Bad Thought Therapy™

       You might have heard of a true story in the news about a person who purchased a bowl at an estate sale for $3.00 only to find out later that the item was actually worth millions of dollars. As an educator, I often used this story as an anecdote to illustrate a point about what happens when people don’t know their worth. I would ask my students why would somebody sell a million-dollar bowl for a few bucks? It’s because he didn’t know its worth. This is the same way people treat themselves and others when they don’t understand they are priceless gems designed by our loving Creator.      When you don't know your worth, you will allow yourself to live as a victim to bad people and optional, negative circumstances. The first step to living victoriously involves making a connection with the Creator, the one who made everything, including you. To Him, you are just as important as the sun. Because He is love, you are too; Because He is good, you inherit goodness. As His son or dau

  December 25 th  is the day that many people around the world commemorate the birth of Jesus (Savior), the Christ (Messiah). While historians are unsure of Jesus’s exact birthdate, they agree that Jesus was a real preacher whose ministry started in early AD. There are also people who have faith that Jesus was more than a minister or prophet. They believe that he was God’s only begotten son who was sent to Earth to redeem humankind’s relationship with Him. Moreover, Jesus was sent to teach people the truth about God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth because religious leaders had distorted His image and the meaning of true spirituality. Most importantly, Jesus was born to save people from their sins and eternal damnation. Whatever your religious affiliation, you have absolutely nothing to lose by studying the life and teachings of Jesus, namely in the four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) of the Holy Bible. It’s critical though that you pray for wisdom, understanding, and discer

  Before reading this blog, say aloud the following: “I am beautiful.” That statement is more than an affirmation. YOU ARE TRULY BEAUTIFUL. You don't have to look like anyone else. You don't have to change your hair or eye color; you don't have to augment your butt or any other part of your of your body. You don't need to repair anything because you were already wonderfully made by the Creator who specializes in difference. Even though there are billions of people on Earth, no two people have the same fingerprint. That’s’ because you were divinely designed made to be unique. It is only when you fully accept this that you love being you.  If someone has a problem with your features—like your skin complexion, your hair texture, etc., he or she needs to consult the one who made you—God.   True beauty is multidimensional; it comes in different sizes, body shapes, skin complexions, hair textures, and physical features. Seeing your unique beauty within will help you resis

  Beloved,       You do not have to end your life. The world needs you. Make the choice to become an inspirational story instead of a negative statistic or tragedy. As long as you have a pulse, you have a purpose. Touch your chest. Do you feel a beat? That’s the evidence that you are supposed to be here. Whether you know it or not, our divine Creator wants you to alive; you can become an example of strength and triumph to show and tell the world.      While problems are an integral part of life, there are always solutions. However, they are rarely easy to find alone. Therefore, in moments of despair and depression, it’s critical to reach out to others. If you feel estranged from family or friends, call one of the hotlines listed below. Just know that whatever pain you feel right now can be healed. Taking your life is no guarantee that your pain will end. (There are stories of people being pronounced dead and were revived. Some of them shared being a place of unbearable pain after dyi

  “Close some doors today. Not because of pride, incapacity, or  arrogance, but simply because they lead you nowhere.” —Paulo Coelho     It's hard, but sometimes you need to close a door. It's not about unforgiveness, bitterness, or hating others. On the contrary, it might be a necessary action for honoring and loving yourself.        You can love people who don't know how to love you. When you gently close the door, let them know that. Let them know you are giving them the space and time they need to learn and grow. Communicate to people that you forgive them, but also let them know that you cannot allow yourself to be an available target for their toxicity.      Always pray for people, even your enemies; hope the best for them. At the same time, decide not to be anyone's punching bag or doormat. When you close the door to negative people, you open yourself to a life of peace, productivity, and power.  With Love,  C. Ch é rie Hardy   Copyright © 20

  “Change begins at the end of your comfort zone.”—Roy T. Bennett What should we do when we make a mistake? How do we correct our wrongs? Since the past cannot be changed, undone, or reversed, we must learn how to shift our focus from the past and concentrate on repairing, restoring, and redeeming ourselves in the present and the future. We must take intentional action to heal hurtful things we've said or done. Redemption begins with first taking full responsibility for our actions. We cannot make excuses for any challenges we’ve endured, even the ones that happened beyond our control. The only way to be free from guilt is by accepting that consequences are the results of our own actions. Denying, trivializing, or minimizing the pain we cause only delays our liberation from the prison of shame. No one forces us to do bad things. Taking ownership means the power is in our hands to change and redeem ourselves. We must also forgive ourselves. We must release the negative emoti