tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41069865482086459022024-03-05T20:14:46.110-08:00The Coach AmyFighting back against online predators by educating children & their parents.amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04495744774751680461noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106986548208645902.post-80223070574261421162010-12-21T14:37:00.001-08:002010-12-21T14:41:24.257-08:00Winter Solstice<span class="Apple-style-span" >Well, ladies & gentleman. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Today is the Winter Solstice. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >I was instructed back in the summer that a solstice is the perfect day to take out paper & pen & write down exactly what you want for your future! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >So I am now instructing you do the same.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Get paper & a pen. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Sit down & really think it through. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >What do you want from life? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Do you want a better relationship?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Do you want a better job?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Do you want more money? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Write it down!!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Concentrate on it. Focus, focus, focus! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >If you believe in what you want & that just by simply putting it out there, it will happen....guess what! It will!!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >That's right. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >What you want will happen if your thoughts & beliefs are in alignment. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >No negative thinking. Absolutely not allowed. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >It will happen, it will. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Just because. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Don't forget about my free coaching offer. Will end soon. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >This is the perfect time to hire your own personal life coach! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >your_girl_amy@yahoo.com</span></div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04495744774751680461noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106986548208645902.post-34945218688893385052010-12-21T07:17:00.000-08:002010-12-21T07:42:26.802-08:00Naughty or Nice??he's making a list....checking it twice....gonna find out if you're naughty or nice...<div><br /></div><div>Ok, I am not talking about truly being naughty here....Just breaking a few rules in order for YOU to get ahead in life. </div><div>Not to hurt anyone or harm anyone. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's a dicey business to tamper with convention, but if you want to wish, dream, & do, consider becoming comfortable with bending, redefining, & otherwise breaking a few rules. </div><div><br /></div><div>How do we become rule breakers, you ask? </div><div>In some cases, it's sort of a seat of the pants kind of deal. Perhaps you weren't planning on making an exception but you just couldn't help yourself or maybe you knew from the start that you & a particularly menacing rule were never going to see eye-to-eye. You might even have been told to wing it. </div><div>Ultimately, I believe that is why we break the rules. We need to get things done & the only way to make that happen is to turn our backs on the rules. </div><div><br /></div><div>Like I stated earlier, you do not want to step outside the law or intentionally harm or hurt another human being. </div><div>Breaking the rules is about asserting your independence & becoming the person you are meant to be. </div><div>Each time you break a tradition in order to live your life with more truth & validity, you become a bit of a revolutionary. </div><div>Most people confine themselves to doing things the way they've always been done. </div><div>It's the risk takers, mistake makes, & rule breakers who wish, dream, & do with verve & conviction. </div><div><br /></div><div>I believe it was Marilyn Monroe who said "well behaved women rarely make history." </div><div><br /></div><div>I am here for you. </div><div>your_girl_amy@yahoo.com</div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04495744774751680461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106986548208645902.post-7579370183586184012010-12-01T10:07:00.000-08:002010-12-01T10:17:42.642-08:00tis the season to be giving<span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Giving creates space for more to come in. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Some form of giving is an integral part of prosperity. Most people who are blessed with wealth feel a desire to give back in some way. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Take a moment and think of someone who is blessed in this way. Do they give back? </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">When you give you embody this important aspect of wealth & place yourself in the company of millionaires & billionaires around the globe. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Giving is the natural counterpart to receiving. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In order for you to fully experience abundance, money needs to flow through, not just into, your life. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The only one who puts limits on how much you can receive is you. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">If you cannot give money, perhaps you can be generous with your time, skills, or compassion. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The more consistently you give, the more you will benefit from the energy of giving. How much & where you give is less important than the giving itself.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Giving should be done as a gesture of gratitude, not obligation.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Give away a little bit of money everyday. A penny is enough. Drop it in a collection jar, give a tip at your coffee shop, or leave a quarter on a shelf at your grocery store for someone to find. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Give something each time you are asked instead of saying not today. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">If your career provides regular cash income such as tips, choose a percentage between 1% & 5% to give away over the next 30 days. Each day count the appropriate portion of what you have received & give that away within 24 hours. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">If you absolutely can't give money at this time, donate at least 1 hour a week to a worthy cause or organization. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I am giving away FREE feng shui tips. What would you like to attract into your life? Wealth? Love? Weight loss? </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Email me your_girl_amy@yahoo.com </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It can be done. </span></span></div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04495744774751680461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106986548208645902.post-8157593966502507722010-11-24T11:47:00.000-08:002010-11-24T11:59:35.678-08:00an Attitude of GratitudeTwas the day before Thanksgiving.....what are you grateful for?<br /><br />How often do you truly express gratitude for everything you have in your life?<br /><br />The sheer act of expressing gratitude sends out a signal to the Universe to send you more things to be grateful for.<br /><br />Embracing gratitude not only helps you focus on the here & now, but it also makes you appreciative of all you do have in your life right now.<br /><br />We spend so much time wanting & wishing.<br />Well, how about just being thankful & grateful for today & what was in our life today.<br /><br />Instead of wasting energy complaining about what you do not have, spend that exact same energy on what is currently in your life that you are appreciative for.<br />If you have a thought that is leading to lackful thinking or a complaint, stop yourself in your tracks & replace it with a thought that is appreciative, grateful, or thankful.<br /><br />The more appreciative you are, the more you attract that positive flow into your life.<br /><br />If you don't believe me, just try it for a couple of days.<br />I guarantee you will at least feel a little lighter, less weighed down by all those negative thoughts.<br /><br />Here is something else you can try.<br />Keep a gratitude journal. I do this myself. I write 10 things in mine each night before bed. Then I write out some affirmations. I essentially fill up the whole page each night. Sometimes I have to scribble in the sides to have room for everything I want to say to myself.<br />If 10 things seem like too many, write 5 things you are grateful for. Try to list different things each day.<br />The point is you are acknowledging these things you are grateful for each day. <div>You do not have to do it at night like I do. You can do it whenever you want. </div><div><br /></div><div>This helps develop your awareness for being in the moment. </div><div>Take a moment every day, to stop & smell the roses. Look for simple things each day that put a smile on your face. Then hold on to that feeling. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here are some affirmations about being grateful that you can use:</div><div>I am grateful that I'm attracting positive & enriching people into my life. </div><div>I am grateful that people are coming into my life to help me on my journey. </div><div>I am grateful that I have the tools & insight to live the best life possible. </div><div>I am grateful for the many opportunities the Universe has sent to me during my life. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you like my style & think you may enjoy my coaching, please feel free to email me. </div><div>Many different options are now available. </div><div>your_girl_amy@yahoo.com</div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04495744774751680461noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106986548208645902.post-80514317388747578852010-11-17T06:50:00.000-08:002010-11-17T11:09:15.923-08:00Meet Christina Long<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUh9YjEwcAtYRAX_xljwOquaPpNyPRpD_EV_xXz-if2rvz_C86AdgDL0qFaSrOQM02CAyV99sqMw1TIEaLksK3rYp0RvAlqmsV2pjjHZEhvh-mE0dWvN5NgpvE2JGuPIXXUF2MbraHNa8/s1600/christina+long.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUh9YjEwcAtYRAX_xljwOquaPpNyPRpD_EV_xXz-if2rvz_C86AdgDL0qFaSrOQM02CAyV99sqMw1TIEaLksK3rYp0RvAlqmsV2pjjHZEhvh-mE0dWvN5NgpvE2JGuPIXXUF2MbraHNa8/s320/christina+long.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540532538270103394" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Christina was 13 years old. She could be just like the 13 year old sitting in your house right now.<br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Christina Long was pretty and popular.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">She was in the 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> grade at a Catholic school in Connecticut. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">She was co-caption of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">cheerleading</span> squad. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">She was a member of the National Honor Society. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And yes, she is now dead. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Killed by an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">internet</span> sexual predator. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But not exactly how you think. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">You see Christina doesn't exactly fit the mold that I have previously described. There is always the other end of the extreme. The kids who seek out these predators. The kids who think they are tough and can handle it. Who are looking for a "good time" so to say. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Christina was being raised by her aunt. They were extremely close. Chrissy & her aunt, Shelley talked about the risks online openly & frequently. Shelley kept close tabs on Christina's online profile, urged her to use a less provocative screen name even. When asked to change things, Christina complied. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">However, what Christina's aunt did not realize was that Christina had 1 profile she showed her & 1 she did not. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Christina was going out of her way to meet guys online for sex. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Because of this, she was found murdered on May 20, 2002. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Her alter ego profile stated she was "up for anything." </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The only time Christina was left unsupervised was Friday nights. On May 17 when her aunt came to pick her up at the mall, Christina was not there. She called the police & when they turned to Christina's computer for clues they discovered she had changed her password. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">What they discovered after AOL granted them access was shocking to her aunt. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">One boy was saying 'I'm sorry, I'm glad you got your period. I will wear a condom next time.' </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Christina's aunt finally realized she was talking to strangers and not school kids.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; font-family: verdana; ">Police discovered Christina had had a sexual encounter with a 24 yr old, Saul Dos <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Reis</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; "> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">a week earlier & was planning on meeting him again that night. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">When questioned Saul, led police to Christina's body. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Saul claims Christina approached him online & not the other way around. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Christina's aunt did everything right. Talked to her about the dangers of the online world & meeting people online & chat rooms. Popped in on her unexpectedly to check on her online doings. So where did it go wrong? </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Maybe you should sit your child down & have a talk with them. Show them the information about this girl. What happened to her. That she thought she was above what had happened to others. That she was just having a little fun....yea a little fun that ended up getting her killed. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It's a scary world out there. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Sometimes it's a scary world in here. </span></span></div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04495744774751680461noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106986548208645902.post-19454961743456073732010-10-26T07:00:00.000-07:002010-10-26T07:18:35.704-07:00Are we putting our kids in danger??<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We may actually be putting our kids in danger by the contradicting messages we send. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We tell them not to trust strangers, yet </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-we drop them off at ball practice with coaches we may never have met</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-we allow them to stay after school because they will be with their teacher</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-we send them to dance lessons</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-scout meetings</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-play groups</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-daycare centers</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-friends' homes</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-malls</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-movie theaters</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-parks</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-parties</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-beaches</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-even to the doctors office</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">without making sure that they are able to recognize when they are in danger</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">All of these places and circumstances are full of people they do not know & we do not know. Full of possible child predators. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We teach our kids not to take candy from strangers, but on Halloween, we often make exceptions, especially if it's in our own neighborhood, where sexual predators may lurk or reside. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And while we tell them not to even talk to strangers, we make an exception there too for police officers or other representatives of authority. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">However, sexual predators have jobs in every profession. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">There are no exceptions; they are white collar professionals, blue collar worker, & unemployed individuals.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It's impossible to tell sexual predators from the rest of the population. They are everywhere. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><br /><p><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0MoIHXKmVUs?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0MoIHXKmVUs?