Category Archives: single parent

SOAPBOX of the week: the silver lining of suffering

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“A broken heart is a rite of passage and, looking back, I must have wanted one pretty badly.”     – David Sedaris, comedian and author

Perhaps it came out of left field, as if someone slapped a “KICK ME” post-it on your back with a tagline…”and leave a mark.”  Or all the signs were there but you just wouldn’t see them.  Regardless the lead-time to the headline, the impact was the same: life shattering, and the universal reaction yielded one abysmal question: What do I do now?  Well, what if I said…Celebrate!?  After all you’ve earned it!  You experienced the priceless joy, peace, and enlightenment that bless you when you open your mind, share your heart, lay down your ego, and trust another.  Even though true love’s initiation delivered a double-edge of extreme highs and lows, you’re still alive and kickin’, folks,  and the real you has emerged.  So, I say again, celebrate this experience!  Knowing that your willingness to leap for love allowed your heart to heal and beat even stronger.  You earned your graduation to the next stage of life.  And so, welcome to the real world!

Copyright 2000-2010 by Kimberlie Dykeman.        SUBSCRIBE to FREE feed/email  HERE!
“Pure Soapbox“ available nationwide & audiobook available on iTUNES & Audible.com!  A portion of the proceeds of all book sales is donated to LIVESTRONG. 

BOOK KIMBERLIE TO MOTIVATE  your peeps!  info@puresoapbox.com / 310- 500- 9587

SOAPBOX of the week: just get ‘er done!

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Some things are worth repeating… especially when you’re saying to YOURSELF!  This ditty is an oldie but goodie, and although there aaallways seems to be work to be done, there’s always a smart way to do it.  And a damn good reason why!

“Discipline is doing what you are supposed to do in the best possible manner the time you are supposed to do it.  And that’s not such a bad thing.”       -Coach Mike Krzyzewski

Structure ain’t a four-letter-word.  Some of us run from it like the plague…we picture a list of authority figures who doled out responsibility, hard work, and timelines …with a side of intimidation.  Believe it or not, their hearts were in the right place…they wanted you to get ahead in life…not just get by. The difference here isn’t just one word …it’s a whole perspective.  Embracing it means rising above mediocrity.  Being disciplined means digging in for the battle ahead, doing more than what’s expected with what you’re given, and focusing your efforts on ringing the bell.  Don’t bet on the “right place, right time” scenario, the Fairy Godmother, or her cousin Lady Luck.  Instead, build a strong hand by relying on yourself and your work will bring great fortune.

Copyright 2000-2010 by Kimberlie Dykeman.        SUBSCRIBE to FREE feed/email  HERE!
“Pure Soapbox“ available nationwide & audiobook available on iTUNES & Audible.com!  A portion of the proceeds of all book sales is donated to LIVESTRONG. 

BOOK KIMBERLIE TO MOTIVATE  your company!  info@puresoapbox.com / 310- 500- 9587

SOAPBOX of the week: be a singular sensation, sister!

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 “A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle.”     – Gloria Steinem, feminist icon, journalist, and political activist

This glib statement of women’s lib may indeed pierce the ears of family-focused conservatives and over-excited wedding planners alike.  For this fearless queen of feminism delivers a face-jam of alternative thought.  Ironically, though, for too many sisters this underlying empowerment is still tough to swallow.  Come on, ladies, snap out of it!  It’s time to bash the pipedreamy, you-complete-me-scenario and accept that you alone are complete, whole, perfect…and fabulous!  After all, men are referred to as the opposite sex for a reason  -they can only attract or repel.  Period!  Get right with yourself first, woman!  The right time, right place scenario will then reveal just the right man: attractive, complimentary and complete.  Just like you!

Copyright 2000-2010 by Kimberlie Dykeman.        SUBSCRIBE to FREE feed/email  HERE!
“Pure Soapbox“ available nationwide online and where books are sold.   AUDIOBOOK NOW OUT on iTUNES & Audible.com!  A portion of the proceeds of all book sales is donated to LIVESTRONG. 

