Why It's Important to Celebrate the Small Stuff | Life with Schizoaffective Disorder

[@a-ms9760]

Yes that's a good goal: No matter how small, something pleasant every day

[@meggylee8078]

"building a life worth living" is such a good way to frame it. I've heard productivity bros say it but it feels different in this context.

[@isotope73]

I feel the reason is obvious. Aka, walking the walk

[@darkacadpresenceinblood]

productivity bros tell you what you should do to fit *their* idea of a "life worth living", which might not actually align with what you personally want/need. this video is all about finding what brings *you* joy, no matter how small, that's what makes it so great!

[@horizonblack]

Here is a win. You help many, many people accept the unacceptable.

[@RonnyAndersson-q9b]

The small stuff. Especially the good stuff, is the most valuable in the end. You're never alone. Don't let the Hell voices tell you that. Building a life you don't need a vacation from is the way to go.

[@lightman512]

It's so important to be able to appreciate the small things. Even at the best of times, life is rarely easy. Thank you for sharing so openly and honestly - it's inspiring to see what you're doing. Being something of an insomniac, I know exactly what you mean with the sunrises; there are no skyscrapers where I live, but the sun does rise over the mountains in the distance, and it's truly spectacular. I wish you the best of luck with the conference - I'm sure you'll do really well there and I really hope it's going to be a great experience.

[@PeterBondeVillain]

Thank you so much for the very generous donation to Kit!

[@SchizoKitzo]

First off THANK YOU SO MUCH! second off, sunrises over mountains sounds lovely as well. The sunrises at work I feel I stumbled upon them. As if I’d never gotten up early to start a certain experiment a few times I never would have noticed and they would have just happened without me. The conference is gonna be great, and thank you again for your kind words and this super thanks!

[@moonriver78]

Luna is so cute! 🥺 I think one of the small things I'm happy for is just having the ability to live. Being grateful for life itself, being able to live in the moment. I also enjoy being able to socialize with others and hone in on my hobbies whenever I can. Before I got diagnosed with Bipolar Type 2 I was never social. Now being on the right meds I'm social all the time and I thoroughly appreciate it and love it. Practicing gratitude for everyday is important!

[@kaldishelbryndjar]

My little win today was finding someone who shares my troubles in some degree and can communicate how to effectively live with it. I am also schizo-affective bipolar disorder. To see someone else with it thriving gives me hope.

[@SchizoKitzo]

Yay for hope!

[@aurajudy8487]

Gaining a prey animal love is magical. I've had several buns, they are sweethearts, with unique personalities, very empathetic and are always there when you struggle, I can thank all my three buns for keeping my surviving bad days strike intact.

[@SchizoKitzo]

Mine help me so so much in so many ways!

[@TherapyKitt]

This is probably the best explanation of what it means to accumulate positive experiences I’ve ever heard. Thank you!

[@SchizoKitzo]

I’ve thought about it a lot, thank you for saying this!

[@thenomothete]

It's very important to celebrate small wins so thank you for sharing those wins with us. It truly turns those "small wins" into big wins. They can truly be life changing. Congrats

[@SchizoKitzo]

Absolutely!! Thanks!

[@thenomothete]

@@SchizoKitzo and thank you as always you're an inspiration

[@mrmissionctrl]

KZbin kept showing me your videos so I guess I'm subscribing. As a 46 year old multiple diagnosis psychosis patient in this matrix illusion holographic simulation, I'm here for questioning and stuff if you need it. My son is 26 so don't be afraid to do livestreams, I'll walk you through it. Keep in touch with your stuffed animals btw.

[@SchizoKitzo]

Welcome to the Hive!

[@PatriciaWilson-fy3co]

We had a female and male guinea pig growing up. The girl got pregnant, and let me tell you, nothing in this world is cuter than a 1 day old baby guinea pig. (She had 3) Such a joy.

[@SchizoKitzo]

When I got Luna she was 3 weeks old and even that was so cute! I can’t imagine one day old!

[@PatriciaWilson-fy3co]

@@SchizoKitzo Babies have much higher pitched squeaks. They are born covered in hair with their eyes open too!

