My Gratitudes - Thursday, July 30, 2020

"A day without laughter is a day wasted!" ~ Charlie Chaplin

It has been said that laughter is the best medicine.  And I, for one, sincerely believe that.  I actually did a little research on this subject and discovered that there are actually physical, emotional and mental benefits to good laugh. 

Many experts agree that laughter is a great stress reliever.  We all are very well aware as to what stress does to the body, not to mention your emotional & mental health.  Everything in the body gets all tense and tight.  But when you laugh, it actually induces a physical change in your body. 

According to the Mayo Clinic Laughter can:

Stimulate many organs.  Did you know that laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air?  It's true!  Laughter stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and it increases endorphins that are released by your brain. 

Activate and relieve your stress response.  Laughter fires up and then cools down your stress response! Not only that, it can increase and then decrease your heart rate & blood pressure.  The result?  A good, relaxed feeling! 

Wait!  There's More!!!  There are actually long-term effects to laughter!  Oh yes!!! It isn't just a quick pick-me-up!  Oh No! 

Per the Mayo Clinic, Laughter may:

Improve your immune system.  Now as most of us know (or should know) negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can, and do in many cases, affect our body.  It does this by bringing on more stress into our system, decreasing our immunity.   Positive thoughts on the other hand can actually release neuropeptides that help fight stress and ... potentially more serious illnesses!

Relieve pain.  I really love this one!  According to the Mayo Clinic, laughter may ease pain by causing the body to produce its own natural painkillers. 

Improve your mood.  Now this one... I truly believe!!!  It's really hard to be in a bad or sad mood when you laugh.   Laughter can help lessen your depression and anxiety and may make you feel happier!  I do believe that!  I really do!

 click HERE  to read the entire article about Stress relief from Laughter

(Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/)

Laughter is truly a gift that has some great benefits.   I enjoy the sound of laughter.  And I really love a good laugh!  Especially one that has me rushing to the nearest bathroom!

In these trying times it can prove difficult to find anything to smile about let alone laugh about!  But I bet if you try you can find something that will get you laughing. Start by turning off the news and putting on some comedy shows!  But just for today, find something that makes you laugh!

 Gratitude and laughing and smiling go hand in hand.  When you are truly grateful, you will find yourself smiling and yes, even chuckling at life's little twists and turns.

I Am so Very Grateful to be able to laugh.  I enjoy the sound of laughter, mine and others!  I love how laughter soothes my nerves, calms me down, and puts me in a really good mood!

I Am so Very Grateful for how Laughter makes my heart and lungs take in more oxygen.  Improves my heart rate and my blood flow! 

I Am so Very Grateful for Laughter.  I Am so very, very Thankful how Mother & Father God Creators bestowed us with this incredible gift. 

I Am so Very Grateful for each day I can find something that makes me laugh!  I love to laugh!  And I love to see and hear others laugh!

I Am so Very Grateful for This day!  This here!  This now!  I am so Very Grateful!

I Am So Very Grateful for all the comedians that work so very had to bring us laughter!  Their gifts are so very much appreciated!

I Am So Very Grateful for all the writers of comedy who share their talents, their gifts and their bliss with the world.  Thank you for the laughs!  Thank you for the Smiles!

I Am so Very Grateful for each of You!  I Love your smiles!  I Love your Laughter!  I Love You for being YOU!

I Am So Very Grateful for all my comedy shows.  So Very grateful for the good feeling that laughing from their story lines have given me, and continue to give me.  So grateful for the memories of those shows--brings a smile and a chuckle or two! 

I Am So Very Grateful for the venues such as Netflix, Hulu, CBS All Access, and other on line streaming that brings us new comedies and allows us to watch all of our old comedies!  So very grateful for these!  Thank you! 


Embrace ALL that you are! 
For YOU ... are ALL that there is!








Known as The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape, Julia has made it her personal mission to put Reality back into Spirituality™. Julia sets out to assist people in expanding their conscious awareness through her rather unique and personal take on the human experience. 

