The miracle of you, continued...

Lifetime Art Impressions LLC craft card

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

Examiner article

I think, for the most part, we sacrifice so much of ourselves on a daily basis. We are lucky to make the bottom of our own priority list. As an up and coming counselor, I have been trained to pay attention to my own needs because without my best self stepping forward, my clients will suffer.

I created my very own self-care card tonight and the project was awe-inspiring. I have included it in the photo above. If you can’t tell from looking at it, the cover shows an angel holding my name. I used a napkin with a heart on it for her torso and a piece of pipe cleaner for her halo. I added material from an old shirt for her skirt and silky material for her face. I traced a heart for her wings and then I highlighted them with little glitter glue hearts on each side behind her. I also added a few gem like beads for hands and a star-like bead on her waist. It is very different but I must admit I do like it.

Inside, in the middle of a blooming flower made from tissue, I have the words, “Honoring the divine in me”.

I absolutely love this.

Give the self-care card a try and let me know how yours turns out!

People and their journeys, continued...

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

Examiner article

This blog and my column has enabled me to share many stories of survival and empowerment with the world. I am so blessed to have met so many interesting and inspiring people along the way. The connections continue to lift my spirit. It has always amazed me to people watch and think about each and every story that passes by. We are all so very unique and individual in our approaches and interactions. Yet, in another way, we are very much the same. We all get to the same place but in very different ways. One path may be harder than the other but by persevering through it, it educates you along the way. By sharing our stories we're able to share courage and strength. We're able to help empower others who may not have thought about certain tools we have used to get through a similar experience.

Do you have a story of inspiration or know someone who does? If so, make the connection with me and share. I know it will help others!

Memories of tragedy my guardian angel helped me survive, continued...

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

Examiner

Safehouse Center of Ann Arbor, MI. made the connection between me and Rachel Holmes. I've never met anyone who has overcome so much and who is so positive today. She is on a real mission to make the world a better place by empowering others with her story. I believe only the power of God could protect someone like Rachel and guide them through so much.

Do you know anyone who is coping with sexual assault or in a domestic violent intimate relationship? If so, it might help them to read Rachel's story. Please forward it to them if possible.

The National hot line number for those surviving domestic violence is (800) 799-SAFE (7233). If you know anyone please carefully and quietly encourage them to reach out for help. Everyone deserves loving kindness especially from the ones who are supposed to be protecting them not hurting them.

I can only pray for those struggling in this type of unhealthy environment. May you find your way to safety and may God bless you and protect you along the way!

It is best to empower, continued...

Click on the below post to obtain background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

Wow, enabling and empowering, verbs that are very different in their impact on others. I do believe it is okay to step in and help someone who is over their head and I don't consider this enabling; it's a good deed and maybe needed help. But when you have to step in time and time again, guess what, your are now enabling something that isn't healthy. But as I said in the article, it is such a priceless gift to help someone learn how to overcome their challenges with a gentle nudge and loving emotional support; empowerment is extraordinary!

As I look back over the years, I know I have enabled many times in the past. It is easy to do when you love someone and you're caught up in their drama. Logic seems to fall to the side and, if you're a kind person, suddenly you're heart is hurting for them and you're stepping into their mess.

If you want to step in, help them find their way to solve their own dilemma through a shoulder to lean and maybe a little sound advice and education. They may not be so receptive at the time but, guess what, it is time!

How are you empowering others? Share with me, I love to hear your stories.

Parallel illnesses; both her father and her dog were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, continued...

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

Examiner article

I met Essie through Facebook and it didn't take long for me to realize she is a loving soul! She invited me to be a guest host in a pet bereavement chatroom, at the Animal Love and Loss Network, which she is involved.

She has been an angel to me. The experience of touching and soothing others just 1 week before I would have to suffer the loss of my cat, helped prepare me in a way. Who would have known?

Essie has coped through much loss and suffering and she has been able to empower herself in its aftermath. She is a strong person!

She values her family; she has found a way to stop resisting the inevitable changes involved with her Dad's Alzheimer's condition providing her the opportunity to continue to love and appreciate her every moment with him. She lost Smoke but only physically; she is able to still feel her beautiful dog with her!

Her story is very empowering. Have you had any parallel experiences that overlapped from your world with a loved one and your world with a pet similar to Essie's? If so, can you share it with me?

Words of survival

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I continue to feel Louella in my heart!

Words of Survival

I'm hopeful the words of wisdom written below as communicated by my neighbor in October, 2009 is as inspiring to you as it was for me when I was even more awe-inspired by Louella's strength as the interview educated me about her life filled with such hardship. She feels her journey, thus far, has been filled with more good than bad. Of course, this glass half full perspective is the foundation of her world. Louella is truly grateful for the time she has had on this earth and I'm fortunate to have moved next to such a great neighbor. I can only hope some of her wonderful characteristics rub off on me!

Here is the article as it was originally posted on Examiner.com before they closed their doors and took the content off of the Internet:

I’ve used this forum, thus far, to offer advice for overcoming anxiety and hardship. It is only appropriate to finish my first week with the Examiner by sharing some insightful words from a remarkable woman, someone who has and continues to triumph over tragedy. Let me introduce you to Louella Gaines from Augusta Township in Ypsilanti, Michigan.  In her own words she is, “A tough lady!”

Louella’s heartbreak started early in life with the loss of her Mother at the tender age of three. Being the youngest of ten children, she was fortunate to have been loved and taken care of by her older siblings.  Later in life, she mourned the loss of her newborn baby and she also bereaved the death of her adult son, Don. She has endured a 40 year battle with cancer: overcoming a Hysterectomy, breast cancer (Mastectomy), the loss of a lung and kidney and frequent bouts of skin cancer (Melanoma) requiring necessary on-going extractions. Louella’s routine often includes weekly trips to the doctor’s office.  She doesn’t enjoy going to the doctors but as she puts it, “The alternative isn’t a choice.” When I asked her if her battle has been worth it, she replied, “Yes, it is worthwhile for me and my family. I am happy to be alive and doing well!” 

She credits her success to her support system; the love from her family, strength from her 61 years of marriage to her husband Gene and faith from her relationship with God. Suzanne, her daughter, explained that her Mother’s strength comes naturally, “It is a part of her; she never had an option to be anything other than strong.” What advice does Louella offer someone who has just been diagnosed with cancer? She said firmly, “Listen to the doctor and get the surgery if necessary!”  What does she say to someone who is afraid to go to the doctors? “Go, learn to trust your doctor, develop a relationship with him and be very conscious of your body."

I imagine someone who has endured such a devastating journey might justify living their life resentful and intolerant of others but this isn’t Louella, she exudes the warmth of a caring, gentle soul.  She continues to stay positive offering a “for the best” attitude and thanking God every day for her life.

Click here to learn about cancer survivorship.