Loving Yourself From The Inside Out

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I was 21 I had corrective plastic surgery. It was something I looked forward to for 10 years, and it has taken me another 10 years to realize that plastic surgery didn't change anything. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had a genetic jaw deformity that manifested itself in my pre-pubescent years. My top jaw didn't grow enough, and my bottom jaw grew too long, with one side growing longer than the other, giving me a crooked underbite. My teeth didn't fit together at all. In fact, only two teeth even touched each other when I closed my mouth. I had braces in middle school to prevent a tooth from being lost, but would have to wait until I stopped growing to even begin the extensive work necessary to prepare myself for surgery.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This jaw deformity led to a lot of teasing. One boy in particular seemed to make it his mission to make sure I knew he thought I was ugly. He was relentless in teasing over the course of about 5 years. I believed him and the many others who had their own turn poking fun at the way I looked. I yearned for the day when I would finally be able to have the surgery that would show them all. The surgery would make me beautiful. I could finally fix this horrible flaw that made me feel so hideous and disgusting. I hated the way I looked. I looked to others for validations. I went through a couple of boyfriends because I needed their validation in my life, and yet I was still miserable. Those poor boys.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I got my second round of braces put on between my freshman and sophmore years of college. I still hated the way I looked and couldn't wait for the whole process to be over. I was certain that after my surgery I would be inundated with boys and dates. The surgery would change my life. I finally had the surgery a few weeks before the start of my senior year. The day had finally come. They chopped off my jaw and screwed it back on. I was put on a liquid diet for 6 weeks, unable to open my jaw without massive pain. I didn't really care that I'd finally have teeth that touched each other, or that I'd finally be able to eat an apple or a sandwich or corn on the cob...all I cared about is that it would finally make me beautiful. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sure, it felt good. At least for a while. Once the pain and swelling subsided and I was finally able to eat again, I felt confident, except for the fact that I was still in braces. Once those braces would come off, I'd finally be beautiful. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The braces came off. I married a wonderful man who thought I was beautiful both before and after the surgery. The bones in my face have adjusted to the new jaw placement over the years and I certainly look different. After the newness and excitement of the event I had longed for wore off, I was left feeling ugly. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Plastic surgery didn't change anything.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I found new things that I hated about my body. Then I had a baby and boy did that fuel the fire of my own body shame. Change this! Change that! You'll be happy if just this one thing is different....</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One day I realized that it didn't matter how much weight I lost, or how I did my hair, or how much makeup I wore, or how tan my skin was, or how cute my clothes were....I would feel the same way about myself. There are always fleeting moments here and there of momentary confidence like feeling cute in a new outfit. But those feelings disappear and all you are left with is how you really feel about yourself. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then I got diagnosed with a life long disability. Boy was I mad at my body. It failed me from the outside in! One day I hit rock bottom with self loathing and hatred for my body.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I decided to change all that. I made a conscious effort to love myself. I stopped giving myself permission to think negatively about myself. When it happened, I shut myself down. I'm not perfect at it yet, but I've come so far. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I struggled the most when I looked in a full length mirror. What I was seeing in my reflection wasn't matching how I wanted to see myself. We moved into a new place with no full length mirrors and my self esteem perked up. I loved it! I may not have been able to figure out if my shoes really went with my outfit, but I wasn't constantly nit picking my appearance in the mirror. More than a year without a full length mirror did wonders for my self esteem. I found a full length mirror on clearance at Walmart. It was slightly warped so things seemed smaller in the mirror than they actually are. It was a skinny mirror. I bought it. Now I can see if my shoes match, but I don't spend any time hating the body reflecting back at me. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Another thing that has helped me to is to stop apologizing for my appearance. Someone comes to the door when I'm still in my pajamas at noon with no makeup? They won't get an apology from me. In fact, I make it a regular point to go out without  makeup on just to remind myself that I'm still awesome without it. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These simple acts have led to breakthroughs in my life. I'm learning to reach beyond the mirror and love myself from the inside out. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjofDizk20RbW7BnS7VMIEq9rRtu4eHLggG0K8U_KhE-VjIE4ng2rqEg7DLKmosGUoZUIZF1YyvqJhFh3CE8-pWsDkc5B0owr7Re7yF5aXDYlsDajx_3THF-BmIZnIZMxa1es7GqfJ_8u/s1600/Rachel+Breaking+Glass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjofDizk20RbW7BnS7VMIEq9rRtu4eHLggG0K8U_KhE-VjIE4ng2rqEg7DLKmosGUoZUIZF1YyvqJhFh3CE8-pWsDkc5B0owr7Re7yF5aXDYlsDajx_3THF-BmIZnIZMxa1es7GqfJ_8u/s640/Rachel+Breaking+Glass.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b><br /></b></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>I am overweight, over 30, I have gray hairs, wrinkles, rolls, stretch marks, and cellulite. And I have never felt more beautiful in my life. </b></span></div> </div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>