[@SchizoKitzo]

ADORABLE

[@NavigatingthePeriphery]

Even if the progress is slow or the win is small, it's still definitely worth holding on for. I try to keep pushing forward, even though sometimes it's not easy. Great message 👍

[@Rayza-n9p]

Sometimes what we think are the smallest are often the biggest. You are doing a great job with your videos. Bet you didn’t think a few years ago someone sitting in Australia in the middle of the night would be watching them and learning so much. Thank you for sharing 🙂

[@SchizoKitzo]

Makes me happy to know my videos are worth watching. Thanks!

[@fredrikbergquist5734]

You have a job, you are pretty, you have an apartment, friends that care about you. Those are not small things, they are huge things. Look at vids about the US right now (don’t know if you live there) you are so lucky! My philosophy is ”laugh more, hug more!”.

[@Cuthdave]

It’s so wholesome to see something like this. Thank you for sharing! Your pet is adorable btw. 😍

[@bi_trans_guy567]

LUNA! So adorable! Aside from cuteness, so glad there are so many wins, even if they are small. It's so important to count and appreciate them. I found your channel recently and I'm so glad I did.

[@SchizoKitzo]

I’m glad to hear this! And I’ll tell Luna you said so! Thanks

[@ariellesarinafirestone7823]

I have to say, your channel is one of those little wins for me. That might sound weird but I’ve been pretty sick for a while and little things like this help me. The pretty background lights, the calming timbre of the way you speak and the relatable content genuinely help me calm down and sometimes even get to sleep. I don’t have schitzophrenia/schitzoeffective. I have autoimmune encephalitis Which is a pretty rare autoimmune disorder that attacks your brain and can cause some pretty gnarly psychiatric symptoms. So I’ve experienced feelings of hypomania and psychotic adjacent like symptoms. The way my illness presents in me is like if MS, severe psychiatric illness, dementia had a baby. For so long nobody believed me. Everyone thought it was only psychiatric even though I was losing all of my memory, in agonising pain, having seizures (even while I was sleeping), had giant swollen lymph nodes at the base of my head and all up and down my neck and losing a lot of my motor function to the point where I stopped being able to walk. I knew it wasn’t just psychiatric even though that’s a pretty big part of it and the worst part was not only did psychiatric medications not help me, they actually made me so much worse. So when I see someone on KZbin that takes psych meds and they actually work like they’re supposed to it makes me SO happy for you!!! And maybe even a little bit jealous cuz I wished they worked for me😂 But I was finally believed after like a decade or so and I’m under the care of one of the best neurologists in the world and I’m starting a medication for Parkinson’s/traumatic brain injuries to try to deal with some of the brain damage my illness has caused me and then I’m going down the immunotherapy route to deal with the autoimmune aspect. The only upside to this nightmare of an illness I guess is that I’ve gotten SUPER into neuroscience and psychiatry and that’s another reason I love your channel because I learn so so much! Anyway I’m really happy for you on your little wins! And I want to thank you for your channel being one of mine❤❤

[@SchizoKitzo]

I read this from start to finish and so glad I can help you. Lots of science ahead and I wish you best of luck on your journey!

[@ariellesarinafirestone7823]

@@SchizoKitzo aww thank you so much!! I really appreciate it! Also yay more science!!💖✨

[@darkacadpresenceinblood]

this video made me smile so much it's awesome to get a glimpse into the tiny things that made a fellow human happy! a small thing that has been making me happy recently is whenever i walk home from uni, the sunlight hits at just the right angle i don't know what it is about it but it's so great to feel warm sun on my skin after a long tiring day :)

[@SchizoKitzo]

Oh I love that for you! Thanks for sharing and I hope you have a wonderful day!

[@katryonkelly3772]

Love your perspective and optimism! We're so glad you're still here! Yup appreciate the small victories and moments! Stay strong beautiful, you got this! 🫂❤️🔥

[@eco2geek.]

You have a force of personality and I'm positive that you can talk to anybody you want to without much problem. Cute bunny headband and cute guinea pig. I enjoy watching your videos. Take care!

[@Kaly81]

OMG 😱 Luna is so cute!!!! ❤ More of Luna please!!!!!! And thank you for sharing your little and big wins!!!!

