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Welcome to our new series on EvolvingBeings.com called “Evolving Being in Action“. This series will feature inspirational stories from extraordinary beings out there, who are on their own journey of personal evolution.
And with that in mind, it is thus my great pleasure to introduce you to our first “evolving being” – Julie Riddle.
I had the pleasure of virtually meeting Julie at the end of the summer of 2008 as I came across her fantastic blog called “Random Meanderings“. As soon as I read my first post on her site, I was taken in by her charmingly magnetic personality, free spirit and uniqueness of being. Her writing is captivating to say the least and always a pleasure to read, reflect on and take into one’s life.
Today, I am delighted to have Julie share her story of personal evolution here with us, in terms of how she got to where she is today, spiritually, mentally and emotionally and what her future path of evolution holds. Be prepared to be overcome with emotion, be prepared to be moved, but above all, be prepared to be inspired.
Julie’s story is one that shows how we all have a choice in life in terms of how we choose to think and act, regardless of what “circumstances” come our way. It is a story that teaches us that change is always possible. But most importantly, it is a story where love and light triumph.
So without any further adieu, here is Julie to share her highly inspirational story with us:
Oh, Evita, I’m so honored! Your entire “Evolving…” site is so informative, filled with so much beneficial information for everyone. Thank you for inviting me, and yes, I’d love to help start your new “Evolving Beings in Action” series. I have to admit, my first thought was “Oh my gosh, what in the world could I possibly say?” And you’re laughing, because you know I won’t have any trouble thinking of something.
What area(s) of your spiritual/emotional life have you decided to change and why?
What didn’t I want to change? I was very unhappy. On the outside, I was my normal cheerful self, yet on the inside I was struggling to keep myself sane. All I could think of was, “What is wrong with me?” It was like I was two people living inside one body: the person I was and the stranger I’d become.
A little background might be helpful. I was raised in a tiny Midwestern town of 850 people, smack in the middle of nowhere very important except to those who lived there. Everyone knew everyone, and it was safe and orderly and actually quite a beautiful place to be raised. I swear I had the best childhood ever! We never locked our doors, not even when gone on two-week vacations. In fact, it wasn’t until I was an adult that I learned to lock up.
Children had free rein, exploring to their hearts’ content; the community was a true community, with potluck picnics and games, all-town parades, all-school holiday concerts and ice-cream socials, kids running free all over town on Halloween. Imagine every “Mayberry” tale you’ve heard; that’s what it was like.
Everyone watched out for everyone and the highest compliment paid was that someone was “just so nice.” It covered all the superlatives for the best qualities and characteristics one could ever hope to find in a person.
Mine was an idyllic childhood, filled with honesty and goodness and innocence. It was safe in every respect and I was able to truly just be me. What a gift! …to have all those years to learn about myself, who I am, without any pressures and ensuing struggles or angst getting in the way. One of the things I realized is that I liked myself.
From that tiny village, my family moved to what is now one of the largest metropolitan areas of the country; I was in what amounted to a foreign country.
In very short time, I learned to lock my doors, to watch for ulterior motives, and not readily believe everything I was told. I learned to become suspicious. I learned, too, that fears were suddenly taking control of me: fear of being taken advantage of, fear of rejection, of abandonment… A gently simmering cauldron of fear bubbled within, and I was developing a hard shell of protection. I was gradually becoming someone else someone I ultimately wouldn’t recognize.
Then my father committed suicide.
My close-knit family fell apart and although each of us tried to help the others, we were also trying to cope with our own grief. Our unraveling continued and we scattered, going our own ways as families do, but in a very harsh and abrupt way. (Eventually, we came together; just one sibling remains estranged.)
Time passed, though, and my healing began. I fell in love and married and bought a house and life was beautiful again. SO beautiful!
Until I learned I was infertile. I was consumed with grief, again, and as happens so often in marriages during stressful times, ours became strained. Eventually much later, we separated.
Devastated, my world turned black. It felt as if everyone had left me: my father, my family, my husband… Feeling lost, abandoned, valueless, I questioned my purpose, why I was even here. Lacking that, of what use was I? In my misery, I became selfish and controlling and unforgiving and judgemental, and wholly unworthy of the “nice” label. I felt I was the ugliest, most mean-spirited person on earth. Why would anyone want me in their life? But I hated behaving as I was and felt powerless to change it, even though I knew deep inside I was still the “me” I’d always known and loved.
