Powerful Picture Messages

First a note - I haven't dropped off the face of the earth!  I have been a horrible blogger - not responding to notes or comments.  I have been a bit overwhelmed lately - but it is mostly good stuff.  Unfortunately some of the things I've enjoyed doing, such as writing this blog, haven't gotten the attention it deserves.


I think the reason I spend so much time away from blogging is where I am in the process of healing.  I feel I've done a good job of understanding the situation and refocusing my efforts where I can make the most difference.  I've spent a lot of time taking a good hard look at my short comings and doing work to over come them.  This work is paying off as I can see I'm becoming more self assured, self aware and authentic in my interactions with others.  Things that stressed or depressed me two years ago are not as dibiliating as I have become confident in my ability to handle them.  It is very exciting changes!  I still have a looooooooooong way to go, but feel like I'm on the right path.

Today's post was inspired by a picture my cousin posted on Facebook this morning.  It is so raw and a good reminder of the power of our hurtful words:

(From Power of Our Voices)

If you are reading this blog, you understand how this feels.  And it is a powerful reminder it is up to us to break the cycle with our own children.


While verifying the source of the first photo, I found another that also shows the power of our voices in the opposite extreme.

(Source: Stand Up for Love - Official Blog of Matthew Johnson Harris)

This is a reminder our words have the power to build each other up - to make others feel safe - to make others feel included.  This picture is much more comforting to look at.

There was one more picture posted to Facebook today by a friend from high school that is also inspiring:

 

Simple, isn't it?  Do unto other as they will have done to you.  It works every time.  If we are warm and open, most people will treat us in kind.  Most people don't care about our labels - they care about what kind of person we are. If you encounter someone who doesn't reciprocate in this way - it's re-enforce boundary time.  

One final piece of Facebook gold from the last week.  Another family member posted this quote:

"You have enemies?  Good.  It means you stood up for something important."

Winston Churchill.

Makes me feel strong when I read this. I did stand up for something important - I stood up for my right to live my life the way I choose, free from the control of living up to someone's standards.  I made a a few enemies, which is unfortunate, but I still stand behind the reasons that caused me to make the stand to begin with.  I still want to pursue a healthier relationship that will take my entire FOO to commit too.  It is more important to me than to not have enemies.  All I can do is wait and see if some day they would be willing to move forward on this path with me.

I hope you all are doing well and finding peace as you navigate the difficult terrain with your family.  The situation never ceases to suck.  There isn't a day that goes by that I wish for that happy ending where we finally come together and heal.  But over time, I have found I am better able to cope which allows me to enjoy all the truly amazing things that are happening right in front of me.