How To Live More Peacefully In Difficult Times

The times we are currently living in are very difficult times. This is a time of questioning and reasoning, trying to figure out why things are the way they are, wondering if they will end soon, feeling anxious and depressed, and worrying about our families and loved ones. During times like these we need a sense of stability and purpose. This blog post will focus on some of the ways I have found to persevere during trauma and hardship.

One important way to live more peacefully is to reduce your anxiety level. The best way to do this is to decide what your biggest fears and anxieties are and address them to the best of your ability. Take steps to alleviate some of your worries. Even small steps will help you feel more in control of your situation. For example, if you are dealing with financial pressures, try clipping coupons, getting rid of contract add-ons and asking for deferred payments. Brainstorm about anything that will lessen your stress load.

Another way to live more peacefully is to focus on things that you can do rather than on the things that are stressing you out. Focus on positive things such as working out more, starting a new hobby, or helping someone else that is going through a rough time. When you focus on what you can do rather than on what you can’t, your anxiety will decrease.

Have faith in a higher power. When you believe that there is a higher power who works things for your good it is much easier to flow through difficulty. Believe that every hardship has a silver lining. And look for those silver linings in your life. The power of positivity is an amazing predecessor of good!

The Healing Power Of Love available here.

Stay as positive as you can! Talk to other positive people. Donate to positive causes. Be the change that you want to see in the world. When you start taking action for good, good will come to you. A great example of this is the many people who began making masks for healthcare workers when the pandemic hit. What a great way to give love and light to the world-it can be anything as long as it’s positive!

Lastly, try to be a solution to some of the problems you see around you. Use your gifts and abilities to bring hope into the lives of others who are hurting. Not only does it give them hope but it also will give you hope and a sense of purpose. When you are engaged in making the world a better place, your anxieties will fade and your sense of worth and personal meaning will grow immensely. You will develop a sense of community and will bring much-needed compassion and empathy into other people’s lives.

It is my hope that this blog will encourage you and lift you up. The world needs so much love right now! Be a light to others and you will light your own heart as well in the process!

Fairy Houses

Ever since I was a little kid I have loved fantasy. From epic adventures to gnomes and fairies, my mind was always in the clouds.As a preteen I created notes for my siblings from gnomes who (supposedly)  lived in the walls of our house. I loved to pretend that creatures of fantasy were near at all times, just out of sight of the naked eye. I still enjoy thinking about these wonderful creatures. And I still talk about them-now to my grandchild. Who knows if they aren't just hiding in the flowers of our yards, waiting to cast beautiful nature spells amidst the stars of night? As part of my fantasy wonder, I have started to create fairy houses. Here are a few for you to enjoy:

I can just imagine tiny fairies with colorful hair and clothes moving in, their tinkling laughter riding on the wind as they bless the yard with flowers and dappled rays of sunshine.  Oh, what a wonderful dream!  Maybe that's one thing the old nursery rhyme song meant:  "Row, row, row your boat gently down the stream...merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily-life is but a dream."

I'll Always Remember

I'll always remember No matter how far; No matter the distance That divides where we are. Because you have given me A love so divine, Forever and always My love you'll be mine.

https://diamante-lavendar.pixels.com/featured/ill-always-remember-diamante-lavendar.html

Changing Core Beliefs

The first question you may have is, "What is a core belief?" Well, a core belief is something you've grown up with. Something you believe defines you as a person or defines the world in which you live. Many times core beliefs aren't easy to identify. They hide in our subconscious minds and sabotage us when we try to make changes in our lives. Core beliefs are things you learned to believe as truth when you were a child. Core beliefs are set up by the age of six when a person's personality has formed. Therefore, it is hard to come to terms with them-even to figure out what they are- without doing a lot of introspective work.

Many people dive into the topic of self healing with gusto. They read books, think a lot about what they've gone through and meditate. These are all great things to do when you're looking to make changes. But finding core beliefs is digging into your self talk at a fundamental survival level. It is stripping everything in your life, personality and belief system down to the core to find out what really makes you tick. The things you find at that deep personal level are your core beliefs.

Let me explain. Recently, (a year and a half ago), my youngest child passed away. It was devastating. It threw me into a state of questioning about my very existence. It made me realize that everything I thought I knew was a facade-a man made explanation for how the world worked and what went on behind the scenes spiritually. It also caused me to come to terms with the fact that I had a lot of changing to do. I went on a quest of sorts to examine my life and my theories of living. That quest brought me back to my childhood-to the time when I was in the birth to six stage. Once I began meditating and looking deeply into what made me tick, I began to realize things about myself that I had never paid much attention to:  the core beliefs that directed my behaviors and reactions. That was an eye opening journey!

