I read something today that inspired me so much.


I hope it does the same for you.

Each day do something to lift another soul out of the sea of sin, or disease of doubt which man has fallen.......A helping hand is needed that raises the helpless to courage, to struggle, to faith, to health. Love and laugh. Love and laughter are the beckoners to faith and courage and success. Trust on. Love on. Joy on.

Refuse to be downcast. Refuse to be checked in your upward climb. Love and laugh. {I am} with you, {I} will bear your burdens. Cast your burden upon Me and I will sustain you. Then in very lightheartedness you turn and help one another with the burden that is pressing to heavily upon him or her.

How many burdens can you lighten this year? How many hearts can you cheer? How many souls can you help? In giving, you gain.

Give, and you will recieve. Your gift will be returned to you in full---pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. ~Luke 6:38

Have an wonderful New Year~

my husband & I have a close family member who is going through a break-up that is like a divorce, even though they were never married, they were together for a very long time. We are grieving with him through this process. Even though its so difficult, it was a necessary break, dispute the hurt.

It got me thinking about a particular relationship I needed to sever in my life.

chocolate.

I read an an interesting article recently of the effects of chocolate on the brain. Chocolate causes neurotransmitters to be released in your brain. It causes serotonin to be released, which aids in stress, and tryptophan {which is found also in turkey} is found in chocolate, which also causes the release of serotonin and helps you feel relaxed. One of the most interesting neurotransmitters that chocolate releases to the brain, {possibly the most fascinating of all} is phenylethylamine. its actually favored to be the 'chocolate amphetamine', causing slight euphoria, alertness, and happiness. It causes your heart to race and blood pressure to peak.

I need to go to chocolate rehab.


I imagine the Kübler-Ross model five stages of grief for chocolate would look something like this:

denial: 'I'm ok, chocolate tastes so good, its not that bad.' or 'I could stop eating chocolate whenever I want!' or 'Somebody needs to keep Hershey's in business, and that person is me!'

anger: 'I can't believe I ate that much chocolate! grrrrr you, chocolate!' or 'It's not fair that I gain weight after I eat chocolate!!'

bargaining: 'After my next piece I will stop. I will just eat one piece.' or 'I will only eat chocolate when I am PMS'ing. That is all.'

depression: 'What's the point of living if I can't eat chocolate?' or 'Why even try to enjoy life when there is no chocolate?'

acceptance: 'I have no power over chocolate.' or 'I will be able to live without chocolate. It is possible.'


dear chocolate....
you have brought me through some tough times when I needed you, but now it is time to cut ties. you make me feel so guilty after i eat you, and i know i need to let you go. someday i might be able to enjoy you again, but on different terms. for right now, i am going back to my first love.........coffee.


sweetly,
       violet


                                                          {What would a computer do with a lifetime supply of chocolate? }
                                                                                                     ~Willy Wonka, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory