Embraced by the Light, by Betty J. Eadie - changed my life

So to keep posts short and as quick reads and to the point.... I wrote a separate post on the loss of my mother at 13 years old, in 1993.  These 2 posts go hand in hand.

I finished reading "Embraced by the light" last weekend and I needed it to settle before I was able to put thoughts into words.

When you lose a loved one, it creates this emptiness inside.... it creates a void.... because that person filled a portion of your heart with their love.... and you realize that this source of love is no longer alive.

You have a million and 1 thought go through your mind.... most of them questions of why.... some negative thoughts.... and sometimes in those circumstances.... it's very difficult, even sometimes it feels impossible to find closure.

This book has brought healing to my life.

My dad first read it over a weekend, he received the book from a friend who had recently lost her mom to cancer.

He devoured the book.  For the first time in a long time, I can see that he has accomplished some healing.  There's something different in his eyes.... a little less pain... and even though he doesn't talk about mom alot.... the "secret tension" seems to have diminished.

He called me excitedly and asked me to go online and order several books, so that he could share them with my sister and I and a few other people.

I, in turn read the book in 2 sittings.... I laughed, I gasped, I cried, I felt pain, and I felt relief.  And finally.... felt at peace.

Without going into too much details and give the book's meaning away... everyone who's lost a loved one, needs to read this book.... it's a quick read, big print, and big message.  It is not for a specific religion, and I hope it brings you the same feeling of peace and closure as it has for our family.

I've mentioned to my husband that he may want to read it sometime, but at the same time, if you or your loved ones haven't experienced this.... it may be more difficult for them to relate to the book.  And so, it's good to keep it on hand for later.... or to share with another friend who may also have lost a close one.

Thank you Betty J Eadie for sharing your experience and writing your book.... I'm definitely looking forward to your next one.

I hope your journey in life is full of little miracles and messages.  I also wish you love and patience during your struggles and speedy recoveries.... don't linger too long in pain and misery, they are difficult addictions to break, and you could be missing out on alot of wonderful things in life.

Love Always,
D

Mom passed away, Dec 18, 1993

My mother died suddenly, Dec 18th, 1993 (true story).  Exactly 1 week before Christmas.  She had gone to her work Christmas party, and my dad had opted to stay home with his 2 girls, my sister, 11 at the time, and myself, 13.

Only she didn't make it home.  She was less than 2 km from the house coming back from the party when she was suddenly hit by a driver under the influence.

It'll be 19 years this December, and while my dad and sister and I have managed to live our lives as normal as possible, we have felt the pain of loss, loss of a wonderful wife, best friend and soul mate for my dad, loss of a beautiful mother, caring and loving soul, a sister to her siblings, a dear friend to many, and someone they could call when having difficulty to many more.  She was always there to help someone through difficult times.

To this day my parents have been my role models and I can only hope to be able to fill those shoes, and to be able to touch as many lives as they have.

I've always felt she was an angel sent to earth to shine a light in everyone's life, including ours, and mine specifically. But that's another story for another time.

And what of the gentleman who had chosen to drive home, inebriated that evening?  I wish him lots of love and support, for I can only imagine the burden of his choice that evening.  I feel love for him as my heart was broken that evening, his heart still breaks, and everyone deserves to be able to live their lives to the fullest.

I hope some day to have the opportunity to give him a hug, and help him heal and feel loved.

I've felt this way for many years, and many friends have asked, "How does it make you feel?" or "How can you not feel hate, or angry?"

For the longest time I didn't know how to answer that question, but I could remember one thing.

One day in high school, by best friend and I had gone to a movie with her mom in the next town over.  We ran into this lovely couple, and my friend's mom introduced us.  I immediately noticed a great amount of pain and sorrow in this man's eyes.  He looked so ill.... not really physically.... but his eyes.... showed a tortured soul.

I didn't know the couple.

A few weeks later, my best friend and I were hanging out at her place, she was playing guitar... and she wanted to ask me something.  I can only imagine now, how difficult it must have been for her to bring up the subject.

She asked me if I remembered the couple we met at the movie a few weeks ago... and I did. She asked if I knew who they were... and I didn't, other than the introduction.... and she mentioned.... he was the man involved in the car accident with my mother.  And since that day.... I understood why I saw soo much pain in his eyes.... and understood why I could never hate that man for the rest of my life.  He was suffering.... and I could only feel love for him.

I could share many more stories... but this is my thought of the day... and has been for so long....

learn to love.... unconditionally.... it will bring you tremendous strength.

