Freedom

Hi Everyone!

I hope you all are doing well.  I don't have too much content today, but I did want to take the time to thank those of you interested enough in me to read.  I've received numerous e-mails regarding this blog, but the sweetest one came last night and this was a portion of what it said. 

"I read your blog tonight. It inspired me, you are the strongest most together person I know. You faced challenges and bad situations but you decided to fight though and become an amazing woman. So many people in those situations would have succumbed to their demons."

Thank you so much, E for this thoughtful e-mail that you took the time to send.  I chose to start this blog for so many reasons, but if inspiring one person is a result than my duty is done.  Thank you, thank you, thank you! 

Of course, as I've said before, there have been those who do not like what I'm writing at all.  I've been unfriended on Facebook & unfamilied on Facebook (LOL!).  The funny thing about this & I'm not trying to be rude or caddy at all & I am writing this with a straight face.  I do not give a shit.  AT. ALL.  This will come as no surprise to those of you who really know me.  I would never intentionally set out to hurt someone.  EVER.  I am an insanely compassionate person who would give my shirt for almost anyone.  I know who I am.  I know what I believe.  I am open to other ideas about life.  It is not my place to judge.  Side note:  The Sunday after my last post was published we discussed Romans 12.  Check it out, it's all about who the judge is & it is not me.  Vengeance is not mine.  I know there are many different ways to do this life & my way is not the only way.  But, I ask that you please do not ever question my feelings because those are mine.  I will never ever on this blog have a lack of respect for anyone's privacy (hence me only using first initials when talking about someone other than my husband or myself).  I vow to always tell the truth, as I know no other way. 

I read an article yesterday that I thought was really amazing about Ashley Judd.  Apparently, she wrote a memoir about her family.  The book discusses the isolation she felt from being neglected by her mom.  It paints her family in a light that is not pretty.  Surprisingly (to me) her mom & sister are speaking out in support of her & her book.  They have been quoted as saying "I think it's key for us to spend time figuring out our own reality...."Every unhappiness is tied to a story, and we have to go back and figure out our stories.  And then it's our stories that connect us."  This was interesting to me because they could be really mad (as some of my family members have been), but instead they have made a choice to stand behind her & support her efforts to get healthy.  Kuddos to them for loving her in such a way. 

Again I'm so grateful to those of you who've reached out & told me you were proud.  Those words mean so much.  For those who aren't ready or able to figure out your own reality, that is okay, but this is mine.  I will be here when you are ready to share your story.

Love,

alicia