[@QueenBee-dj4wv]

We all love you. ❤❤❤❤

[@lauren1779]

Lately I’ve been in awe of nature every time I go outside. Life is a blessing. Sending you peace 💖

[@gckinsey]

AHHHH HI LUNA!!! So cute 😍I love her little cronch sounds as she munches on that romaine. It's also great to see this kind of appreciation of the little things (especially as someone who used to prioritize the big things and not focus on the little things enough). Congratulations on making it into the HealtheVoices conference, that's so exciting! And yay for proving to yourself that you can still network. We're total opposites about longer days vs. shorter days (LOL) but even so, I love that you're able to watch those sunrises and enjoy the mornings more. It's also cool to find out that I've unintentionally been doing a DBT skill with all of my regular "treat yourself" things - my workouts at the pool (complete with the mammalian dive reflex), my voice training exercises, my nighttime mugs of tea, my daily dose of danmei, etc. I can feel how much stress those things relieve, so I definitely plan to keep doing them. Thank you so much for this video! :)

[@toddolson3521]

I struggle with putting out the lights regularly there definitely have these moments to keep them on and it's been 35 years now so these moments definitely make a difference... I'm still here...

[@Omegared_o]

Been crying lately idk its not a good thing think im dissociating im hoping for this to stop i remember not being able to cry at all actually so i feel good about getting better but i feel like diving in to my emotions have been the cause of all this which is good to know

[@jmanke6057]

Thanks!

[@SchizoKitzo]

THANKS SO MUCH!!!

[@brb__bathroom]

You are quite correct. People too often only celebrate the big wins in life, we need to commiserate All the small things and cherish them

[@SchizophreniaSurvivor]

Your channel is amazing! You are helping a lot of people. Keep up the great work. I know it’s not easy.

[@SchizoKitzo]

Thank you so so much! I’ll do my best 💪 I appreciate this (and you)!

[@TeaWithTash_]

Hey, about the Guinea pig, try using positive reinforcement! Animal behavior nerd here! You can learn about clicker training online and it’s so much fun! It will help her get used to you way faster and it will be more pleasant for her. The way you are doing is good, but it’s more equivalent to learning to tolerate touch, with positive reinforcement you tell her what ou want and she will associate you with good things. You can teach her so much, the clicker training community is normally very open and most of the people are neurodivergent, like us!

[@SchizoKitzo]

Oooo good ideas, thanks!

[@the-comments-poet]

A Mouse Every day I see the world I am forever amazed by its unending wonders And all the beauty of everything around me Each blade of grass, every pebbles, shoot and twigs Drops of dew as diamonds in the morning sun The fresh scent of renewed hope in the early breath The promises of life awoken Riches and abundance and rewards near I am so very small - this world so big Though I look and look I cannot see very far But I can see I belong here That I belong to this here The new day also brings hurdles and sorrow Streams to cross, treacherous and menacing covers I am just a solitary little mouse trotting along In this immeasurable field I call home And no matter the dangers and the threats However unkind the weather and cold the nights And the friends lost and the dark days I am grateful for this ground I walk on I am the life given to me Like a voice needs a listener And the dream a dreamer This earth comes alive under my tiny little feet I am bound to it as it is to me Here and now I am To this life given to me I am a voice, I am a dream, I am a breath I am just a little mouse

[@gwakon]

Needed this today. I was telling myself yesterday it's about the small things in life.

[@SchizoKitzo]

Hang in there 💪

[@gwakon]

@@SchizoKitzo thank you ❤️

[@annasfakianaki7979]

Good luck on the conference!! You 'll be awesome we are sure! 😎

[@AnthonyJ101-d8q]

It was beautiful seeing Luna. My first time seeing her on the channel. Thank you for bringing her on. You're right about accumulating positive experiences, giving us a sense of having satisfying lives and remaining firm and organised in a disordered mind.

[@LaCosa973]

Minor setbacks to major comeback🤟

[@ZijnShayatanica]

I'll watch this in the morning - started taking Risperdal again to prevent an episode & this little baby dose is ABSOLUTELY knocking me out. But I look forward to seeing it!! From the title/thumbnail, it's exactly the same mindset I've been trying to adopt & this is yet another sign to keep trying. 💕

[@lisatomihiro3488]

Luna is adorable. I remember the hot air balloon festival. I enjoyed the pictures you put up for all of us. I am glad the skill is helping you out. ❤️

[@SchizoKitzo]

Thanks so much Lisa!

