Hope Does Not Disappoint (even when we do)

The stomach virus has struck our household this week, both boys down. I hope your week has been much less eventful.

I am posting a video that my friend, Cindy Landham sent me earlier in the week. Cindy is a Heath and Wellness coach and I had the privilege to be a part of one of her classes not too long ago. To learn more about Cindy, click HERE.

To preface this video and how it pertains to our discussion on Boundaries the past couple of weeks, I wanted to share that change is hard. Often, it is the most difficult part of any recovery, even lack of boundaries. It's hard work. Know that you will go two steps forward and one step back. You may even "give up" only to return because there is something inside of you urging you on. So you try again. Each time you try, whether you are dealing with boundary issues, eating issues, or addiction issues, know that you are one step closer to reaching your goal. All steps are progress no matter how slow. The only time you truly fail at something is when you permanently give up, never trying again.

I'll just be transparent here. I struggle with food. To say I struggle with my weight is an understatement. I have and do feel like a failure. I have given up. I have also gone forward. I have definitely taken two (or four) steps back.... however, I am going forward in this journey right now. The reason I like this video is that it is inspiring. My friend Cindy sent it because she believes in inspiration. She believes in me and all her Liberated Eating participants/graduates.

This video speaks of hope. It has empirical research to back it up. It speaks to our conversation surrounding boundaries but it can also speak to any struggle. Toward the end of the video, it also speaks to parents dealing with raising independent kids, a subject I touched on in another post not too long ago. If you want to check it out, click HERE.

Hope is the vital piece of the puzzle that keeps us going when we want to give up. Hope allows us to keep going, even when it is difficult to believe. When we have no hope, we give up. So whatever you are dealing with, my prayer is that you will watch this video and leave with hope and inspiration. I sure did.

 A key line in the video that I don't want you to miss is:

"Hope is not how we feel. It's how we think. And it's 100% teachable". - Brene Brown, PH.D.

...and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:5 NAS

My prayer for you is that whatever you are struggling in, whether it be learning new boundaries, controlling your temper, adding patience, or struggling with addiction, that you leave this page with hope. THE HOPE that never disappoints. Never lets us down. Amen!

5 Things I Loved About Blissdom '12!

I had the privilege of attending Blissdom '12, a conference for women who blog, and a whole lot more.

Chris Mann performing at the Centrum sponsored lunch on Saturday

This conference is five years old, so fairly new. It has grown tremendously and it was A. Whole. Lot. Of. Fun!! Above is the only picture I snapped with the Blissdom logo. Fortunately, it included Chris Mann, who is on The Voice this season (think of the guy who did the Opera audition). He has been singing at Blissdom since it's inception!

So, instead of writing on and on about the conference I figured I would break it down by a top 5 list (something I learned in my first writing track! ha!) Here is my list, in no particular order.

Beautiful flowers that were part of the Lorax party I attended Friday night

Number Five

Community. I really felt like I was with like-minded people and we were able to talk about what we were passionate about. We were able to learn things and talk about things that were relevant to our life that I feel, sometimes, my friends just don't get.

Number Four

This was the healthiest snack at Blissdom, lol.

Food. Ok, you know food had to make it on the list. This event was held at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and the food was Ah-mazing!!!!! From breakfast, to lunch, to party appetizers. The food was great. Plus, all of the sponsors and booths had food, too (some healthier than others) and one had a coffee bar...FREE coffee, anyway I liked it. Enough said.

Number Three


Fellowship. Not only was I with like minded people, I got to meet some pretty awesome people, too. People were friendly, everyone seemed like they were in a good mood (it was probably the free coffee) and there was an openness and acceptance from just about everybody. Each track that I attended broke out into small groups, which led us to fellowship with each other. Discuss, debate and share. It was life changing for me and it really fired me up!


Number Two

One of the Life Tracks I attended. Be sure and check out Project 7 Products!

Tami Heim. A very gifted and talented speaker and the reason I was able to attend Blissdom

Education. I left the conference feeling empowered with knowledge. From the Writing tracks to the Life Development Tracks, each session I left I had really learned something.

Number One

Me and new friend, Robyn Collins

Friendships!!!! I met people that I go to church with that I didn't know until the conference. People I knew but now I know better. And NEW friends!!! So excited to sit and talk about women's issues, mom issues and life issues with these ladies. I look forward to many more conversations. And hopefully mentoring by these ladies!!! So excited.

Me along with new friends, Dedra Herod and Michelle Sarabia


Our connected group of ladies. I hope we can get together soon!