Never did I realize the impact my core beliefs had on my existence. It seems to be something we overlook because they are so deeply buried under everything we've been through. Prejudices we've inherited from our families, false beliefs we've clung to as truth because of what we've been told, observations we've made because of who we've been surrounded by when we were young-these are the core beliefs I'm talking about. These beliefs have profound impacts on us because they are our built in survival instincts, whether true or false, surrounding how we live and what we do. And much of the time they're wrong. For instance, I was molested by extended family members from the ages of two to twelve. I thought I had dealt with the issue fully but I realized I had not. I still was internally waging war with a core belief that I was not safe. It is strange how we can gloss over such important issues as easily as wiping a dirty table. We figure as long as we can't see the dirt the problem is over. That couldn't be more untrue! If you're feeling dis-ease about anything in this life, it's time to do some deep, heavy introspection until you come to the belief system behind it. Because you will find a core belief to blame for every dis-ease you encounter. If you want to be a ninja in the game of life, it is up to you to find the underlying cause for every case of dis-ease you feel. And when you become your life ninja, you will find it. And it will free you! That is why it is so important to dig deep into your subconscious. Every lie you expose will bring you more glorious freedom! And isn't freedom and peace what you really crave deep down? Along with meaning and purpose?

I think those are the most important attributes that every person strives for. If you identify every false core belief, you will find yourself building more and more prosperous attributes in every aspect of your life. So be a ninja and begin your journey today!

Living Up To A Name Or Title

Some societies are concerned with names. Others not so much. But I believe that most of us know how important a name is. It is our brand-for life. The meaning of a name has an impact on the bearer.

Over the years I have come to believe that a name is vital to who we become and what we do with our lives. A name can inspire-for good and for bad. That is why I thought so carefully before naming my children. I am convinced that the first most important "brand" we give our kids is their name.

That being said, I also believe that society "brands" or "titles" people in ways that are less than beneficial. Labels, even if given with good intent, can cause pain. "ADHD, bipolar, depressive, obese, withdrawn", and so forth, do carry stigma which a person tends to take on over time. I do realize there must be a form of terminology to categorize certain things. But I believe it is better to let the bearer know it is not a badge or a sentence. It is only a way to help.

I love the people in society who have taken up this cause. Our words affect us whether we speak them ourselves or someone else speaks them over our lives. Words have an effect into our deepest belief systems. Words are important. They can heal and they can destroy.

My youngest child was born with a syndrome. She looked different from other people because of how her body was proportioned. People made fun of her. It was heartbreaking. But she was a spiritual power pack. Though she felt the brunt of their criticisms, she shook it off and kept on living. She was an amazing person. She ended up succumbing to her disease two weeks before the age of 19. I bragged about her because she was so tough-in a loving, living type of way. Though she was in pain it didn't stop her. Though others threw verbal barrages at her, she didn't quit. She told me she understood that they were in pain and she didn't let it sink into her soul. She was someone I greatly looked up to. An amazing person.

Over the years that I've been on this planet, I've been assaulted by many names or titles given me by doctors, family members and even some "friends". We all have. It's the way society speaks for the larger part of the population. Awareness has to be created regarding labeling and titles. I am very grateful for the lightworkers who have worked so hard to bring understanding to this topic. It is critical in the building up of each individual person as well as the totality of society itself. Watching what we say, what we brand each other, is vitally important. Light begets light. Love begets love. To inspire and to lift up is one of the main priorities we must embrace to bring ourselves and each other to a life of redemption and wisdom. And when we are living that life, we are extending understanding, mercy, grace and compassion on others as well as ourselves. We are branding each other as "valuable light beings with important purposes to share." What a beautiful, amazing world this would be if we all held that truth in our hearts. It would be a utopia, a meeting of heaven and earth, a unity never before known on this planet.

My humble submission would be this: to grow to love and understand ourselves in such a way that we can extend that love and understanding to others. Then we could brand each other with the truth: that we are, each and every one of us, worthwhile and capable of being our very best under the watchful eyes of spirit. Flowing as beautiful particles in a single ocean together with plan and purpose. Promoting good, peace and love. Then not only would we be happier and feel more worthwhile, but we could deal more successfully with the hardships this life brings.

Let's face it. This life isn't easy. There is much to learn, much to conquer. How much better we could learn and conquer in an attitude of gratitude, an attitude of compassion. I make this my personal mission. I pray you make it yours as well.

Namaste.

