tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53068093651991365542024-03-13T19:55:24.850-04:00Raising AwarenessRaising Awarenesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967433991610219843noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306809365199136554.post-64658339210845162662014-08-13T10:43:00.000-04:002014-08-15T09:16:16.517-04:00Live Your COMpassion!<i><b>In Loving, Compassionate Memory of <span style="color: blue;">Robin Williams</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i>
<a href="http://handson.provocateuse.com/show/robin_williams/01"><img alt="robin williams, 01" src="http://handson.provocateuse.com/images/photos/robin_williams_01.jpg" /></a><br />
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Finally! Suicide and suicide risk, along with what we refer to at the moment as <i>mental illness</i>, will begin to be discussed openly and freely! <br />
Why did it have to come at such a cost? Such a COST! Other than losing any one of a small handful of people in my life, I can't imagine feeling so incredibly sad, and angry! What we've lost in Robin Williams can never be replaced. I can't imagine another celebrity that would bring the entire world not only to their knees in utter agony over the loss of a truly unique and beloved person, but at the same time to so 'loudly' and painfully open our eyes to the pain and hidden shame that can lie just beneath the surface of another...and many refuse to see or talk about it. Even up until a couple of days ago the discussion of any form of depression (Particularily manic depression/bipolar as I suspect this was one of Robin Williams demons) or suicide was still hush hush, and due to the adoration of Robin from literally THE WORLD AROUND, it will now take Centre stage, as Robin would truly want. Is it going to take such truly tragic events for the people of this world to get their acts together and get off their high horses and deal with ALL the good and bad that make us human? It's time! Be open, free to be there for another. <i>Without judgement. </i>Just you. That's all that's needed. Anything more, which may sometimes include your thoughts and words, may only cause more burden. It's only HARD to talk about and/or deal with if we choose for it to be that way. Society has such a stigma on anything mental illness related or 'thought to be' just because the medical world can't come up with an explanation. <br />
It's time! Time for humanity to say enough is enough! This old, utterly destructive way of thinking and behaving toward others just because -<br />
you don't understand;<br />
and/or it makes you feel 'embarrassed' or uncomfortable;<br />
or you think you feel shame because you're afraid that what you perceive to be wrong with another will reflect badly on you;<br />
or you think they've somehow 'earned' being 'where they're at';<br />
or it must be in my head because there's no way THEY could have THAT kind of problem..<br />
along with a myriad of total and blatant nonsense thinking has got to stop! It's true weakness on your (people in general) part when you choose to turn your back. Absolute, unbelievable and blatant weakness. Feeling guilt and shame can be such harmful feelings, but they do have their place and they do serve a purpose. We all need to feel a <i>healthy level </i>of our <i>God given 'feeling features' </i>that God has truly blessed us with, as a guide to help us adjust our thoughts, attitudes, and actions so that we may serve and help others, including ourselves, in more effectual ways. Now Robin Williams is about to prove to the world just how truly foolish society's attitude certainly is, because that's all it really is - bad attitude.<br />
Our world is willingly waking up to many things, which makes the awakening process much more pleasant and enjoyable. But we're being awakened to ALL that needs changing and if we try to shove anything under the carpet, the awakening experience can be profoundly painful. Thus, our grieving over Robin Williams! <br />
Some are only noticing the same old reports each day about this event, wishing people would 'just get over it', 'it's a suicide, it happens every day'. And this is part of my point. It is suicide and once depression takes the leap of suicide, you can't 'make it better' - it's too late. For me, in the case of Robin Williams, the cost was just too high.. The fact is, the cost is always too high. Robin's legacy will teach us ALL that, whether we think we want to know or not. It's time to know, understand, and dig deep into those hidden away pockets of compassion that we all carry and are all too often guilty of keeping to ourselves. <br />
Find your COMpassion and and LIVE IT! Start sharing it to and with your loved ones, first and foremost! If you feel uncomfortable, that just means you haven't practiced it enough, therefore, work hard. No FEAR! There's no room for fear on this earth anymore! Burn your cynical baggage! Those archaic attitudes of <i>metal illness </i>need<i> </i>to be gone. Let's make them gone, by choice. <br />
<b><i>Love IS all there is.</i></b> Get out there and prove it! It's an amazingly loving and beautiful world out there. Spread it around even more.<br />
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<i style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><i><i><b>May blessings of abundance in all that comes from truth and goodness find their way to you!</b></i></i></span></span></i><br />
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<b>Living Your COMpassion - Part 2</b><br />
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I'd like to provide a link to a blog/comic strip about depression that was shared with me. I felt it was just excellent and that it needs to get 'out there' somehow, so I'm going to do my little part in making that happen.<br />
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Part 1: <a href="http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.ca/2011/10/adventures-in-depression.html">http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.ca/2011/10/adventures-in-depression.html</a><br />
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Part 2: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fhyperboleandahalf.blogspot.ca%2F2013%2F05%2Fdepression-part-two.html&h=VAQFdW3cM">http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fhyperboleandahalf.blogspot.ca%2F2013%2F05%2Fdepression-part-two.html&h=VAQFdW3cM</a><br />
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Her 'Jumanji' reference couldn't be more appropriate! ..This is excellent! I can relate to all except the having no reason to be depressed. I KNEW I had tons of reasons to be depressed. I felt responsible for everyone and everything! I couldn't get past what my children were (and had been) going through, due to my illness(s) alone, let alone other crap throughout their lives that I'd not been able to protect them from. The feeling of responsibility was overwhelming and I couldn't believe that I'd allowed ANY of it to happen to them (as if I could help most of it anyway!). It took a new medication, which has given me my life back, to help me, first of all - realize I <i>HAD </i>been so gravely depressed, and secondly, to get out of my terrible depth of depression that I now realized I had been in for so very long. It took coming out of it to realize just how bad that depression was, that I didn't even think I had!! I was so concerned with being sick and trying to figure out how to be who I wanted and needed to be, that I couldn't see that I wasn't capable of truly being anything my children (or husband, who I love SO dearly) needed. My kids had to take care of me, and I hated that....no, I LOATHED THAT!. My illnesses had totally disabled me at a point where I felt my children needed me most.(not accepting that they needed me 'most' at all points in their lives). What they have gone through due to my depression was unbearable. What was happening all around me was unbearable for me, and I now realize how extremely BITTER I was over my 'self'....but I was trying not to 'think of myself', when that's really "ALL" I should have been thinking of. Depression is horrid!! It not only can destroy your own life, it will ultimately destroy or at least wreak havoc on the lives of all those closest to you, and ultimately quite potentially set them up for depression also. I thought I had my depression under control. Now I know. To learn self-love is to give love. To sacrifice your own 'needs' is not love. That's selfish and dysfunctional. I shudder to think about how much worse things could have become if it hadn't been for my Doctor deciding to change one of my medications. It wasn't even supposedly related to my Chronic Fatigue/Fibromyalgia/Meniere's Disease. It was for ADHD! He felt I should try something new. Turns out I was the first person he prescribed it to. Since DAY 1 I haven't looked back. I still have pain, I still have down times (physically), but it addressed the Chronic Fatigue! - a truly blessed bonus!! Thank you, God. My endless Gratitude!! Even if this medication is short lived as many turn out to be, what I've learned from this experience has changed and blessed my and my family's life forever. Intense, indescribable fatigue, with seemingly no reason whatsoever, is immensely difficult to cope with. I've recently had a couple of occasions where I've gotten reminders of it, and the battle is great...trying to fight the anger and feeling of helplessness that almost immediately wants to enter my body and mind. "For me:", I know, that it is only by the Grace of God that I am able to cope and rise above the negative-ness that wants to overwhelm me when 'less than desirable' days occur. If you suffer from ANY level of depression - even just the odd 'sad' day or episode, do the world a favour - but first and foremost do YOURSELF a favour....do whatever it takes to help yourself through it. <i>Immediate</i> action is so important. I came to recognize that I've suffered depression since childhood. I'm now 51! But it's never ever too late, and as soon as you see that you need a change, change will happen. The 'Universe' truly is an opportunist!! Make use of that, and be patient. I have to say, I would never suggest anti-depressants, or actually ANY one thing. That's part of your journey and discovery. Just take that first step, any step toward bringing yourself back to you, and realizing an amazing level of 'wholeness' (which is not to be mistaken for perfection which is, to me, a negative). It truly is possible. Turn to someone....anyone you are drawn to. There's someone/something out there that <i>will</i> work for you. Take care of and LOVE YOU! <i>You truly are worth it!!</i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><i><i><b>May blessings of abundance in all that comes from truth and goodness find their way to you!</b></i></i></span></span></i></span>Raising Awarenesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967433991610219843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306809365199136554.post-4472162977389679062012-02-10T02:36:00.000-05:002013-07-30T13:07:54.713-04:00IT'S TIME!<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I decided today that after almost 22 years ago after overcoming insurmountable odds, having broken both feet, and my back, then being told I would never walk again, that it was time to bring that determination back to the surface!! The day finally came, that I had to make the transfer from my bed to my wheel chair beside my hospital bed that I'd just gotten out of for the first time after my fall. That day that I hurt and cried so hard, and felt so hopeless; that day that I was so distraught that my mother had to feed me my lunch, and was so encouraging to me while I wept like a baby while trying to eat....THAT DAY, I decided that this was NOT me and I WOULD walk again. I would not live my life confined to that wheel chair. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know how determination, positive thinking, holding that ever loving Energy deep within me and gripping with all my might, and keeping the faith (along with a TON of perseverance) how it truly does bring us miracles! And I'm doing it again! By choosing to be surrounded by my most positive family and friends, I can do this again. I know I can overcome these aches and pains, both physical and emotional ! (or at the very least, not let this Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue take control of me and destroy the quality of every aspect of my entire life !) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have been directed to people who are a blessing to me, when they don't even realize it; a taxi driver at work; a comment from a loved one; a feeling of support from someone I barely know; It's the solution. They are my solution. My solution to my problems, no matter what they are, are ALWAYS there. I work very hard everyday to have open eyes . I've learned that when my hands were overflowing with allowing myself to literally hold on to, and accept the many forms of abuse that I've had to deal with in my life, and by not 'letting go and letting God', I didn't have ANY room for the flow of the loving energy that my body, my home, and my children so dearly needed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I thank God, that everlasting flow of perfect loving energy, for always being with me. My God does not judge me. (He) supports me; he lifts me up and carries me, when I think I've gone as far as I can. And when I realize that I have this awesome 'Power" within me, it is not only intensely humbling, but intensely EMPOWERING! But when I bury my head in the sand and literally half drown in my 'pond' of self pity, I don't see. I've worked very hard over the years 'to see', and be more aware of the goodness in my life, and what is there just by simply asking, and now.. it's time to APPLY my lessons, and experiences to anyone that needs my help, including myself. It's time to let that determination out and see just exactly what I can do with it. I have too much that I've been missing - especially my family (and pool, of course LOLOLOLOL)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's TIME!!</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>May blessings of abundance in all that comes from truth, goodness, and light, find their way to you... </i></span><br />
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</span></span>Raising Awarenesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967433991610219843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306809365199136554.post-33769762033624638362011-04-04T16:20:00.000-04:002013-07-30T13:00:41.898-04:00Friends, Family - What's the Difference?<div style="text-align: justify;">We've all heard the expression 'Friends and Family'. I used to think that - really, what is the difference? I also wondered about the expression 'You can't pick your family, but you CAN pick your friends'. Hmmm, that's true, but so obvious. I could never figure out why it was such a big deal that someone had to make a saying out of it - - - a saying that has stuck! and used all the time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But I've learned. There are hard lessons in life and there are not so hard ones. I guess that's somewhat negative. Let me turn that around. There are lessons in life that we learn quite readily, and then there are lessons that we tend to find ourselves repeating several times<i> just to get it to sink in....</i> still a bit negative isn't it. Well, I've learned that you can't pick your family. That's pretty easy. I understand now why the phrase came into being. It's not one that some people may really think about either, if they have a fairly good connection going on within their family unit. Then there's the friends. I know I've been in the position where I thought that your friends were who were in your life; that they more or less picked you, and not the other way around. I've learned that lesson too. Several lessons have been taken on this course. I think I've <i>finally</i> passed. I've graduated to the next level in both "Family of Origin" and "Choosing Real Friends".</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Families are made up of many personalities, traits, characteristics, <i>issues....</i> the list is endless. Here's a typical scenario: parents have children, children go to school, children become teenagers - providing parents with the 'normal' teenage difficulties, children go to college, parents celebrate, children get married, children have children, parents become grandparents... and all the normal expected ups and downs occur in between, but eventually become resolved in due time. Then there are the families who hit a brick wall at some point, and issues don't get resolved, communication becomes stunted, and family members end up rejected, shunned, and many times ridiculed - the black sheep - because they choose not to follow the <i>'sick'</i> maladjusted family dynamic over which they have no control. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This sadly, is the plight and outcome of the dysfunctional family where members chose not to help themselves, where they could rise above the literal horrors that are occurring before their very eyes. Instead, they carry on with life as if nothing is wrong, or try to act as if, and tell themselves (and anyone who they can get to believe their stories) that what's wrong is a result of some power beyond their control. They of course, paint themselves in a picture of 'The Victim'. Their own lies become their truth; they believe their own stories to the point that they forget what the actual truth really is. Is this something that we must live with? or Is this a situation that we pull away from, guilt-ridden, heartbroken; feeling dejected and hopeless, as if we ourselves are <i style="font-weight: bold;">the</i> reason the family is in such chaos, often times being told so to our very faces? Or do we stay, hoping that some day someone will be able to see through your eyes and be willing and able to say 'Enough is enough'? In the meantime, the abuse continues. And there's one more option, stay, and nothing changes, including the pain and misery that you feel, which can leave you open to a greater chance of depression (if you aren't there already), and any number of opportunities to develop your own 'cocktail' of issues and possibly mental health disorders?