tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33051742073128766922024-02-07T11:28:22.451-08:00Moving ForwardUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305174207312876692.post-39352279535996415162023-12-19T14:06:00.000-08:002023-12-19T14:18:37.305-08:00Rejoice ~ Locating joy in 2023! <p>In 2019, I began the practice of annual reflection to improve my spiritual, physical, and mental health putting into practice daily journaling/gratitude morning meditation and the development of an annual vision board. In 2022, I spent the entire year studying the art of finding joy. Continuing with this study, I thought it would be important in 2023 to put daily work into learning how to choose joy or recognizing gifts presented to us by the universe daily and to focus on the act of rejoicing in small things. I can say that I am learning to practice joy through the act of rejoicing daily. While I don't always feel positive, I am learning practices and starting to see the fruit from these daily acts. Yes, life is going to be frustrating, people will let us down. At times circumstances are painful, and it is hard to keep going. I sometimes still fail at this, but I through God's help and learning to put my faith in a higher purpose, I am making progress. It is still a daily struggle. </p><p>Reflecting on this year, I can see so much improvement. I feel so very grateful to so many and blessed to see my family in a better place. Boundaries are very hard and were a new concept introduced to me in 2012. Here I stand 11 years later and I am getting better at recognizing when these need to be revisited. While I still struggle at politely saying no and sometimes over commit, I am getting better at protecting my time, access, and have made great gains. I tend to overly focus on work and in the last few years the vision board practice has helped me to identify trends and improve. The last few years, I could see strong gains in my spiritual life and walk. This year I really tried to focus on my physical health. While I still have a long way to go, I am over 20 plus pounds lighter today. It is a daily struggle but choosing to attend to my personal wellness is helping me tremendously. </p><p>Happiness is truly a healthy balancing act. I still have a lot of work to do and have to work at this daily. I am finding that this can have a profound effect on our lives. You will be rejected, works will not be appreciated, trials will occur. However, we are called to rejoice anyways as each have a unique purpose and are called to be a light. It is the act of rising above negative circumstances, choosing the higher road, and picking ourselves up to continue on for a higher purpose then ourselves. Rejoice is an intentional daily act, which leads to joy. We have so much to be grateful for and recognizing abundance brings about peace in the middle of life's storms</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0spPYJi8q-JOB8OQ8muyW-bYoq7cg0ymJ4LXpBnQJDCqAksV6g_9oaGsxSkX3hyphenhyphen4yccJGcSuvvb48EMQwP1I6rO1kddp_jM1Qef9BF1LwbYzsCCBoPM5YVWHAy3ECSlMaBOKn5lUDXmV8VMVBM2SEevP6V9dEofoJ0z6liW6bbpto6qvVWHiZYgDtGZdM/s960/Vision%20Boards%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0spPYJi8q-JOB8OQ8muyW-bYoq7cg0ymJ4LXpBnQJDCqAksV6g_9oaGsxSkX3hyphenhyphen4yccJGcSuvvb48EMQwP1I6rO1kddp_jM1Qef9BF1LwbYzsCCBoPM5YVWHAy3ECSlMaBOKn5lUDXmV8VMVBM2SEevP6V9dEofoJ0z6liW6bbpto6qvVWHiZYgDtGZdM/w595-h335/Vision%20Boards%20(1).jpg" width="595" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305174207312876692.post-81373787384840102592022-11-13T15:43:00.006-08:002022-11-13T15:50:29.381-08:00Faith as a Daily Exercise <p> When you are in a season of attack, as I have been, we learn to have faith. Through seasons of attack and experience, we develop a strong and unique testimony. </p><p><b>Be Still and Alert. </b>Through stillness, we learn to listen. This is when God speaks to us and helps us process how we should react to events. I have always loved hiking and nature. This is when I feel most at peace and where I learned to first listen to God. A recent series of events and people continue to remind me that I need to stop, listen, and pay attention. A recent sermon online populated on my feed last week. The sermon was entitled "For Those Under Attack" and draws on 1st Peter. In this message, the pastor quotes 1 Peter 5:9: The devel is like a roaring lion. The roar is a warning and serves as a reminder that we will be alerted if an attack is coming. We must be alert and learn to listen. This morning my new pastor, Coleman, had no idea that I had been seeking God during the last week reading up on spirtual attacks in 1 Peter. He pointed us to Isiah 30:18-24 this morning and asked the following quesiton: Are you a good listener? He stated that this is an intentional act or focus. Yielding is hard for me but I recognize that this is a skill in further need of development. </p><p><b>Humility Releases Pride</b>: This is hard for me as I come from a long line of strong independent pioneers. It's hard for me to humble myself. Perhaps betrayal in my past plays into this need to prove or hold on to my accomplishments or pride. I often feel the need to prove truth. Past abuse tends to trigger fear or anxiousness. However, this is where faith comes in. 1 Peter reminds us that the lion is on a leash and that there is a time for resistance. However, that is God's timing. Gentleness communicates a yielding to others. It important to remember that God will restore and he doesn't need me to push truth or restoration on others. Instead we should ask God to help with reminding us to remove pride and to walk toward Jesus as Peter did. Humility is also an intentional act. Am I casting my anxiety on God and keeping my pride? Pride and anxiety are often found in the same package. Faith reminds us that God is leading us. The hand of God is providing protection, favor, and hope. He will teach and sheppard us through our daily interactions with him.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDX_Lem1eqvYCEF6wmQGcKHI7T1iFGKCoU0AuAf5Hazb5st1GlcVSgotx6wgPNs2kkvZEaex9rRdIR_NWqi_cWXYQafO1l9T-UrShWk30fwdQxZtIcyRphL7LaUz2VY4LoHfA2SKmu1a7KkY0mptfWeUPTBA3TfcvD256t_BFW6iV6mhkEjQVtu5WMyw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDX_Lem1eqvYCEF6wmQGcKHI7T1iFGKCoU0AuAf5Hazb5st1GlcVSgotx6wgPNs2kkvZEaex9rRdIR_NWqi_cWXYQafO1l9T-UrShWk30fwdQxZtIcyRphL7LaUz2VY4LoHfA2SKmu1a7KkY0mptfWeUPTBA3TfcvD256t_BFW6iV6mhkEjQVtu5WMyw=w390-h390" width="390" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305174207312876692.post-9922797445252099482022-09-01T05:17:00.008-07:002022-09-01T05:17:48.484-07:00Healing Through Spiritual GrowthOver the last decade, I have been working on healing myself spiritually and recently experienced a breakthrough. During my recovery journey, I have learned to deal with my unconscious pain from past traumas and family of origin and generational issues. For me, this has been a process that has taken a lot of time, with a focus on dealing with my needs first before helping others. I had to learn this as my family of origin tends to be very self-sacrificing and as a result cycles of abuse are a generational issue. This type of cycle is actually very common I have learned. I have learned to recognize toxic environments, abuse, advocate for my needs in a calm and professional way, and to detach when the other party chooses to continue toxic patterns. <div><br /></div><div><b>Boundaries Attract Your Tribe:</b> When you use boundaries, you will attract the right people and teach people how to treat you. These are both internal and external boundaries. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Take Time to Improve the Relationship with Yourself: </b>Be ok with learning to love yourself, care for yourself, and to take time to be alone. You have to learn how to love yourself before you can love others in a way that is healthy. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Gratitude is a Difference Maker: </b>Start a daily habit to recognize gifts the creator places in your life. Giving daily thanks helps to focus on the present. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Pray Daily: </b>Learn to have a relationship with the creator. Let the universe open your heart and mind so that your purpose, a higher calling, is very evident. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Take Inventory of Surroundings: </b>What music do you listen to? What media do you surround yourself with? This impacts our attitudes. Make it a habit to unplug. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Health:</b> I tend to neglect this area of my life but it is so important. Schedule time to work on your health, and diet, and recognize what makes you feel good or places you in higher energy. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Forgive and Let Go:</b> Let go of the need to know. Forgive and move on. Often I have found the haters in our world and past don't care if you "forgive". Just move on. There is no need to visit and inform others that they are forgiven, but recognize that they are not part of your future and they are human with flaws.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Grace: </b> Learn to give grace to others and to receive grace from others.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTY6FGmZ1ObcOCelPwf0f0IWzQCz56B_ZAWX1p6aUdisnkS_U_q5lBPHGbsqxewfD2ikgpAr_FMI4Ani2Yn1pgmIEkYDHgBqE85bXNzyT2HeQ9L_H-dd2I7QaFp89Pc4_mWlpGAGal6JmaTq1PKPuwB1Y7yAXjIByf0QK5TAXMl9LZUAALZUzGuiQwaQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTY6FGmZ1ObcOCelPwf0f0IWzQCz56B_ZAWX1p6aUdisnkS_U_q5lBPHGbsqxewfD2ikgpAr_FMI4Ani2Yn1pgmIEkYDHgBqE85bXNzyT2HeQ9L_H-dd2I7QaFp89Pc4_mWlpGAGal6JmaTq1PKPuwB1Y7yAXjIByf0QK5TAXMl9LZUAALZUzGuiQwaQ" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305174207312876692.post-75817289044808653852021-12-30T07:26:00.006-08:002021-12-30T07:31:00.437-08:00Finding Joy Revisiting 2021... <p>I found joy in a few moments in 2021. This last year has been a struggle for many but I started the year searching for the meaning of joy. Joy is found through the living practice of gratitude. I found that starting my day with quiet time, focusing on gratitude, greatly aided in finding joy in everyday moments. When evaluating 2020, I realized I had focused primarily on work or the mind and wanted to shift the focus to spiritual wellness in 2021. While I didn't reach all of my goals, I did make great gains in my spiritual and mental wellness column last year and continue to make great gains in all three targeted areas: mind, body, and spirit. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2pE-ne8bFJHwGM8fyVMyQlcsJqYsUutcv0VpzfhuXmg59P26PcytuaJCHHQurPDE0J9Rz4P0xPdXnSpLLPT9IuNtaDIVL611CBEB2QhmUeYHza3062YCd_EEViH3YzzVd8fxTLp3zXYdOeNEWyVqZifKKHWVXkd0FkHutuYBDfHjS_X9O7T_9ghh5iw=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2pE-ne8bFJHwGM8fyVMyQlcsJqYsUutcv0VpzfhuXmg59P26PcytuaJCHHQurPDE0J9Rz4P0xPdXnSpLLPT9IuNtaDIVL611CBEB2QhmUeYHza3062YCd_EEViH3YzzVd8fxTLp3zXYdOeNEWyVqZifKKHWVXkd0FkHutuYBDfHjS_X9O7T_9ghh5iw=w402-h226" width="402" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This upcoming new year, I would like to place a greater emphasis on body wellness, which I have neglected. I could use more exercise, outdoor time, time away from my computer, less media, which I feel would help me focus on positive messaging. I would like to feel the characteristics of good health through improved flexibility, and strength because by the end of the day I am stiff, have aching joints, and just don't feel youthful. I want to feel relaxed, energized, joyful, valued, excited, loved, and strong. This will require me to value myself enough to take time to take action to value and love myself more so that I can focus on my physical wellness through daily practice. </div><div><br /></div><div>I learned in 2021 to not take life for granted. We lost so many loved ones during the pandemic and found society at times searching for hope and joy. Change is hard. It is a choice to view change as an opportunity for growth, viewing through the lens of renewed hope and new dreams. </div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305174207312876692.post-23060160671187879302021-10-25T05:48:00.001-07:002022-04-16T19:10:15.184-07:00Moving Beyond My Judgments and Biased Thinking<p>Often we become stuck in old patterns of thought. This is known as patterned thinking. We tend to hold onto judgments, beliefs, messed-up principles based on prior experiences, and fail to recognize our unfulfilled needs. This type of thinking can hold us back. In order to move forward, we must confront problems honestly. People often fail to do this. They believe changing jobs, buying that new item, moving to a new geographical location of living, going to another country, changing partners, etc. will finally satisfy their needs. Changing physical circumstances doesn't address the true issue, which is the need to recognize and perhaps shift patterned thinking. What is the pattern causing your unhappiness? This requires us to address problems on a deeper level. </p><p>Imagine what would happen if each of us would examine ourselves personally and took responsibility for issues, less judgment, and recognition of our own biased thinking. I am including myself here. I am attempting to journal my ideas in this space. Some I publish, some of my thoughts are private. Writing and reflecting on our judgments and biased thinking can help deepen our understanding. At least that is what I am attempting to do. This energy can impact the energy we bring to a situation. Our unseen projections are often the very bothersome traits we see in other people. </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Sneaky </li><li>Unavailable </li><li>Manipulative </li><li>Misleading</li><li>Lying </li><li>Imposter </li><li>Lazy</li><li>Abandoning </li><li>Unloyal </li><li>Hypocrisy </li><li>Pride </li><li>Ignore</li></ul><div>These behaviors identified above are behaviors that annoy me in others. However, these also provide a window into my own patterns of thinking that may be mirrored back to me by others. How are these actions displayed unconsciously in my own patterns? I pray that this is revealed so that I can break this habit moving forward. </div><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305174207312876692.post-51031924966411773512021-10-16T13:57:00.002-07:002022-04-16T19:10:01.911-07:00Reflecting on Spiritual Life<p>A few years ago, working through some health issues, I began creating a Vision Board each new Year. It serves as a visual reminder of goals I set to work on throughout the year to help with a healthy balance or marriage of ideas to mind, body, and spirit. I am far from perfect and need a lot of help and reminders to keep me on track. I tend to escape into my work, seeking a purpose, and have worked through a lot... learning to set boundaries with others, using my voice when appropriate, working on gratitude, healing, etc. I still find myself sometimes out of balance and checklists seem to help. Last August I was super excited to book a trip to visit a dear friend but was disappointed when for reasons beyond my understanding was canceled last minute. I had wished that she had the courage to communicate honestly but reassured her that I understood. I was disappointed but decided to use the weekend we had planned to work on myself, wellness, and my spirit. This time my disappointment wasn't longed lived. I recognize signs of abuse and realize my friend is just trying to survive her situation. Continuing a relationship with me must be threatening to her spouse for some unknown reason. Sure I was willing to pay for everything. She only needed to invest her time into our friendship. For some reason, this just wasn't possible. Although I was rejected, I didn't take it personally. Just sad that a 15-year friendship isn't as strong as it could be. I am also sad that my friend is so controlled by her husband. That he finds a weekend every 5 years threatening to their relationship. After all, this was something that I try to do each year. I am however grateful for that opportunity to take time to focus on my spiritual health and personal time this weekend. I booked a solo trip to visit a hot spring in New Mexico.</p><p>So, this entry will probably be a lengthy one. I may not share it out but it is needed. I am reading through the book The Marriage of Spirit, Enlighted Living in Today's World. Suggestions include using a journal to help place theory into practice. This blog has been an outlet for this type of practice. Also, it suggests trying to recall memories from mystical and spiritual experiences from the past, even in childhood as life is a spiral and we tend to repeat patterns. So, here are my memories this morning.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOPEZdPhjRgeTmdfVIXAQK-SCm1hDu84X_A5qIwGUJSUuO76L-OB8_h4JWKX63-cdr7v2zM9PPFbzj8W9PWSBHeGg7V7bladxgKwNdpPxdAMPEvXTQx6D39QLIMbqeRQZMan6_smJ1OrF/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="284" data-original-width="220" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOPEZdPhjRgeTmdfVIXAQK-SCm1hDu84X_A5qIwGUJSUuO76L-OB8_h4JWKX63-cdr7v2zM9PPFbzj8W9PWSBHeGg7V7bladxgKwNdpPxdAMPEvXTQx6D39QLIMbqeRQZMan6_smJ1OrF/" width="186" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>1. Baptism, 1982: I remember early on wishing to please my parents at 6 years of age, to earn their approval. So, I accepted Christ and was baptized. I do believe that I did this and was brought into the kingdom of Christ on that day. I remember walking into the cold water and the pastor, Rev. Scaggs, baptizing me. </p><p>2. Missionary, 1987: I remember meeting missionaries serving in Africa at a summer camp and wishing I could travel afar and work in the mission field in 5th grade. I believed that I had been called for a higher purpose at that time. These selfless women were heroes. I wanted to be like them. I wanted my life to have a lasting impact on the world. I think this is when I decided that my purpose was for a higher calling. I decided to become a teacher at age 18 but I think this influenced my decision. </p><p>3. High School Spiritual Let Down, 1992: I remember the disappointment I felt in high school when I experienced a pastor gaslighting and bullying me, with several other "Christian" church followers joining in. I realize now that he also bullied my mother. I also realize now that my father was behind much of this and continued to force this man into our lives until his death. Throughout my adult years when I would come to a family BBQ, my father would invite this man, a surprise often. It began when my father woke me up one morning to tell me that he had found my mother in the bathtub with a rifle and that he was taking her to a mental hospital. At the time, I was in shock. My grandfather had shot himself 4 years earlier. I couldn't believe she would attempt to do something similar. We had just moved to Stephenville and I didn't want to move to a new town, leave the country, etc. We had only been in Stephenville 1 year when this occurred. I didn't see my mom that day or her sister. I was told that my aunt and dad would be taken her to the hospital. During the next 2 months, the pastor would visit often. </p><p>Later in life, I heard from my aunt that my mother was not found with a shotgun in the bathtub and she was very surprised to hear my version of dad's story. So, I don't know what to believe. After experiencing what I have experienced, I tend to think that my mom was being abused and that my father made that entire story up so that I would be on "his" side. This situation brought about a lot of anger from me toward my mother throughout high school. She was never there emotionally for me as a teenager or adult. We have no emotional connection really, just a superficial hi, how are you. I have observed that my mom doesn't have an emotional connection with anyone. The pastor encouraged this narrative and the following year, I found the pastor visiting an older friend of mine that worked with me in a department store. I later found out that he would pay for her dry cleaning and deliver it to her house each week. It became apparent to me that the relationship was more intimate and when the pastor knew that I had uncovered his secret, he became very abusive toward me. </p><p>I thought that he was the first narcissist in a long line of male narcissists that gaslighted me through my family. However, I now realize my father was that first narcissist. I witnessed my father instigating behaviors and also witnessed the same pastor with my father's encouragement misstating issues experienced by my mother during her depression. I realize now that this was a difficult experience in my life and left a permanent mark or trauma that I spent decades trying to overcome. I now feel a huge amount of empathy toward my mother. In fact, I left the church due to this experience for around 10 years. I was a practicing agnostic and was spiritually dead for around 13 years. I had a large hole in my heart from age 15-28. </p><p>At 46, I am more upset with my father for encouraging all of this and see that he scapegoated me way back. I realize now that they both, my father and the pastor, bused my mother through the disguise of religion or moral superiority. I found it hard to trust church or religion after my experience with this episode. This four-year period, 16-20 brought about a huge distance between my family and me. I was mislabeled, gaslighted, and falsely accused of being a drug addict (which just pushed me into a crowd of partying to include building strong friendships with college students and college dropouts and blue-collar workers who occasionally experienced with drugs) because I hung out with other misfits and such. I seemed to feel accepted by them and was able to feel a sense of family from 17-21. They were the only ones truly there for me during this time. </p><p>4. Focusing on the World, 1998: I felt God's presence leading up to that day. It was a beautiful outdoor wedding. Unfortunately following the event, I was abused physically and emotionally. While the physical abuse improved after he stopped drinking, the emotional abuse continued daily for 17 years. I didn't know how to handle the situation and had no real support to really help me navigate how to get out. I felt pressure from my family to just work it out. After all, I am difficult.. See number 3. I tried for 17 years to work it out with many cases of abuse and know that I wouldn't be alive today if I had stayed for year 18. I was 21 years old when we married and he was 33. This should have been a red flag but I was seeking security as my family had basically abandoned me. I also wanted to travel around the world and experience different cultures. </p><p>5. Coming Back to Spirituality, 2003: I remember being pregnant in Costa Rica and having an accident with Zeke. I was stuck in a hospital and didn't know if I had experienced a miscarriage or not. A priest came and sprinkled water over me and my stomach and said prayers in Latin. This was very emotional for me. I prayed the entire weekend. On Monday morning, a Methodist missionary, Mary Miller, showed up and really facilitated my rebirth or renewable in Christ. I realized that I was a Christian and that not all Christians were abusive or hypocritical. I decided to join the Methodist church after this experience. I was 28 years old. </p><p>6. First Spiritual Study as an Adult, 2005, What the Bleep following Costa Rica at 28: Quantium physics bible study group brought me back to a spiritual life.... a be it a weak spiritual life. I was very untrusting of the church but realized that I could set the terms. </p><p>7. Joining the Church Officially and