Laynara, thanks for the update! Take care and let yourself be filled with peace and love.
Thanks so much! I will have another support group!
Anita
Anita, just know a lot of us have been where you are. We all share common concerns and anxieties and are learning or have learned how to work with and move through them. It's such a good sign that you're willing and able to do the work and learn new coping techniques. Hugs to you and that little trouble making rascal of a puppy ?
Laynara, we're all surrounding you, your family and most of all that darling little precious son with love, care, and healing. Blessings to you all. ?
Anita - Thought of one more activity that might help. Focus on dog training with the new pup, and consider working on one of several tracks: Emotional Support Animal, Service Animal, Agility Competition. Both of my dogs are ESAs, and while it's not required that they be specifically trained, I recommend to everyone that they do so, because untrained ESAs make situations difficult for everyone else, and then rules get changed as a result.
Laynara - I'm getting the feeling all will be well. Holding you and yours in light.
Hi all! Following along, as usual, and wanted to update and ask you all for continued support as well as share an interesting thing that happened earlier this week.
Background: I have posted before on this thread about the difficult school year we had last year with our daughters (ages 9 and 11) for various reasons. We struggled with our parenting and did purse some counseling and mindfulness, which helped. We ended the school year on a better note and learned much about our own behavior/response to stress with the kids, etc. Hoping to take those lessons with us moving forward! Our girls go back to school next week, so I wanted to post to ask for any support, light, love that you can send our way that we can proceed in a more positive way this year and retain the lessons we have learned.
As for the interesting thing that happened earlier this week - I have always had a thing about dragonflies. I love seeing them and find them to be very special. I have researched their meaning a bit and know that they are a symbol of "change and change in the perspective of self realization; and the kind of change that has its source in mental and emotional maturity and the understanding of the deeper meaning of life."
So, my husband and I have been going for a walk in the evening when he gets home from work. This past Tuesday (the 21st, which happens to be a meaningful number for me - my bday is Sept. 21, our house number begins with 21 - long story about how we got this house...), I had been in the driveway pulling in our garbage bins when my husband got home. I paused to say hi as he got out of the car and as we were standing in the driveway, this beautiful, large, green dragonfly whizzed by. I was excited, as usual, when I spot them. But this one stopped and hovered directly in front of my face for a good 2 seconds and then went and hovered directly in front of my husband's face for a good 2 seconds. Then is buzzed around and out of sight. I was tickled and thought that was very cool.
We proceeded on our walk and do a loop through the neighborhood. As we came around one stretch a couple of blocks from home, my husband noticed a big, green dragonfly on the sidewalk. It didn't seem to be able to fly, but no visible issues with the wings, etc. It was a windy day and we didn't want it to get squished, so we moved it to the grass, off of the sidewalk. I really wanted to take it home, but we had another loop to do. I figured if it was there when we got back, I would take it home. We came back around about 10 minutes later and it was still there, so we carefully gathered it up on a piece of bark and got it home. It was still alive, but could not fly. I took a ton of photos (I am an artist and was thrilled to see one up close, the colors, the details, the gorgeous stained-glass-like wings.) I finally left it on one of the cone flowers in our garden, thinking if it survived it could fly away, and if not, it would at least be sheltered a bit. It actually made it through the night and was still alive the next day. I gave it some water and moved it to a different spot in the garden. I went out for a while, and when I got back later in the day, it had finally died and was on its back in the garden. I kept it and want to preserve it (possibly in resin) - interestingly, it died in the most perfect position - wings spread, abdomen stretched out (not curled up.)
Anyway, long story to just say that I think it was a gift to me/us. Maybe it got our attention before the walk to say, hey, I am near the end - look for me later! Who knows, but I thought you all might find it interesting and/or have some insight for me. Either way, I see it as a beautiful gift and reminder to embrace change and transition. Hoping to hold that thought close as we proceed into a new school year.
P.S. Laynara - always thinking good thoughts for you and your son! And Anita - all the best to you as well as you adjust to your time by yourself. This group is an amazing one that I draw strength and grounding and focus from daily.
Sending you love & light! Sounds like you are already moving in the right direction ❤️
I'm asking all who read on here to send love, light, strength, focus and patience to the young man in this story from my life.