Loving Yourself From The Inside Out

When I was 21 I had corrective plastic surgery. It was something I looked forward to for 10 years, and it has taken me another 10 years to r...

Things That Shine Volume II

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIITaQN98vbpXoCGqO-W8tWSSkmbR74QTKJyzji7VWa0Tt9BGejEVn59RCk0fzdwUke7FqQMC0IoIjdz_gobXRX4gGSObPJNKCkCppKMLu8vdW5rM7q4aEmXEJRNh3Z9sj3bShMDzzSL7/s1600/things+that+shine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIITaQN98vbpXoCGqO-W8tWSSkmbR74QTKJyzji7VWa0Tt9BGejEVn59RCk0fzdwUke7FqQMC0IoIjdz_gobXRX4gGSObPJNKCkCppKMLu8vdW5rM7q4aEmXEJRNh3Z9sj3bShMDzzSL7/s640/things+that+shine.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm a day late on Thursday's Things That Shine, but when you are disabled you can get away with things like that. I've had a rough week.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But.....this morning I had the pleasure of meeting Ann Romney, wife of former Presidential candidate Mitt Romney. If you don't pay attention to politics then you may not know that Ann has multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease where your immune system eats away at the protective covering of your nerves. I admire Ann because she is one of those people who copes with her disability with grace. For this week's Things That Shine I'm sharing her newest book which talks about her struggle with MS. She wants everyone to know that no matter what your struggle, we're in this together. Ann's story is inspirational and she is one classy lady! I can't wait to read it!</span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;">   <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1250083974/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1250083974&linkCode=as2&tag=thstathoch-20&linkId=RBL3EED4EFOIPOJK"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1250083974&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thstathoch-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thstathoch-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1250083974" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXWcSBnweSA3WbKjruJ1V1o7c7XproeOFjq3kJEdZciRHOloqbuhAxClP1o2uqU-Q4yjT6ApvOorD4fXgQ_vqligHkHUcYFCwEteCMqmiZTIDwmqlxuaI4_Or8GoA1DNE5HIIRbjkiw7F/s1600/Glitter+Walker+and+Ann+Romney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXWcSBnweSA3WbKjruJ1V1o7c7XproeOFjq3kJEdZciRHOloqbuhAxClP1o2uqU-Q4yjT6ApvOorD4fXgQ_vqligHkHUcYFCwEteCMqmiZTIDwmqlxuaI4_Or8GoA1DNE5HIIRbjkiw7F/s640/Glitter+Walker+and+Ann+Romney.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div>

Things That Shine Volume II

I'm a day late on Thursday's Things That Shine, but when you are disabled you can get away with things like that. I've had a ...

Here Comes October

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">October is the anniversary month of my illness. It is a month I set goals for myself to challenge myself both physically and spiritually. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today a friend on facebook asked "<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;">What do you do when life's problems are bigger than you are?"</span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My answer: I hand it over to God. Nothing is too big for God.</span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span> <span style="color: #141823; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.32px;">Now ain't that the truth!</span></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlNAAl6X0pG8AGX7rZZFKeqnK_a8REpLj3g9c8A8GktCkr5p8tuUz7HULenOFHPICstIPq9WC5oAP59niMqrK2oyQU_rHici8mB56ryY-nZDB4ozfeXyDeP15VjQ6lV3P4E654UBQGJHz/s1600/No+Problem+Is+Too+Big+For+God.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlNAAl6X0pG8AGX7rZZFKeqnK_a8REpLj3g9c8A8GktCkr5p8tuUz7HULenOFHPICstIPq9WC5oAP59niMqrK2oyQU_rHici8mB56ryY-nZDB4ozfeXyDeP15VjQ6lV3P4E654UBQGJHz/s640/No+Problem+Is+Too+Big+For+God.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div> <span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span>

Here Comes October

October is the anniversary month of my illness. It is a month I set goals for myself to challenge myself both physically and spiritually.  ...

