Browsing Tag

self worth

Abuse and Self Care, Encouragement, Life Is Beautiful

Comes the Dawn: Be Strong for Yourself

Have you been in unhealthy relationships? Probably at least one at some point, right? I sure have.

I’m still figuring out why: what led me to believe I didn’t deserve more…why I wanted to stay…what made me think I could fix it…or fix them.

When I was a junior in high school the assignment in my Creative Writing class was to find a favorite poem and act it out. I chose this poem that I’m going to share with you. Bear with me and you’ll discover its importance.

What surprises me about this poem is that I didn’t listen to it…then. I have loved the words all these years and felt their meaning and knew how true they were. But I just couldn’t apply them in my own life and empower myself.  It’s so often hard to think of ourselves as deserving of good things, good people, strength. To paraphrase Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman “the bad stuff is easier to believe.” Vivian could have used this poem too. Continue Reading

February 23, 2016
Abuse and Self Care, Encouragement, Life Is Beautiful

Letting Go of “Old Ghosts”

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Please keep your eyes and hear open to a loved one who may be suffering. If you’re that loved one who’s suffering, know that there is help and there is hope. This is not your fault. You are worth more!

“You’re not good enough.”

“Can’t you do anything right?”

“You’re too (thin, fat, dumb, lazy…)”

“You’re not smart enough, pretty enough…just not enough.”

Have you heard any of those ugly phrases before? They sting horribly, don’t they? Even if we know in our heart of hearts that those words aren’t true, it still hurts terribly when they escape from the lips of someone who’s promised to love and adore us. Continue Reading

October 18, 2015
Encouragement, Life Is Beautiful

Teenage Dating: 10 Rules Before the First Date

Teenage dating: The subject evokes excitement or perhaps angst if you’re a teenager; strikes fear into the hearts of many parents. Teenage dating tends to stir up some nostalgia, concern, and sometimes, even controversy when we enter into discussions about the when, who, why, and what of dating. It’s a hot topic and there’s nothing simple about it.

My daughter is 17 and thus far, has chosen not to date. I’m sure I had influence on this decision but so did what she witnesses in some of her peers, as well as how she feels God is guiding her. I have told my children more than once that I don’t want them getting overly involved in romantic relationships in high school. I don’t think it’s healthy and I haven’t wavered on my stance. I’ve seen in myself and in others how painfully easy it is to immerse yourself in another person, especially at these young ages where they’re (let’s be honest) ill-equipped to handle all the emotion that comes with relationships, dating, heartbreak, and the plethora of responsibilities that accompany it all. (Side note: If you’re not a Christian, these rules can still apply to you as they are a recipe for a healthy, strong relationship where you have a voice and are safe).  Continue Reading

July 22, 2015