Friendship.....................

Happy November Gang!! 

I can barely wrap my mind around the fact that Christmas is next month.  While I love Christmas, the advertising and product placement begins so early that I feel burned out by the time it gets here.  Am I the only one? 

Today's thought path is neither about November nor is it about Christmas.  It's about Friendship.  

We all need a friend that we can turn to in time of need whether we're going through a hardship or if we're rejoicing in something special.  We all have that desire to share with someone.  You know, when you just can't contain yourself because you're just ready to burst?

Have you ever just needed to have a good cry and needed someone to listen and be a voice of reason?  If you said 'no', you're no doubt lying to yourself.  Because I have the habit of over-analyzing things, I need that special friend once in a while for that very reason.  I think it's also helpful when that one friend is of the opposite sex.  It helps to see things from the other side of the fence.  It's also important for that friend to know you're also there for them as well.  

There are all varying layers of types of friends.  It can be a friend of a friend, aka 'casual acquaintance', a work friend that you spend time with daily not necessarily telling your deepest/darkest secrets to, a close friend of the same sex as you that you share many of those deep thoughts with, but sometimes you just need that friend of the opposite sex to ramble on to and get his or her perspective.

Some people think you can't be friends with someone of the opposite sex, but I sometimes think those are the best.

What are your thoughts on friends?  I know that a truly good friend is hard to come by.  

I pray that you're healthy, happy, safe, and I pray that you have P.E.A.C.E. in your life!

Until we meet again my friends, stay safe and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,

Sex Sells........................

Happy Friday Gang! 

Where in the world did yet another week go to?  Hope it was a great one for you!

Today's thought path has been on my mind for a very long time & I'm finally going to to share some thoughts.  Please keep in mind that these are MY thoughts/opinions and ONLY my thoughts/opinions.  

Do you watch any TV?  I know that I watch way too much of it, but living alone with 2 small dogs, it's cheap entertainment for me.  I enjoy watching comedies just to have a laugh and escape reality for a 1/2 hour.

While watching TV, do you really watch some of the commercials?  One evening, quite a while ago, I was watching a floor cleaner commercial.  The floor cleaner had taken the place of the broom and feather duster, so in one of the commercials, the broom and the feather duster are on a pool floaty with sexy music in the background.  In another one, the broom finds the feather duster in the attic, again with the sexy music..................SERIOUSLY???

Hollywood really thinks that those types of commercials are going to make people want to go out & buy their products?  (Insert head shaking here...........)

Of course we know that it's far from only the commercials that use sex/sexuality to promote.  I was watching DWTS the other night at a friend's home.  The guest judge had a blaser on that was showing off most of her cleavage.  The female host was wearing a strapless dress with a deep V in the front basically down to her belly button.  I'm not quite sure why they don't just come out naked on stage.  And who can forget the fact that we now have 'adult' cartoons with a lot of unsavory language and suggestions? 

I'm not trying to be a prude by any means, but I personally feel that we as women need to love and respect ourselves enough to dress appropriately.  Am I saying to dress in a bag from head to toe with only our eyes showing?  NO.......... but what I am saying is that a woman can definitely be beautiful and not have to go around half naked to try to prove it to everyone around them.  

In my personal opinion, dressing so provocatively is not showing the confidence you have in yourself.  It's also not showing our youth a very good role model.  It just gives them the sense that it's 'ok' or that it's 'normal' to dress that way.  

Commercials (and lots of other social media) teach people that the only way to get something in life is through sex.  I find it quite sad, to be honest.

In a normal, healthy, monogamous relationship, sex is a beautiful thing that brings two people even closer together creating a wonderful bond.  I'm not against sex by any means, in it's appropriate place.  I don't, however, want to see it in a cleaning commercial or a candy bar commercial, especially when my granddaughter can be watching tv with me and see these things.  

