CJ's World

….. who is experiencing cancer returning. Our mothers were sisters and we have shared how their upbringing has influenced us through the decades.

[Taken from the site where I share my experiences caring for my Mother, and the post, “Living in Borderland: Helping Yourself“]

> Practice Self-Love: (This was challenging for me, being raised with Mother’s version of religiosity.) Having compassion for yourself provides the basis to be compassionate with others. This helps you acknowledge your own suffering and find healing, rather than avoiding the pain. Suggestions:
– Journal positive things about yourself and your actions
– Keep a list of your good attributes
– Meditation on your goodness (see below for scriptures)
– Stop comparing yourself to others
– Catch negative thoughts about yourself and replace
– Hold on to belief in your own goodness
– Find loving sources (pets, cup of tea, warm bath, loving friendships – I have plants)

My heart filled prayers go out to all of your who are experiencing pain, whether it be health-wise, emotional, or physical. May you today find support and hope on your journey today.

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[For those of you, who like me, were raised in fear filled religiosity, visions of a vengeful punishing God looming large, being punished for being prideful if you dared to be positive about your assets and abilities, these verses of a loving God are to get you started. You will find many more.]

* For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
* The LORD your God will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
* I will give thanks to You, because I am awesomely and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. (Psalm 139:19)
* You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:18)
* …who knows if you have been called and have been brought to the kingdom for this time?” (Esther 4:14)
* ….I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. (Jeremiah 31:3)
* Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done, and the plans You have for us–none can compare to You–if I proclaim and declare them, they are more than I can count. (Psalm 40:5)
* You will indeed go out with joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. (Isiah 55:12)