The Gift Of Life

(Available at https://fineartamerica.com/featured/1-the-gift-of-life-diamante-lavendar.html)

When life gets tough, it's not so easy to see it as a gift. When we are hurt or bad things happen, life seems to be anything but a gift.

This is a world where we come to learn, to grow and to understand. The only way to do these things is by living through good times and bad, in pressure and in happiness. It's a human perception that moving away from rough things is what we need. And yes, that is what we need, but only after we've addressed the issues presented to us.

Life is a test and a testament. A test of whether or not we can get through hardship and a testament as to what we've conquered.

This piece I created speaks of the gift of life. Through pain and turmoil we see and learn about meaning in even the littlest things. Life is a gift: of growth, learning, seeking, finding and understanding.

Namaste!

Keeper Of Autumn

 

The Keeper Of Autumn swirls the leaves, As they fall from the trees in brown and green; Another season passed in time, A breath and sigh of the Divine.

Available on Fine Art America at https://fineartamerica.com/featured/keeper-of-autumn-diamante-lavendar.html

Word Play

Just goofin' around for a change!

And if that doesn't satisfy your funny bone....

Stress has a way of making you want to laugh.  I know ALLLLL about it.  So....laugh on!

Have a wonderful day and try to find something humorous about it.  During hard times, humor goes a long way.

Thank You For Joining Me For Fun, Inspiration, Previews And Offers!

Thank you for joining me here for more inspiration, previews and offers!

https://forms.aweber.com/form/36/786188436.htm

Read new insights, see free offers and previews of upcoming books and classes!

Now Determines The Future

 

Now determines the future. Now is the "seat" of tomorrow. Don't project what happened yesterday into tomorrow. You'll create more of the same in "what is to come".

If you want to start fresh, make Now the best you can and see that best going forward into tomorrow. That is the most productive way to correct past mistakes, one moment at a time. And if you slip up or get off track, don't worry or fear. Just realign yourself in a successful Now and the future will be much brighter and better.

Remember: life is a journey and we are all works in progress!

What Does It Mean To Be Fearless?

The idea of fearlessness invokes all sorts of thoughts from people. Mighty warriors, rebels, living a ruthless life, not allowing people to dictate how you live. Yes, these things may be aspects of being fearless but I think there's more to it.  Here are some ways in which I believe it means to be fearless:  Live your life despite your fears.  Let's face it.  We're all afraid at some point in time.  No matter how old we are, what we've been through or who we are, we still feel fear at least once in a while.  The difference between a fearful and "fearless" person is the ability to continue to live and do what you want despite feeling afraid.  Being able to step out into the world and continue on regardless of fearful emotions (in my opinion) makes you fearless.

Realize there is a greater purpose and unity to everything.  Quantum physics has proven that:  everything we see is made of things we cannot see (atoms and molecules) and that a force (light) is holding them together.  All forms of matter are made from solidified light!  And pretty much everyone knows that God is light and the creator of life.  Albert Einstein discovered that time and space were relative, not absolute.  He was quoted as saying, " "For us physicists, the distinction between past, present and future is only an illusion."  (Beliefnet:  How Quantum Physics Proves God's Existence).  So, it has been scientifically proven that there is a greater force holding everything together that creates the reality we are perceiving.  Pretty awesome, huh?

To know you can always start over and make changes.  Nothing is set in stone except our wrongful mindsets.  We all have the ability to start over.  Perfect case in point:  me.  At the age of two, I began to be molested by family members.  It went on until the age of twelve.  I clung to the belief that I was a "black sheep".  A "blight" on the planet of life.  Until I realized that I had to change my thought processes or my life would never change.  Once I began to be more positive, my life started getting a little better.  It's never too late to start over!

To know you are an eternal being.  This life is not all there is.  Though many would like to believe that as truth, it's not true.  Again, Quantum Physics steps up to explain.  Dr. Robert Lanza developed the theory of biocentrism.  Biocentrism states that life and biology are central to our consciousness (being, reality and the cosmos).  He developed the double-slit test where he has proven that light and matter display characteristics of both waves and particles, depending on the observer's perception and consciousness.  Why is this important?  Because he has found that "reality is a process that requires our consciousness."  (Beliefnet:  How Quantum Physics Proves God's Existence).  Dr. Eben Alexander supports this theory, being a survivor of a near death experience during which he was clinically brain dead from meningitis, making it scientifically impossible for the brain to generate any neurologic activity and brain function.  'My journey deep into coma, outside this lowly physical realm and into the loftiest dwelling place of the almighty Creator, revealed the indescribably immense chasm between our human knowledge and the awe-inspiring realm of God."  He goes on to state, "The brain itself does not produce consciousness.  That it is, instead, a kind of reducing valve or filter, shifting the larger, nonphysical consciousness that we possess in the nonphysical worlds down into a more limited capacity for the duration of our mortal lives." (Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey Into the Afterlife, 2012).