Accepting God's Will When It's Hard

<div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Not my will, but thine, be done."</i></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhyphenhyphen_c2XTbevXGORAGfIF7nvTwLTP1og8_5iy6qCeh79GM00CwMDyJVRqUAEt0BAfIm0mf2YzpU5-Y0a8KjpZ2bfOYP59cej3MecJ4otaej4B1B8Vp0CW9OtKG6GRRj0P1RoknOFIMtV0J/s1600/Glitter+Walker+Hurt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhyphenhyphen_c2XTbevXGORAGfIF7nvTwLTP1og8_5iy6qCeh79GM00CwMDyJVRqUAEt0BAfIm0mf2YzpU5-Y0a8KjpZ2bfOYP59cej3MecJ4otaej4B1B8Vp0CW9OtKG6GRRj0P1RoknOFIMtV0J/s400/Glitter+Walker+Hurt.jpg" width="266" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is easy to accept God's will in our lives when it comes to the blessings we desire in life. Couples desiring to start a family have no trouble accepting God's will to bless them with a child. On the other hand, it is a tough pill to swallow when couples desiring to have children are faced with infertility instead. We see this all the time in life.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is easy to accept God's will in our lives, except when it's not. </span></b><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There have been many times in my life when God's will for me wasn't exactly what I had in mind for my life. Some instances have been much harder to accept than others.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A year ago we were living in the San Diego area of California. Life, weather, and location were bliss. My husband was offered a job in Salt Lake City. We laughed at the idea...at first. After prayerful consideration we came to the realization that God had another plan for our lives that didn't include living in a resort-like vacation land forever. While my heart has longed for the beach and pristine weather for the last year, I've also seen the seemingly small but significant blessings we received through our move to Utah. I still don't see the entire picture, but I'm trying. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Accepting God's will requires a lot of faith in the unseen big picture scenario. </span></b><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moving is a small example, but one to which most can relate. One of the biggest blows so far has been my disability, and yet at the same time it has been one of the easiest for me to accept. At age 25 I was diagnosed with Addison's disease, a disability that challenges me every day of my life. My body can bare no more children. I pass out fairly frequently. My life is entirely dependent on medication. The smallest stressor, including accident or illness, can land me in the hospital fighting for my life. Some days are so bad I have to use a walker I've painted with gold glitter to get around. My life seems less than desirable from an outsider's perspective, but it is my life and, despite everything, I love it.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I once read a sermon titled "<a href="https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/ces-devotionals/2013/01/that-we-might-not-shrink-d-c-19-18?lang=eng">That We Might Not Shrink</a>" that resounded with my soul. The greatest tests of faith in our life are not that we can be healed. They are the moments when we are not healed. It isn't just about physical illnesses or challenges, but also challenges that affect us mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sometimes God's will includes suffering.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus Christ took upon himself the sins of the world and experienced the greatest suffering ever known to man.  In that moment of suffering Jesus proclaimed, "Not my will, but thine, be done" (Luke 22:41-44). The suffering was part of God's will. And in that dark hour did the heavens turn away? No. An angel was sent to strengthen Him.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Suffering is a part of life. We see it all around us. Some say it proves God doesn't exist because a loving God wouldn't allow such great suffering. Sometimes suffering crushes people. Other times great goodness rises from the ashes of suffering. My personal suffering generally pales in comparison to the great suffering of others. I have always had a deep reverence for the suffering experienced during the Holocaust. I have read dozens upon dozens of memoirs from individuals involved in the events. One thing that I have seen in these sacred memoirs is that, for some, the suffering turned the individual bitter and faithless. Others who came through the same camp were filled with hope and faith in both God and humankind. I don't know why that is, but we see it in all circumstances, from the simple to the extreme. That is the great test of life. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Who are we when we are stretched beyond our personal limits?</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We all experience suffering. While some appear to suffer more than others, I've learned that comparison doesn't work. Suffering is suffering and the feeling is valid and real no matter what it looks like on paper. It is these moments of suffering that define us. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Accepting the will of God is much easier said than done. It is practiced. </span></b><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is important to accept the will of God in the smaller every day things to practice for those times when our lives our shattered and our spirits broken. As Jesus suffered in the garden and proclaimed his faith and acceptance of God's will, God sent an angel to strengthen Him. This is one of the scripture passages I treasure and find filled with hope. In our greatest trials, and amidst our deepest suffering, we are not alone. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>God can and will send angels to strengthen us. </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We can push away the helping hand of heaven when it extends its grace. We can ignore it, or...we can embrace it with faith. Our faith may not be at the level of Jesus Christ to boldly proclaim "Thy will, not mine, be done," but at the very least we can proclaim our fear and weakness and cry out for help from the great God who created us. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"My faith is weak, my spirit hurts, my will is not yours, but they will produces miracles and has the power to change and mold people for the better.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span> <b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And so....thy will be done."</span></b><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />