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Friends, on the other hand, aren't forced on us; ( although if we have a 'friend' that is controlling and manipulative that you haven't been able to shake, this may not feel like it applies!). The word 'friend' implies 'disposable', whereas the word 'family' implies 'permanence'. Let's considered another option. When we think of the words themselves, FAMILY and FRIENDS in a positive context, what do we get? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here are some words that I chose from an online thesaurus from the words 'family' and 'friends'. You see if you can pick out which ones fits into which category.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><b>kinship, clan, circle, connection, companion, mate, folks, tranquil, traditional, haven, confident, humanity, village, intimate, honey bunch, side kick, angel, apple of one's eye, light of my life, supporter, protector, white knight, guide, birds of a feather, close friend, homelike, member, friend more divine than all divinities, tower of strength, safety net, sweetie, morale boosters, mentor, darling......</b><b> </b> </li>
</ul>As you can see, it would be difficult to have to make each word fit under only one category or the other. Some of the words above that seem as if they are <i>definitely</i> Family, aren't. Some of the words above that seem as if they are <i>definitely </i>Friends, aren't.<br />
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If you are suffering within your circle of friends or family, it's time to step back and think about your own self-preservation. Life is meant to be enjoyed in whatever way you feel lead to follow. Look for the positive, enjoyable and empowering relationships that make you feel good. You will need to learn to de-stress, learn to love yourself and recognize that what you have to offer is good, despite what you've been made to believe. It can be very empowering to take a leap of faith and make these choices with confidence that there is a net, however far away and invisible it may seem. It's a most amazing experience. Sometimes you'll be in awe at how the 'powers that be' work in your life. Have faith, and it doesn't have to be the old-fashioned steadfast, unfaltering, non-doubting-Thomas type of faith. We are human beings. We are rarely steadfast. We falter. And I think its safe to say we're all Doubting Thomas's at some time or another in our lives. Just know, even when you feel doubt, that you will make it through to a better life for you.<br />
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In my opinion, there is no or very little difference between family or friends. Where the difference lies is what we allow into our lives. As long as we are allowing peace, harmony, unity, love, acceptance, and an energy of co-operation along with a willingness to work out differences, we have all we need. It really isn't difficult at all. We make it difficult. We try to fit round pegs into square holes and as a result make ourselves miserable. Don't blame someone else for the issues that are yours. Recognize that no one HAS to be in your life and negativity isn't something we have to or even <i>should</i> accept. Take the time to consider your place in the life you live. Where something or someone isn't working for you, open yourself up to see that they are all actually playing an unwanted role in your life. It may be difficult to accept, but if you're faced with belittling, deceitful behaviour, whether to your face or in your absence, you can feel it and you know it's there. Everyone deserves much better than this, and you're the one that can give that gift to yourself. No one else can.<br />
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Start today to think about how you feel about the relationships in your life. Focus on the positive. Those are the ones to begin to gravitate toward. Even if it's only one person, or even just a book. Just do it. Life is amazing when you surround yourself with positive, peace-loving people.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I believe you can pick your family... and please DO carefully pick your friends. Your happiness, and that of your loved ones depends on it.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><i>May blessings of abundance in all that comes from truth, goodness, and light, find their way to you!</i></span></span></i></span><br />
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</div>Raising Awarenesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967433991610219843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306809365199136554.post-38382311574979804252011-03-13T14:45:00.001-04:002013-07-30T13:01:50.246-04:00Making MemoriesI came across a poem that I have kept over the years to remind me about what's ultimately important, and to always be self-aware. We get so caught up in work, house work :s , outside obligations, and things we 'claim' are important. Someday, you won't remember those silly things you worked yourself up about. Tell me, what did the bathroom counter look like when you were 7 or 8 years old, 12 years old? Were there dust bunnies under your bed? Were the windows sparkling clean all the time? If the floors weren't washed every day/week, whatever, did you notice? Did you notice if the house wasn't dusted and polished in every corner? And the ultimate question... Did you care??? Of course, I can't answer that for you. I know, I would NOT remember those things. And I also know, there are those who would.<br />
