July 2012 vs August 2017

5 years and a month

That is so much time and yet, so little time.  It is truly all perspective.

Recovery, forgiveness of others and myself, letting things go and learning what really matters to me at this point in my life have all been part of the process. There were many tears shed, and laughter along the way and many loving friends who had a hand in guiding me through the wilderness I was in. I treasure each of you so very much!!

Learning, Loving, Study, Growth (personal and professional) and many other things have occurred over these past years.

I learned to take chances again, trust myself and others and learned what unconditional love is.

There are some in my life that know and exhibit this unconditional love. There are many who have no idea what I am talking about and look at me like I have lost my mind when I say that phrase. Sadly, that is their loss.

I have learned which friends are only in word only and which friends will go the distance to support you at the darkest and brightest hours of your life.  Some jump in without a second's thought to help and some say they will be there, yet rarely show up. I do my best not to hold it against them personally, but it does hurt my feelings when plans are made and broken.

Yes, We are in the midst of wedding planning, wedding attire has been ordered or sent to the tailor for alterations, rings are being sized and blessed, cake knife and server has been borrowed, cake flavors have been tasted and approved, agreements signed, notarized and filed away until needed.

Yes, there are decisions not made yet, but the big stuff is set and planned for. We both are very excited for this next chapter to begin in our lives.

I realize that I started this blog to help others and to share my story. I learned a while back to be transparent and tell it like it is here in the blog. Some of you have never met me in person, so all you know of me is what you see on social media and here in the blog.

Don't be judgmental, even now, you really don't know me and if you are ready to tell me off for getting re-married or having a healthy relationship, then we truly are not on the same page. I hope you get through your anger/bitterness and can find a way to be joyful for others instead of angry at them for moving on.

I have never claimed to be anything other than myself (a Christian trying to live right and share my recovery from abusive marriages). I truly do my best to tell it like it is and not leave anything out (except maybe names).

I do encourage you to be a blessing to others and not be a Negative Nelly!
You can do well to encourage others and choose to be a blessing every day in some way.
The number for the Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233 and while I hope you never have to use it, it is there if you do need it.

Be the Love you want to see in the world!