To embrace love and beauty in life despite the darkness that comes with it.  This world is a learning ground for us all.  And learning involves pain.  Tragedy and trauma are some of the best ways to instill new values and understanding in our mindsets, particularly if we happen to be stubborn people.  Knowing that we are here to learn and grow, we must also accept the pain the learning and growing brings.  Unfortunately, that's just the way the proverbial cookie crumbles when it comes to life on planet earth.

To understand that everything has an opposite and to be willing to accept that fact.  It takes guts to admit you're going to die.  It takes guts to admit that bad things happen.  It takes even more guts and willpower to be willing to delve through it.  What could be more fearless?  Light always eventually becomes darkness.  Love many times turns to hate or visa versa.  Lies, truth; life, death.  Polar opposites.  But always elements in life no matter who you are or where you come from.  It's just a fact of being human.

To understand that love is the ultimate energy that heals.  Researchers have shown that by shifting our emotions, we are changing the electromagnetic field radiated by our hearts.  When we are feeling love, our heart beats out a very loving message.  (Collective Evolution:  Science Proves That Human Consciousness And Our Material World Are Intertwined).  So...depending on how willing we are to give love and receive love, we will reap the benefits of that state of being not only within ourselves but also with those near and far from us.  We also have the ability to affect the physical world with our love energy!

To know that there is balance in life.   Good has a way of balancing out the bad in some way, shape or form.  This also holds true of our consciousness.  Even through the death of a close loved one, if we can gather the courage to see the tragedy from a viewpoint of love, we can find good in the bad.  For example, I've buried two children now.  And trust me, I didn't want to see the good in it at all.  But there was good in it.  My first child taught me to believe in God and the spirit realm.  She showed me its reality.  My second child has taught me to live in love and to be grateful for this life and my experiences because they're making me a better person.  Plus, she's shown me that even though we pass from this reality, we graduate to a new one.  We never truly die.  I realize there may be naysayers out there, but I believe completely in what I write about and the spirit realm (paranormal) is one of my biggest topics.  That being said, I believe in balance.  And I even believe in good outweighing the bad...if you allow it.  (All comes full circle to your state of consciousness).

I hope this post has helped you to create some new hopes and reasons for enlightened future possibilities.  May you be blessed and live in blessings!

What Does It Mean To Be Broken?

Brokenness. What does it mean? To be sad, to fall apart, to mourn, to be unsure of why you're here? In my opinion, yes and no. People think they are broken when horrible things happen. People also think they're broken when they have the perspective that they've lost in life. My perspective is a little different.

Growing up, I thought I was the definition of broken, which by the way, is "reduced to fragments; ruptured, torn, fractured, out of working order." (Dictionary.com). When I was two, the abuse began. It continued until I was twelve. I aged thinking that I was "the black sheep", "the family scapegoat." Then, in my early twenties, I lost my first living child ten hours after she was born. At that point, I was decimated. But now I realize I still wasn't broken.

Twenty six years later,  I just buried my second daughter.   I have learned what broken really means. It means your will, your perspective on life, has been crushed into powder. You have no will left. What it means is that all old mindsets have been destroyed and you are forced to create new ones. Broken is BROKEN in every sense of the word. You don't know who you are anymore, everything that you held as truth is no longer ringing true and you have no preconceived notions to fall back on. You're in uncharted territory. You're a babe in a very new, large, scary woods.  You are truly BROKEN.

Brokenness is a state of renewal.  It is the most raw, deeply pained position in existence on this planet.  It is the existence of nothingness.  But nothingness is a place ripe with potential.

When new recruits join the military, they are put through tremendous pressure.  The concept behind it is "breaking the will to form a warrior."  And, to be honest, the brokenness I've been feeling is precisely that..and then some.  There is no way out but UP.  You can't fall further, you can't go deeper.  You can only climb up.  And the climb can be exceedingly painful...one tiny step at a time.  Brokenness is a state where you can't focus on being broken because you're so far down that if you only think of your brokenness, you WILL quit.  No doubt about it.  You are forced to look up, to turn to the light and to rebuild yourself one moment at a time.  You must relearn, you must form new truths, you must fight to survive by staying positive and reminding yourself that your ego has been destroyed.  An example of the positive side of brokenness?  You are grateful your ego has been destroyed so that you can build a new you from the inside out.  Literally.  If you focus at all on how hard it is, you're guaranteed to fail...and fail big time.  Why is it a good thing your ego has been destroyed?  Because your ego is a lie.  It's not who you really are.  And that's the beginning of a whole new life.

