The concept of “being true to myself” seemed foreign to me for most of my life. I would listen to others instead of myself; or I would listen to my doubt instead of my ... That’s probably why I
The concept of “being true to myself” seemed foreign to me for most of my life. I would listen to others instead of myself; or I would listen to my doubt instead of my intuition. That’s probably why I kept receiving the same messages over and over again. When I finally started to live in integrity and follow my heart, an amazing shift took place. Now my "self" almost demands that I live true to my values.
In trying to be true to ourselves, we often make some unusual (and unpopular) decisions. They feel good to us but, at times, may be not quite politically correct. We proceed with the decision but then the doubt pops into our head. Did I make the right decision? What will they think of me?
Doubt can play very silly games with us. Even though, at times, we need to pay attention to its nagging feeling - other times it can destroy our hard earned effort to "be true". If you go to all the hard work of thinking out a decision, listening to your intuition, and logic - then you also have to trust that process and not let doubt (or what others think) ruin your accomplishment of being true.
It's like they say about prayer: If there is a decision to be made and you pray and pray and pray about it, eventually you must go with the trust that WHATEVER decision you make - will be the right one. You must trust and not second-guess yourself. Boy, what a tough assignment!
Doubt, others’ opinions, and second-guessing can cause more stress and anxiety then making the original decision. Follow your instincts to block out the doubt and trust in the decisions that you make. You will end up seeing validations that you did the right thing. It will be further confirmation that if you are true to yourself the universe will support you!
Exploring the Majestic Landscapes of America's West
Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of America's western landscapes, where the rush of daily life gives way to the tranquility of nature's masterpieces. This journey through the rugged terrains of Nevada and Utah, often referred to as "God's Country," reveals the transformative power of travel and the profound impact of connecting with the environment. From the neon lights of Las Vegas to the serene vistas of the Valley of Fire, experience a Christmas adventure that redefines the holiday spirit and leaves a lasting impression of the region's natural wonders.
Blessings in a Mother's Tears
As a mother, my intuition told me that something was amiss with my daughter, Deborah. Despite my concerns, most doctors dismissed her behavior as typical "terrible twos" or stress from my divorce. From pregnancy to delivery, everything felt different. By age two, Deborah exhibited explosive behavior, head-banging, night terrors, and wall-kicking. Her first psychiatric evaluation at 2 ½ came back "normal." As she grew, her behavior remained challenging but manageable with creative parenting and close monitoring. By third grade, she was diagnosed with ADHD and medicated, but I still sensed something was off. A second opinion revealed additional diagnoses: OCD, ODD, depression, and anxiety. Medication helped, but side effects persisted. School became a struggle, with inconsistent grades and a lack of interest. Things took a turn for the worse in August 2000 when 14-year-old Deborah was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder, characterized by drastic mood swings. This diagnosis brought relief and an emotional rollercoaster. I felt compelled to "save" her, but Deborah was in denial and resisted help. I educated myself, joined advocacy groups, attended conferences, read books, and networked with parents and schools. I took Family Medical Leave to monitor Deborah, but she felt controlled and lashed out. I realized she had to want help. Despite school struggles and available options, Deborah resisted. I balanced elation, anger, and heartbreak. I continued to educate myself, focusing on personal growth. This experience reprioritized my life and led to soul-searching. I thank the Lord for this journey, which brought clarity and personal growth. My heart aches for Deborah, and each tear represents my love. I hope she gains something from this experience, even if she doesn't realize it now. I pray the pain will be worth the gain.
The Ducks - Did They Forget?
In Michigan we were having an unusual warm spell. For about six weeks, since ... it had been in the 40's, 50's, and even the 60,s - with rain, not snow. That was quite unusual and we were all ex
