Compulsive Shopping - The Yen to Spend

Compulsive shopping, also referred to as impulse buying, pathological buying, addictive buying, compulsive spending and compulsive buying has been defined as “an unplanned purchase that is characterized by…rapid decision-making, and a subjective bias in favor of immediate possession” (Rook & Gardner, as cited in Kacen & Lee, 2002, p. 164; Hartston & Koran, 2002; Dittmar, 2005). Although this impulsive buying behavior may provide initial benefits to the individual, it rapidly “becomes very difficult to stop and ultimately results in harmful consequences” (O’Guinn and Faber, 1992).

The core issue with compulsive shopping is that the buying or spending is “impulsive, excessive and uncontrolled” (Dittmar, 2005, p. 834).

The proliferation of internet shopping and televised home shopping networks has greatly increased the temptation and ease of buying for individuals who engage in impulsive spending behavior. Jewelry, makeup and miscellaneous gadgets are only a click or phone call away. Unfortunately, the consequences of compulsive shopping are not restricted to individual buyer’s distress and/or bankruptcy; to a great extent the damaging effects of impulsive spending are felt by the shopper’s family and “even society at large” (Christenson et al., as cited in Park, Cho, & Seo, 2006, p. 240).

The effortless acquisition of credit cards assists the compulsive shopper in acquiring financial debt. Although the possession of available credit does not contribute to addictive shopping, it does create a vehicle for impulsive buyers to spend effortlessly (Hollander, 2006). As impulsive shoppers incur large amounts of credit card debt in the spending of current and future earnings, often stress, difficulty in relationships, and economic failure is experienced.  This financial distress can occur at every economic level and often leads to relationship, legal and social issues.

Research on compulsive shopping and impulse buying focuses on a number of factors that are associated with addictive buying. Emotional discomfort (Rodriguez –Villarino, et al, 2006), low self-esteem (Park, Cho, & Seo, 2006), depression, (Kyrios, Frost, & Steketee, 2004), indecisiveness (Frost et al., 2007), and materialistic values (Dittmar, 2005) present the wide variety of research on the link between individual characteristics and pathological shopping.

     Typically characterized by a “preoccupation with buying and a preceding sense of tension” (Hartston & Koran, 2002, p. 65) followed by feelings of pleasure or happiness after the act of buying (Dittmar, 2007), compulsive shoppers are reported to come from impulsive and dysfunctional families where they have failed to learn how to postpone indulgence (Frosch et al., 1986).  Individuals with Impulse Control Disorders, like those with Substance Use Disorders, may be resistant to treatment. Compulsive shoppers may only seek treatment after receiving pressure from family or friends.

      There is scant research on effective treatment for compulsive shopping. Available treatment suggestions are based on individual cases and related disorders. Behavioral techniques should be the foundation of treatment for individuals with impulse buying troubles. A treatment approach that incorporates psychopharmacological treatments along with psychotherapy and budget strategies may prove most effective in controlling the urge to impulse spend. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), group therapy and family therapy have proven effective in reducing the compulsion to shop (Grant, 2003; Park, et al., 2006). Utilizing the ten-step addiction recovery process in Choice Theory provides the counselor with additional tools in assisting with the client’s treatment.

...but I can't!

Mind over Matter: The Power of Positive Thinking
Three of Four 


    Continuing with my four part series on Mind over Matter,  today I'd like to address that part of you that may emerge from time to time known as the Helpless Self  (HS). 
     I see the helpless self as a coin: on one side you find the helpless self and on the other side resides the Controlling Self (CS). Often when we feel helpless we try to control something or someone so that we no longer feel helpless. 


     A mature and enlightened HS allows us to feel the power of our love. With this empowerment we no longer feel the need to control everything. We allow others to be free...to be free to make mistakes...to be free to be unaware...because we know that they are responsible for themselves and we are responsible of ourselves.


     The CS is a guard that can't be free...it feels the need to control everything. The HS is a creature who feels no power, love, or self-esteem. As long as you insist on controlling you will feel helpless. 


     Do you ever feel powerless? Have you ever thought "I'd like to do that but 'they' won't let me," "My boss won't let me do that," "My spouse will get angry if I do that," or "If you love me, you'll do as I say." The HS is limited, without options, trapped in either helplessness or in controlling others.


