Not Broken!

Nov30

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I’ve heard people talk about and label themselves and other individuals that have endured some type of traumatic event and having trouble getting beyond the tragedy as being “Broken.”

As I think about the definition of broken: having been fractured or damaged and no longer in one piece or in working order; (of a person) having given up all hope; despairing. These words can have a life threatening effect on someone that believes that they are broken. Who wants to live like that, being labeled as nonfunctional?

I’ve come to believe that people aren’t broken…they’re emotional. We need to throw out these popular sayings and see people and things as they are. When God created man, he created us whole. Nothing broken, nothing lacking. People that are considered broken are seen as fragile and needing careful handling. With some being fit for nothing other than to be thrown away; they’re irreparable. What do you think?

I don’t know about you but I’ve experienced some things in my life I thought I’d never make it through. I felt like giving up. But there was something that kept me from sinking in despair. When we experience traumatic events in our lives they don’t break us, they make us emotional.

You have a right to experience emotions. God gave them to you. Validate your emotions as they appear. Don’t ignore them, acknowledge them. If you have experienced some life altering event you are free to feel what you feel. This doesn’t just apply to things that bring you joy but to the things that have brought you pain as well. Don’t run from your pain. If you run from it, it’ll only meet you at another place in your life. You’ll have to confront it eventually or you’ll be stuck at that event in your life as everything else moves forward. Whatever trauma you may have experienced whether it was abuse, abandonment, betrayal, molestation, rape…etc, no matter what it was or is, know this to be true, “You are NOT broken”…you are emotional and you have a God given right to feel the way you feel. You also have a responsibility to cope with them and be truthful not misapplying them or using them as an excuse to behave erratically.

As we dawn the close of another year, I contemplate what I’ve experienced and what I’ve learned…about Me!  This year has been one of many highs and lows. I experienced health, sickness, happiness and fear. I can go on and on but one thing is evident to me, I’m not broken…I’m emotional!

Commit to becoming emotionally healthy and a good start is by acknowledging you’re not broken.

 

Be Encouraged…Be Blessed…Be Enriched…Be Authentically You!

 

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Launch of Lupus & Company

Oct13

TeleSupprtGroupNov

With you in mind Puzzled Butterfly created this Teleconference so you can attend a support group no matter where you are or any symptoms you’re experiencing.

Meeting and talking with others who understand can boost your emotional and physical well-being. This group can provide you with …

• Coping skills
• Motivation
• Information
• Caring connections
• Hope

The Lupus & Company Tele-Support Group is a free, call-in support group. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, family member or friend – join our group and meet other people living with or affected by lupus and the “company” it brings. Learn and share with others in a warm, friendly and understanding atmosphere.

Join us every 2nd Tuesday of the month from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. All you have to do is dial the call-in number and when prompted enter the access code.

For more information regarding Puzzled Butterfly’s upcoming events, services and programs, please visit puzzledbutterfly.com or email info@puzzledbutterfly.com.

 

Be Encouraged…Be Blessed…Be Enriched…Be Authentically You!

Self-less…Self-ish?

Aug14

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Who said we must care for others before we care for ourselves? So many times we put things and people before our own well-being…Self-less? To be selfless you are more concerned with the needs and wishes of others at your own expense. The majority of the time being selfless will leave you depressed, frustrated, sick and tired. What a reward for your selfless acts. How did we become so acquiescent? Where did this need to be the hero or she-ro for those that summonses come from? What are you lacking within yourself that you’re trying to fulfill by this superficial validation? Why would you constantly want to sacrifice or martyr yourself? Sacrifice by definition means to slaughter and martyr to suffer or die; what have you done that warrants such retribution? Don’t you love yourself? You should never put anyone or anything before the precious being God created that is…You! You have a right to take care of you first. Anyone that says differently ask them to neglect themselves for you and see what happens. Self-ish…isn’t altogether a bad thing. You have need of yourself. You’re just as important as anyone else in your life. If you are having trouble reconciling that being somewhat selfish isn’t bad, consider this. Taking care of yourself is a great selfless act especially when you consider others that will benefit from your sacrifice. If you want to be strong enough and healthy enough to care for a sick loved one, you must take care of yourself; mind, body and spirit. If you want to be an asset to your employer; you’re no benefit if you’re sick and having to always call in. You must take care of yourself in order to be able to function at peak performance. You can do this by having a healthy and balanced diet. Drinking plenty of water. You can’t forget to get adequate rest and relaxation. Be mindful of what you’re feeding your mind. Meditate, deep breathe and laugh as much as you can. These are a just a few sacrifices you can make. I know you’re concerned about how much time this could possible take. Know this…Our lives have an expiration date. Your time is limited here and the time you have already redeemed you can’t get a refund. You have spent years being accommodating to others; you can use some of your time left here accommodating you. Don’t you have goals, dreams or aspirations you want to achieve? Maybe…Maybe Not? Unfortunately if you use your remaining days devoted to living everyone else’s life, no one is living yours. And as for your goals, dreams or aspirations, if not accomplished, they will expire with you. You are in control of you and you are responsible for your life. No one else. Consider yourself. If you don’t take care of you…who will?

