A year later.
Giving birth to Liv was the most amazing and happiest thing I’ve ever done. Yeah, there was some pain involved (and crazy animal sounds) but I’d do it again at this very moment to have her here. You could take all the hard parts, bottle them up, ask me to drink it, and I’d do it in a second. This past year was a whirlwind of memories: baby giggles, fresh wet hair from the bath, tiny fingers wrapped in my hand, little perfect legs out of diapers, and big gummy smiles, later with some teeth poking through. Milestones, learning, evolving… on all of our parts. With all of the beauty, there was also a lot of anxiety, which was condensed into the first few months of Liv’s life.
For the first few months after Liv was born, I had an elevated heart rate throughout the day and pretty much always felt like I was on the verge of a panic attack. I remember one time when she was only about 4 days old when my mom and nana came over. They knew it had been an all-nighter, and told me they’d watch Liv so I could take a nap. I went upstairs, crawled into bed, and felt like my heart was about to explode from my chest. That feeling remained with me, and I was always worried about Liv’s wellbeing, that I was doing everything I could to take care of her. Was she warm? Was her belly full? Was she happy?
I told myself that I’d wait to write about the anxiety until I knew it was gone, because I’m not the type of person to put up a “woe is me” post in the moment, when emotions are too fresh. I’d rather write about it after the fact, when I’ve made it through the experience, and remain mindful of the tips and strategies that helped me so that I’m able to share them. And here we are, a year later. I had no idea that life could be this good and after all of the anxiety, which slowly started to melt away, I can easily say that it’s gone. Of course, I still worry about her and want to do my very best to take care of her, but it’s a mindfulness instead of a panic now. And, a year later, I can 100% say that I’m myself again.
Often, I’ll wonder if it would have been helpful to write about what I was experiencing on the blog. I feel like I did a disservice to all of you by failing to document it, but then again, some emotions are too raw, too intense, and too confusing to adequately express to the masses. So for that, my dear reader friends, I am truly sorry.
Also, I feel like there would be no point in trying to explain what I went though, why it happened, and what could have helped me even more, because I never went to get help.
I was in a place in my life where I was surrounded by intense negativity. It seems silly now, because I was so fortunate to be surrounded by many people that love us, but I sought it through an outside source. At first, it was a way for me to receive helpful feedback, but in a fragile state, the personal and hateful nitpicking finally started to get to me. Being a first-time mom is challenging, but even more so when there are people watching to jump on a potential learning opportunity. Top that with serious sleep deprivation and a hormone dump, and it’s a pretty awful combo. I started to guard my blogging, my life, and my writing in hopes that they wouldn’t find anything to talk about.. but they always did, even if it was a salad from 2008.
When you have a semi-public life, you’re subject to criticism from others. I’m aware of that, appreciate it, and understand that it’s part of the package. At the same time, I felt like if I went to talk to somebody about what I was feeling, I was letting the hateful critics win. I realize now, that by failing to get help when I needed it, that’s indeed what I did.
While I don’t think I had postpartum depression (I’ll never know if I did or not), my struggle with breastfeeding intensified everything I was feeling. I was devastated with my low supply, even with all of the steps I took to boost it. (I even took placenta pills- something else I haven’t written about.) Pumping was miserable and I hated the fact that I spent so much time pumping when I could have been snuggling my baby. I am happy I was able to give her 6 months of breast milk, but for the next child, I’m not going to be so hard on myself.
That’s the main purpose of this post:
I can look back now at the mistakes I’ve made and things that helped me along the way.
If you’re experiencing what I went through, my heart goes out to you. Don’t be afraid to talk to someone about it and get help. Don’t let potential judgment from others prevent you from doing what you need to do to take care of yourself. Also, please don’t be afraid to email me.A few new moms have, and while I obviously can’t give medical advice, I’m pretty good at virtual hugs and pep talks.
There is enough negativity in the world- why seek it out? Now, I don’t allow the words of people, who have never met me, make me feel badly if that’s their only intention. Chances are that they have something else going on in their life causing them to share their toxic energy with the world. The aforementioned negativity has been out of my life for quite a long time- I’m much happier without it.
