Sue McGaughey
Bio
I worked 25 years in special education primarily doing behavior management. Writing has always been my passion. As a child I started writing to express my feelings. I had my first poem published when i was 12 yrs old.
Stories (32)
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Enjoying the Holidays
The holiday season is often associated with joy, gatherings, and celebrations. However, for people living with tinnitus, hyperacusis, or sudden sensorineural hearing loss, the holidays can feel overwhelming exhausting, and stressful. Loud environments, unpredictable noise, social pressure, and disrupted routines can significantly intensify symptoms. Surviving the holidays does not mean pushing through discomfort — it means adapting with intention, compassion, and self-care.
By Sue McGaugheyabout a month ago in Motivation
Supporting People with Tinnitus
Living with Tinnitus and Hyperacusis can be very challenging. Tinnitus is when a person hears phantom sounds coming from their ear-brain. It can be ringing, buzzing, whooshing, pulsing, a high tone or a low tone. The thing is, no-one else can hear it except the person who has tinnitus. The medical professionals have no exact, concrete evidence as to what causes tinnitus but there are many theories. Some of the theories are age, hearing loss, loud noise, stress, high blood pressure, damage to the hairs in your ears. It becomes very frustrating for the patient to not know what caused their condition.
By Sue McGaughey4 months ago in Motivation
S.W.A.T Fans Speak Loudly
Since its debut in 2017, CBS’s S.W.A.T., starring Shemar Moore as Sergeant Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson, has established itself as one of the most action-packed, socially relevant, and emotionally compelling police dramas on television. Despite its widespread popularity, dedicated fanbase, and consistent ratings, the show has faced cancellation, much to the disappointment of viewers. The series deserves to be uncancelled again and renewed for a ninth season due to its cultural impact, strong storytelling, and the loyal support it continues to receive from fans worldwide.
By Sue McGaughey10 months ago in FYI
Through The Lens
As I was walking the hills of Carmel, California I was glancing left and right to take in the sites. There are several stores and art galleries on each side of the road that I frequently enjoyed exploring. As I walked past this long walkway, I stopped dead in my tracks. Something was tugging at my curiosity to wander down the hallway and see what was there. Off I went and what a beautiful surprise awaited me just past the doorway. At initial glance the mystique and simple beauty of the walkway captured my attention. My first footstep into the hallway told me I had to stroll slowly down this path so as not to miss one bit of its beauty.
By Sue McGaughey12 months ago in Photography
New Year New Me
For as many years as I can remember I have been saying, "I'm going to write a book." I literally have at least 5 books that I have started just sitting in my hard drive. I'm not quite sure the reason I always get half way and then stop. Perhaps it's because sometimes I just get writer's block or maybe it's because I've just had poor follow through on this particular project. When I think about it, there is no really good reason why I can't finish at least one book. My brain has a wealth of knowledge on so many important topics. So when this new year rolled around I decided I am definitely going to write and publish my first book.
By Sue McGaughey12 months ago in Motivation
Surviving the Noise
The holidays are already upon us. Just over one year ago I was diagnosed with Tinnitus and hyperacusis. For those of you who do not know what that is, it's when you hear constant noise in your ear(s). It really has something to do with the brain and how it processes sound. Some people hear a heartbeat, some hear a high pitched sound and for some it's a chirping noise. Mine is a constant high pitched sound with a periodic static noise. A lot of people have intermittent Tinnitus. They are the luckier ones. That means their noise comes and goes. If you are like me, the noise is constant. Now that I am used to it there are some days where I don't even notice it. Those are the days I keep busy. Once in a while for a split second I think to myself, "Oh my gosh, it's gone"! Reality is that it is not. I just forgot about it for a bit. There are also days that it just rings lower. Those days are a blessing.
By Sue McGaugheyabout a year ago in Lifehack
Eva's Last Cry
Eva cried out, “How could you? How could you do this to me again”? Tears flowed down her face like water from Niagara Falls. Tom dropped to his knees, grabbing at her pants leg and begging for one more chance. “Please Eva, you’re the only woman who owns my heart, my soul, my everything.” “You should’ve thought of that when her nails were clawing down your back, making sure I’d see the evidence of your unforgivable infidelity!” she cried.
By Sue McGaughey2 years ago in Fiction
S.W.A.T Season 7 A Gripping Start
As the seventh season of "SWAT" kicks off, viewers are immediately thrown into the heart of the action with its first episode, featuring none other than Shemar Moore leading the charge. Titled "The Promise," this episode delivers everything fans have come to expect from the series and more.
By Sue McGaughey2 years ago in Critique
How Tinnitus Changed My Life
It was a happy Wednesday and I just arrived home after one of my best workouts ever. I remember being so excited because I had burned so many calories, sweated like rain and felt that I had just had the best overall workout I had in a long time. I thought to myself though, "that music was super loud today". In reality, the music was loud every day and we worked out in a pretty small space. I never thought anything of it. I just enjoyed my workouts.
By Sue McGaughey2 years ago in Lifehack
Writing Changed My Life
I can remember loving to write ever since I could string a sentence together. I grew up in a very dysfunctional and abusive environment. Writing became my escape, my therapy and ultimately my passion. At first it started as me just writing down my thoughts in a notebook. I would sit for hours on end letting my thoughts flow onto paper. This was during the days when computers weren't even a thing yet. I took actual pen to paper and wrote until my hands would cramp. I always had trouble verbally expressing myself so writing was my voice, even if I thought nobody was listening.
By Sue McGaughey2 years ago in Writers
Navigating and Coping with Abrupt Illness-Induced Changes
Helpful hints on how to live with Tinnitus and other newly diagnosed Illnesses. Life is often full of surprises, some joyous and some challenging. One such challenge can arise when our lives are abruptly altered due to an illness. The impact of an unexpected health condition can be profound, affecting various aspects of our lives, including relationships, career, and overall well-being. However, it is important to remember that even in the face of adversity, there are ways to cope and adapt to these changes. In this article, we will explore strategies to help you navigate through the difficulties and find resilience in the face of an abrupt illness-induced change.
By Sue McGaughey3 years ago in Education