    Linking this HS to your physical and energetic bodies: the HS is located primarily in the Solar Plexus Chakra but has a strong influence on all the other chakras, too. When the HS feels powerless and/or controlled it compensates by overpowering and  manipulating. 


    Faulty thoughts of the HS and CS:-
     1. I can't do it by myself
     2. I can't make it happen
     3. I need someone to take care of me
     4. If you don't do what I want to do then I'll nag you until you do
     5. I feel that my life is out of control
     6. I don't have a chance of success
     7. I must have eight hours of sleep or I'm a wreck


   I'm sure you can come up with a few more thoughts of the HS. Something to think about....what are some ways you control others...yourself....or situations? What would happen if you gave up control?


   It really helps to visualize and give voice to your thoughts surrounding this issue. Identifying and owning your HS and CS will assist you in transforming this aspect of yourself. Of course, this has to be an area of your life that you'd really like to work with and change.


   I'd like you to hang out with your HS/CS. Focus on your solar plexus (placing a hand there if you feel lead). What is it saying to you? What's the first thought that comes to mind? Would you identify this thought as controlling or helpless? 


    Take a few moments to write these discoveries down. 
    
    Now I'd like you to look at how your helpless and/or controlling thoughts have kept you from getting what you want/need in life. How has the expression of these faulty thoughts left a negative imprint? 


     If you aren't where you want to be and recognize yourself saying or thinking thoughts of the HS or CS....perhaps it's time to heal that aspect of yourself so that you can move forward and get what you really want out of life. 


    Why not engage in some self-talk? Sit down and have a chat with your helpless self or controlling self. Pay attention to specific incidents, thoughts and words that have helped keep that helpless and/or controlling self powerful. 


     What would you like to experience instead? How would you like to react to situations? What kind of life do you see yourself living...does it have an aspect of helplessness, does it have control issues, or do you pfrefer to see yourslef as confident, secure, and able to express your loving self?


   It's your choice. No judgment. You might like what you're experiencing and that's okay. 


    If you are ready to let that part of yourself go...let it go. Let it walk out the door, into the light, or watch it transform and become a part of your loving self - who you truly are. 


    Remember, you always have a choice. You have the freedom and the ability.

We’re just not on the same wavelength

…but you could be!
Relationships & Synchrony Training.
          Have you ever had the thought, “We just don’t see eye to eye” or “He just doesn’t get me” or “She doesn’t communicate…we end up fighting” ….?  I’m sure you’re not alone. The balancing act of being in a relationship takes work…and when your brainwaves don’t match up it can makes things even more difficult.
          Brain waves? What?
          Yes…relationships can bring out the best or worse in us. At the worst you might see defense mechanisms and distorted beliefs or faulty thoughts. When we are expressing these emotions our frontal lobe shuts down…this is the part of the brain associated with reasoning, emotions, and speech. Once this happens we pretty much succumb to reacting unpredictably. Our chances at constructive communication and a happy outcome are pretty much non-existent.
          What is brain coherence and synchrony?
            Coherence applies to brain waves that maintain a consistent relationship with each other. Phase synchrony applies to a particular kind of coherence, one in which brain waves of a specific frequency peak and valley at the same time. When they peak and valley perfectly in time they are said to be phase synchronous.  The main benefit of synchrony training is to help the brain return to a flexible and relaxed state so that it is ready for anything. In this state people report feelings of intimacy and a reduction in stress.

          Getting on the same wave length.
          I find synchrony training with couples fascinating!  Just imagine improving connectedness through neurofeedback….a tangible method in which you can observe your brain frequencies on a computer monitor!  You simply link up partners to produce a whole head phase synchrony…and you get feedback only when you are in synch with each other. You can expect the experience to lead to feelings of harmony and unity. Ultimately you are able to train your brain and employ self-regulation of your brain frequencies.
          My favorite neurofeedback protocol, and the one I’ve had the most experience with, is the BrainPaint program. Bill and Cora Scott, the creators, have provided an invaluable brain training tool.
          So, if you are finding yourself out of synch with someone in your life (partner, parent, child) give BrainPaint a try and “create your life.”