Yes, I realize we can't shelter children from everything, but what ever happened to letting kids be kids?  I was still playing with dolls when I was 11 and 12.  By today's standards that would be considered ridiculous.  Because of all the social media blasts, kids think they're to be dating younger and younger.  Again, I find this heartbreaking.  

Ok already.............. I'll step down off my soap box, but please keep in mind that we should all be creating a respectable example for our children and grandchildren.  Be aware of what they're watching and listening to.  Be aware of how you're dressing yourself and how your children are dressing.  As my Pastor has taught us, 'What you take into your eye gates and ear gates (what you've seen and heard), can never be unseen or unheard.'  This goes for us as adults as well.  Love yourself and your family enough to be selective.

I pray that you're healthy, happy, safe and I pray that you have P.E.A.C.E. in your life!

Until we meet again my friends, have a fabulous weekend!!

Love,

Compassion...............................

Happy Tuesday Morning!!

Hi Gang!  Hope everyone is doing great today!  It's pretty dreary where I am, but hopefully it's sunny where you are.

com·pas·sion

kəmˈpaSHən/

noun

1. sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.

   "the victims should be treated with compassion"

   synonyms:

   pity, sympathy, empathy, fellow feeling, care, concern, solicitude, sensitivity, warmth, love, tenderness, mercy, leniency, tolerance, kindness, humanity, charity "have you no compassion for a fellow human being?" Today's thought path is about compassion.  I sometimes think I have way too much of it.  You may wonder how anyone could have TOO MUCH compassion.  Well........... I believe when we have too much compassion, we can easily get taken advantage of.   I try to be kind to everyone I meet.  Some people have some type of radar to hone in on it and use it to their own advantage.  Depending on the type of relationship/circumstances, it can definitely be a heartbreaking situation.   I'm only speaking from my own personal experiences in life.  I've been taken advantage of a multitude of times.   When growing up, I guess I was disillusioned that everyone was kind and wouldn't hurt you.  That the words that people spoke were the truth, that they could be trusted. Wouldn't it be wonderful if life could be just that beautiful?  Instead, we have to have healthy boundaries with some people and non-existent relationships with others for our own self preservation.  I'd like to know what ever happened to a hand shake being a contract and a man's word was true?  I guess growing up I was living with a Norman Rockwell mentality.   Earlier this morning a friend text me.  I replied back asking where he was headed.  (He drives semi)  The reply I received was "Nowhere, duh!".  Now, keep in mind it IS a text and without facial expression and voice inflections, it can be taken a few different ways.   As usual, I apologized (I had done nothing wrong, but asked a simple question. But it's what I'm conditioned to do.)  He's waiting for results from his DOT physical.  I was not aware that a person can't drive until the results come back in and had asked if that was the case.  He responded "That's right.".  My response?  Nothing.   I'm guessing he was just trying to be funny, but I guess I'm just extra sensitive.  After years of being verbally attacked, a person can take most anything the wrong way.  I don't want to, but............ When I feel like that, I just want to go home, lock the doors, shut off the lights and be alone where no one can hurt me.  I'm a lover and not a fighter. It's difficult to explain my mind in a short blog.  LOL   I have to say that I'm so thankful for the faithful few that actually read my ramblings.  I know I've said it before, but I truly mean it!!  Thank you!!! I pray that you're healthy, happy, safe and I pray that you have P.E.A.C.E. in your life. Until we meet again my friends, have a blessed day.  Be kind to others and be kind to yourself! Love,

Trust.............. When it's broken....................

Happy Monday!

If you're a human being living on this earth, there's a very good chance you've experienced broken trust with someone.  It could be with a parent, a sibling, a spouse, a significant other, a friend...........

The sad part is that once trust is broken it's extremely difficult to trust that person again.  They can tell you repetitively that they've changed or they'll never do 'it' (whatever IT is) again..... Then IT happens AGAIN.................

