Tag: soulnotes

BOOK, Harmonious Health 4 Life, Soul Notes, Write Pray Recover

Betrayal:Soul Notes – Love, Wendy

wendyblanchard044

People reveal their character not only by how they treat the people they need, but by how they treat the people they no longer “need”…with an insatiable desire to be liked.

It’s realizing that the person you thought you knew is not the person you believed they were after someone steps forward saying, “I feel you should know…” That can hurt more than the actual exclusion.

And perhaps the most painful part is knowing that the exclusion they once shared that they experienced by these same people…the heartbreak they experienced at the hands of the very same people they have now aligned themselves with…is the same exclusion they are now inflicting.

A profound kind of betrayal.

In a world where it seems too many people are normalizing purposeful exclusion, dismantling of community, and a “Mean Girls” mentality, let us normalize inclusion and kindness.

Love and blessings,

Wendy

BOOK, Harmonious Health 4 Life, Soul Notes, Write Pray Recover

Patterns:Soul Notes – Love, Wendy

wendyblanchard044

I observe behavior and think to myself, “I won’t take this personally. What else can be true about the situation?”…

But then, after watching their consistent patterns, I realize…they know exactly what they are doing.

This is another opportunity to build grit and resilience…

Thick skin…ten toes down…forge ahead with empty hands…

This is not yours to carry.

Love and blessings,

Wendy

BOOK, Harmonious Health 4 Life, Soul Notes, Write Pray Recover

One:Soul Notes – Love, Wendy

wendyblanchard044

It only takes one small cloud to block the sun.

It takes only one unkind word to break a spirit.

One smile can heal a heavy heart…

“One is the loneliest number that you’ve ever known.” (Three Dog Night)

“It Takes Two” Marvin Gaye & Kim Weston

Bring the sunshine. Speak with kindness. Share your smile.

Sing a different tune…

Be that one.

Love and blessings,

Wendy

BOOK, Harmonious Health 4 Life, Soul Notes, Write Pray Recover

NEVER LET THE TRUTH INTERFERE WITH A GOOD STORY:SOUL NOTES – LOVE, WENDY

wendyblanchard044

Through both my lived experiences and my field experiences, I have learned that those who lack emotional intelligence are often emotionally immature people, lack self-esteem, and experience accountability as an attack.

Accountability threatens the narrative when someone’s self-image depends on being the innocent, misunderstood, or “always right” person.

Taking responsibility for their words and behaviors is unlikely because it threatens the story they need to believe about themselves and portray for others…

When the truth threatens their story, they are sticking to it…


“NEVER LET THE TRUTH INTERFERE WITH A GOOD STORY.”

Love and blessings,

Wendy

BOOK, Harmonious Health 4 Life, Soul Notes, Write Pray Recover

Peace Begins With Me:Soul Notes – Love, Wendy

wendyblanchard044

Remind yourself daily and often “I do not need anyone’s permission to experience peace. It is my choice and my right…and I mindfully cultivate peace in every decision that I make and every person that I engage with…

”Peace begins with me.”

Do not cower, do not apologize, do not deny yourself your birthright to live in peace and wellness.

If they don’t understand your journey and they choose to abandon you…their loss…

Keep going forward with humility and grace.

Love and blessings,

Wendy

BOOK, Harmonious Health 4 Life, Soul Notes, Write Pray Recover

On Character:Soul Notes – Love, Wendy

wendyblanchard044

Character is revealed in how you treat people whose choices are not aligned with our own beliefs and values. 

One’s beliefs are simply a small piece of their tapestry…

We must always appreciate the entire intricacies and richness of the whole cloth.

Love and blessings,

Wendy

BOOK, Harmonious Health 4 Life, Soul Notes, Write Pray Recover

Sobriety and Reality:Soul Notes – Love, Wendy

wendyblanchard044

Having so much free time is exhausting.

Free time is wonderful when we’re using it to live.

But…when there’s an enormous amount of unstructured time during a difficult emotional season, it can reopen a wound for every memory, every what if, every comparison, every loss to bleed once again into the present moment…and feel like death.

And this summer break has given me a lot of time to reflect on my 14 years of “wellness in recovery “ from prescription drug addiction…write…re-process and practice acceptance…intermittently, if I’m being honest.

I have recognized patterns. I have grieved. I have learned to change my environment in my grief in order to re-center myself.

I recall the woman I once was…and the life I once had.

And…I also recognize the woman I have become.

Sober, Independent, inspiring, passionate, productive, and dedicated to my 14 years of sobriety…second to none.

But reflection doesn’t always feel like healing while we are “living” it.

Sometimes reflection deeply hurts before it integrates.

I’ve discovered that reflection can be both a gift—and a burden.

It can highlight how far we’ve come…while simultaneously reminding us of all we have lost.

And…I continue upon my journey…one moment at a time…carrying my past with me as a badge of honor as I return to a full schedule tomorrow as an educator…

And I rise once again.

Love and blessings,

Wendy

PLEASE FOLLOW ME ON SUBSTACK AND SUBSCRIBE!!

BOOK, Harmonious Health 4 Life, Soul Notes, Write Pray Recover

Off Duty:Soul Notes – Love, Wendy

wendyblanchard044

You don’t have to stop loving someone in order to stop accommodating the behaviors that are destroying your peace…You don’t have to keep participating in the cycle that leads to a wild goose chase.

If you are a follower of my work, you have read the words I write and speak often…”Peace begins with me” My peace is non-negotiable. My peace is my power. And most recently I made the decision to NOT share my whereabouts, relationships or activities on social media because I have come to realize that, “Privacy protects my peace.”

You can step away from an unhealthy relationship or situation, protect your peace, and allow one to live with the consequences of one’s own lack of emotional work.

Let go of trying to save them.
This isn’t abandonment.
This is a boundary.

One of the most important lessons that I have learned in my 14 years of recovery is that the only person I can save, change or heal…is myself.

There is a difference between “I don’t love you anymore.”and “I love you, but I am no longer willing to lose myself trying to save you.” Trust me…there is NO situation where we can save another unless we are asked to step in to assist…and even then, it is not our burden or work to carry. We can simply guide according to one’s stated desires and needs.


And perhaps the deepest healing is realizing that your nervous system doesn’t have to remain on duty for someone else’s life…otherwise, it tends to “arrest” our own lived experiences.

Affirm: “I am not responsible for rescuing people from places they choose to remain.”

Stand in your power…

“Peace begins with me.”

Love and blessings,

Wendy

BOOK, Harmonious Health 4 Life, Soul Notes, Write Pray Recover

“Shhhh” Culture:Soul Notes – Love, Wendy

wendyblanchard044

Move Quietly.

Although I am a writer and an author with a following of wonderful souls…I’ve learned that not every move needs to be announced, explained, witnessed, or understood.

There is a stunning freedom in stepping out of the need to let others know where you are, what you’re doing, who you are with…or what comes next.

Peace comes from reclaiming that privacy.

Those who are walking beside me in real time will share the view. I no longer desire anyone observing my life from the sidelines.

I can simply live it.

Soft. Confident. Intentional. And just a little mysterious. 🤫✨

Love and blessings,

Wendy