I’ve been wondering how I might mark the end of an incredible year here at Delight in Disorder. Would I chronicle my own year in mental health, from my confinement on a psychiatric observation unit of the hospital — “Examining Medicine; Observing Faith“, to my liberation as I channel my illness in creative ways — “The Relationship Between Creativity and Mental Illness.“? Would I revisit good posts that went largely unnoticed, like “Discovering Delight in Disorder,”;”Cracked Pots” ; and, “A Close Encounter with a Crazed Commentator.” Maybe I would feature one of the many reader responses I’ve gotten in 2017 — like:

Yesterday was my birthday and still, I was a bit depressed. Some does come from my past childhood abuse, not that it was all bad, but my father has not spoken to me since my diagnosis in 2002 and my mom passed in 2003, but she understood before her passing. So it even hard for me to get into the Holiday Spirit some years. Just because we may not talk to family all year long, it does still sting as we are humans with feelings…. I will be sharing this post and add your fundraiser too!! 

As I was still mulling over my options of ringing in the new year with you, I got an email from my media consultant Sean Pritzkau  asking if I might consider doing 2017 top-10 blog posts as a way to relive the good ‘ole days with my longterm readers, introduce tried-and-true reflections to newer readers, and draw more folks whose interest is piqued by the stories highlighted. I think this is a great idea, Sean! (That’s why I pay him the big bucks.)

So, I thought it might be good to list the 10 most-viewed posts over the course of 2017. As I review this, three things jump out at me: 1) Many readers are attracted to interviews with and guests posts from faithful leaders in mental health advocacy; 2) People pay attention to new mission directives and read about how Delight in Disorder is emerging; and, 3) The fields are ripe for reflections on mental illness from a faith perspective.

 

Top 10 Most Viewed Posts for 2o17

10.  Is Depression “of God”? (a guest post by Leanne Sype).

8. (tie) When the Spirit Breaks Loose.

8. (tie) Worshipping with a Mental Illness.

7.  No One Cares About Crazy People: A Review

6.  What’s Next? Revealing Voices.

5. Reaching Out; Letting Go. (a guest post by Kelcey Rockhold).

4. Examining Medicine; Observing Faith.

3. Granny Told Me His Name. (a guest post by Lee Ann Leach).

2. Delight in Disorder: My message; my mission.

1.  Advocates for Persons with Mental Illness (an interview with Laura Pagliano).

 

Now, I’d love to hear from you. What post really spoke to your soul? What sparked your imagination? What made you laugh? What made you cry? Send me your nominations through the contact link in the upper right hand corner of the screen.