Words and Snapshots of My Inner Landscape. A journey of healing the sacred child and woman within me.
Lucia's Words and Snapshots
Friday, July 13, 2012
I guess I am done for now.
Well, I haven't thought about this blog since June, so I guess I am done for now.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
37/365 - New Challenge
New Challenge. To remember my last challenge.
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My sick belly with a stomach flu. Blah. At least I have my favorite tee on and my new flowered comforter. |
Friday, June 1, 2012
36/365 - Weight Watcher Belly
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I can't remember the last time I sat down and didn't have a little belly come over the edge of my pants. |
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
34/365 - Boob Belly
Mammogram...check. Ultra sound...check.
Today was all about my boobs but my belly was in knots just thinking about getting a mammogram. Results...normal. Belly now calm.
Today was all about my boobs but my belly was in knots just thinking about getting a mammogram. Results...normal. Belly now calm.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Friday, May 4, 2012
31/365 - Thinking about Jamie's Belly
My friend Jamie's due date is tomorrow. I attended her blessing way (my first one) a few weeks ago. During the blessing way the women got into a circle and Jamie held a spool of red string. She wrapped it around her wrist twice and said, "I am Jamie, mother of Arlo and mother of unborn baby boy." She wrapped it around her wrist again and said, "Daughter of (her mom's name) " She wrapped it around her wrist once more and said, "Granddaughter of (her mom's mother's name)." Jamie then wrapped the string around her wrist one last time and said, "Great-granddaughter of (her mother's mother's name)." Sorry, I don't remember their names but you get the idea. Then the spool was passed to the next person who did the same thing telling us her maternal line. It was passed around the circle until we were all connected to the red string. In my eyes, we invited all the mothers into the circle remembering on a heartfelt level our connection to them through memory and blood, and our connection to each other as women. The tradition is the leave the red string on your wrist until the mother being celebrated goes into labor. At that time, we then slowly loosen the string until the baby is born. Later, we leave the string out for birds for the nest or to the river as offerings.
Sending love and prayers for a healthy, blissful labor to Jamie and her new baby boy.
Sending love and prayers for a healthy, blissful labor to Jamie and her new baby boy.
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I am Luanne, mother of Annelise and Connor, daughter of Joan, granddaughter of Loretta, great-granddaugther of Mary. |
Friday, April 27, 2012
365 - Relaxed Mama Belly (reposted)
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photo by Luanne Kloster © 2011 |
"Until I became pregnant with Milo, my belly held my tension, stress, worry, and negative feelings about myself and my body, not only energetically, but physically. Putting a hand on my tight, flat, nearly concave belly, one could feel the spot where energy got caught up and blocked the flow through my body. It was as if I was wearing armor. While carrying sweet Milo inside, and now carrying him outside, my belly has relaxed. I love its softer disposition- it reminds me of the old adage: only by loving ourselves, we can love others fully. I certainly have newfound respect and love for my body after experiencing its capability and strength during pregnancy and childbirth. And this greater sense of self-respect helps me to love my family with greater joy and softness. I love how this picture reflects this- my belly all shiny from the nourishing lotion I'd just made with Luanne, Elissa, and Lauren. And Milo's smile and pudgy pointing, proud finger. He should be proud! He's very much responsible for this happy, relaxed mama belly."
365 - Lauren's Belly (reposted)
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Gabbie and her mama's beautiful belly-photo by Luanne Kloster © 2011 |
I would just like to thank you for taking this picture of my belly. I have not felt good about my belly in a long time. At 2 years old my appendix burst, and the surgery left a scar that looks like a weird second belly button. I have always felt sort of deformed and ashamed of my belly because of this. This picture makes me feel proud, stretch marks and all. (The result, standing next to me was worth it all). Thank you for sparking this movement towards belly love. I'll be working on it.
365 - Ocean Belly (reposted)
Years ago, as I was reading in bed, my partner gently lifted my shirt to expose my belly. With his hands, both holding and tracing my soft roundness, he whispered,"You must remember, Little Bear, the sweetness of the belly. Here lies all that is you, your beauty & your power.". . How true, yet so easy to dismiss at i tumble through my days. I notice, often, when doubt or anxiety rule my moments, I am fearful to acknowledge my middle. At those times i see myself as less than: lacking definition; too curvy; unable to stand and be present; unclear & unheard.; I curve inward & forget to breathe.
