Murraytalk

I'm going to vent today. Last night I was on a break talking to a co-worker when I took a look at Facebook for a quick minute. What I was seeing made me think about the people that I have as friends on this social network. First of all let's be honest - most of us are not real friends. I truly have a handful of people that really know me.(family not included) I'm noticing that some that I have accepted as friends aren't really my cup of tea. For example, don't threaten that you're going to delete everyone that doesn't agree with you politically, and I see that I'm still your friend. Now I'm thinking you're a liar. Furthermore, does anyone have their own thoughts anymore? My real friends know that I'm not political - I'm about right and wrong. They also know that I don't agree just to agree - if you're my friend you respect that. I don't believe that it's acceptable to make rude and disparaging remarks about human being...

HAPPY NATIONAL FRIENDSHIP DAY! Those that know me well know that I'm not big on all of these designated days, unless of course it's National Wine Day; but friendship was already on my mind before I realized what day it was. I have a small circle of friends because my friendships are extremely important to me. I value them and I never take the relationship for granted. I know that my friends are one of God's many blessings to me - I'm grateful for each and everyone of them. Here's what being my friend boils down to: There's certain expectations that I have with my friends - unspoken but known. Such as trust & honesty. I want to be able to share my life, both good and bad without worry of it being repeated. I want them to be honest with me regardless if I want to hear it or accept it. If I messed up tell me, because I'm sure going to tell you. I hate being too serious - I love having random conversations that make me laugh. I have a sense of hu...

I have trained myself over the years to disconnect or detach myself from situations that cause me to feel overwhelmed because it steals my peace. I over think, obsess, and lose sleep because I can't clear my mind. I replay it over and over with different scenarios of how it should have or could have been. It's definitely not a place where I like to be; but our minds are constantly filled with thoughts, and unfortunately some that are  troublesome. From negative thoughts to visions of terrifying things that may happen. By the way, the terrifying horrible things seldom happen, and a thought is just a thought.  But as we all know situations occur in life that cause us to go to an emotional place that plays with our mind.  For example, I was having positive thoughts about an individual that I believed was making good choices and achieving great progress. But a conversation with a third party led my thoughts in a different direction. It broke my heart to think it was t...

I'm starting out this morning by saying Happy Anniversary to my husband of 39 years. We were 18 in this picture standing in front of the Court House in Tucson, AZ - young and determined to make it on our own.  My entire adult life I've said that my mental age is 18. It took a few courses and me analyzing myself to finally understand that 18 was the age that I found my freedom, and my peace. It would take me writing a book for you to have a clear understanding, but walking out the door of my parents home to live your own life took courage. I found my wings and flew away with my soulmate by my side, and a newborn in my arms.   There's been a lot of growth personally and family size since that day in 1977 - with some bumps in the road, but life would be a boring ride if we didn't have those bumps to teach us some of life's greatest lessons.  I'm grateful, thankful, and blessed beyond measure. I love this life and all that it has to offer! ...

I finally did it! It meaning purchasing a laptop so I can blog again and do everything else that I've been putting off. Why did I drag my feet...I'm cheap! I hate spending money. I still have toys from my first child that the grandchildren play with. (she was born in 1977) But, I took the plunge and now I'm back. I'm currently working on a video for my coaching business, and as I was collaborating with my assistant/best friend. She suggested putting up childhood pictures - newborn shots, family pics...No, I don't have any of those. She was baffled and saddened by that. I guess it is sad in a way that I don't have anything but school pictures to reflect on during my younger life. But, that life was hell, so I feel blessed that I don't have the pics to trigger bad memories. It took me years to rid myself of the mental ones. I probably would have had a burning ceremony by now to purge the memories anyway - so it's all good! It did make me think thou...

It's been a minute since I've sat in front of laptop and blogged. I guess it's been more like a year or so, but for valid reasons - life! As well planned as I think my days, my months, and my year are, inevitably it goes in a direction that I'm typically not prepared for. But with that being said, I'm all about doing the things that I love, and this is one of them. As far as my family goes, there has been additions to the family, illness, and incarceration. There has been situations that have changed the dynamics of my family in a way that I don't think there's any going back to the way it was; and I have accepted that. It just might be Gods way of showing me that I need to focus on the little things that continue to bring me happiness, and let Him handle the rest. As for me personally, I have had growth in my Life Coaching business, my t- shirts are bringing hope and joy to others, I've connected with new people, and I have been blessed with opportu...