United Methodist Women, 2005: I was 30 when I rejoined the church officially, joining the Methodist church, and I immediately decided to get involved with the women group for missions. I am so glad I did as this helped me to begin healing. However, many quit talking to me when I left Uel at 38. This was disappointing to me. </p><p>8. White's Chapel Years, 2014-2018: It was here that I really began trusting my small group. I joined a Sunday school class of divorced Christians and started to work on healing, counseling, etc. I was 40 when I joined. This group was a blessing. I learned how to create vision boards, and realized that I needed a spiritual walk with others. I learned to develop boundaries, began to reflect through writing through this blog, and truly learned how to walk in faith. I was in survivor mode until I reached this point. I don't think I dealt with issues from childhood at this point, just healing from decades of abuse from my previous life/marriage. I experienced gaslighting from my family again at this point. Not one family member supported me during the divorce hearings. In fact, many remained friends with my abusive ex-husband. After all, women don't divorce in my family. They work it out. Also, there was no support of me attending church. It was a "mega" church after all. I began to experience the exact same treatment that I had experienced from my teenage years from my parents and family but I didn't notice really. I was sad, super sad. I felt super alone. God rescued me during this time. He showed me to walk in faith and how to live in prayer. </p><p>9. Marrying Billy Jack, a man who follows Christ, 2018: He is the answer to so many prayers and I am so grateful to have a spiritual relationship with my husband. This is new to me and I am very grateful for this experience with him. This relationship is healing me in many ways. I sometimes feel guilty for all of the past trauma that BJ has had to experience. BJ convinced me to go and join a baptist church when I moved to join him in Alpine. This was very hard for me to do, but I did it. I continued working on my vision board and spiritual health. During this time, additional custody issues were presented. Attempts to turn my kids against me were not only legally pursued but my father and brothers seemed to gaslight and I woke up to the reality one day. It was as if a light bulb went off. My father was gaslighting me, initiating issues with my mother/brothers/sisters-in-law. I realized that for my safety and personal well-being, it would be best to have strong boundaries with him and to limit the information shared with him. Last year, I worked through a lot of anger. I practiced gratitude and quiet time each morning. I learned how to pray. I have grown tremendously in my spiritual life over the last 2-3 years. </p><p>I want to end this reflection to state that <b>I am not a victim!</b> The intent here is not to blame anyone but only to acknowledge that my past traumas and spiritual life were greatly impacted by people who suffered their own trauma. I am strong and am grateful. I am hoping by reflecting on this through journaling I begin to continue to unlock unconscious biases. I know that I have been equipped to help many people through my experiences and am so blessed. I want to break the patterns in which I feel targeted or gaslighted not only by my family but also at work. I am hoping to unlock how to do this lovingly through better boundaries. I am going to attempt to continue journaling but will probably not publish this selection. I may share it with my husband and counselor. </p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305174207312876692.post-51702961033733878072021-05-17T15:36:00.002-07:002021-05-17T15:41:24.789-07:00Time to Take that Summer Break! <p></p><p><span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: 13.5pt;">It is really hard for me to take
a break. I have always been wired to achieve, and as a contributor, I am
learning that REST is so vitally important to your health. After teaching
during COVID-19, I have found myself exhausted. I have decided to
take a break this summer and spent much of the last few days outdoors, walking
in nature, reading, feeding my spirit, unplugging, and journaling. I have
jotted a few items or thoughts down over the weekend and decided it was time to
revisit my personal growth blog. I have come a long way since I started on this
journey in 2014 of healing. I believe I had a breakthrough over the last year
in 2020. Finally, working on childhood patterns that were developed, I made a
lot of headway. As I began noticing patterns in my life that kept reappearing,
I began to really equip myself by first recognizing the emotional traumas from
my youth and began a commitment to recovery. Part of that recovery is
self-reflecting on these topics in this journal/blog that began 7 years ago. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">We must do whatever it takes to support ourselves</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">. This is our job and we cannot put that on
anyone else. It is so important to take the time to become clear and to
remember those core values that define your truth. For me, I value<i> kindness,
honesty, loyalty, fairness, recognition, and freedom</i>. These values define
how I set boundaries as I continue to work to improve my communication of needs,
respectfully. Surround yourself with expert support in addition to friends and
family who truly care about you. Emotional rest is so needed after the year we just experienced. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #cccccc;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Healing requires human connectedness</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">. It is impossible to build a support
system, strong team, or strong organization when we are not connected. This requires real communication and can't be
accomplished through email, Zoom, etc. Technology can be used to build
connections and requires strong support. I often provided
that for many this last year and I think that is why I am so tired after teaching during
COVID.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much of my year was navigating in
isolation and helping others through this tough academic year. It is important to communicate and to be an advocate for the need for human connectedness. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: 18px;"><b>Foster sensory and creative rest. </b>Creative rest recharges us and after being so plugged in for so long, I think my front porch is calling again. Too much technology can break intimacy and even relationships. It is ok to put an out-of-office email up. That being said... peace out. :)</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQgO_ooV411yDSu7TdpZaewsxDTUiABqVCu3TlI6xcyA2FDS5XXQG6Mvpx5dzJLanTF7GVTSfYSjRMjqn7qwRE47yTeMezRu5cHUfsueCMSu4E3BMlVRjlT6K7mKh-yXP8XL98pEldhACi/s1024/20131216-160630.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQgO_ooV411yDSu7TdpZaewsxDTUiABqVCu3TlI6xcyA2FDS5XXQG6Mvpx5dzJLanTF7GVTSfYSjRMjqn7qwRE47yTeMezRu5cHUfsueCMSu4E3BMlVRjlT6K7mKh-yXP8XL98pEldhACi/s320/20131216-160630.jpg" /></span></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305174207312876692.post-80416395259710112242020-07-02T12:30:00.001-07:002020-07-02T17:12:52.554-07:00To 45....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="s1">What I Know at 45...</span></div>
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<li class="li1" style="font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Start each day with gratitudes and spiritual meditation. </span></li>
<li class="li1" style="font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Life doesn’t go as planned. By 45, things have happened and you become humbled.</span></li>
<li class="li1" style="font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Learn to have faith when your going through dark times. The light is near.Truth always prevails.</span></li>
<li class="li1" style="font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">People who you thought would be there for you will disappoint you. Be gracious and forgive them anyway. </span></li>
<li class="li1" style="font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Recognize, love and honor your tribe. The people who are the for you during tough times. This is your family.</span></li>
<li class="li1" style="font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Forgiving someone </span><span class="s2" style="font-weight: bold;">doesn't mean you </span><span class="s1">open the doors to your life. It does </span><span class="s2" style="font-weight: bold;">mean</span><span class="s1"> that </span><span class="s2" style="font-weight: bold;">you</span><span class="s1"> try to </span><span class="s2" style="font-weight: bold;">give</span><span class="s1"> them a clean slate and truly let go. Set a firm boundary and be always be kind.</span></li>
<li class="li1" style="font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Health matters and physical health relies on spiritual and mental health wellness.</span></li>
<li class="li1" style="font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Take time to go outside as much as you can.</span></li>
<li class="li1" style="font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">You don’t have to respond immediately. </span></li>
<li class="li1" style="font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Work is not everything and your success isn’t dependent on an organization or someone’s approval. God has a plan for you and a purpose. Know that.</span></li>
<li class="li1" style="font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Integrity matters.</span></li>
<li class="li1" style="font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Live and speak your truth gently. </span></li>
<li class="li1" style="font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">You are unique and beautiful just as you are. Don’t be something you are not.</span></li>
<li class="li1" style="font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Life is short. Tell people you love them. </span></li>
<li class="li1" style="font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Listen to your soul and the energy you feel when your around someone. If it’s dark, stay far away. </span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px;">So here’s to my 45 years of wisdom. I’ve made a lot of mistakes, grateful for a colorful life, lived every moment, and have been blessed by so many. I’m grateful to my tribe and hope to continue this journey we call life to make a positive difference in our world. I’m going to bake and eat my own cake, let my hubby and youngest son cook for me, and smell my flowers. </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305174207312876692.post-39565480464035637822017-12-03T11:57:00.002-08:002017-12-03T12:42:20.030-08:00Hope - A Message of Christmas <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today marks the beginning of advent for Christians, a theme of <b>Hope.</b> I was reminded today how important that message is as it brings themes of patience, love, understanding, and faith. We were reminded by our leader this morning about the story of Zacharias (name meaning “Yahweh remembers”) and Elisabeth (meaning “God's oath”), both characters in the introduction to the Christmas story and strong examples of this message. It is a story of light appearing in a dark circumstance as Zacharias and Elisabeth were seen as leaders without child, and that was seen, and sometimes still viewed by some, as being a punishment from God. Late in life they were blessed, prayers answered as they had a child, John, who became a blessing to many people. The message of Christmas begins as a story of hope.<br />
