Rising Above My Challenges

I believe that there is nothing we cannot change as long as we want it badly enough... and for me as with others it is always a balancing act of finding new ways to stay engaged with the changes. I find that I make a goal and once I succeed I get bored and go back to my old ways. This is our nature, at least it is mine... I don't like failure (who does?) so I make small goals, instead of putting my whole heart into a bigger goal, which works to some degree, however; I always have to be evolving and reaching for more.

I was talking with some people about how we feel lost in our lives through the addictions we have... we all have them, some are very apparent, others we are able to hide more easily. When we are in the middle of these addictions we are sure there is no way out but there always is, is it easy? No, not easy at all... as a matter of fact, it will probably be harder than anything we have ever done. Addictions are strong, yet I believe we are stronger than any of our weaknesses.
For the past few years, actually if I am being totally honest, for the past 15 years I have been living my life in ways I have not been happy with... I became disappointed as I had goals and I never seemed to be able to attain them... I gave up and decided if I could not have them I would live my life anyway I liked. I sunk into all my weaknesses, I mean it was my life after all... I could make those decisions, it wasn't anyone else's to make right?

I am here to tell you that not one of them brought me happiness or joy, not one... sure, I had some short lived happy moments but nothing lasting... Everything came to a head on Christmas day last year, I was directly in the middle of all my addictions and I was so unhappy... as I have written before I had an event happen that could have completely destroyed me ... but I chose to go the other way. I admitted to myself that none of what I was doing was making me happy and that although I was willing to give it all up, I knew it would be hard and I would have more difficult choices in front of me, I knew deep down, it would be worth it.
I learned a great deal about myself in the past few months with that one event... I changed my life into another direction. What I learned the most was that I had not dreamed big enough and I had given up on myself... so although I did not attain the goals I had wanted to ... I should not give up on them as some of them are lifetime goals that I need to continue working towards. It is like my exercise and eating healthy, this is not just for today or until I get to a certain weight... this is a lifetime goal that I need to work on.

The minute I made the choice to change, I was relieved ... and although the path has been a twisting and rocky one back, it is one I plan to stay on... Although I may stumble, I will not stay down, I will always rise up and meet the next challenge. I would love to thank the person who caused the event in my life on Christmas day, for if she had not gone out of her way to hurt me, I would probably still be in my addictions and unhappy. Instead I took that event and made a choice to rise above it all ...
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98 comments :

  1. Launna, you stated this very well. I think the key, like you said, is to make positive changes for life instead of just until you reach a goal. That's a hard lesson for us all to learn.

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  2. Chang is everything...its the little fire that ignites our soul, and elevates us. I wish you all the best on your journey to self discovery, hopefully everything will turn out well in the end!

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  3. You just keep going! It is your tenacity and your ability to just keep going that impresses me so much. You set a great example for all of us.

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  4. "Although I may stumble, I will not stay down, I will always rise up and meet the next challenge", I steal your words. Totally agreed.
    You can do it better and am sure that your life would be definitely a memorable and cherishing one. Wishing you the best.

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  5. I love the inspirational quotes that you share. I am sure that they help you, but you know what is amazing they help me too and I am sure that they help a lot of our blogger friends too. Take care of yourself.

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  6. What a powerful post this Sunday. I'm glad you are stronger and a survivor and of course, a wonderful writer too. All the best!

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  7. So true, we go through this everyday, we are a work in progress and never fully cured but we do our best to keep striving forward. The thing about little goals, relaxation, and keeping ourselves on track is so important :D

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  8. Such a good point - we are definitely stronger than we think we are, if we just give ourselves credit. I had some setbacks this week that had me feeling very defeated - this post is very timely and helped me realize that I will reach my goals!

