BLOG 311–Finding Courage to Restart!

“KITTING AROUND”
BLOG 311–Finding Courage to Restart!
Don’t sleepwalk through life.
I aim to Illuminate your Life with my Words.
Do You Wander or Wonder About the Possibilities?
Embark on Your Journey of Self-Discovery and Personal Growth.
Let’s Ignite Moments of Self-reflection and Deep Contemplation Together.
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY AND BETTER!

*** A world-class juggler/performer.
*** The value that every moment has.
*** Only YOU know what is best for you.
*** Going through a 37-day coma — Yikes!
*** The joy I experience in life is a wondrous thing!
*** It was a life-altering experience that gave me joy.
*** More than just you, I hope I help many others through you.
*** This blog looks best when viewed on a laptop.
*** If you read through Facebook, see >> kitsummers.com
*** Despite being hit by two trucks, I remain happy.
*** What do you want to accomplish before you die? 
*** I lived in my van for six years, which was very nice.
*** I visited all US national parks and met Beth.
*** Beth and I married on 2/22/22 at 2:22.
*** But sadly, our divorce is imminent.
*** What are you genuinely passionate about?
*** What do you want to accomplish?
*** You cannot change the past.
*** Remember, the future will come.
*** All you have is now—ALWAYS!
*** Have you seen >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFC5vLPDWRo 

BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

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WHY I WRITE THIS BLOG
You will have many in your life who assist and teach; I hope I help guide you. I want to lighten your path toward excellence. I am not trying to show you “the way”; I am trying to help you find “your way.” Writing this blog each week is new and different for me each time—I love it! In other words, I hope to continually add to your life and bring you to a higher level. Your life should always be starting again–a better life each time!
     
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU WITH MY WORDS –WORDS HAVE POWER!
They can fill you with optimism and empower you to think positively.
Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual demise?
You can (and should) make changes to improve your life — at every age. Let this thought motivate and drive you towards self-improvement.
Of course, that leads to helping others to have a better life.
We all need to help each other to reach a higher level.
           
MY EXPERIENCES
You already know much about what I write, and I want to remind you of these ideas and show that my views can provide you with additional thoughts, along with yours, to help you.
I hope to spread ideas from my life so you can live better.
Remember — only you know what is best for you.
And — you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind!
     
Learn a New Word — Every Day!
Sign up at >> https://www.wordgenius.com/ 

YES, YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO FIND YOUR SUCCESS!
THINK  —  AND THEN THINK AGAIN.
WHAT NEW STORIES ARE YOU READY TO WRITE? 

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OPENING WORDS
     
A few weeks ago, I was involved in an accident, and the van was totaled; I had to start again. I returned to the tow yard and pulled things out of the van that I could use later, but could not get everything. I had to start over again. THIS WAS A HUGE LIFE CHANGE.
     
Again, I have to restart—yikes! I was in an accident with the van, which was totaled, and I did not do much better myself. Starting life from zero has been very bad for me—AGAIN!
Along with Dave Finnegan, we set up a go-fund-me account to help me to get back.
You can learn more here >>
https://www.gofundme.com/f/rally-for-kit-summers-a-fresh-start-on-the-road
I hope you can help.
   
As you know, my van is no more, kaput. I am looking for another vehicle to use. Do you have one, or do you know someone with a car or van they are not using that I could take over? I could fly anywhere to retrieve the said vehicle.
 
I did not write about this before; I attended https://atlantajugglers.org/aja-media/events/129-2025-ghfest
I had a good time and saw many old friends.
I performed in the big show, and that went well.
 
Being in this motel hotel is like being in jail. I have no vehicle to drive anywhere, and it’s cold as hell out there (or is hell hot?) I feel stuck here, just like I’m in jail.
        ===================
BLOG 311–Finding Courage to Restart!
   
Everyone goes through change.
It is how we face the change that matters.
A good outlook will help you through the change.
 
