Patsy Clairmont, a beautiful soul, shared so many of her personal “stories” . . . and each impacted someone (or perhaps many) in the arena that was “living” or had “lived” that story!  I am a “someone” that was impacted!  Her story was MY story . . . and it was an amazing feeling to hear the same details of the struggle, the same feelings, and, thankfully, the same happy ending!  It made me think about how many people each of us could touch by just sharing our story.

The biggest realization was that we are never alone in our struggles . . . there is always someone out there going through much the same thing as we are.

I experienced such a feeling of unity of spirit and shared respect as I chatted with complete strangers during the breaks.  I listened to their “stories” and found myself nodding my head in agreement so many times . . . yep, I get that . . . yep, been there!  You know, we really all have more in common than we could ever imagine.  And, what support we could give each other . . . if we just allowed ourselves to share openly with each other.  If we realized that something we’ve been through, some victory we’ve won, some demon we’ve slain may be exactly what one of our “sisters” is dealing with at this exact moment.

So, here ya go . . . my story:

My name is Lynn and I struggled with anxiety disorder (panic attacks, agoraphobia, OCD) for many, many years.  Eleven years ago, I was in total darkness . . . I had hit bottom.  Thanks to a loving Heavenly Father, the most wonderful husband who stood by me every step of the way, an amazing family and special friends . . . I came back into the “light” again!

If  there is someone reading this right now . . . living my “story” . . . please know that you are not alone and that you can be victorious!  Let the people who love you help you!

We are only limited by the boundaries we place upon ourselves . . . life’s difficulties are “blind” to the boundaries . . . maybe we should expand our territories so that, together, we can overcome those things that threaten to defeat us!  I’m just sayin’ . . .

An event like that will really humble you and make you re-evaluate the things you place value in.  I was surrounded and uplifted by good people who gave love, support and anything else that was needed.  I experienced random acts of kindness by people I didn’t know.  I witnessed an amazing group of family and friends “circle the wagons” for us.  I was overwhelmed  by the blessings God showered on us and I was, and am still, thankful for the unparalleled lessons I learned about life and the change it brought about in me.

“Change” – now there’s a word for you!  We all, at one time or another, have faced change.  Sometimes happily and sometimes screaming and kicking.  Starting over in a new house with all new “stuff” was a challenge.  It was a new house – but it wasn’t  “home”.  There were no pictures of my children to hang on the wall, no little league trophies, no trophy buck to display (I really didn’t miss that one!), no vacation souvenirs . . . no evidence of the past.  How in the world was this ever going to feel like “home”?

Newsflash . . . it’s not the “stuff” that makes a house a “home” – it’s the people who fill it with love and laughter.  People make all the difference.  People who are compassionate, honest, unselfish, and care about others more than they care about themselves.  Material things can be gone in the blink of an eye – it’s the relationships that really matter.

It’s easy to get all wrapped up in “keeping up with the Joneses” or having newer, shinier, more expensive toys . . . but, though those things may be nice to have, they do not even come close to what is really important in life!  So, this time each year, I stop to reflect and give thanks that what could have been one of the worst days in my life, August 7, 1999, was actually a turning  point for me . . . I “get it” now!  Every day is precious and all the people who I am blessed to have in my life are worth more than silver or gold.  My greatest hope is to be a blessing to others . . . that’s where true success lies!