Today is one of those days that I feel like sharing a couple of videos with you all. It's Saturday and it's a pretty relaxed day. All the chores are pretty much done, and so I'm taking it easy before I start dinner. It's been a busy, emotional week!

If you can't laugh at yourself, life is going to seem a whole lot longer than you'd like.

- Natalie Portman

Sometimes, life takes us for a loop, and the thing is, we must always remember who we are, truly, deep inside! I find that we can lose track easily if we let ourselves, and then it feels like it is out of our control. Sometimes, it happens before we even realize it. 😟

Here is a video, from SnapChat when I was being silly a while back that I found while zipping through my phone!

https://www.cinnamon.video/watch?v=270252906760897606

This right here – is a REMINDER!

Especially for me!

As many times as I say it, this is a reminder to breathe. Breathe, laugh, act silly, and just be you!

You see, it is estimated that the average person has over 50,000 thoughts per day – that's 2100 thoughts per hour.

**If we can repeat the positive thoughts in our minds, then we can focus on remaining positive!!**

POSITIVE THOUGHTS = POSITIVE OUTCOME

Don't you think we deserve to have a good laugh? It can't always be about being serious – at work, with the kids, our partners, with society. The more we laugh, the better we feel. And on top of that, we are smiling – we are blocking out the negative thoughts – the people who hurt us, the pain we feel, the hurt we feel.

For that few minutes of being whoever the heck you want to be – it's that few minutes that you really do feel great!

Seriously, I just couldn't stop laughing at myself the way my voice sounded and the way I laughed. I still get a chuckle out of it when I watch it! You know how when you start laughing at something and you just. can't. stop.?!

Source

Find me on Twitter if you would like to share your thoughts or your funny moments! For Coil Subscribers only, a more up close and personal video below where I let out some frustrations (and yes, me!).

Have a beautiful day all!❤️

Let's untangle our mind, and set it free...

The picture in the header is one I took of when I lived on the lake with my parents. That was our backyard, and boy do I miss it.

My family moved there when I started high school, and it is a place that holds MANY memories that I will always cherish.

I remember sitting on the dock, many times, allowing my mind to untangle as I wrote poetry and my thoughts.

Here is a poem I wrote, which I called...

Peace Within

Peace within,

allows us to heal.

allows us to forgive.

allows us to move forward.

Love yourself, as well as,

those around you.

those who stand by you.

those who believe in you.

Forgive yourself and others,

for the mistakes you've made.

for the mistakes they've made.

for the mistakes you've made together.

Remain calm and,

accept who you are, and your challenges.

accept your strengths, and your weaknesses.

accept what is, and what is yet to come.

- Sandra Scala

I think this poem says a lot without having me to explain ... I hope you have a blessed day and keep pushing forward! Try to find a way to find peace within.

Not everything comes as easily as we would like. I understand there are going to be good days and there are going to be bad days. Slowly but surely, we will get there!

Just remember that you are loved. And you matter.

Find a place where you can find some peace and quiet, even if just for a few minutes. I find it goes a long way! ❤️

Let's untangle our mind, and set it free...

In today's world, I find that people are so quick to judge. Whether it's about the way you dress, the way you “look”, the way you speak.

My question is – what is it that gives people the satisfaction of putting other people down? For any of those reasons?

Everyone is unique and “different” in their own ways. Their own style. The way they talk, the way they walk. It doesn't make them any different or less than someone else.

Take this picture of me for example:

When you look closely, you can see the scar above my lip. In my past, people automatically assumed it was a cleft lip. And you know what they say when you “assume” something – “You will only make an ass out of you and me!!”

My thought to their perspective of me was – So what if it was cleft lip?! Your first impression of me is my upper lip? I find it pretty disheartening and rude, if you ask me.

Let's take Joaquin Phoenix for another example. An Actor whom I truly admire in which he starred as the main actor in two movies that I absolutely love – more recently, “Joker”, and the 2005 film, “Walk the Line” – where he portrayed Johnny Cash.

I mention Joaquin because he

And even more so, nobody should back down from what they believe in just because other people look down on you. Just because other people don't understand why you have a scar or a wheelchair or you appear “different” , or whatever it may be, it doesn't give them the authority to judge you!

