The Power of Purple

I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I was never handed anything growing up. That's not to say I went without. I had everything I needed, but it was rare to receive what I wanted . I learned early in life to be grateful for what I had. I had enough to eat, I had clothes to wear, I had shoes, I went to good schools, I had shelter, and I was grateful. I grew up around wealth, not in it. I know what it's like to struggle with the decision to pay utilities or buy groceries. As a young, single mother, I faced those types of decisions several times. While there may have been programs available to help me, I was a little too independent and proud to ask for help. There were many times when my child ate, but I didn't. Thankfully, that was a short lived period in my life; but it's one of the most important times in my life. It was during that time that I realized rising up from where I had fallen was completely up to me. I made the necessary changes and began th...

We all say things without thinking about the impact they may have on others. We never really think about the power of our words, and if we do/did, we'd be much more careful in how we use them.  As children, we learned that "sticks and stones can break my bones; but words can never hurt me..." What a lie. Words can and do hurt . We see them hurt children who are bullied. We see it in adults  who struggle with self esteem, self image, and self worth.  How many times have you been told things (or even told yourself) that make you feel "less than"? You know what I mean, things from childhood all the way into adulthood:  "You'll never amount to anything."  "Why can't you be as smart as your brother/sister?"  " Why can't you do anything right?"  "You're too sensitive, no one wants to be around a cry baby."  "No one will want you, you're too fat." " You know, make up does wond...