I have been bingeing the movie "Wicked" - well, one pivotal scene, in particular - the Ozdust. My Counselor recently asked me why I think I love it, so much. In THAT Ozdust moment, Elphaba AND Galinda BOTH chose growth, at the same moment...THAT is why I love it, so much... I have spent my whole life searching for people who were willing to grow. Every step I've taken, in my life, whether I was aware of it, or not, has been dedicated to my growth. My circle is, now, very small - at first, I was confused; but, if you're not open to growth, I no longer "need you" in my inner circle. I will still keep connections, with those that are willing; but to those unwilling - I wish you all the best... These are life choices that many in Domestic Violence situations need to get to a point, to make - DOES your partner FIT in with YOUR lifegoals? I encourage you to do some deep reflection; and would love to hear your take on all this... Thank you, have a good day and be safe... #beaware #growinto2025 ##domesticviolenceiseverywhere #ENDtheSILENCEofVIOLENCE #isityou #everybodyknowsomebody #besafe #notimeforhate #growth #ismygoal #YOUCOMING  ***October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Please share this post, no matter what month it is, to help get the word out. The Victim has to make the choice - but, "What If..." they read something you sent them, and it just "clicks"?*** *I would love the opportunity to share YOUR ideas in a Blog post. Please send them to Connie J... - beamererin@yahoo.com; or through Ozer email, ozerministries@att.net.

...the corner of life. I was bullied by a boy, in Junior High. When I got home and "told someone", the "support" I got, was, "He just likes you. That's what boys do. Your Father used to tease me, relentlessly." Made me feel soooooooo much better - NOT!!!  😡😡😡 This caused me to be wary, everywhere I went - it was a small town; and he could literally be anywhere - he lived 3 blocks away, on the same street; between me and the school. I think that's when my "peeking around corners" began; in every aspect of my life. I needed to be sure I had a clear path to any destination - literally, AND figuratively. Also, had to avoid getting bullied, again; by anyone. This can make your life feel very...compartmentalized. Which, by the way, added to the already established "compartments" my life was in, due to my childhood sexual abuse. As I have grown, over the years; most of my compartments have, basically, fused together. My daily goal is to be, "What you see, is what you get."; and for the most part, that's who I am. Though periodically, when in a new situation; or I feel like that Junior High girl, again; I may find myself, still, "peeking around" those corners. Have you done this, or do you still do it? How have you healed that part of yourself? Would love to hear your insight into this topic. Thank you, have a good day and be safe... #beaware #growinto2025 ##domesticviolenceiseverywhere #ENDtheSILENCEofVIOLENCE #isityou everybodyknowsomebody #besafe ***October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Please share this post, no matter what month it is, to help get the word out. The Victim has to make the choice - but, "What If..." they read something you sent them, and it just "clicks"?*** *I would love the opportunity to share YOUR ideas in a Blog post. Please send them to Connie J... - beamererin@yahoo.com; or through Ozer email, ozerministries@att.net.

There is a DEFINITE difference between these two phrases; although MANY people, generally, believe they mean the same thing. Were YOU aware? It took me a LOOOOONG time to grasp this concept; and of course, it took many "epiphanies", for it to stick. Recently re-learned it, as a matter of fact. Just apologizing, with NO accountability, or changed behavior, is a breeze. An example of this would be, when people say, "I'm sorry you feel that way" - it's like they're taking away your ability to feel, and process that hurt. However, in seeking forgiveness, if they say something like, "I'm sorry what I said hurt you" - you are still able to feel and process your feelings. These are basics I try to keep in mind during everyday conversation. As I said, re-learned it recently - the goal isn't to be perfect; it's what you do AFTER you speak incorrectly, that makes all the difference. I encourage you to keep engaging, and seeking forgiveness, when necessary - that is ONE way, we can ALL grow...I love a good two-fer... Thank you, have a good day and be safe... #beaware #growinto2025 ##domesticviolenceiseverywhere #ENDtheSILENCEofVIOLENCE #isityou everybodyknowsomebody #besafe ***October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Please share this post, no matter what month it is, to help get the word out. The Victim has to make the choice - but, "What If..." they read something you sent them, and it just "clicks"?*** *I would love the opportunity to share YOUR ideas in a Blog post. Please send them to Connie J... - beamererin@yahoo.com; or through Ozer email, ozerministries@att.net.

...no diamonds". I saw this on a t-shirt, recently. Very profound, don't you think? The process that coal goes through, to become a diamond is incredible. I mean, yes, in its natural state, coal can be useful. But, as a diamond - the uses are unlimited. I believe we all arrive like coal - birth IS an extraction process of a "natural resource" (which, sometimes, is more difficult, than others; accidents happen, people get wounded, or worse.) LIFE is the "pressure" that processes us into the "diamond" we ALL have the potential to become. They are real, not all perfect; but are valuable in their natural state, regardless. When made into beautiful jewelry, etc - the limits are endless!!!  Just like us!!! WE HAVE ENDLESS LIMITS, ALSO!!! Who knew??! It took me a LOOOOOOONG time to learn this - and yes, I do, periodically, question my true value - it's a human thing. Just means it's time for a little reevaluation; then move back into the "traffic of life". It's what we are supposed to do. Yes, it CAN be traumatic; but it's like the proverbial, "Don't throw the baby out with the bath water." Grab what knowledge you need - your "diamond"; and make NEW jewelry, if you need to!!! I challenge you to BE that diamond!!! Thank you, have a good day and be safe... #beaware #growinto2025 ##domesticviolenceiseverywhere #ENDtheSILENCEofVIOLENCE #isityou everybodyknowsomebody #besafe ***October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Please share this post, no matter what month it is, to help get the word out. The Victim has to make the choice - but, "What If..." they read something you sent them, and it just "clicks"?*** *I would love the opportunity to share YOUR ideas in a Blog post. Please send them to Connie J... - beamererin@yahoo.com; or through Ozer email, ozerministries@att.net.