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As a 42 year old mother of two teenage boys whose parents are divorced, I often feel my family is broken and look around to see so many teenagers from broken homes. Divorced parents face a strong stigma often in society. I never realized it until I was one. As I mentioned in a previous blog, my teenage sons decided last August to try moving back to live with their dad during the school year. Roles reversed three months ago. Many don't understand how hard it is to let your teenagers go from being under your roof everyday, especially during the holiday season. Often these things happen, as it is what the child wants. We have had a few rough spots this fall, and I am very much involved in their life. This is what they feel will make them happy, and you just don't want your kids to run away. It was hard to let them go, I am often heartbroken. Fears of my kids not turning in their homework, making good friends, getting a good nights rest, transition problems and so many more often plague me. Yet, I meet so many former colleagues, friends from my youth, and others in their midlife going through similar circumstances. In fact, a dear friend yesterday reminded me that is what the lessons of the living in your 40's is all about. Many of us have aging parents we must support, kids in blended families or divorced situations, and life becomes very real to many of us as we realize each day is a gift and things can change instantly. Lessons during the last five years encourage me to grow a strong faith. Suddenly, something happens and we realize that everyone goes through this change. The hope message for me this last week, is that my family is not broken but only fractured. For the last 5 years, I have felt my family as being unrepairable but during the last few months, I realize this is not true. Fractures heal easily, as Billy Jack reminded me today. Meeting strong women continue to remind me that we are Divine Warriors. We should hold our heads up and walk tall, as we were promised a message of hope. We walk with the light, in truth, and in victory as we are blessed. Believe in abundance, act in faith, and be free. We become what we think and if you are stuck in a pattern of thinking untruths (you are unloved, insignificant, unworthy, overly important, lack imagination, have an ego, etc.), know that you are good enough. Armor yourself in truth and gratitude and be liberated as you are loved, more than enough, and have such strong potential. Do what you love, be kind to others, good things will continue to come. We have so much to be grateful for.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305174207312876692.post-22142465586881755812017-08-20T13:07:00.001-07:002017-08-20T13:11:35.247-07:00Taking it Easy to Connect to Authentic Self<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
During spring break of 2016, I decided to go on a solo hiking trip to connect with myself in the Big Bend area. The experience was wonderful as I was able to meet new people, conquer a few fears, and mediate on both personal and professional goals. The experience helped me to begin to connect with my authentic self. At that time, I was in dissertation phase. For those who have not experienced dissertation, it involves a lot of pressure. The experience helped me take a break, which inspired me to persevere with data analysis and writing. I made a pact with myself to take it easy and go on a solo trip each year to celebrate me.<br />
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Taking it Easy Can Bring Positive Change</h2>
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Taking it easy is a struggle. Females of my generation were told that we could do anything and everything at the same time. I bought into this lie and forgot that we only have 24 hours in a day. How we choose to give of ourselves can really impact our health. In reality, we cannot be everything to everyone. Perfection is a myth. Really I have never taken it easy. In fact, the day I turned 16 I had a job and have held a job every day since. Working full time is something I pride myself in, but I did so while earning a bachelors, masters, and PhD., and fulfilling the duties of being a mother . I found myself struggling as a single parent and realized that my boys were really missing their dad and rural life. In fact, we were all miserable. I remember looking up last winter break and telling one of my dearest friends... "We are miserable here." I had completed the dissertation earlier in the fall, graduated right before winter break, and began thinking.. now what? I had time to take it easy and I began to realize that life changes were needed. <br />
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My sons, now teenagers with raging hormones, were connecting with me. A series of events led our family to make some serious changes. The boys decided that they really wanted to live with their dad and move back to where they have called home their entire life, their family farm. At first I was adamantly against the idea. How could they betray me? However, I was reminded by a family counselor that this was common and that really it was about ME. Instead, it was centered on the idea of what made THEM happy. Through a semester of counseling and prayer, we were able to work together and come up with a very amicable solution. The boys would try living with their dad during the 2018 school year. As soon as I told them that I was not against the idea and proceeded with steps to work with their dad to make legal changes, a surprising shift in our communications occurred. My sons and I actually began to improve communication. Also, their father and I began to treat each other with respect and we have developed a positive relationship with each other. This change also allowed me to make serious changes. I was now able to live anywhere, pursue my personal and career goals of becoming a professor and continuing STEM and makerspace initiatives. So, I have taken a position at Sul Ross University, in the Big Bend area, to teach in the College of Education. In addition, I am working with several schools and organizations on STEM and makerspace initiatives and plan to start a non-profit this coming year. <br />
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Taking it Easy Brings Creativity</h2>
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During the summer of 2017, I looked up and realized that I had not had time to really take it easy. As I continued to improve professional practices, I was able to receive an opportunity to go on a solo trip to Arizona to celebrate 2017 solar eclipse. NASA provided additional funding to utilize my makerspace and STEM station approach with a Navajo school. A few weeks prior, I took on a position at Sul Ross University and decided push ideas I have had to a new level. I decided to leave my K-12 position at a school district, and enter the realm of higher education and consulting. This has provided me the opportunity to move, meet new people, and take it easier so that I can focus on becoming a better version of me. </div>
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I have had a few days on my own now in Arizona and I feel renewed and inspired. Working with the Navajo is a true joy and continues to provide inspiration. As I hiked around the Grand Canyon this weekend and around the town of Winslow, Arizona, I was reminded of the importance of taking time to celebrate yourself. Doing so can really generate new ideas. It provides a time of reflection through writing. For me, this solo trip has been a strange time of contemplating where I am in my life, what I want for my future, and, naturally, travel. This morning I learned that the Eagles wrote the song, "Take it Easy" while visiting this area. I took this as a sign of inspiration and immediately felt the need to blog. </div>
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As I grow older, I have learned to accept that liking solitude doesn't make me, or you, strange. Solitude gives us the space to hear our own thoughts, which can feel like a rarity in our busy, appointment-laden lives. For someone like me, solitude is how I recharge. Embrace who you are and you'll be happier for it.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305174207312876692.post-1305071534026322042017-07-27T17:53:00.004-07:002017-07-27T18:32:24.465-07:00Learning To Let Go <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Over the course of a year, I have had to come to terms with a few hard truths. I looked up, and myself and my phenomenal kids began entering a new stage. Both sons, now teenagers, have expressed missing their father to many, and we both so miss our family and friends in Erath County. I completed a PhD. and I now know that I have some very big research initiatives to pursue. The hard truth was evident; this isn't working. But then again, the last <b>four</b> years has been nothing but a series of events in which I have had to learn to let go.<br />
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Leaving a small town was extremely hard on us, and the pain of letting go was and is still very raw and real. A hole in our heart is still a very BIG issue. My kids have only known life on a very large historical nursery located in the center of Texas. We have had a few obstacles in our path and we were fortunate to have some new experiences. I am grateful to the people I met along the way. They helped us through a very hard time, and we are so much stronger due to their love, example, and guidance.<br />
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We are grateful to all of our new friends and experiences, which continue to shape us to become an improved global citizen. We have had to develop social skills, skills that we didn't really have to acquire until these experiences. Growing up around Early, Texas and Stephenville, Texas in the 1980's offered a community in which had connections to my grandparents, family, and friends from birth. My sons have never had a next door neighbor within reach, a babysitter, outside of immediate family, until we had to leave the Stephenville area. They are fortunate to have a very special place, their dad's farm, a Stephenville and Texas historical landmark. Letting go was hard, but I gained a strong faith and trust in our Creator. I now know that I have great work to do that requires the ability to serve the less fortunate.<br />
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So, I knew in my heart this day would come. The day I let my sons' happiness overrule my need to be the "perfect" mom. They need their dad, and their ancestors worked hard to provide our boys the opportunity to live on the land they worked hard to secure. I love them so much and know our peace is more important the the need to win. I know someday they will look back and know why things happened as they did and that I was and continue to be their number one cheerleader.<br />
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I am letting go of the need to be perfect, of what other people think, and of taking things personally.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305174207312876692.post-15455648710153351402017-01-22T12:19:00.002-08:002017-01-22T12:25:21.520-08:00The Advantages to Waiting....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This weekend we were challenged to consider the advantages of waiting. Often I find myself criticizing the youth of today and their need for "instant" gratification. However, I am so guilty of the same actions and of not taking time to wait. One of our pastors today was so accurate when he reminded us that we have a lot to learn from the art of waiting. We do live in a culture that lives "on demand", In fact, the great leaders of our world are often called to wait. I think of Nelson Mandela, who continued to choose to learn from his mistakes, sacrificed, and is a prime example to me on the art of waiting. Today we were given the example of Joseph, the great dreamer, forced to wait in prison for 12 years for a crime of which he was innocent, before becoming a leader and fulfilling his purpose in life. We were posed with the following question.<br />
