writing for a couple of months. Let’s catch up!  

    I would like to begin by saying that even though my life throughout the last two months has looked difficult to outsiders, I truly feel incredibly grateful. First, I am alive! I was not sure I was going to be able to say that recently. I’ve had two stays on hospital medical floors, and a stint in physical therapy/occupational therapy rehab between the two hospitalizations. Thankfully, I am now typing to you from my home apartment again. I have been placed on strict bedrest by my team of medical doctors, and my friends and family are reinforcing the importance of the rest. 

    So, with these difficulties, why am I feeling blessed instead of worn down? I truly feel that my life is a gift. Yes, I live with multiple chronic illnesses which have recently been in flares. But I realized how fleeting life can be as I lay in a hospital bed hooked up to heart monitors, oxygen, liquids, breathing treatments, and various IV medications. All I could think about was that I did not want to die. I have so much more to accomplish in this life, and I would never want to leave my family and friends. Life is such a precious gift!! 

    Perhaps I sound a bit stereotypical! The hospital patient faced with death who comes around to loving life even more. However, that is truly how I feel. God is Good, and I will praise Him for every moment left that I have on this earth. I savor my family and friends who have supported me so lovingly throughout these past months. Thank you! Also, thank you to my incredible professional support team, both medical doctors and mental health practitioners. In addition, I’ve had some truly wonderful hospital staff and PT/OT rehab staff. And my church family that has been concerned about my wellbeing are incredible. I feel held in prayer in a way that I have never experienced before in my life. There has not been a single moment that I have felt alone. I must also state that I firmly believe that God sent some of my “Team” from beyond. These are loved ones that have already passed and remain my guardian angels. It has taken a village to keep me surviving, and I do not take it for granted. Thank you to all, I am the luckiest girl ever!

    Now to the title of this piece, the ‘ber months as they are often called on social media memes. September has flown by for me with the events I just described. But this is my favorite time of year, and I am determined to enjoy it. Perhaps it will look different in 2026, as I will be mostly convalescing in bed. I have my bed facing two windows in my apartment, and I love watching the leaves fall to the ground. The colors of the trees as they begin their journey towards winter always make me happy. In addition, the alternating crisp cool sunny days and windy rainy afternoons makes New England weather interesting. I have discovered a new seasonal Starbucks iced latte that I truly think is my favorite coffee drink ever! And let’s not forget that my birthday is October 25, making me both a Halloween baby and a Scorpio. What could be better? Well, maybe Christmas. The holiday with family traditions I look forward to the most.

    I am blessed that even as life is getting harder all over the world, I still live a completely luxurious existence. I have good food, wonderful warm shelter, nice clothes, electricity, enough money to get by, and most of all a loving community around me. Yes, recently life has thrown me multiple curved balls. I will admit that there have been a few tears and desperate prayers. But I refuse to feel sorry for myself or let my struggles get me down. Again, God is Good, and I want to stay alive long enough to serve Him and thank Him.  

    Dear readers, please be patient with me as I re-enter my writing world while recovering from my health difficulties. I have a BIG announcement planned for the next blog entry, The Ladybug #50, so please keep your eyes alert for that soon!  And remember, even in the scariest and darkest of times, there is always always a light. Keep your heart open, and God will Bless you. 

    With Love, G. 

  • Hello…It’s Been a Minute! And You Can Help with My Come Back! 

    Welcome Readers of The Ladybug Blog! Here are some important updates! First, I took a break from social media and daily writing. This was a much-needed rest time due to physical illness and mental exhaustion. In western first world society we are encouraged to hustle, and rest is looked down on. However, taking a break is also a luxury that many in this world are never afforded. I do not take the blessing of stepping away lightly. I am thankful to recharge and now…come back! 

    Second, I will be typing away again now, and I hope to return to regular blog and Substack posts. Please check back frequently at the links in my bio! In addition, this is the 48th post of The Ladybug Blog. I have decided to make a major announcement for the 50th post with some exciting news that readers will NOT want to miss out on! Look out for that coming soon!  

    Third, I would like to share in this post about a new goal of mine. Throughout my time writing for The Ladybug Blog, I have frequently discussed my love of walking for charity causes. Well, I have had to slow down in recent months. My physical health has been a barrier to achieving mileage and physical fitness. But I have addressed my need for healthy exercise with my professional care team. With their help, I am being guided in ways to return to being “in shape.”  

    With a view to health and social justice causes, I have signed up for the Abby’s House 50th Anniversary Hybrid Virtual 5K Walk in mid-October 2026! Raising funds to support Abby’s House is a deeply personal cause for me. Abby’s House is a shelter and safe place for abused women and children located in Worcester, MA. Domestic violence is a cruelly all too common occurrence in relationships. Abby’s House provides a safe landing for women to save and re-start their lives. I cannot emphasize enough how important their work is!  

    Now, your turn! There are two ways that you can support me! You can directly help Abby’s House by sponsoring me for this walk at the following link: 

    Gaelle McLoud – Abby’s House 50th Anniversary Hybrid 5K Run/Walk

    To gain assistance from Abby’s House for yourself or a friend/family member, you can visit Get Help | Abby’s House

    Finally, you can aid me by reaching out to offer a friend for me to go on a training walk with, followed by an iced coffee or iced matcha green tea latte! I have approximately 3 months to get physically ready to walk a 5K after an extended period of doctor enforced bed rest. It is going to be hard for me! But I am determined. If you are feeling extra generous, you can meet both of my requests for help. I appreciate your support. Let’s Go! 

    Blessings and Sunshine, G. 

