Dear Friends,
The amazing stories of people who have triumphed over seemingly insurmountable obstacles, the inspiring tales of people who, even now, somehow manage to thrive amidst terrible adversity – the stories of such people fascinate me, exalt my spirit, and drive me to learn more about the individual actors in such human drama. I have observed that besides great strength of character these special people also have other qualities that assist them on life’s journey. They often have a deep faith in God and a strong sense of His presence. And often, they have also dedicated themselves to something outside of themselves – a loved one, or their family, or their community – which drives them and motivates them and gives them a deep wellspring of spiritual strength. These people refuse to be bowed by adversity, and most important, they manage to maintain a sense of spiritual and emotional balance in their lives.
But how?
In stark contrast to these special individuals, I see the vast number of people who are chronically tired or ill, who are caught up in the negative drama of their lives, who seem overwhelmed with sadness, loneliness, or grief. These unfortunate souls suffer life instead of enjoying it. Their lives lack balance.
So how, I asked myself, how do those people who persevere and triumph over adversity find and maintain that special sense of balance? How are they always able to step back, look at the bigger picture, and keep life’s turmoil and challenges in perspective? What did they all seem to have in common? After years of observation, investigation, and just plain asking questions, I finally began to understand the key: successful people take – or make – the time to do for themselves! In order to take care of life’s problems, in order to take care of others or their communities, they had to take care of themselves first – physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Each person who succeeds at life takes time to engage in something they enjoy, something that allows them to find fulfillment in the expression of their talents, or simply to find quiet moments to renew their energy – which is the definition of self-care. Some paint, some run or exercise, some collect stamps, some participate in a sport, some play video games, and some simply take the dog for long walks. The list of activities is endless and unique to each person. But self-care is the key to maintaining that valuable sense of balance in our lives. When we take even just a few minutes of time each day for ourselves, to do something that we enjoy, the beneficial effect multiplies over and over again, cascading into every other thing we do. Why wait until illness or disease forces us to take care of ourselves when we can take care of ourselves now by doing now the activities we enjoy?
I thought of the many things that bring me joy and a sense of well-being and balance in my life: my faith in God, aromatherapy candles, crystals and stones, books that inspire me, and my meditation CD’s. My newest discovery is the multitude of delightful fragrances found in incense, which can both soothe and inspire. Then I thought about those people still struggling, still trying to cope, still feeling overwhelmed by life – people who need to find balance, people who need to take care of themselves before they can take care of anything else. And then I made three decisions:
My first decision was to make those things that give me strength and help me to find balance in my life available to others. I will soon have a catalogue of these special things available on-line. I intend to offer you these things at only the highest quality and at the best price.
My second decision was to ask you to share with me your personal stories of triumph over adversity. Or tell me how you are now finding the strength to cope with a serious problem in your life. In addition, I would like to know what things bring you comfort, just as I have told you what brings me a sense of well-being and balance. Please e-mail your stories of triumphs and perseverance against difficult odds and also tell me about the things that bring you solace, comfort, or strength.
My third decision was to learn from you and to pass on to others through this website your personal stories of triumph over adversity and your successes at meeting life’s challenges. I want to share lessons from your successes in the hopes of inspiring and motivating others to find balance in their lives, to persevere, and to overcome their own problems, both outide and in (and I promise you that in sharing your stories, I will always protect your privacy). And I also want to make those things that work best at bringing you solace, comfort and strength available to others through my catalogue.
Enter your email address in the text box at the top of the page if you’d like to share in the inspiration from those who have what it takes to make it in tough times, and to learn how you can better deal with your own adversities. Or, if your story is one of success in meeting adversity or coping with life’s challenges, please e-mail me now at themysticviolet@gmail.com. I can’t wait to hear from you!
Wishing you Light, love and laughter,
Elizabeth Fowler
themysticviolet.com
themysticviolet@gmail.com