Hero A hero or heroine is a person or character who, in the face of danger and adversity or from a position of weakness, displays courage or self-sacrifice—that is, heroism—for some greater good. Wikipedia I thought about the definition of a hero when I read that ESPN is receiving criticism for making Caitlyn Jenner the recipient of the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPY Awards. Many are saying that ESPN is just chasing the trend and that Lauren Hill should get the award. I'm not going to give my opinion on this, it just got me thinking of what my definition of a hero is. I have people in my life that I would classify as a hero because of what they've endured, and how they survived. Some of my heroes have taken a stand to correct some of the wrongs in our society. They are loyal, kind, have good morals, and are brave. My heroes come in all genders, ages, colors, sizes, and economic backgrounds. In all honesty, I believe that most of us are a hero in the eyes of some...

Yesterday was 38 years of marriage for me. If we're friends on Facebook or Instagram I know you saw this selfie of us. Thank you everyone for all of the well wishes and nice thoughts that you sent our way. We are truly blessed! Several people have stated they can't believe we've been together that long, but for us it doesn't seem like that many years have gone by. We just live in the moment taking each day as it comes. I wish I could say that our weekend was all about our anniversary, but that's not how life works for us. We always have a situation that greets us. For example, we went out to dinner Saturday evening to celebrate - when we got home I went out to the side yard and I noticed that my door that enters into the garage was off and just leaning to give the allusion that it was closed. So now we get to play the what's missing game. This is our life!  There's always a bump in the road because we are always dealing with a relapse in our family. ...

I had a Great morning attending my granddaughters eighth grade promotion. She looked gorgeous as usual and was displaying her million dollar smile as always. We are all so proud of her accomplishments thus far. Unfortunately, I have a couple of annoying things that took place that I feel the need to get off my chest. The promotion took place in the gymnasium so it was tight seating to say the least. I was fine with the woman that brought her stadium seat with the pouch on the back that forced me to sit sideways, and I tolerated the two very young children that kicked me in the head and arm during the entire promotion. But, the family of these little blessings had party favors that they continued to blow in my ears as they screamed non stop to a child that I'm almost positive couldn't hear them. Along with the screaming one of the women managed to kick the flowers I brought for my granddaughter each time she blew her horn. I decided to take action by asking the woman in the s...

I spent yesterday with my dear friend helping her organize her mother in laws house as we prepare for an estate sale. We had a great day laughing and talking about life as we added to our piles of her mother in laws life. Once the piles were in order and the truck filled, we were able to sit down for lunch. Our conversation this time was about her mother who has been hanging on in hospice since December. But why, we questioned. This woman was an activist, a humanitarian, always a fighter for human rights. She was tired though and had stated months before that she wanted to go home. We both had our own scenario of why she was hanging on, but both of us had no real understanding of why. It's a riddle that we will never know the answer to.  I believe that's the way God wants it, so I just walk in faith and accept that. Later that evening I received a text from my friend saying that hospice called and they didn't think her mother was going to make it. I responded with I'...

My dear friend lost her mother in law a few months ago. I met up with her last weekend to help her clean out her house so it can be put up for sale. First of all, I fell in love with the house from the moment I pulled up. I could feel the energy that this home held, from family gatherings to neighbors passing by. It's the kind of house that you want to drink coffee on the front porch in the morning sitting on one of the rockers, and drink lemonade in the afternoon on the porch swing. It has all the charm of country living even though you're in the city. I fell in love with it! As we started going through items in her bedroom and bathroom creating a pile for Goodwill, one for an estate sale, a trash pile, and a take home stack, I started thinking this is what the end of our life is really like. There's family members that are forced to make decisions on what to dispose of and what to keep. All of the things that you worked for and love go in one of the piles upon your...

When I say I'm back the next thing that pops into my head is, that's why they call me Slim Shady , but on a serious note, I'm back to blogging. Girl say hallelujah! Okay, enough of all the lyrics in my head. The reason that I quit blogging for a bit is because life happened. I was taking care of my granddaughter and a newborn grandson. I was still dealing with the ups and downs of having an addict in my home, and fighting battles that weren't really mine to fight. There was still a lot going on and plenty to say in the Murraytalk world, but my inner Murray had to stop and listen for awhile. I needed time to pray, meditate, and reflect on my life. I'm a fixer, and I knew that I needed to stop trying to fix. Things may not be the way I want, but everyone is walking their own journey and all I can do is pray that they're safe, and that they learn the lessons along the way. So I  changed my priorities and worked on what was best for me - I owed it to myself....