This comes into my mind, quite often - especially when I veer off-track of the goals I have for my life. I immediately stop the perpetual "hamster-wheel" that is my brain; and reevaluate what my current life-goals are. This thought process is often triggered by an outside source - someone questions why I do what I do, or react the the way I do; and I just begin that reevaluation process, again. This isn't necessarily a negative thing. While the situation that triggers the process may not be the most pleasant of situations, or brought about in a most flattering way; it doesn't have to be a bad thing. Life is about constantly evolving, changing and growing. Struggles are learning experiences - what happens after/in the midst of it, are MY choice. That is how you get your "Why" - from the choices made, as a result of your struggles; and I encourage you to utilize this wisdom, to figure out YOUR "Why", if you haven't already. It's never too late to start - why not now??! Have a Happy New Year, and above all, #besafe...#beaware #growinto2025 ##domesticviolenceiseverywhere #ENDtheSILENCEofVIOLENCE #isityou everybodyknowsomebody #besafe ***October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Please share this post, no matter what month it is, to help get the word out. The Victim has to make the choice - but, "What If..." they read something you sent them, and it just "clicks"?***  *I would love the opportunity to share YOUR ideas in a Blog post. Please send them to Connie J... - beamererin@yahoo.com; or through Ozer email, ozerministries@att.net.

...I encourage you to take a moment to look back, and see: 1 - any changes you've made this year... 2 - changes you would like to make, as 2025 comes in... 3 - acknowledgment of growth you've seen in yourself this year... 4 - growth you're anticipating in 2025... Try to highlight those positive things; and maybe dim the light on those negative things that seem to bring you down. But remember, everything you go through can be utilized as bricks to build your future endeavors. I, personally, believe everything, good and bad, happens for a reason. There are those that don't believe this; and that's ok. Everyone has the freedom to believe as they do. The bottom line, is, that you grow. I have known many people over the years, that have chosen to stay where they are - refused to grow, make changes in their lives, etc. Again, this is their choice, not mine; but as a result, I have had to move on - because I choose growth. Have a Happy New Year, and above all, #besafe...#beaware #growinto2025 ##domesticviolenceiseverywhere #ENDtheSILENCEofVIOLENCE #isityou  everybodyknowsomebody #besafe ***October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Please share this post, no matter what month it is, to help get the word out. The Victim has to make the choice - but, "What If..." they read something you sent them, and it just "clicks"?*** *I would love the opportunity to share YOUR ideas in a Blog post. Please send them to Connie J... - beamererin@yahoo.com ; or through Ozer email, ozerministries@att.net .

Sounds crazy, right??! But, if you think about it, many people are doing just that. They're working so hard to MAKE their lives, that they're missing out on so much LIVING . I have done that in the past—and honestly, it could happen again, at any given moment—so I must be aware of it all the time, and when I realize it's gone awry, work to fix it ASAP!!! We get soooooooo wrapped up "things." Take a moment and think about what your "things" could be. A lot usually involves filling your wants as opposed to your needs. One thing that helps keep me, well, "grounded," if you will, is practicing being content—whatever my situation happens to be at that exact moment, I stop and realize how much I'm struggling. That's the time to step back and take a HARD look at what my focus is. If you wear glasses, you TOTALLY understand the minute you don't wear them at the proper time—your focus goes whacko!!! Keeping focused on what you need to do can make all the difference. I know when I lose my "structure," chaos ensues, and it's not until I get back to it that I feel calmer about, well, everything—even the chaos!!! Can you think of any situations from the past, or even in your present, that you are "Crawling Downhill"??! What changes do you need to/can you make right now to get back to where you NEED to be? That first step can make all the difference... Thank you, have a good day, and be safe... #beaware #growinto2025 ##domesticviolenceiseverywhere #ENDtheSILENCEofVIOLENCE #isityou everybodyknowsomebody #besafe *** October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Please share this post, no matter what month it is, to help get the word out. The victim has to make the choice—but, "What if..." they read something you sent them, and it just "clicks"? ***

As this year comes to a close - how are you feeling about your 2024? Do you have a negative attitude about things you've been through, this year - I'm not saying everything that happens in anyone's life should make them excited; bad things DO happen to everyone. How is your attitude, regarding them? Are you able to utilize those things for growth? Have you really looked at them as the life-lessons they are? Or are you still in the "stuck" part of the process? What you do next, that very next step, could make all the difference in every aspect of your life. Take the time to think on them - a) decide if it's something you need to deal with, b) nothing you do will change anything, or c) it's not even YOUR issue. Just be thankful for the opportunity to make those choices, make them and do what must be done; and then move on with your life. It won't change what happened; but it will remove that "stuck, spinning your wheels" feeling. Thank you, have a good day and be safe... #beaware #growinto2025 ##domesticviolenceiseverywhere #ENDtheSILENCEofVIOLENCE #isityou everybodyknowsomebody #besafe ***October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Please share this post, no matter what month it is, to help get the word out. The Victim has to make the choice - but, "What If..." they read something you sent them, and it just "clicks"?*** *I would love the opportunity to share YOUR ideas in a Blog post. Please send them to Connie J... - beamererin@yahoo.com; or through Ozer email, ozerministries@att.net. 

 ...I can EASILY make 15-20 people angry - just by my presence in their lives, simply by doing my job. However, I CANNOT focus on that; or let THEM determine what kind of day I'm going to have.