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /></p><p>Instead of picking out a group of people to whom our kids can turn to when they are in trouble, such as police officers, we need to simply & openly teach children how to know where to turn. </p><p>They have to be trained to use their own intuition about people & use it in conjunction with the information that we have provided to them. </p><p>Predators can easily gain the trust of a child, instill in them a feeling of security, & often lead them astray by convincing them that they are mature enough to make their own decisions. </p><p>That is why we need to teach children, starting from a very early age, the vitally important information to help them take the power away from the predator. </p><p>*Children need to be aware that predators can & will approach them in broad daylight, & on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">internet</span>, anywhere at anytime. </p><p>If we can instill in our children the need to be completely aware of their surroundings on a much higher level than we generally do, then it's a start. </p><p>If we let children know at a young age that people older than them cannot always be trusted, that someone may try to talk to them about things like secrets & special friendships & that children need to tell on them, then we are making some progress. If we explain openly & honestly that there is nobody that can be crossed off the list of people to follow the rules about, then we might just get through to them. </p><p>Kids are resilient. They are smarter than we think. Giving them the tools to protect themselves at an early age is wise because it will come naturally to them as just another lesson in life. </p><p>I want to help you, as parents, educate yourselves & your children about these predators. </p><p>Without education, we will fail our children. </p><p>your_girl_amy@yahoo.com</p>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04495744774751680461noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106986548208645902.post-40652547056043756682010-10-15T11:12:00.000-07:002010-10-15T11:39:06.086-07:00Protecting your kids online<span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1. Limit the amount of time children have interactive access to the internet to 2 hours a day. This is after homework. According to research, the risk of a child being exposed to predators, pornography, or cyber-bullying goes up dramatically beyond that daily exposure. The more time a kid has to roam around cyberspace, the more trouble they can get into. If a kid knows they only have 2 hours, then they are going to get down to business & do what is high on their priority list(downloading music, chatting with friends, etc) instead of chatting with strangers. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A note to the wise also, experts say that if a child sees mom & dad spending excessive amounts of time online & meeting other people in chat or in person, they will do the same. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2. Computers with internet access should always be in an open area of the house. You should be able to look in from time to time & see what your child is doing, what they are looking at, & know who they are talking to. It's good for them to know you are paying attention. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">3. Remind children that online people are not always who they say they are & that there are real-life consequences should they give out personal information that could allow a predator to find them & take advantage of them. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">4. What you post online stays online forever. Don't post anything online that you wouldn't want to be seen by your parents, a principal, police, or predators. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">5. Beware of the cell phone, digital camera, or web came showing up that you as a parent did not purchase. If you see one of these items, it could mean your child purchased it without your permission or that someone else, possibly a predator, provided it to ensure he will get photos from your child. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">6. Guard your passwords. Nothing good can come from fellow students being able to access your child's personal information or their social networking site. A person who may be your friend today may not be next month. That is how it works in today's adolescent world. Better yet, change your passwords regularly. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">7.Set up any social networking site so that only people you invite & approve can enter. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; ">8. Know the chat rooms your child is visiting. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; ">9. There is a fine line between spying and respecting your child's privacy, but it's okay to take a look at their computer every once in awhile. Ask them to show you their friend list. Just as you should know the first & last names of the friends they hang out with, you should know the identities of those they are talking to online. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; ">10. Is your child forming an addiction or obsession to the internet? You can check the archive of who your child has been talking to. If there is an unusual amount of time with one person, especially one you do not know, you need to pursue this. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; ">11. Develop trust. Your child needs to know that if they are approached online by anyone who makes them feel uncomfortable that they can come to you openly & honestly & you will not overreact. They need to know they will not be punished. Remember, the child is always the victim. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; ">12. Know where to go if a predator has approached your child online. You should never be shy about calling an internet provider to report something. Many police departments have youth officers who specialize in this area. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; ">13. Do not delay reporting a predator incident. It probably isn't the first time the guy has tried to solicit a teen. If you do not do anything, you are only giving him the opportunity to do it again. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; ">14. Interactive games like World of Warcraft, Xbox 360 Live, etc allow players to communicate with each other in real time, without a reliable way of logging these conversations. This creates the potential for predators to use these games to groom or meet teens. If your child is staying up all hours playing he could be exposed to conversations with people from all over the world. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; ">15. Do not ever allow your child to use their real name as a screen name in a chat room. </span></div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04495744774751680461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106986548208645902.post-71805862319429439792010-10-12T16:28:00.000-07:002010-10-12T17:06:37.123-07:00Meet Kacie Rene Woody.......<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAG_PhyphenhyphenlZqSLdy4vv3PrksnPuasrjelZn8rZg08jMFYi-Rd6JhTWDT2IONvown-MryvvVFymO-G9p7DUQGfJl-li6U1WG4r-i5jJZlv9ywZhnq5Roy_otJp13If9hmPuiLajiSQuIfud-B/s1600/kacie+woody.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAG_PhyphenhyphenlZqSLdy4vv3PrksnPuasrjelZn8rZg08jMFYi-Rd6JhTWDT2IONvown-MryvvVFymO-G9p7DUQGfJl-li6U1WG4r-i5jJZlv9ywZhnq5Roy_otJp13If9hmPuiLajiSQuIfud-B/s320/kacie+woody.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527308995802770450" /></a>She might be a girl just like you or she might be just be like your 13 yr old daughter.<div>Except she was killed on December 3, 2002 by a man she met online who was posing as a teenage boy. </div><div>Kacie Rene Woody lived with her single father & her older brothers in Arkansas. She met lots of people online in Christian chat rooms & talked to them online. Sometimes she even gave them her phone number & chatted with them on the telephone as well. </div><div>Kacie met the wrong person online & it ended up costing her her life. </div><div><br />Kacie's computer was in the living room. Her father, Rick, knew she chatted in chat rooms. Rick felt the internet was harmless. He was afraid of what might happen outside the house not inside it. Rick would even look over Kacie's chat conversations. Nothing was out of line. </div><div><br /></div><div>Kacie met 47 yr old Dave Fuller from San Diego in a yahoo chat room. He claimed he was a 17 yr old boy. Not only did Kacie chat with him, but so did her friend. They both spoke with him over the telephone too. It was stated that he did not sound 47. </div><div>Dave lied his way into Kacie's sympathetic heart. He said his aunt was in Arkansas dying. Kacie had lost her mom & was extremely sympathetic to this. </div><div><br /></div><div>Dave never asked to meet Kacie. He never talked sexually to her. They just chatted about everyday things. School, parents, messy rooms, etc. Except these things weren't really normal for Dave since he was 47 & a child predator grooming Kacie. </div><div><br /></div><div>On December 3, 2002, Dave showed up at Kacie's house & kidnapped her. She was home alone. Her father was at work at the police station. </div><div>Police later found Dave in a storage unit he'd rented a month before in Arkansas. They found Kacie naked, chained to the floor in the back of his van. She had been raped & shot in the head. </div><div>Dave Fuller shot himself before police could get inside the storage unit to arrest him. </div><div><br /></div><div>Police believe that Dave traveled to Arkansas twice before actually kidnapping & killing Kacie based on credit card receipts. He was a true predator. He waited her out for the perfect timing in his head. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.wiredsafety.org/wiredlearning/Einstein/kacie/">http://www.wiredsafety.org/wiredlearning/Einstein/kacie/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Now keep telling yourself this doesn't happen. </div><div>Keep thinking this won't happen in my small town, not to my little girl. Because that is exactly what Rick Woody thought. </div><div>The internet does not discriminate. It doesn't know small town from big town. Online predators are everywhere. </div><div>The only answer is education. </div><div><br /></div><div>your_girl_amy@yahoo.com</div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04495744774751680461noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106986548208645902.post-48719396606702487222010-10-04T09:06:00.000-07:002010-10-04T09:24:09.193-07:00Codependent People.