Julia K Cole

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Suicide Awareness Part 3: YOU MATTER!

Thousands take their own life each and every day. It saddens me that all those beautiful beings reached the point of no return, leaving this world thinking we would be better off without them.

If you are feeling suicidal please take a few minutes to allow my words to sink in...You are needed! You are wanted! You are loved! Know (and believe) that this world is a better place because you are here. There is so much good you can do. And will do. And me and others know that you're not weak. You're just tired, you're just hurting.

Please listen to the song I've shared here. I know it's kinda cheesy. But it's how I and others who care about you feel deep down.

This song is for you! Know that this is about YOU!

How wonderful life is...now you're in the world!

Please, Click on the link below and just look over the material. Reach out to a trained professional. They care about you. They wouldn't be there if they didn't. No judgments. Just understanding and compassion. Allow them to help lighten that heavy load you're carrying.

http://www.metanoia.org/suicide/

ON TWITTER
If you're dealing w/ difficult emotions right now, @800273TALK is there for anyone struggling 24/7/365. #youmatter

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 2: What You Can Do To Help

If you know of someone who is contemplating suicide, if you even suspect they are, there is something you can do.

o Ask directly if your friend is thinking about suicide.

o Be willing to listen. Allow their expressions of feelings, and accept those feelings.

o Be non-judgmental. Don't debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or whether feelings are good or bad. Don't lecture on the value of life. Focus on being present with their feelings.

o Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.

o Check in with your friend regularly. Schedule times to talk for the next week when you will both be available, to see how they are doing.

o Don't act shocked. This will put distance between you. Be patient with yourself and the situation

o Don't be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.

o Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.

o Take action. Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills

o Get help from agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.

o Encourage (and offer to accompany) your friend to seek help and support from a crisis specialist, therapist, doctor and/or clergy member.

o Show them the safety or “crisis coping plan” on the Lifeline web site, and talk together about your friend can use this to help him/her to cope in these difficult moments.

For more information click HERE

Share and use this resource to help make stronger connections in your own communities and through social media. Use these tips to reach out to those who may be struggling. We can ALL do something to help prevent suicide.

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

http://juliakcole.blogspot.com/2015/08/suicide-awareness-part-1.html

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!

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.

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!

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.

Sunday, August 2, 2015

Cecil's Murder Should Mark an End to Trophy Hunting in Zimbabwe Forever SHARE ON YOUR SOCIAL NETWORKS

In my humble opinion, if these rich bastards who think it's so "cool" to go on pretend safari were forced to turn all of their money over to animal preservation it would send out a VERY strong message to any and all ass holes who think it's okay to stalk and slaughter for their vanity!

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In July 2015, a wealthy American hunter and his local guides lured Cecil, a well-known and beloved lion, off his nature preserve so that the lion could be killed for sport.

The brutality and heartlessness of this act has thrown into light the disgusting reality of trophy hunting and the devastating impact it has on animals and conservation efforts.

So long as the world's wealthy can pay to kill wildlife, whom conservationists work so hard to protect, there will continue to be more cases like Cecil. More animals will die just to stroke the vanity of rich hunters. People should not be permitted to kill Zimbabwe's spectacular wildlife for their amusement. It's sick and wrong.

To Sign the Petition Click HERE

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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!

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.

Saturday, July 25, 2015

The Penguin Song Happy Birthday

TO EVERYONE HAVING A BIRTHDAY TODAY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Happy Birthday Leo!

Like most Leos, I am very proud to be born under this particular sign of the Zodiac. Unless you are a Leo or have never had the privilege to have a Leo in your life, you really don't know how we are.     Though I can't even begin to imagine no one ever knowing a Leo at some point in their life. Wow! Don't even want to think about that! *LOL*

Now for those who do know us, tolerate us and love us and understand us...THANK YOU!    Your friendship and kinship is very much appreciated.

Leos are not the easiest to get along with. But if a Leo loves you, you are loved until the end of days. If you are a true friend to Leo, Leo is loyal to the end of all time or until you fuck up and prove yourselves unworthy. Then it is most definitely clobbering time! *LOL* But it's okay. Leos are very forgiving. They don't like wasting their energies on grudges for the most part. Deity of your choosing forbid if you are one of the unfortunate to be on the receiving end of a Leo's grudge however! It is pretty intense. Trust me!

To my fellow Leos...you guys rock the multi-verses! Yea! I know you already know that! But it's really nice to be told that. C'mon! You know it is! *LOL*

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Leo being, they are royalty! There is no compromise in this regard. The lion is the symbol of our magnificent clan. And it suits us Leos very well. And like the real lion...we Leos are Kings & Queens! Except me. For you see cherished readers of my blog, I am the Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ ! (self proclaimed...of course!) *LOL*

You will discover (if you haven't already) that Leos such as myself are very honorable and devoted. And yes, there are times when we are primarily devoted to our Leo self! But even so, our "subjects" are beloved to we Leo folk.   We are very loyal in that regard.