In the Water, however, all inhibition & timidity vanish. No mater the source (Lake Michigan, Miacomet's stretch of sand and sea, the cool, deep turns along Vermont rivers, warm & unexpected sunshine cloudbursts, turquoise waters pooling at waterfalls' feet) I am in my belly. Water holds. Water is constantly changing & mercurial. Water is languid, fluid & grace. It is then I remember that these brooks, lakes & ocean tides are forever moving through me. I feel at home in the water because they are all within me. Always. I am forever grateful for those words, as they are a constant reminder of my work: to walk each day & be held by my watery Self; to be witness to the sweetness of my Belly.
- erinelizabeth
17 december 2011
Uvita, Costa Rica
365 - Hannah's Smiling Belly (reposted)
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Hannah's Smiling Belly |
Singer-songwriter Hannah Hoffman will be perusing the streets of Brattleboro starting January 1st. Visit her at http://www.reverbnation.com/hannahhoffman and drop her a line!
365 - Back Bend Belly (reposted)
Tami and Musi. Photo by Lucia Kloster 2011 |
Tami's Fair Trade company, "KUSIKUY means 'Make yourself happy' in Quechua - the language of Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador's Andes Mountains. Make yourself happy exploring the lives and experiences of indigenous women working under the Fair Trade model. As a Fair Trade producer, journalist, and academic, she strives to make authentic voices heard in order to create public discussion, grow understanding, and bring about greater justice."
http://www.kusikuy.com/
I highly recommend her blog. http://kusikuy1.blogspot.com/
Thanks for a fun morning Tami and Musi!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
365 - Melody's Beautiful Belly-A Triptych (repost)


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Top left: with Maddox. Top right: with Felix. Above "My belly now" |
From a young age my petite figure has been a coveted object to people perhaps not genetically predisposed to have so. I have always been this way. I have never been anorexic. Hell, you can't keep me away from food. When I was in 6th grade a few friends banded together in concern for me. They confronted our guidance councilor, they told her that I was anorexic. They said they were scared for me. My guidance councilor told my parents. I was not anorexic. I am not anorexic. My parents came to me knowing this not to be true and asked if it was. I had to continue to go to school with these girls who had jealousy in their hearts toward me. I could not help it. This is my belly, this is they way my body is. I was shameful, I was self conscious, I was all things I never should have been.
In high school, a breeding ground for self awareness, I became displeased with my abdomen. It happened when I least expected it to, but when most experience it. In the locker room. There was a girl, she was so beautiful. She had these amazing aqua shining eyes surrounded with luscious lashes. You could tell she spent a lot of time out doors, or in a tanning booth, her golden skin so fresh and clean. We were all getting dressed for track practice and she took off her shirt, and there it was...her belly. I was transfixed and was trying to look away. I didnt want her or any of the other girls to see my momentary obsession. She had an abdomen of extreme form. It was an eight pack for lack of better terminology. I went home after practice, showered, and stood, naked, in front of the full length mirror in my bedroom with the door locked. I stared at my belly, flat as it may have been, it was not like her's. I moved on from that day, never forgetting how that made me feel. Is that how my friends in middle school felt?
Time passed, not a thing about my belly ever wavering from the day prior. Then September 26, 2006, I found out I was pregnant. I had never loved my belly more than I did that day. I had never cared less about having a slim figure as I did then. As my tummy became swollen with my growing son, I became more and more please with it's roundness. Feeling the tumbles and the squirms of his little body engulfed in mine. Regardless of how glad I was, I was still issued the occasional, "You don't look that pregnant" or the "from the back you'd never be able to tell". With each comment that was handed to me, the more was taken away from my joy.
At the end of my pregnancy, I became ill. Four weeks prior to having my son, Maddox, I had literal gut wrenching pain, diarrhea, and aversion to eating. I became depressed. Unable to maintain a weight that pleased my midwife I was forcing myself to eat. Luckily, this time passed quickly for me and he was born, with an epidural, four days early, healthy. Six lbs, fifteen oz. I continued to have bowel pain and troubles, sometimes unable to control it. Bending down, picking things up, sneezing hard, I'd loose control and shamefully I'd go tot he bathroom to change my underwear. After about 8 months this all subsided and things were relatively normal again.