I'm sure many of you can relate to what I'm saying.  I have finally reached my brokenness.  If you have too, you're not alone.  In your own strange sense of newness of life, embrace it.  It will lead you to ultimate heights if you let it.  After all, it is our deepest desire to prosper.  Brokenness forces us to do it.  And do it big.

What Is Christmas?

Most people, when asked about Christmas, will give answers like: "It's Jesus' birthday. A time to spend with family and friends. A time to give gifts and drink and be merry." Me? Well, I have a much different perspective.

You see, in November of 1990 I buried my first child. After having lost one prior. And then this year I buried another-also in the month of November. I have been molested and abused, had a very rough start in life. I've tried to be positive, to set a good example, to be a good person, to do the right thing. Yet the pain in my life persists like a deep affliction. The years have molded me into someone who has paid the high price of great suffering, someone who knows torment and agony. I don't know why. I don't pretend to know. I only know the cards I've been dealt and it's been a bad deck.

So when I am asked about Christmas, my answer now will be, "A time to be grateful for what you have. A time to cherish those surrounding you on Christmas eve and Christmas day-and to remember that they don't belong to you. They belong to God.  Because you never know when everything will change in the snap of a finger."   And it does. And it will. It is inevitable. This life is not fair and it holds no promises. I never dreamed I'd bury my almost 19 year old daughter a week and a half before her birthday. Only three weeks before Thanksgiving and a month and a half before Christmas. You never know when the reaper must heed his call. So be grateful for everything you have in the given moment because life hold no guarantees.

I can definitely empathize with Mother Mary as she watched Jesus die on the cross. Losing a child is excruciating. Losing two is devastating. Three?  Deplorable.  It changes you forever and you must try with all your might not to become angry and jaded. It helps to know God, to believe in the beauty of Heaven. This Christmas, tell everyone around you that you love them. Even those you disagree with. It may be your last chance. You truly never know.

I leave you with this: Christmas is an attitude of love. Live it every day of your life. Make sure you do so that you have fewer regrets. Love brings out the best in everyone and this world is in desperate need of it. This world is full of suffering.

God Bless. Try to have a Merry Christmas.

You Are My Bridge

You are my bridge. My bridge to love and light.

You are my hope. The hope of my destiny.

You are my dream. The dream of success which you carried for me.

You are my safety. The safety of love and acceptance you gave me.

Remember me. As your mother, the one who cherished you.

Remember me. As your friend who valued your opinion.

Remember me. The broken one who needed your tenderness.

Remember me. The vessel you poured your light into.

I miss you. The days of laughter and content.

I adore you. Your sparks of humor and helpfulness.

I remember you. My little angel with a bright future.

I hold tight to you. Your memory of rainbows and sunbeams.

I admire you. You lived with a rare condition.

You have great strength. Despite the bullies and false friends.

Though you were different. You were a shining example.

You are an original. Truly one among millions.

Your favorite color. Pink like the passionate sunrise.

Your shining eyes. Deep blue like God's heavens.

Your wavy hair. Red, brown, blonde and gold; a mane of beauty.

Your pouting lower lip. The most beautiful smile of caring.

Your creative tendencies. To make art and take pictures.

Your quirky side. To tie tight knots and laugh heartily.

Your passion. To love life despite letdowns.

Your imagination. To know angels and possibilities.

You are beautiful. Though you didn't believe it.

You are precious. Though you couldn't see it.

You are worthy. Though you didn't realize it.

You are amazing. Though you felt ordinary.

Let me see you. When my heart aches to be with you.

Hold me close. In the times that I'm hurting.

Give me love. Throw your soft arms around me.

Kiss my cheek. So I know you are near me.

You are perfect. Fun sized and abundant.

You are tender. Hugging me with your mercy.

You are gentle. Forgiving and helpful.

You are gorgeous. My baby, my angel incarnate.

God Bless you Celby. I'll write for you for the rest of my life. I can't wait to run into your arms the moment I take my last breath here on earth. Wait for me. Meet me and bring me home.

What Is Responsibility?

When we think of responsibility, we tend to think of being reliable and doing our jobs well. Whatever it is that we do from day to day, the perception of doing it well is seen as responsibility. Also the concept of showing up when needed, being there for others and taking good care of what we've been given in life. But is that it? Or is there more to being responsible?