So, to answer your question-I’m sorry to be so long-winded!-what I decided to change was all my awful behavior. All of it. I wanted to integrate my internal, true self with the outward expression. Simply put, I wanted to become whole, again. Clean. Worthy. I wanted to be nice.
I craved the ability to show compassion, again, and to lose myself in someone else’s needs and wants, to be sensitive and aware and loving and kind, thoughtful and gracious and considerate. I wanted to relearn how to put another person first. To live a life of purpose, one filled with hope and promise and joy and dreams and laughter and happiness. I wanted to live the life I’d known before. I wanted to love, again-to live love. To give it and be it, feel it and share it. There is no greater, no more harmonious way to live, I believe, than to be love.
What strategies have you implemented to change? Who inspired you (person, organization, book, etc.)?
Well, I undertook a tremendous exercise in self-love. I found comfort in tiny things, pampering and nurturing myself as if I were a mother coddling her daughter. It was the nurturing I needed.
Then, I took a friend’s advice: to look to my childhood to remember that one thing I truly enjoyed, no matter what it was. From that was born my volunteer work at a no-kill pet shelter. The animals needed me. My life had value, again.
Books helped me, too. Someone recommended A Course in Miracles, but I found it too difficult; at the time, I didn’t have the mental wherewithal to stick with it. Marianne Williamson’s A Return to Lovewas wonderful. Although I can’t recall any of the content, I do remember it was this book that broke the ice in my heart. There were many other books I read without recall, because I was just so numb, but they were all influential in calming me: James Van Praagh, Eckhart Tolle, the Dalai Lama, Deepak Chopra, books about psychic communication with animals… All these were returning me to solid emotional footing.
Then I saw Louise Hay’s You Can Heal Yourself. The book’s colors jumped right out at me and I bought it without even peeking inside. This whole book spoke to me with such open warmth and honesty, such simplicity. It offered the kind of thinking and probing and hopeful encouraging questioning that was reminiscent of my family’s dinnertime conversations: its wisdom and curiosity making me feel light and hopeful and happy, again. I didn’t feel hopeless, anymore.
Meanwhile, I did a lot of internal exploration. In fact, the internal work was my greatest tool in advancement. In fact, I believe it’s where it all happens, with powerfully objective thinking and being very honest.
There were three main tools I used for this: dreams, questioning, and observations.
I studied my dreams by keeping dream journals and re-reading them many times on lunch breaks and in the evenings, seeing ever-new awareness and meaning each time, making connections between the dream symbolisms and the events of my waking life. It’s absolutely amazing the things our dreams show us! Dream guidance is one of the most useful communication tools we have, and I still use it to this day. I hope I always will. (I’ve not needed a journal for many years; my recall and understanding have become relatively effortless.)
Questioning “why” in response to everything I did and everything I thought became second nature. My behavior, interactions with others, the things I thought about and told myself… No area of my life was spared scrutiny. I observed myself everywhere. “Why do I do what I do, say what I say, and think what I think?” “Why do the hard behaviors leap to the forefront and soft, loving ways fall to the back?” “If I’m angry, sad, insecure, judgemental, lacking compassion or forgiveness, why?” “What within me preceded these emotions and behaviors?” “What is the cause, of each of them?” Always, I was seeking the root cause. Knowing that, I would know the solution.
In piecing together the observations I made, I realized two incredibly important things: I was offering judgements in ways I’d never before realized were judgements and those judgements were triggering emotions I wasn’t even aware of feeling, resulting in unwanted behaviors. And I found the simple formula that what we think is how we feel which is then reflected in how we behave.
From that point on, it was simply a matter of monitoring my behaviors to find the emotions so I could reframe my judgements. By changing how I thought, I was changing my world. It’s really very simple! It just takes practice. The more stubborn we are (like me), the longer it may take, but becoming the people we want to become is doable.
How have the changes benefited your overall life/happiness?
First of all, I want you to know that love does prevail! My husband and I reunited, and I’m delighted to say we love each other more than ever. One only ever needs to remember that love can heal everything and then set aside ego so love can flourish.
As for just everyday daily living? I’ve still a few things to relinquish, but every day I awake with joy in my heart, excited about life, and excited to know, once again, that this life we’re given is filled with treasures awaiting our asking. Goodness is everywhere. It’s just a matter of perception.
I laugh all the time, mostly at myself, and I find delight in the simplest things, like the little bug that rode to work with me on my forefinger as I drove. Something tickled, and when I looked down I saw it sitting there. I chuckled to think of the adventure it must be having!