In the style of Erma Bombeck, Julia utilizes her own brand of humor and down to earth demeanor to get her messages across in an all so delightful way. 

PLEASE NOTE:  All artwork, unless otherwise specified, are the property of the individual artists themselves. The author of these blogs claims no ownership of the original artwork, but only of the sig tags created using said artwork. Each sig tag shown on these blogs include the appropriate copyright information of the Artists and the unique licensure for use.

Reproduction and copying of said work without proper authority is strictly prohibited

Queer Eye Love Project

Netflix reboot of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy has everybody watching in tears.  Tears of Joy!  If you haven't watched it yet -- I'm going to pass on a word of advice -- something Netflix didn't bother passing along to me or the millions of others who fist partook --make damn sure you have a full box of hankies next to you!    Seriously!  Netflix should have a some kind of warning before each episode!  Hankie Alert!  Only watch if you have a box of Kleenex!  Or something along those lines!  

I never watched the original.  Oh I knew about it, one of my sons (who is gay) watched it religiously.   I was neither interested nor  really had the time.  Being a single working mother left me little energy or interest during those days.  I was, however,  over the top pleased that my gay son had something to watch that he could relate to and learn from.  

Now before I go any further, and for those of you who don't know me, I am one of these people who don't give a rat's ass if you're gay, straight, black, white, yellow or green. Male or female. Fat, skinny or somewhere in between.  You are what you are and I accept you as is.  And if you're any of those before mentioned individuals who suddenly find yourself presented with a show that reflects your beliefs, life style whatever ... I am happy for you.    But that's as far as it goes for me personally.  You see,  I never comprehended the HUGE deal over being gay, black, brown, female or whatever anyways.  Still don't!   All I see is PEOPLE!  People with various likes and dislikes shapes, forms, sizes, colors.  So it was (and still is) difficult for me to wrap my head around what a deal it was, is and continues to be.   It's like flowers.  You got all these different colors of flowers.  They're still flowers no matter what color they are.  People - flowers - same diff to me!  You are what you are and that makes for a gorgeous garden!

Anyways .... moving along here ... 

So when  Queer Eye reboot hit Netflix I thought well there ain't nothing else on might as well give it a shot!   I wasn't prepared for the impact it would have on me.  I later found out on the QE Face Book page that I wasn't the only one.  And this got me to thinking about the original.   So I hunted down free full episodes on line and watched them.   Yes, the originals lived up to their TV show moniker The Fab Five, but they just didn't quite pluck the old heartstrings like their present day counter-parts.   What was different?  What was it that set these guys apart?  And then it dawned on me!

The Epiphany

The new Fab Five is the confirmation of all that hard work for acceptance, compassion, empathy and understanding of those different from ourselves is finally paying off!   It is reassurance that we haven't been spinning our wheels!  It is happening, unfolding and working!  

All those of like mind, as a whole,  have been confirmed and affirmed that these attributes are alive and well!  The human race actually has a chance for redemption.  All is not lost as some would believe!   Yessssss QUEEN!

Those of us watching these five fabulous A.F. young men,  see the fruit of our collective energies working through them, manifesting and expanding.   We  know this in our hearts.  Our tears of joy is our soul's applause for a job well done! 
These beautiful souls, these magnificent beings of light are living proof of that!

I now understand that the original Fab Five were the awesome heralds of what was coming!  They were the torch bearers of a brilliant light that opened the way.  (Little did any of us know how bright that light would become!)  We all will be forever grateful to them.   

Who would have thought that five Queens could bring out so much in one Empress?!! 

I know it all goes much deeper than what I have shared with you here.  But this Empress will leave that for another time!  At least for the time being.

My heart overflows with so much love and gratitude for these young men! The world and my life is so much richer knowing they are here working that love thang.  And I thank ALL who had a hand in bringing them into our lives!  

 To Tan, Karamo, Antoni, Bobby and Jonathan ...

THANK YOU!  

 Yes!  I'm on Face Book!  Just  Click HERE   Or click on the icon below.