[@kinzhe83]

That guinea pig munching on lettuce made my day :) Thank you so much for your videos Kit, best of luck at the conference, I'm sure you'll excel there :)

[@SchizoKitzo]

Fingers crossed! Thank you!

[@LiamODonovan-l6e]

You are a strong woman, beautiful pet. Wishing you the best. Love your videos. Best of luck, sweetheart

[@anniscalling]

Yay for the little things! Thanks for sharing your moments and the useful skill. I have developed a skill for myself which I call "conscious optimism". As someone with anxiety, I tend to be pessimistic about upcoming events. But with this skill, I consciously adopt the position in my mind of "It will probably go well". I am conscious that this is an artificial thought - I don't force myself to believe it, but I sort of put on that optimistic hat as if I'm playing a game or something. And surprisingly it works - I am more oriented towards a positive outcome and that has a good effect on how the thing will actually go because I'm more relaxed and thus it will actually go better.

[@SchizoKitzo]

Hey if it works it works. Thanks for Sharing!

[@A_Licht]

I barely know you, I found your videos recently and I just watched the last ones. But, despite that, I think you're doing an awesome job sharing your thoughts, your wins, and your overall life experience. I know it's hard sometimes and you are doing right. Thank you for sharing and showing us Luna, she is so beautiful. I love those kinds of pets.

[@xirisx1988]

I have a mixed feeling when the days turn shorter. I like that I can close the curtains earlier. But that I cannot look out of the window makes me feel locked up and make me think more about life and stuff.

[@TheUrbanAdventurer]

I'm happy for the good things that have happened and hopeful for the good things yet to happen. I like the guinea pigs by the way. They're so cute.

[@Deimos_Eris]

thats crazy how we both go through a lot of the same stuff in life, that's funny because we always think that we are alone

[@mjlove6574]

thank you so much for this video! ❤ beautiful piggy.❤ are you planning on making vlogs in the future?❤

[@SchizoKitzo]

Depends on my inspiration. It’s always possible!

[@alexprieto8277]

Giving me things to think about. I've gotten better over the last few months (I take invega sustaina..). but I still find that my brain doesn't want to do certain things. whether it's dishwashing or laundry or even sitting at the computer instead of in the bed and finish a video game. I don't want to do much. I wish I were more productive. I still have no job and id have to learn skills. not sure what Im capable of doing either. anyways, I think the DBT skills are great.

[@rainygreene9161]

LUNA!!! I like what you share here.

[@roberttravers7587]

Great video! good luck 😁

[@kimlec3592]

Did you know about Open Dialogue & also the Hearing Voices network? Also internal family systems therapy ideas? All these symptoms are often due to Emotional Distress/Crisis...which is why meds are not always effective. It can be your emotions trying to get your attendance...

[@joannamost8592]

Good luck with the conference!

[@SchizoKitzo]

Thank you!

[@taylorsteiner9273]

Awesome!!!!

[@waceyseufer7083]

You're dead on point 🎯 Even if it's something "smol" it's reason enough to celebrate. Over the years, I've kinda had to push myself to give myself credit and be happy about the little things. My nickname's Khemo, like Khemo-Sabi (not Khemo-therapy), so I'll say something goofy like, "Stop being emo, Khemo!" lol It'll give me a giggle and remind me not to bash myself with low self-esteem. I had a hard enough time with self-esteem growing up (hence where Emo-Khemo came from, lol) that I learned real quickly that it just ain't worth it to not be happy. Life may not be sunshine and roses, but it can be just as good with overcast and Mary Jane. Lol, and omgosh, it was hard for me to concentrate with Luna's munching too xD She's so cute though! Lol! Little thing to celebrate: Guinea Pig Chomps 😁 Lol, love the video, man. Always awesome to see your stuff and have a great time this weekend! Keep going, dude. You rock! 🤘

[@SchizoKitzo]

I def made sure to say the meat of the video before the munches. She’s too cute!