In the interim of all this I took a mommy core fitness class. I worked hard and got my flat tummy back in no time. This was actually not my goal in taking this class. I felt happier when I was exercising. In that it was a "mommy" fitness class I was surrounded with women older than me that perhaps were fortunate to gain a reasonable , healthy amount of weight during their pregnancy. The looked at me with side ways glances. Jealous. Am I safe no where? Surely they must be joking. But week after week they were there, with their humorous sarcastic comments. It was rude, it was painful. But I just smiled on. I was beginning to think I was not genetically predisposed to be skinny, more so I was predisposed to have a think skin.
Time passed, as it does, and I met a man. Stephen. Beautiful, wonderful, caring, masculine, Stephen. Oh, man do I love this Stephen. We got married. He loves my belly. In all its forms. We got pregnant. I was excited at first. Again, like my first son, I looked forward to my belly growing with my new son. But I got sick. I got really sick. My first trimester was hard, nausea, vomiting, the flu, a horrible virus that left me bedridden for a week, unable to eat. It was awful. My husband took care of me. Then my second trimester was nice, happy, hungry. I felt great. Still the comments came, you should eat more, when are you going to start showing? All the same as before. And I wondered, could this same dialogue be used with some one who is over weight? Never. I would never imagine saying these things to any one.

The happiness ended in August. After Stephen and I had our wedding celebration. I hadn't been able to eat for a couple weeks prior to that day and had had diarrhea for weeks. I called out of work, I was in the hospital. I was severely dehydrated and my potassium was lower than ever. I wasn't eating, no surprise my electrolytes were so out of whack. I couldn't work any more. That killed me. My stomach, intestines, and rectum waged war on me day and night. I hated my belly. I hated my child. I would have traded him in for relief. I was not granted either, trading, or relief. The days pressed on and I became friends with the couch and only the couch. I couldn't tolerate my friends, my Stephen, my son Maddox. I was in hell. I was taking several pills several times a day, treating the symptoms, never finding a cause. I was in the bathroom 10 times during the daylight hours, waking every few hours to sit on my porcelain throne. I saw Dr. Potash, I saw my PCP, weekly visits to my OB. I hated every thing between my neck and my knees. No one could help me. I cried in hospital rooms while the potassium coursed through my veins painfully, while nurse after nurse after nurse missed my veins for IVs. My arms were a war scene. I hated my belly.
After a few visits to Dartmouth I had a diagnosis. Finally. Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy. A rare high risk pregnancy related illness. Turns out that what happened at the end of my pregnancy with Maddox. And with each pregnancy the chances are higher that it will come back, stronger, more lethal, and more dangerous. The only cure? To have the baby. I found this out on a Tuesday. I had Felix that same week two days later. Spontaneous, beautiful, natural, vaginal birth. Six weeks early, six lbs 9 oz. Healthy, happy, baby. That baby is three months old now and my belly is small again, not toned like that girl in the locker room, and it may never be like her's.
I am learning to care for my belly. What's inside. The things I eat, the way I eat, what I do. It has become an obsession. I had a 5 week break after I had Felix from the diarrhea and the pain. Then it came back. But I am learning. I am thankful for my healthy sons, my adoring Stephen, and my knowledgeable friends.
And cliche as it may be....Its not whats on the outside that counts. Its the inside that matters. So with that in the forefront of my mind, I will let the comments fall to the wayside, I will smile, and I will say Thank you, I'm a lucky lady.
I love my belly now. I want to care for it and do what is right for it. Think before you open your mouth, for food, for words.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
30/365 - An Herbal Healing Tonic for My Belly
Food allergies and sensitivities
Ulcerative colitis
Menopause
The three things I have been living with for the last few years. So everyday I try to drink an herbal tonic to quell inflammation, warm up the digestive tract and tone the walls of the intestines. Today's decoction is fresh Turmeric root, fresh Ginger root, fresh Burdock root, dried Astragalus root, and a little bit of black pepper. The decoction is mostly Turmeric with equal parts of the other roots. Sometimes I drink a quart of Nettle leaf, Rasberry leaf, or Oatstraw infusion. But this week it is all about the roots.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
28/365 - Robyn's Liberated Belly
Like many women, I’ve never been a big fan of my belly. When I was younger, the entire mood of my day could be decided by its flatness, firmness or the lack thereof. I viewed it as my enemy starting at age 10 when I was hit by an early puberty and what I referred to as my “pooch”, i.e., protruding lower belly – which no amount of sit-ups or dieting could completely eradicate.