Known as The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape, Julia has made it her personal mission to put Reality back into Spirituality™. Julia sets out to assist people in expanding their conscious awareness through her rather unique and personal take on the human experience. 

In the style of Erma Bombeck, Julia utilizes her own brand of humor and down to earth demeanor to get her messages across in an all so delightful way. 

PLEASE NOTE:  All artwork, unless otherwise specified, are the property of the individual artists themselves. The author of these blogs claims no ownership of the original artwork, but only of the sig tags created using said artwork. Each sig tag shown on these blogs include the appropriate copyright information of the Artists and the unique licensure for use.

Reproduction and copying of said work without proper authority is strictly prohibited




Unless otherwise specified, ALL articles on this Blogger are the property of Julia K. Cole.  The ZEN of Duct Tape™, it's name, teachings, modalities, and all excerpts; the nicknames The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape™,  The Duct Tape Diva™; Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality™, Reality back into Spirituality™ are the property and trade marks of Julia K. Cole and are protected under Copy Right Laws both here in the USA and Around The World.  

All Rights Reserved©™

Now More Than Ever ...

Now more than ever...We all need to focus our calm, all of  our strength and love to to those filled with hurt, frustration and so much angst.

Now more than ever...We must, with deliberate intention, cast a protective dome of loving energy around not only our nation, but the entire world.

Now more than ever...We must pray for those living in the darkness.  Pray that the light of the Divine Creators surround all who stand with so much anger in their hearts.  Pray for them.  Pray for them with all the loving intent you can muster. 

Now more than ever...Use your love to embrace them, ask for the Divine to absorb their angst—absorb their hatred and jealously—and so on.  Pray that their eyes are opened to see the truth.  Not our truth…but THE truth.   So that all may be healed. 

Now more than ever...Pray that those who have allowed their bitterness to motivate their hurtful actions  be given a calm heart and calm mind.  Just as you pray for one another to have this calmness…pray also for those who have have lost their way, whose darkened hearts promote so much violence.  Pray for them most of all.  

Now more than ever...Center yourselves and expand your love to these especially.   Pray for their troubled hearts to heal.   Pray for them as you pray for your own families, your friends, all of your loved ones.  

Now more than ever...Pray with the intent to bring healing…to bring calm and peace of mind.  Pray that they come out of their zombie-like  state and return to the living. Return to love and joy; return to peace and calm. 

Now more than ever...Pray for those who seek to do deliberate harm to others for whatever reason that they believe they have to come back into Love.  Pray  so that our energies may lead not only them, but all of us, back to the beautiful and calming embrace of Love 


Amen.



I know many of you are already doing this—because I can feel you and sense your beautiful energies.   And it is making a difference.  It is.  More difference than you can see with your physical eye—more difference than you will ever know.  I know you are tired.  I know you just want to quit.   I know how overwhelming it all is.   But we are so close now.   Just remember...you are not alone.   Never--not now or ever.  

About Julia K. Cole

What can you expect from someone who considers Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality a personal calling? Straight forward answers that lead to life-changing experiences on a soul level!

Known as The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape, Julia has made it her personal mission to put Reality back into Spirituality™. Julia sets out to assist people in expanding their conscious awareness through her rather unique and personal take on the human experience. 

In the style of Erma Bombeck, Julia utilizes her own brand of humor and down to earth demeanor to get her messages across in an all so delightful way. 

As a writer, Julia is a virtual powerhouse of creativity.  Among Julia's literary accomplishments is  the  Children of the Luminaries  trilogy;  Book One: The Coming Storm can be purchased by clicking Here.   

Book Two  of the trilogy is due out in the Fall of 2015 and Book Three will be available in 2016.  The long anticipated ZEN of Duct Tape:  An Empress Is Born will be out in 2016.  As well as The Teddy Mitchell Chronicles.

Julia has also contributed to several other publications including Brad Steiger's  Real Zombies, The Living Dead, and Creatures of the Apocalypse  and Marie D. Jones' Destiny vs. Choice 

PLEASE NOTE:  All artwork, unless otherwise specified, are the property of the individual artists themselves. The author of these blogs claims no ownership of the original artwork, but only of the sig tags created using said artwork. Each sig tag shown on these blogs include the appropriate copyright information of the Artists and the unique licensure for use.

