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This week I intended to do a different book excerpt. After my morning meditation, this is the one that presented itself for today. Here we go.

I have one brother. Tony has two children, Byron and April, and one grandchild, Aiden. I married TD and gained two bonus sons, Tyriel and Dewayne. My mother used to say we are a small family, but we are mighty.

My parents instilled in us a bond that continues to this day. My brother has been my protector, my agitator, my friend, and my confidant my entire life.

Growing up, I was involved in theater, band, oratorical contests and more. Growing up, he was there, (like it or not) at all of the dance recitals, music recitals, graduations, theater productions, and whatever ever else I had going on. I can still hear my parents saying, “you support and protect your sister.”

And to this day, he still does. He has been to book signings, salsa birthday parties and most recently my meditation hike. I am so grateful to have him in my life.

I am a person who has to talk things out. And while talking things out, I usually find the direction I need to go. Tony is one of my talking partners. He knows just the right questions to ask and offers encouragement along the way. A few of his signature statements include, “You’ll figure it out” and “It seemed like a good idea at the time.” Both are very true for me.

This weekend I celebrated another birthday and I give thanks that while my parents are no longer here, my brother is. I used to call my parents on my birthday to thank them for having me. When my mother was alive, I would share how grateful I was for my brother and she told me, your brother doesn’t like acknowledgement, he never has. And he still doesn’t. Hmm. Interesting, he has a nickname for me I don’t like, and he still calls me that anyway. lol I think we are even now. Oh well, so much for the little sister behaving. lol

So for those people who think the good guys don’t win, I disagree. My brother Tony Faison is a good guy. And I’m grateful to have this good guy in my life. So here’s to my brother, who I love, appreciate, and adore. And I’m so grateful to have him on this journey with me.

The excerpt from my book/eBook/audiobook, Why Struggle? Life is too short to wear tight shoes, You Are Not Alone.

You are Not Alone

Life is challenging. How often have you thought you were the only person going through something

difficult? You are not alone. We are afraid to share our fears and stories because we don’t want to be

judged by others. People are not as strong, confident, and wise as they seem. Other people are afraid,

lonely, and going through tough times, too.

You may think you are the only person experiencing whatever you are feeling. Trust me, there is someone else experiencing the same fear, anxiety, pain, hurt or joy you are feeling. Remember, no matter what is happening, you are NOT alone.

My mom used to remind me to have a “talking partner.” She said it was important to have someone

you could be vulnerable with to express your fears or concerns. You will instinctively know who you can share your thoughts with at these times. Trust your intuition and find a talking partner.

Practice: Think of something you feel self-conscious about. Share this feeling with someone you trust and respect. As you become more comfortable, share more of your feelings with other people.

Affirmation: Life is joyous. I am surrounded by love.

End of excerpt.

I am grateful to have my brother around to call me nicknames I don’t like and to laugh and share memories. He is one of the best talking partners I could have because we have such a deeply personal history together. I definitely feel supported and grateful to have him in my life. Who are your talking partners?

Feel free to reach out if you’d like to share your thoughts  barbarafaison llc@gmail.com is the best way to reach me. And if social media is better for you, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, our best.

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