The night before Liv’s birthday, she woke up with teething pains a couple of hours after she had fallen asleep. I quickly went upstairs to hold her and give her a teething strip, and as usual, she fell asleep in my arms as we laid on the couch together. It was surreal to think that exactly one year before, it had been the most primal night of my life and here I was now, in the most serene. My eyes pricked with tears, and as I looked at the stars illuminating the ceiling from her Twilight Turtle (which I had turned back on), I half-expected to have some sort of cliche epiphany. But, everything I felt in my mind and heart were cementing the truths I already knew. “You’re going to do everything possible, for the rest of your life to be the most loving mom and take the best care of this little girl.” I felt her legs draped over the the side of my body, when a year before, she easily fit in the crook of my arm. I thought about how tiny she still is and yet how much she’s grown and changed, how proud I am of all of us for being a team through the peaks and valleys, and how grateful I am for my little family.
Even with my struggles this past year, it’s been, by far, the most blessed. During the depths of my anxiety, I was always thankful to be Liv’s mama and that we were so fortunate to have a healthy, happy baby. It’s always felt too good to be true, but now that the fogginess is gone, I can confidently say that it is.
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I completely understand why you didn’t post about this early on. While most of us would have been very supportive and encouraging, I’m sure someone out there would have had the audacity to write a hurtful comment. You didn’t need any of that during that time (or anytime really but especially then).
Before I even had my own child, I could never have imagined judging or telling another mother what she’s doing wrong or anything like that. Even now, I wouldn’t do that. I would give advice if asked but even then, I wouldn’t be offended if my advice wasn’t taken. Not long ago, a woman in a parking lot saw me fixing a bottle for my child and proceeded to lecture me on how breast feeding is so much better and there shouldn’t even be a need for bottles. Part of me wanted to burst out crying and the other part of me wanted to beat her ass!! I, like you, did breast feed for several months then my own child turned me down. He absolutely would not take it anymore. I tried everything. I even pumped but eventually my supply just went away. It was heartbreaking.
I have loved reading about Liv and your experiences with her over the past year. True, she may not be a “baby” anymore. But that’s ok. The best is yet to come. You have so much to look forward to with her. She can actually interact now and play. It’s only going to get better!
Thank you for the honesty! I know that being a blogger opens you up to a world of negativity and judgments, and that’s got to be especially hurtful when it’s concerning your abilities as a new parent. Remember that the vast majority find you and your posts inspiring, motivating and extremely helpful!
How timely for me to read this post after arriving home from the after hours pediatrician with my 8 year old daughter. Your post reminds me of exactly how I felt in the first few months my Hannah was born. Prone to anxiety my whole life it reached a pinnacle with our newborn. At 4 days old I actually took my daughter to the ER because (get this) – she was sleeping too much and I was worried!! Anyway – troublesome breast feeding made my anxiety worse too – and looking back I wish I had quit trying sooner so I could have more enjoyed those first 6 months.
I still struggle with anxiety and worry all the time – and nights like tonight when an illness send us rushing to the doctor it gets especially bad. But – I’ve learned to stop beating myself up over it. We are all doing the best we can. Our kids are the most important blessing we will ever be given. We want to be/do/provide everything for them and I think that’s totally okay! After following your blog for about 2.5 years I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you and Tom are doing an incredible job.
Thanks for deciding to share your thoughts. It gave me a bittersweet reminder of our newborn days which are now long gone.
Thanks for sharing everything with us!! I feel honored to watch you turn into a great mom…and you’re story just broke me up a little. Keep doing your thing, girl.
thank you for your honesty Gina. I think mothers and mothers to be need to hear they are not alone. xxoo
I read and enjoy your posts every day because I look at you as a strong woman and such a positive role model for this 30 something girl. Being able to share such a vulnerable time in your life just makes me respect you even more. What a great thing you’ve been able to do by saying “it’s ok” to be human and struggle. Thanks for being so open and just plain real.
This is my favorite blog to read; you have wonderful tips on fitness and parenthood, you have great recipes, and you seem like such a friendly and down-to-earth person. I look to your posts for motivation and inspiration, and I rarely am disappointed!
I’m sorry you were having such a hard time, people can be so judgmental and hateful, especially when hiding behind the internet. Thanks for sharing so much of your life with us, I definitely appreciate it!
PS I also took placenta pills, and will definitely do it again with my next child!
You are a great mom! Liv is so lucky to have you 🙂
Hi Gina! I have been following your blog for years but this is my first time commenting (I think!). Your blog has consistently given me the motivation I needed to push myself toward achieving my goals and I can honestly say, without ever even meeting you, that you have had a positive impact on my life! That being said, I can tell that you are (and will continue to be) such an amazing mother to that beautiful little girl.
