Hey Beautiful Souls~
As I sit down to write this blog post, a profound urge washes over me to share my testimony, to unfold the layers of my soul and reveal the essence of my journey—a journey marked by trials and triumphs, darkness and light, despair and hope. It’s a story not of perfection but of persistence; not of unblemished faith but of a relentless pursuit of light amidst the shadows that often shroud our world.
In the world today, it feels as though a tangible evil lurks in the air, a darkness that attempts to obscure the sunshine that bathes our lives. This struggle isn’t just external; it mirrors the war within—a battle for the soul, a contest between our higher selves and the temptations that seek to derail us from our divine path. I’ve come to see this not just as a metaphorical devil on my shoulder but as a real, palpable force seeking to influence my choices and cloud my judgment.
My life has been a series of tempests—near-death experiences, health challenges, and mental health struggles. Each trial, whether it be fighting to stay nourished amidst diabetes and gastroparesis, battling the demons of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, or simply striving to find a place of peace and health, has taught me resilience. Yet, for too long, I focused on saving others, driven by nostalgia and an idolized notion of what life should be, neglecting the most crucial relationship of all: my connection with God and the Savior.
The journey of repentance is profound and deeply personal. It’s about recognizing where we’ve faltered, not to drown in self-judgment but to understand that the Atonement is always within reach. It’s about creating lists not of our failures but of our steps towards improvement, recognizing that while labels may define aspects of our lives, they do not determine our worth or our potential.
As I’ve aged, I’ve learned that life’s end isn’t about knowing the exact moment of the world’s conclusion or the precise path our souls will take hereafter. Instead, it’s about ensuring that our souls shine for eternity through the love, creativity, and help we extend to others.
I am inspired by the Divine Creator who formed me, and in return, I feel compelled to share that peace, testimony, faith, and knowledge through my talents and passions. It’s about living for today, for the sunshine that pierces through the storms, embracing each day with the knowledge that He lives, and our Savior is indeed coming.
My years were marked by darkness, a period where my soul felt as if it were erupting in agony. Now, I find solace in the peace and quiet, in the beauty that lies within and in the warmth of the sun that fuels my spirit. This transition from darkness to light hasn’t been swift or easy. It’s a daily commitment to progress, to surround myself with love and light, because I’ve learned that darkness only serves to dampen the spirit, especially for someone like me, whose essence is deeply intertwined with art, truth, and humor.
In a world obsessed with competition and comparison, I choose to stand apart. God is the ultimate destination, and as we anticipate the Savior's return, I wish to meet Him hand in hand, surrounded by joy and living each day to the fullest. This means transforming platforms of darkness into canvases of light, changing narratives of despair into stories of hope, and replacing competition with compassion.
As I navigate the complexities of this world, my resolve remains unshaken—to be a beacon of strength, to stir my surroundings with love and light, and to cherish the journey, regardless of the challenges it presents. It's about making each day count, not in anticipation of what the end might bring but in celebration of the present moment and the potential it holds for growth, learning, and love.
To you reading this, know that you're not alone in your struggles. We are all walking this path together, seeking light, yearning for peace, and striving to leave the world a little brighter than we found it. Let's embrace this journey with open hearts, ready to learn, forgive, love, and illuminate the path for others as we go.
In closing, my message is one of hope: Regardless of the darkness that may seem to prevail, light is always within reach. We must only choose to see it, embrace it, and become vessels of its power.
With Love ~
Keep Shining~Be Inspired~
~Jackie Inspires~
Because, in the end, God is everything. The Savior is coming, and I want to be ready, hand in hand with joy, just living each day.
jackieinspires
Hello Beautiful Souls,
I am hoping each of you is doing well. Always know you're appreciated, loved, and thought of. Life gets busy but I try to share a post when I am inspired because I take it seriously and find that there are some of you that need the reassurance or comfort. I have always been spiritually intuned with my gifts and my personal heart full of love, compassion, empathy and so much more.
In a world that often rushes by at breakneck speed, it's easy to forget that taking care of our mental health is just as crucial as tending to our physical well-being. Mental health is an integral part of our overall health, and it deserves our attention, understanding, and support.
I made the picture (above ) with one of my art pieces years ago. I find inspiration and clarity when I use my talents for good.
Here is something I like to share with you that had a profound effect on me for one of my classes... I hope it helps you in some way...
Just finished 'Girl, Interrupted' by Susanna Kaysen for a class assignment. This book took me on a journey through the author's experiences in a 1960s mental institution. It's a powerful story that explores mental health, the fine line between 'normal' and 'mentally ill,' and the need for empathy.
As someone who's faced my own mental health challenges, I resonated with Susanna's candid account. Her book challenges the stigma around mental health and emphasizes the importance of understanding and support.
One quote that stuck with me: "'Don’t ask me those questions! Don’t ask me what life means or how we know reality or why we have to suffer so much. Don’t talk about how nothing feels real, how everything is coated with gelatin and shining like oil in the sun...' - Susanna Kaysen, 'Girl, Interrupted,' Page 116."
This quote vividly captures the overwhelming thoughts some people with mental health issues experience. They want to avoid hard questions and distressing thoughts. It's a reminder of the need for understanding and support for those going through such intense experiences.
Let's break the stigma and offer help to those on their own mental health journeys.
Mental health challenges can affect anyone. One of the most powerful tools in facing these challenges is the support of friends, family, or mental health professionals. Knowing that someone cares and understands can make all the difference. So, reach out, lean on your support network, and remember, you're not alone on this journey.
Strength doesn't always manifest as a bulging bicep or an unyielding will. Mental strength, often unseen by the world, is just as remarkable. Mental strength is a testament to your resilience and your capacity to overcome adversity.
Resilience is the cornerstone of mental health. It's the ability to bounce back from life's setbacks, to adapt to change, and to grow through adversity. In a world that can often feel overwhelming, remember that your mental health matters. It's a vital part of your well-being, and taking care of it is a sign of strength, not weakness.
You are loved and are important NOT ASHAMED OF WHO YOU ARE.
Keep shining. Be inspired.
~ Jackie Inspires~
jackieinspires
Update -Day forgot. Been dealing over week.
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Not going home anytime soon.
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Doctor and gi specialist working together find right insulin, nutrition plan and medicines. It's alot .
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I have great nurses and specialists.
My Laryngopharyngeal reflux and Gerd is so bad along with the gastroperisis.
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My blood sugar goes down 77/44 or in 80s . We're trying different meds, patches .
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Got sick on jello and water . So, clear liquid diet isn't on. Just icecubes for now.
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Awaiting speech therapy to evaluate and then from there doctor will see me tomorrow to see if any tests on my swallowing, scopes, any obstruction and then figure out next plan along with nutrition whether via mouth or iv.
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I don't know it's all alot to take in. One thing at a time.
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Doctor advised to have hubby bring laptop so I can do School 🤣
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Next up
More iv fluids, meds
Shortage nationwide in Phenergan:(
Bladder scan/possible catheter.
Swelling retaining. ( I really dehydrated and sugars over 200 can cause along gastroperisis)
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My voice pretty well gone from all damage but I'm trying to smile and clean up and just make the best
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It does get lonely especially away from family and friends but luckily between work Tarl, my bestest friend can see me . He's the best husband and be nice for others to check on him . He's my favorite love forever
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Well that's it for now... lots of love. Lots of tears. Lots of virtual hugs. Ty to those that care and send messages
Keep shining ✨️ Be inspired ✨️
~Jackie Inspires ~
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