Let me tell you about this scar above my lip. Back when I was eleven years old, I lived on a farm with my grandparents. We had all kinds of different animals, and horses was one of them. My mom and dad got my sister and I both a horse each, and we then started to take horseback riding lessons and became really comfortable riding.

Her name was Christina, and for the life of me, I can't find her picture – but for now – I found one that looks a lot like her!

[Source](https://unsplash.com/photos/cdC51mlLxA4)

One day after school, I got on top of Christina. I guess I was bored with just doing a walk, because I managed to find a stick, and tapped her on her behind to make her trot. Well, that wasn't good enough either because soon she was galloping. Next thing I know, she was running, and I mean, really running.

I started to panic, trying to gain control, but she then started bucking, and next thing I know, I went flying over her head.

[Source](https://media.giphy.com/media/R6TgcicEHKhPy/giphy.gif)

And RIGHT in front of a manure pile!

I managed to get up, crying (okay, screaming), with blood all over my face, my body, my hands. My mom came home, and rushed me to the hospital.

If you know me, I don't handle pain well, although since giving birth to three children, I am a lot better at handling it now. But trust me when I say I was terrified of needles!!

I remember that day so clearly, as if it was yesterday!

They had six nurses holding me down....SIX!!!! I was squirming and screaming so much while the doctor put the stitches above my lip, and one just in my nose, but, it got done!

It was craziness, and after that, I was scared to get back on my horse, but, I slowly became confident again!

The moral of this story is – you should never judge someone from their appearance. You just have no idea what their story is!! ❤️

This picture here, was taken of me last night...

My socks, my shirt, makes me feel confident, and not worry about what others think!!

Meh, this is me! And you should be able to just be YOU!!

Comfort, flawless, and whacky!!! 🤪😂 Nobody says you have to please others! As long as you are YOU, that's what it's all about!!!

No judgement. No looks. No nothing!!

Remember to show kindness, it really means a lot to others, and could make the world of a difference in someone's day!!

Let's untangle our mind, and set it free...

[Header Image Source](https://unsplash.com/photos/OXGhu60NwxU)

This whole hype about Coronavirus (COVID-19) I suppose is getting the whole world in *PANIC MODE*...

Source

I understand, it's alarming. I also understand that when it is happening in your own situation, you have every reason to be upset and panic. I am sorry for the pain and loss that has already occurred.

Today, I would like to share an article I wrote, and perhaps you will see my point of view...I hope that you will take the time to read it by clicking on the link below.

Imagine

I remember when 9-11 happened in the United States. Just a refresher, as described by Wikipedia, “The September 11 attacks (also referred to as 9/11) were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda[3][4][5] against the United States on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001. The attacks resulted in 2,977 victim fatalities, over 25,000 injuries, and caused at least $10 billion in infrastructure and property damage. Additional people have died of 9/11-related cancer and respiratory diseases in the months and years following the attacks.”

On that day, I was working downtown Toronto in the main business area. I worked on the 39th building of (then called) BCE Place, and I remember everyone meeting in the conference room to watch the live news on what was happening. We were told to leave and go home, since our building could be the next target. So, we all did as we were told and left.

The news was devastating. But at the same time, there was nothing I could do about it from where I was at, and in my head – I thought, I'm just me.

I remember this time specifically because on September 15, 2001, I was married to my first husband. September 17, was the day we flew out of Toronto to Greece for our honeymoon. And as much as there was concern for our safety, we were persistent on going. In fact, I remember my ex-husband saying, “If any time is good to go anywhere, now is the time.” He said this because of all the security there would be, and I dare say it – he was right!

We had a fabulous time. The country was (and is) absolutely beautiful, along with the people and the food! We even took a small aircraft from Athens to Santorini Island where we spent two full weeks, then back to Athens for a couple of nights before coming back home. We were out of the country for fifteen days.

And that was with all the chaos happening around the world. All the threats, all the lost lives, everything. But we couldn't stop our lives or our plans to keep on living...

As I said, I am me. I worry about my family. I worry about my close friends. But, I can't be responsible for everyone and as much as it saddens me seeing all of the lives being hurt or taken around me, I need to stay focused on my children. I need to stay focused on my home, my finances, my work. I need to stay focused on me, because truth be told – I cannot stop living because of “panic mode”.

