Vlog: Hosting Visitors When You Have Chronic Health Issues

When you are hosting overnight guests, you have things to do:

• Clean the house and keep it clean
• Entertain
• Cook extra food
• Play tour guide

You may also feel as if you need to be "on," up, positive, and happy the whole time.

Do you get nervous?  Love it?  Hate it?

Do you find yourself wishing for the visit to be over?  Or, do you wish they would buy a house in your neighborhood so they would have their own place to live nearby so you could see them more often?

Do you usually have a great time?

Do you talk openly about your medication schedules, mobility issues, tiring easily, food allergies, other issues?

Do you hide your medical supplies, medication, etc.?

Do you dread the thought of getting sick during their visit?  Maybe your ostomy pouch leaks on an outing?  Or you have bowel or bladder problems?  Maybe you're arthritis flares up just as they arrive so you have no choice but to back out of a planned activity?  Similar, maybe you have chronic fatigue and are just too tired to take part in the festivities?  Do you worry constantly for days or even weeks before their arrival; during their stay; and will you even worry afterward, wondering if you were just a nuisance?

Ah yes, I've been there. 

So, how do you handle it?

• Set boundaries
• Take naps 
• Be honest about your needs as much as possible.
• Make meals ahead of time.
• Ask your guests to pitch in to help out with the dishes, laundry, and other tasks.

If these people are close enough to you to stay in your home, then they should understand.

I don't generally worry about guests coming to our house.  Everything I need is here, I get food I can eat, I have my doctor's nearby, and so on.  It's when I go away that things get a bit tricky.  When we visited our exchange student and family last year, I told them what I could and couldn't eat, and other particulars.  They were fantastic!  Our exchange student even remembered the milk that I drink and asked her mother to buy it, which she did!    I worried that I would get sick.  My best friend said, "You won't."  And I didn't!  

At least not until I got home.  Sigh.  But at least I was healthy on the trip.  That was the important thing.  I was busy, happy, exploring new places, meeting new people.  When I got home, I realized how tired I was and ended up getting sick.  But it was a great trip and I was glad I went.

How do you react to visitors?  Do you love welcoming people into your home?  Or dread it?  Have you gotten sick on trips?  Have you had health snafus happen while you hosted guests?  Let me know.  

Vlog: Taking Responsibility

Taking responsibility

• makes that negative voice in your head back off.
• by concentrating on what you want to do, spending time productively on meeting your goals, and doing what you love squashes that negativity.

How to take responsibility for your life

• Realize that you are responsible for your choices.
• You decide how to react to a given situation.  Make it into a nightmare or make it into a learning experience--it's your choice.
• Stop making excuses.
• Realize no one can live your life for you. 

You are in charge of your life.  You made those choices, you said and did those things. Own up to them.

Examples: 

• If you want to lose weight, eat healthily and exercise regularly.
• If you want to travel, save up money for it and do it.
• If you want to go to school, live independently, get that job, then do what is required in order for that to happen.  

Look to see what is stopping you.  

Look to see what you need to change in order to make your dreams happen.  

• Maybe you need to do some introspection.
• Maybe you need to go with your gut.
• Find the source of that block that keeps you from taking responsibility.  
• Find out what keeps you from following your gut and doing what you want.

You can!

It might take time to fulfill your dreams and goals, but that is okay.  Take your time.  Spend energy on those positive goals instead of the excuses why you can't.  Thoughts become things.  The more time you spend thinking up excuses for why you can't do things, the harder it will be to shake that habit and get what you really want.  

You can do anything you set your mind to!  You can!  Think you can. Think you will succeed.  In business, in health, in weight loss, in travel, in friendship, in independent living, in relationships...in any part of your life.  

Then plan it out and take action to get it.

Are you ready?  Yes, you are.  

Vlog: Marriage and Chronic Health Issues

I posted a video on my Facebook group page (Spina Bifida Support Group For Friends and Family) in which the young woman talked about marriage inequality for those with disabilities.  Benefits may get cut if the disabled person marries, so it makes it harder for those individuals to afford to get married.  

It gave me the idea to talk about other areas of marriage and chronic health issues.

First, let's back up a bit.

The people you surround yourself with--who are they?  

The friends:

• Are they supportive?
• Are they understanding
• Are they loving?
• Do they 'get' you?