Life is good and life is fun and life is for enjoying. I see no reason for the alternative. The whole world has expanded! …far more than I ever dreamed! Overall? I am so incredibly happy. I am Pollyanna, and I love it.
What are the next steps? Or goals?
Oh my, there are so many! First, I continue to monitor my thoughts and emotions, always trying to improve myself, to shed the remnants of that stranger I was. I will monitor myself until goodness and selflessness permeate all I do and am, until perpetual goodness is effortless, just the natural state of being.
We’re all spiritual beings having a human experience, and I want my behavior to emphasize the “spiritual” aspect. The basis to spirituality and life is Love. My goal is to be open to the flow of Spirit’s love at all times, that I am not the hindrance to that bounty given to our world.
Whenever I am a little blue, instead of looking for outward causes, I look inward and I always find my mood is because I’m closed, again. I’ve learned some sort of fear is the cause of all I do that I dislike. A few moments of reflection, and the fear is usually exposed.
Meditation, yoga, and my dietary choices are nurturing and healing practices that I adopted and plan on making a permanent part of my lifestyle. I’ve made significant headway, and want to continue to improve.
And I’ve finally found a tangible purpose that really excites me. I’ve started a book! My first, actually, as I’ve several in mind. I’m hoping that whatever I share is a message of hope for others. Purpose-real, meaningful purpose-had been lacking in my life and now I’m so focused and energized! I know that as I write, I’ll continue to discover new things about myself, and the thought just thrills me to no end.
What message do you have for others who are struggling or embarking on a similar journey?
First, remember that everything we experience is simply a matter of perception. I know this is hard, but the truth is, whatever is simply is. Things and experiences aren’t inherently good or bad; it’s our perception of them that determines how we feel about them.
I’d also like to remind everyone that the present place is the most important. We can and should learn from the past, and have fondness for it, but we shouldn’t live there. If we live in the past, we aren’t fully living. Also, we can look forward to the future with a lot of bright hope and dreams and enthusiasm, but it’s now where we should place all our emphasis. We don’t just float through life. We create it.
One day while journaling this statement came to me: “The manner in which we greet every breath of every day determines our level of peace and happiness.” I’ve placed it on my blog’s footer so I’m continually reminded that now is when my living begins, that I’m shaping my immediate moments, my relationships and interactions with others, and even my own future,
Love is a choice. To see love everywhere is a choice, to feel it is a choice, and to give it is a choice. If we aren’t choosing love, our rejection of it brings some degree of struggle, even pain. Why not choose love?
Conclusion
Evita, I’m so glad to have found “Evolving Beings” …and “Wellness” and “Scenes.” Your mind-body-spirit Web site is like pulling up a chair to my childhood supper table. I love it! The holistic concept was instilled in me since I first learned to pay attention to my parents’ conversations. They were ahead of their time, at least where I’m from, and certainly different in this way from anyone I knew. The integration of each aspect of our being into a single whole is required for us to feel complete peace, inside and out. That you promote this so clearly on your “Evolving” Web site is a beautiful gift to everyone. In fact, I would hope that anyone reading one of your blogs is also reading the others!
44 Comments to “Evolving Being In Action: Julie Riddle”
Hi Evita ~ That was a really good read. Julie Riddle is an inspiration for me, especially as I have journeyed a similar road…perhaps we all do to some extent.
“Everything is Spirit, the trick is to recognise it” (Rev. John Chapman)
xhenry
“Life is good and life is fun and life is for enjoying. I see no reason for the alternative.”
Julie, this is wonderful and this is the spirit that jumped right through my computer screen when I read your blog the first time.
Your story from where you were then to where you are now is an inspiration to all and I’m happy and grateful you’re my friend!
Hi Evita. Thanks for giving Julie this “space”. I’m sure glad she thought of something to say :-) I love everything about this piece. I’m having difficulty picking just ONE phrase to quote, but I’ve managed to pull it off. “We don’t just float through life. We create it” I love this, and you know what? If we can get that, then we can float through the challenges! Julie, there is no “riddle” about you. Thank you for sharing your story. You are truly an inspiration.
Evita, I love the concept behind your new series here. What a wonderful idea to shed light on those you know who are living all you talk about! And having Julie as your first “evolving being”…what a completely wonderful choice!