Perhaps you went through a significant life change, like going through a coma and restarting your life. I’ve had to (got to?) several times. Perhaps you are going through difficult things, and it would be best to start again.
     
I am listing several life changes that I had to go through–no other choice >>
1) Hit by a truck and went through a 37-day coma, then had to relearn everything physical.
2) While riding my bike and holding a bag, the bag got sucked into the front wheel spokes. My front wheel stopped. My head slammed to the pavement, and I was put into the hospital for some days.
3) Once again, while riding my bike, I saw a truck driver approaching me without looking. As he made his left-hand turn, he drove through me, breaking my collarbone, my elbow, and three ribs. Hospital again for some weeks.
4) After I married Beth for two years, she wanted me to leave. I took it hard.
5) Just recently, I was involved in an accident which destroyed my van and harmed me in various ways. In and out of the hospital.
6) Surprisingly, I still smile and am pretty friendly.
   
After each incident, I had to restart my life, which took courage. I’m nothing special. We all go through life changes, and I may have experienced more than many.
   
Hi Beth.
I’m glad you’re reading this.
     
How do you find the courage to change your life’s situation? If you are unhappy with how things are going in your life, ask yourself why things are going that way. Think very objectively about the answer to this.
   
Now that you have identified the problems–
Correct them.
Destroy them.
Or remove yourself from them.
However, this is just a band-aid because bad things always happen.
   
But you might wonder: Is it your life situation or you that you have a problem with? My intuition tells me something else is going on. Whatever your situation, are you looking for some meaning? This is a reason to change your situation or yourself?
     
Having a purpose or meaning in life isn’t something you find; it is a path you walk. It gets you up in the morning and drives you to do well through the day. We get confused or sidetracked because a lot of noise is out there, grabbing our attention. It tells us that we must be rich and that clothes are essential. 

WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE OR  MEANING IN LIFE? 

Your purpose will also change throughout your life. That is good; that is how it is supposed to be. Ensure you’re not confusing your purpose or meaning with someone else’s. It is not other people’s fault 99 out of 100 times, though it seems that way. You might have allowed them to influence your life, but your choices still got you there.
   
It’s ok to be unhappy.
Don’t feel bad about that as well.
Consider this: If everything were easy and simply achievable, and life was just dancing around the house, when would you learn anything and become stronger?
   
You are alive.
That is the biggest asset one can restart with.
We have to keep trying until we take our last breath.
Life is not easy; we are challenged at every step.
Some challenges are more significant than others.
During those challenges, if we have just existed…it means we are not quite.
I lost everything 4 times.
Health wealth and relationships.
And I have made a very satisfying life for myself.
And like me, in my community of Scars.
Everyone has been broken many times.
Now you are alive–rejoice!
               
To find the courage to restart, acknowledge your fears, identify your “why” on each, and break down your goals into small steps.
     
TO HELP YOU GET BACK >>
Build a support system.
Practice self-compassion.
Reframe setbacks as learning opportunities.
You must act courageously.
Keep trying.
Please be sure to look for the heroes.
Get comfortable with “mistakes.”
Could you clarify your values?
Become part of a social force for courage.
Maintain a Healthy Perspective.
Identify Your Strengths.
Consider and Visualize Different Scenarios.
Practice Leaving Your Comfort Zone.
Reduce Your Stress.
Celebrate Courageous Actions.
Welcome Failure.
Keep going.
   
Remember that starting over can be a chance for growth and positive change, even if it initially seems daunting. Make it something positive in your mind.
     
Lack of courage, or timidity, often stems from a fear learned through experience or memory. Identifying the sources of your worries can help you begin taking proactive steps to change this behavior and gain courage in your situation.
   
Be honest with yourself. Identify the excuses and rationales keeping you in your life “as is.” Only you can change yourself. Motivation must come from within you. Take responsibility and examine what part of your life has kept you from your full potential.
   
