Bigger than me, continued...

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

Examiner article

Mr. Ross is a counselor at Lincoln High School where my sons currently go to school. I also went there. Mr. Ross was my 8th grade Speech teacher. He was one of my favorites. The type of teacher that made a dreaded class worth while. He is a humble, loyal, devoted and overall, a wonderful man!

I went to the honors ceremony to watch my son, one of 300 students, receive academic acknowledgement for his grades. During the gathering Mr. Ross spoke and shared his story. I would have never imagined he went through a period of bad behavior as a teen. His speech brought tears to my eyes. I know it gave me and will provide all of the other parents struggling through the teen years hope!

Thank you, Mr. Ross for your dedication and willingness to share!

I'm so grateful I was there to hear his story!

Do you know someone in your community leader who deserves recognition. If so, drop me a note and make the connection. I would love to high-light their story.

Numbers and their influence, continued...

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

Examiner article

I have to admit, I stumbled on the world of numerology through John Edward's book, Infinite Quest. And, when I started translating my name and birth information, it was right in-line with, what I believe, is my purpose. The detail described me to a T. Perhaps this was coincidental or perhaps there is more to it. I do have an open mind and believe in what I call a lot of "hokey pokey" type of stuff; supernatural and all.

What are you're thoughts. If you haven't read the article, click on the above Examiner link and then take a look at the meaning of your name. Leave me a note, what it right on or out in left field? I'm really curious.

Feel like a graduate, continued...

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

Examiner article

I feel like I've graduated from spirituality 101. It took the last couple of years and the trauma previous to them before I turned inward. This inner retreat taught me a lot and helped me celebrate my spiritual graduation. I love that now when I see a fluorescent purple, it reminds me of the color I see when I've reached my space of blissful inner solitude during meditation.

Nature now grounds me in a way that is hard to explain. I can have a terrible day and then see a couple of deer running through the field and it washes all of the stress away.

Each night as I close my eyes and visualize the protection and love of God's white light while I pray, it renews my faith. The combination of all of the above and my efforts of many other healthy living actions, is healing!

How do you ground yourself? Share with me.

Message from the universe, slow down, continued...

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

Examiner article

I am the first to admit that I have a hard time doing nothing. The back problems and job loss are I refer to in the article reflect painful experiences forced upon me by the universe. Perhaps I did miss the gentle whisper and because of this the message was magnified and enforced through these painful experiences. The bottom line, both forced me to withdraw, face my pain and eventually come out on the healthy side.

Did I learn my lesson here? I'm not so sure. It seems as of late, I'm burning my candle at both ends again. The article was created as much as a reminder for me as for you. I'm hopeful as we read it together, it will at minimal, provide food for thought. We have to take care of ourselves first so we're strong for others.

Are you giving yourself ample time to unwind and renew? Leave me a note about your message from the universe; did you cope through or do you feel stuck there?

Teen perspective on depression, continued...

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

Examiner article

It is really scary to me how a teen can hide his or her true feelings to cover up depression. This illness doesn't care about gender, race or status. The imbalance reaches popular, rich kids and unpopular poor children alike.

It is really important to stay involved in your teen's life even when they are trying to push you out. If you see the light in their eyes dim, seek help,

Many people feel that depression is just the result of a moody person and they think, "Just need to get over it. But, if your teen had a fever or was vomiting, you would most likely respond immediately to seek medical help. Depression needs attention promptly. Many who suffer with it and do not get help attempt to end their life and unfortunately a large number of teens are successful.

Take this seriously. If you don't understand it, make an effort to learn everything you can about depression and love your child through this disabling illness, he or she needs your help whether they realize this or not!

Embracing grace, continued...

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

Examiner article

I love to see a deer when I'm driving somewhere so long as it is in the field and not on the road in front of me. They carry themselves with such beauty and move with an elegant grace. I can't imagine how a hunter can shoot one although I'm not knocking hunters, to each their own!

The message of the article is for us to be reflective of the same type of grace in our lives. To carry ourselves with dignity and to impact the world with true intention. When we create good karma, it returns to us by manifesting warm and joyous rewards. I believe this whole-heartily. I work very hard to be kind and to think of others as often as possible. It is my wish others make the same attempt. If we all did this, we would eliminate war and create world peace. It is a warm thought. Send it out, pass it forward!

Do you know anyone who lives with/embraces grace. I would love for you to make a connection so I can create an inspirational article about them. Leave me a note!

Self defense, continued...

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


Examiner article

I've always wanted to take a self-defense class. I was surprised to find the cost at Wright's Karate in Ann Arbor Michigan was only $10 for the seminar being held this Saturday, 6/4/11 at noon. I'm sure I'll have to go outside of my comfort zone a bit but it is worthwhile. I think of myself as a survivor, someone who is strong but I would prefer to learn the strikes that have proven to work instead of just winging it. Hopefully I'll never need to use any of the techniques but heaven forbid, I need to, I want to be prepared.

Have you ever taken a self-defense class? How do you protect yourself? Leave me a note and tell me about it.