I was abandoned as a 6 month old, and spent the first 16 years of my life as what was referred to in the 60’s and 70’s as a “ward of the court.” Most of those years were spent in the care of a mentally ill man and an addicted woman in a bizarre, chaotic environment. I’ll tell you just enough to give you a glimpse into just how bizarre it was… I was disciplined... [read more]
When I was 27, my doctor found cancer—again. After surgery, I returned home alone–again. As I lay there with no TV or radio, I had a lot of quiet time to think. I thought about what I wanted to do with my life, what my life was like, and what I wanted it to be like. There was a huge gap between where I was and where I wanted to be. At that point, I didn’t know if the... [read more]
When I was seven years old, I was labeled “unadoptable” by my county social worker. That was the day that my worst fears of never being rescued actually came true. I remember thinking, “It’s official. I am unwanted and unloved.”
What prompted that label was a meeting with two ladies who came to meet me. Both ladies were warm and friendly. I learned quickly that... [read more]
Common Sense Tip #1: DO NOT be influenced by the people in your life to do something you know isn’t right. You’re strong enough to say no.
Common Sense Tip #2: LISTEN MORE THAN YOU TALK. You won’t believe how much you will learn and what opportunities are available when you just pay attention. When you develop a reputation for being a good listener, your... [read more]
Rather than going out and buying way too many gifts for kids who rip through them and look around for more, or spending way too much on gifts for people whom you don’t see the rest of the year, consider a simpler Christmas this year.
Talk to the people on your list, including the children in your life, and let them know that you are exercising wisdom this year by setting... [read more]
Yesterday within a matter of about 30 minutes, two different people in two different settings literally turned their back on me and walked away while I was speaking to them. The first time, I was pointing out to someone that a package had been delivered to her door of which she was unaware. The person thanked me, but promptly turned her attention back to the person she was... [read more]
I had no idea that the blanket of sadness and depression that hung over me throughout my childhood was actually grief over the parents who didn’t want me, the caregivers who were burdened by me, the love I didn’t feel, the happy childhood I was deprived of, the way I looked (different from others) and all the things I didn’t have.
I was accustomed to the sadness. It... [read more]
People are struggling all around us. Some have lost jobs, others have closed the doors of their businesses, and still others have lost their homes. As if that weren’t bad enough, many families have been torn apart under the stress. Perhaps this describes you. If so, I’ve written this for you.
I’ve had to hit the reset button several times in my life. My parents... [read more]
Last Saturday I attended my first Girl Up USA event. It was encouraging, inspiring, and motivating. I never realized it or thought of it this way before, but I’ve been “girling up” since I was a little girl. In fact, I stayed alive by “girling up.”
When I was a little girl living in a... [read more]
A real friend will tell you when you have spinach in your teeth or that your zipper is down! Most people, however, don’t want to take the time or take the risk of engaging in conflict, so they won’t tell you about the little things that may be holding you back.
Have you ever wondered why you were not the one chosen for the job? Ever wondered why you’ve been... [read more]