When I turned 45, I decided it was time to rid myself of some long-standing (30 years) addictions, namely alcohol and cigarettes. And I took up belly dancing and learned to love my belly, pooch and all. The big turning point was the first time I performed in front of an audience, with my entire belly fully exposed. It was both horrifying and wonderfully liberating. The wonderful thing about belly dancing is that it’s for everyone – the young, the old, the fat, the thin, the toned and the not-so-toned. Nothing will help you embrace your body, regardless of its shape, than the pure joy of dancing and laughing with like-minded women.
This picture was taken three days after having a laparoscopic hysterectomy and removal of an ovarian cyst. It may not be pretty, but it’s all mine and is a testament to my freedom from my addictions and the reclamation of my health – and my life, which I hope to share with my friends and family for a long time to come. I look forward to when I’m healed and can show off my new scars while I dance.
Sending you lots of healing energy Robyn! Thank you for sharing your belly story! xo -Lu
When I turned 45, I decided it was time to rid myself of some long-standing (30 years) addictions, namely alcohol and cigarettes. And I took up belly dancing and learned to love my belly, pooch and all. The big turning point was the first time I performed in front of an audience, with my entire belly fully exposed. It was both horrifying and wonderfully liberating. The wonderful thing about belly dancing is that it’s for everyone – the young, the old, the fat, the thin, the toned and the not-so-toned. Nothing will help you embrace your body, regardless of its shape, than the pure joy of dancing and laughing with like-minded women.
This picture was taken three days after having a laparoscopic hysterectomy and removal of an ovarian cyst. It may not be pretty, but it’s all mine and is a testament to my freedom from my addictions and the reclamation of my health – and my life, which I hope to share with my friends and family for a long time to come. I look forward to when I’m healed and can show off my new scars while I dance.
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With bandages and surgical glue. |
Friday, April 20, 2012
27/365 Taking Care of My Belly
Yesterday I went for my first Maya Abdominal Therapy. I have had many full body massages in the past and I often wondered why the massage therapist didn't go anywhere near my belly. The Maya abdominal massage concentrates on the belly and "encourages the abdominal organs into proper position as well as improve flow of blood, lymph, nerve impulses and ch'ulel (Maya for energy)." The technique was developed by Dr. Rosita Arvigo (author of Sastun) over her years of training with her mentor, Don Elijio Panti, the Mayan Shaman.
I was so pleased to leave with self care instructions that are so easy I wished I known about this years ago.
https://www.facebook.com/notes/the-red-tent/maya-abdominal-massage-self-care-techniques/118990918966
As soon as I figure out the click button options, I will add it.
I was so pleased to leave with self care instructions that are so easy I wished I known about this years ago.
https://www.facebook.com/notes/the-red-tent/maya-abdominal-massage-self-care-techniques/118990918966
As soon as I figure out the click button options, I will add it.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
26/365 Mayan Belly Massage
Well, it is actually called Mayan abdominal massage and I am getting my first today. I have been hearing about them for the last couple of years and since I have had issues with my belly I thought I would try it. Rosita Arvigo talks about it in her book, Sastun. A beautiful story of Rosita's path as a healer in Belize and her teacher Elijoio Panti, a 87 year-old Mayan medicine man.
25/365 Honoring my Belly
I was going through some things and found my name tag for ALisa Starkweather's Belly and Womb conference. The conference that started the Belly Blog. My belly was really bloated yesterday and I was in a rush to draw the hearts, but the message is what I wanted to show.
"I am a woman honoring my belly and my womb today with you!"
Monday, April 16, 2012
24-365 Teenage Belly
This is a picture of me when I was 16 at my cousins pool. It was at this time in my life that I started to feel very self conscious of my belly. I remember when this picture was taken and I remember specifically grabbing a towel so I could cover my belly. I spent that summer dieting. Well actually,I wasn't eating very much at all except those late night binges of diet sodas, M&M's and pretzels with my cousins by the poolside.
I wish I could go back in time, look in the mirror, and be happy with the healthy and athletic body I had.