BOOK KIMBERLIE TO MOTIVATE your company!  310- 500- 9587

SOAPBOX of the week: the almighty cape of courage

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“A wound, a red badge of courage.”      – Stephen Crane, novelist & journalist

A decision was made, a choice acted upon, and the evidence runs red.  Sound familiar?  Perhaps you proudly stood up and spoke your mind or terrifyingly tried to sing in public.  Finally left home for good or left that joyless job with tail between your legs.  Maybe you declared a longing “I love you” or were dealt a devastating goodbye.  No matter your predicament, position or point… you can’t help but be affected by the gaping gash that painfully exposes your heart and ego to everyone.   But may I remind you that even as you invested precious time, energy, and effort, you did not offer up your name, reputation, or spirit in vain.  Bravery gives you the armor to face the battle; but in taking a leap of faith you demonstrate just how much you believe in yourself and your cause.  When all is said and done, a silver lining glistens one simple truth: all wounds eventually heal.  Trust in that and you’ll emerge stronger, both inside and out.  So, break out the band-aids, folks, and live a life worth fighting for!

Copyright 2000-2010 by Kimberlie Dykeman.        SUBSCRIBE to FREE feed/email  HERE!
“Pure Soapbox“ available nationwide online and where books are sold.   AUDIOBOOK NOW OUT on iTUNES & Audible.com!  A portion of the proceeds of all book sales is donated to LIVESTRONG. 

BOOK KIMBERLIE TO MOTIVATE your company!  310- 500- 9587

SOAPBOX of the week: the melody of mercy

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“How often things could be remedied by a word.  How often it is left unspoken.”     – Norman Douglas, novelist

You know the moment it happens.  A breach of trust.  An error of judgment.  Something is broken, stolen, hidden, lost, faked or found out, and without hesitation, defenses are raised along with emotional weaponry.  A story of gossip.  A fumbled  statement.  Something is lied about, omitted, used against, or blurted out, and both peace and promise are shattered.  Be it  trivial or crucial, that “something” doesn’t just become the proverbial thorn in someone’s side…it becomes the veritable wedge that splits a chasm in a relationship indefinitely.   And whether you’re the guilty party or the targeted casualty, not taking action to mend the bridge only allows more opportunities to fall into the abyss below.  What, then, is the true value of conquering for self-elevation or crucifying for wrong-doings, when the bond of brotherhood is broken?  Folks, we are all born with a glorious gift to connect and re-connect with others, and a capacity to create harmony amidst upset.  Choose to turn a negative into a positive, regardless which side of the blame falls on, and get to talking.  After all, to err is human.

Copyright 2000-2010 by Kimberlie Dykeman.        SUBSCRIBE to FREE feed/email  HERE!
“Pure Soapbox“ available nationwide online and where books are sold.   AUDIOBOOK NOW OUT on iTUNES & Audible.com!  A portion of the proceeds of all book sales is donated to LIVESTRONG. 

BOOK KIMBERLIE TO MOTIVATE your company!  310- 500- 9587

SOAPBOX of the week: your precious, priceless peeps!

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“One is taught by experience to put a premium on those few people
 who can appreciate you for what you are.”       -Gail Godwin, novelist
 
From your first breath to your last, you’ll cross paths with millions of people, purposefully engage with thousands, and get to know a bit of the good, bad, and ugly of hundreds…who in turn, merely know you by name, renown, or need you fulfilled.  But because of circumstances and timing, from both clever choice and magical chance, a sprinkling of gems finally sifts out of the lot; the proverbial diamonds you’ve hoped for to keep for the long haul.  You know their birthdays and biggest failures, and can agree to disagree on anything…down to the best movie of all time.  But most importantly, they mirror your mindset; for they allow you to open the shuttered windows to your personal history and entrust truths and trials, fears and flaws without regret.  Call them confidantes, motivators, advisors, beer buddies, cheerleaders, lifesavers or just friends;  they enhance your daily mainstreet-wallstreet dual life and enrich innumerable facets you’ve overlooked, ignored or undervalued.  Net-net: they’re “keepers”.  So, while you count on them without second thought, make it priority to thank them with whole heart.  Just as you can count these premium pals on only one hand, trust that they’re doing the same thing…and couldn’t be happier.

Copyright 2000-2010 by Kimberlie Dykeman.        SUBSCRIBE to FREE feed/email  HERE!
“Pure Soapbox“ available nationwide online and where books are sold.   AUDIOBOOK NOW OUT on iTUNES & Audible.com!  A portion of the proceeds of all book sales is donated to LIVESTRONG. 

BOOK KIMBERLIE TO MOTIVATE your company!  310- 500- 9587