Family can be anyone you love and accept into your circle

Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog link:

Examiner article

As I interview survivors for my Examiner column and inquire about where they obtained their strength from that enabled them to persevere through such adversity, I receive a common response, "From my family and friends." This circle of love is critical not only to your success but for basic survival. You may be able to accomplish a lot on your own, as an individual, but when hardship sets in, it is necessary to reach out and to lean on others for help.

I believe today normal represents more of a blended or single parent family than the traditional "Leave It To Beaver" white picket fence type. I haven't looked at the stats recently but just within my network, the scale has turned. It really doesn't matter who has what label or if there are 2 parents, it would be great if that were the case but regardless the priority should be about a healthy environment that promotes safety, love, loyalty and honesty. Building a foundation that encompasses these four aspects will enable everyone to be happy and healthy as the individuals they are intended to be!

What are your feelings about family, can you share them with me?

What romantic gesture will you remember, continued...

Click on the below link to my Examiner article to get background detail supporting this blog post:

Examiner article

As I said in the article, flowers and candy are great but most of the time, it really isn't an emotional gesture unless it is packaged with more feeling!

My cousin, Jackie Demorist-Hill shared a story about her husband and her love for fresh flowers. She described her time in need, "We had just got home and I had cramps really bad so he ran me a bath and helped me into the tub. Shortly after, I heard him rustling around in the kitchen and when I asked him what he was doing, he had said nothing. But then he walked into the bathroom with a bouquet of fresh cut flowers he had gathered from around our apartment building!"

This story takes the gift of flowers to a more deep emotional level! For me, my boyfriend is always doing very thoughtful things. One of his earliest romantic gestures took place the day before my Colonoscopy during my last meal stage. He left my favorite dark chocolates on my doorstep so I could enjoy them as my last taste and 1st taste after the procedure. It also took chocolates to a more deep, emotional level for me!

What are some of your most cherished romantic moments?

An authentic alliance blended with love and spirituality, soul mates, have you found yours, continued...

Click on the below Examiner link to read the background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

I think we go through bad relationships to help us mature and educate us to find our way to our soul mate. The bad ones also gift us with a new found appreciation for the "real and lifetime" love of our lives! I'm fortunate to have finally found the guy who lifts my spirit and makes me feel like I can soar through life happy. He is my true support. Am I saying I couldn't survive without him, NO. I'm a survivor and I can find my way through anything. I'm saying this person is someone who I want to share the rest of my life with, someone who I trust my darkest secrets to and someone who makes me feels safe when he wraps his arms around me; my soul mate! I feel truly blessed for our relationship. How do you feel about yours?

Feel love in your heart, continued...

Click the below link to my Examiner article for background information to this blog entry:

Examiner link

I once read you are most creative or inspired just as you awake in the morning. You know, it is the time between your sleeping self and that big stretch and wide eyed self. After I stumbled on this tid-bit of information, I embraced the concept. As I roll over and wake from my deep sleep each morning, I think of and honor my feelings of gratitude, wishful thinking and prayer for inspiration which helps me to push forward in a positive manner. Call me crazy but I believe it has helped me. Sure, I still have bad events or moments in my life but they seem to come fewer and farther in between. I used to pray at night before I fell to sleep dozing off with good intention. Now I'm not only ending my days with good thoughts but I'm also embracing positivity in my early waking moments, setting the stage for a great day. I still have a choice and control how the day will shape itself but, for sure, I'm starting off in the right place; with love in my heart! Try it and let me know if it helps you also.

The holistic powers of touch

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Embrace those whom you love!

I grew up in a family that really didn't communicate love by hugging or verbalizing it, although we knew we were loved, it wasn't physically demonstrated. I've made an effort to love my kids not only with my words but by physically hugging them every chance I got or they would let me:) It used to be often when they were little, but now as teenagers, it's a bit more difficult. I'm hopeful I've instilled the importance of touch into their hearts and they'll pass it forward as they mature into healthy adults!

Below is the article I wrote for the Examiner.com prior to them closing their online doors and removing the content!

Holistic Powers of Touch

As defined in the Encarta Dictionary, holistic is taking into account all of somebody’s physical, mental and social conditions in the treatment of illness. Touch, when influenced by affection, is its pathway; a wonderful sensation that sends energy into the body, soothing signals to the mind and warmth into the heart. 

When you are at a loss for words, and you’re not sure how to help a loved one in their time of need, express silent compassion by offering sincere and calming touch. The holistic powers of touch facilitate connections of tenderness and healing through human kindness.   

Are you comfortable with physical contact?  If so, the spiritually uplifting, gift of massage is a therapeutic encounter that is out of this world.   

Michelle Raider, a certified masseuse, discussed some of the numerous benefits of massage, “It enhances immunity by stimulating lymph flow (the body’s natural defense system), increases joint flexibility, lessens depression and anxiety, reduces spasms and cramping, lowers blood pressure, relaxes and softens injured and tired muscles and best of all it’s becoming accepted throughout the medical community!”   

It is essential to realize and share the holistic power of touch.  Regardless, if you are treating yourself or someone else with the celestial gift of massage or warming someone’s heart through a hug, kiss on the forehead or offering a supportive hand; promote affection through touch and help make the world a more loving place to live!   

Circle of Love

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Circle of Love

I feel extremely lucky to have such a wonderful support system in my life. I do not consider myself a “needy” or “high maintenance” person and maybe this is why I have people who will swoop in to help me in my time of need. I try really hard to give back to my community and help others when possible; this might be why others are willing to help me too. I also believe in karma and perhaps the good energy I give out as an adult, loops back in gifting me with some of this love! Whatever the reason, I feel blessed even when challenge surfaces. This is the article I posted in 2009 before Examine closed its online doors and pulled my content.

Circle of Love

Regardless of how strong or weak you feel, when you are confronted by a life crisis support is critical for overcoming your challenge. Many of us lean on our family and friends or perhaps a professional counselor or psychologist to seek aid during a crisis. This informal “circle of love” is part of our survival. It validates our existence and brings companionship to the isolation triggered by the problem. 

What if someone isn’t fortunate enough to have a circle of love in their life? Healthy support can be found within your surroundings.  You must recognize the need for it and be conscientious of the help lines available to enable your support. Depending on the dilemma, something as simple as sharing a few moments with your pet can offer soothing, unconditional and non-judgmental love. If you have spiritual beliefs, prayer can calm anxieties and your church can offer words of encouragement. A medical outlet might help facilitate a path to your solution or your starting place might begin with a local resource such as Washtenaw County’s United Way 211 call center. Regardless if you have basic needs, require physical or mental support or you looking for financial assistance, simply call (734) 477-6211 or 211 (from a cell phone) for a list of local options. This state certified call center devotes its time and efforts towards finding resources for life's predicaments.    

Next time you feel like life is turning upside down and you realize you’re not functioning at your best, reach out to find support and utilize or create your circle of love!

Click here to learn how to build a personal support system.