Accepting God's Will When It's Hard

"Not my will, but thine, be done." It is easy to accept God's will in our lives when it comes to the blessings we desire...

Things That Shine

<div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>This post may contain affiliate links.</i></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcI6oxaoJgaWlmPGoh6XAHgqFfsQtmbMRzMHHjmL8RTgNZ4kOvgPrtUs6P5T99pRlSf5HOC5LsCZUBz1hzmVB5kVUWWzyRunQv0amlSjoI_Jqg0hfoSOFsAbl8zrtRkXSvcHYCc3SIp77/s1600/things+that+shine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcI6oxaoJgaWlmPGoh6XAHgqFfsQtmbMRzMHHjmL8RTgNZ4kOvgPrtUs6P5T99pRlSf5HOC5LsCZUBz1hzmVB5kVUWWzyRunQv0amlSjoI_Jqg0hfoSOFsAbl8zrtRkXSvcHYCc3SIp77/s640/things+that+shine.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Every Thursday I share Things That Shine, stuff that deserves a glowing review and has brought a little light in my life.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Book: Night  by Elie Wiesel </b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of my favorite books of all time. This is a memoir from a survivor of the Holocaust. It is a book I first read years and years ago, but have thought of often since then. This book will take you through intense suffering, as well as bring you hope for mankind. This is an absolute must read. </span><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0374500010/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0374500010&linkCode=as2&tag=thstathoch-20&linkId=SQGFHYYJ6X5VN23X"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0374500010&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thstathoch-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thstathoch-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0374500010" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Movie: The Good Lie</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Holy cow, have a box of tissue next to you on this one. This is a story about Sudanese refugees, children forced to flee their country due to violence and political upheaval. These refugees are sent to the United States to start over. Heart wrenching stuff and it sure makes you want to do something about all the current refugees. </span><br /> <br />   <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Q6TLTPE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00Q6TLTPE&linkCode=as2&tag=thstathoch-20&linkId=QJIQREU3EPTPLDYB"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00Q6TLTPE&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thstathoch-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thstathoch-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00Q6TLTPE" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />

Things That Shine

This post may contain affiliate links. Every Thursday I share Things That Shine, stuff that deserves a glowing review and has brought a...