Julie, thank you for sharing so openly your story. I know you only now, and what I see is love in action. And you as someone who is deeply connected with your soul. And this is something I personally connect so deeply with myself. Julie, know that hearing your story is important. What you’ve overcome to get back to those childhood days – how awesome! I feel so lucky to know you, you have been a true blessing in my life.
Julie, thank you, so much – for sharing your story here today. My life is so much better because our paths have crossed. Thank you for being “you”…
@ SOULMERLIN – Thanks Henry, I had no doubt that Julie’s story is going to shed a lot of light and meaning on many people life!
@ TESSTHEBOLDLIFE – Thank you Tess for stopping by to read Julie’s story :)
@ DAVINA – It was really my pleasure!
@ LANCE – Thanks Lance! I think as we all learn, grow and evolve together, it makes the journey that much more fun!
Julie, a HUGE thank you for your courage, warmth and inspiration. Thank you once again for taking the time to share your story with us, it will I have no doubt serve as a beacon of light for many souls out there.
As we learn and grow together, we remember who we truly are! We are the signposts along the way for all of us to walk towards the light always!
Thank you and blessings to you today and for the future as you continue to evolve and come to know the highest versions of yourself!
@ soulMerlin: Wow, your words warm my heart, Henry. I had hoped something I shared here might help another, because, as you say, we’ve all had our own versions of similar experiences. Trials are trials, and we each make our way through them as best we can, but sometimes a little boost from another can give us the bit of hope we need. The quote you added is the perfect complement! You are very wise. Thank you. PS: I just love your moniker. :)
@ Tess: Thank you, and I’m so glad to be your friend, too! Yes, sometimes that inner spirit just won’t be contained, and that line you picked out was one of those times. That one just bubbled up and rolled right out, and I’m so glad it did, because I really do believe this; in fact, it’s the basis of who I am. And, Tess? …it’s who YOU are, too! :)
@ Davina: You made me laugh out loud! Yes, no one ever said I’m stingy with my words. ;) You know, Davina? …that line you picked out is something that has taken me for-EVER to learn!! How come no one tells us this from the get-go?? It’s one of the great secrets of life, and it shouldn’t be one at all. Thank you for all your wonderful support, Davina! I’m so happy and grateful for your friendship.
@ Lance: You are always so supportive and encouraging! Thank you so much. “Deeply connected to your soul” are the key words. You’ve pegged it! When we remember ourselves, our deepest and truest selves, we finally feel strong and sure and filled with the emotional freedom that comes from knowing that pure love within. Thank you for your cyber-hugs, Lance. You lift and lead me by showing your OWN bright and generous spirit. :)
Evita, I can deny you nothing! :)
“Learning and growing together…” Evita, if it hadn’t been for so many loving people who are themselves examples I look to, and for all manner of inspiration found in the unlikeliest of places, and for others’ writings… Well, yes indeed, we all DO help each other! We are a community, and as I was helped, I am hoping I may help another. So I thank you, very much, for the opportunity to offer something, anything…
And as for that highest version of myself you mentioned? I’m still, always, striving to become one with her. Sites like Evolving Beings (and Wellness and Scenes) help remind me there are several facets to myself and to not overlook ANY of them as I continue enjoying ALL the nuances of being human! Thank you, Evita. :)
Hi Evita,
What a fabulous interview with a beautiful soul. I love the part where Julie said, “Goodness is everywhere. It’s just a matter of perception.” Such a powerful and true statement.
Barbara, you honor me, and I truly don’t know what to say. Thank you! Yes, that statement is powerful. It could be a mantra helping to lift our eyes away from our burdens…
@ BARBARA – Hi Barbara, yes indeed Julie is indeed a beautiful soul and it was an honor to feature her story!
Evita, what a beautiful and inspiring story! It shows that no matter how hard life can be, change is always a choice, and it is always possible. Everyone can, we all have the inner tools to do so.
As Julie says, the reality that we experience is only a matter of perception, and how we react to it. As we change our perception to the present circumstances, we also change the blueprint of what is to come, because the unified field of vibrations responds accordingly. It’s really about making that initial choice, that initiates change. It’s about having that inner desire to reach the better part of us that will help create a better world for everyone else. Any moment is a good moment, because it is in the eternal Now that we mold reality.
Hi Evita, what an inspiring piece. It is amazing how difficult times in our lives is really what shapes us for all the other times. She took responsibility for who she had become and the power to change who she was.
I think a huge realization that she came to was about perception.