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Do you remember when you were out in the back yard playing with your dad, helping with the yard work because you wanted to be with him ALL the time? Do you remember when you just knew your mom was the most wonderful person and you wanted to be just like her? Do you remember when she had a baby brother for you and you thought 'nursing' was the most amazing and special thing, and you could hardly wait to grow up so you could do that? Do you remember when your mom let you feed the baby his bottle and you felt so grown up? Do you remember when you had tea with your Grandmother who tried to tell you not to put sugar in it, you could get diabetes? Do you remember when your parents would dress up for halloween? Did you go on long walks together? Wash the car together? Family get-togethers? Weeks spent at your Aunt's farm and you wished you could live there? Do you remember your Uncle taking you fishing and you caught a 12" trout and it was bigger than your cousins (and he was NOT impressed)? And when your Uncle let you put minnows in a jar but you had to have a straw and blow air into the water so they could stay alive? When your Aunt taught you how to crochet and your Grandmother taught you how to knit? Do you remember sitting in your Grandmother's living room, with your Great Grandmother there too, and everyone was sitting in a chair, claiming a section of the blanket to quilt? Do you remember talking to your mom and knowing she actually heard you? Do you remember feeling loved? What do you remember?<br />
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My mother has always used the phrase "makin' memories". That has stuck with me. Fortunately my daughters love to take pictures so there are lots of memories floating around each of our Facebook pages.<br />
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I have worked very hard to be aware of my children's needs, and that is a very difficult task. In my parenting, I've tried to incorporate what I thought worked for me as a kid, and change what didn't. Balance is the key. But talk to them, and let them know you care, and they'll let you know how they see their life. They are filled with amazing insight. Fill their lives with amazing'ness'!<br />
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At the beginning of everyday, and throughout each day, take a second to think about what memories you are creating for your kids or grandchildren. You have a small window of opportunity, even though some days seem an eternity. Keep it positive and take time to listen to them. <br />
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Here is the poem:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">If I Had My Child To Raise Over Again</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">If I had my child to raise over again,</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">I'd finger-paint more and point the finger less,</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">I'd do less correcting and more connecting,</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">I'd take my eye off my watch, and watch with my eyes,</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">I would care to know less and know to care more.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">I'd stop playing serious and play seriously,</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">I'd run through more fields and gaze at more stars,</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">I'd do more hugging and less tugging,</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">I'd be firm less often, and affirm much more,</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">I'd teach less about the love of power,</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">And more about the power of love.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Diane Loomans author </span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><i><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><i>May blessings of abundance in all that comes from truth, goodness, and light, find their way to you!</i></span></span></i><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></i></div>Raising Awarenesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967433991610219843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306809365199136554.post-67564843170255404412011-03-11T13:11:00.000-05:002013-07-30T13:02:32.132-04:00Spring is in the air... Really!<br />
<div class="post-body entry-content" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 538px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been wanting a garden since I bought this place 6 years ago. The property is just under 4 acres and nowhere to have a garden. We have a pond, river and lots of cedar trees and so on, the house is on a hill and is the highest point on the property, and the back yard doesn't get enough sun to have a veggie garden, thus my dilemma. I've been trying to come up with ideas on how we could have our own 'fresh' veggies again (my gardens used to be gigantic), and along with that... WHERE? My flower beds are also 'tomatoe', pea, and strawberry beds but really not suitable. I want potatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, squash, carrots.. you know, the veggies that require more than just a small area in the flower bed. </span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having Fibromyalgia - did I mention that before :D - I now also have to consider if I could even get down and do much gardening. We've discussed terraced gardening which would not only be cosmetically appealing, but it would serve a wonderful purpose ~ We'd have fresh veggies!</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If it has to do with gardening, whether seeds, gardening gloves and tools, or some gadget that makes me more <i>comfortable (</i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">fibro or not)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> while gardening , I'm very interested. </span></span></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course through my constant surfing and 'researching' I came across </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.eplanters.com/">www.eplanters.