As a child, I felt a lot of shame. Growing up at the Shriner’s Hospital for Crippled Children, I was just like all the other patients. Once I was sent home, I was different than everyone else in my town, including all of my family members. I walked and moved differently than the other children … [Read more…]
This #ThrowbackThursday is going way, way back. Looking at the face of that little baby, you would never know that bones and tissue in both legs were malformed and I was missing bones and numerous toes. I was living in the Shriner’s Hospital for Crippled Children, where I grew up for seven years, about four … [Read more…]
Rock formations like this one at Rockaway Beach, Oregon, are fascinating to me. How do those base rocks support that huge weight of rocks above? And if we could look underwater at all of the little islands and rocks in the oceans around the world, how many of those islands have a solid base, and … [Read more…]
You were born to make mistakes. You were born to learn through trying and failing and trying again and again. You don’t have to get it right the first time. Or the second or third or tenth. Mistakes do not mean you’re a failure. They mean you are making progress. Love who you are and … [Read more…]
I believe that going through the steps to become Self aware has led me to a much greater understanding of who I am. Now, when I look in the mirror or observe myself interacting with other people, I’m not surprised by my actions or reactions. I know who I am and why I am the … [Read more…]
It’s #ThrowbackThursday, going back to killing time before a flight at an airport. It’s no secret I’m an animal lover and you’ve seen me interacting with plenty of creatures here, but giant bears are one that I think I’ll stay away from, other than the friendly (aka plush) versions, like this guy I met in … [Read more…]
I met this baby elephant in Bali, and he was such a friendly creature. It’s amazing how this little guy will grow into a massive animal. Elephants are known to be incredibly smart creatures, and I wonder how much the principles of being Self Aware apply to animals. Will the events of this young elephant’s … [Read more…]
Be nice to yourself. It’s hard to be happy when someone is mean to you all the time. By extending yourself some grace, love, kindness and acceptance, you will find those same positive things happening in your interactions with other people as well.
In our society, we are generally taught that we should “move on” from painful experiences and that we should appear as “normal” as possible at all times. We try to bury a lot of feelings, which only intensifies the secret hold they have on us. By identifying the experiences that have contributed to who you … [Read more…]
#ThrowbackThursday to a sunny day on the balcony of a cruise ship. Cruise ships are so interesting, because you get a taste of so many destinations and cultures in a short time. I believe that my journey to Self awareness has led to a greater appreciation and curiosity for other cultures.