An Exercise in Empathy by ~Sage Croft~

Introducing my peer in graduate school, Sage Croft. Her story is inspiring as well as courageous!! Thank you, Sage, for allowing me to share this wonderful story on my blog. ~Robbyn Wallace~

Imagine yourself going to kindergarten. You've been looking forward to going to school like a big girl, filled with excitement and dread in equal measure, and by the time that special day arrives you've built it up into something so huge you're hardly able to contain all the emotions inside. You get to the school and all the kids look so much bigger than you had expected. You feel pretty small, but you're determined to go forward. Without realizing it, your fingers clench a little tighter to your mother's hand. Belying your inner turmoil, you hold your head up so as not to miss a thing, and you walk into your very first classroom.

Everything is coming at you at once, leaving you a bit dizzy from the overload. Then the ringing in your ears is replaced with your teacher's first sentence welcoming you to her class. Only, something's not quite right; the words "little boy" are echoing in your ears. Surely she wasn't talking about you, right? After all, you are a little girl. There have been some others that have called you a boy before, but you really expected your teacher to get it right. How could this be happening?

You are directed to a group of a few other children playing. These children are playing with blocks and trucks, and the teacher is gently steering you toward them. On your way there, you see another small group of kids playing with dolls and kitchenware. You change the course of your steps to go in that direction to play with the little girls, where you belong. But no, the teacher says you are to play with the boys.

This goes on all day and again the next. In fact, it goes on every day for as long as you can possibly stand it. The heartbreak is too great, and the pressure has built to the point where you really believe your very being is sure to break in two. You aren't in any way able to express these feelings or make things right because, whenever you try, you get into trouble. Your teacher is frustrated with you. Your mom is always mad at you. Your dad doesn't know what to do with you. Nobody wants to be your friend or play with you. You are all alone with all of these bad feelings and WRONG is just growing bigger every day.

The doctor has given you medicine that is supposed to help you calm down. Other medicine is supposed to help you sleep. Another doctor gives you more medicine to stop the twitching. In fact, there are so many medicines that you don’t even know what they are all for anymore. All of the medicine doesn’t stop the WRONG from growing.

Now imagine, at this point, someone finally sees the real you. What if this someone, your mother perhaps, could see that you really are a little girl? What if she helped you tell your teacher, your dad, and the other kids in your class, that you are really supposed to go play with the dolls and kitchenware? Instead of taking you to the barbershop at the end of this month, she takes you to buy a pretty, pink brush. When she finds that horrible G.I. Joe t-shirt you hid under your bed again, this time your mother throws it away. Finally, when you pull her toward the pretty clothes in the store, she actually follows you!

The noise is dying down in your head. You don’t have to let a tiny bit of the bad out by throwing yourself on the floor and crying yourself to exhaustion. Your teacher smiles at you. Other kids let you play with them at recess. Daddy looks at you with wonder when you start giggling during dinner.

Soon, like the distress you had been feeling for so long, the medications begin to fall away. Each of the 14 drugs you had been forced to take in an effort to make you “normal” simply disappears. You were a walking pharmacy. But nothing was wrong with you. Society was forcing you into a mold that simply didn’t fit. They saw your penis and assumed you were a boy. It was more than you could handle and, over time, you started to come undone. Once everyone learned how to really listen to you and understand what was going on, they stopped forcing a role on you that wasn’t yours to play. With the freedom of being allowed to live authentically, the WRONG went away.

Many people have commented on how you’re a different child now. But really, you were always there. Everyone was pushing you down into this really small part of who you were. You were being buried under all the stuff they were trying to turn you into. After discontinuing your posturing and removing your disguise, you are shining, resulting in a visible change. You really do look like a different child in every way, but you always knew who you were.

Thank you for reading this far. Being exposed to stories such as this one, or through films such as Boys Don’t Cry, “can help build empathy for and understanding of the issues and prejudices faced by transgender individuals” (Gladding & Newsome, 2010, p. 87).

The particular client population that I envision advocating for is transgender children. This demographic needs advocacy for the freedom to live authentically, to bring their gender expression into congruence with their gender identity, and to no longer be pathologized, discriminated against, and dehumanized for being trans.

Promoted by Dr. Kenneth Zucker, a punitive approach was adopted in the 1970’s for treating transgender children. Zucker’s reparative therapy techniques prescribed corporal punishment for gender nonconforming behavior in children, most especially in natal males who displayed female tendencies (WPATH, 2011). The 7th edition of the Standards of Care put forth through the World Professional Association of Transgender Health (2011) no longer sanctions Zucker’s technique. There is not an established protocol for treating transgender children, but WPATH advises that clinicians adopt an individualized approach of support when treating this population group.

For those “born in the wrong bodies,” the relationship between gender identity and gender expression often results in efforts at bringing the two into congruence. Released just two years ago was the first of its kind, in-depth research on the findings of transgender specific outcomes in American society; however, even this comprehensive report failed to include research on pre-adolescent members of this population. Findings of the study reflect adolescent and adult transgender people suffer long-term consequences that are a direct result of discrimination against their transgender status in the community (Grant, et al., 2011). While scientists are starting to discover the outcomes of successful transitions in adults, as well as the problems inherent in not transitioning, there has been exceedingly little research done on any of the factors relating to transgender children.

Of the limited information that has been collected on transgender youth, being denied social acceptance for their gender identity and expression was identified as the primary contributing factor for suicidal behavior. Some of the variables that influenced the degree to which acceptance was achieved center around who the transgender person was with. Acceptance among family, friends, at school or the workplace, in a place of worship, at the doctor’s office, with a landlord, contact with police, or interacting with strangers are likely to elicit profoundly differing degrees of understanding and acceptance for the transgender person (Grant, et al., 2011).

These findings illustrate the tremendous pressure transgender children are faced with, and the potential damage such expectations for conformity can have on them as individuals and to society as a whole. Social perceptions of transgender children place a stigma on the parents during the child’s early years, and the shame shifts to the individual as he or she grows older. With the advances in the professional community that have begun promoting compassion, there is hope for increased tolerance in the general population resulting from greater understanding through continued education.

What draws me to this client population and issue? I am the lucky mother of an incredible transgender child who has taught me the true meaning of courage as she simply goes about living.

-Sage Croft 

References:

Gladding, S. T., & Newsome, D. W. (2010). Clinical mental health counseling in community and agency settings (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill.