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> with a huge assortment of planters in every style, shape, and size you could imagine.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXI1RehP70S2-9R7jR6VLVTqTYgKQHW2fgkMJzZJkocLLDirCTCqD2bzw_on40HvYZtV41EuP05U_p1ou1IypcZi_NSFIuBHv6PR-SrnIX5q6aHOoZb9Gzy4DaS1XI8c2aKb-0U9UU4WR/s1600/Blog+pics+used+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #992211; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXI1RehP70S2-9R7jR6VLVTqTYgKQHW2fgkMJzZJkocLLDirCTCqD2bzw_on40HvYZtV41EuP05U_p1ou1IypcZi_NSFIuBHv6PR-SrnIX5q6aHOoZb9Gzy4DaS1XI8c2aKb-0U9UU4WR/s1600/Blog+pics+used+2.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; position: relative;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHURoE-7HbGCRTIWYuuNmW4PoACNC2BnqqM1eeEGGIab3-G2TNFni8PztubqFuYEEAht2eK5Cah9nojuG08TmGdvt-PSgv12ePEoP63_xdO88kgqHUsiyRqxQh-FnDRFmd7gVhBsEccWE_/s1600/Blog+pics+used.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #992211; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHURoE-7HbGCRTIWYuuNmW4PoACNC2BnqqM1eeEGGIab3-G2TNFni8PztubqFuYEEAht2eK5Cah9nojuG08TmGdvt-PSgv12ePEoP63_xdO88kgqHUsiyRqxQh-FnDRFmd7gVhBsEccWE_/s1600/Blog+pics+used.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; position: relative;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I liked their<a href="http://www.eplanters.com/"> planter boxes</a> to make raised beds with, and some of them are quite high, which could be very beneficial for many people with disabilities. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know there are those out there who have it far worse than me and are still hard core gardeners. So anything to make life a little easier is always welcome. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One other thing I just have to mention. They have the cutest window boxes. Take a peek. I've always been partial to <span id="goog_845518412"></span><a href="http://www.eplanters.com/">outdoor planters</a><span id="goog_845518413"></span> like flower boxes that you see outside of windows on certain homes. There's something about it. It just gives you that warm, fuzzy, 'homey' feeling. Another thing I'd like to do..... but veggies first for me! Although with the 'dutch' heritage now part of my family, I may not get away with that! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>May blessings of abundance in all that comes from truth, goodness, and light, find their way to you!</i></div></span></div></div>Raising Awarenesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967433991610219843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306809365199136554.post-88158769530021688492011-02-24T16:51:00.001-05:002013-07-30T13:06:42.018-04:00<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">When life gets difficult, we tend to think that we need to batten down the hatches and work even harder, try even harder, maybe even LIVE even harder. Think about that for a second. If we are already feeling tapped out, or on our way to being that way, does it make sense to push even harder. If you have a hose turned on and ready to explode, the last thing we want to do is create more pressure. We don't even likely want to allow the pressure that is there to remain as this could be enough to eventually cause the hose to burst anyway. So it is with ourselves. Life, everyday, requires balance, and we need to take time to have silence (unless you have tinnitis like myself, and well, that's a whole different story!). Meditation, whether listening to a meditation cd, sitting in silence in your yard, or even in your vehicle, or in the form of prayer, is an absolute basic need in life. I feel that we fail horribly in teaching our children this learned skill. We have no problem creating chaos in our lives, making things more hectic than should be even LEGAL, yet we do it. Our children watch. They learn. Then they become adults and the addiction continues. Teach your children how to have quiet time, to let everything go, to relax. But most importantly, remember to give THANKS to the powers that be, whatever that is to you. A short time spent like this each day, will do wonders in creating a more peaceful environment in our family life, working life... life in general. Even a positive comment sent someone's way, especially your child or spouse, can improve life tenfold.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Of course then there are activities that create a fun, relaxed environment. No imagination of your own? Well that's what the internet is for. But, here are some extremely simple suggestions to get you started.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><ol><li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">EAT SUPPER TOGETHER as much as possible.</span></b> Be creative. Eating at the kitchen table gets boring, although these days most families use their table as a desk, or catchall of some sort so have no opportunity to make it boring to begin with. But there are alternatives, one being - Eat outside. This is not only a nice change, but it is relaxing. (maybe pick an appropriate month tho ... )Remember - <i>This is NOT a time to pick at any problems. This is a time for bonding. </i>Let your children be comfortable with you and enjoy! Please feel free to post your ideas!</li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><b>HOMEWORK TIME</b></span> for ME is drudgery. I didn't like to do my own homework, now I have all of these kids with homework.. ugh! But it's a bonding opportunity in disguise. Sit down with your son(s)/ daughter(s) and enjoy them. Remember - <i>This is NOT a time to pick at any problems. This is a time for bonding. </i>If your child isn't catching onto something, you can try to help but it's not a time to belittle your child or make him feel shame in any way. This is often what happens and parents don't even realize what they are doing.</li>