Reproduction and copying of said work without proper authority is strictly prohibited Unless otherwise specified, ALL articles on this Blogger are the property of Julia K. Cole.  The ZEN of Duct Tape™, it's name, teachings, modalities, and all excerpts; the nicknames The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape™,  The Duct Tape Diva™; Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality™, Reality back into Spirituality™ are the property and trade marks of Julia K. Cole and are protected under Copy Right Laws both here in the USA and Around The World. 

 

 

Valentine Sig Tags 2016 Part 3

Valentine Sig Tags 2016 Part 3 featuring the beautiful artwork of Barbara Jensen,  Stan Dudin and Very Many!

Valentine Sig Tags 2016 Part 2

Some more Valentine Sig Tags 2016.  All Featuring one of my all time favorite artist ©Very Many and the scrap kits are by Pink Paradox!  Enjoy!

Valentine Sig Tags 2016 Part 1

My first Valentine Sig Tags for the new year!  Featuring the lovely artwork of Keith Garvey, Trinita and Very Many!

To Stress or Not to Stress...

For the past few days I have been grappling with stress.  Mostly work related.  What I have noticed about stress is (1) it really locks up your body and makes it hurt; and (2) it's stressful!  *big smile*


To stress my point on stress and stress release (pun intended) I share with you the following story:

 A young lady confidently walked around the room while leading and explaining stress management to an audience with a raised glass of water.   

Everyone knew she was going to ask the ultimate question, 'half empty or half  full?'... She fooled them all .... "How heavy is this glass of water?" she inquired with a smile.

Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. To 20 oz.

She replied , "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long I hold it.  If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm.   If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an Ambulance. In each case it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes." She continued, "and that's the way it is with stress. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we
won't be able to carry on."

"As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden - holding stress longer and better each time practiced.

So, as early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don't carry them through the evening and into the night... Pick them up tomorrow.

1 * Accept the fact that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue!

2 * Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.

3 * Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.

4 * Drive carefully... It's not only cars that can be recalled by their Maker.

5 * If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.

6 * If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.

7 * It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.

8 * Never buy a car you can't push.

9 * Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.

10 * Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.

11 * Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.

12 * The 2nd mouse gets the cheese.

13 * When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

14 * Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.

15 * Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once.

16 * We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.

17 * A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

18 * Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought about you today.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY

19 *Save the earth..... It's the only planet with chocolate!* 

I THINK !!!!
 

 There is one more I would like to add to the list...SMILE! 

Not only does it relieve stress but it makes people wonder what you're up to!  *LOLOL*

About Julia K. Cole

What can you expect from someone who considers Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality a personal calling? Straight forward answers that lead to life-changing experiences on a soul level!

Known as The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape, Julia has made it her personal mission to put Reality back into Spirituality™. Julia sets out to assist people in expanding their conscious awareness through her rather unique and personal take on the human experience. 

In the style of Erma Bombeck, Julia utilizes her own brand of humor and down to earth demeanor to get her messages across in an all so delightful way. 

As a writer, Julia is a virtual powerhouse of creativity.  Among Julia's literary accomplishments is  the  Children of the Luminaries  trilogy;  Book One: The Coming Storm can be purchased by clicking Here.   

Book Two  of the trilogy is due out in the Fall of 2015 and Book Three will be available in 2016.  The long anticipated ZEN of Duct Tape:  An Empress Is Born will be out in 2016.  As well as The Teddy Mitchell Chronicles.

Julia has also contributed to several other publications including Brad Steiger's  Real Zombies, The Living Dead, and Creatures of the Apocalypse  and Marie D. Jones' Destiny vs. Choice 


PLEASE NOTE:  All artwork, unless otherwise specified, are the property of the individual artists themselves. The author of these blogs claims no ownership of the original artwork, but only of the sig tags created using said artwork. Each sig tag shown on these blogs include the appropriate copyright information of the Artists and the unique licensure for use.