<span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">After a conversation I had this weekend, I felt the need to write about codependency. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">10 signs of a codependent personality:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1)relationship addiction- this person has no sense of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">themself</span> or feel they are of value so they must continually be in a relationship to feel that high.<b> In other words, they are just an extension of that other person instead of being their own person.</b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>2) </b>Lack of boundaries<b>- </b>codependents have a habit of lacking emotional boundaries. They are like a chameleon. They change emotionally to fit the situation. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">3)Value is placed on what people think of them- They will apologize for things they cannot control. They figure out what a person wants & give it to them.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">4)The feel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">indispensable</span>- they feel that people wouldn't want them around if they are not giving something. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">5)What do you think- a question you will often hear from codependent people. Do not trust in own thoughts or opinions. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">6)Center of Universe- codependent people are self-centered but in a different way. They bring stuff around to be their fault. They are constantly apologizing. They create drama. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">7)Emotional walls- Due to a codependents need to help & take care of others, they neglect themselves. <b>They do not have own emotions</b>. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">8)Liar- most people lie to get themselves out of trouble. They lie to others to get themselves out of uncomfortable situations or confrontations. Codependents lie to self about own feelings. It's hard for them to face true feelings. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">9)Fear of abandonment- codependent needs to be involved in ever aspect of significant others life & if not they perceive it as abandonment. This is usually rooted from something in their past.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">10)Control & judgement- codependent people crave control & it comes from deep seeded fear. Codependent people are very judgemental of others. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Let's use romantic relationships as an example. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">When in love, you either fit or not. You do not change yourself to fit. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Codependents change themselves to fit every relationship. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I have more on codependency that I will post very very soon. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">This is a heavy subject on my mind right now. </span></span></div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04495744774751680461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106986548208645902.post-48779338375982259922010-09-23T07:32:00.000-07:002010-09-23T08:17:56.322-07:00Circle the Drain<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I've been planning this blog post for a month now. Thinking it over in my head. I never write out blogs posts beforehand. I always just sit down and type. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Maybe not always a smart move, but it's me. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I want to talk about the fact that I've been Scott-Free for 1 year this month. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Anyone who knows me knows exactly what I am talking about & knows what a HUGE accomplishment this is. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I was in an on again/off again relationship with a not so great for me guy for 12 years of my adult life. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It started when I was 18. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">As I look back, I was so smitten. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I loved that boy with every ounce of my being. Would have gone to hell & back. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Maybe I did. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pN0p44dGhI4?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pN0p44dGhI4?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><p>So that was the song back in the day. Yup, explained exactly how I felt. O yea, it came out on the Coyote Ugly Soundtrack. I am not saying it isn't old. I am saying I am not old. </p><p>So This guy was 24 when we officially started dating & I was 21. I spent the prior 3 yrs running from him. I must have known he was trouble, right. But I was in love from the get go. </p><p>And I still love him. I am not in love with him. </p><p>He is an alcoholic and a few other things, but I will not air that dirty laundry. I am not sure how I came to feel so responsible for him. I know that I felt we were soul mates. He never told me that. He did tell me he loved me & I believe he did....to the best of his ability. Alcoholics are manipulative. I could not see that then. They are also co-dependent. I also could not see that then. When I was 21, this relationship was fun. Then I grew up. </p><p>Once I had a child, this relationship wasn't so ok anymore. I still participated in it though. Especially that summer, but I'm not going to get into all the gory details. </p><p>Now onto the next song. </p><p><br /></p><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/E_DuB9A-FTo?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/E_DuB9A-FTo?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><p>And that just about sums up how I feel now. </p><p>And I credit life coaching for helping me walk away a year ago. I did it in steps. </p><p>I am now able to allow new guys into my life and actually contemplate new relationships where before that wouldn't have even entered my mind. </p><p>Imagine 12 years of maybe going on a couple of dates with a guy but not really committing yourself to them because you were committed to a guy who was more committed to alcohol than you. Not fun. He once was dating 2 other girls at the same time as me & I discovered it. I quit talking to him for a week before he showed up on my porch & weaseled his way back in. </p><p>I can see it all quite clearly....NOW. </p><p>Do you know why I write all this? Because I want you, my readers to realize I am a real person. I have been through crap just like you. Maybe you and I have been in similar situations. I can relate to what you are going through. </p><p>I am this girl. I have been there, done that. I want to help you get to where you want to be. I had someone help me get away. Sometimes it's too hard to do it on your own. </p>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04495744774751680461noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106986548208645902.post-78251365377859437072010-09-20T07:32:00.000-07:002010-09-20T07:35:44.651-07:00Is today my lucky day?<span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It is my birthday. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I'm turning 29 today....shhhhh</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I did a guest post about life coaching on PhitZones blog & he posted it today of all days!!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Awesome, right! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Here it is </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color: rgb(17, 17, 17); line-height: 16px; "> <a href="http://bit.ly/bEdLSj" class="tweet-url web" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(253, 48, 150); ">http://bit.ly/bEdLSj</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Then I am listed as a top story on t<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color: rgb(17, 17, 17); line-height: 16px; ">he reneeporsia Daily!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color: rgb(17, 17, 17); line-height: 16px; ">So it has to be my lucky day, right?? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color: rgb(17, 17, 17); line-height: 16px; "><a href="http://paper.li/reneeporsia">http://paper.li/reneeporsia</a></span></div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04495744774751680461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106986548208645902.post-2368620789056533562010-09-16T07:17:00.000-07:002010-09-16T07:28:50.488-07:00Reiki.....what??<span class="Apple-style-span" >So 2 days ago I got some Reiki on. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >And now you are saying you did what Amy??</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Let me give you some background. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >I met a wonderful person on Facebook, Jess is her name. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Here is her profile. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1065445915">http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1065445915</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div>She does Reiki. Friend her. She's pretty great. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now according to wikipedia the definition of reiki is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; "> a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiritual_practice" title="Spiritual practice" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(6, 69, 173); background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">spiritual practice</a> developed in 1922 by Japanese Buddhist <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikao_Usui" title="Mikao Usui" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(6, 69, 173); background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Mikao Usui</a>. It uses a technique commonly called <i>palm healing</i> as a form of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternative_medicine" title="Alternative medicine" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(6, 69, 173); background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">complementary and alternative medicine</a> and is sometimes classified as <i>oriental medicine</i> by some professional bodies. Through the use of this technique, practitioners believe that they are transferring healing energy in the form of <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qi" title="Qi" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(6, 69, 173); background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">ki</a></i> through the palms.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">nd here is my experience with it. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Jess told me to go lay down somewhere where it was quiet. No distractions. I </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >turned the computer volume down and the cell phone to silent. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Went to the bedroom and laid on the bed. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >At times I felt some heaviness. Like it was coming down on me. I had no clue </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >how long to lay there. Usually Reiki is done in person, I believe, but Jess does it </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >long distance too. I felt at peace. I laid there for a good 15 minutes after she </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >was done. I almost fell asleep. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Afterwards when I got up, Jess said she could tell I was emotionally drained, </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >which I am. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; line-height: 10px; ">She also asked about my heart. I've recently had a broken heart. she did not </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; line-height: 10px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; line-height: 10px; ">know this. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >She said she felt a heavy heart. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >She told me I may feel emotional & I said I was already emotional so it would </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >just blend. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >However the next morning, which was yesterday, I was just plum exhausted. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >When I returned home from dropping my daughter off from school I fell back </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >asleep and slept until after 11am. Jess said that my body was doing what it </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >needed to do. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >I think Reiki is awesome! </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >I think everyone should experience this. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 10px; font-size: medium;">Believe a little. </span></span></div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04495744774751680461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106986548208645902.post-28068737323020590682010-09-03T03:46:00.000-07:002010-09-03T03:53:54.909-07:00Reflections<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">August marked an important anniversary for me. It has been 1 year since my life crisis that catapulted me into life coaching & the life I am now living. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Most people around me know nothing about this life crisis.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Last August while my daughter was in Florida without me, I suddenly & violently almost, realized I was incredibly unhappy. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And I did not know what to do about it. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I didn't know how to fix it, what I wanted to do instead of what I was doing, or where to go from there. I couldn't stop crying. Then came the drinking. I was drunk a lot of nights while my daughter was gone. I am not afraid to admit it or tell you all about it. I was lost. Did not know what to do. I just knew I was unhappy & I wanted it to change.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I quickly found life coaching and new it was for me. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Coaching has helped me to have another anniversary that I will be celebrating in September. Don't worry, I will blog about it too. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Through life coaching, I have learned how to be a better person. I have remained positive for the most part throughout this past year. I know that sometimes you have to take a step back & evaluate situations & decide whether or not it's even worth your time & energy. I used to waste a lot of energy. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Now I am creating a program to train life coaches myself. I am so grateful for life coaching & how it has changed my life. I want to give back & help others. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04495744774751680461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106986548208645902.post-14025464917068949082010-08-30T08:20:00.000-07:002010-08-30T08:30:09.493-07:00Characteristics of an Internet Child PredatorI am going to list some characteristics of a child predator, but it's important to remember that they do not all meet these characteristics. There are always those predators who are outside the box that experts have identified. <div><br /></div><div>-The average child predator is male & over the age of 25.</div><div>-he could be considered the guy down the street who kept to himself.</div><div>-the loner type, very few friends, & typically not married. </div><div>-most often has limited social skills, but a propensity to engage in conversation with an adolescent or child. </div><div>-tends to become shy with adults of his own age. </div><div>-seeks out jobs that allow him to work around children.</div><div><br /></div><div>Child predators come from all walks of life, some are rich, some are poor, some are educated and some are not. </div><div>They usually have a sexually abusive or violent background.</div><div><br /></div><div>Child predators usually see nothing wrong with their behavior. </div><div>They will target numerous children at a time. </div><div>They will take their time to groom their victims & their words are very thought out. </div><div>Once trust is built, blackmail & guilt are often used to get the child to succumb to their demands. </div><div><br /></div><div>As a parent, you need to create open dialogue with your child & set clear rules regarding the computer & internet usage. </div><div>Watch what they are doing online, but do it openly. </div><div>Set trust between you and your child. </div><div>Be honest & tell them what can happen. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact me.</div><div>your_girl_amy@yahoo.com</div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04495744774751680461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106986548208645902.post-84647181058978767622010-08-26T08:18:00.000-07:002010-08-26T08:37:30.347-07:00What do you think online seduction leads to??<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">If the predator has his way, it leads to rape & torture.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The online predator spends all this time grooming the intended victim...then they talk them into meeting them face to face. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">at a hotel room....</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">or sometimes even right outside the child's house. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.oprah.com/relationships/Alicias-Story-Kidnapped-and-Held-Captive">http://www.oprah.com/relationships/Alicias-Story-Kidnapped-and-Held-Captive</a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">This does happen...it could happen to your child. Be smart, get educated.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I hate to be the one to point out the cold hard facts, but someone has to. Not everyone can remain silent. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">On the average, 1 woman is being raped somewhere in the United States every minute of the day. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">1 out of every 4 women born in this country will be raped at some point in her life. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">According to FBI statistics, in the US alone, more than 100,000 women report being raped each year & an additional 400,000 to 900,000 women are raped but do not report the crime. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Most rapes go unreported & fewer than 10% of reported rapists go to jail.