lizgmarshall

Have you ever heard an angry toddler dig his heels in and proclaim, ‘all by myself!’ ?

Do you know the difference between an angry toddler and a terrorist?       [sometimes you can negotiate with the terrorist.]

I have a confession. In the aftermath of losing a couple close family members I was that toddler, convinced I could handle a crushing season of grief all by myself. How difficult could this be? She was only my best friend, #1 life cheerleader, (mother!) Surely I could coast through this on my own.

People would ask how things were going, and I would continually drop the dangerous four letter word, F-I-N-E! Ever done that? You pretend everything’s under control, when in reality you’re about to pull the covers over your head and surrender?

Everyone handles grief differently, but I found it was important to have some time alone to process the unpredictable emotions. The trouble came when a little cozy time alone turned from days to weeks and eventually months. That’s when “alone time” turns into full-on loneliness.

Isolation can tempt you to believe the little voice in your head. The one whispering lies like: “you’re too weak to survive this.” And the scariest thought I recall was, “you haven’t gotten any cards or flowers for months! Nobody really cares about you.” 

Here’s the truth:                                                                                          * you are stronger than you think you are,                                                * with time and the hard work of grief, you will make it through this;          * there are people who care about you! 

Connecting through grief doesn’t require an organized group. Is there a trusted friend who seems to gets what you’re going through…and might want to join you for a walk, or a funny movie? One of my favorite grief support sites is Open to Hope. I love the way they bring people together to comfort each other. 

           You don’t have to go through this all by yourself! 

How have you connected with others after loss?

Just found these at the local grocery store… long stem roses, 2 for $1.00, and I bought them. They make me smile. :)! 

Unless you’re an ice dancer or arctic explorer, chances are you’re among the 6.5 billion+ on the planet who find winter time a bit of a challenge. 

If you’re going through a tough season, and don’t have a Caribbean cruise on the schedule- would you consider doing something for yourself this week?  

* buy some fresh flowers                                                                           * go see a funny movie                                                                               * phone a friend who makes you laugh                                                       * go ice skating                                                                                           * get a massage  

                                                                                                                Did I mention long stem roses are 2/ $1 at Bi Lo?                                                    

               What are you doing for yourself this week?

Can you really have more peace and joy in your life? 

This incredible book says yes! Tommy Newberry’s wisdom, insight and sense of humor make 40 DAYS to a Joy-Filled Life a phenomenal way to start the new year. The New York Times best selling author equips you to “handle even the most desperate times and difficult people.”

If you’re feeling frazzled, exasperated or overwhelmed, try his “fifteen minute miracle.” It will truly change the course of your days.

I love to share great books with friends, but this one is staying right here in my personal library! I look forward to ordering more copies to give to people I love. It’s that good.

Don’t miss this priceless treasure.  Watch the video here. 

I don’t know about you, but for me New Year’s resolutions come crashing down about as fast as the crystal ball at Times Square. For many of us 2013 was a tough one. Whether it was a financial fiasco, an unexpected callback from the doctor or a devastating loss, picking up the pieces can be overwhelming.

If you could hardly wait to tear December off last year’s calendar, it may be time to take a deep breath and do something kind for you. You heard me right. I said, “for you!”

Instead of resolving to do less of things you love, what would it look like to focus on MORE of these simple pleasures this year?

                                         ?  I’m thinking a road trip sounds pretty awesome right about now…maybe somewhere warm and sunny….How about you?!   

        Happy 2014!  Thank you, Alma Brown and Linda Ratliff for the inspiration. 

I’m not a big fan of New Year’s resolutions failure. By the time the crystal ball drops in Times Square, my resolutions are usually shattered. 

I want to invite you to try something new in 2014. Seek First was created for anyone looking for a fresh start. The great news is you can write in it, or not. It’s okay to read every day, or not. Bottom line… you can’t fail (like I have so many times with resolutions). 

My world was rocked by a book much like Seek First. Through journaling prayers, I realized for the first time that God was real, He heard those prayers, and He is crazy about me (and you).  

For a free PDF download please email me  [email protected]

                 Did I mention it’s free?!   Happy New Year!