While Leo is always center stage and full of flair, we will step aside and allow others to enjoy the glow. Well some times.   You see...it's very difficult to not notice a Leo. We are children of the Sun after all! I mean have you ever really tried to not notice the Sun???!!!

Others are attracted to Leo's wit, charm and what they have to say for they speak of things grand and very interesting! They can spin a yarn and tell you things you never considered or even knew! And do it in a very entertaining way.

You will find Leos to be very generous, kind and openhearted people. But just remember this, never mistake their kindness, generosity and openness as a weakness!   Just a healthy reminder to those unfamiliar to the great Leo...they will strike back with force if crossed! Can't stress that enough. But again, no worries, Leos are not one to hold a grudge. They easily forgive, forget and move on.   Well most of the time! *LOL*

Leos are always trying to make things right in the world, they have larger then life emotions and they need to feel like they have accomplished something at the end of the day. They react to situations with action instead of sitting back and thinking about it, they are not impulsive however because they look at the future and consider consequences of their actions.

A Leo person loves love and loves to love. And they love knowing they are needed and wanted. They are very tender and giving to those they deem worthy. And if you give a Leo love, devotion and especially your undivided attention...well you have a friend who will be by your side throughout all eternity. A friend who will defend and protect you at all costs.

Now I ask you...how friggin awesome is THAT???!!!

Click HERE to Read More About Leo

Source: http://zodiac-signs-astrology.com/zodiac-signs/leo.htm

To ALL my fellow Leos ....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

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.

Sunday, July 12, 2015

My 55th Birthday "OR" How Many Quotes Can An Empress Quote Before She Forgets What She's Talking About?

On July 25th I will be 55 years old. Wow! 55 years old. Quite remarkable really! Even if I do say so myself. And I do.

Funny thing about my birthday these last few years.   Each time I have sat down to share my thoughts nothing happens. It's like my mind goes completely blank. It's not like I don't have anything to say. Anyone of you that have read my articles posted here can attest to that!   And it's not that I have any issues talking about myself. My family and close friends can attest to that!   But for some odd reason when it comes to talking about my birthday I'm just lost.

Well this year I am determined to post something--anything--with respect to my birthday. I mean let's face facts here people.   My being born was an awesome event. At least it was for me.   I had plans! I had hopes and dreams! I had a mission! And then...everything else happened. Everything but what I had planned that is. Interestingly enough, the whole time I was growing up I kept thinking to myself...this is not what I signed up for. THIS is not the way it's supposed to be going.

I literally lived that life is what happens when you're busy doing something else thing. Thank you John Lennon!

Now that my children are all grown and doing their own thing, I walk around with this deer caught in headlights look. Yea, I've gotten a few things accomplished in my life. But there is so much more I want to do. I read about these people who set out on their paths much later in life. While I admire them for going for it, I want to know where they get the energy to even do it! For crissakes I can barely drag myself out of bed these days. Can't get going until I've had at least two pots of coffee. And what in the hell are all those aches and pains??! For the love of Buddha! I am hurting in places I didn't even know existed! It's crazy! Great! Now I have that "I've fallen and can't get up" commercial playing in my head!!!

A few years back I could literally do 12 different things at once. Now I consider myself lucky if I can remember 12 things! I'm still trying to figure out how I can remember something that happened 50 years ago, but couldn't tell you what took place 5 minutes ago. What the hell is up with that?

For example, I remember telling my daddy on my 5th birthday...I'm never gonna grow up! And so far, I've kept that promise! I may not have a choice in growing old, but I do have a choice about growing up! Growing up is for people who just give up. And I am not a giver upper!   My get up and gone might have got up and quit. But I'll never grow up. Not me! No sireee!    Great! Now I hear Mary Martin singing in my head!

I know I've gotten old when every sentence starts with...back when I was younger. Seriously???! Back when I was younger? When did I get old? To quote old Rose from the movie Titanic "... And it looks the same as it did last time I saw it... The reflection's changed a bit."   Wonderful! Now Celine Dion is singing in my head! OY!

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In my heart I'm still a youngster filled with so much hope and dreams.   And I know it ain't over 'til it's over! I got lots more books to write, lots more sig tags to create and lots more people to meet and places to visit before I check out!

As long as there's coffee to drink I'll managed.   (And a little help from my friends). Sheesh! Now the Beatles are singing in my head. Wait! Someone's actually playing it! Whew!

At any rate, it's been a great journey so far. *pauses. Hears silence. Continues writing*   Seeing the road ahead, the sign posts...OH CRAP! Now the Carpenters are singing We've Only Just Begun!

Okay! Okay! that's it!

*~*~*~*~*~*

To ALL my fellow Leos I wish you the happiest of birthdays!

OMG! Birthday songs in my head! Okay so what was I talking about again???!!

See what happens when you get old??!!!

*LOLOLOLOL*

*~*~*~*~*~*

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!

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.