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Most rapists are still out walking the streets, free to rape again. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Now I do not say these things to scare you. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">It's important to know what you are up against. It's important to know the facts.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">It's important to be educated.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Rape occurs anytime a person is forced or coerced, physically or through verbal threats, into any type of sexual contact with another person, whether the assailant is a friend, an acquaintance, an employer or fellow employee, a husband or a stranger. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Each of us probably knows at least 1 other person who has been raped. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">If you have been raped, you are not alone. There is help. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">No matter what you could have done differently, the rapist- NOT you- is to blame for the assault. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Whatever you are thinking in your head that you did or that other people have told you you should have done differently, you did NOT deserve to be raped! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Sure you were probably doing things you usually do & you got hurt this time, but that doesn't mean you should have known better or done things differently. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">There is help for you. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">If you feel this is something I can help you through, please email me.<br />You do not have to go through this alone. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">your_girl_amy@yahoo.com</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04495744774751680461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106986548208645902.post-68404997083679139692010-08-24T08:27:00.000-07:002010-08-24T08:37:14.805-07:00What children are at risk?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Some young people are particularly vulnerable to online predators. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">May display some of the following traits:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">~new online & unfamiliar with netiquette. But even the most web savvy teens can be seduced by predators who are good at what they do. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">~Actively seeking attention or affection</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">~Rebellious</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">~isolated/lonely</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">~Curious</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">~Confused regarding sexual identity</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">~Easily tricked by adults</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">~Allured by subcultures outside of parents' world. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Here are some characteristics of typical victims:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-most but not all victims are between the age of 12 & 15</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Most victims have an instant message account but haven't set up privacy or security settings & willingly engage in conversations with strangers.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-live in suburban or rural towns</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-are very sheltered & naive</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-tend to be loners with few offline friends. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-tend to spend more than 90 minutes online after homework per day</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-are secretive about their internet activities</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-tend to have few activities outside of the internet. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Just because your child matches one or more of these characteristics does not mean they are being targeted by predators. However, your child is not perfectly safe if they match none of these characteristics. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Be an involved parent. Ask your child questions. Explain why you want to know this info. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Open & honest. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me for a FREE consultation. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">your_girl_amy@yahoo.com</span></span></div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04495744774751680461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106986548208645902.post-58312609130865279772010-08-22T18:02:00.000-07:002010-08-22T18:18:22.858-07:00Online grooming~~ How a predator picks their victims<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">An online predator goes online & searches until he sees a potential victim who fits his age, gender, & other preferences. These will vary from predator to predator. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The predator begins to gather info about the potential victim. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">This is how he/she bonds with the victim. They find out what they like & dislike, what kind of home life they have. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Predator will look at the child's demeanor, personality, dress, & financial status. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">They are looking for the child's interests & vulnerabilities at the same time. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Now this process doesn't occur over night. It usually goes on for months. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Predators prefer children of a single mom. Think about it...the mom usually has to work which means the child is home alone if old enough. They have more time to play around online without interruption. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Predators are skilled at knowing the emotional & physical needs of children. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And they prey on these needs. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">As I've stated before, teens are vulnerable emotionally. A predator talks to them like a friend. Consoling them, agreeing with them. Makes the child identify with the predator & creates the bond.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The predator begins to talk to them more & more. Emailing. Possibly texting. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">They sometimes wait a bit before introducing sexual stuff in the conversation.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But there are always those who jump right in. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Sometimes even if the child doesn't feel comfortable with this type of talk, they go along with it because they do not want to lose this new friendship with this person who supposedly completely understands them. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">If your child doesn't have a webcam, the predator may purchase one for them & mail it over. Be on the lookout for this. Prohibit webcams. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Stress to your child that once you email, post, or text a photo of yourself, it's out there & you can never get it back. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Kids do not always get that. They think that whoever they are sending that picture to would never share it. Well, these predators will! It will show up online somewhere you do not want it & may never know it's there most likely.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The predator may start sending gifts too. Be on the lookout for this as well. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Could mean your child has already started sending pics, but could just be a way for the predator to better bond with your child. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">They are weaseling their way in by buying your child. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">This is the beginning of the process and if you keep your eyes open, you can see it happening. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Have any questions? feel free to contact me</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">your_girl_amy@yahoo.com</span></div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04495744774751680461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106986548208645902.post-80512444946096658822010-08-21T11:32:00.000-07:002010-08-21T11:46:30.652-07:00Grooming....do you know what it is?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Do you remember what it was like to be a teenager? </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">You feel lonely..lost. Everyone is against you. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Today it's even more difficult to suffer through the teenage years with the internet. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">There's online bullying for starters. But that's a whole other post. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Grooming is the process predators use to bond with their victim. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It's how they develop a close relationship with the child. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It can be compared to seduction. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Online predators gradually seduce their potential victims through the use of attention, affection, kindness, & gifts. They are willing to devote considerable amounts of time, money, & energy to this process. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The predators will be aware of the latest music & hobbies likely to interest kids & will listen to & sympathize with kids' problems. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">They also try to lower young people's inhibitions by gradually introducing sexual content into their conversations. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Because victims have been carefully seduced, they often do not realize that they are victims. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">If teens & their parents keep their eyes open, this process can be picked up on & interrupted. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The most important thing parents can do is keep an open & honest relationship with their children. Tell them about the warnings & signs I have posted. Talk to them often. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact me for a free consultation. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">your_girl_amy@yahoo.com</span></span></div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04495744774751680461noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106986548208645902.post-34153423111423695382010-08-16T17:35:00.000-07:002010-08-16T17:57:33.650-07:00Tips for parents about online safety~Talk to your child. Be open and honest. Find examples of cyber seduction and show them to your child. Educate them. <div><br /><div>~Set clear rules regarding the computer & internet usage. Be prepared to back up your rules. </div><div><br /></div><div>~Understand what your child is doing online. Have them show you where they go & their social networking profiles. </div><div><br /></div><div>~Monitor their online accounts & email. Also their cell phones. Do this out in the open. Let them know why you are doing it too. </div><div><br /></div><div>~Instruct your child not to post their address or phone number publicly. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>~Keep the computer in a common area of the house instead of the bedroom.</div><div><br /></div><div>~Instruct your child not to add strangers as friends on social networking sites. </div><div><br /></div><div>~Prohibit web-cams</div><div><br /></div><div>~Teach your child the responsible use of the resources online. </div><div><br /></div><div>~Understand, even if your child was a willing participant in any form of sexual exploitation, that he/she is not at fault & is the victim. </div><div><br /></div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04495744774751680461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106986548208645902.post-53913193926355906122010-07-19T15:32:00.000-07:002010-07-19T15:46:42.304-07:00Full Circle<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I want to keep everyone updated on what I am doing & the changes going on in my own life because they will be reflected here in my blog. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I have recently experienced a lot of changes in my life. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I had a breakthrough about a week ago. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I knew I was heading in a new direction. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Knew I was going down a new path & wanted to reach out to new people, but just didn't know who until I opened the paper on Saturday morning. I began reading an article about a local teenager and her family who basically went to hell and back. (</span><a href="http://www.kalynssecret.com/">http://www.kalynssecret.com/</a>)</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">It just hit me like a ton of bricks! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I want to work with abuse victims. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I want to work with parents of teens. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I want to help them see the warning signs of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">cyber</span> seduction. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I want to help prevent this. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I have always known this. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">But when I was starting off as a life coach I was led down a different path because the people I was working with believed there wasn't any money in this type of work. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">But here I am almost a year later & it's all come back to me. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I am embarking on a new journey and this time I will not be swayed. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I am also considering starting a training program for other people like myself to be trained to be life coaches who want to help heal. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Now back to that Saturday. I read that article, which I still have by the way. I may just keep it forever and then I felt the very powerful need to tell these people thank you! So I did just that! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">They had a book signing at Barnes & Noble this past Saturday. I went & purchased the book, had them sign it. Told them what I do, what I plan on doing & how the article influenced me. Told them thank you & shook their hands. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Remember that when you show gratitude, the Universe gives you more to be grateful for. I saw just that. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">So I want to continue to be motivational and inspirational with my blog, but I also want to be informative about this new area I am going into. I will be doing lots of research in the area of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">cyber</span> seduction and online predators. I have attended many conferences on these areas already with the child advocacy center when I was there. I remember the horror stories. I want to be about prevention. I always hear so much about intervention. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Prevention can be taught. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">You do not have to lock your children up. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">You just have to keep your eyes open. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Do not be blind. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Do not not see what you do not want to see. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">So again, I just wanted to keep everyone informed. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I appreciate each and every one of you. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">~<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">amy</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04495744774751680461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106986548208645902.post-9993546624073968452010-07-18T19:13:00.001-07:002010-07-18T19:19:24.488-07:00Appreciation is magic<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><div>It is always nice to feel appreciated. </div><div>Some people seek out the need to feel appreciated. </div><div>If you are one of these people, try doing the things in this list. </div><div>I wrote these tips while I was being certified as a Life Coach. </div><div>I still happen to think they are pretty great! </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div>8 Tips/Keys on Appreciation:</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1. Ask your children/loved ones to tell you 1 thing they appreciate about you each night before bed. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2. A few appreciative words can motivate you to work harder. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">3. Lead by example- Never forget to say thanks or how appreciative you are. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">4. Graciously accept the appreciation- always say thank you for noticing. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">5. Take the time to celebrate the small things you do well every day.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">6. Convert your compliments into acknowledgements. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Ex. Excellent lasagna- you are a great cook!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">7. When you take the time to show appreciation for someone else, you may just make their day when it's only cost you a few moments of yours. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">8. Appreciate yourself, say it out loud. Who cares what the person next to you thinks! You are fabulous! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success. </span></span></div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04495744774751680461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106986548208645902.post-45419524783129511182010-07-13T07:43:00.000-07:002010-07-13T08:02:01.322-07:00Put on a Happy Face<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyC3gHaWDQIAX9eu1i8gQ5QaBlQjFIoLcBQ4hNERuJXnMPC8ZkY8jydjjHoyBwl6W6DtAf1arnRXsgwXpauFtGk35W_ogv2vOguXE9Dw9ySJcufkPHMc8L3qhK4hkFVz1gVnv5Ne44wI1u/s1600/smiley-face.