Pathway to Hope

 Growing up I was a very shy person. I was very fortunate that God blessed me with artistic talent and athletic ability. It helped me have some outlets to excel, and meet some friends along the way.

Though I tried to to be the best I could so that people would like me, I always felt like a background person. Someone people liked to have around when they needed help because I was smart, reliable, caring. Many things came naturally to me, and I was a double edged sword. Great to have around for help, yet people didn't think enough of me to be reliable for me. It truly sent me into a deep depression, but it seemed no one else noticed around me because I didn't want people to know how bad I was feeling. The problem is that I didn't have any "real" friends for far too long.

In 2012 I started changing the way I looked at things. I started thinking positive. Not worrying about what others thought of me. I started taking Pranic Healing classes, and began working to help others AND myself at the same time. Forgiveness was the first step in making the change. I had to forgive myself for thinking I wasn't good enough to be important to others. I had to forgive others for not treating me the way I thought I deserved. Once I started getting past that I could move on.

A funny thing started happening...I moved into a new department at work. I met some really great people. It was like God was moving chess pieces into place for me. I now have good friends. My family started treating me with respect. I love my day job, and my artwork has been noticed and appreciated by many people.

Little did I know that I was being prepared for a new venture. In March of 2013 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Within a month I had surgery and I am now halfway through my chemo treatments. Through all of this I have been so very fortunate to have such love and support from family, friends, coworkers and people from my past that I never knew I made an impression on.

It is a series of miracles that have happened to me in the midst of a terrible disease. I cannot tell you how many people have told me I have inspired them with my courage and strength! Little ol me who always thought I wasn't important!

I want people to know that even when you don't realize it, we touch people in ways we can never imagine, and it may become known to you when it is meant to, OR maybe not at all. The point is...always give your best to those around you. Be respectful, honest, hard working and caring. Don't judge because we aren't in anyone else's shoes and they aren't in ours. Just provide the help that you can, and it will all work out.

I'm so thankful everyday for all I have, and pray I keep getting the chance to pass it on to others. THAT IS MY HOPE!