I also wanted to thank you for being so honest about your experiences, both positive and negative and for emphasizing the importance of reaching out for help.
Thanks for sharing your passions through your blog and for inspiring others to live their best life! “Every day may not be good, but there is good in every day!”
I’m glad you shared your honest truth. I feel like there is so much pressure for everything to be positive and perfect when it comes to motherhood but its such a facade. I know I’m not the only one who sometimes felt like I wasnt enough. Or too impatient. Or wished my baby would just shush. I feel like if more of us would be honest about our feelings then we would inspire others to be honest too.
xx
Gina, I give you a lot of credit for being honest about this and for writing a post about it. I am sure it wasn’t easy!
But I do take issue with the fact that you seem to be trying to blame your post-partum anxiety/potential depression? on GOMI. PPD and anxiety disorders are real, true medical conditions that are most likely caused by a chemical imbalance, not external factors like internet criticism. I think a more accurate explanation is that you were already feeling insecure about motherhood (who doesn’t!) and other things in general. That insecurity caused you to seek out the “negativity”, as you call it, and was what allowed it to affect you in a way that it doesn’t get to others. But it didn’t _cause_ your insecurity or anxiety.
And I agree that it sucks that there is negativity out there, but at the same time…well, I don’t get criticized about my life on the internet because I don’t put my life on the internet. You know? It’s unfortunately a hazard of the job (just like it is for journalists that write articles with their names, directors of movies, etc.). You need to be confident and stand by your work and not let petty criticism get to you!
I guess maybe we read this post differently. Of course we are all thinking of GOMI but she never specified. And she didn’t really “blame” anyone, she just shared that at a vulnerable time in her life she took certain criticisms to heart.
For the sake of the conversation lets just “assume” she was talking about GOMI… I read and post on that site. If I had a blog I’d read it too. I’m just nosey like that. I don’t think GOMI is inherently bad, just like chocolate pie isn’t. However if that’s all I ate every day all day well maybe I wouldn’t feel very good. And maybe I would not like chocolate pie anymore. And maybe after I worked through my issues I would tell my friends that I was now eating a more balanced diet because I just didn’t handle chocolate pie well during this particular time in my life. Chocolate pie still serves a wonderful purpose and I welcome it in the world, but I have mad respect that Gina removed it from her life if she felt like she needed to. Lets be positive here that a woman just shared some major pain and anxiety she had last year. The source of which is irrelevant. And let’s celebrate that whatever she went through, she made it out on the other side.
I couldn’t agree more with this comment, but I wasn’t brave enough to post it myself. It’s a shame because there is absolutely a connection between your severe anxiety and problems with breastfeeding. How sad that a site like that could cause you to have problems with such a natural thing and continue on such a bad cycle. Glad it’s over now!
do you have any medical source or citation for the correlation between anxiety and breastfeeding issues?
Oh, I’ve read it in all of my research on breastfeeding (books, sites, etc.). Also, my lactation consultant instructed me to “let go” and relax before I sat down to nurse (especially in the beginning). Lastly, whenever I was stressed/not eating or drinking enough, there was a definite, negative affect on my ability to nurse, i.e. cranky, hungry baby. But to answer your question: no.
It is rare to find such honesty on a blog. I also struggle with anxiety, and worry that it will become impossible to manage if I have a child. Knowing there is at least one other person out there with a similar experience who made it through is so encouraging. You have such a positive energy and spirit; Thank you for sharing it!
Such a great post, Gina. Thank you for blogging and inspiring me daily!
I’m 37 weeks pregnant tomorrow and can’t tell you how much you motivate me to be the best mother I can be.
I truly appreciate you and fitnessista.com!
Brittany
Thank you for such a powerful message! As someone who suffers from anxious feelings daily, I absolutely agree with the idea to get help. My message to anyone out there with anxiety or depression: If therapy is too expensive, find someone you can confide in, join an online support group, or just start writing down your feelings and try to get to the root of the anxiety. Just know you’re far from alone.
I love your blog, and look forward to reading new posts all the time. I know that if I ever become a mom, there will be times when the anxiety spooks me and it’s comforting to know that it has happened to other moms.
Congrats on such a beautiful family and daughter!