Trying to make a long story short and not sound egocentric.
I worked as a Speech Pathologist for over 20 years. I left the field in disgust in 2013 or so, to become a Chef instead. I loved it, but it was physically very demanding, and now I am on permanent disability (getting my SS money back before the gubmint eliminates it). I love studying languages and communication (makes sense). I had been studying Japanese, but the curricula here are not geared for adults, so I stopped. I decided it would be good to learn French, as it might be helpful in my immigration rights activism.
I signed up for French 101 at our local CC. On the first day, we had to get up and greet classmates in French. The third person I approached signed to me "I am deaf." So I wrote in his notebook "I'm a speech pathologist, don't know ASL but I think I can help."
He told me he is profoundly deaf, no hearing aids, no residual hearing. He does not speak. I was able to determine that his English language skills are excellent. Also found out that the professor has some ASL (is married to an interpreter, I think). He also told me that the office of student accessibility has denied ** illegally ** proper accommodations for the French class (he does not have the resources to sue). So the professor and I put our heads together and talked the deaf student into sticking with the class (he was feeling overwhelmed and like he might have to drop). I was able to develop an unofficial IEP (individual education plan). It involves me doing a lot of transcribing on my laptop and relaying of questions, modifying homework and exams, and facilitating access to class materials at no cost. The student agreed to the plan.
He is a good kid - wants to be a fashion designer and wants to study fashion in Paris. He works as a dishwasher at a fancy restaurant. The professor and I want so much for him to succeed! We are both worried, however, that he may drop the class - Aug 31 midnight is the deadline to drop - he says he's feeling overwhelmed, I'm telling him - dude, this is an easy way to earn 5 units! Just show up and we'll get you through, this professor will pass you!
Why am I sharing this? Because it reminds me WHY I went into speech pathology in the first place. It's exciting and rewarding and I love it. I'm grateful that being on disability gives me the time and money to pursue personal interests, and in this case it was fate that brought this student, professor, and myself together. It points to how messed up our healthcare and education systems are, and how many of us who go into helping professions end up burned out and angry as a result. I'm saying that when you know what your passion is, pursue it, outside the usual paths if need be. I'm also saying that anything any of us can do to lift others up, in any form, we need to do. Peace.
A wonderful story, Laura, bless you and all whose lives you touch. Bless the young man, the teacher and all whose lives they touch.
Normajean, we hear you, feel your heart, understand your fears and join you as you meditate and head forward on your path as you journey with all of us, day by day, step by step.
You are never alone.
NormaJean, I see angels sitting around you in a circle giving you love and support. It is so good that you reached out.
Laura F— it warms my heart to read your story, how you are helping this man. And we are all sending love and success to you and him and the professor. You are doing the best work. Wow.
Quick update on my story: the deadline to "drop" the class was Friday at midnight. The professor emailed me at 8am Saturday to say that our deaf friend is sticking with the class for the rest of the semester!! I reached out to the student (let's call him "H") via text. We met at a local cafe` to start homework that is due. Long story short, he ended up coming to my house for dinner that night. It turned out to be a madcap kind of evening, with people coming and going, etc. I'm glad I tend to cook too much food, because we ended up needing all of it! H is such a great young man, I was glad that he felt comfortable enough to fall asleep on the sofa while I cooked (with my chiweenie dog curled up on his chest, no less! - she is a bit slutty lol), and we had a lovely 4 way dinner conversation by using an iPad to write messages. I found out a lot of new info about H, and we found we have a lot in common for people in two completely different generations. He's very interested in reiki, astrology, tarot, spirituality in general. He is a Leo, I am a Scorpio and his mother is a Scorpio. I have many Leo friends, and tend to get along best with Leos and Tauruses. So now here's the funny part, before I share it, remember how my and H's interest in French is fairly new. I follow FreeWill Astrology, which is a fun horoscope site written by Rob Brezny. I love his horoscopes because they are so positive and proactive (which for my fellow Scorpios, so refreshing, am I right?). Here is my horoscope for the current week, again full attribution and thanks to Mr.Brezny: (emphasis mine)
"If a man treats a life artistically, his brain is his heart," wrote Oscar Wilde. I'll translate that into a more complete version: "If a person of any gender treats life artistically, their brain is their heart." This truth will be especially applicable for you in the coming weeks. You'll be wise to treat your life artistically. You'll thrive by using your heart as your brain. So I advise you to wield your intelligence with love. Understand that your most incisive insights will come when you're feeling empathy and seeking intimacy. As you crystallize clear visions about the future, make sure they are generously suffused with ideas about how you and your people can enhance your joie de vivre.
