I was recently told “You are very much a daughter of destiny.”

It’s an interesting statement. It begs the question; Are our experiences and life-events destined or are they a result of our own decisions?

image source pinterest; photographer name I could not locate.

Forget the sins, let’s talk about the signs. Deadly ones. Meaning if two or more of these are in your relationship then stop, drop and roll it over. In other words, stop any plans for marriage, drop any ideas about long term commitment and roll him gently out the door.

I saw this quote on facebook the other day and I thought it was so beautiful:

“We rise by lifting others.”

I’m not sure who said it but it sounds very much like the late poet Maya Angelou. I was inspired to paint it on a small canvas to hang somewhere in my apartment…

We’ll lift one another up but when people push us down, we’ll lift ourselves first.

First, YES, you are worthy. WE are all worthy. Except isn’t it true that we have been either taught or heard that recording in our minds that says we are NOT worthy? WE do not deserve…but it’s a lie. An absolute lie. You are worthy and deserving.

Believing we are worthy is the very first step toward wanting & striving for a better life. For example, accepting that we do in fact deserve: that mother’s day card, that hug, that raise, that promotion, that love…

#1000VoicesSpeak for Compassion today and on the 20th of every month. The subject this month? CONNECTION. We don’t always feel it. My first thought on this topic was how often I have felt disconnected but my constant connection has been nature. If you ever feel alone or lonely…

I have been contacted by some really great guys here at the Great Escape blog. One of them said to me last week “I have a strong feeling that many men like myself who could benefit from your words are immediately turned off by the subject and the target audience.” Burrrrrrn.

I wrote this piece last Spring but have never published it until now. I was moved and inspired by a video made by The New York City Rescue Mission.

With the #1000VoicesSpeakforCompassion movement started by Lizzi Rogers over at Considerings-Life In Silver Linings, I thought now is the perfect time to share it.

It’s not so much about other people’s compassion as it is about my own, that I believe was lacking in the past and still today.  It’s about the homeless. It’s also about my own experience and my learned reaction to people on the street. I have a long way to go to be

image source; Postsecret.com

Happy Valentine’s Day, Escapees…treat yourself well and with LOVE.

The big ‘C’ is almost here. Instead of getting all anxious and thinking about what could possibly go wrong (presents aren’t wrapped, Santa forgot something or someone, the stockings aren’t full enough etc.) I’m going to be grateful. Gratitude is something I’ve been

image source pinterest

We think it’s the right dress for us. We loved that color at the time…but now looking back at an old photo we wonder “What was I thinking?”

Huge shoulder pads, ‘pleather’ pants, floral material at the bottom of our bell bottom jeans.  Pea green skirts and dresses to match our appliances.  Stirrup pants with white boots? Onesies—oh they’re back, baby but you won’t catch me in one.  How about the Grunge era? Did you have a man to match your baggy plaid shirt, Doc Martins and greasy hair?  Kurt Cobain was kind of hot.