My trust issue today is with someone who (I believe I may have mentioned in a previous blog) follows women on Facebook without friending them............ I find it very frustrating and creepy.  (You say you're interested in me, yet you feel the need to follow other women..........................................)

"I'm trying to be better....................I really DO care about you............................ blah, blah, blah, blah, blahhhhhhhhh......"

Why am I saying these things or talking about them today?  Because I've wanted so desperately to believe this person, but yet again I've been let down.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm no perfect duck by any means.  I'm not trying to sound that way at all.  It's just that after giving so many chances (over a year's worth), I thought maybe things would actually change.  They have not as I've evidenced as early as this morning (just moments ago).  

I find it very challenging to let go and move on.  It's especially difficult when there are family members involved that are cared about as well.  If you have trust issues with a significant other or friend, you've no doubt met their family and they've met yours.  You may have grown to care a great deal about those family members, but when there's broken trust and you know you need to move on with your life and try to find someone who will actually be true to you, it can be difficult because parting doesn't only consist of you and the other person.  It involves family members too.  It's kind of like mourning a death...... it's just that it's the death of a relationship.  It's not an actual death, but it's just as painful and sometimes even more painful because you still see the other person and their family around...........................

I know I come here with some pretty heavy topics.  The reason I do is because life can definitely be messy.  It's not all sunshine and roses all the time.  I will, however, post some more uplifting things in the days to come.  It won't be all doom and gloom.........LOL

Just remember that you are wonderful and you deserve better than someone constantly lying to you.  You deserve to have people in your life whom you can trust beyond a shadow of a doubt.  

We all make mistakes, that's a given, but when the mistake is made repetitively....................... it just gets OLD.    

Pull up your boot straps and take a new step in a positive direction in finding those people who are trustworthy and lovable!  

I pray that you're healthy, happy, safe, and I pray that you have P.E.A.C.E in your life!  Until we meet again my friends, have an awesome week!!

Love,

Dealing With Loneliness and Sadness..............................

Good Morning Gang!  

Happy Tuesday

Today's thought path is about loneliness and sadness.  

Have you ever been surrounded by people yet feel totally alone?   I feel like that more and more.  I don't know if it's just part of getting older (just turned 49! LOL) or what the reason is.

I have so much to be thankful for as we all do and I truly AM thankful, but that still doesn't take away the feelings of loneliness and sadness.  

I believe part of it is having someone to share your life with.  When we have a special someone in our lives, it sure helps.  I have 2 small dogs as most of you probably know.  They love me unconditionally and I'm very thankful to have them, but it doesn't fill the gap where a special person should be.  Maybe I'm just crazy for wanting another person in my life after what I went through in my past, but............ 

How do YOU handle loneliness and sadness?  Sometimes I just put on a comedy and binge watch it.  I know tv isn't the end all be all, but it definitely takes my mind off myself! LOL

I've heard repeatedly that we need to go out and help others to get our minds off ourselves.  How does one do that when you don't feel you're even good company when you're alone?  Meaning, I don't always want to be with me in those moods, so why would someone else want to be with me?  I hope that makes sense.  Sometimes it's just hard to get out of your own head.  I do try, but I definitely think too much.

My apologies for being so heavy today.  Some days in life are just like that.  Not every day is a walk in the park.  Life is hard.  Some days are just better and others are just harder.  Anyone that tries to deny that is just lying to themselves.  

One thing I cherish in this life is people who are real.  If you're having a bad day, be honest about it.  Don't try to sugar coat it and pretend like everything is just perfect when it's not.  I'm not saying anyone should unpack and live there, but just be honest and true about where you are each day.  

I believe we learn so much from each other when we share our struggles because we let others know they're not alone and we in turn realize we're not alone either.  

That's what happens in this life.  We look at others and see what APPEARS to be a PERFECT LIFE.  We then begin to compare our lives to someone else's and wonder how we could EVER live up to that type of perfection.  