Grant, J. M., Mottet, L. A., Tanis, J., Harrison, J., Herman, J. L., & Keisling, M. (2011). Injustice at every turn: A report of the National Transgender Discrimination Survey, executive summary. Washington, DC: National Center for Transgender Equality and National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Retrieved from http://endtransdiscrimination.org/PDFs/NTDS_Report.pdf

WPATH (2011). Standards of care, 7th edition. World Professional Association of Transgender Health. Retrieved from http://www.wpath.org/documents/Standards%20of%20Care%20V7%20-%202011%20WPATH.pdf

Personality Changes Over A Lifespan

Personality Changes over the Lifespan

 By

 Robbyn Wallace


 Aging equates change in the form of mentally, physically and emotionally, and with such change comes the underlying questions of determining human behavior. Many variables contribute to change within a person, from genetics, family and cultural to environmental or situational triggers. What inspires or empowers, or perhaps, what tears down or demeans a person, these can be very important in truly understanding or approaching a life issue. As a person ages, growth happens. Personality can be viewed as patterns of implicit attitudes and explicit behaviors unique to each individual at any given time, but can be manipulated and/or changed by internal processes and/or external variables. There is no single perspective that can adequately explain personality over the lifespan. In developmental terms one can integrate the multilevel processes or systems of contextual influences or variables to determine not only design but the evolution of such influences. Personality is impacted by the dynamics of and between such factors as experiences, biological and cultural. From many perspectives, personality is viewed as being manipulated by concepts such as self-esteem, self-concept, or self-image. Explained from a Rogarian perspective, individuals are governed by an organismic valuing process throughout the lifespan defining the evaluation process of the individual by their subjective perception. Therefore, essentially if an individual has a low self-esteem it may cause that individual's perception of any given experience to have a more negative tone, which can lead to such problems as anti-social behavior or oppositional defiance disorder among others. On the other hand, the higher one's level of positive self-regard, it is more likely that individual received more positive regard from their parents or caregivers. Conceptually, this concept can be an intense manipulating force throughout a lifespan, which would cause fluctuations with the individual's personality. In Schultz and Schultz (2009), it is stated that Erik Erikson, developer of psychosocial model, "believed that all aspects of personality could be explained in terms of turning points, or crises, we must meet and resolve at each developmental stage (pg. 205)." Through the lens of psychosocial development model, the personality is built upon, and evolves through the life stages, with success or failure to achieve each stage of development throughout the lifespan.These stages offer an opportunity for the individual to adapt and strengthen their coping skills, or can leave the individual with stigma(s) from any stage not successfully achieved. Erikson (Schultz & Schultz, 2009) believed, "We are not victims of biological forces or childhood experiences and are influenced more by learning and social interactions than by heredity (pg. 236)." This view seems complimentary to Bandura's modeling theory (Schultz & Schultz, 2009), which emphasizes the importance of learned behaviors and the role they play in the development of personality. Behaviors of an individual may be concluded to have resulted from reinforcement over time, and, from a behavorial perspective, can be manipulated through reinforcement in effort of eliciting specific behaviors. If an individual can learn to self-reinforce specific behaviors, the individual will be more likely to successfully manipulate or change undesired behaviors into more suitable ones. An individual's self-efficacy, which is the belief in one's own abilities, is instrumental from this perspective because it establishes how and to what level the individual is motivated to fulfill their potential. As stated by Schultz and Schultz (2009), "Self-efficacy is the crucial factor in determining success or failure throughout the entire lifespan (pg. 413)." There are certain underlined qualities or traits a person may carry throughout their lifespan, though it may be displayed differently at different interjections of their life. Through the lens of trait theorist, an individual is equip with basic traits that, even though may be projected differently throughout the individual's lifespan, remain constant within the individual. Personality can be understood from multiply perspectives; however, personality is essentially the internal framework which interacts with environment to create one's behavior. Therefore, from a behavioral approach one might perceive the patterns of behavior as key indicators of personality, and will from that determine how to elicit change through reinforcement ending in behavioral modification. However, from a humanistic approach one may contend that a personality is tangible and is based on one's internal environment, and can be altered through unconditional positive regard, empathy and empowerment. Each stage of life deserves it's own emphasis of importance; therefore, it is essential that a counselor be prepared to approach and empower any individual, at any age, with any life issue. Counselors must remain an open-minded vessel of compassion and empathy, and able to attribute true positive regard. When it comes to elderly, there are many successful tools a counselor may need when interacting with this population. Realization, that they are people who have lived a life full of experiences and have been shaped by many forces or variables. Understanding, that each one has unique needs, desires, and/or problems. Empathizing, that you can truly put yourself in their shoes and understand from their perspective. Empowering, find what makes each individual feel adequate, in control and safe so that they can maintain some sense of independence. Sometimes understanding and validation go a long way. When working with the elderly population it becomes essential to be an advocate, making it a point to know all the resources in the surrounding area that can provide services to fulfill the individual's needs. "In this last phase of life, psychological functioning may be characterized by aspects of change and constellations of factors that are quite distinct from the causal and processual network that is operative at earlier phases of life (Baltes & Smith, 2004)." At-home-care has been a rising star for several years now, out-poring hope to not only this generation of elderly but the ones to come as well. Having worked with this population in an at-home-care outreach along with the many disciplines that unite to create an environment that empowers elderly to continue living independently, or at least in their own home, for much much longer leaves me with an embedded appreciation for all who work with this population. Each situation is so unique that one can not begin to generalize a single approach. It is crucial that assessments be made on an individual basis with the involvement of family or caregivers. Reiterating Patty Shirmbeck in the podcast interview (2006), today's elders are much more educated that yesterday's elders, leading to a new dawn in how they approach this stage of life. As stated, depression seems more pronounced as ever before, but what happened was that being more educated gave way to this population feeling less ashamed about depression and such. This generation has learned the value of the helping profession and the relief that can bring to their livelihood. Such programs as the Gatekeeper Program (Shirmbeck, 2006) provide training to individuals working in the community in professions most likely to interact with the elderly population and is a defining force of what community is capable of creating when people work together for common good. "Chronological age may provide some limited orienting information about general expectations, but at an individual level, the therapist needs to retain a data gathering perspective to understand what are the true variables (Laidlaw & Pachana, 2009)." As a counselor working with this population, it would be necessary to understanding the specific issues faced. It is important to not only be educated in technique and style but education focused on resources leading to empowerment and some depth of independence is essential in working with the elderly population. Equally important is the dynamics of gains and loses in the individual's lifespan.(Baltes & Smith, 2004) Information gathering is critical regardless of age, but when dealing with elderly one must realize the most prominent details are likely to be dealing with family dynamics, health, and finances. CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy) can be beneficial in cognitive reconstruction of negative internal scripts resulting in unhealthy behaviors or attitudes. Transitioning into elderlihood can sometimes cause the individual to have identity confusion, therefore, having to rediscover them self. (Laidlaw & Pachana, 2009) I believe every counselor would greatly benefit from I believe every counselor would greatly benefit from personal therapy. Not only will it enlighten them how it feels to be vulnerable, but will give them a greater sense of patience, understanding and empathy in the process. Self-awareness is probably the most valuable tool any counselor could obtain, and allowing oneself to explore that vulnerably with another is invaluable.



 References:


 Baltes, P. B., & Smith, J. (2004). Lifespan Psychology: From Developmental Contextualism to Developmental Biocultural Co-constructivism. Research In Human Development, 1(3), 123-144.

 Laidlaw, K., & Pachana, N. A. (2009). Aging, mental health, and demographic change: Challenges for psychotherapists. Professional Psychology: Research And Practice, 40(6), 601-608. doi:10.1037/a0017215


Schultz, D. P., & Schultz, S. E. (2009). Theories of personality (9th ed.). Florence, KY: Wadsworth/ Cengage.


