2012 Message
“Love not only the people you know but also the ones you don’t.”
No matter where we are in the world, we are ALL children of God / Higher Intelligence / the Almighty—whatever name you choose to call it. Love everyone, because everyone deserves to be loved.
God’s love embraces all of humanity, and so should ours.
Be kind-hearted.
Forgive—as often as it takes—until you no longer feel the sting of betrayal.
Often, the wounds we carry were never intentionally inflicted in the first place.
Be compassionate and understanding.
Don’t judge. Until you have walked in another’s shoes,
lived their struggles, and felt their pain,
you cannot say how you would react in their place.
Step outside your comfort zone. Reach out to others in ways that may feel unfamiliar.
Make mistakes, but learn from them.
Apologize, even when you’re not wrong—because sometimes,
people just need to know they matter.
Most importantly, put God first—in your heart, mind, and life.
Life isn’t easy. At times, it’s beyond disheartening.
Loss is part of life. Mourn, and move forward.
The people still in your life need your love,
and the world still needs your potential.
We cannot bring back those we’ve lost,
but we can honor them by sharing love with others.
Your heart is a capsule of infinite love—let it expand.
Remember:
“This too shall pass.”
“It will get better.”
Life is a roller coaster. There will be ups and downs.
So sit back and be thankful that you are on the ride.
No matter how bad things seem,
they can always be worse.
Never take anything for granted.
May God bless you in this New Year and all the years to come. ♥
2013 Message
A new year begins, filled with hopes and expectations—
we wish for happiness, love, and success.
But we must also accept that this year, like all others,
will bring highs and lows and everything in between.
Last year, I challenged you to love without limitations.
This year, I challenge you to expand your mind.
Learn all that life has to offer.
Experience—but don’t be consumed by indulgence.
Step outside your comfort zone.
Let determination light your way.
Set your goals with conviction,
and trust that you have the strength to reach them.
Acceptance—accept what you cannot control,
without compromising your inner values.
Remember:
Life doesn’t have to fit into your ideals.
It’s okay to open your mind and heart
and accept that how others live their lives is not your decision.
Don’t obsess over what you cannot change.
You have the right to feel and think as you do,
but so does everyone else.
So this year, in addition to love and compassion,
let’s embrace diversity—with open arms.
Until we can do that,
we cannot fully embrace God’s love for humanity.
Peace & Love to all my beautiful, wonderful wisdom seekers out there!
2016 Message
Though late, I am grateful to witness another year unfolding.
In January 2012, I suffered my first incomplete spinal cord injury,
leading to surgery in December 2012 to decompress my spinal cord.
The herniated disc had become embedded in my spinal cord.
Thank you, VA Hospital, for such despicable care—
it really is not appreciated.
(Sorry, still working on forgiveness.)
Despite this, I still wrote my 2013 message.
Then, in 2014, another spinal cord injury—
this time, due to the collapse of the previous surgical equipment.
In April 2014, I underwent another cervical spine surgery,
hoping for relief.
But I was sadly mistaken.
In February 2015, simply turning over in bed,
I broke my neck—literally.
In April 2014, I had received a tri-level titanium cage system (C4–C7).
By February 2015, my C7 vertebra fractured on both sides,
unable to bear the weight of the cage system.
And once again, thanks to the VA,
the necessary surgery wasn’t performed until December 2015.
This time, a two-level rod and screws were added from C7 to T1,
but instead of operating from the front,
the surgeon went in through the back of my neck.
Despite the severity of my injuries,
the surgeon was impressed by my recovery so far.
Yet the damage to my central nervous system (CNS) was profound.
• My upper GI system frequently shuts down, causing severe vomiting.
• I have experienced seizures and double vision.
• I have woken up completely paralyzed in my arms and legs.
• My diaphragm has stopped working, nearly killing me.
And still, the VA made me wait months for treatment.
The medical field in Mississippi—especially the VA system—
is incompetent when it comes to spinal cord injuries.
I hope to affect change at the educational level,
so that primary care providers better understand these conditions.
Moving Forward
Right now, I am focused on recovery
and staying committed to my long-term goals.
I pray that by the end of 2016,
I will have begun my internship as a psychotherapist.
I am hopeful.
I am optimistic.
But most of all—
I am determined.
So my message this year is simple:
Take care of yourself.
And remember:
Self-knowledge is true wisdom.
Blessings to all.