The fact is that we all have issues that we face on a daily basis whether it's financial, emotional, spiritual, physical, etc...  WE ALL HAVE ISSUES.  My prayer today is that you would all just be REAL.  Not ONLY be REAL, but be REAL for all of those around you.  If you're going through something, find someone you can talk to and share your struggles.  Nine chances out of ten, that person can relate from a similar struggle they've had themselves.  

Proverbs 27:17 

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

We need each other in this life.  God's word tells us iron sharpens iron.  Through our individual struggles and sharing them with each other, we create a bond of strength.  Please don't ever think that you're alone in your struggles, whatever they may be.  It's easy to fall into that pit, but please know that I'm here if you need someone to talk to.  

I pray that you're healthy, happy, safe and I pray that you have P.E.A.C.E. in your life!

Until we meet again my friends, be strengthened in knowing you're not alone!

Love,

It's A New Day!

Hi Gang!

As predicted, a good night's sleep sure helped!  Was everything perfect?  No, but MUCH better.

I went out for brunch with one of my kids and had a great time catching up.  On the way home I got a text from my BF.  I stopped by to see him.  We talked and things are good. ;)

Like I've said in some of my YT videos, talking is such a good thing!  I don't know why I resist talking sometimes.  Talking to you guys here, or on YT or to friends and family in person, ALL helps!  I only share in hopes of help you know you're not alone.  Thanks for being there for me too!

I've been gone to a work convention this past week and just got home Thursday.  I had a great time while I was gone, but I'm so happy to be home.  Do you ever feel that same way?

While I was on the plane, I've been listening to a book referred by a friend on FB.  It's called 'You Are A Badass' by Jen Sincero.  I know the name may seem over the top, it's been a good listen for me.  I downloaded it from www.audible.com .  I'm better off listening to a book than reading, especially in a moving vehicle.  Reading in a vehicle makes me car sick, so listening helps!  I also listen while I'm cleaning my house.  This book is about giving you some self-confidence, which is what I need.  Her language can be a bit abrasive at times, but she definitely gets down to business.  

I'm not quite done with it yet.  I'm in chapter 22 of 28 right now.  I'll definitely be giving it a re-listen because I couldn't clearly hear all of it the best on the plane ride home due to people talking and the announcements.  

I'm one to read/listen to self-help books.  Yes, I also pray, but I also try to broaden my horizons with books as well.  Just being real. ;)

Anyhoo...... Just wanted you to know that today is a new day and it's a better day for me and hopefully a better day for you too!

Remember to tell the ones you love that you love them.  Give them a HUGE HUG.  Hugs release endorphins that lower your blood pressure, lowers your stress hormone called cortisol and makes you and the other person feel happy.  

I pray that you're healthy, happy, safe and I pray that you have P.E.A.C.E. in your life!!

Until we meet again my friends, have a great remainder of your weekend!!

Love,

Rough day.......

Hi Gang!

I'm going to be transparent tonight.  I'm having a really hard day.  Being divorced is not an easy road. I'm thankful for being able to get out of my verbally abusive marriage, but now I'm an empty nester.  While I have my little dogs, they're not the same as being in a relationship with someone.

I've been in a relationship the past year, but he seems to love working on cars & has no time for me.  My hard day comes from sitting in my own muck. We all have to do that once in a while.  We're all human.

I sit & think about life & all the blessings I have & I'm very grateful.  I just never dreamed that I'd be at this age of my life & be alone.  While we can't depend on someone else to make us happy, you have to admit that if you have a significant other & it's a good relationship, it sure helps to get through life knowing you have someone to share your life with.

Anyhoo......

Please tell your special someone you love them.  Don't take love for granted.  Being without it is a lonely place.

Tomorrow is a new day & after a good night's sleep, things will look better in the morning.

I pray that you're healthy, happy, safe, & I pray that you all have P.E.A.C.E. in your life!

Until we meet again, know that I'm sending virtual {{{HUGS}}} to each & every one of you!!

Love,