The Shack-Story of Heartache To Healing
February 7, 2009 by JoAnne
Filed under grief, healing, Hope, HOPE and INSPIRATION, Inspiration
If you haven’t read the book, “The Shack”, I highly recommend it to everyone. It is a loving story of a man’s journey through grief, faith and forgiveness. I don’t want to say more for those who haven’t read it yet, but it is a real page turner.
Today I had the honor of meeting the author, William Paul Young at a book signing event and later that evening to hear him speak. I now am convinced even more than I have always been that many people through personal tragedy are lead to help others. Wm. Paul Young will help many with this story of heartache to healing.
<A HREF=”http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fcircofstre-20%2F8001%2Fc5bdd97f-8aff-4fca-8ce8-cab0fdb72c4f&Operation=NoScript” mce_HREF=”http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fcircofstre-20%2F8001%2Fc5bdd97f-8aff-4fca-8ce8-cab0fdb72c4f&Operation=NoScript”>Amazon.com Widgets</A>
How Will Your Life Look in 2009?
January 2, 2009 by JoAnne
Filed under Hope, HOPE and INSPIRATION, Inspiration, life
Now that we’ve gotten through the holidays we are probably contemplating how will our life look in 2009?
As with most people January is a time for goal setting and planning for the coming year, well I believe if you are experiencing some sort of loss transition you too are wondering what the new year will bring. I believe finding hope, inspiration and the will to move forward in order to set those goals requires you to make the decision that you can and desire to move forward. Living on purpose really is about deciding to find purpose in your life and then taking the steps and getting the tools to do just that.
We certainly should wake up in the morning with the intent to have a day filled with joy and optimism and that positive attitude is the first step. The second step in to have a plan as to how you you will accomplish something. If you need more tools to accomplish your goals, then invest in yourself and get the tools you need. If you need support I encourage you to seek it out, whether it is from your family and friends or a professional. Most often professionals will catapult your progess much faster than your going it alone.
Here are some quick tips to get you started on a plan for 2009;
1. What goals do I have both short term and long term for 2009? (you can list both personally & professionally)
2. What are the obstacles that may be in the way of achieving these goals?
3. Who can help me achieve my goals? (list people and tools that will aid in the success of your goals)
A new year is for new beginnings, I wish all of you wonderful new beginnings. Contact me if I can help.
JoAnne Funch
“And now let us welcome the new year–full of things that have never been.”
–Rainer Maria Rilke
Merry Christmas!
December 25, 2008 by JoAnne
Filed under Hope, HOPE and INSPIRATION, Inspiration
As I sit with my morning coffee and look outside on the blanket of glistening snow I recite all that I am grateful for this Christmas morning. At the same time I remembered all the Christmas mornings with my husband and Mom who are no longer here, but I choose to find and feel the joy in today. Soon all the family that will gather for a wonderful dinner and we celebrate that we are here, together in this moment in time. I think there is nothing better than sharing a meal with those you love.
This morning I received an email from a friend who lost her husband about 15 months ago and I don’t think she will mind if I share her Christmas thoughts of hope -
“Nights are quiet and dark and our imaginations explode with images, we wonder, we question, we think, we ponder. What does all this mean, is it real or just the dark playing games inside of our brains.
And in the morning as the sun rises and reality is clear to us again… We thank the night for all the possibilities, the dreams, the fantasies. And we come to the conclusion that we can make the dreams come true if we believe them to be possible and life becomes exciting and full. Open your heart and let the light in and dance to the beat of hope.” PK
Yes, there is hope and Christmas is that time filled with hope if we choose to see it. If you are Christian the Lord is born today and his coming has filled the world with joy and hope. So I leave you with a wonderful quote and my wish for a day filled with hope, love and lots of good eats!
Merry Christmas with love, JoAnne
“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.”-Hamilton Wright Mabie
Are You Open To Receive?
Today I was thinking about how being open to receive relates to those going through any type of transition, I usually talk about loss as it relates to death but today I am thinking of anyone going through transitions. Being open to receive means putting yourself – your mental state in a place to receive love again, to receive kindness from others, to be able to simply say thank you when some gives you something. The act of being open to receive will open you heart to healing.
My thought for today….yesterday is gone, tomorrow is yet to be. Go out an start a new day and be open to receive whatever comes your way. Start here by receiving the gift of a brighter more hopeful tomorrow from me.
enjoying the day at Hermosa Beach, CA
Feelings of Loss and Isolation
I spoke with a dear friend this past weekend who lost her husband 11 months ago, she was feeling sad and alone, steps we all go through as we walk the journey of loss. We as women go through stages of fear relating to finances, keeping our household together, loneliness, relationships old and new, our children’s well being and a myriad of other emotions that bring us fear.
As my friend related, someday’s all you can do is sit and cry and you know, that’s OK. Crying is a way of letting go and really we need to let go of our fears and with time comes hope and certainty that tomorrow will be better. So if today was a day of sadness that may have brought tears, know that’s OK, be good to yourself by doing some self-care, maybe a hot bath or treat yourself to a pedicure or a dinner out. You know what feels good, give yourself permission to say YES. And don’t forget to ask for help, we all experience days when we feel greater sadness, perhaps a little depression sets in, this is the time to reach out to those who love you. Be honest, tell them you are having a bad day and ask for what you need. From my experience what I often needed most when I was sad was just a friend to listen, let me cry and hold my hand. Remember, friends want to help and often they don’t know how so we need to tell people what we need. Isolating ourselves from others because we don’t want to “dump” on them is the worst mistake you can make and let me say you need to get over that! We are not meant to be alone in our suffering nor our joys, we are meant to share, so be brave and reach out to someone today.
Get Your Free Grief Card