Thanks for responding to my question about where the $500 check came from. That got me curious.

I remember once, in the late 1990’s, just before the “Chicken Soup for the College Soul” book came out (one that selected a story I submitted), I had gone to my mailbox and found to my astonishment a check for $300 from them. Even though I knew it was coming at some point, I was so surprised upon opening the envelope because it came at a time when I needed it for something. I can still remember the feeling of surprise to this day. The universe tends to surprise me like that from time to time and it’s something I never forget. I’m always grateful, even more so at those moments.

Thanks again for sharing your incredible stories - it’s caused a nice ripple effect that will continue to expand outwards for years and years, especially because it’s now a permanent fixture at Adversity University.

The neat thing about posting stories anywhere on the Internet is that whatever it is, it tends to continue to send ripples throughout the universe because of its sheer power. That’s why I like posting gratitude posts every week - it’s that much more powerful when displayed and shared in the public realm. It’s an energy thing.

Blessings to you as you continue to move forward with your life. I have no doubt you’ll continue to reach new heights, affecting not only me but those you’ve touched the last two weeks!

Truth be told, I’ve never heard anyone say outright, “I don’t have a dark side, I don’t think of myself that way.” That was an interesting response - the first of its kind. Like I’m fond of saying, it’s all a matter of perception.

Someone might perceive a personality trait as “dark” while another might see it as character building. That’s the beauty of asking a question like that.

From a cosmic point of view, there is goodness in everyone - even the Peace Pilgrim lady once said she saw goodness in everyone. It’s true. We’re all born with goodness and even when life turns out differently, it’s still inside them, waiting to be claimed.

I hope from here out, you get to know her - she’s indeed a remarkable woman. Maybe you’d even meet her on the cruise if you decide to join. That’d be cool!

I like this statement most of all -

“I don’t have a dark side. I don’t think of myself in that way.”

I believe this. We are only Goodness - but some of us get lost along the way.

But that Goodness is always waiting to give us another chance.

A remarkable woman! I don’t know how you get so lucky as to stumble on such interesting people.

I like her!

This interview has created a flow in the writing of my book. I’ve always enjoyed writing, but it feels great to know that my words are inspiring to others. I’m grateful that my life has yielded the stories and experiences that can be distilled down into wisdom to empower other women…like mapquesting their journey and providing the shortest route to getting where they want to go. I look forward to connecting with you more.
Sharmaine

A lifetime of stories…we all have them…the chapters that make up our lives. I was able to find the value and significance of each of them for my life. I encourage everyone to gather the stories of their life and dig in and find the “real story” behind them. They were pointing out lessons and shaping a direction for me. They became like a textbook.

The $500 check was from the insurance company I used to work for and even though I believed for a miracle, I never expected it to come from them! I am a true believer in miracles and have witnessed many in my life.

My articles can be viewed at the website under Inspirational Articles and there is a link there to each of them(that someone did for me -still learning my way around tech-land).

My hope is that women (and everyone) will harness the power to rebound and be resilient in life, to develop the mental toughness needed to power through obstacles and adversity and to allow themselves to be stretched to fill the capacity of the dream or purpose they have in life. We must simply pass each test that life gives to us in order to advance to the next place. Having faith, finding courage and stepping out boldly will move any mountain!
Sharmaine