“Things and experiences aren’t inherently good or bad; it’s our perception of them that determines how we feel about them.”
This is so true! It is our perceptions that determine how we feel about anything.
When we reach a state that we do not judge the situation that is the point of blissfulness.
Bliss: A state of being where anything you encounter does not get judged it gets experienced in order to facilitate growth, its reason for being is to facilitate your spiritual path.
When we don’t judge the situation many wonderful things can occur. Julie is in such a powerful place spiritually.
Hi Evita and Julie – thanks for sharing this. Julie – your father’s suicide must have been traumatic for you – thank you for sharing your healing journey. I’ve heard several recommendations for the Louise Hay book – it must be powerful.
@ PALMA – Thanks Palma, Julie really does offer amazing insight to us all! And I am so blessed that we can all grow and learn together in this way.
Reality indeed is a perception and by becoming aware of that, we can definitely make a better world for all!
@ REGINALD – You said it so beautifully and summarized Julie’s message and experience well!
Julie is indeed in an amazing place spiritually and I hope for her story to move and touch many more lives, as her writing continues to do so.
@ CATH – You are so very welcome Cath, and I owe all the thanks to Julie for her willingness to share and inspire us all with her journey.
@ Palma: It’s nice to meet you, and thank you. You are right: No matter how hard life is, graceful acceptance of the changes that come is always a choice.
Gosh, I’ve always resisted change, mightily! But change happens whether we want it or not, the easy way or the hard way, so we might as well learn to find acceptance, at the very least, but it’s FAR better to embrace it when it arrives. No matter what kind of change it is. You know, my employer had to enforce an organization-wide furlough (days off each pay period without pay) for six months in order to save money. And a remarkable, most amazing thing happened: Everyone embraced it! When the announcement came, thousands of employees laughed and shrugged and chatted and agreed it was great to have a job, talked about all the things they’d do on their new “day off,” and the overall atmosphere was one of community closing in, in camaraderie. We’re talking tens of thousands of people!
I see that as a huge sign of hope for us all, that we can all learn to come together as a group called humanity and adapt and bend and embrace and just be, flowing with what life brings. That’s my dream. Well, that’s one of them, anyway. ;)
@ Reginald: I’m pleased to meet you, and thank you. You’re SO right! Learning about perception was one of the biggest “ah-ha!” moments of my life. Why isn’t this required reading in school, hm? ;) It took me such a very long time to understand the connection between perception and judgement. …and how so MANY seemingly innocent thoughts I had were really judgements in disguise. I remember one time in particular mentally thanking someone for the hurt they were causing me, because I actually realized that she was really one of my greatest teachers in life, giving me a situation that was so painful that I couldn’t escape dealing with it. I needed to see that the nature of reality is that things just are and that it was me putting my own spin on things, and that that’s what every one of us does, too.
Your word was “blissful,” and it’s so true. I liken it to floating over rough water. Or being like a tree just gracefully bending in the wind, but anchored securely. Perception without judgement. It is a most exquisite feeling. :)
@ Cath: Hi, Cath. It’s nice to see you. :) Yes, Dad’s passing was shocking. No good-byes, so many questions, and so many problems that came, and lasted… Unbelievably difficult. Yet we are not a family of victims and would never have considered anything other than just figuring out how to get through one day at a time, until we could handle a little more. I’ve found this is a great way to handle just about anything. :)
Louise’s book is a book of emotion: happy hope. The wisdom it holds sneaks in behind the uplifting feeling it brings, springing little bits of “oh, yes I see!” here and there. It’s light and cheery and strong, and the color… Well, the color is a little measure of healing all on its own. It’s one of my keeper books, even though it’s not a weighty tome; perhaps because of that. ;)
This interview offers intimate insight into a truly extraordinary person. I am familiar with Julie’s blog and this dialogue strengthens connections I feel to her personal journey. You encourage candidness and release of thoughts and feelings that gain new meaning through sharing. This section is a wonderful addition to your blog. Also love the new look of this website!
@ LIARA – Thanks so much Liara – the feedback is greatly appreciated! I hope the new series allows more people to open, learn, grow and feel comfortable to share their own story and thus to inspire yet even more of us out there!
Liara, I feel the connection, too, and am SO grateful for it. Thank you. :) And, yes, Evita’s exuberant warmth is what helped me be open here. I’m glad for that, and hope that it allows others to feel more comfortable, too—so we all may grow together!
Evita – thank you for starting this series and with such a fully wonder woman to courageously share her story and ideas.