 Shirmbeck, P. (Speaker). (2006). Elder issues [Podcast Recording No. CAS038]. Kent, OH: CounselorAudioSource.net. Retrieved January 18, 2007, from http://www.counseloraudiosource.net/ feeds/cas038.mp3

Personality Examined Through Different Lenses

Personality Examined Through Different Lenses

By

Robbyn Wallace

Personality has been defined and described from numerous perspectives, theories, studies, and/or models, but from a holistic view personality is "a living, active, and purposeful organism, functioning and developing as a total integrated being (pg. 428)". As co-creators, human beings are intentional by nature's design. In other words we create our reality through intentions, whether consciously or on a subconscious level. "The individual's selection, interpretation, and use of information from the environment plays a basic role in the way in which he/she functions and develops (pg. 429)." With mental processing being with and without awareness, this makes the self-reporting part of personality more complex and incomplete. The aspects of individual psychological functioning is described with the individual as an intentional, active being, a biological being, and a social being. The biological functioning is the processes contributed to the physiological functioning of the mind and body. The social being contributes to the formation of speech and language as a tool for thoughts and communication, which leads to development of perspectives and self-perceptions. An overview of the characteristics of personality research takes a look at the approaches which have been customarily used. Fragmentation, viewed as specialization, research approaches only certain criteria or variables pertaining to personality, such as mentalistic, biological and environmental paradigms. Research that emphasizes variables is reflective of the characteristics of the average person, such as trait impact on behavior. "The trait should be considered descriptive, but not explanatory (pg. 433)." Other characteristics of personality research include prediction, unidirectional causality, dominance of methods and statistics over analysis of the phenomena, and theory versus empirical research. Unidirectional causality assumes relations such as stimulus-response (S-R), and many personality models assume relation between cognitive-motivational factors and behavior. Methods and statics lead to tests and inventories as tools for data collection. A holistic view of personality is "the whole picture has an information value that is beyond what is contained in its specific parts (the doctrine of epigenesis): "Behavior, whether social or nonsocial, is appropriately viewed in terms of an organized system, and its explanation requires a holistic analysis" (Cairns, 1979, p. 325). (pg.436)" Interaction is a fundamental principle, which can be viewed through the interplay of biological and mental variables within the individual and variables in the environment. Experience and the maturation of the individual, from a developmental perspective, change or evolve interacting factors of the person. Individuals differ to an extent due to patterns within subsystems, "such as the perceptual-cognitive-emotional system, the immune system, the coronary system, and the behavioral system (pg. 439)." Therefore, from this perspective each subsystem, within the individual, and the individual as a whole must be analyzed as to figure the total functioning of the person-environment system. Significant events, or turning points, can change initial conditions or individual positions in the developmental process. Predication, in personality research, is used as both a goal and a tool. For example, when personality prediction is used for personnel selection or in decision making. Erikson's psychosocial model is the most current holistic view. The article states "the view of individual functioning as a holistic, dynamical and complex process leads to the conclusion that such a model must include and integrate psychological and biological factors with individual and environmental-situational factors (pg. 447)", which closely describes the psychosocial model. The holistic, dynamic interactionistic view may be unrealistic to demand that each and every variable and process is necessary for all inquiry.

Reference:

Magnusson, D., & Torestad, B. (1993). A holistic view of personality. A model revisited. Annual Review of Psychology, 44, 427–452.

Inflection by Brooke King Little

Inflection
By
Brooke King Little


Look clearly, past my gown of flesh & bone, so that I may reveal myself to you. Listen intently, for we know not the message I was sent to deliver. Take me, as I am & who I'll become, I was placed in your life for a reason. One of love, without condition. WE are ever changing. I hear you, without a word whispered. I SEE you, through you, within you, around you. I, too, can taste your hunger for something more. Open your eyes & know that it lives within you. Trust, no matter what, you are EXACTLY where you are destined to be. Know that you are loved. Free yourself of flesh & bone & release your soul. There, you will find your purpose. There, you will find reason. There, you will meet yourself for the first time. There, you will meet the Divine. There, you are one, with all things, & the scales will fall from your eyes. There, you WILL findfind all you need to know. Every question you could ever asked has already been answered, within you. All you must do is find it. ~Brooke King Little~ heaven on earth. I know this to be true. Knock, & the door shall be opened. Seek & you WILL find. It's Never failing. Close your eyes, open your heart, soul, & mind, focus on whatever your question or ponderance your need answers to & still the noise in your head. Let the you within remain observant, & you will

My Daughter: Heavannah Holland Wins Kids Fishing Tourney

Franklin County Ms News: Heavannah Holland Wins Kids Fishing Tourney with 3...: May 5, 2012 CLEAR SPRINGS RECREATIONAL AREA - Kids had fun but so did their parents, grandparents and others as over 225 kids (up to 16 ye...

"We Continue On..."

We continue on… 


by Robbyn Wallace 


We continue on after heartache, even when drowning in tears.

We continue on after disappointment, even when faith becomes shaky and trust is taken.

We continue on after being released from the grip of fear, even when the shaking does not end.

We continue on after being abandoned, even when loneliness lingers within.

We continue on after loss, even when grief has crushed the soul and each breathe is a dreaded chore.

We continue on after disaster, even when giving up seems so appealing.

We continue on after overwhelming anger, even when its’ grip imprints on us in a lasting kind of way.

We continue on after failure, even when self-confidence is hindered.

We continue on after humiliation, even when our head is bowed in shame.

We continue on after illness, be it physical, mental or emotional, even when no end is in sight.

We continue on after any type struggle, even when the future seems dull and hope is no friend.



We continue on because it is the only choice. 

We continue on because something much stronger than human ego lives within us. 

We continue on because our innate desire to be loved and accepted. 

We continue on because of the hope that lies dormant, at times, deep within our subconscious. 

We continue on because this is our journey, our destiny, our fate, and our path to the other side of life.


When we continue on…

We learn to love…
We learn to live…
We learn to laugh…
We learn to be strong…


So, always continue on because ‘this too shall pass’, ‘for there is a season for all things’, and ‘what doesn’t kill you will only make you stronger’!!


PEACE, LOVE, & HAPPINESS TO ALL ♥ :)

~By Robbyn Wallace~

"Take Me In Your Arms" also known as "Miss Heroin"

Take Me in Your Arms

(Miss Heroin)

So now, little man, you've grown tired of grass
LSD, goofballs, cocaine and hash, 
and someone, pretending to be a true friend,
said, "I'll introduce you to Miss Heroin."

Well honey, before you start fooling with me, 
just let me inform you of how it will be.

For I will seduce you and make you my slave,
I've sent men much stronger than you to their graves.
You think you could never become a disgrace,
and end up addicted to Poppy seed waste.

So you'll start inhaling me one afternoon,
you'll take me into your arms very soon.
And once I've entered deep down in your veins,
The craving will nearly drive you insane.

You'll swindle your mother and just for a buck.
You'll turn into something vile and corrupt.
You'll mug and you'll steal for my narcotic charm,
and feel contentment when I'm in your arms.

The day, when you realize the monster you've grown,
you'll solemnly swear to leave me alone.
If you think you've got that mystical knack,
then sweetie, just try getting me off your back.

The vomit, the cramps, your gut tied in knots.
The jangling nerves screaming for one more shot.
The hot chills and cold sweats, withdrawal pains,
can only be saved by my little white grains.

There's no other way, and there's no need to look,
for deep down inside you know you are hooked.
You'll desperately run to the pushers and then,
you'll welcome me back to your arms once again.

And you will return just as I foretold!
I know that you'll give me your body and soul.
You'll give up your morals, your conscience, your heart.
And you will be mine until, "Death Do Us Part"



Author Anonymous

Humanity: Are We Lacking Compassion?

