My Friend, this week I was touched deep in my heart by Gerry Straatemeier, a 75 year young woman who inspires me and is a beacon of light showing me anything is possible, including joy and igniting your purpose at any age. From a depression that created suicidal behavior to becoming reborn, her story will renew your faith in yourself. We just need a new day and to believe in ourselves. Also, to be in the company of people that we feel positive energy from always helps.

 

Gerry's story is so moving and inspiring, my newsletter is dedicated to her today. If you are moved by Gerry's story, show her love and encouragement by leaving a comment on her blog. Let's cheer her on together!

Thank you Gerry for inspiring this poster to encourage a world of people! Here is the Gerry's story:

I had started a "my eyes only" FB page, Open Hearted Musings, where I was exploring spiritual issues and had only recently made it public (though I had not told my FB friends and family about it) when I found The Wellness Universe.

I am not sure why I was afraid to "come out" as myself but I told myself I would lose followers because my name is so hard to remember. Well, so is Iyanla Vanzant's (another fine Dutch name).

Part of it comes from being the rainbow-sheep (who ran away and lived in a commune for 10 years) in a very conservative authoritarian family. Then too, I never fully "fit in" anywhere I was from early childhood on. We moved a lot, including 6 years in post-war Netherlands in the early 1950's. When I cam back to the US, I always felt not only "different than" but also "less than." 

By my 20's - and until my 50's at least - I had thought I was a deeply flawed "Eleanor Rigby" for some secret reason I could not understand, unlovable, a failure in life...and other self-fulfilling nonsense. I was actively suicidal for many of those years. I had been deeply depressed for so many years of my life and now learning to love myself in recovery - never mind being delighted and proud to be me - has been a long process of overcoming a deep sense of shame.

I had come a long way. I had close friends. I studied and was ordained a (metaphysical) minister, founded my own church, supported other churches, was active in the community. I grew in a long-term love relationship (20+ happy years now) and we raised 2 boys who had had rough starts. When I retired from ministry and from community involvement, I needed to redefine my purpose....

Read Gerry's Full Story & Comment Here I left my comments for Gerry. Find out exactly how she changed my life by reading my comment on her story.

Blessings to you & yours my Friend!

Anna

xoxo