Love Always,
D

Today is our 1 year anniversary :)

Wow, how does time ever fly when you're having the time of your life!!!

I can't believe it's been 1 year already, and I can't believe I spent it with the man and love of my life.

You know, the funny thing is, that usually when you get married, your friends tease you or your husband to-be about "signing your life away" or it's all down hill from now!!!" or even "the old' ball and chain eh?!" but in our case, we were surrounded by friends and family telling us how it's the best thing in the world, it's a whole new amazing experience and how it just changes your relationship and makes it that much better!

And I have to say that's exactly what happened! We're sooo much closer than we've ever been! And I feel so blessed to have such a generous loving man, who loves kids and just wants to be the best he can be! He inspires me to keep being the best I can be as well.

We support eachother in our weaknesses and are there for eachother through thick and thin, and have worked so hard on our communication skills and have come such a long way!

I can only imagine what the future holds for us! I know there will be tough times along the way but I also know we are so good together that we can pull through anything!

I love him with all my heart and we have so much fun together. I'm glad we read the relationship books we've read so far, I can't imagine where we'd be today had we not chosen to access information not taught in schools or life.

Imagine if schools taught how men and women can get along, and how to sort out problems and differences in life, we would have so many amazing relationships and it would definitely impact the 50%+ rate of divorce we have today.

May you all be blessed with healthy loving relationships, and be open to different information if struggles come your way. It sure changed our lives and those of many others we know.

Love always,
D

Just read "For Women Only" by Shaunti Feldhahn

Wow!!! What an amazing and "ah-ha" moment book!!!! A glimps into your man's mind and wiring and how it helps to understand how you man thinks... And how he feels!!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book to all ladies, single, married, dating!!!! I could have used this information years ago, and I can already see how it has already changed my way of thinking and how I'll be doing things differently... This will revolutionize both your relationships and mine! So refreshing!

My husband also read "For Men Only", both written by Shaunti Feldhahn, and he was very excited to discover all about a woman's wiring... He had his ah-ha moments as well and was thrilled with the information! I'm so grateful he read the information, he's such a strong leader in our life and such a kind, generous and loving man.

I'm so honored to be with my husband, and hope we have the opportunity to help someone else in their relationship. We've come a long way, from an unhealthy relationship, to working together as a team and helping ourselves and eachother become better partners.

I was very happy with our relationship before we dove into these 2 books, but they made us both realize how much better still our relationship can be!

Take the time to read these short, very well written books... They could change your life too.

Love always,
Danielle

Leadership

Standing against the current is a brave act, moving against the current is the beginning of leadership, and forming a team of people willing to move against the current is what top leaders do.
From the book: Resolved, 13 resolutions for life, by Orrin Woodward.

Many people feel they are not smart enough to succeed, but typically, the most successful people are not the highest scoters on an IQ test.
From the book Resolved, 13 resolutions for life, by Orrin Woodward

Friendship

Clip from the book "Resolved" by Orrin Woodward.
...This poem sums up the essence of how true friends help one another:
A friend is someone who knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts who you have become, and still gently invites you to grow. Author unknown.

You either hate losing bad enough to change, or you hate changing enough to lose. (in the book Resolved by Orrin Woodward - The mental fitness challenge)

Quote from the book "13 Resolutions" by Orrin Woodward

A leader quickly learns that anytime he chooses to stand in his convictions, he naturally upsets others who choose to sit on their conveniences. However, leaders of character refuse to surrender their principles no matter what, understanding that character is more important than comfort or reputation. As Wooden said,"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."

Quote from the book "13 Resolutions" by Orrin Woodward

A leader quickly learns that anytime he chooses to stand in his convictions, he naturally upsets others who choose to sit on their conveniences. However, leaders of character refuse to surrender their principles no matter what, understanding that character is more important than comfort or reputation. As Wooden said,"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."