There's going to be headlines. There's going to be good news and bad news and there's definitely going to be over-exaggeration.

In this life today, we are all faced with many challenges, many diseases, and many heartbreaks and whatnot. We are all here for a certain amount of time.

I believe though, that we need to stay focused. The reality is, if we over-think everything, it's going to make us all think that we have to prepare ourselves. Okay sure, prepare yourselves to some extent, but don't go crazy doing it!

Don't forget that life is important and you should remember that you have a life to live.

Today, I went grocery shopping. Was I scared? NO.

Did I buy more than I normally would? NO.

My point is, I will continue to live each day focused on today and not tomorrow and what could happen tomorrow because truth be told. I don't even know what could happen in the next five minutes!

The kids still need to eat (we all do!). We still have to work. We still have to go to school. And, we still have to pay the bills. Take a moment and think of what all this panic is doing, and take a look at how the stock markets are doing due to the rising fear of the Caronavirus. Think before you act in fear, as hard as it may be.

And remember ... “When life gives you a hundred reasons to break down and cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile and laugh. STAY STRONG!” ❤️

Life is too short.

I've said it before, I say it again.

And I will keep on saying it.

“Let's untangle our mind, and set it free...”

I don't think people realize how much strength it takes to pull yourself out of an anxiety or panic attack. So if you've done that today or any day, I am proud of you.

For those who are feeling ashamed or embarrassed, or having feelings of despair, like you've got nowhere to turn – remember you are not alone.

It's an awful feeling it is, having an anxiety or panic attack. I know, I've been there. It's no joke. You have no idea why it happens, it just does. Or maybe in the back of your mind, you do know why, but you try to block out those thoughts. It's just so damn hard, you think.

But here's the thing – just because you have these thoughts, does NOT make you a bad person. We all have different ways of expressing our thoughts and emotions, and sometimes, sure -

But that doesn't mean we can't keep pushing forward. I get it, easier said than done, right? But time does help. Support helps. Even though those feelings may come up again, you fight it again.

And again.

And again.

As many times as you need to so that you can find yourself and find peace. Until you can accept who you are, and where you are. Whether it's through your family, friends, writing, singing, dancing. Whatever it takes to keep you going!!

When you know the feeling and pain that someone is going through, you KNOW that all they need is comfort and reassurance to know that they are loved, appreciated, and beautiful! They need a reason to keep pushing forward...

It's not always about having to be there physically for someone. Emotionally, mentally, spiritually – showing empathy, love, compassion, and kindness – this is what a person who is feeling down needs. Sometimes, they just need to untangle their mind, and when they reach out to someone who they can trust, it truly does help.

There recently was an article written by rippleitin.nz. The title is 3 Legged Chair, and he openly shares his support for his friend. He quotes, “I am sharing her story for you all to read. It is honest as it is raw. It’s about being unwell mentally, a view from the inside.“

When I read this article, my stomach was turning the whole way through – you know that gut-wrench feeling you get? He sure was right that it is “honest as it is raw”. It is a real story of courage, strength, and honesty from someone who reaches out. From someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts. I won't get into the details here because words cannot describe the intensity of this article. I highly recommend you read it for yourself to truly understand it.

If you know someone who is suffering in silence, reach out to them. Don't judge. Don't respond back in anger. Just listen and reassure them that you are there for them. Be there for them in the way they need you...❤️

A little extra below for Subscribers only – thank you all, for reading! For non-subscribers – if you would like to continue reading, subscribe here! For those who haven't read my story, find it here!

“Let's untangle our mind, and set it free...”

Depression, anxiety, and panic attacks are not signs of weakness. They are signs of trying to remain strong for far too long.

- Sanvello Community

I have felt weak, and yes – I have also felt powerless.

Truth be told, I still get in those moments at times.

Yet, I have realized that even though self-doubt makes me feel like there's nowhere to turn, it's okay to feel vulnerable. It's okay to let these emotions come, but I must also let them go!

I am not the only one who has these moments, that I do know, and my hope for those reading this in times of trouble, understand that THEY are NOT alone. There IS a light at the end of that dark tunnel, and life will go on. **It DOES go on!!**

**Source**

So, I say to you – try not to be so hard on yourself, and don't feel that your feelings aren't accountable. Those who know YOU, your good AND bad, will stand by you and truly listen to your words!