<li><b style="color: #660000;">PLAY VIDEO GAMES with everyone! </b>Yes, play! I have a lot of difficulty with this one. I'd rather be doing... well.... anything else. But with my family the way it is - my oldest grown and on his own, and 4 more kids I'm in the midst of raising - I've realized I missed out on some HUGE bonding opportunities with my son. I was so concerned about listening to all the 'adults' tell me how he played too much, don't let him play too much, that I couldn't relax enough about it. Don't kid yourself, I played a bit, but I felt I was doing my son a disservice by letting him play, especially letting him play too much. Amongst other things, if I had played with him, I'd be able to BEAT THE PANTS off these guys now! LOL but most importantly, I'd have wonderful memories of trying to beat King Koopa, trying to save the Princess, and so on. Obviously, this is a fun time so it's not the time to pick at any problems. Don't get into any kind of arguments. Just have a blast. Because it is a blast.</li>
</ol><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">So, I could sit here all day coming up with ideas. Add your own. Send them to me. Share them. It's what life's all about.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Peace out homie" "Live long and prosper" "Peace be with you" "TTYL" "We did it, we did it, we did it, yeah!" (Dora :) ) "I love you, you love me, we're a happy family..." :D</div><ol></ol><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>May blessings of abundance in all that comes from truth, goodness, and light, find their way to you! </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><br />
</i></span></div>Raising Awarenesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967433991610219843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306809365199136554.post-89125084603376477032011-02-23T18:58:00.003-05:002013-07-30T13:03:37.736-04:00Life Changes<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have Fibromyalgia, which is something I'll likely mention again! :D If you know anything about it, you know it's not fun! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But I'll just take a small step back here...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I used to be much more on-the-go than I am now. I used to want to be here, there, wherever. Not anymore. I like to be home. Now, my couch sees most of the action :D </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We are a 'gaming' family, sort of. They would be playing 24/7 on 'something' if I allowed it but of course, being the superb mother that I am, I don't. N</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">eedless to say, with a big screen TV, game systems, and a house full of kids, we spend a lot of time in our living room. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was looking at a site called <a href="http://become.com/">Become.com</a> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Part of my blogging will involve commenting on products for advertisers, which I'm more than happy to do. I enjoy finding out what's out there and what might be a great new idea for me (or you) to check out.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Well this isn't exactly a new idea, but its a comfy one. <a href="http://www.become.com/">Sectional Couches</a>. Nothing too romantic about those two words, but read on. When my family is all in the living room, they all want to be front and center. If I have to sit in there while they're playing their games, I'd better have a pretty good seat, and I'd better be comfy. Having Fibro, that's a pretty tall order. If I stay in any one position for very long, I ache. Sometimes the pain comes on gradually, other times its sudden. Then I have to move around. Once I finally sit down for the evening, I hate having to get up - for any reason. Well now I've come across this particular set and the name alone is enough to make me want to run out and buy it. This set has very important aspects to it that I really want:</span><br />
<ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I want a leather <a href="http://home-and-garden.become.com/sectional-couches">sectional couch</a> set</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I want a leather <a href="http://home-and-garden.become.com/sectional-couches">sectional couch</a> set that has been labelled 'Catnapper Cuddler'! with lots of recliner sections built in to it. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></li>
</ol><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Is there anything more one could possibly want or need?! I think not! Anyway, check it out. I'm ready to go <a href="http://www.become.com/">shopping</a>! I'm starting my Christmas wish list now.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anyway, when I went to <a href="http://become.com/">Become.com</a>, I realized that I could re-do my entire living room from the comfort of my old, needs-to-be-replaced couch. <a href="http://home-and-garden.become.com/candice-olson-furniture">Candice Olson</a> has her own furniture, lamps and rugs; and I could even wallpaper the place with their line of <a href="http://www.become.com/zebra-print-wallpaper">Zebra wallpaper</a>! Then, over in the business section I'll pick one of their countless <a href="http://business-and-office-products.become.com/lift-top-coffee-table">lift-top coffee tables</a>! An absolute necessity in my world. My list just grew!! It's magic..... ;)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>May blessings of abundance in all that comes from truth, goodness, and light, find their way to you! </i></span></span>Raising Awarenesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967433991610219843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306809365199136554.post-17885863652940694922011-02-22T22:08:00.000-05:002013-07-30T13:04:23.209-04:00Family Day is EVERYDAY!I used to think that <i>family</i> meant those who a) you were born to b) had the same parents as you c) were your parent's parents d) were your parents siblings, and their children e) your children.... you get the picture. In my close to half a decade of life I've learned that that absolutely isn't so. Sometimes those who are 'blood relatives' have very little to do with you and your life (and you possibly prefer it that way.....?). <br />
