I went into the garden today, continued...

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Judy and I connected on Facebook over 1 year ago. She is a remarkable woman. She has survived the loss of her son and in the aftermath, Judy reaches to others suffering loss. She found healing through music and her faith in God. Today's article is dedicated to her piece, what she calls an essay, but I call a love letter.

It is a touching, heart-felt letter of love to God. I think anyone who has suffered loss will relate to this piece. Judy is passionate about life and her devotion to a greater power. She is empowered by this devotion!

What empowers you to live your healthiest? Leave me a comment about it, I would love to learn about it.

Click here to explore Judy's website.

The essence of you, continued...

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I really didn't know the difference between soul and spirit before I did the research for this article. I used the terms interchangeable in the past. I know that when I'm living with spirit and doing my soul work, I'm aligned properly with my purpose. And, when this happens, everything flows smoothly for me.

I believe that God reads our souls. Our soul is a transcript reflective of our journey. It is really intriguing to me.

What are your thoughts about the spirit and soul? Leave me a note.

An abundance of riches, continued

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I've been forced to look at my prosperity in means beyond the numbers reflective in my bank account. As a young adult I chased a lucrative career and ended up having a lot of money but not feeling satisfied. It took me many years to realize that money helps but it is most certainly not the center of our being. In priority, it falls quite low.

Today, I'm blessed with just enough money to pay the bills, but I'm wealthy in so many other crucial areas. I have a wealth of support from loving people in my life. I have a boyfriend who balances my being; we are connected like I could have never imagined. I have a home and all of the bells and whistles essential for a comfortable existence. I am a strong, intelligent, talented, compassionate and capable woman. I have faith and courage which enables me to persevere and continue to learn.

I am so grateful for my life. I feel like all my hard work has gifted me with a rainbow full of riches.

How do you feel about your life and blessings? Take a minute and drop me a note!

To all of the selfless Mothers, continued...

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First and foremost, I wish everyone the opportunity to appreciate their Mother each and every day, but especially on Mother's Day. If you're Mom isn't in the physical any longer, create a tradition on Mother's Day that honors her memory.

Most of us really do put our needs behind everyone else. We know better but our hearts over-ride our minds when it comes to priority. Appreciated or not, and it is a thankless job, our loyalty and hope for our kid's healthy future, keeps us moving forward.

So, it is important, this 1 day a year, to do what really does warm your heart. This might mean escaping and getting a massage or spa treatment, a bubble bath retreat, a day away from it all or a day filled with little one's and a significant other waiting on you for a change!

For me, it isn't quite as glamorous, but it will truly make me feel better. I'll awake to a church get away with my boyfriend and kids and then we'll follow up with a day in the yard. Yes, I'm getting help from my teenagers cleaning out the flower beds and ridding the yard of leaves left from the fall. This is priceless for me. The day will end with a deep fried turkey (and all of the sides) dinner prepared by my boyfriend. I foresee myself falling into a turkey coma come late evening. Oh, it sounds wonderful:)

What does your day consist of? Leave me a note!

Kids in treatment, continued...

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Examiner article

As communicated on Dr. Howard Samuel's Website, The Hills Center.com, addiction is a medical condition in which the mind and the body are affected. It is a progressive disease and regardless of all negative repercussions, the individual cannot control, maintain, or stop it. As he confirmed in the article, he has been clean for over 26 years.

He talked about parental loss, pain that enabled him to finally stop using, "My father died of a heart attack and his death created so much emotional pain for me, I recognized how short life really is. That pain took me to another level, that I finally saw I didn’t want to die a drug addict, not as a result of drugs. My father’s death really gave me life. At his grave I made a commitment that he wouldn’t have to worry about me anymore, that was my shift 26 years ago."

Dr. Samuels has worked hands on with adults and teens in treatment ever since. He is empathetic to both the family and the addict. Why, because he has been there and now he works to help others find their way through their own manifestation of hell, back to a healthy life. It is now his soul mission.

Do you know anyone who is lost in addiction? If so, find the strength to reach out and connect them with help!

Motherly advice, continued...

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I have two teen boys and, at any given time, I'm viewed as a good mom or the worst from their perspective. I love my boys and I work hard to treat them the same, treat them with respect and give them a comfortable life. I, in return, expect the same respect and love back. Most of the time, when being disciplined, they feel (of course) that they are being treated unfairly. I think it is critical they are aware that intentional bad choices result in consequences.

I do encourage my boys to negotiate as much in life comes as a choice and not a demand. But, at times, my democracy becomes a dictatorship and my word is final. It has to be this way especially with teens. Playing the part of a healthy parental role is essential. I can't imagine my world without my kids but there are times when I need a well earned break. Remember to take care of yourself and not to lose yourself in this process. Kids are self-centered and, therefore, it is critical you continue to fill your needs too.

Do you have any parenting stories you can share? If so, drop a note!

Release and renew

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I am so intrigued with rituals that utilize herbs such as sage. I would love to learn more about this and perhaps interview someone who performs such ceremonies. Herbs are so healthy for our physical bodies but they offer so much more beyond this once your open to their gift.

It really comes down to believing in things that are not necessarily visible (like the vibration that energy gives off). It is all about holding onto a faith that empowers light over dark or, overall, good over evil.

What are your thoughts about negative energy and its affect? Drop me a note and/or make a connection for me if you know someone who is true to their faith and practices a belief that utilizes herbs to cleanse and renew.