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyC3gHaWDQIAX9eu1i8gQ5QaBlQjFIoLcBQ4hNERuJXnMPC8ZkY8jydjjHoyBwl6W6DtAf1arnRXsgwXpauFtGk35W_ogv2vOguXE9Dw9ySJcufkPHMc8L3qhK4hkFVz1gVnv5Ne44wI1u/s320/smiley-face.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493401779053321298" /></a>A smile makes people feel welcome and comfortable!<div>It is hard to stay in a bad mood when you a smile on your face.</div><div><br /></div><div>Life has its winners & losers, but nobody's born a winner.</div><div>You have to learn how to win. If you do not, you automatically train yourself to lose. </div><div>Losing doesn't have to be a life sentence.....We aren't born ineffective. </div><div><br /></div><div>It is never too late to restore the dream. </div><div>All it takes is the will to top the deepest capacity that's within you, embrace it, claim it, make it your own. </div><div><br /></div><div>True awakening is not something you jump out of bed and just do. Unless you just happen to be born perfect, it takes effort to work on yourself & grow, to correct the weaknesses & develop the combination of skills, attitudes, & personal character that add up to a winning way of life. </div><div><br /></div><div>You cannot possibly become what you wish to be by remaining what you are. </div><div><br /></div><div>Our disappointments are almost never anybody else's fault. They are largely our own doing, the result of failing to learn how to deal successfully with other people. </div><div><br /></div><div>Look for personal power at home, on the job, or out in the community. </div><div>You will find people who have a knack of dealing with people in meaningful & enjoyable ways that bring personal satisfaction to all concerned. </div><div><br /></div><div>Only when you recognize & understand that the impact of your behavior causes people to respond to you in the ways that rob you of confidence & undermine power, can you hope to find a way around your mistakes. </div><div><br /></div><div>But understanding yourself is only half of the process. Doing something about it is the rest. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>your_girl_amy@yahoo.com</div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04495744774751680461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106986548208645902.post-48220161231008288482010-07-11T10:13:00.000-07:002010-07-11T10:19:09.288-07:00a favor<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; font-size: -webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; font-size: 14px; ">Author – unknown<br /><br />Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it.<br /><br />From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing.....<br /><br />Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/2/1/b21489539.jpg" /><br /><br />This alone is amazing.<br /><br />If you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell.<br />Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field.<br /><br />Attached to the horse's halter is a small bell<br /><br />It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/3/4/b340278334.jpg" /><br /><br />As you stand and watch these two friends,<br />you'll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse,<br />and that the blind horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk<br />to where the other horse is,<br />trusting that he will not be led astray.<br /><br /><br />When the horse with the bell returns<br />to the shelter of the barn each evening,<br />it stops occasionally and looks back,<br />making sure that the blind friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/7/7/b773610436.jpg" /><br /><br />Like the blind horse,<br />we should not be thrown away just because we are not perfect<br />or because we have problems or challenges.<br /><br />Sometimes we are the blind horse<br />being guided by the little ringing bell of those who are placed in our lives.<br />Other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way....<br />Good friends are like that .... you may not always see them, but you know they are always there.<br /><br />Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours.<br />And remember...<br />be kinder than necessary -<br />everyone you meet is fighting<br />some kind of battle.<br /><br />Live simply,<br />Love generously,<br />Care deeply,<br />Speak kindly.... </span></span></span></div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04495744774751680461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106986548208645902.post-52517132599392191812010-07-05T07:27:00.000-07:002010-07-05T07:37:48.401-07:00To stay or not to stay....Are you in a relationship & you are trying to figure out if you should stay or leave it behind? <div>There is no magic formula for whether one should stay or go. </div><div>It is an individual decision that should not be taken lightly. </div><div><br /></div><div>You should not stay in something only because you are afraid of being alone. </div><div>You should not commit to someone because you are afraid you will never find anyone else. </div><div><br /></div><div>Every relationship is going to have its up & downs. </div><div><br /></div><div>If two people are committed to making things work & they still love each other as partners & friends, they have a great chance of growing as a couple. </div><div><br /></div><div>It is up to you to decide though. </div><div><br /></div><div>Are you or are you not currently happy in your relationship?</div><div>Is your partner also dissatisfied?</div><div>Are you constantly looking to your partner to make you happy?</div><div>Remember that just because you aren't happy doesn't mean there's anything critically wrong in your relationship. You could be blaming your partner for your unhappiness, when you need to take responsibility for creating your own happiness. </div><div>On the flipside, there could be fundamental problems that need to be addressed. </div><div>If you have been unhappy for awhile & your partner isn't intersted in working to improve the relationship, it may be time for you to explore your options. </div><div><br /></div><div>If there are fundamental problems, have you sought out help?</div><div>If you still care for your partner, don't throw in the towel before you have given it your all. </div><div>No matter the final outcome, you will feel at peace that you gave it your best effort. </div><div><br /></div><div>Do not let fear be the decision maker. </div><div>If you are extremely unhappy in a relationship & you have tried several methods of reconciliation, then it may be time to take a break. </div><div>So many people assume it is a black or white issue, meaning you either stay together or completely break up. </div><div>There's always a gray area to explore if you choose. </div><div>Temporarily separate in order to rethink your options & see how it feels to be aloen. </div><div><br /></div><div>Each & every one of you is stronger than you may think. </div><div><br /></div><div>Make sure you either leave for the right reasons or stay for the right reasons. </div><div><br /></div><div>need some life help? </div><div>I am here for you</div><div>your_girl_amy@yahoo.com</div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04495744774751680461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106986548208645902.post-21991072208346894362010-06-23T16:35:00.000-07:002010-06-23T16:52:29.929-07:00what do I say??<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Last week my world was turned upside down by the very thing I am constantly talking to you about. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Yes, I am talking about a guy. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I was happy and it was suddenly and shockingly ripped from me. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And I did things that I tell other females not to. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I acted rashly. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I didn't allow myself to back away from the situation and look at the big picture. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I was not going to die, but I sure felt like my heart had been ripped from my chest. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I allowed this guy into my life. Allowed myself to care for him. Allowed him into my heart. Allowed myself to feel for him.....then he bailed on me. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Typical story, right? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">All I could think was why did I do this to myself...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I wasn't given reasons or explanations. I was confused and hurt. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Well, I'm here to say it's been a week & I've bounced back. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I want to be honest with the people who read my blog & the people who follow me, the people who care about what I have to say. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I have been through this stuff too. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I know what it feels like and it doesn't feel good. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Now I know that I will go on. I still want him. But I have plans for my future. I still care about him that hasn't changed. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">However, now is time for me. I must take this time to focus on me and my future. My business & what I plan for my future. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I am strong. I shall survive. </span></div>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04495744774751680461noreply@blogger.com3