What I Know For Sure...

Inspired by Oprah, I have decided to dedicate a blog to my readers sharing my knowledge with those seeking direction and wishes for the future.

What I Know For Sure...

I always knew what I wanted to accomplish in life and where I would be in 5, 10, 15 years. I allowed too many non-factors to cause me to deviate from my path. So, what I know for sure is that you should never let anyone ever stand in the way of your true desires.

My goal in life was to help my young sisters and brothers avoid some of the rocky roads that I have traveled and climb the mountain to success. I have been told many times that my stories of trials and triumph could be motivational to someone who may not see the light at the end of the tunnel. In writing my novels, I felt that I was providing hope and encouragement to my fellow sisters who have been abused, homeless, abandoned and still struggling. Still there is so much more I can do to reach so many more women.

I have been that sister that has lived in an abusive relationship for over 7 years. I know the feeling all too well, feeling like you have to stay because there is no place left to go and after a while to try to rationalize the beatings. However, what I must share with my sisters is that it is never permissible for a man or other partner for that matter to physical, mentally or emotional abuse you. We owe it to ourselves and our children to want better for ourselves. Recognize your self-worth and live to see bigger and brighter days. Yes, the days ahead may look scary, to some the fear is being alone but if and when you truly love yourself, you are never alone.

It is my hope that in this upcoming year we all achieve those goals we set out for ourselves. In this coming year, I am going to open myself to give a little more. Not financially, for sure. I want to be inspirational to someone that may not realize how beautiful life is when we learn to appreciate the cards we were dealt as a life guide. Sometimes we must go through the bad to understand the good. Life is never going to be easy. I learn with each obstacles to appreciate something new in the world and something new in me.

Next year, 2012, I claim it for myself and those around me as the year to value ourselves. We are going to to learn how to put ourselves first and prioritize our lives (home, work, etc.). Set ourselves up for success and not let the troubles of our past dictate our futures. I invite you all to challenge yourself to be different than your usual. Reach out to someone and offer words of encouragement and praise. You will see that it will change you both, lifting your spirit and filling you with a joy that no one can ever take away.

What I Know For Sure is that for every one of us that takes the time to get to know ourselves we will in turn motivate someone else to find that peace within themselves by discovering that special person eager to come out. We keep so much of ourselves bottled up after each hurt that we wind up closing ourselves off from possibilities. What I Know For Sure is that everything happens for a reason and it is always best to find the brighter side to every setback.

I am ending this year with a special blessing for all of my sisters and brothers that feel that life has let them down. Life has only just begun and I will be here with you to make the best of every day to come.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Books, Blessings and Bliss,

Danette Maroney