Hey there, Supah-Star!
Before I dive in — my apologies for not writing for a week or two …
I got a last-minute invitation to get away for a romantic beach getaway — and as any Unstoppable woman would do, I said:
“YES!!!!!!”
But when we arrived at our dreamy destination, my boyfriend suggested that we pop in and visit some old friends — who had moved to the same beach only a few months before.
To be honest: I wasn’t sure about the idea at first. (I was hoping that we’d have all of our time to ourselves.)
Although the minute I entered this family’s home — I was HOOKED.
I was greeted by 5 of the most extraordinary children, and a fairytale story that has changed me forever…
(And I think it may change YOU forever, too.)
(Here’s a picture of me with these 5 magical children — with 1 hiding behind me!)
Rick (a full-time musician) and Theresa (his beautiful wife) are a blissfully-happy couple in their 60’s — livin’ the dream in a gloriously-stunning beachfront home, with miles of endless ocean as their own private backyard…
But it wasn’t always that way.
(And trust me: This is no ORDINARY couple…)
Before moving to their beach paradise, Rick and Theresa were living in a small town in Southern Indiana.
For 15 years, Rick had been a Spiritual Leader and Mentor for people living on the streets, and struggling with alcohol and drug addiction (after having conquered his own addictions = A fellow “Unstoppable”, for sure!)
Then a few years ago, after already raising their own children — Rick and Theresa decided to become Foster Parents to 5 more young children who were all in desperate need of a good home…
Children that had been profoundly abused, neglected and utterly tossed aside.
And today, those 5 children are now THEIR children — having adopted them all!
As the epitome of “UNSTOPPABLE” — they didn’t wait around for someone else to heal the world, or save children, or do what’s right.
They took matters into their own hands… and made a difference –– where their difference could REALLY COUNT.
They saw children in need of a good home. And since they had room in their house (and hearts), they changed 5 little lives. Forever.
But Rick and Theresa didn’t stop there…
EVERY SINGLE DAY they do something very special with each of their children… having them recite:
“THE FOUR THINGS I KNOW…”
These are 4 truths instilled into each child, from the day they were adopted. And the effects on these children’s hearts and minds are profoundly palpable…
Every day, each child recites back these words:
1. “I am ADOPTED.”
(So they know the TRUTH of their past.)
2. “I was CHOSEN.”
(So they know that someone CONSCIOUSLY wanted them in their lives.)
3. “I have great WORTH.”
(So they know that they are LOVABLE, just as they are.)
4. “There is a GRAND PLAN for my life — and I’m going to find it!”
(So they have profound faith in a Higher Power, and their own Divine Life Purpose.)
Even despite going through things like:
- Having drug-addicted parents
- Having seizures from drug withdrawal – even while still in the womb
- Being profoundly emotionally and physically neglected
- Being horribly physically abused
(You name it – their kids went through it!)
… They each STILL have come out as open, warm, loving children with an extremely special twinkle in their eyes!
And I believe it is all because these children are drenched in LOVE, 24-7.
They are reminded constantly of their value, their preciousness, their beauty, and their lovability.
And because if this:
- They trust the world.
- Their parents.
- One another.
…In a way that I’ve never experienced before.
By the end of our trip, I felt a part of their family. I felt loved beyond measure.
All because they were raised in a sea of unconditional love, appreciation, affection and approval.
(And I can honestly say that I loved each and every one of them in return.)
So you might be thinking right about now:
“Great, Stephanie… Now I’m CLINICALLY DEPRESSED!!! (Because I sure as SH#T didn’t have awesome parents like this…)”
But never you fear: There’s a rhyme and reason for me to rub your nose in this sacred story…
And that’s because:
…IT’S NOT TOO LATE FOR YOU TO HAVE THIS, TOO!!!!!!!
(In fact, there is NOTHING more important.)
Yup, you don’t have to have Rick and Theresa swoop in and adopt you… (Although, ask nicely: And you might!)
Because you and I can evoke our OWN inner “Rick and Theresa” – to radically transform our lives.
Sure, it might take a bit (or a LOT) more inner-elbow grease… But you can begin to tell yourself the same sweet things these children hear, daily…
You can Coo to your own Inner-Self:
“I am CHOSEN — and seen as sacred in the eyes of the Divine!”
“I have great WORTH — just as I am, for who I am… no changes needed!”
“There is a GRAND PLAN for my life — and I am living it (whether I know it or not)!”
Because as you’ll hear me say (perhaps nauseatingly) OVER and OVER and OVER again:
This whole notion of self love is key and critical for EVERY aspect of your life!
Without radical Self-Love and acceptance, you will likely STRUGGLE to:
• Run a successful business… if you secretly LOATH yourself.
• Attract healthy love relationships… if you have UNRESOLVED childhood issues.
• Make (or keep) money… if you don’t feel WORTHY deep down inside.
• Experience great happiness… if you think that there’s something “WRONG” with you.
(Trust me: I know all about this FIRST HAND!)
And yes, sadly, it’s still RARE for folks to get amazingly-loving parents like Rick and Theresa.
But that only means that YOU will have to become that kind of amazing parent – FOR YOURSELF!
(I’m learning every day how to do this, too.)
So I challenge you to:
- Add in a few extra kind words to your inner dialogue.
- Compliment yourself more often – and criticizing yourself far less.
- Make lists of what you’re good at, why you’re worthy, and what’s lovable about you.
- Love, care for, and appreciate yourself — at LEAST as much as you love the others around you.
- Be a bit softer, sweeter, and more tender to yourself today – and all of your tomorrows, too.
Sure, it’s not easy.
And yes, it will take some tough work to re-mold your mind into the Ultimate Ideal parent (that we all longed to have — but rarely received).
But every drop of love you add to yourself, DOES make a huge difference!!!!!!!!!!!!
- You’ll be that much stronger and more resilient inside.
- You won’t be in desperate desire of others approval.
- You’ll be less needy, codependent, or disappointed by others.
- You’ll feel more whole, complete, fulfilled and on-purpose.
- And you’ll be more able to follow your north star — wherever it may lead you!
So…
–– NEVER believe it’s too late.
–– NEVER think of yourself or your life as a lost cause.
–– NEVER ever give up on your own precious, perfect self!
Because happiness and unstoppability doesn’t JUST belong to this family and their 5 beautiful children…
It belongs to YOU, too.
But slowly… drop by drop… coo by coo… compliment by compliment… and smile by smile… you CAN transform. Blossom. Grow. Change. And flourish.
You CAN change your thinking. Change your life. Change your relationships. Change your outlook.
It may take a few weeks. It may take a few decades… or it may take a few lifetimes.
. . . But it’s INEVITABLE that you’ll get there!
(We’re all headed “HOME”. It’s just a matter of time. No exceptions.)
Just like these children, you are PRECIOUS BEYOND MEASURE — please never forget it!
So until next week —
BIG LOVE!!!!!!!
PS: These gorgeous photos were all taken by Super-Mom, Theresa… a wonderfully talented photographer… Thanks Theresa!!!!