Mind over Matter: The Power of Positive Thinking PT 2

Two of Four

            Have you been doing your homework? Keeping up with those positive affirmations? I hope so…now, don’t feel that you have to say them aloud to yourself while gazing in the mirror…or even stand on one foot with your arms outstretched. Positive affirmations are just little reminders about how wonderful and loved you are! So, if you’re sitting at a red light, or taking your vitamin, or pulling the covers up at night and the thought strikes you to say “I am free..I’m worthy…I deserve to be loved” (or something similar) do it!

            Today I’d like to address the Frightened Self. Even when I say the word “frightened” I crinkle my nose trying to remember the last time I experienced this emotion. Think, instead, of having a Fearful Self.

            When discussing the Fearful Self I should also address feelings of unconditional love and your heart chakra…this is where unconditional love is centered. Many people’s idea of love really comes from the spleen chakra (the emotional one or desire body) …the thought being “If you’re nice to me, then you must love me. If you don’t do what I want, then you don’t care about me.” By now you should be able to recognize that as a faulty thought pattern. “If I want this other person, but am rejected…then I can’t believe in love anymore, so I will put a wall around myself.”  This kind of statement is coming from the spleen chakra, not the heart chakra. 

            So, how do you feel about yourself? Are you encouraged about yourself? Do you like who you are? Think about some ways you can start feeling better about yourself.

            The Frightened Self is located principally in the spleen chakra, but also influences the solar plexus and heart chakras. The Frightened Self is helpless, full of doubt, anxiety and tension. It is caged and not free to express itself or be true to itself. This self is fragile. Have you ever said, “I can’t do that…I was going to tell you, but I was afraid of how you would take it…I’m afraid I’m going to screw this up”? You get the idea…fear can paralyze us in subtle ways.

            Similar to working with the Unworthy Self...I’d like you to personify this Fearful or Frightened Self. What does s/he look like, sound like, think? Feel free to jot down some notes as you imagine this aspect of yourself. Thinking about this part of you…when was the last time you felt fearful? What thoughts were running through your mind?

            For example:

            Fearful Self….looks like me, but smaller. Disheveled…a little apprehensive. Thinks she’s going to be in trouble at work.

       Experienced: Last week

       Thought: “Ugh,I didn’t finish this task on time…my boss is going to be pissed.  I don’t want to tell her.”

      Try recognizing the faulty thoughts and rephrasing them to reflect more of an accurate assessment: “I didn’t finish the task on time. I’m frustrated that I didn’t meet my deadline. I will talk to my boss about it. There’s a chance she will be upset with the results.”

          Chances are if you could pick out one event involving the Fearful Self…there might be more. Instead of trying to run through a life-time slide show of these events…try and identify how this frightened aspect of self is negatively impacting your life.

          Tapping into that unconditional love center…let your love for the Fearful Self flow out to that aspect of you…feel the love…bask in knowing that no matter what you have harmony around you…you create your own harmony…you are free to express yourself without being fearful…you are free…you are loved.

         

          How does that Self look now? A lot like you? Feel that part of you…in your heart, spleen and solar plexus…. and know that you are whole. You have purpose.

          Go ahead and make a list of things that will help you feel better about yourself; put it where you can easily see it. And this week try to complete some items off that list.

Mind over Matter: The Power of Positive Thinking

One of Four

       I’d like to present a four part series that will teach you simple healing techniques for strengthening your emotional and physical well-being. Your task is to replace old thought patterns that may be holding you back from positive life experiences.

            The human body is a temple of the indwelling spirit. This spirit and its potential are connected to the human body through the chakra system. When negative emotional blocks and faulty thoughts are removed from the chakra system, the indwelling spirit is freed to flow upward from its origin at the base of the sacrum to the crown…energizing all the potential and natural abilities and dimensions of man.   

            In this first series I’d like you to work with the “Unworthy or Undeserving self.” Faulty thoughts of the Unworthy Self primarily reside in the root and spleen chakras…although it can also be in the heart chakra. The Unworthy Self dates from the earliest recollection; perceiving itself as not loved, it concludes that it’s unlovable. Fears of abandonment are the result…this leads to the “getting-keeping-controlling” thought patterns that reinforce the lack of success and abundance…thereby preventing the ability to receive love.

            Faulty thoughts of the Unworthy Self:              

                1. I’m not good enough

                2. Nothing good ever happens to me.

                3. I don’t deserve to be happy.

                4. If people really knew me, they wouldn’t like me.

                5. I don’t deserve love.

                6. I don’t deserve success.

                7. Nobody could love me.

                8. If you say you love me…you must want something.

                I’m sure that you can also come up with a couple of these statements on your own.