"Humanity: Are We Lacking Compassion?"
by Robbyn Wallace

I believe that it is up to humanity to realize the lessons put before us so that we evolve to the intended awareness that God seeks in our ultimate companionship. As of thus far, on a grand scale, we have so far to go. We are all connected which means that until all are enlightened we are stagnant in the universal consciousness. Enlightenment for mankind is not an option. Until all humans realize that we need each other and all connect through compassion and love for all creation, we are domed for a viscous cycle of hard lessons. God wants us to take responsibility, this why life is an evolving process at every level from particle to cosmological.

God wants us to follow the convictions he places within each of our hearts. WE change the world (with God) ONE person at a time. If we just sit back and expect God to do what we were put here to do then we have not learned anything that God intended for us. God wants true companionship, and as of right now humanity cannot provide that. Therefore, the cycle of lessons will continue until we evolve to a higher consciousness of awareness. By us participating in learning to live in harmony with ALL God's creation we are fulfilling our purpose. We are the chosen one's, the one's that can and should make a difference. Having tolerance for inhumane acts, whether to humans or other species, is definitely NOT God's will. God gave us "free-will" for a reason, and I plan on using mine to do good in the world and hopefully to make a difference in the world. If people keep sitting back and saying, "God is in control" or God this or God that, we will NEVER accomplish God's intention for us. “God is in control” should not be used as a crutch for us not to do our part or fulfill our purpose. If people care so much about the bible then they need to start letting God truly use them as a vessel, and not keep waiting around for God to do the work we are meant to do. WE make a difference. We make things happen. We are responsible for ourselves AND the world we live in. Start with yourself and then you can really go out into the world and spread TRUE compassion and love. Racism toward other races or species MUST END! All I am saying is that people need to start actually using some of that "bible" knowledge, or any other religious knowledge, they claim to have... I honestly don't need to see quote after quote of bible, etc. versus that the majority of people don't truly comprehend or live. If people want to make a difference and truly live for God it is pretty simple. LIVE A LIFE OF LOVE AND COMPASSION FOR ALL GOD'S CREATION. WE ARE ALL KINDRED SPIRITS. WE ARE ALL GOD'S CHILDREN. WE ARE ALL EQUAL, CONCERNING COMPASSION AND LOVE. WE ARE ALL CONNECTED. WE ALL EXPERIENCE THE CYCLE OF LIFE. IF YOU LOVE GOD, THEN YOU SHOULD LOVE GOD'S CREATION ENTIRELY WITH NO DIFFERENTIATION BETWEEN RACES OR SPECIES. LOVE IS LOVE IS LOVE!!!! FEEL IT AND LIVE IT, AND IT WILL ENCOMPASS ALL THAT YOU ARE AND REPRESENT!!

When I say equal I speak of equality in the showing of compassion, all God’s creation deserves equality as much as we do. When you kill a roach or spider do you purposely make them suffer or do you do it quickly as to avoid inhumane treatment. We are all equal when it comes to deserving compassion and treatment. I would also like to point out that I will educate people in all area’s of suffering, be it child abuse or domestic abuse or any other kind of abuse. Animal cruelty just happens to be the topic at the moment!!

Of course humans, as most species, have the innate instinct to protect their own. This system has served life well in evolution. However, I am not speaking on matters of choosing one species over another but to sustain humane treatment among all inhabitants of the earth. Our compassion should not be contained within limits of only humans but extended to all life, to all of God's creation. Compassion = respect and vice verse. God warded humans as the stewards of the earth. It is our duty to do right among all creation. The environment is no exception to this. If you view the earth as a living cell, then you can understand that all living organisms play a role. We all work together to sustain what we call life. Humans being the most advanced/evolved organisms have the highest responsibility to protect life in all forms. Humans that use their power and status in the cycle of life to cause suffering are inexcusable. I am suggesting that people wake up, quit being blind, and stand up against cruelty. It is up to us to make sure laws against cruelty are upheld to the fullest and to bring awareness to all that we know. All I ask of people is that they go watch the movie on www.earthlings.com. Once you have watched that and you can still say that you don't understand my point, well then I am truly sorry and my heart is heavy. We are all creatures of God, and we all deserve compassion and respect! Go to www.earthlings.com and click on “Feature Film”. It’s a must see documentary about the inhumane treatment of animals. I am so conflicted as to changing my own lifestyle to live by example. Where the heck did human's compassion go? Do we even have a heart for living creatures? We are all connected, and until we wake the heck up and realize that we will NEVER be a peaceful anything nor will we ever live in true harmony.

The world's population will soon reach a level where there will not be enough resources to sustain life, as we know it. Growth must be checked to avoid this catastrophe. Many environmental, social, and economic problems either stem from or are increased in magnitude by the overpopulation problem. With an exponentially increasing population, the problems created by overpopulation grow correspondingly. 

In my opinion humans are becoming like a virus consuming everything in our way until we have depleted our planet's resources. We each have a choice on how we can contribute to saving our planet. Sacrifices must be made for the betterment of our world. 

If we keep going the way we are we will run out of food and water, and starvation will become more of a norm than you want to conceive. After watching how horrible we are to animals’ maybe we deserve to starve. Just pure sickening!!!! I'm fired up and feeling VERY disappointed in humanity right now... I pray that we all wake up before it is too late... This is a very important year for enlightenment!! Please start caring about the world, in which we all share and have a responsibility to!! Peace Out!!

I personally have no problem with consumption of meat if done in humane connate way, but to slaughter in inhumane ways is unacceptable and with good conscious I refuse to be apart of it and will be an advocate to bring awareness of the matter. It's gross, and that is staying it mildly. I am more than willing to try alternatives just to make a stand, not just with the consumption of meat but also other markets where animals are involves. I personally feel convicted by God to make a stand. We should all have a conviction to show compassion and love to all species. I just hope people learn that animals deserve kindness and love also.

My take is not that everyone becomes Vegan but that humans become more 'humane' in their approaches of slaughtering animals and to consider the effects of our actions up on other species in everything concerning them. Also, I think that it is an option to wear clothing, etc. made of animal skin and fur. 

Animals are not the ones devouring and depleting the earth's resources... Humans are the one with a higher consciousness. Therefore it is OUR responsibility to do the RIGHT thing... AND, for peat’s sake we could be a heck of a lot more humane... It is disgraceful how horrible and mean we are to the lower species... I mean really!!!!

If I want to eat meat I think I will stick to meat that are killed with dignity... Local deer or fishing for one... I will, personally, also be learning more about the Vegan lifestyle... Honestly after watching that movie I will always envision the horrible inhuman slaughter of those animals... And as far as milk, please pay close attention to how HORRIBLE they are to those cows that are supplying it. I love milk too, but OMGosh does it have to be under such inhumane conditions? There is always soymilk or brands of milk that cater to ‘happier’ cows. I cried so much during that movie... It hurt me to the very core down to my very soul... I can't imagine treating a living creature with such sick inhumane murder... I would hunt and kill a deer to eat, but I wouldn't do it with intentions of making it suffer and doing horrible violent acts to it as it suffers... How sick is humanity that we can condone such sickness? I don't sternly voice many definitive opinions, but this is NOT one that I will back down from. I will be an advocate for animal treatment from this point on for the rest of my life. I will do my part to bring awareness and educate people on the cruelty of what we are inflicting upon these animals. Laws need to not only be in place but should definitely be ENFORCED on these facilities with NO exception!!!