Walker

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXIROaRrqmVtk5E5ZNJhEUHF4CXGr0nHunf6XgGS7jvG_DVEqhyT1wzZqB_23402oF6-01KCVT27Q_TPJZhgBWUBhD3r5iaot4rklr2QUjHrt0re__tN6oYkXiX4Hon7yPwG4HfpgPrjd/s1600/Glitter+Walker+with+Walker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXIROaRrqmVtk5E5ZNJhEUHF4CXGr0nHunf6XgGS7jvG_DVEqhyT1wzZqB_23402oF6-01KCVT27Q_TPJZhgBWUBhD3r5iaot4rklr2QUjHrt0re__tN6oYkXiX4Hon7yPwG4HfpgPrjd/s400/Glitter+Walker+with+Walker.jpg" width="266" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, I really do use a walker. Yes, it really is painted with gold glitter. </span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Purchasing a walker is a humbling experience for anyone. You are admitting that your body has reached a point where you need help. Using it for the first time was humiliating. Some people stared. Others did a double-take. I know I don't look like I need a walker from the outside. Those who have seen me at my worst know better. I am a fall risk. I am weak. I get tired and need a place to sit down at a moments notice. Sometimes my blood pressure plummets so fast I fall despite the walker. </span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm lucky that most days I don't need it. I say most, but I go through long periods of time where I need it every day. On the days I do need it, I am grateful to have it. I still get the stares and the double-takes, but I'm confident with it now. </span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My grandma bought a walker just like mine to help her get around. She hasn't painted it with gold glitter yet....but she has seen how wonderful and freeing it is to finally be able to get around a bit easier. Just like me, she really needed it long before she actually bought it.</span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQErTEntHvYkRNQawsKWIhgw2-VL96f0GmWczksTcPK48O8zvdKK7Vh-I875TU17gvuZ26SLfYanAlkXtPcuK82_-V8951RrTon3HDP3J8nKqWYqmyA5tu7H2mkoEFFcij9YlsTROdVDZG/s1600/Rachel+and+Her+Walker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQErTEntHvYkRNQawsKWIhgw2-VL96f0GmWczksTcPK48O8zvdKK7Vh-I875TU17gvuZ26SLfYanAlkXtPcuK82_-V8951RrTon3HDP3J8nKqWYqmyA5tu7H2mkoEFFcij9YlsTROdVDZG/s400/Rachel+and+Her+Walker.jpg" width="266" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why do we do that to ourselves? Why do we wait so long to get help? We stumble along in life, putting ourselves in awful situations, living in risk rather than asking for help. And when we finally do reach out for help we wonder why we waited so long to ask for assistance. The help is amazing. </span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stop waiting!</span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who cares if it is embarrassing to ask for help? Who cares if people stare? Who cares if people think you don't really need it?</span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My walker has taught me that living in pride just isn't worth it. Sometimes a little humility is required to ease the path of life.</span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> </div>

Walker

Yes, I really do use a walker. Yes, it really is painted with gold glitter.  Purchasing a walker is a humbling experience for anyone...

Push Yourself!

<div style="text-align: center;"> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1F0O4U2EOHAG8XlDP3F2xwP0pWl__G7relvCKDlaoxP9qkJHLv5JRsjh5FYmKt_LcbA6QT-4aK5FPX9Zrdjby36Q0vGRD7QCevg9vAr6rBRN0U09hMhnzzyENoC5KfH6NRPDkslS6snTp/s1600/Push+Yourself.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1F0O4U2EOHAG8XlDP3F2xwP0pWl__G7relvCKDlaoxP9qkJHLv5JRsjh5FYmKt_LcbA6QT-4aK5FPX9Zrdjby36Q0vGRD7QCevg9vAr6rBRN0U09hMhnzzyENoC5KfH6NRPDkslS6snTp/s640/Push+Yourself.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div> </div> <br /> <br /> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5 years ago I was in the ICU with congestive heart failure, liver failure, and kidney failure. I have knee problems, back problems, and a disability that forces me to use a walker some days.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But today? Today I did 6.6 miles on the elliptical at a 9:35 pace. That may not be very fast for a lot of people, but that is a huge deal for me!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are a lot of times in life where we just have to push ourselves. There are some days that, despite our best intentions, we can't. Some days we are overwhelmed by our lives and it is okay not to just push through it every single day. But on the days we can? Go for it! Push yourself! It's something to be proud of.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes our dreams look pretty silly on paper, but you have to remember: People have doing the impossible for centuries!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <div style="text-align: center;"> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5oEw1r-Xb1M" width="560"></iframe></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>

Push Yourself!

5 years ago I was in the ICU with congestive heart failure, liver failure, and kidney failure. I have knee problems, back proble...