           

            Tapping into the Unworthy Self:

·         Remember the last time you felt unworthy and recall the experience that triggered that feeling.

·         Let yourself feel…feel what you felt in that moment.

·         Identify how the feelings of being unworthy are stopping you from enjoying life.

·         I’d like you to personify…imagine that Unworthy Self standing in front of you…look into that self’s eyes. What do you see?

·         As the loving being you are…send over feelings of unconditional love to that self…you might imagine it as colors from your heart, or music surrounding that person…whatever feels comfortable and right for you.

·         Watch what happens to the Unworthy Self. Wait for the transformation.

·         Acknowledge the importance that Self has had in your life…let the Self know that you send love, that the self is worthy and has purpose and value. Let the self know that you are ready to express who you are…you are ready to feel secure and confident and to express all of your abilities and your love.

·         Let the Unworthy Self begin to lift out of your chakras starting with the root and spleen chakras….bring that Self straight up through your body passing through all of your chakras and out the top of your head. You are now releasing those faulty thoughts and the corresponding unworthy energy patterns in your body.

·         As you imagine this Self lifting up…gather with it all the memories of unworthiness…all the feelings of unworthiness…the fear of being unworthy…any expressions of unworthiness…lift and remove all thoughts of unworthiness and feel that Unworthy Self lifting out of your crown chakra (top of your head).

·         Affirm…”I am FREE. I am free to love and be loved unconditionally. I am worthy of all the good things life has to offer. I am free to succeed. I am worthy of abundance.”

·         What to do now with this healing Unworthy Self? You may lift the Self into the light, give it a hug and accept it back into your self as a worthy self, watch it walk out the door. This is your healing process…make this a personal transformation and healing by selecting your method of closure.

            Take some time each day to affirm “I feel good about myself. I am worthy to love and be loved unconditionally.” Watch how your perceptions change. Wait for your life to transform.

Beautiful....but...

                Twice today I heard the term “bullying”…so, something tells me that I, too, should continue to spread the word.

                While I was taking my mind off the arduous, huffing-puffing task of getting through 30 minutes on the elliptical machine, Demi Lovato was on a morning talk show addressing her past conflicts and sharing her experiences. She wanted other young girls, who may be going through some difficult times, to know (1) they weren’t alone, and (2) if you talk about things that are bothering you…help is available.

                Now, I wasn’t listening to her speak, but I was reading the sub-titles on the high-in-the–sky gym TV screen.  Looking at her I thought, “Wow, what a beautiful young girl…and so talented.” And then she shared her experiences of being bullied when she was a young girl and how cruel comments resulted in her choosing the path of an eating disorder…she faced a bi-polar diagnosis…and often engaged in self-injurious behavior by cutting her wrists.

                I’m sure many have looked at her and thought, “She’s famous, beautiful, talented…why on earth would she feel that way!?” 

                I can tell you…because she does.

                She doesn’t feel what people see on the outside. She’s just a girl who was bullied and suffered. She’s a girl who has tackled feelings of depression. She’s a girl who hurt so intensely on the inside that she slashed her own wrists to experience the pain on the outside.

                She’s a girl…. like your friend, daughter, neighbor, student, mom, or babysitter.

                She’s a girl with experiences and feelings.

                She’s a girl who is not to be judged by what you see on the outside, but to be appreciated for who she in on the inside.

                Just like you.

               

Thank you Mark Soccio for this Facebook post: That girl you just called fat? She is overdosing on diet pills. That girl you just called ugly? She spends hours putting makeup on hoping people will like her. That boy you just tripped? He is abused enough at home. That man with the ugly scars? He fought for our country. That guy you just made fun of for crying? His mother is dying. Put this on your status for an hour, if you are against bullying. Save a life - National Suicide Prevention Week.

Analyze This

                I have degrees in education, psychology and counseling….not that this listing in itself matters, only that I’ve been exposed to many, many tests over time.  One that I was recently reacquainted with is the Myers Briggs Personality Test. No doubt many have taken a Myers-Briggs Type Inventory (MBTI) over the years. If you are interested in identifying what a multiple-choice-type-test says your personal preferences are then it’s worth the time to gain some insight into your tendencies towards extroversion/introversion, thinking/feeling, intuition/sensing, and judging/perceiving.