Julie- thank you for courageously sharing your story and ideas and for all the good emails. I have the book for the plane! I just love Louise Hay’s book and get her newsletter and Dr. Northrup’s – nice to surround the self with the good stuff of living.
Perception is such an important element in life and sometimes when we get a good nudge it can spark the changes we need to make to change that perception.
Thank you so much for your good words and getting them out and about.
Patricia, thank you and you’re welcome. It’s my pleasure! You’re right that surrounding ourselves with the things that lift us is so important. I’d not known about these newsletters. Enjoy your wonderful reading while you enjoy your fabulous trip! :)
Evita, This is my first time visiting Evolving Beings. I’ll enjoy exploring around this site; looks like a lot of interesting topics.
Hi Julie, What a fascinating post, I learned so much about you. I like how you say, “everything we experience is simply a matter of perception…whatever is simply is.”
@ PATRICIA – Thanks Patricia! I am very grateful for Julie for being who she is indeed and starting this series, which I hope will help and inspire many people to continue on their own journeys of neverending growth and evolution.
Thank you for your visit!
@ DIANE – Hello Diane and welcome! It is a pleasure to meet you :)
Hi, Diane, I’m so glad you came over to “Evolving Beings.” There IS so much here, and Evita is adept at researching her topics and organizing everything so efficiently. Visit her “Wellness” and “Scenes,” too, for a balanced experience. You’ll likely soon feel right at home and look forward to each post as much as I do! :)
This is truly lovely and told from the heart and soul. I think the most powerful thing here for me is not the specifics of Julie’s life or even what she did to heal, although I’m sure many will relate to aspects of her path, life events and tools used for healing.
But for me the most potent thing here was the parts of the story that were told honestly, where Julie laid bare her soul. I think it is SO important to share the events of our lives that can “appear” painful or messy, and so forth. Because these events make us feel more real.
Not everyone may understand or even be able to embrace them in another person, let alone themselves….not without judgment or a need to contextualize other people’s experiences. BUT there will be those who will feel freed through reading about the honest trauma or pain of another person, and go on to feel that they are not so weird, or that they are not alone, or that Life is made more real, or that they too can embrace all of Life without censor or judgment, or that they can look at the events of their lives as having lessons and purpose.
The most amazing people I know have lived rich lives FILLED with every experience under the sun..including the what appear to be the more “messy” or painful experiences. These experiences (if we allow them to) can forge great strength of character and give us insight and depth, which can help others.
My hugs and love to both Julie and you, Evita.
Robin
Thank you, Robin. This was our hope.
May I add that I hope, also, this will help us all love and accept and help each other more, despite all circumstances, appearances, experiences, behaviors, understandings… Despite, well, everything. In honest sharing, in connecting in this way, we can create happy peace.
@ ROBIN – Thank you so much for stopping by and reading Julie’s story and I will echo her words, when she says “this was our hope.”
May many more people out there be moved to see more than they ever thought possible, to know more deeply who they are simply by venturing deeper into their souls and allowing the magnificence to shine through.
What we believe about ourselves and the world really does shape our experiences and life patterns, and so may we start to become more and more conscious of the magnificence too that awaits us in each moment, for that is what gives us growth.
What a beautiful story, thank you.
I am one of the lucky people of this world who has known Julie for years and who gets to hug her for “real.” All that you’ve read here is really her. There is no pretense, Julie has wisdom that runs deep and wide. I will be the first person in line for her books (plural).
Good journeys, wherever they may lead.
@ DEANNA – Thank you for stopping by Deanna! And I am sure you know how lucky you are to know Julie physically, not just virtually ;)
This is all Julie’s story and experiences here, that she has written and shared with us, and for that I know all who have read, this feel touched by her presence!
Evita you’ve done it again, touched on so many points to ponder and lament in life in order to move forward. I also feel blessed that I found your site and it will help me share insight as to what we must do in order to live life and it is a daily journey.
Hugs and blessings
Dorothy from gammology
grammology.com
Would you consider guest posting on our site…and I do think this is a special article..
@ DOROTHY – I am glad you liked this story, as it is an exceptional one. However it is not written by me, but by Julie Riddle, it is her sharing with us how she has and is growing along her own path of being an “Evolving Being”.
Hugs and blessings to you too Dorothy and I will definitely be in touch about doing a guest post.
