Cowardly Lions...Copycats...Thieves

Snow and freezing rain fall outside my window today...the kettle is brewing as am i. Within me there is a quiet strength building...an acknowledgment of inner strength. A readiness for battle that can only come from...... the kind of strength it takes to withstand the hits given by a fragmented child living inside an adult body, hiding behind a mask of deception and trickery.

The kind of strength it takes to continue doing your job, taking care of those around you; whether this is children and other family members or your work family or complete strangers.

It takes strength to smile though your heart is aching...

Smile though your heart is aching Smile even though it's breaking When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by If you smile through your fear and sorrow Smile and maybe tomorrow You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness Hide every trace of sadness Although a tear may be ever so near

That's the time you must keep on trying Smile, what's the use of crying? You'll find that life is still worthwhile If you just smile

That's the time you must keep on trying Smile, what's the use of crying? You'll find that life is still worthwhile If you just smile. Nat King Cole

You get up everyday and set in your heart that you will love others, you will continue to hand out compassion and kindness where you can.

This is who you are dear hearts.

Such strength.... do not give up, do not give in....you have fought battles that would put most in the dirt. Be proud of where and who you are for a little while until it grows, into not just renewed confidence, but new confidence. A walking out of the experience that almost killed you so many times you lost count, head held high sporting that rad crown.

Queen...

Warrior....

Lover of all things big or small....

ok, maybe not spiders...nope...no way :)

Lets talk about a hard truth I was given in a counselling session yesterday.

'He is a coward of the worst sort.'

There was more but I'll tell you this, everything after those words fell on muted ears.

'He did his dirty deeds in secret, hidden from anyone who may have spoke up against the abuse, he beats women. A coward'

This one came through loud and clear.

Another harsh truth choking its way down my throat to that beating, betraying organ and delivering a direct hit.

I loved a cowardly lion who never found his courage. He never picked up that principle, that character trait that speaks louder than any words can ever hope to.

I thought him brave...strong...principled...loving and kind...honest...

In fact he was the opposite of all those monikers.

He was mirroring you, dear hearts. Copycat'ing your attributes.

And this brings me to the thieving portion of this talk, this dissertation of narcissism. The man/woman in your life abusing you, lying to you, betraying you...cannot form a creative thought on their own, so they must steal from you.

That project you thought of and they ridiculed.....only to later take over and pronounce it theirs.

That desk project you worked on until your fingers wouldn't hold the tools anymore...until your muscles and back ached....the pride you felt as you ran your fingers along the golden gleaming Fir you had toiled so long to create. Mammoth build and beautiful. Stolen....Taken...and proclaimed as his project on his favourite platforms....

Claiming it as his own work...his own future desk.

This takes strength my friends...to walk away knowing what you accomplished and holding your head high...knowing you will build another.

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Romans 12:19

I live for a richer life...for the fruition of my dreams and goals.

I live for grace and mercy...to forgive my abuser and myself.

I live for joy and laughter...for laughter is a medicine to the soul.

I live for family and friends, new and old....for 'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.' John 15:13

Be strong and of good courage dear hearts...God will make a way.