Reproduction and copying of said work without proper authority is strictly prohibited Unless otherwise specified, ALL articles on this Blogger are the property of Julia K. Cole.  The ZEN of Duct Tape™, it's name, teachings, modalities, and all excerpts; the nicknames The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape™,  The Duct Tape Diva™; Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality™, Reality back into Spirituality™ are the property and trade marks of Julia K. Cole and are protected under Copy Right Laws both here in the USA and Around The World. 

 

 

NATIONAL CAT DAY!!! =^ . . ^=

I have cats and they are all my little furry babies that I love, love, LOVE!

Today is National Cat Day!  Which if you're a cat lover like moi--that's every day of the week!  *LOL*

Interesting Fun Fact about National Cat Day from Wikipedia:

National Cat Day was founded by animal welfare advocates Colleen Paige and Adam Olis. It is a celebration that takes place on October 29, every year in the United States.^[1] The National Cat Day website states that the holiday was first celebrated in 2005 by Obi, "to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of cats that need to be rescued each year and also to encourage cat lovers to celebrate the cat(s) in their life for the unconditional love and companionship they bestow upon us." The day is supported by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a nonprofit organization which also works to encourage pet adoption.^[

An International Cat Day, August 8th, was created in 2002, by the International Fund for Animal Welfare^] World Cat Day is celebrated on 17 February, in much of Europe and on 1 March, in Russia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Cat_Day

And here are Some fun ways to celebrate Click HERE


Cats bring into your life wonderful ... MEOW-mories!  *LOL*

About Julia K. Cole

What can you expect from someone who considers Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality a personal calling? Straight forward answers that lead to life-changing experiences on a soul level!

Known as The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape, Julia has made it her personal mission to put Reality back into Spirituality™. Julia sets out to assist people in expanding their conscious awareness through her rather unique and personal take on the human experience. 

In the style of Erma Bombeck, Julia utilizes her own brand of humor and down to earth demeanor to get her messages across in an all so delightful way. 

As a writer, Julia is a virtual powerhouse of creativity.  Among Julia's literary accomplishments is  the  Children of the Luminaries  trilogy;  Book One: The Coming Storm can be purchased by clicking Here.   

Book Two  of the trilogy is due out in the Fall of 2015 and Book Three will be available in 2016.  The long anticipated ZEN of Duct Tape:  An Empress Is Born will be out in 2016.  As well as the Teddy Mitchell Chronicles.

Julia has also contributed to several other publications including Brad Steiger's  Real Zombies, The Living Dead, and Creatures of the Apocalypse  Click HERE for the review; and Marie D. Jones' Destiny vs. Choice  Click HERE    

PLEASE NOTE:  All artwork, unless otherwise specified, are the property of the individual artists themselves. The author of these blogs claims no ownership of the original artwork, but only of the sig tags created using said artwork. Each sig tag shown on these blogs include the appropriate copyright information of the Artists and the unique licensure for use.

Reproduction and copying of said work without proper authority is strictly prohibited


Unless otherwise specified, ALL articles on this Blogger are the property of Julia K. Cole.  The ZEN of Duct Tape™, it's name, teachings, modalities, and all excerpts; the nicknames The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape™,  The Duct Tape Diva™; Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality™, Reality back into Spirituality™ are the property and trade marks of Julia K. Cole and are protected under Copy Right Laws both here in the USA and Around The World.  

Valuable Life Lessons

I would like to share with you the lessons by a 90 year old man:) Feel free to spread this around with your friends and family.

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short not to enjoy it.

4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.

5. Don’t buy stuff you don’t need.

6. You don’t have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.

8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for things that matter.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.

12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye… But don’t worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful.  Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

18. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It’s never too late to be happy.  But it’s all up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words, ‘In five years, will this matter?’

27. Always choose Life.

28. Forgive but don’t forget.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give Time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.

35. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d
grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have, not what you think you need.

42. The best is yet to come…

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.