What one thing dies the world need most today - apart, that is, from the all-inclusive thing we call righteousness? Aren't you inclined to agree that what this old world needs is just the art of being kind? Every time I visit a factory or any other large business concern, I find myself trying to diagnose whether the atmosphere is one o kindliness or the reverse. And somehow, if there is palpably lacking that spirit of kindness, the owners...have fallen short of achieving 24-carat success no matter how imposing the financial balance sheet may be. - B.C. Forbes

Jolt yourself out of lethargy by doing what you know you need to do. No one else can do it for you. Who will you call that you've been putting off calling? Will you go out, take an interest in others, make new friends, and share what you are doing as you go through the day? Will you brighten someone else's day with a sincere compliment? Get excited and get moving! Do something toward your success. And that of others. This Weill make it easier to master your emotions and be happy. - Tony Sciré

While technology provides us with wonderful communication devices, unless we connect with others and build high-touch relationships, our success will be limited. High-tech tools can offer only low-touch experiences. They simply cannot be used to reach people like verbal magic can. - Tony Sciré

Each is us makes his own weather - determines the color of the skies - in the emotional universe which he inhabits. - Fulton J. Sheen

People like to be around positive, even tempered, friendly, helpful people they like, trust, and can call friends. - Tony Sciré

"What counts in life is not what you say but what you do." Anonymous

"Man cannot discover new oceans until he has courage to lose sight of the shore" Anonymous

"Happiness or unhappiness is often a matter of choice" Anonymous

“Character consists of what you do on the third and forth tries.” James A Michener

“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly” Robert F. Kennedy

No two thoughts can occupy the mind at the same time.  Replace negativity with positive, confident thoughts. - from the book "The ant and the elephant" by Vince Poscente

Think, act and talk with enthusiasm and you'll attract positive results. - Michael LeBoeuf from the book "Attitude is everything".

"If you are a blessing to others, you will also be blessed."

6 Steps to make your attitude your best asset (Alex Nickerson)

1. Take responsibility for your attitude
2. Evaluate your present attitude:
- about yourself (don't be so hard on yourself. Give yourself positive talks, not beating yourself up.)
- about others
- on how you think about things
3. Develop the desire to change
4. Change your attitude by changing your thoughts (if you put good in, good will come out)
5. Develop good habits (read, listen to inspiring CDs, be happy, be nice)
6. Manage your attitude daily

Trick yourself into improving and developing your attitude.

Try a 21 day challenge. If you mess up, start over. Challenge yourself to have a positive attitude.

Attitude is more important than anything else. If you have a good attitude, you will succeed at everything you want to achieve.

"Do just once what others say you can't do, and you will never pay attention to their limitations again." - James R. Cook

"If you rarely give a little more, should you really expect to get a little more?" Sam Parker 

"The ability to form friendships, to make people believe in and trust you is one of the few absolutely fundamental qualities of success.  Selling, buying, negotiating are so much smoother and easier when the parties enjoy each other's confidence.  People who can make friends quickly will find that they will glide instead of stumble through life." -John J. McGuirk

The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will. –Vince Lombardi

"If you stop learning today, you stop leading tomorrow" - Howard Hendricks

"Winning is a habit.  Unfortunately, so is loosing." Vince Lombardi

"A Leader is an individual who has an inspiring vision and can get others to buy into it." -Laurence Smith

"Top Performers are obsessed with achieving their goals.  They have a strong passion to succeed.  They feel their fire for desire in the centers of their heart.  Adrenaline flows when they think about the possibilities.  They overcome whatever challenges they encounter.  Their desire is with them every night when they go to bed, every morning when they awake, and throughout every day.  It never fades.  It only grows stronger with time.  When you feel this kind of desire and continue to doggedly persist, nothing can stop you from reaching your goals." -Tony Sciré

"The way you develop your desire does not automatically take care of itself - you need to make it happen.  The key is to keep your dreams alive and hold your objectives before you." -Tony Sciré

"Have a caring, attentive attitude toward other, and understand that everyone enjoys a nice conversation and a bit of fun.  This is essential for you to succeed with people." -Tony Sciré

"Gratitude takes three forms: a feeling in the heart, an expression in words, and a giving in return." - John Wanamaker

"Tis the human touch in the world that counts - the touch of your hand and mine - which means far more to the sinking heart than shelter, bread or wine.  For shelter is gone when the night is o'er, and bread lasts only a day. But the touch of the hand and the sound of the voice live on in the soul always." - Spencer M. Free

"There is no such thing as a self made person. We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement to us, has entered into the make-up of our character and of our thoughts, as well as our success." - George Matthew Adam

"We all need to know someone cares about us and our challenges. The more high-tech our world becomes, the more important it is to build high-touch relationships. This will increase our productivity and help us achieve what we desire." - Tony Sciré

"One positive dream is more powerful than a thousand negative realities." -Tony Sciré

"Each of us now has a second chance to be the person we were meant to be.  Now is truly the time to better define your heartfelt purpose and focus on it." - Mike Hottinger