Keep in mind that animals are made from the same STARDUST that humans and the rest of existence are made from. They have molecular structure also. Humans just happen to evolve to higher consciousness. If you guys know anything about science, from particle to cosmological, you will understand that God lives within and all around ALL creation. God created ALL. We are ALL connected. We all are flourish energy at the most basic level. We must learn compassion for ALL God's creation, no matter the race or species!! If we can't comprehend this then I am afraid that humanity will never reach it's full potential. 

As far as the overpopulation, I am not necessarily saying sterilization but whether it is incentives or women being educated to consider being fixed or men for that matter is something that should at least be considered. If people continue having a high number of children the world's resources are going to indeed run out. Maybe it will not be in our generation but in generations to come. We need to start thinking past our own welfare of our world present and future. For instance, the US has an underground iceberg in the center of it and it is the main source of water, so what happens when that is depleted. Oh, well I will be glad to let you guys no that in California recycling of sewer is happening, and guess what there is no way for us to eliminate all the pharmaceuticals and food additives that we are consuming. Therefore, they are going back into those people. What health care issues to you think that will cause down the road? These are all serious issues. I'm not saying I have the answers, but I am saying that people need to be aware and start thinking about the big picture before it is too late.

WE ALL NEED TO BAND TOGETHER TO CHANGE THE WORLD, ONE PERSON AT A TIME WE DO HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!

My 2011 Collage of Thoughts

My 2011 Collage of Thoughts



By Robbyn R. Wallace





Your Attitude + Your Choices = Your Life 




REPEAT AFTER ME: "*I* am responsible for *my* ~feelings, thoughts and actions~, AND *I* control how *I* view and react to the world..." 





I am so beyond being just fed up with Christian HYPOCRITES!! It's crazy how many 'delusional' people there are. Hide behind your religion but in the end it won't matter how often you attend church. What will matter is how you treat people, and what your true intentions are. Maybe you need to worry more about what God would think and less about what people think. Appearance can be VERY deceiving. Just saying!!


Having faith in God is not begging for "your" way but putting it in God's hands and trusting that he knows best.  




What is black to one person is white to another. And nothing in this world is so perfect that it is pure white, or so bad it is pure black. Everything concerning human beings comes in shades of gray. None of us is perfect, without flaws.




I just want to say that LIVING FOR GOD is not all about fellowship and church. Living for God is loving people no matter what, showing kindness and compassion to ALL of God's creation, and helping others mentally, physically, emotionally and/or otherwise. Mother Teresa was not known for always attending church and fellowshipping with those of 'her' faith, but going out and touching the lives of people of all faiths. She was not in it to persuade others to choose her faith, but to have a compassionate heart and love all people. I just wish so many people were not obsessed with their religion. It contaminates their perspective on God's true intentions for mankind. It is easy to love those who agree with you, but it is more important to love and reach out to those who don't and/or won't!! Okay, stepping off my soap box now!! 




When life gives you lemons make lemonade!!!!!! Just saying!! 


THOUGHT = Conscious acts of creation!! 


I am only me, that is who I choose to be. If I weren't me, then who else would I be? You can lie to others, but never to yourself & God! So, be true to yourself because that is what truly matters!!!! 


I love myself, just thought I would put that out there in the universe. To love yourself is to love God!! Just saying...


I might be the weird one in "your" world, but in “my" world you're the weird one. And guess what, I would much rather my world. However, you are welcome to join me anytime!! Visitors welcome!!  


Spiritual growth is a process of learning to live in harmony with the Universe through love and compassion for all God's creation. By practicing patience, understanding, compassion, kindness and love toward self and others you will radiate this energy through the Universe and in effect will touch others, directly and indirectly, and inspire spiritual growth within yourself... There are many paths that lead to God, everyone must choose their own with the conviction God places in their heart. God allows us freedom of choice. When a choice against his will is made, he then allows us to learn and grow from "our" choice. Everyone experiences suffering in one form or another, but God is always there with us. God is within us and all around us!


The human experience is a way for our soul to achieve growth by helping ourself & others, living & learning, loving & understanding, etc. Everything experienced in life has a purpose, and this purpose is for growth. This growth is important for our soul to be a better companion to God. If you fail to find the purpose in each experience, then you fail to grow from it. Suffering just happens to be apart of that, which is why it is allowed. Without it our soul would never know that experience, and in turn would not truly comprehend compassion! When you find acceptance in this process, you will then find understanding and contentment in your heart!! God Bless & May your day be great! Don't forget to smile at at least one person today!! Correction:  If you fail to accept each experience & use it as a tool to help self & others, then you fail to grow from it!! 


Prayer will calm anger and make life mean more:  Absolutely, once anger is calm and forgiveness is given, there is still the fact that actions and words are not forgotten. This doesn't mean that there has to be hard feelings, resentment or revenge, but situations and relationships are forever changed. This is where acceptance of change takes place! Love never dies just changes! Experiencing anger is a part of life, it is how you handle it that defines your character though! 


Emotions are so flippin human!!!! UGH!! Just imagine an existence NOT driven by human emotion but only by love and true understanding. Can you truly grasp the overwhelming presence of peace in that?!?! Anyway, that would be nice but impossible in the human realm. 


The best things in life are free!! Never lose sight of that!! No amount of money or material things can replace those things that come with no cost!! 


Loving from a distance is easy, it's loving up close and personal that can be difficult!! Patience & tolerance are not my best friend, sure wish they were though!! Hoping for a better tomorrow!!!! 


They say curiosity killed the cat, but I say boredom did!!!!! LMBO 


It is so weird how sometimes you can just get lost in the past. I know it isn't good for a person because we are supposed to live in the present, but I just can't seem to help myself sometimes. Sooooo much on my mind! Hoping it goes away soon... "sigh"


A person learns from life what their mind allows. You have to want more to get more. Knowledge is not given, but taken. One must sometimes broaden their mind to inspire even their self!!


There is a conflict within me, one of resistance and constant struggles. I am sad yet happy. Angry yet forgiving. Empty yet fulfilled. Heartless yet full of compassion. Hopeless yet full of hope. Lost yet found by God. Honest yet secretly hiding. Bold yet shy. Lonely yet surrounded by the world and God. Needing yet giving. Unloved yet loved. The internalized conflicts are never ending. Finding compromise, understanding, accepting and allowing oneself to feel what is good and release what isn't. This is where one finds inner peace. It is a never ending journey. It is my destiny, my goal!! 


I wish I had something GREAT to say, but unfortunately I am out of GREAT things to say at the moment. Stay tuned cause you never know when I might though!! heehee 


There are situations and choices in the past which have led up to that moment, and of which that moment is the consequence; and there are situations and choices in the future which spring directly from our response to that moment, and see in turn affected by our present choices. Therefore it makes sense to understand all we can about how we landed ourselves in a particular situation, for this understanding will in turn affect how we respond to life, and therefore what the next 'moment' will bring.


Beauty without substance is like a 'fake' diamond, pretty to look at but has no true value!! 




Life is but a mountain, and I am determined to reach the top no matter the obstacles I may face! Never give up, right? 


Does your child(ren) reflect who you are as a parent? If your child had to demonstrate what they have learned from you, what would he/she have to say? When parenting these are some questions we should be asking our self! We are all-human, thus are flawed. Mistakes are inevitable; it is how we handle them that define us...


I say lift up others despite how you feel, for it is always more fulfilling to make a POSITIVE difference!!!!