About Julia K. Cole

What can you expect from someone who considers Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality a personal calling? Straight forward answers that lead to life-changing experiences on a soul level!

Known as The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape, Julia has made it her personal mission to put Reality back into Spirituality™. Julia sets out to assist people in expanding their conscious awareness through her rather unique and personal take on the human experience. 

In the style of Erma Bombeck, Julia utilizes her own brand of humor and down to earth demeanor to get her messages across in an all so delightful way. 

As a writer, Julia is a virtual powerhouse of creativity.  Among Julia's literary accomplishments is  the  Children of the Luminaries  trilogy;  Book One: The Coming Storm can be purchased by clicking Here.   

Book Two  of the trilogy is due out in the Fall of 2015 and Book Three will be available in 2016.  The long anticipated ZEN of Duct Tape:  An Empress Is Born will be out in 2016.  As well as the Teddy Mitchell Chronicles.

Julia has also contributed to several other publications including Brad Steiger's  Real Zombies, The Living Dead, and Creatures of the Apocalypse  Click HERE for the review; and Marie D. Jones' Destiny vs. Choice  Click HERE    

PLEASE NOTE:  All artwork, unless otherwise specified, are the property of the individual artists themselves. The author of these blogs claims no ownership of the original artwork, but only of the sig tags created using said artwork. Each sig tag shown on these blogs include the appropriate copyright information of the Artists and the unique licensure for use.

Reproduction and copying of said work without proper authority is strictly prohibited


Unless otherwise specified, ALL articles on this Blogger are the property of Julia K. Cole.  The ZEN of Duct Tape™, it's name, teachings, modalities, and all excerpts; the nicknames The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape™,  The Duct Tape Diva™; Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality™, Reality back into Spirituality™ are the property and trade marks of Julia K. Cole and are protected under Copy Right Laws both here in the USA and Around The World.  

 

Suicide Awareness Part 1

Death.  No matter what shape or form it takes it triggers intense emotions.  Even if we barely knew the person or never met the person we each feel something when we are told of their passing.    And the deep pain of sorrow we feel when an animal passes, be it our pets or an animal in the wild,  is something we all share.

With some it's a deep sense of loss.  With others it is a wake up call.    Bottom line, with each passing, be it human or a beloved pet, Death reminds us how precious and how very short our time on this earth really is.  It touches us down to the very depths of our inner core.  Consciously or unconsciously.

Many often wonder if there was more that could have been done to prevent the death of another.  Especially, and most in particularly, when it comes to suicide.   

Sadly, suicide is still considered taboo.  It is a subject everyone knows about, but very rarely discusses openly and honestly.  Unfortunately, most rather use anger to deal with suicides.  And while I do understand the angst many feel towards suicide, being hostile is not only hurtful, it's pointless.   It's a useless waste of time and energy born out of ignorance.  

Knowledge is a powerful tool that leads to understanding.  Understanding leads to compassion.  Compassion leads to saving lives.  I firmly believe if we all take the time to arm ourselves with the appropriate knowledge and tools we can really help those  thinking and/or planning suicide.    We can help them comprehend that they are not alone, that their burdens can be lifted, that they don't have to be alone to deal whatever it is they are dealing with. Most importantly, maybe--just maybe we can help those in that mind set to see that taking their lives isn't the answer.  Not only that, with the right understanding, we also help those who have lost a loved one to suicide.     Banding together in genuine loving kindness, lending our strength to those in need can, and most certainly does,  make a huge difference!  I know this to be true!

The key to understanding suicide or those contemplating suicide is remembering this...

 Suicide is not chosen!

 It happens when the pain exceeds
resources for coping with pain.

People who are feeling suicidal are not bad people.  They are not crazy, or weak, or flawed.    It doesn't even mean that they really want to die.  It only means that they have more pain than they can cope with.  

And for those of you who are under the misconceive notion that willpower is the answer...Imagine someone piling dozens of 10 pound weights on your shoulders.   Imagine having to carry that amount of weight around every single day.    Eventually you would collapse from the weight itself.  No matter how much you want to remain standing you would fall down and be crushed under all that weight. 