That's where you're going to most likely find your spouse--among your friends.  Or maybe they aren't in your core group of friends, but they become a friend.  You may meet the person:

• at work
• at school
• at church
• at the gym
• at a community club--exercise club, wine club, etc.
• through other friends
• through family
• at a party
• at an event
• at the hospital

Make sure before you get married you talk about EVERYthing:

• Your medical problems
• Your medical costs
• Your healthcare needs
• Money, money, money, MONEY!  If there is one fight maker in a marriage, it's money.  Talk about it.  It's important!  How will you manage your money?  Will you seek the advice of a financial advisor?  Can you make it on your combined incomes?  On one income?
• Communicate your feelings regarding these issues and each other's expectations.
• What are you willing to compromise on and what are you not?
• Mutual friends, your friends, his/her friends, ex-girlfriends, ex-boyfriends.  If you want to stay in touch with certain close friends after the marriage, then say so up front.  Be honest about the fact that you have an ex who you think the world of AS A FRIEND and you don't want to lose touch with the person.  Be honest so your future spouse doesn't start wondering if he/she will lose you to an old flame.
• Family--yours, his/hers, and your relationship with them
• Do you expect to spend a lot of time with your family after the wedding?  Do you expect your spouse to put you first before his/her birth family?
• Are there any conversations you need to have regarding how your future spouse's family treats you?
• Does his/her family approve of you, think you will be a financial burden, cherish you?  Are they really awesome?
• Does your future spouse not have a close relationship with his/her family?  Do you?  And does it make a difference?
• Does he/she treat your family badly...or fantastically?
• Does your future spouse act inconvenienced or angry when you cancel dates and plans because of health issues?  (Total red flag.  Drop the jerk and head for the hills.)
• Does the future spouse treat you with respect?
• Does he/she show interest in your health issues--curiosity, wanting to know about all sorts of things related to it, etc.?
• Does he/she seem to resent your medical bills? (Another red flag)
• Does he/she have confidence in you?  Does he/she feel that you can do anything you set your mind to?  (That's a keeper, folks!)
• Does he/she show empathy?
• Does he/she seem romantic?  Does he/she do simple, nice things for you?
• Do you talk about possible changes in your health?
• Do you talk about the future?
• Do you talk about both your dreams and his/hers?  Do they jive?
• Do you talk about taking healthy breaks from each other?  Getaways?  Weekends? Girls' nights out with friends?
• Do you talk about wanting to spend time together, just the two of you--no family, no friends, no co-workers?  How does that go over?
• Do you talk about having kids?  Can you have children?  Do you want children?  Does he/she want children?  What about adoption or surrogacy?
• Are either of you big into career advancement? 
• Do you expect to continue your education after marriage?
• What hours do you prefer to work?  What kinds of hours do you put in?
• What are your interests?
• Do you have expensive taste?  Does he/she?  Are you alike or opposite in that regard?
• Will you're future spouse put your medical needs ahead of fun stuff like cars, travel, jewelry, a big house, a vacation house?  
• Who does what chores?  Or do you share it all?
• Do you want pets?  Is he/she allergic?

Can you relate to these things?  Did you talk about them before you married?  What else can you think of that's important to talk about?  How did you decide to marry your spouse?  Has your marriage worked out?  Has talking worked out?  If so, great.  If not, what do you do differently now?

Here's the link to my other group:  Fostering Friendships Group For Individuals With Chronic Health Issues

Vlog: Wellness

The definition of wellness according to The World Health Organization is, "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."

What can you do to increase your wellness, your well-being?  Here are some ideas:

