Finding Strength in Adversity;

Over a decade ago, I made a courageous decision to embrace a clean and sober life. It hasn't been an easy path, and my life has seen its share of trials and tribulations. Yet, through it all, I've been unwavering in my commitment to recovery. Each morning, I wake up with gratitude, cherishing the gift of life and the progress I've made. I've set guidelines for myself, like the steady rhythm of a yoga, piano, or meditation practice, to maintain my sanity and serenity while staying close to the divine.

Mental practice is key in our journey towards positivity and gratitude. Learning to appreciate what we have in the present moment, without any promises of tomorrow, allows miracles to unfold. By finding complete satisfaction and contentment in the here and now, we open ourselves up to receiving even more blessings in life.

Recently, I faced a new challenge—leaving the stress of the city behind after the upheaval of Covid. I ventured to a remote and untamed land, where I lived for six months without the comforts of water or electricity. It was a profound experience that taught me invaluable life skills. Enduring extreme seasons, I discovered my ability to thrive anywhere and recreate myself with very little. I've learned to cherish solitude, to be resourceful, and to derive joy from life's simplest pleasures. The strength that comes from knowing we can take care of ourselves is empowering, though I must acknowledge that I haven't walked this path alone. Throughout this journey, God has been my steadfast companion, carrying me through the toughest times.

In the metaphorical footprints on the sand, I see the evidence of God's grace. The love and support I received from my neighbors and friends were nothing short of miraculous. From sending necessities like port-a-potties, generators, and solar trailers to lending a helping hand when my fence fell down or the mice invaded, they were there for me. The kindness of strangers, such as those who paid for my groceries when I couldn't afford them, touched my heart deeply. All along, I've been embraced by a loving community, reminding me that seeking support can lead to the most profound connections.

I feel truly blessed and highly favored, for I've been showered with gifts I could never have imagined. From going hungry to receiving the incredible gift of a home from a family friend, the transformation has been awe-inspiring. Their genuine acts of philanthropy, with no strings attached, have left me inspired to become the same kind of giving soul—offering help without any expectation of return.

Writing this book has been a dream of mine for years, and now I have the opportunity to give back to others. My aim is to motivate, encourage, and cheer on fellow travelers in this journey of life. Through belief and perseverance, all things become possible.

As my dear friend Marina once wisely said, "All is well in the end, and if it's not well, it's not the end." Let's keep embracing our joy, staying true to our purpose, and cherishing the present moment. We are all extraordinary gifts, capable of making a difference in each other's lives.

This is an excerpt from my book to be published in June 2024.

Celebrate THIS day!

Today is special. Today is a gift from God. Today is filled with unexpected surprises. All we need to do is look for them. When we are worried and filled with anxiety and discontent, we just need to shift our focus to something outside ourselves. Slow down, take a deep breath and see what is in front of you. What is God trying to show us? Is he speaking to us through the bird in the tree? Is the butterfly flitting from flower to flower reminding us to slow down and smell the roses? Is there a message in the sun bursting over the mountains or in the beautiful clouds hovering above us? Notice what you feel when these things come into focus. Do you see the indescribable richness of the universe and nature and what God created for us? The day-to-day irritations don’t matter. Most of our stresses are about worries or fears that we have about something that could happen in the future. We don’t need to go there. All that matters is this moment, this day, this feeling. If we are grateful for what is and what we have NOW, we will attract more abundance and well-being.

There were times that I worried that I would never be able to afford myself or my lifestyle. That I would never make another real estate deal or finish my book. That I would go through my money and be broke again. The feeling of despair and hopelessness would overtake me. Then I stopped and stood up and took a walk outside. I took a deep breath in and held it for a count of five, and slowly let it out. As I did this, I began to see the beauty all around me. I appreciated the majestic mountain range that was the backdrop of my property with its gorgeous shadows and ridges. I noticed the two doves sitting on my horse’s corral telling each other a story. I fed my chickens and watched them darting around devouring their food. I shifted my energy from worrying about the future and realized that I had everything I needed. Right here; Today. My bills were paid. I had enough food. I had a car and enough gas. I had food for my horses. I was healthy. I didn’t have to future trip. I could just breathe and have faith that God knew what I needed, and that he had me in the palm of his hand.

Most days I’m able to remember that all is well right in the present. When I forget, I call a friend who reminds me. When I feel low, I take a moment and list all of the things that people have done for me to show their love (even when I felt it was undeserved). Accept these gifts graciously and know that this is God shining down on us through other people.

Repay God’s bounty and grace with love. Love heals. Share the love ~ We are all ONE … TOGETHER. The way we use God’s gift is how we thank him for what we’ve been given.

Let go of any bitterness or resentment you’ve held against another person. Replace that animosity with love.

We can take a chance and be loving. We can reach out to others and bring them joy. In his book. Becoming Fully You, the popular American author, Leo Buscaglia says, “Take a risk and reach out to someone today. Touch someone. Let them know you care. Listen to them. See them. Give them your smile. Tell them what you love and appreciate about them.” Do it now. Don’t wait. Life is short.

We all have a history. Each one of us is like a snowflake. No two are alike. Even when we grew up in the same household, we can each have a different version of what took place. Your history brought you to where you are today. Try to understand each other. Reach out and ask the other person to tell you their story. Learn their history.

Then, share yourself with them. Let them in. Tell them your story. Be an open book. Don’t be afraid to show your flaws. None of us is perfect. None of us has had a life without failures or setbacks. We’ve all had pain, insecurities and fears. Together we can help each other get where we are going. Together, we can make it!

Life is short and all we really have is today. Enjoy it. Embrace it and appreciate it.

The time to celebrate is now. Celebrate me. Celebrate you. Celebrate the DAY!

Thank you, God!