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  9. Wonderful Launna ,love the great Quotes :)

    Have a good Start in the new Week ,kisses <3

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  10. Oh Launna, so true... <3 I dont have so good words to add, so... xoxo. And, so happy for you. Hard work, but you are doing it.... Have a amazing day! :)

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  11. Lu querida bom dia, as vezez temos vicio para sair dos problemas
    mais esses viccio so nos leva para o mal, mais sabemos que somos
    mais forte do que tudo por que quando DEUS estar conosco as nossas
    fé ja mais nos deixa ser fraca, postagem maravilhosa,
    tenha uma semana abençoada
    Canal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xZdo8xMv34
    Blog:http://arrasandonobatomvermelho.blogspot.com.br/

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  12. I hear you. about the giving in, living your life the way you want as a result of disappointment and maybe disillusion. and I think it's all good for something. it's what we need to get pushed back onto track and into taking control. I doubt that there are a lot of people who have it all together and keep it like that throughout [most] of their lives...

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  13. I love your new post Launna, so full of inspiration!!!! You are so strong, a great example for everyone!!!
    Kisses, Paola.

    Expressyourself

    My Facebook

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  14. Oh yes, changes are for life! You can't just stop when you've achieved what you wanted to achieve.

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  15. Always look positive side of everything, this is the key of happiness I think.
    Very nice post sweetie.
    Have a great day!
    Kisses
    MaggieD
    Fashion Blog - Maggie Dallospedale Fashion diary

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  16. This is something I struggle with myself. I get bored easily and I always want to make changes but planning little ones for me feels like nothing is changing or being achieved, so I always tend to focus on the bigger change and don't do it lol.

    Raindrops of Sapphire

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  17. Whenever I read ur posts Launna i feel u write abt me although m nt as old as u.. bt whenever i made any goals they were short n gave me temporary happiness.. just like u i have weight issues and my thyroid wants me to make a lifestyle change which I havent yet... I hope I accomplish something by making small time goals.. good luck with what u have set as goals.. hope u accomplish most of them...

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  18. Hiya Mami....These are lovely inspirational quotes...Truly, being happy is a choice. I am not sure people change tho'...I just think they reprogram their minds and develop a different coping mechanisms...they adapt to their environment.....buh all in all, Launna I am happy for you eh..

    **big teddy hug**

    Tibs Tells Tales

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  19. I am glad you were able to take such a negative event and use it to power your forward to something more positive!
    www.amemoryofus.com

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  20. This is a very deep post, dear Luanna.
    I think everybody has to find his own way to get happiness: someone like slow changing, someone else love challenges, someone prefer to adapt himself to a situation... But for me is you don't don't have the will to look at the little beautiful things of everyday, to serch the true yourself and then to try to get your dimension of happiness even in struggles, you'll never reach it!
    You can do everything if you want! :D
    xxx
    S
    http://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.it

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  21. I completely agree with you on all of this. We all really do have our own addictions. Some of us may not even know it. I'm glad you've recognized yours and decided to change your life for the better.

    Keep standing tall <3 I love your inspirational posts!

    xo Azu

    www.raven-locks.blogspot.com

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  22. Dear Launna, you always amaze me. You are so strong. Now that you have changed your life, no one won't stop you. I wish every day is happier than the day before.

    Jasmine ♥♥♥

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  23. I'm going through a stressful and hard time right now (as you know!) and I always enjoy coming to your blog and seeing your optimistic spirit rise above any negative experiences or emotions. You lift me up, my friend! <3 - www.domesticgeekgirl.com

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  24. Dear Launna,
    you're so kind... everything's okay, I live in the Northern part of Italy, here there aren't volcanoes, you can find them in the Southerns regions.
    I think life is the result of small changes and lots of little decisions we take every day. It's the way we try to cope with the world :)))
    I hope you are well and that spring is coming up, today it rained a lot in Milan after a wonderful sunny week... :)))
    A big hug!

    xoxo
    www.bellezzefelici.blogspot.com

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  25. Hi Dear,
    Glad to know you decided to not give-up on changing for good! The effect of failure or not meeting your goal may try to pull you back to where you were; but just do not get into the trap! Move forward and Believe in Yourself!!
    Have A Lovely Week Ahead>3

    Epsita
    www.thepositivewindow.com

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  26. Dear Launna,i love your new post!