[@MarkFive-ec7ig]

You rock those bunnies. ❤😊❤

[@ShadyPlatinum777]

I love watching the sun rise. It always makes me feel better.

[@SchizoKitzo]

It’s so peaceful

[@SM-yb3eq]

Love your eyes. Just wanted to say that.

[@WWS322]

Depression is oppressive. I feel it right before I pick up the guitar. You are so lucky to have a prestigious job. I have lived off the government most of my life. I would be proud if I were you. I had a relapse of my illness when I was last in the university. I don't know why because I was faithfully taking my meds. I don't really expect you to answer but do you have hunger issues? Lybalvi can solve that. It is zyprexa plus an added ingredient for your appetite. I know I had severe appetite problems on zyprexa and many other drugs. I weigh twice as much as before my first hospitalization. I believe I could get my weight down now but I have been drinking lots of sugary drinks because the tap water tastes really bad here. I see my GP in a week and will get my blood drawn and I don't know if it'll say I'm at risk for diabetes. I'm so glad you are nice to your guinea pig but it can be hard on them if they are not in pairs.

[@MarkFive-ec7ig]

More Luna please. She is very cute. ❤❤❤

[@arielcorralesramirez2318]

Can i ask which meds for anxiety you are taking!!? And love your small wins!!!!

[@Mpxyzm2by]

Can you talk about alcoholism? Work really overwhelms me and I drink alcohol after work to ease the stress. I don’t drink much, but I don’t like that I do this. Pot causes paranoia and delusions for me so I stay away. Any piece on addiction would be great, as I have been over a year clean from hard drugs. Thank you. ~1 year+ diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder

[@andrewoats]

Therapy piggies are my pet of choice too and I love darker mornings. If only I had fabulous hair we could be twins 😂

[@sinqlair]

Hi! What’s the song called that plays in the background of your videos? It’s so calming!!❤️

[@SchizoKitzo]

It’s called “No. 10 A New Beginning” by Esther Abrami. I love it so much too

[@Omegared_o]

I try to keep it safe i like talking but then i feel like my words are compromised or my position is and idk what that means basically i die by someone irl if the wtong perosn finds me ive made enemies i guess cause of my paranoia for me its abiyt the things and feelings and ways i get it truly is im emotional about opening up angrily at ppl everyday. Regrets. Yes. I try everyday to just let the thing slide but does it idk ya know. Its not so much fun or doing something as is well what i really enjoy id say is hanging with my parents. But idk how to speak properly ill try though

[@a-ms9760]

Animals aren't meant to be in cages. She looks happy and relaxed outside of the cage.

[@SchizoKitzo]

She’s a Guinea pig, so she does need one. But it’s 36sqft so it’s massive! Lots of room to run around :)

[@ivanterrible7362]

I had to chuckle that you work in a lab and have a guinea pig.

[@SchizoKitzo]

So ironic right 😂

[@heronofheaven]

Hi i have some questions. How can you wake up so early with all those seductive antipsychotics that you have taken. How many hours do you have to sleep? I need to sleep 15 hours for me to recharge after taking Zyprexa 5 mg. I feel so frustrated and don't know what to do. It will be appreciated if you could give me some advice.

[@flyingskyward2153]

Hungry piggie! Btw, do you talk about your science interests or work anywhere?

[@lenajazuk4231]

How many piggies do you have?

[@SchizoKitzo]

3 right now!

[@jmanke6057]

Have great conference

[@SchizoKitzo]

I appreciate this, thank you!

[@guitarsheetmusic3696]

where you ever hospitalized?

[@SchizoKitzo]

Yes once!

[@AHOT1976]

your piggy is gorgeous

[@SchizoKitzo]

She’s so pretty!

[@germainedenon311]

building a life on neurotoxins. wonder how your brain will be like in another 10 years? :)

[@SchizoKitzo]

If I get to live another ten years thanks to my psych meds that’s a problem I’m okay having :)

[@jmanke6057]

@@germainedenon311 What are the other options if doctor doesn’t want to work with you? I have few friends one meds helped a lot he is glad doctor gave him what he knew he needed the other has been trying so much but haven’t figure it out yet but hoped they will. Yes if less painful life you just do the best you can perhaps a better options will come along someday.