...wrong time. Ever been there??! My thought process for this - I was 20, at a gas station putting air in my tires. I had just filled both on the driver's side, as a car pulled up on the passenger side, really close - where I happened to be standing. There was plenty of room for me to stand there, safely, until they backed out - or so I thought!!! While backing out, they turned their wheel too sharply - knocking me to the ground, and scraping the entire side of my car!!! They, quickly pulled back in, while I was getting to my feet, and asked if I was ok. I said, "Yes"; and let them leave. I was basically in shock, right??! While I AM very happy I wasn't crouched down, filling a tire, at that moment, and it WAS an older car (my Mother called it "The Bronze Bomber"; so comparing before/after, damage was honestly minimal), AND I wasn't hurt - I still wish so many things: - they hadn't scraped my car - I had been on other side, so not knocked down - had maybe seen about their insurance info, etc, but I didn't - maybe held them accountable? - I had taken more time to CARE about MYSELF in that moment - they were a couple of kids; and I was more worried about them - even though I WAS THE ONE LAYING ON THE GROUND...sitting here, right now - I can recall so many situations with me having the same type of reaction, throughout my life!!! Have you ever had a similar type of situation happen to you? With Domestic Violence, you often don't know when your partner is going to go off. They seem to let the "big things" go; but blow up at the tiniest situations. Hmmmmm...insightful moment - that explains it - I grew up in that environment, and learned it very well, apparently. Wow!!! I knew I was a "recovering rage-aholic"; just hadn't looked at that situation from this perspective. Live and learn, right??! Let's GROW!!! 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 .

...with all of this chaos in my life??! While I THOUGHT I thrived in it - it was slowly, and methodically, eating me alive. This was one of THE HARDEST lessons for me to learn. I'm an extremely deep thinker; and I feel things to my very core. Every single thought in my head was screaming to be heard, at once; and I was in such all-consuming, emotional pain. Gratitude was THE FURTHEST thing from my mind!!! While on one of my "anger/confused" rants, (that had kind of become "my thing"), my friend grabbed both sides of my face in her hands, and said, "WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR??!" (Hysterically, she was literally across the country, and we were on the phone - but this is my story, and I'm sticking to it!!!) It caught my attention, and stopped my rant dead in it's tracks; thus beginning my "grateful sojourn". While I don't remember what I answered; it did the trick - knocked my rant right off its' axis!!! You can listen to what people say, advice, etc, for years - but then one day, something someone says will just "CLICK" that switch inside you; and your whole life will change. Are you ready to have YOUR "switch" clicked? Are you exhausted from all that internal chaos consuming you, day by day? True change begins inside you - I encourage you, as soon as your eyes open (or even before), to think of ONE thing you can be grateful for, in your life.  It doesn't mean your life will necessarily change, in that instant; but what have you got to lose? Just start - and see what happens... 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 .

...is my metaphor for life. Remember the old vaudeville shows - just about every one I saw on TV, had a "plate spinner". They had china plates on long bamboo poles - the goal was to keep them spinning, so they didn't crash down on them. This is how I view life - we're all just trying to keep our "plates" spinning: - family - self - job - charity work - friends - whatever other responsibilities we have - etc The list goes on and on - and some days, all we have time to do is clean up "crashed plates" - because our focus isn't where it needs to be. We are only human, with only 24 hours in a day - if you're spreading yourself too thin, because you "HAVE TO" get all this done - maybe it's time to re-evaluate your priorities? No doubt, there ARE things that "HAVE TO" get done, every day; but, if you look at your list - can it be trimmed, or readjusted? Add to that, if you ARE in a Domestic Violence situation, is your list of priorities YOUR list; or someone else's, just trying to keep you off-balance, and cleaning up "crashed plates", on purpose? I encourage you to take some time to think about this, and do a little re-evaluating - it CAN change your life... 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 recently had a situation, where I felt COMPLETELY unvalued, and taken advantage by a friend - and it hurt, made me angry and just left me totally confused. I didn't get a chance to talk to them, the day it happened (want to do it in person); and have to wait til next month. Am utilizing this time to: 1 - process my hurt 2 - process my anger 3 - clear up any confusion in me 4 - figure out MY part in what happened 5 - come up with a clear plan to work with this person to attempt to not have this happen, again (understand there is NO guarantee) 6 - contemplate what "consequences" if it does happen again I have to look at all the factors involved - and take my responsibility, and there is some. I can be lenient, sometimes, with friends - but I have to hold US accountable in the roles we played in this incident, realistically. I have been very clear on my expectations - but, as I said, can be lenient on friends, at times - that's on me. But, moving forward, I know I do not deserve to be put in the position I was, that day. Have you ever felt this way after a negative interaction with someone, especially a friend? Any insight? How did you handle it? Were there things you wish you could/would have done differently? Would LOVE to hear some of YOUR insights... 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 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.