I wish I could go back in time, look in the mirror, and be happy with the healthy and athletic body I had.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
23/365 - 2am, Kitty on my Belly
Every night I get up at 2 am. It doesn't matter if I went to bed early or late I am up-wide awake up- at 2am. I wish I had an explanation for it. I guess after doing this for over a year it might be a habit.
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My nightly 2am Kitty snuggle on the couch with Mowgli. |
Friday, April 13, 2012
A Note from a Friend
I love to get emails from women about how the belly blog has touched them. Thank you for your story!
"I thought about your belly blog the other morning, while looking at my stretch marks on my tummy. I often feel self conscious about my belly, always have. But then I started to retrain my thinking while looking at my belly in the mirror.... The stretch marks and loose skin are reminders of what my body produced, and what blessing it gave me....my baby girl!!! As I am holding her right now (and typing one handed) I am reminded of how lucky and fortunate I am, and how blessed I am to have created such a treasure, a beauty! So I embrace ever fold of loose skin, and every stretch mark, for these are marks and reminders of my precious angel.
Thank you for helping me look at my belly in a new way, a positive way, and a thankful way."

Thursday, April 12, 2012
22/365 - Reflections of a Beautiful Belly
I received this heartwarming and moving email from Marcy yesterday. Thank you Marcy!
"My belly has not seen the light of day for almost 25 years. I'm afraid that I, too, have bought into the worldly concept of what a "beautiful belly" looks like and mine is definitely NOT! But as I was pondering this thought and my unease with the appearance of my body, I was reminded that this belly was where my children resided in absolute comfort and safety from conception until birth.
That each unsightly stretch mark recorded a laugh, a hiccup, a sneeze, and that each scar is a telltale sign that I loved them more than the loss of my flawless figure, more than the carnal perception of a beautiful body - a beautiful belly. Mine is beautiful because my children lived there, and my body now bears the proof. This is a concept I want to embrace.
When I look at this picture I am in awe. I murdered my first two unborn babies by abortion, and was not in a relationship when I made the choice to have this baby. Somehow, God considered me worthy, and the day after this picture was taken I was blessed with not one, but two beautiful baby girls. Later I would have two more boys. My children are my greatest joy and my greatest accomplishment in life. Thank-you, BEAUTIFUL BELLY!"
And in the spirit of "The Belly Blog" ...
"My belly has not seen the light of day for almost 25 years. I'm afraid that I, too, have bought into the worldly concept of what a "beautiful belly" looks like and mine is definitely NOT! But as I was pondering this thought and my unease with the appearance of my body, I was reminded that this belly was where my children resided in absolute comfort and safety from conception until birth.
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"Though clothed, it still is QUITE A BELLY!" |
That each unsightly stretch mark recorded a laugh, a hiccup, a sneeze, and that each scar is a telltale sign that I loved them more than the loss of my flawless figure, more than the carnal perception of a beautiful body - a beautiful belly. Mine is beautiful because my children lived there, and my body now bears the proof. This is a concept I want to embrace.
When I look at this picture I am in awe. I murdered my first two unborn babies by abortion, and was not in a relationship when I made the choice to have this baby. Somehow, God considered me worthy, and the day after this picture was taken I was blessed with not one, but two beautiful baby girls. Later I would have two more boys. My children are my greatest joy and my greatest accomplishment in life. Thank-you, BEAUTIFUL BELLY!"
And in the spirit of "The Belly Blog" ...
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There it is, 24 years later - peeking out. (ok, so it has seen the light of day...once). |
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
21/365 - Bullied Belly
"Stupid."
"You will never amount to anything."
"You are always daydreaming."
"You are so stupid."
"We need to send you to the psychiatrist because there is something wrong with you."
Quotes that have been surfacing in my memory since I was in sixth grade. All came from one teacher, Mrs. Daly. Yes, a teacher. She decided it would be fun, or cool or something to signal me out in front of the rest of the class and say these things. How could she call herself a teacher? How did she not notice that I was already being bullied by a group of girls? One girl, Cindy (not her real name) the ring leader made my life a living hell for over a year, while her group of followers joined in.
"Why don't you just kill yourself."
"Nobody likes you."
"I hate you, I wish you were dead."
I spent more time at home or in the nurse's office that year than I did at school. My self esteem, self confidence and self worth were damaged. I went through bouts of depression and I had thoughts of suicide at age 11.