• be honest with yourself and others--if your friends can't understand your having to cancel plans, if your spouse resents your medical costs, if you just can't take your boss's attitude anymore, consider ending those relationships and finding new, more supportive ones.  Look inside and really think about it first, though.  Do what feels right for you and your health and well-being.
• be you--with no apologies!  You don't have to be rude to be real.  Just simply be yourself!
• keep up with your health maintenance--you need your health is thrive!
• maintain healthy relationships with your family, friends, coworkers, boss--everyone in your life--surround yourself with positive, supportive people who "get" you and challenge you in a good way.  They are your cheering section and have your back at all times.
• get regular wellness exams--super important!
• think outside the box:  Yes!  Explore, do stuff your own way, be different, celebrate new ideas and ways of doing things
• be creative--Yes!  Creative, expand your world, again, think of new ideas, refreshing ideas that make your heart sing, get involved in projects that you can disappear into, that you love!
• challenge yourself--Yes!  A good challenge is amazing to spark a sense of well-being!  You can do anything you set your mind to!
• expand your mind--think, learn, grow, experience different things, be open to different experiences!
• live by your values--be true to yourself and what you believe in!
• help out in your community--volunteer, make speeches, do outreach, spread awareness
• make a difference in a person's life--this can be big, small, somewhere in the middle.  Anything and everything counts and could make a huge impact on that person's life!
• care for your environment--your immediate environment at home, your town, your state, your country, the world.  That's up to you.  To make a difference is a great way to boost wellness!
• get good sleep--getting those zzzz's can make a huge difference in how you view your life and well-being!
• exercise regularly--Move!  Yes, keep moving and getting strong and boosting your mood and increasing flexibility!  There are so many benefits to regular exercise!  Do what you can.  There are all levels of exercises.  Pick the fun and doable ones, but also remember to keep challenging yourself as they become easier.
• eat healthfully--Yes!  Definitely eat healthy foods.  That doesn't mean you have to nix your favorite snacks.  Just make healthy eat a priority and have those treats now and then.

These are just some of the ways you can increase wellness.  Can you think of others?

I'd also like to talk about an article I read that I absolutely freakin' love!  It's called "Can Disability, Chronic Conditions, Health and Wellness Coexist?" by June Issaacson Kailes, MSW and LCSW.  It appears on the National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (nchpad.org) website.  The following are just a few points made:

• A new definition of health where it is viewed as multi-dimensional and that optimal health is seen as defined within a given person's unique circumstances.
• Health is viewed as the maximizing of one's potential along various dimensions--balancing physical, social, emotional, spiritual and intellectual factors. 
• Under this definition, disability is not a roadblock to maximizing health and potential.  

How cool is that?!!  You can do anything you want to within your capabilities.  No comparison to athletes, or "normal" people.  You do the best you can within your abilities.  You compete with yourself and no one else.  You are healthy!  

The article also poses questions needing to be addressed regarding exercise for people with disabilities, such as:

• Where people with disabilities go for fitness information that is relevant to their needs
• How should we exercise?
• How much?

Further, the article states that people with disabilities need:

•  exercise guidelines that are age and function-limited-sensitive
• universal equipment!!!!!  This equipment would be for everyone!!!  I am short so when I went to the gym there were machines that I couldn't use because I couldn't reach them, or even the recumbent bikes that, while low, were long so I could reach the pedals even after making adjustments.

I encourage you to read the article.  There is so much cool information in it.  I hope it's helpful to you.  

So!  Are you committed to wellness?  What are you going to do to increase wellness in your life?  What are you doing already from the list above?  Celebrate that!  I would love to hear what you're doing, and what your plans are, and what you think of the article.  

Email me at amy@acnlifecoach.com, or comment below.

Now, I may have a guest blogger on Friday.  If not, that will happen soon.  And, I will see you back here next week.  Have a great weekend and take care.

Vlog: Are You Tired Of People?

Are you tired of people?  I mean, the nitpicking, not showing up?  Assuming you can't do anything because you walk differently or use a wheelchair?    Friends falling off the radar?  And, what can you do about it?  That's what I'm talking about in the video above.  

What are your experiences with people that just grate on your nerves?  And, what have you done to remedy the situation?  

'Friends' TV Show and Friendship

Today's vlog is about the TV show, 'Friends," and friendship. Were you a fan of the show?  Is it a realistic depiction of what real friendships are?  Who were your favorite characters?  Also, I talk about the depiction of people with chronic health issues, or the lack thereof, in television and movies. 

Let's talk about this.  I welcome your input.   

Vlog: Practicing Acceptance and Tolerance

Hello!  I hope you had a great weekend.  

This video is about practicing acceptance and tolerance.  It was inspired by my observations of people saying things against the Mormon religion.  I live in Utah, a transplant and non-Mormon from New York State.  I talk about my reasons for feeling uncomfortable whenever I witness this.  And I offer tips on how to get to know people you have preconceived notions about--different religion, sexual orientation, culture, ethnicity, social class, and so on.  

What are your thoughts on this topic?  Do you have experience with having certain views about a group of people based on limited information or knowledge, or have you been on the receiving end of discrimination based on a group you happen to be a part of? What happened?  What did you learn?

Vlog: Friendship Wreaths and Other Hairwork

Hey there!  Happy Monday!  Today's vlog is about friendship wreaths and other hairwork.   I was inspired to talk about this subject by a visit to a local museum over the weekend.  I'm not a big fan of historical museums, but I loved this one.  The information on hairwork and, in particular, friendship wreaths, was so interesting.  Although hairwork has fallen out of favor, it was once a popular art form to remember family and friends.  