Love and be loved. Hate and be hated. JUDGE AND BE JUDGED. Have compassion and compassion will be given back to you. Well, guess I will stop there cause my brain ran out of words!! LOL... 


There are some people in this world that are impossible, and make it hard for good hearted people to have compassion for them! There are consequences for your actions, and it is time to take responsibility and be held accountable. There is a difference between supporting and loving a family member and enabling them! Learn it people!! 


Each struggle in life is an opportunity to shine... Well shoot, guess I still need a little buffing cause my luster is still a little dull!! LOL...


I say, "Love yourself first, then love others as you love yourself! Respect yourself first, then respect others as you respect yourself! All in all, do into others the way you would like others to do unto you." 


It is through our interactions with others that we become aware of our shortcomings and our abilities. It is through our personal encounters that we come to realize what we need to work on, as well as what it is we have with which to work.   


We attract souls to us that sometimes mirror a hidden image of our self, whether in a positive light or negative. Recognition of this is the first step into understanding why the people in our life are apart of it! What are the qualities you admire? Resent? Etc... If you want better, do better and you may attract better!!  


Goal for today: In your heart of hearts, from your soul, truly forgive someone today for a past transgression. Now it is time to unload that luggage you have been carrying around with you, you have no more use for it. Your life shall be enhanced for such a brave act of compassion and understanding!!  

P.S. From this moment on when you think about what was forgiven you will have no more negative emotion toward it. Remember that you are released and now you will feel compassion and understanding in place of anger and resentment! Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetfulness... It's okay to remember, just make sure to let those emotions felt change!!


Goal for today: Go out of your way to be nice to someone that you would never think twice about or someone who may get on your nerves!! Hope all have a great day!! 


Of all the mistakes made, none I am ashamed. For at the very least I learned humility! 


I believe that if you dig deep within yourself you will discover that you have the power to change your life. Just have faith in yourself, and the courage to adjust to transformation. Search for the true meaning in life, your spiritual journey. Once you take that first step you will discover that each step will become clearer and easier than the last. Learn to love, forgive, and have compassion for those you do not understand, for they’re also just living a human existence trying to find their way. Get away from those things that hold you back, and begin to live for a future that you most desire. 


Something to Ponder: When you talk behind someone's back you not only show lack of integrity and character but also you break trust and credibility...


Something to Ponder: People tend to reject things they do not understand!!


Something to Ponder: Scars remind us where we have been, BUT they do not determine where we are going!!


Over time life gave me many lemons that I didn't know what to do with, but eventually I learned to make lemonade. 


Huge pillow fight with my daughter = aching joints!!!! So well worth it tho. Laughed so hard I almost pee'd my pants. Ha. 


(July 4th 2011) 13 Years ago today my family lost a valuable piece of our puzzle, and that piece left us incomplete and always will. I love and miss you little brother, Christopher Wallace. RIP


As unique as we all are, it is amazing how similarly we all function! Have you ever wondered "Has or Does anyone else feel this way?" or "Does anyone understand what I am dealing with or going through?". The answer to those "type" questions is YES! YOU ARE NOT ALONE! There are many many people who do and have felt and thought exactly as you do. The emotions and thoughts you have are not unique to only you. The same broken record plays in my head as it plays in yours! The big difference is how YOU choose to deal with them! 


Main thing is always to remember you are a spiritual being having a human experience... Sometimes our life experiences are there to help our soul grow. Good and Bad, you always have the power to transform it into a positive outcome from within yourself... 


Yes, I have grey hair... Guess what? I think it's beautiful, and I'm keeping it... Ha... I prefer to be natural!! 




Having faith in God is not begging for "your" way but putting it in God's hands and trusting that he knows best.  


I believe being genuinely happy for other's good fortune shows strong character. We ultimately choose to feel jealous, just as we can choose not to feel it. It is always great to be reminded of our choices when it comes to what kind of person we desire to be. 


Goal for today: say good morning or hi to someone on FB that you normally don't or even wouldn't say it to. That is actively showing your inner love for others!!   


Real Christians are NOT condescending to others. Real Christians treat others as they would want to be treated. It disgusts me that there are some people who go to church every time the doors open, but turn around and treat others like crap or act condescending like they are so much more than they really are. It is called delusions of grandeur people. News Flash: You are NOT that important. I might not go to church, but I promise you one thing I am more of a Christian or righteous than most who do. At least I truly put in an effort to make ALL people feel important. I constantly make myself vulnerable to others because I try to be what GOD wants me to be even if it does cause me to be rejected at times. It just ticks me off how some people are such HYPOCRITES!!!! All I can say is that I pray that people snap out of hipocracy and break the circle with their children. Otherwise, the next generation will be no different. I think it is disturbing that those types are so blind to their ways. And, in my opinion, those who stick their pathetic nose up at others and don't show respect and kindness are some of the worst. I would NEVER want to be known or thought of as that kind of person. I try to acknowledge and show kindness to everyone and teach my daughter the same because showing kindness, compassion, love, understanding and forgiveness to others is the most important quality in any follower of God. If you can't master that then what kind of person are you???? ... I just wish they would realize how they are being perceived because it is NEVER too late to change and make a difference... I say, live by example and if you are going to talk the talk then walk the walk... 


There is NOTHING CHRISTIAN or HOLY about hate, intolerance, prejudice or bullying... Your job is to LOVE not JUDGE, even when it is something that you are against or against your personal beliefs. It's time to start teaching our children that it is NOT okay to bully others for ANY reason. Teach your kids LOVE NOT HATE!!


What good is it to know the Bible inside out if you don't know how to simply be a good person, a loving person, a compassionate and understanding person.... Something to ponder! 


Perfect time to plant your seeds of positivity and watch them grow...


How do you recognize the people that show up in your life that are only there to teach you a lesson?


In a massive, cosmology kind of way, through the concept of thermodynamics, human progress is but an ephemeral and inconsequential episode in a universal decay. Makes you wonder what our energy will converse to... I find it comforting knowing that our energy is infinite, and will become one with our source!! 


We deprive ourself of so much happiness when we allow the past to shape the present! 


Excuses are like butt-holes, everyone has one but yours STINKS!! 


Ever notice how many physically pretty women are some of the ugliest? If you happen to be blessed/cursed with physical beauty do NOT let it go to your head. Realize that it takes a lot more than that to actually be beautiful!!


Letting go of someone is not about letting go of the feelings but instead keeping the love, by moving on and letting them move on as well, and accepting that sometimes love's just not enough.


Thought for the day: If you are a bully OR participate in bullying and that person commits suicide, in my eyes you are associated as participating in premeditated MURDER!! So, you PARENTS out there QUIT teaching, by words and actions, your children intolerance of others differences!! If you are prejudice, or even racist, KEEP IT TO YOURSELF, AND for peets-sake do not be 'that' kind of role model for the next generation. READ YOU BIBLE, AND PUT THE 'CHRIST' BACK IN 'CHRISTIAN!! Enough said!! Sorry, but I am quite fed up of hearing of children committing suicide because of this kind of crap... It just hurts my heart... SOMEBODY, EVERYBODY, NEEDS TO SPEAK UP AGAINST BULLYING!!


Scientific studies have shown that forests and other natural green environments have positive health benefits. After spending time in these types of surroundings, people report having a reduction in stress, anger and aggressiveness. Recovery time from stressful situations is faster in natural, green surroundings than in urban areas. Natural surroundings have also been found to improve mood and reduce depression. Still more reports show that spending time in nature helps to lower blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and stress hormone levels.