This is a topic I've thought about for years.  The average person considers responsibility to be a consideration only within their personal realm or space.  But what about reaching beyond your comfort zone?  Here are some other ways I've found responsibility to be key and essential in life.

Being a good example when no one is watching.  When you see someone drop a wallet on the street, would you pick it up and bring it to them?  That is an important aspect of social responsibility.  If we want this world to resonate on a higher level of consciousness, we are responsible to be good even when nobody notices.  Doing this passes kindness along and increases a personal level of social responsibility among ourselves and others.

Doing the right thing without expecting a reward.  Something as simple as picking garbage up off the street makes you a more responsible person.  Instead of walking past wrappers and other things tossed out of car windows and thrown over shoulders, you can choose to take it upon yourself to clean up and brighten the world around you.  Even if it's never acknowledged, you know you did the right thing.  This will increase your personal consciousness and self esteem which always ends up rubbing off on others you know.  Even if you don't purposely try to make them aware of your beliefs.  And when others see how responsible you are, it will motivate them to be more responsible!  (At least some of them!)

Being fair and extending a helping hand.  We all have moments and situations come up where we have the opportunity to help another person out who may have the possibility of hurting us.  Sometimes being a responsible person is offering a hand up with no assurance of it turning out well.  At times, it's good to give another person the benefit of the doubt.  And if it ends up biting you in the end?  Well, at least you tried.  I'm not saying to be a doormat and allow people to walk all over you.  What I am suggesting is when you are able, knowing that if the situation would fall flat, you are still willing to take a chance, take it!  Sometimes these are the best moments in life:  moments that can not only change you but the people you're walking out on a limb for as well.  Actions like this not only increase your personal responsibility level and your self esteem but also the personal responsibility levels and self esteem levels of those who you've given the chance to.  When out of nowhere if you decide to trust someone and it goes well, it's a very beautiful thing!

Doing your part to remedy societal issues.  Society has a sad way of "passing the buck" too many times.  "Oh, they'll take care of that,"  or "I don't know much about that.  Let someone else deal with it,"  or "I just don't have the energy.  It's a losing battle anyway,"  are all excuses created to keep us from feeling responsible.  But the reality is, we can all do something with the resources we have, even if it's something small.  It really doesn't take much to donate a coat to a shelter or to provide a bag of groceries to someone who's hurting.  Maybe even secretly leave Christmas gifts on a needy familys' doorstep or fill a bag with a few essentials from a dollar store to donate to a charity.  There are ways of filling in the gap with the resources we've been given.  If we'd all do our part, we could create huge waves of responsibility to ripple through our communities.

Take care of our planet.  Our children inherit this planet from us.  What we do to it, they'll have to deal with.  Why give them more pain and heartache?  Take an interest in healing this world on a physical level.  Learn more about solar and wind energy, begin to grow gardens in our yards or stop using pesticides on our lawns.  There are numerous efficient chemical free ways of dealing with issues like this.  Why spray more harmful things into the atmosphere for our children and grandchildren to breathe?  Why kill off more animals and plants and eat GMO foods that are riddled with hurtful carcinogens?  There is no good point to these types of things. And engaging in harmful behaviors only makes things worse and worse.  It's time to start paying attention and go back to healing this planet before the domino effect of pain becomes too great for us to conquer!

Rise above destructive thought processes.  If we all close our eyes to the hurtful things going on, who is going to make it better?  We need to increase our awareness....our level of responsibility...and understand that we each have a piece in this puzzle.  If we pass all of the responsibility on to our neighbor, our friend, our senator, our president, how can we expect anything to really change?  Yes, our elected officials can make changes but nothing compared to a global realization that we can all make a difference.  Even the poorest of us!  We can grow gardens, we can stop using pesticides, we can share with our friends and plant trees and spread kindness.  There are literally thousands of things we can all do.  No matter what our socioeconomic level or level of education.  We need to pull together to make amends!

Responsibility is a way of life.  It's a process of thinking that we need to commit to.  Responsibility doesn't just happen.  It's cultivated.  And if we begin to cultivate it into the younger generations, just imagine the changes it could bring!

How Can Love Bring Healing Into Relationships?

A focus on hate in society can be debilitating. Many believe that to stand up for what is right, an argumentative attitude is necessary. Unfortunately, argumentative attitudes only further complicate things. Many mistakenly decide that force may be required to change minds. But like Martin Luther King, Gandhi and other humanists have realized, hate only begets more hate.

In order to find some type of middle ground or resolution, love must be brought into the equation on some level. Why? Following are some great reasons!