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<i><b>What is the opportunity cost to getting what we want, when we want it?</b></i><br />
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I have recently realized that I tend to run when confronted with the hard lessons in life. Anyone that knows me, knows I want to go. I want a solution, a fix, and for me it is hard to wait. It is very hard to let go of things I have loved, fought for, and I often struggle to keep the faith during times of doubt. During these times, I have been so tempted to go back, to go home, to return to the place that was not meant for me. During these times, I have found myself being tempted to fall into the self-doubt trap. Listening to naysayers and at times asking questions of why. The self-doubt trap presented by or pastor this morning is all too familiar. His questions really hit home because I so often am confronted with the same evil enemy. Maybe they are correct. Possibly I am not talented enough, humble, or perhaps my past is not good enough. But then God reminds me......<br />
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<b><i>Wait, Be Still. The promise land is just around the corner. You are a child of the light. You are good enough, forgiven, humble and you are in training.</i></b><br />
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I have struggled a lot to make sense of why, but now I know that I have a destiny and life purpose. Through these struggles I have learned strong faith and understand that I am not alone. Today I also know, that becoming a strong leader requires the ability to follow. That has been a hard lesson for me.<br />
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<b>How do we wait?</b><br />
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<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>With Silence: We cannot hear unless we are silent. </li>
<li>With Vigilance: We must meditate daily.</li>
<li>With Expectation: We must identify our purpose, live with the faith that it will happen, and expect great outcomes.</li>
</ol>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305174207312876692.post-34566598468153287172017-01-04T18:34:00.002-08:002017-01-04T18:34:49.650-08:00A New Year Brings New Joys During 2016, I completed my PhD and checked off a huge career milestone. There are so many people I am grateful to, encouraging me to the finish line. I am sure I will blog more about this later this month.<br />
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I can now get my life back. Wait a minute.... Life has drastically changed. What will I do now? I now have time to actually take care of myself. Practicing unconditional love toward myself is very hard. It is hard for me to not look toward others for strength. However, this year I am committed to learning how to practice extreme self care, focusing attention to spiritual growth, health, and home. I want to create a healthier balanced life, a new start, and leverage resources to live a creative, joyful, peaceful and abundant life. To kick this off, I have entered a 5K on Saturday, thanks to the encouragement of a good friend. Other friends are helping me by suggesting recipes, possible fitness centers, books, and I even had someone suggest that I subscribe to Dawn Jackson Blatner's weekly blog, the creator of The Superfood Swap this morning. Our wealth is found in our health. My strength is found in my sacred place found in my home. So, I am going to redesign a space in my home to encourage this.<br />
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This year I am going to do things that are FUN and make me happy! I am going to schedule activities that I enjoy to foster joy. I realize that this year will be a year of personal growth centered on being self aware, learning to listen to my instincts, and trusting myself. It is about enjoying the journey as one of our PhD cohort members would often say. I am finally starting to understand what he meant by that statement.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305174207312876692.post-47004445635588958622016-11-19T12:05:00.003-08:002016-11-19T12:12:35.986-08:00How To Begin Loving Yourself<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am continuing to work on myself and considering life goals and progress over the last year. This last year, I have been reminded on the importance of learning to value yourself. It takes time to work on yourself. After two years of counseling and completing many life goals and accomplishments, I find that I sometimes still struggle and feel overwhelmed as a single parent. I have learned the importance of life purpose, focus, to not react, the importance of boundaries, and have identified behaviors that I deserve in relationships with other people. I made a list of personality traits in August and this has helped me keep myself in check. Many friends and family would say the following to me. Learn to love yourself. How do you do this? I still struggle at times but feel my family is making great gains.<br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Be positive and live a life of purpose. </li>
<li>Give to others without people knowing. </li>
<li>Faith in God will carry you through. You are a light and are protected. </li>
<li>Take actions that do not create shame but honor your body and spirit.</li>
<li>Take responsibility of every part of your life.</li>
<li>Advocate for yourself. You are deserving.</li>
<li>Eliminate anyone who lowers you're energy, and do not be ashamed to do so.</li>
</ul>
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When people treat you bad, <b>stop trying to figure out why.</b> Their actions are a reflection of themselves, not you. You cannot alter your behavior to prevent their abuse. Stop focusing externally. Learn to focus internally. Remove yourself from negative energy and negative enviornments. When someone treats you wrong, ask yourself the following question. <b>Would you treat this person the same way? </b>If the answer is no, learn that they don't deserve a place in your life. Once we leave toxic environments and abusive relationships, we should not worry about what others think. Release the need to convince others of the truth. You don't have to defend yourself when you have integrity. Live your life and focus on the positives in your life. This question will help you set boundaries. Boundaries will help you learn to love yourself. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305174207312876692.post-7667556159845982622016-10-03T18:53:00.003-07:002016-10-03T18:54:34.014-07:00To Thine Own Self Be True<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Reminders on how we can be kinder to ourselves.<br />
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<b>Responsibility Versus Blame:</b> Responsibility is making a conscious choice on how you will respond to a situation or idea. How can you learn from this experience? What can you learn from this experience? Blame creates guilt, guilt creates punishment and punishment creates pain. Respond to yourself and life in a loving way.<br />
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<b>Relax and Meditate: </b>Relaxation is essential to the healing process. We can't heal if we are tense. Mediation and deep breathing helps to be centered. Tell yourself that you love you and all is well. Notice how much easier your body is. Do this several times a day. What is it you need to know today? You can consider this question during meditation. Meditation creates the space in which we can quiet down and listen to your inner self. Become connected to yourself, through meditation.<br />
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<b>Affirmations</b>: Praise yourself as much as you can daily. Tell yourself, I love you. What can you do today to make yourself happy? Begin to learn to trust yourself. You deserve a GREAT life and to be treated as the top priority. Don't be unwilling to accept good. Questions to ask.<br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>What do you feel you deserve?</li>
<li>What is it you want that you do not have?</li>
<li>Do you always have to earn in order to deserve? </li>
<li>Do you feel you deserve?</li>
<li>What belief is in the way of your deserving? </li>
<li>What is the purpose of your life?</li>
<li>What meaning have you created? </li>
<li>What are you willing to do to experience the good you deserve? </li>
<ul>
<li>Are you willing to forgive?</li>
<li>Are you willing to do affirmations?</li>
</ul>
</ul>
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<b>Support Yourself: </b>Reach out to friends and allow others to help you. Be strong by asking others for help. Join some meet up groups and start networking. </div>
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<b>Be Loving Toward Negatives: </b>You created every negative situation in your life to fulfill a need. You can choose again and you can choose a different approach. This allows you to move into a new positive with ease. Punishing yourself keeps you tied and doesn't allow for anything new or better to come into your life. Release with love. Allow the new to come in. Our thoughts and words are very powerful. You are never wrong no matter what. Don't be angry at yourself. You are always doing the best you can until you know better. So, cut yourself a break.</div>
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<b>Humor: </b>Use laughter to heal. If a negative event occurs, use humor and laughter to heal. There is always something comical in every situation. </div>
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<b>Take Care of Your Body:</b> Your body is your temple. Love your body and take care of it. Watch what you put into your body. Learn about nutrition as this is an act of loving ourselves. Notice what gives you good energy. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305174207312876692.post-29156071415744385262016-08-28T07:28:00.001-07:002016-08-28T08:07:02.957-07:00Future Focus<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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With the start of the school year, many regroup to
reconsider goals. The two year anniversary of my divorce was last weekend and I
found myself in a place of reflection. My family has learned so much these last
two years. I am much stronger and cognizant of my surroundings, purpose,
behaviors, and reactions to situations. None of us are perfect, but we need to
be aware and conscious on how we react to situations. Is our reaction coming
from a spirit of love, or is the reaction rooted in fear or anger? Here are
some goals I hope to remind myself to consider this fall. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Learn to cultivate gratitude. Care for your neighbors and
community.</li>
<li>Practice 3 outcomes or results that you are committed to 6
months out. For me wrapping up PhD hopefully in September, graduation in
December, and health.</li>
<li>Love is shown through ACTION, not words. How do you show
love in all that you do?</li>
<li>Care less, but love more. Fear and anger are the two
emotions that hurt individuals the most. Fear or worry is an emotion that I
have. Through prayer, faith, and love I hope to let this go.</li>
<li>Be willing to not please people to do what is right.</li>
<li>Be willing to end relationships that are not healthy.</li>
<li>Allow yourself to be REAL. Be your authentic self. You are
unique and beautiful. Ask yourself, who are you today? What are you here for?