My thought for the night: I am a friend of great "quality" but don't do too much "quantity" with friends. In other words, I always strive to give such good quality to all my friends that they don't need near as much quantity of my time. 


Ok, one more goofy saying... Embrace the dork within. That's the motto I try to live by. Those who know me well will understand why I say that. I am a dork, and darn proud of it!!!! 


Heavannah Holland, I want you to know how very proud I am of the person you are, the person you're becoming, and the person I know you will be. You fill my heart with so much hope and faith. Every time you stay true to yourself, every time you act as individual and not a follower, and every time you treat another person with kindness and acceptance you realize your potential. You are my heart-n-soul. You are my home. You are everything I live for. You bring me true happiness. You are the main reason God created me. You give my life purpose and meaning. I appreciate you, and what you bring to my life. Thank you for your tolerance of all my imperfections as a parent, and as a friend. I love you T.I.F.E. and so far beyond, even, that. ((HUGZ))


Lovin my simple lil country life, being a single lil Momma, and raising a beautiful sweet daughter... How could I possibly ask for or even want anything more, and I truly mean that!! It's all about finding the joy in each moment or phase of life. Be thankful, no matter how much or less that you have. Make the most of your life at each level. And, always strive to be better, for yourself and those you love. I may not have a lot in some peoples eyes, but in mine I am the richest person in the world.... When Heavannah gets grown a whole new and exciting part of my life, and life goals, will begin to blossom. However, I want to bask in the pure happiness of the current moment... I am excited for the here and now, but still look forward to a wonderful and eventful future. 


Facebook is a but a vehicle for me to express myself and share that expression with others. This is 100% the real me, the only me. I am not ashamed and make no apologies, everyone has a choice as to what and whom they are subjected to. Always remember that and exercise that right! 


Scientifically, what are we really made of? The stuff that we are made of today only requires maybe a handful of little particles. The atoms on the outside, our electrons whirling around like planets, if you'd like, and there is a nucleus in the center of the atom which we used to believe consist of protons and neutrons. Well, it is but deeper down, they in turn, like going to the heart of the cosmic onion, are made of little things called quarks. Two types of quarks, an up quark and a down quark. And that's it, an up and a down quark joined together in different ways. Ultimately, made of the atomic nucleus, an electron whirling around the outside makes the atom. Throw in a nutrino, which is created in radio active processes, and that is the basic particles that makes up everything that you see around you. There are also photon of light which we are seeing with right now, and that is pretty well it. Quarks don't have any size, the size of the radius of a quark is zero. They are like a tiny box full of energy. All matter, including us, is actually made of energy that has congealed into particulate form. That appears to be what we are made of, at least as far as we can see right now. But knowing this opens up an even greater mystery which is, "Why is the stuff we are made of behave the way it does?" Take a minute to really think about this. To me, the particle world is just as mysterious as the cosmic one. AND, I FREAKIN LOVE IT!! :)


I am reminded daily that it is a choice to be happy, peaceful, and content, no matter the circumstances or environment, failures or successes. I "choose" the higher road, the higher path. I "choose" to find peace and happiness within myself. I "choose" not to allow the negativity of this world to determine my inner state of being. I am grateful to live in an existence where there is a "choice"!


Even when you absolutely know it will never last forever you love even more so deeply because one day there will be no tomorrow with that particular person, however, the impact of that love will last an eternity.


Feel! Yes, feel. Whether it be bad or good, just feel it. With it's full impact. What does it do to you? What can it do? Destroy or empower? Your choice! What ignites your fire, the fire within you? Only you know, and only you can chose and act upon.


My brain is infested with thoughts of you!! My heart is tortured with my love for you!! Every fiber of me, down to my very soul, aches for you and only you!! So what do I do without you, with me, always? Every breath I take comes with a price, life continuing without you, my love! You complete me! You are my happy place, my home! I need you! I want you in my life! I have to have you in my life! I will never give up! You are forever in my heart, and I love you, my beautiful soulmate!!


I am at peace, and content, within and with myself, even though I could say my life is lacking goal time-line. However, the climb is worth the view at the top, even when you have to stop and rest more often than intended!! :)


On this earth there is belief that we are separate from source. This is a fear-based reality. From the time we are born we are programmed with belief systems from our family, country, culture, education, religion, etc., without the ability to discern what is authentic for us. In essence, we create a persona based on other people’s perceptions and reactions to our behaviors. This creates a false self, one born out of a reactive consciousness, manufactured personality based on image.


The first talk I had with my daughter about 1st went something like this. (You know, 1st kisses, etc.) Her logic: You said you had your 1st kiss at 12 years old, so it must be ok. My logic to her: I'm not the best example to live by dear, and I expect and want better for you. I smoked my 1st joint at your age, and that definitely was and is NOT ok or good. You can do better than that, and I expect better. So, for future reference just because I did something at your age does NOT make it ok for you. Again, I am not the best example of my expectations for you. I can't go back and change it, but, through you, I can make it right (aka... A Lesson Learned) It's these type opportunities that define what we are instilling in our children. I took this opportunity to share my expectations, to be honest in my own mistakes, to be earnest in my lessons learned, and to communicate on a "real" level with my child. We are all imperfect, we have all made errors in judgement at one point or another no matter the severity. It is ok to show humility, by showing you are teaching. We should always express our desire for a better experience for our child. Always remember, your child is also a person. And, more than likely YOU are their primary role model. Moral here: Communication and understanding is key.


It's not where I have been in life, it is about where I am destined and getting there justly. Through my, many, bad judgments in life I have learned how to live, learn, grow and teach. I am neither ashamed nor regretful, for I gained a world of understanding, knowledge and wisdom!


Reactive behavior creates intense sparks of light but eventually leaves darkness in its wave. Nestled within our reactive behavior is the desire for instant gratification. It offers a quick high that makes us feel alive and in control of our lives. We can become addicted to this feeling, just as a runner does to endorphins or a drug addict to heroin, crack, or cocaine.


Don't ever mistake my kindness or kind-heartedness for weakness, cause believe me I have strength you can only dream of. Booyah Baby... Ha


Even though I am very hopeful of a peaceful tomorrow for our future generations, I am forever indebted to all who have protected, even helped shape, our great nation, our world. Thank you to ALL veterans! My heart breaks knowing the cost, emotionally & physically, many have paid to serve their nation. I remain thankful, everyday, that I gained so much, instead of loss of self, through all my experiences in the military and even my tour in Iraq. We are a blessed Nation!! Shout out to all my comrads, but MOSTLY my Dad & Grandfather, who both inspired me to follow my own path of service!! :)


What is black to one person is white to another. And nothing in this world is so perfect that it is pure white, or so bad it is pure black. Everything concerning human beings comes in shades of gray. None of us is perfect, without flaws.


I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE MY PRECIOUS, WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL, INSIDE AND OUT, DAUGHTER, HEAVANNAH HOLLAND! SHE IS MY WORLD, MY LIFE, MY DREAMS, MY HOPES, AND EVERYTHING I EVER WANTED AND NEEDED IN LIFE. T.I.F.E. (TO INFINITY FOR ETERNITY) ALWAYS AND FOREVER. I AM ETERNALLY GRATEFUL FOR THIS WONDERFUL GIFT THAT I WAS BLESSED WITH. 