You can do it, stay strong! ❤️🙏

For subscribers only, below I share quotes and a video for your viewing!

“Let's untangle our mind, and set it free...”

Oh yes, I remember back when I was going through my divorce. There was a lot of bitterness, anger, and yes, sadness.

You can love them, forgive them, want good things for them…but still move on without them.

- Mandy Hale

This quote is so true, and I believe that even though it may take time to acknowledge this, peace within can happen once you learn to let go of all the hurt and pain.

I had spent countless hours preparing papers for court, changing lawyers because I felt like I wasn't getting anything accomplished. And in the end, I stood up in court representing myself in a three day trial. In the end, I felt that I was the only one who could really say what I needed to say and get my point across, as I fought for my children.

I found the courage to say what I had to say and do what I had to do. It wasn't easy. And even today, my girls going back and forth, it's not easy. I think more so now, especially in their teenage years.

None of it was easy.

It never is easy.

For anyone.

When you are fighting for or about your children, remember. It's not about the parents, and it's NOT about power or control!

It's about what's right for the children.

It's about creating a safe environment for them, and guiding them through this society we live in today.

It's not their fault that their parents' relationship didn't work out. It's not their fault that life isn't as always as it seems.

In any marriage or relationship, there are going to be disagreements, arguments, feelings of anger. But there's the other side too – the opposite of hatred. There's love, compassion, empathy, and kindness.

Marriage – Relationship – whatever it is where children are involved.

It's not always going to be peachy – leave the children out of it and be adults!!

Create the *stability* children need.

Create the *consistency*.

Create the *routine* in their daily lives.

Set rules.

Set boundaries.

Help them grow and nourish into passionate, loving, kind, young adults! Be active in their lives, and always let them know that you are there for them!

LOVE them, whether as a couple or apart.

That's how we can teach our children the beauty of love. ❤️

Here, I want to share my video for those who haven't had a chance to watch it....my interview in Cyprus with Thekla Petridou, where I share my story and encourage others to keep pushing forward.

https://youtu.be/7MSUePWh5z4

Hope you all have a beautiful Sunday! ❤️

“Let's untangle our mind, and set it free...”

Header Image Source

I came across this quote, and it is something I want to share today because it seems as if our mind gets tangled with thoughts that are unnecessary!! Especially when it comes to friendships.

If a person always leaves you with mixed feelings, uncertainty and an unsettled mind, you don't need to place your energy there.

- Reyna Biddy

How true is this?!

Damn right, it's true – I will even answer for you!! 😉

You see, we can't let anyone make us feel so uncertain or vulnerable about ourselves that we are questioning our own self-worth. They're the ones who are not worth it!

Place your good vibes and your positive energy towards the people that matter to you – the ones who make a difference in your world and are deserving of your love! ❤️

Join me as I share more of my thoughts below on this topic ... and a video for my friends!

“Let's untangle our mind, and set it free...”

Andrea Bocelli – an inspiration to me, since my teenage years. I will tell you this much right now – if I ever had the chance to meet him, I don't know what I would do!! I am sure you can figure out why he's such an inspiration to me, but if not, keep reading on...

Isn't it ironic that I fell in love with his music before I knew I would be losing my vision? I remember listening to his music, over and over, and later after I was diagnosed with Usher Syndrome (loss of vision and hearing), I listened to his music even more.

I remember listening to him, his beautiful voice, and it made me think, “Damn, if he can do it, then I can do it!” He married, had children, became successful, and lives his life. He inspired me in my times of darkness, to keep pushing forward.

You see, when we are going through rough times – knowing that we are not alone and that there are other people who may be experiencing the same thing – it can bring us hope, and something to look forward to. It brings light to our world ... just as Andrea Bocelli did mine. I would listen to and watch his videos, on repeat...

Especially more recently, his first ever duet with his son, Matteo, and now – my most favourite song! 😍

“Fall On Me”

https://youtu.be/ChcR2gKt5WM

The first time I heard this song, I admit it, I got really emotional. I remember my girls watching me, and I just looked right back at them, intently, letting the tears flow!

