Managers who Manipulate Our Health— If we Allow it

A friend recently was in an auto accident. Fortunately she was not seriously injured. The following day was Monday, and my friend was planning on going into work, despite the fact that she had an injury which she had not sought medical attention for, and had not begun the process of contacting her insurance company and the myriad of details that need attention as a result.

Because of our strong work ethic, we are often misguided into believing that we need to “show up.” My friend didn’t consider taking time off because “I’m so busy at work.”

A Reason to Let Go, A Reason to Heal

Source: Google Search Images

“When someone is in your life for a reason……they are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered, and it is now time to move on.”—Iyanla VanZant (from her book “Acts of Faith”)

So many times in the last few years, I have found myself referring to these words.  Life is like that, no matter what age you are, you will always experience loss of some kind. These are necessary losses, whether we choose to see them as such at the time, or not. We may not have felt prepared to deal with these losses, and certainly didn’t welcome them, but nonetheless the time to exit came. 

Only in the rear view mirror can one see where the loss shaped us and how we grew in the process. I do have to add a caveat here. We will only move forward and grow, if we choose not to stay stuck in the past and if we choose to forgive the loss. If we hold a grudge for the loss, we won’t be able to let it go.

I have struggled many times with the “letting go” part.

Season of Expectancy

Source: Google Search Images

Sitting with my friend at a local coffee shop, someone she knows popped in to talk with her. She was brimming with enthusiasm, so much so that I began to wonder if she was on drugs. How could someone be this happy?

She burst out declaring: “This is now my season to meet my husband! After now being divorced over 8 yrs, I am ready. This is my time.”

“What makes you so sure of this?” I blurted.  Here I am, divorced much longer than her, younger, and dare I say, more attractive than her! (Excuse me, but is my ego showing?) Don’t I deserve this season too? Truth be known, I was a bit irritated (okay, I was jealous) of her assuredness and zeal.

A Time to Grow....Up

"If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living.” —Gail Godwin

Source: Google Search Images

I purchased a new vehicle on Saturday, and since then I’ve not been as excited about it as everyone around me appears to be. My enthusiasm was dampened by many logical thoughts— okay the engineer in me is showing.

The cost of a new vehicle is pretty steep, and if I had my druthers, I’d be perfectly happy continuing to drive my 11 year old 4Runner. It’s still in great shape, and truth be told, I would have driven it until the last fastener holding it together popped, or the engine sputtered its last dry terminal cough.

Teens- They Really are Listening

“Pass down values every day through your actions, your words and your time with your kids.”
~ Robert Frank

Source:Google Search Images

(www.hothardware.com)

My 17 yr old daughter has a lot of guys who are showing interest in her. She’s been working out in the weight room, so of course they are watching her. The first thing they notice is her outward appearance. Some just linger there and never bother to get to know what’s in her head and heart.

Ever since she was in elementary school, I’ve had talks with her to forewarn of superficial guys.  She’d ask me “How can you tell?”

In Spite of Fear of Heights

“It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.”— 2 Samuel 22:33 

Zugspitze at 2,962 meters (9,843 ft)

Source: http://www.zugspitze.de/

Fear is something we all deal with at different levels and times in our lives. The thing about fear is that like a nightmare, it exists for a limited time, and only while we sleep. Once we decide to awaken from it, it no longer has power over us. Overcoming something we fear takes one act of faith on our part. If we are conscious in the moment of the fear, we can acknowledge it’s scary, but decide in spite of the fear, to do it. Overcoming a fear doesn’t mean you don’t feel fear in the moment. It means you are acting “as if” you don’t fear it. You are doing what you would do if you didn’t fear.

I have a fear of heights.

Thoughtful Email Reflections

Source:Google Search Images

In the world of internet dating, I respond or initiate an email only if after reading his profile there’s something in his words that moves me. I won’t respond “Nice profile,” and leave it at that. That’s such a lazy email. You might as well not say a thing. It’s obvious you didn’t read it, or worse, that you have nothing between your ears or in your heart.