Almost 40 years have gone by and I still get extremely sad when I think about it. I think about all the teens that actually have committed suicide because of bullying. I think about the adults that turn their heads and pretend there is nothing wrong. I think about Mrs. Daly and wonder why? I think about Cindy and wonder what kind of life she must have had at home to treat me so horribly.
Healing the wounds from bullying can takes years. Some kids turn to numbing their pain with alcohol and drugs. Been there. Some kids make themselves invisible so no one will notice they are there. I got very good at that. I believe if the stress of emotional pain isn't dealt with, it can manifest itself in the body and cause health issues. In my case, I believe a history of ulcerative colitis had a direct link. I am not alone on this thought.
"Your body responds to the way you think, feel and act. This is often called the “mind/body connection.” When you are stressed, anxious or upset, your body tries to tell you that something isn’t right. For example, high blood pressure or a stomach ulcer might develop after a particularly stressful event, such as the death of a loved one." (excerpt from familydoctor.org editorial staff)
But as the years go by there has to be a point of forgiveness. Forgiveness. What is forgiveness?
"Generally, forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge. The act that hurt or offended you might always remain a part of your life, but forgiveness can lessen its grip on you and help you focus on other, positive parts of your life. Forgiveness can even lead to feelings of understanding, empathy and compassion for the one who hurt you.
Forgiveness doesn't mean that you deny the other person's responsibility for hurting you, and it doesn't minimize or justify the wrong. You can forgive the person without excusing the act. Forgiveness brings a kind of peace that helps you go on with life. " (Mayo Clinic editorial staff)
Since I never said it out loud, I decided to say it here for my own peace of mind and for my health.
I forgive you Mrs. Daly.
I forgive you Cindy.
I forgive all the girls and boys in my sixth grade class that bullied me.
I forgive all the adults in my life that didn't stand up for me in my time of need.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/forgiveness/MH00131
http://suicidehotlines.com/vermont.html
National Hopeline Network: 1-800-273-8255
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-784-2433
http://www.youthline.us/ 1-877-968-8454
"You will never amount to anything."
"You are always daydreaming."
"You are so stupid."
"We need to send you to the psychiatrist because there is something wrong with you."
Quotes that have been surfacing in my memory since I was in sixth grade. All came from one teacher, Mrs. Daly. Yes, a teacher. She decided it would be fun, or cool or something to signal me out in front of the rest of the class and say these things. How could she call herself a teacher? How did she not notice that I was already being bullied by a group of girls? One girl, Cindy (not her real name) the ring leader made my life a living hell for over a year, while her group of followers joined in.
"Why don't you just kill yourself."
"Nobody likes you."
"I hate you, I wish you were dead."
I spent more time at home or in the nurse's office that year than I did at school. My self esteem, self confidence and self worth were damaged. I went through bouts of depression and I had thoughts of suicide at age 11.
Almost 40 years have gone by and I still get extremely sad when I think about it. I think about all the teens that actually have committed suicide because of bullying. I think about the adults that turn their heads and pretend there is nothing wrong. I think about Mrs. Daly and wonder why? I think about Cindy and wonder what kind of life she must have had at home to treat me so horribly.
Healing the wounds from bullying can takes years. Some kids turn to numbing their pain with alcohol and drugs. Been there. Some kids make themselves invisible so no one will notice they are there. I got very good at that. I believe if the stress of emotional pain isn't dealt with, it can manifest itself in the body and cause health issues. In my case, I believe a history of ulcerative colitis had a direct link. I am not alone on this thought.
"Your body responds to the way you think, feel and act. This is often called the “mind/body connection.” When you are stressed, anxious or upset, your body tries to tell you that something isn’t right. For example, high blood pressure or a stomach ulcer might develop after a particularly stressful event, such as the death of a loved one." (excerpt from familydoctor.org editorial staff)
But as the years go by there has to be a point of forgiveness. Forgiveness. What is forgiveness?
"Generally, forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge. The act that hurt or offended you might always remain a part of your life, but forgiveness can lessen its grip on you and help you focus on other, positive parts of your life. Forgiveness can even lead to feelings of understanding, empathy and compassion for the one who hurt you.
Forgiveness doesn't mean that you deny the other person's responsibility for hurting you, and it doesn't minimize or justify the wrong. You can forgive the person without excusing the act. Forgiveness brings a kind of peace that helps you go on with life. " (Mayo Clinic editorial staff)
Since I never said it out loud, I decided to say it here for my own peace of mind and for my health.
