Greetings from sunny Seaside, California! It was chilly and rainy this morning, but even so I felt the warmth of the name. Seaside is so bright and cheerful, isn’t it? Some words are heartwarming no matter what’s happening inside or outside.
Yesterday was even better. I stumbled across the most gorgeous sandy beach in Marina while looking for a place to shoot my video (When You’re Judged by Family & Friends: Standing Your Ground With People You Love).
That sandy beach was the perfect backdrop for a difficult conversation.
When friends and family make you feel guilty
On my video about rehoming your dog—one of my most popular and painful videos—a reader asked for help coping with friends who guilt and shame her. They can’t understand how she could give up her dog, and they’re not shy about sharing their opinion.
On my video about rehoming your dog—one of my most popular and painful videos—a reader asked for help coping with friends who guilt and shame her. They can’t understand how she could give up her dog, and they’re not shy about sharing their opinion.
This was, sadly, perfect timing for me.
Recently I’ve been struggling with guilt that rises from external voices. The bad news is that those external voices have become internal. The good news is that I’m learning ways to live in peace and love even when the shame rises.
Sometimes our friends and family are our strongest allies, and sometimes they’re our harshest critics. This makes it tough to live with faith and courage—unless, of course, we’re aligned with our true nature. And even then it still gets rough.
The key is learning how to stand our ground and stay focused on our inner knowing.
The sun is setting, and I’m heading for the beach. You may not be watching a sunset on a California beach, but you can close your eyes and picture it.
Take a deep breath, centre yourself in warmth and love, and enjoy the gift of your one wild and precious life.
Laurie
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Laurie, you are so special and how you relate to your audience is encouraging and comforting. I submerged myself in your articles when I went through a break up over a year and a half ago, you even reached out personally and that meant so much. I have followed you since and now that you are finding your way in being single again, my thoughts and prayers are with you. You are selfless and you are authentic and so graceful you are the daughter of the most high king. Your beautiful and one of a kind. Lots of love to you. ❤️
What a beautiful blessing to speak over me, Sandy! Thank you so much. I’m grateful to be in your thoughts and prayers. Your words are filled with spirit, peace, and joy.
May this season – the season of miracles and renewal – spill over into your own life. I pray your days are filled with love, peace, and gifts you never expected.
With love,
Laurie
Thank you Laurie, your words seem to speak to me, thank you for all u do.
Laurie, you truly have helped me,thank you and keep on, Pamela.
Thank you, Pamela! It’s great to hear from you, and I wish you all the best as you continue to grow forward.
With love & spring blossoms,
Laurie