    WWW.ANGELICHIC.COM

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  27. I struggle with this so much--always wanting to reach goals and do the things I know I should do, but I feel so unmotivated sometimes!
    It's amazing how you're recognizing your own addictions and are willing to do something about them <3 It's difficult, but as you said, as long as you want to badly enough, you can change!

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  28. Sometimes focusing on too many goals at once can really hinder success. And I think scheduling time to work on it or budgeting to find the resources can help too. And, during the process of all that, a lot of time our goals change or transform into something else!

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  29. We should never give up on our goals and dreams. Where is there is life, there is hope!
    www.effortlesslady.com

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  30. Be brave and be strong for in life, you always need to hold on. Trials and challenges will come along but keep your head up high for they will not be that long. Have a nice day Launna! <3

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  31. Tu fortaleza sirve de inspiracion, saludos :)

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  32. Hi my lovely Launna. I am strongly agree with you about how strong we are in so many way:) we humanly can do it all as a matter of fact I am right now struggled with my allergies badly and my moving my family to another state is lots of work to do but guess what I'm doing it all now no matter how hard and easy the life brings us? We just got to have to handle it all. Again just I am now. I wish you are still relax and be able to enjoy on your working out daily Launna:). Oxoxo.

    Have a wonderful through the week Launna. Oxox

    I'm heading to bed. Night night.

    Tanya
    http://attraction2fashion.com

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  33. *inserts fist punching emoji here*

    Here, here to one of the kindest and strongest women I know. That day was a terrible day indeed and I'm proud of you for staying so strong. Words that were said to another human would have certainly destroyed them. Some would even retaliate and find themselves in a bickering and petty tennis match and frivolous words. You rie above it all L

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  34. Que maximo arrasou na postagem DEUS seja contigo
    Canal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xZdo8xMv34
    Blog: http://arrasandonobatomvermelho.blogspot.com.br

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  35. Launna, you stated this very well. I think the key, like you said, is to make positive changes for life instead of just until you reach a goal. That's a hard lesson for us all to learn.

    www.thesmallnoble.blogspot.de

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  36. your writing is so inspirational....

    www.crazyaboutcolors.com

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  37. I like all of the quotes - especially the stepping stones one. That's a good way of looking at things.

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  38. Luanna. I hope your day is going well :). I'm doing fine but just busying on my moving :). Thank you so much for the kindly prayer. I should be able to breathing after the moved. Have a lovely day and beautiful day to you lovely girl. Oxoxo

    Tanya
    http://attraction2fashion.com

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  39. this is such an inspirational read!

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  40. Hey!
    I haven't stopped by your blog for a while, but it inspired me all over again. I can totally related to the feelings you described, yet it reminds me of Anna Nicole Smith's saying: '' if you don't dream big you'll never be big." I wish you all luck with setting the right goals for yourself and successfully achieving them.

    Lately I got little obsessed with Lermontov's poetry. Some of his poets are so deep and relative they really touch your heart. I'm adding the link below, if you want to check them out.

    I wish you a wonderful time!

    Love,
    Danny


    http://www.poetryloverspage.com/poets/lermontov/lermontov_ind.html

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  41. another awesome post.
    i totaly love the first picture,the quote is very true

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  42. Launna what a thoughtful post ... I very much respect these words you said " The minute I made the choice to change, I was relieved ... and although the path has been a twisting and rocky one back, it is one I plan to stay on... Although I may stumble, I will not stay down, I will always rise up and meet the next challenge"

    Inspiring to read and act upon.

    I do hope your week is going well for you.

    All the best Jan

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  43. Wonderful words, dear. ^^
    New outfit is online...