The past few years I've written a prayer list that I pray off of daily. Last night I pulled out my 2014 prayer list and read through it before tossing it. All though several of my prayers had been answered, I was extremely happy and excited  that my good friend that I had been praying for her finances was answered. In December she inherited a good sum of money. I couldn't wait to text her and tell her about my prayer list and remind her of how good God is. It was a good reminder for me as well since during my life journey I sometimes feel that my prayers aren't  heard or relevant enough to receive answers. I was over joyed to be reminded that this is not the case. It restored more faith in me and reminded me of His promise. I have started a new list for 2015 and can't wait to witness the answered prayers. I love writing down what and whom I'm praying for because the results are such a blessing for me. Peace, Love, & Hugs!

This Saturday is my Soul Writing Workshop! For those of you that know me well and have read my poetry you know that it's raw and real. I believe the only way to heal your soul is to be honest with yourself. If you mask your true emotions you're just putting a temporary band -aid on your pain. When a memory is triggered that pain is going to resurface and it's going to knock you right back on your ass again. I'm not saying you'll never have a flashback of pain in your life, but you'll be able to handle that emotion in a healthier way. There's times when I read my past writings and shake my head at how bitter and angry I was; but it was my truth - how I felt at that moment. I needed to express it in order to set myself free and heal.                           Don't ever be embarrassed or ashamed of your truth. John 8:32 New International Version (NIV) 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set y...

I was going through old videos today . Thought I would share this one with my daughter and good friend Michael. Good times!

I thought 7 Lovely Logics is a great way to start off the week. If you apply these 7 simple logics to your life daily you will be amazed at the growth and change in yourself. 1.We all know that the past is the past and we need to learn from it and let it go. We can't have it haunt us and keep us hostage - break the chains of your past and start living and loving life. 2. It really isn't our business what others think of us. Everyone will have an opinion and not everyone is going to like us. That's a fact of life. Live a life of purpose, be kind, loving, giving, and the best you that you can possibly be. If it feels good in your soul and it's pleasing to God... that's all that really matters. 3. Everything in life takes time, but with letting go of the past and loving yourself healing follows. Healing is a process - it's not a quick and easy fix. Time, patience, diligence, and faith lead to healing. 4. This is true...We are responsible for our happi...

What do you love about yourself? I'm not talking about the exterior you - we can all love our exterior with a good plastic surgeon and a good weave. I'm talking about the authentic you. I was preparing for my upcoming workshop yesterday when the question,  what do you love about yourself popped in my head. That led me to the decision that March workshop is going to be on Loving Yourself. Did you know that's okay to love yourself? Not in a conceited way where you think you're better than others, but in a acceptance way. It can be difficult to see our self- worth, and it's not always easy to love and embrace all that is good in us. I think we're all a little guilty of being too hard on ourselves. We can pick out flaws that know one else even imagines in us. Why do we beat ourselves up like that? It's because we begin to believe all the garbage in our head. Our subconscious mind is powerful - we feel in our body what we represent in our brain. You need to ...

 I had a great weekend...saw Joyce Meyer on Friday with a friend and my daughter. Saturday had coffee with a friend in the morning and went to a movie with my husband that evening. My Sunday was good as well, but certain people that I love had a bit of a struggle. Therefore I spent quite a bit of time on Sunday praying and thinking about disagreements. I realize that we all have disagreements in life, but when you purposely try to break someone down emotionally with words - that's called being a bully. Words hurt...words scar. When people know your past struggles and make the decision to continue to be a part of your life, they should never use their knowledge for power. It's not fair or right for anyone to throw verbal darts. There's a lot of power in words so think before you speak, and remind your self of the sayings, silence is golden , and, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. Whenever I begin to slip back a little bec...

          I just had to share this collage that my daughter Melissa and her assistant Dee created. I know that they wear their shirts proudly and share their story to inspire others. Thank you!!!!                       I just love that people can relate to my Murraytalk T-shirts. Each person has their own interpretation of  what Bent Not Broke n means to them. I have found that it's kind of a right of passage for some.                   We live in such a judgmental society that it's difficult to be authentic - we tend to personify someone that has had no personal struggles. I don't know of anyone that has skated through life without a few bumps and bruises along the way. We need to stand proud and let people know this is who I am. We don't need to be consumed by our past, but we do need to be a witness to others when the opportunity arises. Our person...