Dear Deanna, my life is immensely richer for YOUR friendship. I am the lucky one. Love you so much! ~ Julie
~ ~ ~
Dorothy, hi and thank you. I’m glad you found my story useful. Yes, Evita’s site is chock full of precious insights and her spirit infuses each of them with the enthusiasm of life. Hers is a must-read for anyone interested in pursuing spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional growth!
Wow. Your life struggles – the things you went through. You are a strong person.
Hi, Vered. I’m honored you came by and took the time to read my “book.” Thank you. For many years, I felt anything but strong. You know how Lance is so introspective, wondering how he can apply within himself the concepts and ideas he runs across? That’s what I did. I learned that my strength and well-being start with the thoughts I hold. Everything flows from there. It’s really very simple, in concept. With enough practice, it becomes very simple in reality, too. It really does.
Evita — I am discovering even more at this site today. I love this interview with Julie!
Julie — Your journey has been remarkable. I believe we have to break our life’s mirror, then pick up the pieces and create something new with them. The new thing we create becomes another life mirror that we must eventually break and recreate.
It’s not the breaking that’s important; it’s the ability to create something new from the shards of the old. Your story in this interview is a perfect example of creating a new life mirror. Thank you for sharing it:~)
Julie,
While I didn’t know you until this last year – what I’ve witnessed is that your thoughts most definitely come from deep within your being. And there is so much strength in that – a strength of character – because it’s from your core. And yes, the concept is simple. Putting that concept into action…that’s where the challenge comes. And I believe it’s a challenge because it’s hard to listen to (or maybe for) the deep inner voice. Julie, you do, you get it, and what comes from that is a strength that is so filled with peace and love…
Sara,
I love the idea of creating a new “life mirror”. And when we do, and it’s held together by the glue of our soul…it’s an image of our true self, and something that can’t be broken…
Keep on exploring here, you’ll find treasures around every corner…
Lance, you’re right that it’s often hard to listen to our deep inner voices. Yet, as I’m certain you know, once we have a taste of that divine communication, our desire for more of it urges us to seek it more often, setting up a snowball effect. It truly does become easier to tune out the “noise” any time we choose. It’s in the choosing that we gain. I love your phrasing: “strength that is so filled with peace and love.” It’s said by one who feels it—and it shows in you, Lance.
Sara, you understand that life is a matter of continually remaking ourselves. It took me a very long time to realize this. Always a perfectionist looking for the perfect ending and the happily-ever-after of a smooth and peaceful life (how boring!), I now direct my perfectionism toward observing myself, seeing how I influence the circumstances of my life, how I create my life by the thoughts I hold. What I found was excitement and joy and freedom—the freedom to adjust and adapt to all the change that is life. “Going with the flow” actually has meaning, now. What I’ve also learned is that life offers us myriad opportunities to strengthen, as Lance says, the glue that binds us to our souls and, as you say, to piece together a new mirror.
@ VERED – Thank you for your visit and taking the time out to read Julie’s amazing story!
@ SARA – That is wonderful to hear! I am so glad you found Julie’s story as well!!! It is a must-read, as life is presented in so many amazing angles here. There were the so-called struggles and then there was the CHOICE of how to deal with them, what kind of meaning to give them and the choices Julie made, in my eyes have lead to great freedom and triumph about not being a victim but finding a higher version of herself then she perhaps knew she could.
Thank you for sharing so much of yourself here Julie!
Juliet, hi! It’s been a long time… You’re quite welcome and it was my honor. And if it weren’t for Evita… I DO thank her, for creating such a warm and welcoming environment. Hugs, Juliet. :)
Julie,
From where I’m sitting, each word you write that I read makes a tremendous difference for me…you inspiire! thank you!
Congratulations on being the one to start this wonderful series! Hugs!
@ JULIET – Hello Juliet and I am so happy to had a chance to read Julie’s story too. It is exceptional to see what a person can overcome and how they choose to be transformed by it – an inspirational masterpiece Julie provided us with indeed!
@ HENIE – Hello Henie and wonderful to see you here! I am so glad you had a chance to read Julie’s story, it will I have no doubt make a huge difference to many people in the world.
Henie, you are so gracious! Thank you very much for telling me. It was our hope, Evita’s and mine, that what I chose to share here on Evolving Beings would be helpful to others. I’m so glad you think so.
[...] been on a quest, searching for holistic balance, and some of that search is shared in our Evolving Beings interview. And while I’ll address physical health here, you will still see overlap with mental and [...]