What Is Courage?
Many people equate courage with fearlessness, but this is a wrong interpretation. Courage involves taking action despite your fear. It is the willingness to respond even when one feels anxiety and worry.
   
You must never beat yourself up or assume you are not courageous if you feel fearful—courage is being able to act even when scared. Additionally, the more you face your fears, the more you can replace your fear-based response with a courageous one.
   
One of the best ways to be courageous is to understand what you’re afraid of and overcome that fear. If you allow fear to stop you, you may not move forward, take risks, or make the most of your opportunities. Meanwhile, the courage you manifest will enable you to take chances, pursue your dreams, and achieve what you seek.
   
Being more courageous will help us respond appropriately to risks. It involves thinking things through, examining the risks and rewards, and acting despite the fear that inevitably sets in. Keeping a healthy perspective on fear’s role can help us stop beating ourselves up when this feeling seeps in. You become unstoppable when you understand that you have the power to build your courage.
   
Another benefit of being courageous is accomplishing positive things in our lives. Courage gives us the power to chase things that are important to us. It can also bolster self-esteem and help us to believe in ourselves and our abilities.
   
This allows you to see the world from a different perspective.
It broadens your experiences, making you more balanced toward happiness. 
It encourages others to be courageous, too.
 
How to Feel More Courageous
If fear is not viewed correctly, it can prevent you from achieving your goals, your chances, and your pursuit of opportunities. For instance, you may not pursue that promotion and hope they notice your hard work; be open.
   
Determining areas or situations where you could be more courageous is a good step toward not letting fear hold you back. Once you do, here are some actions to help you move forward, even if you might feel scared.
   
It’s essential to recognize that fear is not a bad thing. For instance, fear triggers survival instincts designed to keep you safe. Fear hurts, but you must go through it sometimes. Without fear, you may not respond to risk in a good way.
     
Look at fear as a chance to learn more about yourself and why you might be afraid or less than thrilled about stepping out of your comfort zone. If you take the time to see your fear and understand why it’s there, you can better understand how to overcome it or be courageous despite it.
 
Don’t minimize your fear or deny it exists; see what is holding you back. Acknowledging your fear—either by writing it down or sharing it with someone helpful—empowers you to be courageous, even when fearful.
   
Living a life of courage helps you identify what you’re good at and where you’ve succeeded. You can find this success again! Research shows that people who recognize and develop their strengths not only feel happier and less depressed but also have greater resilience.
   
Knowing what you’re good at and happy with also helps boost your confidence. It makes it more likely that you will take risks and be courageous, making you happier. Likewise, when you’re confident in your abilities, you’re much more willing to go all-in when an opportunity presents itself.
   
Moreover, it’s natural to focus on your shortcomings and weaknesses when facing fear. But doing this makes you less likely that you will feel courageous. For this reason, it’s crucial to think about what you’re good at to build your confidence and courage.

Comparing the two extremes is often all needed to move beyond your fears. This is because, most of the time, the worst thing that could happen is often minimal compared to what you could gain by moving forward. Regularly using comparisons like these can help you stop letting fear control you over time.
   
Additionally, visualize ways in which you do something you’re afraid of. Run through each possible scenario in your mind, including how you might respond or what you might say. Stay positive! This exercise allows you to practice being courageous without putting yourself out until you feel ready.
 
So, if you feel overwhelmed, tired, frazzled, or bogged down, look for ways to relieve your stress. If you feel overwhelmed by being more courageous, you may need to reduce your stress levels.
   
Every courageous act can be celebrated, especially if it’s new for you. It’s important to pat yourself on the back and recognize your effort to overcome your fear. Celebrating small wins can help you stay more motivated to continue this change.
               
Look back at your change. Writing a journal can prevent you from engaging in negative thoughts or assuming you will never be courageous. Perhaps take a short vacation or some time off from your work. Everyone needs a break now and then. Learning practical coping skills can also help you prevent stress from becoming too big. Look for the good.
     