When pain exceeds pain-coping resources, suicidal feelings are the result. 

 

• Suicide is neither wrong nor right.  
• Suicide is morally neutral.
• It is not a defect of character.    
• Suicide is an imbalance of pain versus coping resources.

The Bottom line is this:  Suicide is a very serious matter that  is reaching epidemic proportions.  Again, the only way we can get a handle on this is to get informed and treat everyone as we ourselves would want to be treated.   With respect, kindness, understanding and compassion.  And for the sake of everyone...talk about it! 

There are those who have overcome their contemplations of suicide and lived to tell the tale thus proving suicide can be prevented in many cases.   But prevention can't happen without first arming ourselves with the proper knowledge and the tools to assist those in need. We have to start talking about it!  We have to get informed!  We have to be brave (even if we're scared ourselves) and reach out to those who may be planning to take their life.

Suicide.  Talk about it.  Get the information and don't be afraid to discuss it.  Get yourselves out of the dark ages for crissakes!   Yea, talking about it will jerk your ass out of your comfort zone.  Yes, it will make you angry.  But instead of lashing out in a hurtful manner, try a little kindness, a little compassion.  Try being something other than an ignorant ass.  You'll be better for it.  The whole world will benefit from it.  And maybe...just maybe...together we can save lives.

Source material found at  

 http://www.metanoia.org/suicide/

 http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/getinvolved/suicide-prevention-toolkit.aspx

On August 11, 2014 the world was shocked by the death of beloved entertainer Robin Williams.   On the anniversary of his passing I honor his memory by bringing awareness to this issue of suicide.   

In Loving Memory

SPECIAL NOTE:  Arthur Crowe, the artist of this beautiful rendition of Robin Williams, was provided free of charge.   Mr. Crowe's  artistic gifts clearly represents his admiration and adoration  of the man we all came to know and love through TV,  movies and stage.  But more than that, through his  generosity,  Mr. Crowe allows us  to share our unique expression of our individual devotion of  the  wonderfully magnificent being known as Robin Williams.  
  

Source material found at  http://www.metanoia.org/suicide/

Graphic provided by Arthur Crowe at http://arthurcrowesfactory.com/


 About Julia K. Cole

What can you expect from someone who considers Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality a personal calling? Straight forward answers that lead to life-changing experiences on a soul level!

Known as The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape, Julia has made it her personal mission to put Reality back into Spirituality™. Julia sets out to assist people in expanding their conscious awareness through her rather unique and personal take on the human experience. 

In the style of Erma Bombeck, Julia utilizes her own brand of humor and down to earth demeanor to get her messages across in an all so delightful way. 

As a writer, Julia is a virtual powerhouse of creativity.  Among Julia's literary accomplishments is  the  Children of the Luminaries  trilogy;  Book One: The Coming Storm can be purchased by clicking Here.   

Book Two  of the trilogy is due out in the Fall of 2015 and Book Three will be available in 2016.  The long anticipated ZEN of Duct Tape:  An Empress Is Born will be out in 2016.  As well as the Teddy Mitchell Chronicles.

Julia has also contributed to several other publications including Brad Steiger's  Real Zombies, The Living Dead, and Creatures of the Apocalypse  Click HERE for the review; and Marie D. Jones' Destiny vs. Choice  Click HERE    

PLEASE NOTE:  All artwork, unless otherwise specified, are the property of the individual artists themselves. The author of these blogs claims no ownership of the original artwork, but only of the sig tags created using said artwork. Each sig tag shown on these blogs include the appropriate copyright information of the Artists and the unique licensure for use.

Reproduction and copying of said work without proper authority is strictly prohibited


Unless otherwise specified, ALL articles on this Blogger are the property of Julia K. Cole.  The ZEN of Duct Tape™, it's name, teachings, modalities, and all excerpts; the nicknames The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape™,  The Duct Tape Diva™; Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality™, Reality back into Spirituality™ are the property and trade marks of Julia K. Cole and are protected under Copy Right Laws both here in the USA and Around The World.