Thanks for sharing something so personal, Gina. Your honesty is beautiful, and there’s no doubt in my mind that at least one new mother out there is going to read this and seek out the help they may need.
Gina – I’ve been following since Valdosta. I love your blog and just really appreciate your honesty, openness, and find it so relatable. Thank you thank you thank you. My twin sister just had a little boy and I sent her this post, because I cannot imagine all of her emotions (I’m not a mom).. but I feel like the topics you post on are for anyone. You’re great at virtual hugs and I’d like to send one your way. Thank you again for another well written take on such a tough/sensitive subject.
This was such a beautiful post! I’m so glad you’re in a better place now and that the negativity is gone from your life. That’s something that none of us need! I’m so happy for you and your family and the amazing year you’ve had!
Gina…I write this with tears in my eyes! What a beautiful post. You are such an inspiration and show so much love and generosity. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Gina, thank you so much for opening up to us and sharing what you’ve been through. I can only imagine how difficult it must be when you’re under the constant scrutiny of others, but you should be proud of all of the things you’ve overcome. I often wonder how I’ll manage my anxiety when I become a mother, but it’s encouraging to know that it’s possible to make it through, so thank you 🙂
You’re a great mum! I’m sorry you went through difficult times – however- you were definitely not alone and sharing this I’m sure will help many new mum’s. It is such an unbelievably life changing event, in a wonderful way, but scary too. Thanks for sharing and both you and liv are lucky to have each other!
Beautiful post. Liv is one lucky girl to have such a great mom.
I had the exact same anxiety. I could only see it once I looked back after the fact. Sorry you had the added stress of comments here. 🙁 But they are so wonderful now and worth it (the babies). Ours is 18 months next week and literally it is better and better each week. 🙂
This makes my heart so warm. So much love for you and the pilot and Liv!!! xooxox
Happy birthday to your baby and thank you for sharing bits of your life on this blog. I love reading, you inspire many of us to live our best life!
What a beautiful/real post, thank you. Happy mommiversary
You are so brave to share this! Thank you. Rock on sister. :0)
Oh bless your heart! (Can you tell I’m southern?) The beauty and curse of all of us that read your blog is that we feel like we know you. Some days I really do feel like I’m reading my friend, Gina’s blog. I have opinions and thoughts about what I read. Sometimes I agree and sometimes I don’t. We all laugh and cry with the twists and turns in your life. Identifying with your ups as well as your downs. But unfortunately we don’t always give you the grace we would bestow on a “real life” friend. You are as beautifully imperfect as we all are, and thank you for opening up your life and heart to us. It has been a joy to follow you. Anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of…at its simplest form it listening to the wrong voice at the wrong time. Congrats that over this past year you learned to listen to the right voices. The mama voice that until a year ago, you had never even heard. I pray that any joy you felt robbed of will be returned to you ten fold. I pray that you continue to hear the right voices loudly over all the rest. And lastly I pray that even though you absolutely don’t need it… you will see positivity and grace from unexpected places.
Beautiful post! I struggle with anxiety myself and I just hope that if I ever have similar issues I’ll remember this post. Ahhh so heart warming- thanks for letting us in 🙂
Hey Gina!
I am just a ‘lurker’ in the blogosphere, so I may have no idea what I’m talking about, but my perspective about the majority of negative blog commenters is that most people are just not so great at articulating the reasons why they feel the way they do. Everybody sees things from their own perspective and thinks their ideas and values are the best, and people feel compelled to voice their own opinions defensively (and immaturely) when they read something that doesn’t align with their own dearly held beliefs.
I feel like you shouldn’t let other people’s poorly expressed difference of opinion be defined as negativity in your life, ever again! My dad is a journalist, and through the years he has gotten so many angry, irrational people sending letters/calling him up, personally attacking him, and that’s just how people are. It helps to try and think of it as adding controversy and excitement to your life (or in your case, your blog) instead of negativity! Wouldn’t you get bored of all the adoring, supportive comments if there were never any bad ones?! And it never hurts to question your own way of thinking too, even if it isn’t brought to you attention in the politest of ways.
Love your blog, and I’m glad you’re no longer so stressed out!
