Human nature, continued...

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

Examiner article

The photo I used for my article, Human Nature, is a picture of my hand over my boyfriend's. It was taken for my book that I brought to the market in 2009. The whole point of my writings and work at Lifetime Art Impressions is to help others in their time of need. I believe this is my true purpose. I work in a creative field and utilize my poetry and artwork as a bridge to tug at the heart and open frozen emotions of those suffering to enable a painful but necessary release.

The article speaks to the kindness of the human race. It touches on core strengths such as survival as an instinct, compassion as our strongest trait and, of course, the fact that we're not perfect; humans make mistakes. Accepting this, as a basis for growth, is critical to living for the better good. If you can't accept this, you are self-sabotaging your efforts!

Can you offer any other thoughts reflective of the human race at a core level? Leave a comment, I'm interested in your perspective!

A young wild cat, continued...

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

Examiner article

Charcoal has earned her keep. She is featured on my cat bereavement card along with my precious cat Scruples (shown in the picture. They are such different souls but both very special to me. I know we'll meet Scruples again in heaven but until then Charcoal and I are living our best lives. I've been blessed with beautiful little fury angels!

Click here for information on the bereavement and sympathy cards. They were created as part of my Love of Light for Scruples product line after my angel crossed over.

My life has been impacted positively by my fury friends. How have your pet relationships helped you? Drop me a note and share your story!

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!

She opened her heart to a dog in need and in return she was gifted with inspiration to help others, continued...

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

Examiner article

Constance M. Gotsch was able to create a story of survival through the eyes of her Red Heeler dog, Kiri, and reach young readers suffering through abuse. Kiri was rescued from an abusive owner; a very sick individual!

Just as Constance communicated in the article, the thought of animal abuse makes my heart ache and brings tears to my eyes. I have no idea how anyone can hurt such innocent, little animals but thank goodness for people like Connie who take in these angels who are so in need of love and who love unconditionally regardless!

She is making the world a better place by sharing Kiri's story, what are you doing to help others? If you are willing, please share your story with me!

Alternative medicine from within, continued…

Click on the below link to get background information to this blog posting:

Examiner

I believe God has given us all basic survival tools and we're able to access them as long as we can quiet ourselves and slow ourselves down long enough to grasp onto them. We all have the answers to our own questions within our cores.

Meditation helps me to shut down my actively spinning mind long enough to gain insight and peace enabling me to continue to feel healthy and to heal my emotional wounds. I have a lot of scars but I'm feeling pretty good about the work I've put forth in regards to myself!

Harm is part of everyday life and you really can't eliminate if from your journey. You can though control how you react to it. Do not empower it by enabling it to destory yourself instead allow it to leave as quickly as it arrived. How do you feel about your emotional health today?

You're fired, continued...

Click the below link to get the background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

This article is very personal to me. I, like many of my coworkers and friends, have been through this horrible and eye-opening experience. Looking back, it was the one thing that gave me the courage to ignite my passion for writing and drawing and market these skills. It was a blessing in disguise. I thought, while the market is saturated and my odds are low in landing another executive management job, I'll share my efforts and work to build my web business, Lifetime Art Impression. I wouldn't say I'm thriving with sales but I'm starting to feel like things are moving in the right direction which makes me really happy inside. I'm hopeful the market conditions, especially here in Metro Detroit, will open up and we can all let go of our anxieties tied to bills. Although, I must admit, I've learned how to better manage my finances in this crash course of survival. How are you doing in this economic down fall?

My DNR order today is all heroic measures, I'm not done yet, continued...

Click on the below link to get backgroung information for this blog posting:

Examiner article

I interviewed Tom with another gentleman from Access Magazine who is also living with a Spinal Cord Injury (SPI). I was overwhelmed by the courage and spirit these 2 men radiate. I learned so much about them and how they, with time, overcame their tragedy and accepted their new lives. They were able to learn to lead completely new lives, transforming themselves into leaders and giving back to the community in the aftermath of horrific injuries. I'm sure I will be interfacing with the Ann Arbor Center for the Independent Living in some way in the future. It is a worthy, non-profit organization that needs our help to continue to do such great work. If you're able to help in any way, please contact Tom Hoatlin to contribute! You're gift will be greatly appreciated.

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.

Surviving a sudden life hardship

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Surviving a Sudden Life Hardship

I have overcome many hardships in my life. I am a survivor who is grateful for not only the blessings but the suffering that has blessed me with lessons learned. This month (October, 2009)  is my 1 year job loss anniversary. I don’t even remember seeing the colors last fall, which is actually my favorite season. I walked around like a zombie, numb at first, and then later my emotions turned into confusion, embarrassment, anger and eventually I felt hurt. After the initial impact, I was eventually able to free my feelings, embrace the situation and find my silver lining. Suddenly I had a flexible schedule enabling me to explore my artistic inspirations and then  begin marketing my drawings and writings. Today, I’m grateful for the opportunity this time has gifted. I trust myself, and I have faith my new career will generate enough income to support my needs and because of this, I’m a much happier person!

This is the mindset that inspired the below article that was originally posted on Examiner.com before it closed its doors.

It seems our life journey can be very trying at times but in hindsight the experience really prepares, gifts strength and offers insight for future endeavors. Sometimes we feel fortunate, we had a close call and only the tip of an ice berg surfaced and, other times, we are less fortunate and it feels like the iceberg just took down our ship leaving us gasping for air! 

When such tragedy strikes and our worst fears come to pass, it is so important to be present; to feel the situation. Do not choose to ignore it hoping it will go away; denial is not the answer it only prolongs the agony. It is scary to embrace a fear but it is necessary to begin to process in order to free the negative energy.  Otherwise, your raincloud will turn into a severe storm if you are not processing.  Have you ever had a bad moment turn into a bad day that turned into a bad week and so on? Your destructive reaction to the drama fed the bad energy. Let’s face it, we’re all human and therefore, most of us initially react to drama negatively. Beyond the initial reaction, we have to figure out how to get over the impact and how to find something positive from the misfortune to change our energy. This is the foundation that will enable us to move forward again! This grounding course of action is essential for us to start to find our footing. Once the initial shock is over and the impact is felt, we can process the situation and begin searching for its silver lining.  What lesson can this hardship teach?  If we can find something positive from the trial, maybe the glass is suddenly half full instead of half empty. Perhaps, now we are more educated and less naïve, maybe we are more cautious or maybe we found friendship, someone we may have never met without the mishap. It is critical to take something from the ordeal; this validates the encounter and helps us to avoid reliving the tribulation time and time again. 

We all know the old sayings, “live and learn” and “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”  This strength carries us through life’s valleys and instills our appreciation for life’s mountain highs!

Click here to learn about resiliency from trauma.

If you can relate to this, I invite you to share your story!