How can you enjoy this moment right now?</li>
<li>It is important to cultivate a shared vision of the future.
You cannot have one foot in the door and one foot out of the door. Recognize
when the shared vision is missing and move on. It has been a struggle for me to
not look backwards, which I do out of a spirit of fear. You are going forwards
and life is short!</li>
<li>Faith is REAL and works. Focus on your purpose. It is great
to remember that you are a bright light serving a higher purpose, or your
destiny.</li>
</ol>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305174207312876692.post-49601761678607103872016-08-09T17:47:00.003-07:002016-08-09T18:43:58.391-07:00The Big Leap! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt;">Bitter
sweet... is saying goodbye to elementary years as a parent forever soon. Both
sons will be in junior high next year! Wonderful to have a year of healing with
my sons. Anyone that knows me and knew my life with Uel knows that we visited
the Wichita Mountains often and have camped in over 33 states, Canada, and
Europe with the kids. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0pt;"> Nolan was assigned a teacher that was a little "old school" but has a heart of gold and is so dedicated. Without even knowing our background, she led my kids to places that have significant meanings to our past. She doesn't know this, but my friends, former students and family in Dublin and Stephenville do. I literally found myself at Camp Grady Spruce (Dublin friends will smile about that), the Wichita Mountains (Uel and my old friends will smile), and the JFK museum(many of my former students and people who know me know I collect JFK memorabilia). We couldn't attend her campouts at Sid Richardson (I have 3 brothers that are eagle scouts and Uel is one also) due to custody arrangements. I knew the night I met her, she was extremely special. Nolan and Zeke had to start a new school this year and has had a rough 2 years. Praying and asking God each day to show me how to fix the situation, I knew that I had to put my career aspirations and needs aside for them and we needed a lot of help. We had a rough start this last fall as a family. In fact, The night of meet the teacher I didn't even have custody of the boys. They were still visiting their dad on the nursery in Stephenville. I felt horrible going to meet the teacher without my kids for the first time. As an educator, this felt so wrong. As a parent, my heart was broken. Yeah.. the feeling of failure overwhelmed me. When I met Ms. Luppy, she introduced the schedule of the year to parents and told us about all of the field trips. I did have tears in my eyes because many of the things we so miss about living in the country and memories from the past that included camping in the Wichita Mountains, the debates over Camp Grady Spruce in Dublin, and I wondered why was God putting these events in our lives? He did so to heal my family, show me where I might of been wrong about a few things in the past, teach me a few lessons about myself, and placed people in my path to help make that happen. For that I am eternally grateful. </span><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0pt;"> </span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305174207312876692.post-67972504082122845412016-03-02T16:48:00.000-08:002016-03-02T16:48:05.114-08:00Voids<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Deserted. Not occupied. Not inhabited. Space. The black hole that contains nothing. The vacuum. Realizing that the void is not a new phenomenon for me. The void appears in many roles and forms. Personal relationships, family, significant others, the various roles I play as a life partner, mother, employee, scholar, teacher, promoter, coach, artist, and the list goes on. The black hole is there, and not just with personal relationships. It is there in all the roles I play in this beautiful life. The void remains as I attempt to fill it with projects, drive, the wrong people, because the emotional needs I had in my youth were not met. Rejection is a feeling I am all to familiar with. Why? I prove myself, strive to reach beyond expectations. Still... the void remains. I set myself up for failure, with the unconscious set up of being let down. I allow judgement, abandonment, manipulations, lies, cheating, bullying, emotional abandonment, detachment, and feel devalued. A negative cycle and codependent cycle continues. Those needs I have carried with me from my youth and have led to a strong and beautiful spirit who has found it difficult to trust anyone.<br />
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Today is different. I'm wide awake and in control of my emotions. I am no longer a victim. I take responsibility for the bad decisions I have made. I realize that the void has nothing to do with the recent let downs in my life. In fact, after thinking about things I know it is a deeper reaction to a problem that goes way back and has little to do with the rejections I have received over the last few years. The great news is that I see crystal clear, have identified the cause, and realize that I can rely on internal truths of faith and that my purpose is real. No one can take that purpose from me.<br />
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Today my faith was restored in one of the most important roles I play, my career. I became career driven because I knew my career and knowledge would never abandon me. However, that fear of rejection (of being alone) over the last 3-4 years has played its way in this area of my life too. Today was different. Today I broke through. The vote of confidence I received today so greatly restored my faith in others, a trust that I will not take for granted. Gratitude for new beginnings and insight. Grateful for healing and for feeling real. Faith and prayer that my creator will put situations in my life in the near future in which I can gain insight on just how worthy I am. In internal truth and on my own I will learn authentic empowerment.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305174207312876692.post-87828473132173110802016-02-14T08:56:00.001-08:002016-02-14T08:56:05.294-08:00Alone is Ok!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We determine our own destiny, happiness, and we are not victims. We determine our own experiences. Learning to be alone has been very difficult for me. I have recently identified that my main fear is the fear of being alone. I have not had my own identify until now. For over 17 years, I identified myself as the "wife" and prior to that the "daughter." Sometimes I do feel a little overwhelmed. Recently, I had to make a very hard decision regarding my professional life. Realizing that I must balance a strong relationship with my two sons, I made a tough and final decision. For a short moment last weekend, I had a few regrets. Emotionally, I have always turned to one or two people during moments of change and for the first time last weekend, I realized I am ALONE.<br />
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Who am I? Can I do this? How will I fix my plumbing, work on my AC unit, check my car tires, landscape, etc.? Learning that I am valuable, setting appropriate boundaries in difficult situations to define how I will be treated, and putting myself out there to meet new people has helped me to feel healthier and stronger. Developing a strong social network, outside of career, has helped me to surround myself with people who share the same Christian beliefs, experiences, and hobbies that I do. Many are single women, struggling with the same issues I am. Recently, we attended a lecture in which we learned about the brain and the brain's response to past traumatic events in your life. We participated in a series of activities to identify our fears and it was so powerful to finally identify my root fear, the fear of being ALONE. I have had this fear since my senior year of high school and due to recent events I have been able to now take steps to learn to embrace my fear. How did I identify my fear?</div>
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<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Identify Patterns. What are patterns you have encountered in your personal relationships, family, work, and extended relationships? </li>
<li>Identify Triggers: Identifying your triggers will help you feel in control of your life. You learn to understand behaviors and become emotionally strong.</li>
<li>Identify Life Purpose: Create a mental picture of your gift and uniqueness in life because you do matter and have a gift to share with the world. Doing this assists you in letting go of the need to react to injustices (which is really other's insecurities), realizing that you have a higher calling in life. </li>
<li>Identify Fears: Identifying your fear will assist you isolating and knowing how to build personal strength so you can cope with your fear. </li>
</ol>
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The above list is a process and I still have moments when I am confronted with my fear. The difference now is that I am aware of it and am able to take time out to respond appropriately. I have realized that I have only had one or two people in my life, usually a life partner, that I emotionally attached to. As a result, they became my entire world, which is not very healthy. When that relationship disappoints, I feel devalued. As a result, a dysfunctional cycle occurs because I had not really secured my own identify, due to a fear of being rejected and alone. </div>
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You are a whole person right now at this moment. The good news, no matter where you are God is here in this moment. You are loved at this moment and are in this place equipped to handle anything. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305174207312876692.post-13113954187625431322015-12-13T09:53:00.004-08:002015-12-13T19:53:52.667-08:00Lessons in 2015 Towards Moving Forward<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This is the time of the year, where we set goals and reflect on our progress. Learning that your past experiences, no matter what they were, molds your spirit to a better you. As long as we choose to <b>learn</b> from these experiences, <b>forgive</b>, admit mistakes, <b>live</b> in truth, and recognize that we have the abilities now to move forward to a higher purpose. That higher purpose, <b>your purpose</b> or dream in life, is unique to you. Often we find that purpose as a result to trials, obstacles, failures, and mistakes. As many say, life can all of the sudden hit you in the face. As a change agent, I found myself surround by adversity. However, I am so grateful to these situations. Without these experiences, I would of never learned from failures. I would not be where I am now. Troubles awakens you to a spiritual awareness. This experience is a gift.<br>
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<b>Learning to Let Go:</b> For years when I didn't get the outcome I expected, I reacted as a victim. I would allow others to abuse me, and as a result choose to become a victim. It has always been hard for me to let go. Letting go of relationships, causes, work, the past was difficult for me. Why? I lived competitively, refused to fail, wanted to be right, shed light on others' dishonesty, and sometimes felt it was my job to "save" or "enlighten" others. I was spiritually broken, and indirectly tried to control outcomes. Death brings life. Embrace a change, as when something is over, a newness emerges. How did I overcome the victim mentality?<br>
<br>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Identify triggers and learn how to respond appropriately. </li>
<li>Affirm yourself privately and take inventory. </li>
<li>Set boundaries: You choose how people are allowed to treat you.</li>
<li>Surround Yourself With Support: Locate a teacher, meetup group</li>
<li>Living in Daily Faith and Prayer: Know that in all situations, you have a calling and purpose. <b>Truth always finds a way, and does not require a reaction from you.</b></li>
<li><b>Forgive:</b> Hard to do, but once you learn how it does free you. It is not about the other person. It is about you. Consider where they are coming from. Why are they reacting this way? It often is from a place of fear. Fear of loosing wealth, money, property, a job, etc. As a result, people in fear will attempt to control outcomes and do attack your very character. Know God, your creator, will take care of you, as long as you are living in truth. No reaction is needed from you because somehow it will all work out. As a result, you will learn to let things go and situations will diffuse on their own. Don't get even. Stay focused on your goal or purpose. It will work out. </li>
</ul>
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<b>Learning to Live With Purpose:</b> All dreams are gifts from our creator and we already have the capacity to achieve these dreams. Rejections are common to people whom are pushing their purpose forward. It is a wonderful gift to be underestimated. Creating your own network and platform requires you to let it go. Joy is your guidance system. Recognizing when it is time to move on or forward is a skill. The next phase will bring you to a large or global door as the purpose is bigger than you. You learn to facilitate others towards success, and as a result you help others who are working towards the same purpose. So, you bring others in on global projects. Others whom are centered around the same life's purpose or work. It becomes not about you, but for the purpose you are working towards.<br>
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<b>Learning Faith: </b>What is important in life? Develop a spiritual pathway of your own. Give order and respect to your spiritual life. For years, I did not feed my spirit. Celebrate your life. Identify areas of self improvement so that you are rested, able to respond to others, and are present with those whom are in your life. For me, I find this in nature, small group settings, music, and art. Identify strategies to help you do this.<br>
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<b>Setting Goals: </b>I am hoping this year that I continue seeking spiritual healing and hope to accomplish the following goals.<br>
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<li><b>Improving Self Discipline:</b> This will be a top priority for me in 2016 and is needed for my personal health and well-being. Actions needed to reach this goal will require a life change towards nutrition, financial spending, and spiritual presence or participation with a small support group. </li>
<li><b>Completing the PhD:</b> I am so grateful to my superiors and leaders for allowing me to fulfill my final project or purpose concerning STEAM and makerspace environments this spring. </li>
<li><b>New Hobbies:</b> I would like to take time to learn a few new hobbies, unrelated to my career. After a PhD, I think it is important that I take time to enjoy myself. </li>
<li><b>Living in Gratitude: </b>I would like to volunteer or give back in someway next year. Perhaps, a local mission outreach group assisting single mothers or a mission trip with my family. </li>
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Show the world, that your dream can be their reality. Grateful for this chance. Don't judge by what you see. Judge by a belief. Keep going. Keep moving forward. It is hard to start over again, but the process, faith, and character leads to greatness. Grateful for my faith now. I have a strength and resolve, and we are making it happen. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305174207312876692.post-64366044775208981152015-11-23T10:30:00.002-08:002015-11-23T14:49:57.006-08:005 Life Lessons Backpacking Taught Me<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Growing up my family taught me a large appreciation for the Great Outdoors. Hiking with my father and grandmother early in life formed a spirit of adventure and love for nature. I feel like we have passed on to my two sons. Growing up in rural Texas, I spent a lot of time hiking around the Colorado River, exploring caves, playing hide and seek with friends in the hill country. In fact, graduation night I will never forget our Glen Rose M&W Ranch adventure. As a college student, I backpacked, canoed, and explored the Great American West. As young adult hiked the Grand Canyon in 1999, parts of the AT in 1999, 5 trips in a tent across Europe from 1998-2009, Ontario in 2010 and 2012, and have camped in over 33 states. During the last 5 years, like so many became preoccupied with other things and haven't backpacked. I know I haven't backpacked <b>alone</b> in over 20 years. This last weekend I was fortunate to connect with the <a href="http://www.meetup.com/North-Texas-Outdoors/" target="_blank">North Texas Outdoors Meetup Group</a> and took a leap of faith. Backpacking continues to teach me so much about life.<br />
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New Years Eve 1999: I slept at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, 22 degrees, and hiked 22 miles.</div>
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Me November 22, 2015. Nothing like the Grand Canyon, but I did it! </div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>We need less than we think.</b> In the past, my husband Uel would carry the tent and I carried the water, food, and heavy items. This time, I got to carry only what I needed alone. I did it and took more than I needed. Meeting very experienced backpackers, I learned how to reconsider my needs. Backpacking teaches us to really consider needs versus wants. Needs are things that keep you alive and physically or mentally healthy. Everything else is a want. Most things in modern society are wants. A big house? A want. A shiny new phone? A want. A nice vacation? Probably a want. The prestigious job? A want. You can tie your happiness and sense of self worth to your wants, but you don’t have to, and don’t worry, letting go of your wants won’t kill you either (that’s the definition of a want). That’s not to say that you shouldn’t get things you want. But I find that I appreciate getting what I want more, because rather than feeling like I’m getting something I’m entitled to, I can feel like I received an unexpected gift.</li>
<li><b>Learning through failures:</b> Backpacking requires you to test your limits. Did you plan accordingly? Did you bring everything you needed? What could you have done differently? The experienced group I met utilizes spreadsheets to accurately plan and track their progress. All in the group reflect after each trip. I was surprised how many programmers, engineers, health care professionals, and educators were in my group. All are professionals, many females, seeking a natural challenge. However, also don't forget to celebrate your victories. </li>
<li><b>Unplugging helps you reconnect with yourself.</b> Unplugging in nature really helps us reconnect with ourselves, our goals, and provides us time to consider were we are in life. Night skies are the best and remind us of the vast universe. </li>
<li><b>Hiking heals: </b>Hiking offers serious health benefits, from lowering blood pressure, assists with depression, to improving creativity and cognitive functions. <a href="http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0051474" target="_blank">Research</a> shows that spending time outdoors increases attention spans and creative problem-solving skills by as much as 50 percent. I was fortunate to meet 3 other women who just this year finalized a divorce and experienced major life changes. Together the four of us worked through experiences, challenges. and formed a friendship. </li>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305174207312876692.post-56309645273219777532015-11-08T14:28:00.000-08:002015-11-08T18:09:55.050-08:00The Artistic Engineering of You<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This morning I was reminded by an author, Abdu Murray, about the power of one during a talk about his book Grand Central Station at a church in Keller, Texas. He is a law student, author, converted Muslim to Christianity, and does offer some compelling questions and ideas considering historical perspectives, philosophies, and scientific understanding of world religions and ideas. </div>
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<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>We are valuable.</b> We are intelligent human beings with an intelligent, individualized, or unique cognitive design. Known as the "design interface", much research and advances in science and technology have been made through projects like the The Human Genome Project. What does it mean to be human? Why do we have value? It is important to remember that a great architect and artist designed and engineered our universe for life. It is beautiful to be reminded that our bodies are knitted or weaved together in a marvelous and unique way. Each of us have a gift and cognitive ability to leave a positive impact in our world. </li>
<li><b>We were made with purpose.</b> We were created for relationships. This makes sense to me. As a graduate with a master of computer information systems degree, I understand systems, system design, relations and relationships. Our purpose is centered around the system of relationships we build. We seek to build relationships, we morn lost relationships, and our need for relationships is real. We must consider how our purpose can be fulfilled through the relationships we support, seek, and maintain. As we validate others through love, truth, and compassion, we will continue to be a light of love and compassion that will attract others to help us fulfill purpose.</li>
<li><b>Suffering happens for a greater good. </b>Often we are not aware of the greater good.In order to understand and work through love, we must live in a state of forgiveness, understanding, prayer, reflection, and seek community. </li>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305174207312876692.post-40156824959526675272015-10-11T13:10:00.003-07:002015-10-11T13:52:35.725-07:00To Limitless Possibilities <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDWvgpsebW1cCCcxkoV2kmS7boBjed7Kp34cMHabJU0plJsEFkumy6RpKLUKYiFCvWF8Qll9lmjH_o27tfyEQoSf5WDWXydL0rJ9HV7UYA4TouGoOSVFCNAFo7ca3zpy4KLwetWhJT-Va/s1600/graduation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDWvgpsebW1cCCcxkoV2kmS7boBjed7Kp34cMHabJU0plJsEFkumy6RpKLUKYiFCvWF8Qll9lmjH_o27tfyEQoSf5WDWXydL0rJ9HV7UYA4TouGoOSVFCNAFo7ca3zpy4KLwetWhJT-Va/s200/graduation.jpg" width="143" /></a>To the scared 17 year old girl who feels rejected and alone. Know that you are a strong, beautiful, and intelligent young lady who is wiser than most of the same age. You crave to be accepted by your family, loved unconditionally, and believe you can make an impact in the world. You are a hard worker, curious about the world, and are understanding that there are different perspectives. I wish you would know that it is ok to be different and to question. Questioning provides creative thought. Know that you are a bright light even now and that you are valuable. You are loved and forgiven. You already know you are here for a higher purpose and that life has meaning. You are not strange for knowing you have a purpose.<br />
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To the 21 year old bride, you are beautiful and so full of hope and purity. You want to see the best in others and wear rose colored glasses. You are accomplishing things that no one else in your family has. As a result, you continue to try to prove your "worth", but know you are already loved and worthy. You wish to see the world and view things from a variety of perspectives. You attempt to be the change in the world and dedicate your life to education and the world's youth.<br />
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To the 28 year old new mother, you are beautiful and strong. You hold everything together for everyone else. Your strength is amazing. You have traveled with a baby all over the nation and world to provide your child with a global view. To the 30 year old, mother of two. You continue to hold everything together. You can slow down and admit that you cannot do everything alone. You seek social connection. You provide so much for your children. You seek to be loved unconditionally and sacrifice much to not only perform "motherly duties", hike with your children daily, read to your children daily, wash all the clothes, clean the house, do the dishes daily, ensure the house is together enough, you also work full time.You recognize your industry is changing and you model the ability to learn by being the first to earn a masters degree in your family.<br />