1.  Love increases compassion and empathy.  Compassion is defined as "a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune". (Dictionary.com).  When people enter into conflict with a sense of compassion, they feel the pain of their adversary.  It makes them realize how they would feel if they were in their adversary's shoes.  Compassion is essential in bringing about change during times of conflict.  Likewise, empathy, "the psychological identification with feelings, thoughts or attitudes of another" (Dictionary.com) is also essential in bringing about change.  Until we can understand what someone else is going through on a personal level, we truly don't know why change needs to take place.

2.  Love promotes more discussions and less arguments.  How many times have you tried to "get down to business" when anger is coloring your perspective?  Anger is like a flame that burns anyone who gets too close.  Anger is a natural facilitator of arguments.  It is nearly impossible to be objective when the flames of anger are burning bright.  Love, on the other hand, makes us more capable of being objective, thus facilitating more discussions.  And it is possible to have discussions without anger being involved.  It's perfectly okay to agree to disagree-and much healthier than fighting, too!

3.  Love helps us to identify with an adversary's perspective.  When we are able to identify with another human being on the level of humanity itself, anger is automatically driven to the background.  When we realize that we are all essentially searching for the same things on the level of being human, we experience unity and forgiveness.  Unity and forgiveness are critical in bringing about essential, peaceful changes.

4.  Love creates an atmosphere of acceptance.  When the kindness and compassion of love enter any picture, an atmosphere of acceptance is cultivated.  This is a widely understood topic even by giants in the movie industry (like Disney) with thousands of movies being centered around the topic.  Even children's movies (one of my favorites entitled Brave)  speak of not only accepting others but also accepting ourselves....a beautiful mindset with a ton of benefit!

5.  Love reduces pride.  Now don't get me wrong...pride in itself is not a bad thing...unless it is allowed to become the predominating mindset.  An inflated sense of pride causes us to believe that others owe us something.  Some synonyms of pride are conceit, egotism, vanity and vainglory.  (Dictionary.com).  How many times have you tried to reason with someone that is convinced they are overly important and you owe them the world?  It is darned near impossible to reason with people like that.  What is the outcome of vanity and an inflated self concept?  Argument!  And usually arguments with those types of personalities don't turn out very well!

6.  Love increases a sense of value and worth among people.  Let's look at the definition of love.  Perhaps I should have earlier, but the definition proves this point.  Love is "a feeling of warm, personal attachment or deep affection as for a parent, child or friend."  (Dictionary.com). Love is easy when it comes to those closest to us.  It comes naturally.  But when you're talking about your enemy, it can be much trickier.  Love with strangers and acquaintances is a decision, a life style you choose to lead.  It is responding with dignity to someone who you may not necessarily agree with.

I created a quote a while back that said "Lay down your weapons; embrace and be one; Forgiveness will reign when the battle is done."  I got some backlash about this one!  But my meaning behind it was "Treat others with respect, as you would like to be treated.  Only then can you mend broken mindsets and societal patterns."

How can we expect to find peace among the dissension when we aren't even willing to lay our differences aside?  It's impossible.  It will never happen until we make the decision to live with more loving attitudes!

7.  Love increases understanding.  When someone comes to you with a request, you must have a sense of understanding about what they're talking about!  Love cultivates a sense of understanding.  That "aha" moment when we realize what someone else is going through makes all the difference in the world when it comes to us accepting them and being more loving.  Love breaks down barriers, arguments and all forms of hate and prejudice because it allows the beautiful knowledge of understanding to emanate among the souls of those discussing different scenarios and situations!  Understanding definitely diffuses arguments!

8.  Love promotes respect.  The nature of love is the nature of respect.  And the nature of respect requires that respect be given in order for it to be received.  When you respect someone, you care!  You listen, you lend a hand, you really want to make a difference!  That's what love is all about!  It is impossible to say you love someone or want to make things better for them and yourself without experiencing some form of respect.  Respect is a precursor for the kind of caring that meaningful change requires.

9.  Love promotes hope and possibility.  With hate, there is little to no hope involved.  There is pain, anguish and agony.  With love?  Well, there is the hope of a better future because people are willing to discuss problems and understand each  other's situations!  Hate leads to discouragement.  Hope leads to enlightenment!

10.  Love promotes a sense of responsibility.  Hate?  Well, it creates an environment where people feel helpless.  They become despondent and stoop to lower types of emotions and interactions such as apathy, anger and resentment.  Love creates a sense that everyone can make a difference.  When we each believe we can make a difference, our sense of personal responsibility rises.  So what's better for our society?  Helplessness or an increase in caring and personal responsibility?  I think that one is pretty self explanatory!