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  44. So wonderful to take a bad situation and turn it around. It isn't easy to do, but it is possible and worth it! This post was a great reminder that when things are at their worst we can choose a different path and work towards something better. :) You are doing an excellent job on your journey towards your goals, even though it isn't easy. Keep it up!
    ~Jess

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  45. Our big goals consist of small ones! I like your words! As always! xx
    Margo Raffaelli

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  46. Hello Launna:
    I read that you said "I don't like failure", I feel the same than you. I carry my mistakes around with me. I think that I need a more attention than usually people need.
    My sugar fell down and it made me feel bad. I was trying doing things fast and it made me do things slower. I will need to take a bath to feel better.
    Hugs!

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    Replies
    1. Hello Launna.
      I feel better, you always comment my posts and I don't feel alone.
      Thank you! xoxo

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  47. Happy day, dear Launna!!!Beautiful post!

    WWW.ANGELICHIC.COM

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  48. hope you are having a good day! and it's always kind of a downer to know that our goals or life didn't work out the way expected, but I do believe that everything will work out eventually somehow! :)

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  49. Beautifully written post Launna..loved reading this.
    xx

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  50. Lu querida seja abençoada em o nome de Jesus boa noite
    Canal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xZdo8xMv34
    Blog: http://arrasandonobatomvermelho.blogspot.com.br

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  51. Hope everyday you grow stronger and remind yourself that you can do anything. You can reach all the goals you set out for in time. Have a great rest of the week!

    xx,
    Tania
    http://inspiremyfancy.blogspot.com/

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  52. I love it your posts because I feel when I leave your blog I feel more strong and with more faith on myself, thank you sweetie.
    xx

    www.sakuranko.com

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  53. your posts made me recognize similar situations in my life. I know I must make changes but I resist
    kss Launna
    new post: http://tupersonalshopperviajero.blogspot.com.es/2015/04/enjoy-sun-with-nivea.html

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  54. I step to wish you a wonderful weekend dear Launna!
    Flò

    http://lafloppola.blogspot.it

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  55. Life is a work in progress...we all learn as we go. I was watching a video from the early 2000s yesterday--it was a song I barely remembered but I loved at that time. The words were basically, "There's gotta be more to life than chasing down every temporary high to satisfy me..."

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  56. amazing work dear....

    http://www.crazyaboutcolors.com/

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  57. Passando para ti deseja um belo dia
    Canal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xZdo8xMv34
    Blog:http://arrasandonobatomvermelho.blogspot.com.br

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  58. I can totally relate to how making small goals instead of huge ones is so much more attainable and yet, even those can fall apart or get pushed aside and it's so easy to fall into our old ways. Sorry about realizing all of it last Christmas and I think it's good you took control again and like you said we all have felt lost at times and I'm glad to hear you're doing well and taking it day by day Launna! Thanks for stopping by and I hope the weather is getting warmer there. :)

    xoDale

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  59. Just the push I needed, thank you so much!

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  60. Amazing and thank you so much for your support!! I deeply appreciate it ;)
    My Lyfe ; My Story
    @MyLyfeMyStory
    @MyLyfeMyStoryBlog

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  61. Very true, we should make positive changes around us. And we should use our mistakes as stepping stones. I believe if we are positive about life about everything, then this power will automatically attract more positivity into life and so we will rise, as a human too!! Really beautiful thoughts you shared Launna :) Kisses

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  62. i totally agree--small changes can lead to a big difference. kudos for all you have done and accomplished. here's to sticking to your journey and what lies ahead! hugs to you!

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  63. Beautiful Launna I'm doing okay and the family are too. We are moving out of here the first of June. I can't wait to have a life without pollen's allergy Launna! We have choices - I'm so done with pollen. I have never got sick so often as I do here in Atlanta. I needs my healthy life back. It's too much of sickness I feel bad for my boys and now are also struggled with allergies from pollen as much as I do! Thank you for your kind words! You are so kind and generously! I wish you were here too:) more hand would be a big different:). Wish you an easy Friday and a lovely weekend my beautiful lady. Xoxo.

    Tanya
    http://attraction2fashion.com

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  64. Aquele batom me surpreendeu positivamente. Estou amando!

    Nossas escolhas direcionam para onde os pés estão indo. E temos que arcar com as consequências. Sem medo, sem arrependimentos!

    Ótima sexta, Launna!

    Beijo! ^^

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  65. Passando para ti deseja um dia maravilhoso e muito sucesso
    Canal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xZdo8xMv34
    Blog:http://arrasandonobatomvermelho.blogspot.com.br

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  66. We all stumble and fall at time, it is the learning and getting back up again that matters!

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  67. I make small goals too- sometimes I feel like big goals can become overbearing. hah. oh an yea- that jump was scaaaaaaa-ryyyy!

    xo,
    Christine
    www.beyoutifulhope.blogspot.com

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  68. It is so hard to change our ways but making small changes always helps! I appreciate your encouraging post to show we are not alone! :)

    Rebecca
    www.winnipegstyle.ca

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  69. Wow, look at your blog! Talk about classy-looking. It really looks terrific.

    It's always a good thing whenever a person can learn from a negative experience, and turn it into a positive change. You're doing great, kiddo.

    Happy weekend!

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  70. wonderful writing! :) very inspiring. change is good Launna. we may not know the reason why it happens, but it really is for the better. i wish you all the best in life! :))

    xoxo, rae
    http://www.raellarina.net

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  71. Passando para ti desejar bom final de semana
    Canal:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xZdo8xMv34
    Blog:http://arrasandonobatomvermelho.blogspot.com.br

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  72. Your story reminds me so much of my mom. She too had a breakthrough a few years ago and managed to choose to make the pain change her into a better person, as opposed to give in and give up. Here's to strong women, my dear!


    Fashionably,
    Patricia
    http://www.wingsforliberty.com/

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  73. Great post!

    http://helderschicplace.blogspot.com/2015/05/yellow.html

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  74. Nice quotes!
    Have a great sunday!

    http://ladyparisienne.fr/

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  75. I'd be happy to see you rise again gloriously, Launna. You deserve it.
    Stay positive and happy!

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  76. Very nice post! Have a nice day! Kisses

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  77. You always write very inspiring and deep posts, Launna. I tend to agree to many of your points and the quotes you use though at times, it is tough to see the points without elaboration of examples. I would tend to formulate and put your words into perspective with examples I draw from my own. The same concept, the same quote could be elaborated and illustrated with different examples which throw a whole new light to the concept. I think I might be a little incoherent there. Pardon me. I'm half nodding to sleep. I hope you had a restful weekend!

    RYC:
    That's a good one, Launna. I shall also go with "I don't have the right camera". People could take such nice jump shots and I don't think I'm a lousy photographer or a lousy jumper.

    I'm also happy to see all your walk progress on FB. Is it some app which shows the map and route? I should check out one of these apps too. Hope you managed to find an exercise routine that strengthens your knees.

    Jo
    Jo's Jumbled Jardinière

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  78. My dear Launna, I'mso happy to read you motivating and positive posts again :)
    I had a little break but now I'm back , hope you're fine!
    I think I already wrote this but I think that writing the things down is already a big step so continue like this because you are inspiring and helping more than one person right hre ;-)

    See you Launna xx

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  79. SO uplifting to read your post. I love visiting here. It's motivating.

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  80. There's no problem, dear, I'm your new follower anyway :) Kisses

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I love and appreciate all genuine comments, to save a little time, I won't be commenting on the comments on my blog (unless you don't have a blog), I will just visit your blog and comment there, if you have left a meaningful comment for me... I would much rather spend the time reading and commenting on a few extra blogs ❤