Have you ever heard of friendship wreaths or hairwork in general?  Here are a couple links that provide more information on this beautiful art form.  

Victorian Hair Art

Hairwork Wreath

Vlog Post: Beating Yourself Up

Do you beat yourself up every time you eat what you shouldn't, don't exercise, don't take your medication on time, blame yourself for your friend's problems?  In this video I talk about how this is counter-productive.  It just doesn't help--anything.  

Do you beat yourself up?  Have you broken the habit of doing so?  What have been the results?  

Vlog: Fresh Start and Birthday News

Hi!  I hope you had a great weekend.  Mine was full of birthday stuff.  It started out on a rough note.  I was in a funk.  But it was good overall.  I also talk about making a fresh start in 2018.  I cover all my priorities, what I've started taking action on, and what plans I for the year ahead.

I took time away from the Internet over the weekend.  I have to admit, it was difficult because I've made so many great friends online.  I missed you all!  But I know that it is important to unplug now and then, and especially over this birthday weekend when we had so many plans. I wanted to be 100% focused on the people around me and the events taking place.  

Are you making a fresh start in 2018?  In what way?  Are you planning to take time to unplug from the Internet at all?  Email me about your plans or comment below.  Thanks!

Vlog: Prioritizing to Get Out of a Rut

In this video, I talk about chronic health issues and all the other things that might be a part of your life as well.  It can be overwhelming to deal with lots of those things without having chronic health issues on top it all.  With chronic health issues, wow!  But I go through a little exercise of sorts that might be of help.

Please note that if this and other techniques don't work; if you are still feeling lost, please contact your doctor or other qualified health care professional for an evaluation.     

Vlog: The Power of Communication

This video is about the power of communication--in any relationship.  It helps clear up misunderstandings, avoid jealousy, and ease any manner of tension. 

Do your best to speak calmly with others, listen intently as they speak, don't attack or blame, don't freak out.  Settle arguments maturely and fairly.  

Do you fight fair or do you blame?  Do you listen, really listen, when someone communicates with you?  

Vlog: Take Your Time

Hey there!  This is a video I recorded yesterday.  It's on taking your time in making new friends, and also while dealing with health issues.  Be good to yourself, be patient, do what you need to do to make friends you feel comfortable with, that you click with.  And take the downtime you need to recover if you're dealing with surgery or other health issues.  I give a tip on how to cope during downtimes that I hope will help you through them. 

Do you find that you take your time during the friendship making process or chronic health issues that come up?  Or, do you complain, become anxious, get depressed if things get in the way of you doing what you want to do, when?  If progress is slow?  I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.  Contact me at acnlifecoach.com or post comments below.  Thanks!

Vlog: The Year of Us, Christmas, New Year

Hi!  Happy New Year!  I hope you all had a great holiday season, lots of fun, time spent with those you love most, and maybe even some down time to rest and reflect.  Ours was crazy busy.  I'll talk about it a bit in the video.  

The video has a lot about the year of us which my husband and I are committing to.  More alone time, doing things on our own, making conscious decisions to do things we haven't done in awhile--that sort of things.  We miss that.  We love our friends and will continue to spend time with them, but we will have more me time and alone time together.  

I also talk about having a simpler Christmas this year.  It was way too crazy, way too busy, way too hectic.  We need to tone it down.  

What about your holidays?  Did you enjoy them?  Were they too quiet, too crazy, just right?  Let me know.  Take care.

Vlog: Pay Attention To Old Friends

Happy Friday!  In this video, I talk about the importance of paying attention to old friends who choose to stay in touch.  They are in your life for a reason.  Stand up and take notice and make a point to keep in touch.  

I give several examples of my old friends who I haven't been great at staying in touch with.  Admitting it is fine.  We all make mistakes.  The key is to take action to correct your mistake.  Reach out to them and sincerely make an effort to connect with them on a regular basis.  

Do you have old friends you have been neglecting?  Do you have good intentions but end up not keeping in touch?  Or do you feel as if they are in the past and should stay there?  

Vlog: Reach Out

Hello!  I hope those of you who celebrated Christmas had a nice day full of fun and food and the making of great memories.  I had intended to post this vlog yesterday, but our router had other things in mind.  It bit the dust.  We've got a new one, but it took some doing to get it set up, so I didn't get to post this yesterday.  