LMAO !! H has a great sense of humor, we both got a kick out of this, and I love it when The Universe has a sense of humor too.
Normajean - thanks for your post. You're not alone in the thoughts you're having. If you poke around on here, you will find many positive visions and messages, which may help. I've gone into panic mode a few times over the last few years, and one of the other members here (RunestoneOne), very wisely advised me to re-organize my emergency supplies. Doing so doesn't prevent emergencies, but it helped me to focus on fears and worries and channel those into a proactive action. I'm not saying to re-organize supplies, necessarily, just saying try to latch on to ONE thing you can control in your life/environment, it really helps.
Hi Norma Jean, I am a little late in responding to your post,since it is the first time I got into this category. I will add you to my board of prayers. I pray the light reaches you and you are lifted by people's prayers, healing meditation and receive the light you need to have strength to get you trough this very difficult time. Take care of yourself and your loved ones.
Hello Laura F. Your story of your young is really touching. I'm so happy he's sticking with the class. I'm also so happy he has crossed your path and you his. Your horoscope is so dead on, I'll go on that site to check it out. I will add you to my praying board to help you and you young man. God speed!
It's the first day I visit this thread. I didn't know what is was about. Reading the last couple stories, has helped me look at something other than the good old "me, myself and I" state of mind. That is something I really want to work on. Although I am sociable, I'm a loner, so I have very few friends.
Currently, my best friend is going through a very tough time. She is going through a depression. She has mental health issues as well. She lost her mother less than 6 months ago. Because of her anxiety, she started drinking a bit. Not enough to be an alcoholic, but she was afraid she was going down that path very quickly since every evening she was trying to not get a bottle of vodka. She was self medicating with it. One night she called me and was suicidal. That's the night I gathered information for her on the AA, and other social organization to help people going through the same kind of situation.
She called AA. I am proud of her because she sough help right away. So the problem didn't escalate. Even though they realize she is not an alcoholic, they still took her under their wings and are helping her very much. She already has a sponsor and communicates with her very often.
She is currently off work, has no income because she is a truck driver (18 + wheeler) and she has no benefits because she works for an agency and not company. She is 2 months behind in her rent due to her illness.. She is a very generous person and gives a lot of herself for others. People are drawn to her because she has an aura of friendly openness.
She needs help with her ongoing mental health issues as well as the deep depression she is going through. She needs help with better managing her financial situation, and $$ to pay the rent. She needs help to not fall into the bottle and self-medicate again. She needs plan if or when she returns to work. Being a truck driver is not easy as I've learned from her, specially not for a woman. She needs help to re-orient to a new career if that is what is needed of her. And I need to better help her.
Your thoughts and prayers would be very welcome.
Thanks
Bright Opal, I am sending your friend healing energy and light and love. Her situation can turn around in an amazing way. All of us reading her story can send her love right now. May she heal from her life wounds and find joy again. Gratitude helps and gratitude heals. Gratitude and despair can not occupy the same space.
Gratitude and despair can not occupy the same space.
Wonderful thought and so true.
And in this moment sending healing light to all who visit this site and to those They ask us to support
Also it occurred to me that when I click “like” I find I am really sending support and gratitude to the writer which is a form of healing light.
Bluebelle and Jeanne,
I heard that recently and loved it.
I also love this one by Maya Angelou:
"Hope and fear cannot occupy the same space. Invite one to stay."
For all who visit here, remember these, recite one or both as lovely bits of positive thinking and emotional self-support.
I love to print or write little reminders like these on index cards or pretty psper.
I take them and tape or paperclip them onto or by things I look at everyday; a calendar, bathroom mirror, refrigerator door, or tucked behind a light switch plate, or on a bulletin board or gift card or piece of art work.
Check out Jeanne's use of quotes on this site's opening predictions and blog comments page.
https://www.jeannemayell.com/world-psychic-predictions-2017-2018/