    Here are some pictures from the beginnings of my training:  

  • How to Praise God on Difficult Days 

    Dear readers of The Ladybug, do you ever have days that are intensely stressful and you wonder how to say “Thank You” to God at the end of them? I had one such day today. For personal reasons, to protect others, I cannot outline for you the details of the stressful situations today. Regardless, I will just state that more than one event unfolded that pushed my mind and body to the limits. I am now lying in bed with my laptop and trying to decompress myself. When I started to say “Grace” before my dinner, I realized that I didn’t want to say my usual line at the end of the prayer. This is the usual statement, “Dear God, Thank You for all of the blessings of this life, I praise Your Holy wonderful Name!”  

    Instead, tonight I felt resentful towards God. I wanted to complain to Him, and frankly, be pissed off. So, I took a deep breath and said my usual prayer statement anyway. A nice f*ck you to the devil, ha-ha! Then, I felt inspired to write this post, because I realized that I am probably not alone with sometimes reacting this way to a bad day.  

    So, I have decided to tell you what went “right” today. Because I firmly believe that there is always something to thank God for, even if it is just the fact that you are still on the correct side of the grass. However, today I have more than only my life to be thankful for. To name a couple of items: I had a matcha green tea latte AND an iced coffee with oat milk. These are my two favorite drinks of choice. Living in a sober lifestyle and having them both on the same day is a big treat!  

    Also, I had enough money in my normally small bank account to buy myself a new yoga mat. Recently, yoga has become a major coping skill for me. I had not practiced it consistently for years, and so I began with chair yoga to strengthen my muscles and re-build my skills. Now, I feel ready to tackle more traditional forms of yoga on a floor mat. This was an exciting purchase for me! In addition to being relaxing, I have found yoga to be a form of movement that my physically weak body can manage better than some more intensive workouts for the time being. I am on a slow, but steady, fitness journey after major illness, and this yoga mat is the next step! 

    Third on my list is the fact that in my new apartment, I have my own washer and dryer for the first time ever! Maybe I am majorly “geeking out” with adulting here and showing my age but not having to share with other apartments or go to Mom and Dad’s house is a big deal! Suddenly, I love doing laundry. Having your own machines is an incredible luxury that most people in middle to upper class USA take for granted, but I have been poor ever since I’ve been on my own as an adult. Therefore, this is a big deal for me, and I am grateful to God. 

    Finally, and most importantly, one of the professionals who helps me with my mental health showed up for me in a big way today. I am blessed to work with some amazing people who assist me with my disabilities, and having services is also a big blessing. I know many people who “fall through the cracks” of the mental health system. They need services, and could benefit greatly, but they are not connected to the right agencies. I am truly humbled by the amazing people that I have met on my healing journey with mental illness and today was no exception. It was easy to thank God today for this person. 

    And…there you go! I have just written four paragraphs about the multitude of ways that God was Amazing today! I have thanked God in my heart over again, as I write and realize that I lead a truly wonderful life. If you have a bad day, I encourage you to try the same exercise. Pull out your journal, or a simple paper and pen, and write down anything that you can think of that did go well throughout your day. Your gratitude examples can be small and simple, but I bet you can think of a couple. Remember, God is always Good, He wants to provide a beautiful life for us little humans. When things go wrong, God wants to help us through. Reach out and Thank God, it will turn your mind in the right direction to focus on healing, instead of resentment. 

    Thank you to you, too, dear readers. My writing blesses me just as much as you, if not more so. I hope I have inspired you to have a peaceful night and find a good release for your own frustrations. Sending Hugs and Love, G. 

    PS The picture of Sunflowers is in memory of my beautiful Aunt, who loved them. 

  • New Announcement: Business Creation Day 

    Today was an important day in my new writing career.  I have now created a business account for The Ladybug, my blog, with a new version of Microsoft Word.  I feel a certain sense of pride, as if I have done some serious adulting.  My blog is still in its early stages, with this 29th entry, as well as my bio, but the joy I find in creating it has me committed for the long-haul.  Originally, I viewed the blog as a place to combine religion and politics first and foremost.  I felt a special interest in these topics as a pastor’s daughter and as a self-proclaimed progressive Christian.  However, I have found that writing about my personal life has become interesting and never-ending.   

    My health has been a huge struggle in my life for the last 6 months, both physically and mentally, after a tick-borne illness diagnosis in April 2025.  I had to take an “Incomplete,” grade in my college course, and take to my bed or my parents’ couch for weeks on end.  My blog, The Ladybug, has remained one of the only outlets left for me to achieve in. Due to cognitive changes from the illness, such as intense mental fog and confusion, schoolwork and other creative pursuits fell by the wayside.  But I could write!!  

    Which brings me to this article.  My computer no longer had a viable source of Microsoft Word as of a few days ago.  I had to choose whether to invest in myself and my crazy typing, or to give up and admit that maybe the cards were stacked against me…not a chance!  Instead, I am doubling down on my efforts to bring unique stories and opinions about this multi-faceted thing we call life to The Ladybug and my readers.  I consider no topic to be “off-limits.”  There will still be politics and religion involved, especially given the times we are living in and current news stories.  However, I will now include an even wider repertoire of posts.  I also would welcome messages from my readers about ideas you would like me to write on.  The sky is the limit!  You can message me through Facebook (Gaelle McLoud), Instagram (@gaellemcloud), or WordPress.com where I post The Ladybug.   

    In addition, I have another project in the works that I hope to share soon.  It is a writing journey that I have been on for 12 years now, and it is still not finished!  But…shh…more on that when the time is right.  God is Good, and I have found that even in the darkest times, He can lift me up!  My writing has always been a gift to me, and now a passion I get to give to others.  I hope you enjoy it! 

    I’m doubly excited to share this change with all of you and look forward to feedback!  And a reminder that you can directly link to my blog by following www.theladybug86.com  

    Blessings, wonderful readers!  The best is yet to come! G.