Sharing my journey of hope.
I recently had a conversation with a friend of mine who, I feel, has lost her joy. I say this because I remember when I lost mine. I remember just how I felt, how I acted and where I ended up. Joy vs. Happiness Joy and happiness are wonderful feelings to experience, but are very... Continue Reading →
If you’re anything like me, Christmas time can be so stressful. As a codependent and people-pleaser, I always want to do the best I can for those I love and it truly hurts my heart when I feel I have failed. No matter how much recovery I think I have, I still struggle with this... Continue Reading →
It amazes me how fast we can get stuck in an unhealthy cycle of dysfunction. Life's circumstances and daily stresses can become overwhelming and we just want someone to listen as we work through the pain, emotions, challenges, etc, that each day brings. Unfortunately, because we all have these pains, emotions, challenges, etc, we get... Continue Reading →
If you describe yourself as any animal, which animal would it be and why? I'll start... I would say the panda. If you didn't know this about me, pandas are my all time favorite animal! Pandas are easy-going, playful, fun, funny and beautiful. However, they can be fierce! Don't mistake their gentleness and peacefulness for weakness!... Continue Reading →
While I was walking through my room this morning (doing God only knows what because I have already forgotten) I heard something on the TV that caught my attention, but only for a moment. The only things I remember are the two words "life-changes" and "transformation". It got me to thinking about the two and... Continue Reading →
I was doing some reading about boundaries and personal rights and it made me think of a castle. My life is now a castle in all its glory and splendor. You're probably thinking, "how in the heck did you get from boundaries and rights, to your life is a castle?" Let me explain, as I... Continue Reading →
Don't you wish you could just get on the "recovery elevator", push a button and be where you want to be in no time? I'd go straight for the top...healing, wellness, wholeness, happiness… within seconds. But alas, there is no such elevator, no such pill, no such magic. There is just the journey of each... Continue Reading →
We’ve all heard of the “ripple effect”, haven’t we? Dictionary.com defines the ripple effect as “a spreading effect or series of consequences caused by a single action or event”. When I look back at my life, I can see so many instances where the ripple effect was in play. What I can also see now... Continue Reading →
I'm leaving this evening to fly to Las Vegas for our family reunion and I am pretty excited about it. I have mentioned in the past that I am not really close to anyone in my very large family. I have never felt like I fit in and have always felt like a failure and... Continue Reading →
I had an experience this weekend, one that is both comical (to me) and profound. I laugh at my doubt and insecurities but am in awe of God's humor and confirmation. Years ago I told Lucy that I was going to be an inspirational speaker some day, taking my testimony and sharing it with those... Continue Reading →
Last week, my best friend, Lucy, and I decided to start doing aquatic exercises. We've been working out for about an hour to an hour and 10 minutes each day we go. Today Lucy wasn't feeling well so she didn't want to go. For a brief second I thought, "Well, if she's not going to go... Continue Reading →
The very first time I gave my testimony of recovery was to my Celebrate Recovery home group sometime in mid 2007. If you have read my story, you know that 2007 was not my best year. There was still so much turmoil going on in my life but I had made huge strides in my recovery... Continue Reading →
Journey On Strong 