Be Encouraged…Be Blessed…Be Enriched…Be Authentically You!

What’s The Matter With The World?

Jul22

My mother and I were talking today and she mentioned this song, so I decided to look it up and listen to it. I love music with a message. This song was definitely appropriate for this time. There is nothing wrong with the world, just the people in it! Everything bad in this world is a result of its residents. It is people who steal, kill and destroy. It is people who practice racism, sexism and classism. It is people who justify immorality and corruption. It is people who are hypocritical and confused as to who they are. So what’s the matter with the world? Nothing…all is perfect and in harmony; but as for its people…we’ve got a lot of work to do.

Be Encouraged…Be Blessed…Be Enriched…Be Authentically You!

There’s Hope

Jun24

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No matter how dark your darkness may be, there’s still sparkles of light. Steady yourself…shift your focus rather to see the light instead of the all encompassing darkness. There is always hope; but YOU must be willing to see it.

 

Be Encouraged…Be Blessed…Be Enriched…Be Authentically You!

Take Action!

May22

Congressional Lupus Caucus

Take Action Urge your Representative to KNOW Lupus

The Lupus Foundation of America recently hosted a briefing on Capitol Hill urging Congressional staff to KNOW LUPUS. Contact your Representative today and encourage them to join the Congressional Lupus Caucus.  The Caucus was founded with the primary purpose of ensuring all members of Congress are armed with the understanding of the impact of lupus and actively support advancement of lupus research and increased awareness of the disease among the public and health professionals.

Research shows that nearly two-thirds of the public knows little or nothing about lupus beyond the name.  And despite the widespread prevalence of lupus, medical research has remained underfunded relative to its scope and devastation.

Please take a moment to email to your Representative TODAY urging them to join the Congressional Lupus Caucus and KNOW LUPUS in order to create a future with NO LUPUS.  You can visit the Caucus web site to learn more.

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Take Action

Help Ensure Access to Affordable Medications

Urge your Representative to Support the Patients’ Access to Treatments Act of 2015

The future of lupus drug development is strong, and the Lupus Foundation of America is a leader in advocating for legislation to ensure that once new treatments for lupus are available, people with lupus have meaningful access to these vital treatments without experiencing burdensome out-of-pocket costs.

Now is the time to take action!  Representatives David McKinley (R-WV) and Lois Capps (D-CA) have introduced the Patients’ Access to Treatments Act (H.R. 1600), a bill that would limit cost-sharing requirements for treatments placed on a specialty tier and charged a co-insurance (a percentage the cost of a drug).

The bill had 142 bi-partisan co-sponsors last year, and we need your help getting original cosponsors before the legislation is reintroduced!  Write your Representative today urging them to co-sponsor the Patients’ Access to Treatments Act.  This important legislation will help reduce the financial burden on people who rely on highly specialized medications for maintaining and improving their health.  Take action today

Loop Us

May14

Lupus Support Group 5-9-15

As I told the story of my journey with Lupus, I discovered I was telling parts of so many others stories. For those that are afraid of telling their story, they find themselves looped into ours. No matter how different we are, Lupus has looped us together. Keep telling Our stories!

Be Encouraged…Be Blessed…Be Enriched…Be Authentically You!

Scars and Tears

May12

Scars and Tears

You have made it through the tumultuous times of yesterday. That is proof you are strong and resilient. Your scars are the stories of the triumphant battles you made it through; you survived. Your tears are the lyrics to your soul’s song. Never be ashamed of their flow. Lyrics so complex only the Divine’s ear can interpret. God is listening ever so intently to the melody of every well, roll, drip and drop. Take peace and have solace in knowing that you are an over-comer; you’re never alone and there is a greater plan which includes you.  Your life is invaluable…Never be ashamed of its opus!

Be Encouraged…Be Blessed…Be Enriched…Be Authentically You!