Hello, Friends! Valentine's Day is just three weeks away and I've seen some wonderful projects for the holiday. I've shared a few crafts myself with more to come soon, but today I'm sharing valentine thoughts of a different nature. On Friday, Jemma from At Home with Jemma, will be sharing a valentine gift guide featuring bloggers and Etsy shops and she kindly invited me to participate. As I considered which gift I might feature from Secret Garden Herbs or Thrift Store Addiction, I reflected on a time not so long ago, when Valentine's Day was not a happy occasion for me. I can't help but wonder if someone who is reading may be going through something similar...
Valentine's Day can be a challenging time for singles, especially after divorce or the loss of a spouse. Even simple traditions associated with the occasion can intensify loneliness or trigger painful memories.
Maybe you or someone close to you needs to know the fairy tale isn't over. I realize that most of us might not consider our daily lives or the journey we've traveled a fairy tale but my desire is to encourage others who may feel devastated and hopeless.
My journey includes abandonment, betrayal and abuse, but I'm here to tell you there is hope and healing available! Like me, Jemma also has the desire to encourage and empower the women in our audiences, so we agreed that the valentine gift I include will be one of inspiration.
I've chronicled my journey from hopelessness and despair to forgiveness and healing in my book. When the Glass Slipper Shatters: Recreate Your Fairy Tale After Divorce offers hope and encouragement to create the best version of happily ever after for families struggling after divorce. Chapters feature journal prompts, scriptural references and practical resources. The book is available on Amazon as well this free reading app for any device, Remember to check out the rest of Jemma's Valentine's Day gift guide on Friday!
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I too feel for those impacted by domestic violence. I am making some cards of inspiration to give to the local domestic violence shelter for Valentine's day. Something to encourage the women going through a horrible time, and help them to get through a difficult day when your dreams have been shattered.
ReplyDeleteCecelia,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post , giving encouragement and support to others. I feel there is too much emphasis on celebrating Valentine's Day as a couple's Holiday. I think it should be celebrated as a Holiday to celebrate those in your life that you love like family and friends!! Thanks so much for stopping by!!
Hugs,
Debbie
A wonderful and timely post for many I'm sure. I know of many who have a very difficult time at the holidays in general because of this but yes, especially Valentine's Day. I'm sure your book has been and will be an encouragement to many.
ReplyDeleteAh Cecilia, this will be a blessing to so many. As someone who suffered from childhood abuse, I still found your book to be helpful and encouraging - it's not just for divorce or being single again. There's helpful advice in there for other situations too. Love you and your tender heart my friend. Many blessings,
ReplyDeleteCecilia B.
I lost my husband 5 years ago, and kinda lost him the last 6 years of his life due to frontal lobe dementia. Valentines day is not so important to me, but being thankful for having had a love, and giving thanks for those still in your life every day is more important.
ReplyDeleteA long timer in a program I belong to once shared her story; she had decided to treat herself as she would have liked a lover to treat her. If she wanted an ice cream cone, she bought herself one. If she wanted to lunch with her friends, she did. She bought herself flowers when she wanted. She was kind to herself, did nice things for herself. These are things we can do for ourselves whether we are in a relationship or not. We can take care of our bodies by going to the dr., the dentist. Exercise. Eat healthily. Participate in hobbies. Learn. Support a cause. Find the God that works for you. I am in a healthy relationship now; it is still not the fairy tale I envisioned for myself. But it is still a good relationship. I treat myself to craft items for my hobbies and my vintage treasures. He buys me gifts on occasion. Life is good.
ReplyDeleteI think it's brave and generous of you to share your stories in the hopes that others will relate and find healing of their own. I also think it wonderful to recognize that Valentine's Day is not always hearts and flowers and that a lot of people need this kind of "gift" for themselves. Lovely...
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this thoughtful post at our Cooking and Crafting with J&J.
ReplyDeleteCecilia that is such an inspiration to many out there who have not been able to live their fairy tale.
ReplyDelete