The truth is we can make a difference.  Each and every one of us.  Even if we only influence one other person for the better, think of the ripple effect that can have on an entire society?  And the reality is, most of us are able to affect more than one other person.  Many of us are able to affect hundreds of people throughout our lives depending on where we work, where we live, who we associate with, where we go, etc.  Love is a powerful force for more reasons than those I just listed above.  If we all make the choice to embrace it, what a beautiful world this would be!

Meet Artist Sherry Shipley!

Sherry is a member of my group Emotive Art on Fine Art America. She recently was tied for first place in a contest with her piece entitled Getting To Know You.  Sherry's art flows beautifully and is full of color.  Here is her winning piece:

Statement from Sherry:

Art has been a part of me all my life. I could never stop drawing as a child and in high school picked up my first paint brush. That was 1965. I have been painting ever sense.

Over the years I have explored many mediums and expanded my art skills when I attended the Art Institute of Seattle.

I depict animals in my art to create a feeling of wonderment with our connection with these creatures and a bond that only a true animal lover can feel. Animals have been depicted in art and stories since the beginning of time and our bond with them lives in legends and lore.

My art creates and reveals that bond in bold and colorful images either through letting the paint flow and working the images into it or use of lines that weaves the design around the subject to create it’s own story.

**************************************************

A short bio:

Growing up in the shadow of the Cascades, the beauty of the Pacific Northwest inspired my love of nature and wildlife. Trips to the mountains have supplied a stunning and endless backdrop for my wildlife subjects which I have been painting for over 40 years.

My work has been seen in galleries from Seattle to New York. My wildlife art designs have sold on shirts and tote bags in Alaska, and many of the lower 48 states.

***************************************************

If you enjoy this piece, you'll love looking through her portfolio!  It's stunning!  Here's the link:

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/getting-to-know-you-sherry-shipley.html

Thanks for visiting!  I hope you'll be back soon!

Breaking The Silence Video Clip!

My book Breaking The Silence is now a double award winner in the genre of Inspirational Fiction! I am so grateful to Mom's Choice Awards for their gold medal and to Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards for their award! It is humbling, to say the least, since Breaking The Silence is written about my life (though places and names have been changed). It has been a surreal experience to have such good come from such pain and turmoil.

Here is a video clip I created about Breaking The Silence with excerpts from my book:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp2U7gOhjao

If you are a victim of abuse or know a victim of abuse, please pass this information along.  It is my desire to help those who feel trapped by their pain.  I want them to know it is possible to heal.  Breaking The Silence is my story of agony and abuse to hope and healing.

God Bless!

Crying For A Savior

The pain you causedHas left permanent scars Like armies of demons In my brain.

I am stilled by agony In unguarded moments Like razor blade cuts Across my heart.

It's been years But somehow Your deathly grip Still holds me fast;

I crawl Like a wounded animal Through the dust and debris Of the past

Crying for a Savior.

How is it That after thirty seven years You still reach me From the coldness of your grave?

Groping and grasping, Ripping my flesh off in layers, Stabbing your evil Through my heart and soul?

Will I ever be free To live as I dream of living Or will I forever be Your prisoner of anguish and shame?

I deserve to be happy I dream of it every day But somehow your memory Always succeeds

At burying me with you in a Hell you so adeptly created for both of us.

In Order To Be Successful You Have To Be Reliable

So many times we dream about things we could do or be, only to give in too easily to despair and hardships on our journey. If we really want to succeed, we need to remain reliable to our dreams and ourselves through the good times and bad. Setbacks happen to everyone making success seem like smoke on the horizon...something we think we see but we're unsure of how to go about achieving it. Or we know how to achieve it and stumbling blocks shorten and delay our stamina. To succeed, we must keep our dreams just ahead of us and continue to strive, to be reliable!

We hear overnight success stories and they do happen from time to time.  More often though, we have to work tediously and slave for our dreams to become a reality.  I am reminded of the saying "nothing in this world worth having comes easy."  The seemingly overnight success stories often are built on a platform of hard work behind the scenes.  Even the singer who wins the reality show has spent years perfecting his/her voice.  Overnight success is rare.  Very rare.

Never give up.  Unreliability and irresponsibility will kill a dream every time.  Believe in yourself and know you can achieve whatever you believe you can.  Then, if you persevere, chances are you will succeed...if you don't give up.

And never be afraid to lend someone else a helping hand.  You never know when the favor will come full circle to bless you in the end!