But then there are those who come into your life, either as friends, strangers, or even through marriage, who can make such a huge impact on your life. In my case, my aunt and uncle are my 'immediate' family. I wouldn't have it any other way. They've been there through thick and thin and have made it to see my life take a wonderful turn around; maybe not perfect, but wonderful just the same.I'll stop there, even though I could write a book on what they've done and been for me.<br />
Then I met my now husband. Along with his 'amazingness' came his family. With all that I went through and the backing that I got from them, is to say the least, amazing. I felt like I belonged from the moment I met each and every one of them, and it has stayed that way. My kids consider them family and I would never try to convince them otherwise.<br />
As we celebrated family day together with my husbands family, I got an overwhelming feeling of love and oneness that I don't believe I've ever experienced. I'm so very thankful to be a part of that family and will cherish every moment we have together, whether in person, online, on the phone, or otherwise. <br />
Cherish those you love. Don't wait for Christmas or Family Day to spend time with your family. Make it a point to be with your family, whoever they may be. You do NOT have to do anything special. Just get together for a lovely brunch, go for breakfast on a Sunday morning, or any morning, go camping together. Just do, and be. Enjoy being in each others' presence, and make plans for the next get together before you leave. It does the soul good.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><i>May blessings of abundance in all that comes from truth, goodness, and light, find their way to you! </i></span><br />
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Raising Awarenesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967433991610219843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5306809365199136554.post-6907829159789145622009-08-13T01:18:00.002-04:002009-08-13T11:45:25.414-04:00What does conscious awareness mean?<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(68, 68, 68); -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family:Tahoma;font-size:13px;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Today my 12 year old daughter asked me "What does level of consciousness mean?" I had to stop and think for a bit to figure out how to describe it to her in terms that she could understand. I told her that it means paying attention to pretty much everything you say, and do; to be always aware of your own 'space' - what comes in as well as what you send out. To me, a simple beginners way of defining level of consciousness would be to say its the percentage of truthfulness you live/give. Are you at 10%, 20% 30, 40, 50+ ? She knew what i meant because we are always 'testing' level of consciousness, or truthfulness. When I call her name, she comes up to me and puts her arm out to the side and gives me a big smile. Shes ready, willing, and at my service. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I bet when you think of it in those terms tho, you would automatically know that you are a very honest and truthful person. So of course you are going to rate quite high.... hmmm, think again. According to David R. Hawkins, author of Power Vs Force, the level of consciousness for North America is just barely over 200, or as I have rated it above, 20%. Sad isn't it. And true </span></span><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">'love'</span></span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> doesn't even appear until level 500, or 50% (the level of love). Pretty sad state of affairs when we know we can turn to each other and know we should be able to get a good 20% of truthfulness out of them; but then again, what are they getting out of you?</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Of course, there is far, far more to it than that, but that's a start.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I subscribe to Bob Proctors "<a href="http://www.insightoftheday.com/">Insight of the Day</a>" and this came into my email this morning. I was so pleased because I wanted to start my blog with a definition of what Conscious Awareness really is.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">"Living consciously involves being genuine; it involves listening and responding to others honestly and openly; it involves being in the moment."</span></span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Sidney Poitier<br />Actor and Author of </span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061357901?ie=UTF8&tag=insighofthe02-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0061357901" name="" target="_blank" onclick="onClickUnsafeLink(event);" style="font-weight: inherit; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 104, 207); cursor: default; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The Measure of a Man</span></span></a></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061357901?ie=UTF8&tag=insighofthe02-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0061357901" name="" target="_blank" onclick="onClickUnsafeLink(event);" style="font-weight: inherit; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 104, 207); cursor: default; "></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Lets start on a journey of love. Lets learn together what love really is and what it really means.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I am truly grateful for the gifts in my life, the abundance of love and support that has helped guide me to this point. </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">May blessings of abundance in all that comes from truth, goodness, and light, find their way to you.</span></span></p></span>Raising Awarenesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04967433991610219843noreply@blogger.com0