Like juggling, when you drop something, you pick it up and try again. Fear of failure can keep you stuck in the same place. It can also lead people to develop rigid standards and become perfectionists to avoid the embarrassment or shame of failing at something.
   
But failure is an experience that should be embraced. Remember that failure is not bad, use it as a learning experience. Failure is an opportunity to grow as a person. It allows you to learn something new, change directions, see what you’re made of, and stay happy.
               
It’s never too late to start living courageously, no matter what might happen. Courage is another trait that can be developed with intentional effort and practice. All it takes is the determination to recognize your fears and the willingness to act despite them.
 
When you identify your fears and take a positive approach toward working through them to achieve your goals, you build your self-confidence and are likely to be more successful with everything. Look at your fears as an opportunity to strengthen your courage, and before long, you will be able to push through your discomfort and live the kind of life you have always wanted.

EMBRACE THE PRESENT MOMENT — EVERY SINGLE INSTANT! 

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WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU!
Inspirational quotes and sayings have a unique ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thoughts. They are attractive, challenging, and essential on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others.
     
READ
Reading through the quotes below about life can do the trick if you’re looking for a pick-me-up or a healthy dose of motivation. Whether centered around positive affirmations, self-care, or success, life quotes can be powerful inspirational tools.
     
THE BURST!
Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to regain our focus, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion. I hope the words below bring a smile to your face and drive you to make this day and every day a fantastic event.
 
BE POSITIVE!
Just as positive words can make someone smile, and a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your thoughts react to the world in real time. Have this control! You have complete control over only one thing in the universe—YOUR THINKING!—and that’s where motivational quotes come in!
     
“YOU”
Your quality of thinking and how you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible, determine everything in your life. Use quotes to move ahead in your life.
   
SELF-TALK IS SO ESSENTIAL—THINK RIGHT!
To stay motivated, you have to use each day as an opportunity to improve and get closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it! Motivational words, yes, are just words. But they are positive words; they will keep you on track.
   
QUOTES
Motivational quotes affect our brain, behavior, and lives because they make us feel like we are in control of our success and have self-efficacy. Quotes make us believe that we have the confidence to complete a task successfully, which is different from having the motivation to succeed.  
 
QUOTES WILL BENEFIT YOU!
Positive and inspiring quotes can be like sunshine on a cloudy day. They inject optimism into our thoughts, brighten our mood, and help us focus on the good in life. They remind us that even in the face of adversity, we can see the silver lining and embrace a positive attitude.
   
PEARLS OF WISDOM
In a world filled with challenges and indecisiveness, the power of inspirational quotes cannot be exaggerated. These pearls of wisdom uniquely uplift our spirits, can spark positive change, and fuel our motivation often when we need it most.
     
WORDS WILL CHANGE YOU!
The correct motivational quote can change you and things—helping you ditch the excuses, escape your comfort zone, and take action. Read these words with an open mind and learn to improve your life.
     
THESE QUOTES
When you read these quotes, you’ll also realize that many other people worldwide are experiencing these feelings. These feelings make you think you’re the only person who could feel this bad. But you’re not. Lots and lots of other people feel bad, too. This is the irony of it. You don’t want other people to feel crappy, but it does make you feel better or at least comforted to know that other people feel just as bad as you.
     
READ CAREFULLY
These quotes can be used when you wake up or prepare for work.
You can write your favorite quotes somewhere where you can see them first thing in the morning.
These quotes are motivating, inspiring, and encouraging.
They will help you see your potential, stay motivated, and see the beauty in every morning.
Use them to your advantage! 