                Admittedly I don’t remember my exact 4 letter personality type…but I do recall thinking, “REALLY?” I thought I was more feeling than thinking. If you’d like to take the online MBTI test for FREE here is a link.  This test is actually adapted from the Myers Briggs.

                So what got me started down this personal preference path was the discovery of Internet analyzers…I just can’t resist clicking links to find out what is thought about me…or my writing. There are actually a few blog analyzers out there that claim to identify your age, MBTI type, gender and blog reading level.

                

                This first one I tried was the blog type analyzer. This crafty site reveals  LifeCairns as INTP…meaning this blog is identified as “The logical and analytical type. They are especially attuned to difficult creative and intellectual challenges and always look for something more complex to dig into. They are great at finding subtle connections between things and imagine far-reaching implications.They enjoy working with complex things using a lot of concepts and imaginative models of reality. Since they are not very good at seeing and understanding the needs of other people, they might come across as arrogant, impatient and insensitive to people that need some time to understand what they are talking about.” Wow....not being seen as the typical, therapeutic, understanding, sensitive, and patient type is a bit of a shock. This has me thinking...maybe my writing voice really is a lot different than ME....something to work on...or maybe I really do come across as rather aloof...hmmmmm.

                        Next I checked the gender analyzer. Yep...it got me...71%  chance this blog is written by a woman. Interesting...a program out there to look at vocabulary and writing style to determine gender...hmmmm.

                      I just couldn't resist the age analyzer.  So, how old do you think I am? Well, the identified blogger age for LifeCairns is 51-65. No text Botox considered. I can tell you that this fun link was wrong. Ha.

                      As a former teacher...and reading specialist...I know the all important necessity for the written word to be accessible to everyone. The morning paper is said to be written on a 5th grade level. Okay, so I may have an old, female, insensitive writing voice...so on what reading level have I been writing? According to the reading level analyzer I am on par with a 6th grade reading level...like reading "Time or Newsweek."  I admit, I only read those magazines when the dentist is out of People or Us Weekly.

                  What is it about blog analyzers, Cosmo multiple-choice quizzes, and quick Internet tests that are so attractive? Is it the search for in depth soul discovery, fun reading, or an attempt to see how others see us? I would say a combination of all three. I've obviously indulged in the blog analyzer goody bag..it's been several years, but I do remember participating in a few "Are you Sassy and Sexy?" inventories, and, although I can say it doesn't matter what other people think of me...I'd still like to know.

Stress on Health

                Stress is a part of life. I know many who strive to experience stress-free lives…but sometimes stress seeks us out…and creeps up on us…like a few, unwanted extra pounds in the winter.

            According to Hales (2005) as cited in Corey and Corey (2006), “80% of all major physical illness” is due to stress (p. 151). Conversely, stress can result in emotional, intellectual and even spiritual exhaustion (Corey & Corey, 2006).  I believe that I have experienced moderate stress over the span of my life: little things like toys on the floor when an unexpected visitor drops by, or realizing that I left my wallet at home half way to work, or rushing to drop off two children at two different daycares on the way to work in the morning. I’m fairly self-regulating with healthy aamount of self-esteem and a light hold on personal control (Witmer & Sweeney, 2001).

            In an article by Witmer and Sweeney, the authors state that “those who…perceived life as manageable had less anxiety and few physical symptoms” (p. 142). Looking at the link between wellness and a holistic view of health, I would have to say that all the usual preventative stress mangers should keep stress from affecting the body to a great degree; realistically viewing stressful situations, tapping into self-control during stressful periods, maintaining exercise regimes, and practicing mindfulness are all excellent approaches to stress management.

            However, knowledge of stress reduction approaches, and implementation of those approaches is another matter.

Corey, G., & Corey, M.S. (2006). I never knew I had a choice: Explorations in personal growth. Belmont, CA: Thomson Higher Education.

Witmer, J.M., & Sweeney, T.J. (1992). A holistic model for wellness and prevention over the life span. Journal of Counseling & Development, 71(2), 140-148.

Vulnerability

        Learning from Shrek the all-important idea of Ogres being like onions in that they have many layers – the same can be said for humans.