I forgive you Mrs. Daly.
I forgive you Cindy.
I forgive all the girls and boys in my sixth grade class that bullied me.
I forgive all the adults in my life that didn't stand up for me in my time of need.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/forgiveness/MH00131
http://suicidehotlines.com/vermont.html
National Hopeline Network: 1-800-273-8255
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-784-2433
http://www.youthline.us/ 1-877-968-8454
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
20/365 Family of Jelly Bellies
These photos arrived today in my inbox from my friend Jess. It really made my day! Thanks Jess and family and I hope your bellies are better now!
"This is after a family jelly bean binge on Easter."
Monday, April 9, 2012
19/365 Pregnant Belly
Well, it isn't called a challenge for nothing. I spent the last week sick and just didn't have the energy to do much at all. The dishes are piled up as are the dust bunnies. I finally felt well enough to attend my weekend class.
My friend Jamie offered her beautiful pregnant belly for the blog. Thank you Jamie! And thank you Kelly for the incredible photo! xoxo
My friend Jamie offered her beautiful pregnant belly for the blog. Thank you Jamie! And thank you Kelly for the incredible photo! xoxo
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photo by Kelly Pacheco © 2012 |
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Sick
Taking a break because I am sick. I hope to be back on Saturday. Happy full moon!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
18/365 Grateful Belly
Giving thanks is such a simple act yet so many moments, days and weeks go by when I forget how blessed I am. So today, I draw together the palms of my hands to my heart and give thanks for my many blessings. I strive to make every moment sacred so that at every moment I will give thanks.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Sunday, April 1, 2012
15-16/365 Seed Belly
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Brassica and Amaranthus-micro greens ready to eat |
The weekend was dedicated to working in the garden and getting it ready for planting the seedlings I started inside. I planted some micro greens because I was impatient for something green and fresh to eat. Good call, they are delicious.
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Kale |
Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
12/365 One of my favorite Belly pictures
Feeling lazy today and decided to post one of my favorite belly photos that my son Connor took of my husband painting on my belly.
Monday, March 26, 2012
11/365 Cowboy Jammie Belly
It's a chilly Monday morning. I think I will just hang out in my cowboy jammies and curl up on the couch with a good book. There is nothing more comfortable than hanging out in my flannel jammies all day.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
10/365 Sunday Dinner Belly
It is feeling more like March today so I am making a crock pot vegetable stew. It is also Sunday. Sundays to me should be days when family spends the day together. I remember when I was younger our relatives from other parts of New Jersey would pop over on the weekends for an afternoon visit. My dad always stocked up the frig with cold cuts, potato salad and coleslaw. The counter top would be filled with fresh rolls from Elmer's country store and some Entenmann's cakes. There was an extra pot of coffee brewing in the afternoon. It was always a surprise to us who would come. Us kids would get excited if cousins our own age would show up and sometimes a little disappointed if just the adults did. Except when Aunt Elda and Uncle Tom visited. Those visits I cherish the most. Uncle Tom would teach me boxing moves so I could defend myself from my brothers when they got too rough. He was a golden gloves boxer in the 30's. We would hear stories of my feisty grandmother Lucia who died when my dad was 5. I remember Elda would tell me with a smile in her eyes how much I looked like her sister Emma who died way too young.
It is rainy Sundays like today that I like to have a pot of stew or a dish of lasagna ready just in case someone shows up. It is rainy Sundays like today that memories of sitting around our picnic table sharing a meal with Aunt Elda and Uncle Tom fill my heart.
It is rainy Sundays like today that I like to have a pot of stew or a dish of lasagna ready just in case someone shows up. It is rainy Sundays like today that memories of sitting around our picnic table sharing a meal with Aunt Elda and Uncle Tom fill my heart.
Friday, March 23, 2012
9/365 - Spread Peace Belly
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My daughter's sign from a march she did with the Governor's Institute at SIT |
I "believe that it is time to close the 40 year old Vermont Yankee nuclear reactor, and move Vermont towards a future that TRULY includes safe and green energy options." -Shut Down Vermont Yankee - As Scheduled in 2012
My favorite sign from yesterday's march. photo by Sage Maurer |
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