With out going into to much detail at this time, I’m going to tell you why I am here and why I am participating with this new venture. Over 7 years ago, I was introduced to “The Secret”. I knew of the power of thinking positive thoughts and I 100% lived by it, but I never really grasped the idea that the way we think can lead to incredible and not so incredible things in our lives. “The Secret” was so powerful to me that I began a journey of reading, pondering, and studying the mind and the impact that our thoughts have on our lives. I quickly put the new ideas to the test and instantly saw incredible change. Shortly after that due to some difficult life circumstances I became depressed and experienced anxiety. Both which rocked me to my core in such a way that I have never been the same. I was sick. I was sad. I felt alone and I was extremely afraid. Which all majorly sucked, and by sucked I mean the life was being sucked out of me. It was a very dark time as anyone that has ever had depression and anxiety can attest too. The thing though, it was necessary for the growth I needed and later on the depression and anxiety became one of the biggest blessings of my life. (A story I will share later on). I’m here because I want to help. I want those who fear to come out of the dark. I have been there before and I promise you, that you are not alone. The light often seems so far out of your reach and sometimes it is, but its never too far. You can and you will reach it. It took me some counseling, some medication, years of studying, prayer, and faith to be here, but the light has come and its’ warmth covers my soul. A feeling we all deserve and can find. I’m a firm believer in prayer, meditation, believing, and living a gratitude filled life. And I know that each of these principles can easily assist you in reaching your goals and attracting the dreams that seem impossible.
I am looking forward to this blog and pray that it will be a small means of comfort and guidance to anyone who may need a little light of hope.
Since we are giving away “The Power of Positive Thinking” It seems fitting to share one of my favorite quotes from the fabulous author.
“Be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet. Make all your friends feel there is something special in them. Look at the sunny side of everything. Think only the best, be as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. Give everyone a smile. Spend so much time improving yourself that you have no time left to criticize others. Be too big for worry and too noble for anger.”
―Norman Vincent Peale
And the winner of the book is…….. Lindsey Jeppsen!
Congrats Lindsey!!!! Email us your address to showupforlifeblog@gmail.com
Thank you to all who participated.
Hope on. Journey on.
Angie
Angie – this just made me tear up. For real. I too in the last few years experienced a very deep and dark depression riddled with anxiety as well. It’s a place that is very hard to leave, but as you stated, was very necessary for me to have to experience and I am SO thankful I was able to pull through. Unless people have gone through it, they have no idea what you’ve experienced. It’s not as simple a cure as “going for a run”. It was dark, it was deep, it was true, it was unforgiving and it was blatant. I am SO glad you started this blog and can already tell you’re approach to things otherwise difficult to discuss gently and with respect. I’m looking forward to it!
Love you Angie. And so proud of you!!! This blog is going to be awesome. Thank you for your desire to share and help others. You inspire me.
Wahoo!! Thank you!! I was gonna say “Can’t believe I won!” But then I thought hey that’s not positive thinking!! I’m so excited to read it!! Thank you my childhood friend!!
I needed this! Thanks for writing this….I can’t wait to read more….
Love you Angie, thank you for this post..xoxo miss you.
I love you so much Angie! Thanks for sharing! I just took a screen shot of that quote & will now read it everyday! thanks!!!
What a huge impact you are going to make! Thanks for sharing this blog with me! So excited to keep up with it!
This is beautifully honest, I love you Ang and truly and BEYOND grateful for our friendship, I cherish it and I am relieved to see you overcome these trials with faith and positivity…yes, you’re here because you need to help others get through just as you have. Love you through and through….
Dec. 25. 1980. Wow -it seems like yesterday. It would turn out to be the best Christmas ever. It was a planned home baby delivery. We had made all the necessary plans. Deb wanted to have a baby at home. She had a mid-wife, a backup Dr. ready. This little Angel- was not due for about 3 weeks. Now, as you know Christmas is a busy as it gets.Deb started to have contractions, this wasn’t her first rodeo, she told me she was having this baby ,today. We already had 3 great kids. So, Debbie Bates knew what was happening but. we couldn’t believe it. Our other kids were never early- mostly late. So ,here comes our Greatest Christmas present. We named her” Angela Noel Bates” better know as Bo or Ang…..our little Angel. Bo – you are so very special. I know Mom is so proud of you. We are so blessed to have you in our Bates Family. You have a good husband, whom I am proud to call my son in law, you have the 2 best grandkids anyone could ask for. As your father, I am so blessed to call you my daughter and try not to cry. It makes me so proud ,over run with joy and happiness to be your Dad. I cryed as I read your blog, you are a strong women and very successful, daughter (Mom loves you so much) wife and Mom. Bo ur the Best…….love for time and all eternity, Dad
Just read through these beautiful posts. Thank you to you & your sisters for creating such a wonderful blog full of hope & peace. I, too, have had to learn & find my way through some anxiety & depression. You girls are amazingly strong!!! Thank you for sharing your stories!!!