        It appears that as soon as an individual is able to overcome a faulty thought or behavior pattern - that another layer reveals itself. Many may walk around oblivious, or in denial, about their layers of self-limiting thoughts and actions; however, those of us who are in a continuous state of growth and renewal may embrace our particular vulnerabilities and heal the past through affirmations, behavior changes, and alcohol …just kidding on the last one.

        An individual’s Achilles’ heel is one of those ignored or unrecognized weaknesses that allow the individual to experience repeated less-than-desired experiences in life…events or feelings that may cause undue angst and a mantra of “why me?”

        A familiar vulnerability is the common mother/daughter relationship; or the lack thereof. The endless seeking of loving acknowledgement of one’s accomplishments can become a life-long desire. The archetypal-evil-maternal-figure is unable to ever provide nurturing or acceptance of her daughter. The daughter’s Achilles’ heel is the never-ending desire for recognition and love.

        Recent research has focused on personality variables and treatment related issues; studies indicate that personality variables may impact psychotherapeutic treatment and outcomes (Beuttner as cited in Hewitt, Habke, Lee-Baggley, Sherry, & Flett, 2008).

       Truthfully, some people are incapable of giving, trusting, loving, or accepting…and that’s okay. The counselor is present to explain that we all have our vulnerabilities, and the recognition and acknowledgment of such allows us to peel back one more layer towards self-discovery.

Reference:

Hewitt, P.L., Habke, A.M., Lee-Baggley, D.L., Sherry, S.B., & Flett, G.L. (2008). The impact of perfectionistic self-presentation on the cognitive, affective, and physiological experience of a clinical interview. Psychiatry: Interpersonal & Biological Processes, 71(2), 93-122.

Bullies...how to deal with them

I've put together a workbook to use as a starting point for children’s knowledge about bullies & bullying.

If you suspect that your child has been bullied, engage him or her in the activities provided in the handbook. Knowledge & communication are vital in improving your child’s self-esteem and in emphasizing the importance of reporting problems related to bullying.

Here's the link....  Bullies

Change....but how?

  I'm often asked about change....how to do it...even in the face of seemingly overwhelming obstacles.

Well, first off, I can tell you, that most likely, it's not going to be easy. Whether you've been to a therapist in the past or not...anyone who has told you that it's EASY is simply not giving you the whole truth! Change hurts. Change is uncomfortable. Change can take time.

But it can be done!

Of course...the only person, and I mean the ONLY person you can change is YOURSELF! You have influence over your OWN situation but you will never be able to change anyone else. Please, save yourself the time thinking "but if...." because it's not going to happen. You may want a family member, boyfriend, girlfriend, child, boss....someone to change...and that's okay, just know that you aren't holding the magic wand to make it so.

Also, I don't have a magic wand either; I wish I did, but I don't.

Change happens first when you have a true desire to make it happen..no ambivalence here...you really are seeking to alter something in your life.

Next you you need to look at any faulty thoughts you've been carrying around that have hindered you from moving forward. By faulty thoughts I mean those self-talk, often deeply ingrained statements that simply aren't true about you: "I'll never amount to anything; No one could ever love me; I can't lose weight no matter how hard I try...." You get the idea.

Here's the transformation part....you address those faulty thoughts and look at them from a different point of view. Go from "No one could ever love me" to "I don't have anyone in my life right now to love."  Think "losing weight has been challenging" instead of "I can't lose weight."  I'm not asking you to create fairy tale statements...just look at your situation from a more objective, truthful point of view.

Next...set your thoughts to where you want to be...your goal statement, if you will.
"No one could ever love me" to "Right now I don't have a life partner" to "I'm going to put myself out there and look for someone that is right for me."
"I can't lose weight" to "loosing weight has been challenging" to "I'm going to exercise no less than 20 minutes each day and keep a food journal."

Change is an active process. It involves time, energy, and determination.

It can be done.

So, if you have some faulty thoughts floating around your mind and need some help reframing them...just send them to me and I'd be happy to help you look at your statements from a different perspective.

What a beautiful day!

Beautiful ...sunny....warm...a day to bask in the fresh air and express thanks for all the good things in life. Like attracts like. A day to appreciate all that you have....all that you've accomplished....and all that you are. Today no hiccups; no setbacks; no what-ifs.  Just today.

Here I am!

It's been a while now since I've been on the blog...been exploring with other media sources.
One new thing I'd like to start sharing is a daily angel message. More information to come!

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