But, here it is today!  The topic is reaching out.  Reach out to those who can help you, whether you have problems, desires, dreams, or ambitions.  Reach out to those who will listen, support you, serve as your mentor, provide answers, provide health care.  Reach out to those people you would like to have in your life.

I have reached out to fellow coaches to network, share ideas, help promote each other, and so on.  It is such a great community to be a part of--fellow coaches all trying to help people live more fulfilling lives.  I've also reached out to friends for help figuring stuff out and boosting my mood when life gets a little challenging.  Reaching out can help widen your scope of reference, open your mind, bring new insights, and inspire you to challenge yourself.  It can be exciting and heart-warming, and yes, even frustrating at times.  But it is so worth the possibility of rejection.  Even in rejection, there is growth and learning.  

Do you reach out to people when you need help or to settle something in some way, or do you try to handle things on your own?  

Vlog: Friendship and Clubs

Hello!  I'm a bit late with this one.  Busy with Christmas shopping and preparations and parties and such.  But I'm here now!  :-)  

Today's vlog is about friendship and clubs.  When I have asked people who are interested in making new friends if they would consider joining a club, they often say they aren't into them.  Clubs can be a great way to make new friends, so it is something I urge people to consider.  After all, we often hang out with people who have similar interests.  That's a club of sorts, albeit an informal one.  Why not try a more formal one?  Some people don't want to pay dues, have regularly scheduled meetings, and strict rules.  Okay, that is understandable.  But, what about starting your own club?  Then you could make your own rules and invite or accept the people you feel most comfortable with.  

I realize that for those of us who are introverted, it can be difficult to get out there and meet new people.  Start slow, say hello to a neighbor, have dinner with someone from work, take a class, and yes, join clubs that interest you.   

I would love to hear about your experiences making new friends; especially those of you who are introverts like me.  Email me anytime at amy@acnlifecoach.com or comment below.  Thanks.  Take care.

Vlog Post: Making Friends--Be Patient, Be Curious

Hey there!  Happy Monday!  

Today's vlog post is all about being patient and curious when making friends.  Look underneath the surface to find the real person.  If someone acts a bit off or obnoxious when you first meet them, be curious about it instead of offended.  See if you can, over time, learn more about the person.  Peel away the layers so you get to know what really makes this person tick.  Maybe he was abused, or just got a cancer diagnosis, or was betrayed by a friend in the past.  Those things can significantly affect attitudes and behaviors.  Try cutting the person some slack and seeing how things go.  

What are your thoughts on this?  Post in the comments or email me at amy@acnlifecoach.com.  Thanks!

Guest Blogger, Sarah Jordan, Stay-At-Home-Mom Coach

Hello everyone!  Happy Friday!  I'm excited to welcome a special guest blogger today.  Sarah Jordan is a stay at home mom coach . . . and awesome person! I asked Sarah to write about stay at home moms and friendship.  Here's what she has to say.  (Thank you Sarah!)

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I always knew I wanted to be a stay at home mom.  I loved the thought of being able to always have home cooked meals ready for my family, being available to be den mother, and while the kids were at school, being able to get in a little “me time” with fellow mommies.  It just seemed like the perfect situation.  I could have my cake and eat it too. 

So, you can imagine how shocked and annoyed I was when I would see a stay at home mom (SAHM) pop up on my social media newsfeed complaining.  Complaining about not taking a shower for days.  Complaining about cold coffee. Complaining about never leaving the house.  And, if I saw one more selfie of a mom in Target with a Starbucks in hand with the caption, “Finally out of the house alone and I am in my happy place”, I was going to scream. 

I couldn’t help but wonder, “When did SAHM’s become such prisoners? Victims, even?  If you want to take a shower, do it.  If you want warm coffee, drink it when it’s warm.  If you wanna get out of the house, hire a sitter. Seemed easy enough to me. 

But then, it happened.  I became a SAHM.  And I finally got it.  I was forced to eat my words.  I could totally relate every single post I had ever seen on social media regarding the struggles that SAHM’s face.  Especially about getting out of the house and having “me time”.

I know friendships are vital no matter who you are or what stage of life you are in.  I also understand that some people are meant to be your friend for a season and some, a lifetime. The point is, friends are there to lend you support.  To be someone that you can relate to, confide in and build memories with.  