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You are tired. You model the importance of making a difference in the world. You are holding everything together alone because you so wanted your family to stay together. You are strong.<br />
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To the scared 38 year old. It is all happening so fast. You are attempting to hold it together. You have taken the children to school since they started school, make their lunches, purchase their clothing, ensure they have clean clothing, take baths, have a clean home, have a safe vehicle (mini-van), work full time, trying to earn a living and save by giving everything to their father so that a net worth can be provided to them at a later age. You are about to loose it all. You are tired, have been abused physically and mentally, alone, and are spiritually broken. You are pretending to be perfect and not living in truth. You still crave unconditional love. You are controlled by others and are a door mat to many bullies who deceive and hide their behaviors and lies because you allow it. You are a bright light and inspiration to many. You are a community leader. </div>
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To the 40 year old on October 11, 2015. You have learned to slow down. You value your time with your children. You have learned to let go of others who do not allow you to grow and may hurt your spirit. You do this on your terms. You have learned to draw boundaries. You know your strength and know for the first time that you are loved unconditionally by your creator. You know that you are here for a higher purpose and that you will succeed and don't really need to control. The choices you make today are shaping your future. It will happen naturally because it was meant to happen. You will not be a door mat. You will not be controlled or manipulated. You are learning to respond to others who are negative with grace. You have identified your triggers and purpose in life. You admit you are human and not perfect. You are beginning to reach out to others who have similar life goals and accomplishments to help you grow as a spiritual individual. You are beginning to love your independent self. Life takes us through many changes and failures often bring us to reevaluate our behavior. Positive change can occur as a result of difficult times. Alturism shifts the focus of ourselves and change becomes possible when we begin to realize the importance of community.Social isolation is something I dealt with during the last 2-3 years. Last year it was suggested to me that I reach out to people, outside of my career, to build a support network. To be honest, I had not ever done that or had the need to do that until my divorce. I took the challenge and joined a few Meet Up groups and a singles class at a Methodist church. As a result, I have developed a social circle of people, who like me, are completely human. It is great to know that I don't have to choose to be alone. My higher power has used many challenges in my life to push me to consider the value of a spiritual community. In doing so, I am becoming centered in my spiritual self. Know you are beautiful, strong, worthy, and able to face obstacles with grace. You have realized that you need others and are not alone. You are grounded in TRUTH. Your failures have brought you an amazing future and possibilities.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305174207312876692.post-65442140727722804822015-09-06T08:27:00.001-07:002018-08-03T17:57:08.298-07:00Finding Your Source<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
You are a compassionate, creative, and loving spirit. This year I am working on centering my life's purpose of focus, or spiritual growth. I recognize that for a few decades, like many, became lost in the business or achievement of life. I am a product of a culture of champions, or the culture that feeds competitive champions, achievers, that fostered the sense of Winning. How do you become a more powerful creator with an intention of love?<br />
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<b>Knowing and Identifying Intention:</b> I have always suffered from the disease to please. Only do what you really want to do so that you can give yourself fully. I am what I have versus I am what I do. Significant others in my life were consumed with I am what I have. I am guilty of I am what I do, competitive. I am what people think of me is another issue I have battled. As I have worked on this during the last month, I have identified my life's purpose and have found focusing on this these past few weeks has assisted me to respond to others with an intention of purposeful positive action.<br />
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<li>Intention is one with cause and effect. </li>
<li>Intention will ultimately determine the outcome of the effect. </li>
<li>Identify how you wish to serve (Purpose).</li>
<li>Post your life's purpose to assist with focus. </li>
<li>Go inside, take time before you react. Develop emotional awareness. This is new to me.</li>
<li>Choose consciously, try to choose to act in the most loving way in the moment. Choose an intention of love instead of fear. </li>
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<b>Finding Your Joy: </b> Certain environments have always renewed my spirit to assist me in finding my joy to include my grandmother's house, certain areas in the Texas hill country, a walk in a forest, a beach. Nature has always healed my soul. </div>
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<li>Allow yourself to feel. </li>
<li>Finding your joy is a process. </li>
<li>Practice gratitude. </li>
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<b>Every action has an opposite reaction.</b></div>
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<li>Golden Rule or Karma is real. Consider that everything you try to do to me, is already done to you. </li>
<li>Give to the world what you want and you will receive it back. It may not be delivered by the same person involved. </li>
<li>You don't have to worry about someone who does harm to you because the karma debt will take care of itself. If you do judge and act with intention, you will be delivered consequences of your own choices. </li>
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I am reading the following books and viewing resources during the month of August and September to assist me with in improving these principles. </div>
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<li><a href="http://thebestyes.com/" target="_blank">The Best Yes by Lysa Terkeurst</a>: Started reading this last week. Excellent to assisting women in growing spiritually. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.drwaynedyer.com/the-shift-movie-watch-now?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=email_Dyer_the_shift&utm_source=9992387&utm_id=6379WD&utm_content=6379WD" target="_blank">The Shift by Dr. Wayne Dyer</a>. Excellent movie that is free to view right now in remembrance of Dr. Wayne Dyer, who we just recently lost. His spiritual guidance has helped me tremendously this last year. </li>
<li><a href="http://seatofthesoul.com/" target="_blank">The Seat of The Soul by Gary Zukav</a>: Just ordered this book. I am sure I will blog more on my response to this during the month of September.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.drtedzeff.com/" target="_blank">The Highly Sensitive Person's Survival Guide by Dr. Ted Zeff, PhD</a>: A friend gave me this book and I read it in one day. It is assisting me in managing distractions, meditation, relaxation techniques, and dealing with time pressures of managing single parenting, work, and PhD. </li>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305174207312876692.post-26612254964167429692015-08-23T06:24:00.000-07:002015-08-23T06:46:42.791-07:00Back To School Tips For Divorced Parents<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Back to school is hard for kids who come from broken homes. Meet the teacher nights prior to school starting can be stressful as often custody summer arrangements sometimes interfere. This year I met my son's new teacher alone for the first time. My sons were still visiting their dad for the summer. They spend extra time with him in the summer to compensate for missed time during the school year week. Most children from divorced homes do spend long periods of time during the summer with their non-custodial parent. Feelings of guilt crept up as I went to meet the teacher, as it is obvious that my family is now somewhat dysfunctional. Later in the week, one of my dear friends called me who is also is a similar situation but located in another state. We used to teach together and we became close friends due to our numerous collaborative projects. When she called me, she began describing her meet the teacher experience, which was very similar to mine. As we began commiserating on how unfortunate it was for both of our kids, I realized that this was possibly the "norm". With more than half of US children coming from broken homes, we realized that many times public school structures often choose a one day or time fits all approach to introduce the teacher. As a 17 year public school educator and advocate, this issue never really occurred to me until now. Perhaps this contributes to a lack of parent involvement.<br />
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This month I have spent much time reading 4 books on the subject of coparenting and divorce effects on children. It is comforting that there are many of us coparenting households in the US. This time of the year is rough on single households. How am I preparing?<br />
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<li>Limit Confusion: Kids are often confused and things get lost in the shuffle. Set up a checklist or purchase duplicates to ease the stress. Organization is key.</li>
<li>Plan Financial Resources: Single families really have to plan to meet the extra costs that Back to School bring. I am very fortunate and grateful to have resources, but I think of all of the families with single parents working 2-3 jobs to make ends meet. To purchase school supplies for my two children, excluding lunch boxes and backpacks, was a little over $80.00 this summer. Add the cost of backpacks, lunch boxes, gym clothes, school clothes, PTO costs, instruments, lessons, and activities it becomes quickly obvious that this is an issue facing many.</li>
<li>Connect: Set aside a lot of time to be emotionally available for your kids. Many may need counseling to transition. Listen and give them time to process. Limit activities maybe during this time to make time to connect.</li>
<li>Be Proactive: Understand that it is important to be proactive in noticing how your child is dealing with issues. Seek help ahead of time in case professional help is needed and always speak about the other parent in a loving way. Allow the child to contact the other parent and be flexible. It is important to put your child in the center of everything during this time to ease tension and stress. </li>
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Resources:</div>
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<li><a href="http://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/kids-divorce-and-school-success/">http://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/kids-divorce-and-school-success/ </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.equitablemediation.com/life-after-divorce-back-to-school-advice-for-parents">http://www.equitablemediation.com/life-after-divorce-back-to-school-advice-for-parents</a></li>
<li>h<a href="ttps://helpingchildrenthrive.wordpress.com/2013/08/14/divorced-or-separated-five-back-to-school-tips-to-reduce-your-childrens-stress">ttps://helpingchildrenthrive.wordpress.com/2013/08/14/divorced-or-separated-five-back-to-school-tips-to-reduce-your-childrens-stress</a>/</li>
<li><a href="http://www.singlemoms.org/assistance-in-texas/">http://www.singlemoms.org/assistance-in-texas/ </a></li>
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