What a beautiful post Gina. Thank you for sharing your experience. Honesty is not always easy especially in the public eye but I’m sure many people will benefit from this post. I’m so happy to hear you are in a better place now and have your beautiful baby girl to share it with 🙂
Gina I’ve been looking forward to reading this post – thank you so much for sharing your honest thoughts! My daughter is 5 months right now and I’m definitly experiencing some of the same things – the massive anxiety that I experienced at months 1 and 2 is fading but I think I just had unrealistic expectations that at 5 months things would be completely normal again and while things are good they’re also HARD after returning back to work and still not sleeping through the night. Anyway, sorry this is long but just want to say thank you!
Oh also as a quick sidenote – do you mind me asking what kind of formula you gave to Liv once you decided to make the switch? I’m just curious since even the organic options are overwhelming to me!
similac alimentum- it’s the only kind we tried that didn’t severely upset her stomach, so we stuck with it
This is a test comment.
I’ve tried to leave a comment on 3 of your posts now and it will show up for .2 seconds and then disappear. Not sure why.
Thanks for the early morning tear up… and or what it’s worth: I think you’re doing a great job 🙂
Great post and thanks for sharing. You’re helping so many by sharing
now!
This post brought tears to my eyes. I don’t comment often but I do read every day. I am a new mom also and it can be very difficult to express feelings…i often wonder should I feel this way…no i shouldn’t and then try to trudge along… I’ve learned it’s ok to be scared, worried, etc…and it’s normal. Thank you for your honesty…makes me realize that I am not alone. You are a WONDERFUL mom, i don’t know you personally but you truly convey your awesome personality through your blog. Livi is so extraordinarily lucky to have you and Tom as parents…and such a wonderful extended family!!!!
Hi Gina,
For what it’s worth, I love your blog and read it daily. You’ve helped me immensely in thinking about food choices and how important exercise is for the mental and physical benefits. I think the reason I enjoy your blog so much is because you’ve created such a positive forum. I’m so sorry that you were subject to criticism and negativity. It’s so much easier to hide behind a computer and be cruel than to try every day to put something helpful out into the world. Thank you so much for creating this space for so many people and for sharing your experiences.
You know, you can and should still seek out help. Serious anxiety rarely ever completely just goes away on its own, and you could be setting yourself up for an out of the blue panic attack. It seems like anyone who’s committed to a healthy lifestyle should consider mental health an integral component of general well-being. There’s no shame in seeking out the help of a professional. I can guarantee that sorting out your own mental health issues and getting to a better, more stable place is one of the single best things you can do for your daughter and any future children. Please talk to someone. Even if you think you’re better. Even if you think it’s silly. Even if you think it will do nothing at all. Even if you never blog about it. Please go talk to someone.
i am a longtime reader, but firsttime commenter. 😉 i loved this post so much – thanks for sharing your feelings with us! i am not a blogger, but a mom of a three-year-old and i know many of those feelings you described so well. now that my girl is three, many things got a lot easier, but i still worry about her constantly. i guess that’s what being a mom is about.
anyway, gina, i just wanted to let you kow that i love reading your blog – thank you for all your hard work!
You are awesome, Gina.
I sympathize with you because I know how hard it is (especially with your first!) to transition into motherhood. Your life is truly never the same. The responsibility is bigger than you’ve ever imagined and it’s a huge struggle to find your new identity. But, I have to agree with the others who have stated that it reads like you were too afraid to share your thoughts and fears because of GOMI/negative feedback. It’s up to you to share whatever you want to – but I think it’s somewhat deceiving to only show the “perfect” parts of motherhood. Anyone who has had kids or is around kids knows that parenthood isn’t easy and honestly, it only gets harder. I hope if/when you make the decision to have a 2nd baby you are true to yourself and to your readers because otherwise your shared life just seems fake. I hope in the future you can be more open about what you are experiencing. And isn’t part of blogging making TRUE connections with people who share similarities and interests? If anything it just makes me sad that you felt you needed to “cover up” your experiences with rainbows and sunshine when that really wasn’t case.
Thank you for this post! I has awful anxiety after the birth of my first son in 2007. I do not suffer from anxiety normally and it came as a complete shock. I was crying all day for no reason and when night time started to fall the anxiety I felt was crippling. I couldn’t pin point why it was happening at all. After it passed the thought of having more children scared me because I did not want to relive this. I had my second son this past September and I must say, I didn’t experience anxiety once this time around! Looking back, I think I’d attribute my anxiety to being a FTM, having trouble breastfeeding, and just not knowing what to expect with the life changes a baby brings. The second time around was much easier for me.