Becoming a mother was the craziest, rewarding, most confusing thing I have ever gone through.  To be able to connect with other human beings who have been there and done that, who understand exactly where you are coming from, is so important for a healthy mindset.  

Our thoughts…our mindsets are powerful.  They directly dictate our lives. What we think isn’t always true but it will always impact our actions.  Before I joined a mommy and me class, I didn’t have many mommy friends because 1. I had just moved to a new city and 2.I was the first of my friends to have a child.  So, it was easy for me to let my mind go to a lonely, no one gets me state.

I remember going to the first mommy and me class thinking I would make new mom friends but I actually left discouraged.  I felt somewhat alone. Everyone else’s child was dressed perfectly.  It seemed that everyone else’s child was sleeping through the night.  It seemed like everyone else’s child was eating the perfect, healthy diet.  And mine, wasn’t.

I couldn’t relate to these women and started to think perhaps, I was doing motherhood wrong.  But then, week 5 happened.  I will always remember week 5.  Moms were coming in late.  Kids had chunks of banana in their hair.  And we started to open up about the “real” version of mommyhood.  

It was then, we all removed the veneer of perfect.  It was then, I started to connect and relate to these moms.  And they were able to relate to me.  

From that point on, I have made some amazing friends.  And I feel they are friends that I will have for a lifetime. As our children grow up together, we will also grow together, as moms. 

I no longer felt alone or like I am doing motherhood wrong.  I was able to accept and believe that I was doing it just right.  Right for my child and her needs and right for my own. 

No matter what stage of life you are in or what you are going through, if it’s hard for you…then it’s hard for you.  And being a SAHM, is hard.  Heck, being a mom is hard no matter the situation.  

Having a support system like my mommy friends helped me realize that my version of mommyhood, is valid.  I am so glad we removed our masks and revealed our realnesses.  We bonded over those realnesses.  That taught me to always live my truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.  That deep down, we are all just doing our best.  And, if you think about it, isn’t that what life is all about?

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Hi, I'm Sarah!

I am a mother, a wife, a middle sister, an aunt, a daughter and poodle mom. I am a certified professional life coach, owner of Blessings and Lessons Coaching and host of the Homework to Happiness Podcast. 

I am a stay at home mom and I am also fortunate enough to have a job that I love.  As a life coach,  I have made it my mission to create a space for stay at home moms, where mommy guilt is recognized and worked through.

Mommy guilt is a real thing and it can keep us from doing anything for ourselves, including self-love.  Love starts with self-love and it’s my mission to help moms truly 

understand that self-care and self-love are not selfish…they are essential.  To find out more about me and what I do, please visit sarahjordancpc.com. 

Vlog: Don't Give Up On Your Dreams

This video was recorded a couple days ago, but I didn't get it posted until today due to a crazy, busy couple of days.  Sorry about that!  

I talk about believing things are going to be okay, and those things and people who help you through tough times.  If you believe, the right people will come into your life to help. 

For me:

• Guardian angel:  I believe my guardian angel sent me the people who would help me the most.  People came into my life who changed my life dramatically, who helped me through the tough times, who were there for me during good times too. 
• Daydreaming:  I made up an entire alternate world for myself in my bedroom growing up.  From the time I was about nine years old, I disappeared into that daydream world as much as possible, where I was healthy, confident, popular, happy.  What I practiced and learned in the daydream world, I took to my reality.  
• Imagination:  Similarly, my imagination saved my life.  I wrote, drew, painted, created.  I would immerse myself in these creative projects so deeply that I was able to forget about my troubles.  I also listened to music.  Music was a life saver, too.  I absolutely love music.  It is very healing.  The arts are healing as a whole as well.  That's why I shiver when I hear the arts 'poo-poo'ed' as unimportant.  That are extremely important and should be given more credit as a tool to enhance well-being.  
• Miracles:  I wasn't supposed to survive past the age of six.  I did.  My husband wasn't expected to survive his fall in 2003.  He did.  Miracles do happen, folks.  I truly believe that.  With the right mindset you can make amazing things happen.  You can totally change your outlook to change your outcomes.  If you believe in yourself, really want change, the right people will be attracted to you who can help you make those changes happen.  

Do you believe in guardian angels, daydreaming, imagination, and similar things having the ability to help you through your tough times?  I'd love to talk with you about your experiences.  

I'm sharing space with guest blogger, Sarah Jordan.  She's a stay-at-home mom coach and writes about friendship here today.  Welcome Sarah!  You rock!