So much has happened in the last few months... that it is sometimes hard to fathom it all.

In the spirit of sharing... with the intent of perhaps helping someone else... I will be attempting to do some more "heavy" posts. Not all the time, mind you... as that too... would be overwhelming.

But... life is hard sometimes... and if there is some chance that there is a person out there who would potentially benefit from reading about my experiences... so be it.

To that end... I would like to share... that I had a fairly abusive childhood. There was lots of alcoholism, and violence, and more than a share of mental disorders in my family. I am not mentioning this out of pity... but to encourage people that things can be overcome. People do survive. Lives can be changed.

I was fortunate in that ... I married a wonderful man... who does not drink... who is not abusive in any way... and who; in fact.... is very loving and supportive of me. This could easily have not been the case. My first fiance was a fairly heavy drinker, and prone to a violent temper... and it was strictly thru grace that we did not marry.... although I was quite crushed at the time.
As it so happens... I am told that he is now quite happily married... and doing well... and I wish him the very best.

We... as it turns out... were definitely NOT to be... and that is a wonderful thing.

~~~~~

So... how does my photo... relate to the post for today?

Be "ram tough." Buck history if it doesn't fit you and what you want to do in life. Chew up and spit out anything that does not benefit you. And don't let others "get your goat" or take advantage of you. You deserve to be treated well... and with kindness... and compassion... and respect. And like the persevering goat... be joyful... be independent... be strong.

*photo by Elaine A. Russell