What does it truly mean to be a good parent? Selfless and unconditional love, without being an enabler. Sacrifice, of people and material things. Protecting at ALL costs. Knowing that you would lose the world and anything in it for your child without a second thought, and doing the right thing. Absorbing all the hurt and pain, being a cushion of protection. Nurturing, sharing, loving, protecting, and being a good example, someone that can be admired and respected in their eyes. Doing what is right, even when it isn’t easy. Practicing what you preach so that they learn to do the same. Showing compassion for them, and for all God’s creation. Discipline, structure, and teaching when necessary. Tough love, when necessary. Quality time with them is more important than quantity, even though quantity is great when available. Respect, given and received. Being honest and teaching honesty, no matter the consequences. Participating, being an active role model and playing an active role in their life with consistency. Learning and growing together as a family. Being the rock when they need something solid to lean on. Loving… Laughing… Living… Allowing them to see the humanity in you as a parent and a person. Being accessible to their needs. Teaching morals and values that will last a lifetime, a foundation they can build upon for the rest of their life. The list is endless, but this is a start… There is no mountain too tall, no valley too low, no ocean to wide to be the best parent you can be to your precious, gift(s), child(ren). Love them, protect them, cherish them and do not take them for granted, for you are not promised tomorrow to make it right with them… Do it NOW!! Let them know they are loved, cherished, and appreciated for the wonderful person they are and can be. Teach them to have compassion for all of God’s creation, in return they may love and be loved beyond our expectations!!


Everyone deserves equality! It is time for people to put aside prejudice and discrimination!! Hopefully people will open up their hearts and minds, and realize that we are ALL children of God! Throughout history prejudice and discrimination has consumed the hearts of many good people! When has prejudice or discrimination ever served a higher purpose or brought anyone to God? NEVER! The journey to God is NOT through any negative thought or action to self or another, but through the love and compassion that ties us all to God! You cannot live for God with hatred in your heart!! 


Plant seeds... Some may grow right away... Some seeds may take longer to develop or grow... And some may never grow... But all we can do is plant the seeds and let God do the rest! 


I do not aim to change peoples mind, just broaden it!! 


I am weary in my human sufferings. My spirit is wounded and hiding. Knowing and doing seem so distant in wisdom. My heart is broken beyond a million pieces, with an impossibility of ever being whole again. My soul sheds so many tears knowing that pain is ultimately inflicted by and to each of us. We are infected with saturated half-truths and contaminated knowledge. Like a virus we continue on consuming all in our way. Stop, slow down, take a minute to see what is right in front of you. Hope becoming so dim, leaving it difficult to see the path and find our way. Faith diminishes with each failure. Is it too late, has it been too long. How do we go on. Weakness can be the demise of a good thing. Love and hate flirt religiously with one another. Can we overcome pain by replacing it with love, is it ever too late. Once again I say, I am very weary in my human sufferings. Yet I must continue on, while trying to remember my song!!


Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for everything in and of itself. Good and bad, I am shaped by all that was, is, and will be in my life. But, I think I am most Thankful for my daughter who brings richness, beyond belief, to my life. I am constantly memorized by the person she was and is. She completes me and my life. Hope everyone has a blessed and wonderful day!! Don't forget to focus on gratitude on this day of thanks!! ♥


Thought of the day: Never think there is any excuse for being mean spirited that would be considered appropriate, there is not. In the end it can always be simplified to the basic saying 'Do unto others as you would want to be done'. Think it out. It may also help improve and/or strengthen your decision-making processes. Be Blessed!! :)


Inner strength is an amazing and enduring quality. One of the hardest tasks is to love in the face of adversity, forgive when it hurts the most, understand when it makes no sense, and carry on when you feel like giving up. If you can manage these tasks in the end you will find yourself with inner peace in knowing you overcame odds and proclaimed your relationship with the higher intelligence/God! May all have a Blessed Day! Take time to appreciate yourself today, and what you add to this world. Remember, we all add something a little special!!







My daughter truly amazes me. It warms my heart when she reflects wisdom beyond her years. It gives me comfort that she is learning some of the most important lessons I constantly preach to her. Even better, it gives me joy to see her walk the walk and be the person I hoped and prayed her to be. All the good grades in the world can't compare to that!! Just saying... :)






Thought for Today: Appreciate that God gave us a brain to learn with, ears to listen with, mouth to speak with, heart to love with, eyes to see with, people who have the desire to teach others, and the internet and FaceBook as a great tool to reach others' hearts and minds! May all Be Blessed!







The great thing about cliche's is that they are usually correct, sometimes it just takes time and appreciation to understand how they work!! 


Example:


"This too shall pass"! This is true on the most basic of levels, EVERYTHING PASSES (sooner or later). If you can just hold on and be strong through the storm, eventually it will calm and you will appreciate the strength it gave you. 


When you are in the midst of struggles, pain or grief it is so difficult to have faith that there is always better days ahead. In the midst of a struggle, pain or grief it may seem like there is no light at the end of the tunnel. However, you have to be determined within yourself to make the most out of your life, learn and grow spiritually, always give back or pay it forward, and sooner or later that light at the end of the tunnel will become visible!!

Complacent with my thoughts, hoping for burst of ideas to form a magnificent ideal! Tired of being trapped within this confinement, ready for true freedom! So much compassion wasted on nothingness! Wanting more, needing less, and having what is. Struggles drowning my spirit within. The light at the end of the tunnel is still so dim. Trying to live up to expectations and desires, falling short. Not giving up, just struggling to continue. When will I have my hearts desire, wondering if it will ever come again. Discouraging at times but hopeful always, I will fight til the end. Without my dreams I am nothing. Dreams not consisting of earthly pleasure, but fulfillment of my soul. My purpose nothing but divine til the end of time, then passing into infinity is what I most desire! I am a spirit having a human experience, not the other way around! 







I hope it pours down raining tonight!! I want to sit on my back porch, relax and listen. :)






The difference between Prayer and Meditation: Prayer is supplication to God, and Meditation is listening to His answer!! 


Being quiet, in mind and body, gives God a chance to whisper in your ear. It's more important to hear God's direction than begging for your wishes or desires. God is always there to lead you through, inevitable, struggles, pain, and even grief. Let His whispers touch your soul and comfort your spirit. Find peace and solace in his wisdom. 


When my ears fail to hear I have faith that my heart got the message and will guide me through helping me to make choices that are in tune with God's desire for me and my life. I try to always view all things with understanding from a higher perspective than merely my ego perspective. It can be very difficult at times, but it always proves invaluable in my spiritual growth and relationship to God. 










Something to ponder: When it comes down to it ALL humans have the innate need to be accepted by others, and when denied that acceptance it causes emotions of pain and hurt to turn to never ending anger.

Personality is how we interact and communicate with the world around us. Personality defines a degree of our character. Personality can be altered, improved, and/or strengthened. Each thought eventually finds a way to express itself, whether through our interactions with the world around us or even how we treat our-self. Be the change you wish to see in the world! Only you can change "your" world and in turn possibly change someone elses, sometimes just merely through a change in perception. Take that first step by focusing each thought, each action and reaction in a positive direction!! 





EVERY MIND IS A FOREIGN COUNTRY!! All are absolutely unique in the combination thoughts, desires, feelings, and beliefs. :)