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I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS
INSPIRE YOU AND ADD TO YOUR LIFE >>

“Look well into thyself; there is a source of strength which will always spring up if thou wilt always look there.” >> Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor
   
“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.” >> Mark Twain
   
“I am learning every day to allow the space between where I am and where I want to be to inspire and not terrify me.”  >>  Tracee Ellis Ross
   
“If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough.” >> Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
   
“Courage, dear heart.”>> C.S. Lewis
 
“We must persevere and, above all, have confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted.
for something, and this thing must be attained at whatever cost.”  >>  Marie Curie
   
“If you hear a voice within you saying, “You are not a painter,” then by all means paint, boy, and that voice will be silenced.
  >>  Vincent van Gogh
   
“Scared is what you’re feeling. Brave is what you’re doing.”
>> Emma Donoghue
 
“Although no one can go back and make a brand new start,
anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” >> Carl Bard
   
“It’s never too late to become who you want to be.
I hope you live a life you’re proud of, and if you find that you’re not,
I hope you have the strength to start over.” >> F. Scott Fitzgerald
     
“No, this is not the beginning of a new chapter in my life; this is the beginning of a new book! That first book is closed, ended, and tossed into the seas. This new book has just begun and has just opened! Look, it is the first page! And it is a beautiful one!” >> C. JoyBell C.
   
“You can learn new things at any time in your life if you’re willing to be a beginner.
If you learn to like being a beginner, the whole world opens up to you.” >> Barbara Shur
   
“Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us and new beauty waiting to be born.” >> Dale Turner
   
“Every day is a new beginning. Treat it that way.
Stay away from what might have been, and look at what can be.” >> Marsha Petrie Sue
 
“Never underestimate the power you have to take your life in a new direction.” >> Germany Kent
   
“The magic in new beginnings is truly the most powerful of them all.” >> Josiyah Martin
   
“Each day is a new beginning, the chance to do with it what should be done and not to be seen as simply another day to put in time.” >> Catherine Pulsifer
   
“Rock bottom is the end of what wasn’t true enough. Begin again and build something truer.” >> Glennon Doyle
   
“Trust yourself. Create the kind of self you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.”  >>  Golda Meir
   
“I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence, but it comes from within. It is there all the time.”  >>  Anna Freud
   
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.  >>  Eleanor Roosevelt
   
“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”  >>  Eleanor Roosevelt
   
“You have to have confidence in your ability and be tough enough to follow through.”  >>  Rosalynn Carter
   
“When you win, you don’t get carried away. But if you go step by step, confidently, you can go far.”
Diego Maradona
   
“The confidence I now have is rooted in discovering that who I am is okay.  >>  Dudley Moore
   
“Have confidence that if you have done a little thing well, you can do a bigger thing well, too.”  >>  David Storey
     
“Confidence is preparation. Everything else is beyond your control.”   >>  Richard Kline
   
“I’m not sure I want to be without some confidence. If you are too sure of yourself, you don’t grow. You may feel confident in some things, but other fields are challenging. And if you don’t anticipate trouble, you will be in trouble.”     >>  Lucille Ball
   
“Doubt can motivate you, so don’t be afraid of it.
Confidence and doubt are at two ends of the scale, and you need both.
They balance each other out.”   >>   Barbra Streisand
   
“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.”   >>  Dale Carnegie
   
“When someone tells me “no,” it doesn’t mean I can’t do it; it simply means I can’t do it with them.
>>   Karen E. Quinones Miller
   
“My theory is that if you look confident, you can pull off anything — even if you have no clue what you’re doing.   >>  Jessica Alba
     
“I think the best way to have confidence is not to allow everyone else’s insecurities to be your own.”  >>  Jessie J

YOU MUST IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR THINKING,
YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE’S DIFFERENTIA—SOMETIMES INSTANTLY!
COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!
YOU CAN TURN THINGS AROUND FAST AND ACHIEVE YOUR
WILDEST DREAMS NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN LIFE!

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MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
Each week goes by so quickly, don’t you think?
It seems like time is going by faster and faster.
You must live joyfully, daily, for each day!
   
Do you know what you did last Monday?
Do you remember what you ate for dinner last Thursday?
Keep track of your doings for a few weeks; you will see your time differently.
Remember, the quality of your life depends on what you do each day–each moment!     
     
