That Terry

Resolutions and Affirmations

April 16, 2018May 16, 2021 Author - Terry D. Gibson ©

Add some early morning exercise and stretches to my wake up routine.

Have two cups of tea or strong coffee before uttering a word to anyone.

Take stock of my physical status (pain levels, tiredness, hunger, etc.)

Plan how to attack the pain without ending up dopey from medications.

The goal is always to be clear-headed so I can write and continue reading the work of other writers, plus that of my own broadening interests.

Each morning I will write affirmations down in my special journal.

Read all posts on a thread before commenting.

Do not take it personally if friends distance themselves.

We all have valid reasons why we cannot communicate fully at times.

I have had so much therapy that it may seem that sharing is easy for me.

That is not true although I see how that might seem right.

When I can, I do my best to talk with people.

I must take a break more often.

Always give people the benefit of doubt. It is what I aspire to and want.

Walk your talk. Do not allow halfway measures.

Deal with blatant attacks head on.

Without that, those who want to hurt me and others will get away with it.

Speak up clearly and firmly. It should never go on.

If I do not put up with it, I will show others that they do not have to either.

Everything is about being useful, kind, and a leader.

Never treat another person or myself in a shabby manner.

Being a mentor is an awesome way to give back to the world.

Go for it. You can. You know real people who have done it!

I am trustworthy because I trust, within reason.

Reach those writing and publishing goals!

Ring Around the Rosary – Gretchen Grossman

Ring around the Rosary by Gretchen Grossman

I received a copy of “Ring Around the Rosary” two years ago in exchange for an honest review. This memoir is about an American woman who became a nun at the tender age of seventeen. She left five years later, married again, had two gorgeous boys, and taught school for twenty years. This tale touched my heart and soul in momentous ways, as many of the struggles Ms. Grossman endured overlapped issues in my life. Some have been critical of this true story, stating that it is harmful to the church. As a Catholic, I do not see it that way at all. When I was a teenager, raised in an abusive family, I wanted to be a nun as well. Had this memoir been available when I grappled with my own decision, also at seventeen, I would have been glad to read it. I appreciate it on many levels, but primarily because it would have afforded me a glimpse into the life, I almost claimed as my own. What harm does it do for a girl to know the exact nature of the training to which she might pledge? Why should she not know the day-to-day routines that would envelop her days? With my history of abuse, neglect, beatings, humiliation, and my parents confining me to an attic and basement repeatedly, a choice to enter the convent could have ended my life. Ms. Grossman’s memoir moved me to sadness, alarm, anger, shock, and love. ·I do not regret reading a single word. In fact, this is a vital and revealing piece of literature to me, a truly a fine read. Finally, I would be remiss not to mention its historic importance as well, especially through her travels in Europe with her husband, moments that include crossing from East to West Berlin and being gifted documents signed by Adolf Hitler. With sixty-six five-star ratings, you could never go wrong.

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