Author: passionistaatlarge

These are my stories—my life. I try to write honestly, raw, and from my heart. I try to tell all the parts—the good, the hard, the tough, the hopeful, and the emotional. But most importantly, I am here to be found by you. I am open-hearted, and I won’t hide. When I share my story, my words, and my experiences you may see yourself in them. I make myself vulnerable, hoping that you might learn and heal. We all need healing. The world can be cruel. Sometimes life can break us. But there is joy and hope to be found. I pray that I may lead you to the One who can give them to us. So, who am I? *I’m an educator at heart–it’s in my blood. *I’m a highly emotional person–I identify that as “passion”. *I’m a late-life mom to two amazing and beautiful (adopted) children who have physical, mental, and psychological differences from “typical” children. *I’ve lived a lot. I’ve learned a lot. And I’ve healed a lot. I hope you will join me in my quest to live for God, to live fully, and to spread truth!
Living With Gusto

This Is What Eighty Looks Like

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ON Tuesday, Gloria Steinem turns 80. Do not bother to call. She’s planning to celebrate in Botswana. “I thought: ‘What do I really want to do on my birthday?’ First, get out of Dodge. Second, ride elephants.” Very few people have aged as publicly. It’s been four decades since she told a reporter, “This is… Continue reading This Is What Eighty Looks Like

Inspiration, Living With Gusto

Strong People Do WHAT?

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"Strong people don't put other people down...They lift them up. The more you encourage others the more positive and enthusiastic you will become."  Zig Ziglar This has been true in my own life! When you help others find their calling, their fulfillment, your own life blooms. Encourage others in the midst of their doubt or… Continue reading Strong People Do WHAT?

Living With Gusto

I’m Alive (Life Sounds Like) – YouTube – Michael Franti & Spearhead

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fw0oOjZydZY&feature=kp To get you up and moving today! Life sounds like, "I'm alive, I'm alive, I'm alive!" Oh yeah! You are alive and doing it well! Live with passion, and boldness, and throw all the paint on life's canvas that you can! Because we only live once, but if you do it right, it's enough!… Continue reading I’m Alive (Life Sounds Like) – YouTube – Michael Franti & Spearhead

Living With Gusto

#GirlsCan: Women Empowerment

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#GirlsCan: Women Empowerment | COVERGIRL - YouTube. I sure can identify with this video. I know it's promoting a product. But I really like it! Why? Because~ I was told I can't be so loud. I can't dance. I can't touch people so much. I can't love like that. I can't have feelings of anger.… Continue reading #GirlsCan: Women Empowerment

Living With Gusto

It’s YOUR Dream!

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Did you  like this? Why not share the love and click "share,pin, like"? I’d give you an extra big hug. Thanks!

Living With Gusto

Spring Forward

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Did you  like this? Why not share the love and click "share,pin, like"? I’d give you an extra big hug. Thanks!

Living With Gusto

Start Anew!

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Good morning! There is a clean blanket of freshly-fallen snow today. It does a great job of covering the ugly, dirty stuff of the last few days. Wouldn't it be nice if we could blanket ourselves in fresh snow and start over? Well, actually you can. You can start over with your life. As humans,… Continue reading Start Anew!

Inspiration, Living With Gusto

This is Your Brain. This is Your Brain in Love.

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Can you imagine, and perhaps you really can, what it is like to experience that first, heart-blowing realization that someone actually loves you completely? Loves you without boundaries or restraint, regardless of your brokenness, emotional issues, and the truckloads of psychological stuff you carry with you? It is addictive to say the least. Your mind… Continue reading This is Your Brain. This is Your Brain in Love.

Living With Gusto

“This Is Your Brain. This Is Your Brain On Fiction.”

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"Humans love a good story!" Yes! Enter Passionista At Large. I love stories. I love to tell stories. I love to read stories. I'm a voracious reader. And I seriously struggle with non-fiction unless it's written in a storyteller-like way. When I was teaching elementary school I turned everything I could into a story. I… Continue reading “This Is Your Brain. This Is Your Brain On Fiction.”

Inspiration

Sit Still and Quit Yer Worryin’

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Don’t you dare think—for even one minute—that I don’t know what worry is. Yes, I have an amazing life. I’m blessed, fulfilled, and overflowing with the abundance of the Lord!! Looking at me now you might be tempted to think I must have an easy life. You might think I have never had it hard… Continue reading Sit Still and Quit Yer Worryin’