Here’s the deal....

Life has a way of slapping you upside the head and saying... "Nope, you can't have it easy". It will consistently throw seemingly insurmountable obstacles in your path and sometimes it's difficult to find your way. Maybe the trick is *how* you navigate and overcome the curve balls life throws at you.

We all have inner strength. We just have to dig really deep sometimes to find it. Even in our darkest hours, that strength is there, waiting to be tapped. We can use it to help us deal with the loss of a loved one, divorce, financial hardships and betrayal.

The death of a loved one is the most devastating. You mourn the loss forever, but you learn to live with the pain and cherish the memories. Time heals.

Divorce is like death. In fact, it's the death of a promise that was supposed to be eternal. You go through stages of anger, hurt, revenge and finally resignation. This too takes time but you do heal.

Financial hardships are trying and maddening. Especially when you are laid off and it's back to pounding the pavement. Find a job, work hard and carefullly budget, this too passes in time. It's still a big obstacle but one that can be overcome.

Betrayal. That's a tough one. I may expound on this one a bit more than the others. A confidence can be betrayed. So can a friendship. Depending on the circumstances, a simply apology can go a long way, if the transgression was without malice and the apology is heartfelt. Betrayal of trust is one that I have a hard time forgiving, as well as betrayal of the heart. Usually, everyone gets one free pass on both of these. After that, I'm done. And this especially applies to my family. I am more protective of my child than I am of myself. Hurt her and I go into mama bear mode. I refuse to keep believing anyone who time and again proves what comes out of their mouth is total crap. As my wonderfully wise Miss Daisy (mom) always said.....Actions speak louder than words. Say whatever you like, but if the actions don't back it up , then shame on you. And shame on me for buying whatever bull shit you're selling. Don't tell me what you think I want to hear, simply because it's makes your life more convenient. If you feel compelled to spew something complimentary or insincere just to hide the fact that you're a lying dog, then stfu. I see you for what you are and as painful as that may be, it's fact. I accept that fact and move on. All the flowery compliments will not hide insincerity forever. It merely masks it.

I know...I sound jaded. But those who know me best also know I shoot from the hip. If you want my advice, I will speak from my heart. If you want someone to tell you only what you want to hear, go ask someone else. I won't lie to you and I won't fabricate shit simply because it suits my agenda. And anyone who does that is not someone I can respect.