1/15–As I look out the window, I see snow falling. I should have stayed in Florida. There is already at least one inch of white stuff on the ground. It’s been hours now, and it is still falling.
   
I just checked out of the parking lot and saw a lot of snow. Also, I saw a van that looked a lot like my own. This made me think about the great memories I had with my van.
  1/16–I’m having trouble getting back to sleep after waking at 1 a.m. I just can’t at times. Is this affecting me badly in the long run? Now it is about 9 a.m., and I am tired.
   
1/17–Starting early, I worked on my blog; I hope the words benefit you.
     
I just discovered today that when I went to the van to get all my things out, I had forgotten that I had a file folder of essential letters and photos and info that was on a shelf above the front seats. Yet, all my files were stolen in the past, and I got through that all right. But, this time, I just want life to be over. SO MANY LOSES, I FEEL I HAVE NOTHING TO LIVE FOR.
   
1/18–Strange to be here in this room. This place has no office, so I am stuck here with nothing and no way to talk with anyone.
   
What is weird to me is sleeping alone. I often feel next to me for a body, not there. I have had someone to wake up next to most of my life. As you can tell, I am pretty lonely.
Thank you, Christeen, Karen, Mary Ellen, Tina, and Beth–I’m glad you were a part of my life.
     
1/19–I was going to go out for a long walk today, but snow is falling, so I will not be going out.
   
A guy came by today to fix the heater (I currently use a portable one). He looked it over and said he needed some more parts. Of course, I taught him to juggle—he loved his new skill. He has four kids, guys, so I gave him extra scarves to teach them.
   
1/20–Looking out the window and seeing snowflakes flying. Now, we are building up yet, but with time . . . The place where I am staying has just one window. The window cover was too low, so that light came in at night.  So, I remounted it to cover the entire window better at night. I will find out tonight.
 
While there is not much to do here, I watch many YouTube videos. Although there is a TV, I don’t watch TV much anymore; I prefer YouTube. With TV, you have to watch what they choose; you can make your own choices on YouTube.
     
I found out my sister is covering the cost of the room; thanks, Kath. Again, this is like being in jail. If you don’t know, I was once jailed for a month on a false charge. This was the worst month of my life.
   
It is so strange not to have a vehicle. This is the first time that has happened.
   
1/21–The window cover did turn out better. Less light is entering, and it is dark. I’m glad I changed it; they will never know what I did.
     
I’m sorry I’ve been crying for the last half hour. I injured my knee more than I thought, and it’s worsening. I’m having bank troubles with 1st Citizens, and they told me I must go to a branch to clear things up; the nearest branch is 163 miles away. And remember, I have no vehicle. Things keep getting worse and worse.

Because of my accident and coma, I cannot feel on my right side. I think my right knee is hurting so much now because I could not feel it before. Yes, the pain has come in, and it’s growing.
     
What will happen to Kit?
I guess we will all have to wait and see.
Currently, I see no promising future for Kit.
At the lowest point in my life. 

THEN, KEEP DOING NEW FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!

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THE GARDEN THIS WEEK

I keep this section about gardening in.
I do like the skill and hope you do, too.

Winter now, but there are still things you can grow.
And, remember about indoor gardening.
     
A self-supportive life can be a better life.
A garden would be a part of that life.    —
     
You must look into it.
   
Because I am back on the road, there will be no more words about the garden.
I do hope Beth keeps it up.
We did a lot of work establishing our vegetable garden.
   
When I drove the van seven years ago,
I grew stuff under the sunroof windows on the top.
I may start that up in my van garden again.
You will find out, of course.

START YOUR GARDEN TODAY!
IT MAY BE NECESSARY FOR YOUR LIFE!

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ALL OUR LIFE, WE MUST CHALLENGE OURSELVES!
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
See your life differently this week. Know you will get through the difficulties.
Start to make and live the life that YOU want.
Happiness can be with you more often than not.
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NEXT BLOG >>
BLOG 313–Anxiety. I will help you get through it.
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AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?