As a mother, watching Andrea and Matteo – the way they showed their unconditional love – not only with their voice, but also by their touch. The passionate expressions on their faces... it seriously blew me away!

I can relate to this song, not only because of our similarities with our vision loss, but also the fact that we are both parents.

“Fall on meWith open armsFall on meFrom where you areFall on meWith all your lightWith all your lightWith all your light”

This verse really hits me as I think about how I will always be there for my babies. I will always guide them, no matter what happens. No matter where I am, no matter where they are. And I know, they will do the same for me. Just as my mother and father do for me, and as I do for them. ❤️

Unconditional love. Through any sickness. Through any challenge. This is so important in our families today. This is so important when we are around the people we care about, the ones we love.

Here are the full lyrics (in English) for your ease of reference:

[Verse 1: Matteo Bocelli]

I thought sooner or later

The lights up above

Will come down in circles and guide me to love

But I don’t know what’s right for me

I cannot see straight

I’ve been here too long and I don’t want to wait for it

Fly like a cannonball

Straight to my soul

Tear me to pieces and make me feel whole

I’m willing to fight for it and carry this weight

But with every step

I keep questioning what is true

[Chorus: Matteo Bocelli]

Fall on me

With open arms

Fall on me

From where you are

Fall on me

With all your light

With all your light

With all your light

[Verse 2: Andrea Bocelli]

Soon you will find what your heart wants to know

Don’t give up hope for I know you are close

And all you have ever dreamed, wished you could ever be

Is waiting to find you wherever you go

Believe in yourself, ever step that you take

Know I am smiling with pride everyday

My love will forever be, stronger than stone

Don’t be afraid you are never alone

[Chorus: Both]

Fall on me

With open arms

Fall on me

From where you are

Fall on me

With all your light

With all your light

With all your light

With all your light

[Bridge: Both]

I close my eyes and I’m seeing you everywhere

I step outside

It’s like I’m breathing you in the air

I can feel you’re there

[Chorus: Both]

Fall on me

With open arms

Fall on me

From where you are

Fall on me

With all your light

With all your light

With all your light

Source

I hope you take the time to really listen to this song, and let it take you to another world, as it did me...

For Subscribers only, below I share a memory from my wedding day...thank you for reading!

“Let's untangle our mind, and set it free...”

Very often, you know, you stop walking because you say, ‘Well, I’m tired of climbing this hill. I’m never going to get to the top.’ And you’re only two steps from the top.

- Morgan Freeman

That feeling when you're almost there, then you want to give up. DON'T!! You CAN do it!! Keep climbing!! ❤️🙏

Sometimes, you feel like you don't know why you are doing what you are doing. You feel like there's no point.

Here's the thing, it can feel so easy to give up. It can feel so easy to just say, “I don't want to anymore.” You just get so sick and tired of the same thing or for trying so hard, that you just want to give up and turn around. Or worse, stop.

I don't know how many times I have tried something, only to give up. Sad, but true. So who am I to say this?

Because – it made me think...“Well, why didn't I just keep going?” or “Why didn't I give it a fair chance.” Then my anxious mind gets thinking too much and I change it oh, about ten thousand times! 😉

The thing is, what I have realized is that it does not matter how many times we change our minds. What matters is that we focus on what is important to us. What matters is that we need to realize perhaps there is a reason. That yes, sometimes when we don't achieve the goals we “thought” we were meant to achieve, it brings us into focus with our reason today. It brings us to what we have right in front of us, and we can appreciate that.

It may not make sense at the time, but somehow it all comes together and you're like, “Holy smokes! If I had done that, I wouldn't be doing this today!!” And then, you would be missing out on what's right in front of you, what's important to you ... now! Does that make sense? You know what I'm trying to say?

You see, even if you think you've given up, you really haven't. There is so much potential, so much to life, that can push you to want to keep moving forward. Step by step.

New things.

New beginnings.

We can't change the past, we all know that! And as much as the past may have hurt us somewhere along the way – we simply cannot change it. All we can do, is learn from it.

Every obstacle is going to be a challenge, but it will also give us inner strength. It will help us to understand ourselves, and our situations. Every breath, every moment, brings a new day.

Enjoy it as much as you can, and never give up...❤️

“Let's untangle our mind, and set it free...”