Thanks again for sharing!!
that makes me feel a lot better to hear many moms didn’t experience it the second time.
xoxo
while i’m sorry you went through this, it’s not wise to blame outside “negative” sources on the way you were feeling. gomi didn’t cause your PPD or anxiety Gina. Get help.
if you actually read the post, you’ll see that i didn’t blame it on anything.
this is such an incredibly inappropriate comment.
Anxiety for a new mother is perfectly normal. I’d be more worried for those mothers who aren’t nearly paralyzed by it at first.
I’d never heard of GOMI. Of course there would be a place like that. How wise to not go there. I’ve been sucked into negative-based forums and realized there’s only one solution– quit going. Even if it takes using blocking software at first.
Gina, you are amazing, a true inspiration! Makes me sad to know that you held back and experienced so much anxiety and couldn’t share it with us due to some mean people. I’m sure that you would’ve gotten so much support from us readers who follow you daily. I read your blog everyday and I truly look up to you. I wish you lived in my state so we could be friends haha, you seem like such a genuine, nice person!
Thank you so much for sharing your story – the good and the bad. I think many women have a hard time admitting when they’re feeling anxious, or scared, or sad after having a baby. The negative comments can be so hurtful. No matter what, don’t focus on them at all. You’re a rockin’ mom and Livi is blessed to have such a wonderful family and mama. <3
So, so happy you wrote this post up, friend. Although I know you have plenty of other sources, I’m ALWAYS here if you need to chat. 😉
xoxoxo
Wow – You are truly such an inspiration and an amazing mother. I commend you for putting yourself out there and sharing your experiences. Although I have not had the experience of having a child (I very much look forward to this in the future), I too have dealt with anxiety. I started having anxiety at 18 years old when I found out about a heart condition that I have, and I continue to deal with stress related anxiety. I have found that working out, taking care of myself and having faith is the best thing I can do to deal with my anxiety as I do not take any medication for it, and I don’t ever intend to. Keep doing what you are doing. You are a great role model and a wonderful mama!!
Beautiful post!! As a new mom myself, I couldn’t imagine the added stress coming from people who don’t even know you, judging you. You’re doing a great job with your daughter and you should be very proud of yourself!
I think it’s time to be very mindful about what we call “negativity.” Sure, some insults are plainly insulting and negative. That just means you can easily dismiss them!
However, critiques are a necessary part of growth, and we need to remain open to them. A truly secure person can consider the merits of a critique without it affecting her self-esteem or causing anxiety. I think it would be great for you to engage more thoughtfully with commenters and other posters that express critiques of your meals or parenting ideas; they are a great opportunity for dialogue and intellectual exchange! They can also really help you become more self-aware and secure in your decisions and lifestyle. And…if you find something you’re not so okay with or cannot explain rationally…you know that’s an area for improvement!
People are ridiculous. And all of these critical comments are pointless. They have no purpose, no compassion and no Jesus. Ha. That’s what this world needs. Anyways, you’re a favorite blog of mine. I’m constantly learning more when i read here. As far as what you share personally…your life is no ones business really. You choose the content and how much of the deep, personal stuff you like to share. So i don’t understand that criticism either. None of us have a right to know more than you feel like sharing. I love every little piece of this blog. The food, the workouts and your journey through motherhood! Rock on! 😉
Couldnt agree more with you Melodie! Those mean and hateful people need Jesus..just as we all do. Gina, I can’t imagine being in your position and having to see all this negativity..I perused the GOMI site, which I had never heard of til now, and immediately felt sick to my stomach. I worry for my daughter in this world today (she is the same age as your beautiful daughter, by the way!) The sad thing is, our time on this Earth will be often times very painful and we will be faced with hate left and right, some of us more than others apparently, and there is nothing we can do about that other than to fight hate with love. The girls writing these awful things about you are obviously bitter and jealous, and I can see why. You are beautiful, healthy, and have been blessed with much. I hope amidst this sea of hate, it will draw you close to God’s love which is more powerful than any single evil word that can be thrown at you. Know that as much darkness is in this world, there is also much light and there are many of us who will continue to surround you with fellow mama/woman/HUMAN BEING love. With everything going on in the world today, is misplaced hate towards strangers really what we waste our time with?!?! To all you GOMI ‘contributors’ hiding behind your computer screens- I challenge you to make this world a more loving and peaceful place with your keystrokes rather than what you are currently doing. And Gina, just keep rising above it honey. Xoxo
Well said!