Opinion – Page 13 – A Blog, A Magazine. It's JustsumInspiration!

EnSpired: The Day In The Life of A Dog Sitter by Guest Blogger – Amy Temple

Published on October 30, 2018April 18, 2019 by artemple4 Comments

The photo above some photos below courtesy of pexels and bing

I have been self-employed in the dog care field for 12 years.

In other words, I’m a dog sitter… and I love it!

I love dogs, period!

Those stories you hear about abused dogs being rescued just breaks my heart and really, really ticks me off! I think anyone who mistreats a dog should face a firing squad!

But I digress.

I basically fell into this type of work shortly after moving to Orlando back in 2006. I had moved into a retirement community with my parents and was looking for a part-time job.

I was hired by a woman who had a 2-year-old Boston Terrier who I will just call “O”, for privacy reasons. Five days a week, I stayed for an hour or more and walked, played and sometimes fed her. Sometimes I would come over on Sundays.

She and I would go for long walks around the community.

As she got older, I cut the walks short just to the grassy areas near the clubhouse and office, pushing her there in a doggie stroller. Afterward, I took her for what I would call “buggy rides” around the community.

Over the next several years, I got more clients but “O” was my main charge. I’ve had dogs of my own but I must confess, I came to love “O” as if she were all mine.

boston-terrier-kissing-woman — *Bing/Boston terrier*

And she’s not the only one. I’ve come to care deeply for all my charges over the years.

Sadly, “O” died in June from pancreatic issues which she’d been dealing with for quite some time. I admit, I cried. I cried hard…

However, I don’t call that the downside of dog-sitting.

That’s actually one of the best parts of the job, I think.

Not only do I get to spend time outside but I get to spend time with one of God’s most beautiful creatures. I find it very rewarding and quite frankly, I don’t see myself – nor do I want – to see myself doing anything else.

Yes, it’s a dirty job, literally…

I’ve picked up a dog who has walked through rain and mud puddles.

I’ve had a dog vomit on me, andddddddd

I’ve had to pick up messy #2’s….yep! somebody’s got to do it.

Right now, I’m currently healing from several dog bites on my fingers from a 4-month-old puppy I just started sitting with about two weeks ago.

I must confess, I haven’t had to deal with a puppy since my own dog was one eight years ago so I’ve had to do a lot of reading online to remind myself!

I’m glad the 9 to 5 job community rejected me because I believe if I had been successful in finding a regular job, I would’ve missed my calling to be a dog-sitter.

Now, I can only imagine what some of you might be thinking.

Do I honestly think that my purpose in life, is to get down and dirty basically every single day with these wonderful dogs? Coming home, smelling like God knows what?

Yep. Actually, I do.

But, you won’t make a whole lot of money, in doing that. I could hear someone say.

Well………soooooo…

What’s your point??

Amy is a resident of Florida. Since 2006, she has been self-employed in the dog care field. In May 2017, she self-published a memoir titled “I Am Not Stupid” which is available through Amazon. She writes for s eethegoodinfo, an inspirational website and the Learning Disabilities Association’s newsletter LD Source.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on this blog – please email me (RoshondaB =) at justsuminspiration@gmail.com for submission guidelines.

Come On, Get Up! It’s TIMEEEEEEEEE To See the Orthodontist!!

Published on October 25, 2018April 18, 2019 by Roshonda B6 Comments

The photo above and all photos below courtesy of bing

Okayyyy!!!! This is the last post for the month of October and I’d like to think that I saved the best for last, sort of. Anyhow, did you know that October is National Orthodontic Health Month? Yesssss, it really is and I have to say that I haven’t always been a huge “fan” of the dentist office. But in lieu of the month; I thought I’d share my childhood experience and adult mistakes concerning it. In which hopefully will be able to help you and maybe a child.

The 6^th grade – that was the last time I remember ever going to an actual dentist. Prior to that, my mom always signed the papers for us to have those yearly dentist checks in what seemed like those humongous mobile vans in elementary school. I wasn’t sure if those were “serious” checks but I was always told that I didn’t have any issues, so I thought my teeth were fine. As long as I kept them brushed (twice a day, in which for me was once a day) I would be good.

Once I got out of elementary school then that was Sayonara to the big tooth mobile and the dentist offices. I never went to a dentist or visited an office again! I know that sounds crazy, especially for all the dental geeks out there but it’s true. Once I graduated school and began to pursue employment – dental insurance was always offered and I’d get it – but never use it, I mean for what, on the outside, my teeth were perfectly fine.

Year after year, I would opt for the dental insurance and year after year – it would never get used. As my children grew older and got to the ages where they needed to see a pediatric dentist, I made it my business to take them – it was then that I learned that kids are supposed to have dental visits, every 6 months; OMGosh??? Really??? As naïve’ as I was about the dentist – I had no idea that it was really that important. Needless to say, I made sure both of my kids were there every 6 months.

But, still when it came to me – I continued paying and being a NO SHOW. I mean, I’m an adult now so what does it matter, right? When it came around again for us to re-enroll for insurance on the job, I decided that I would just drop the dental insurance altogether, it was a waste for me to have it and not use it and besides that was extra money that I could save and keep in my check, my teeth was a-ok, until I bit down on a starburst one day and felt this excruciating pain that I had never felt before and that’s when I realized…….I Needed an Orthodontist!!!

After suffering weeks with the same pain – I finally made an appointment “Do you have Dental Insurance??” I was asked, “Welllllllll, Uh-No! I said embarrassingly. Thank God for the Flex payments, that’s how I got thru my first cleaning and exam. In which was going to cost me a whopping 5,000 dollars overall, Because the perfect teeth I thought all these years that I had, were not so perfect after all – the shame of them, the shame of ME!!

By the time I left the dentist office that day, they gave me a LONGGGGGGG Santa Claus list of things that would have to be done to my mouth, including a root canal!!!! And a list of dental insurances that they recommend I get. Although I had Flex, it wasn’t nearly enough on there to cover the expenses. I was up a creek without a paddle for sure. However, it was the middle of summer and open enrollment is not until October soooo, I decided to put a cork in it, stay away from the starbursts…lol. And wait it out.

How about you? Have you had any dental history issues, problems or stories?

So, as we all know – Halloween is next week and I don’t know about you but I love a little candy and I’m not going to sit here and say that I won’t have a piece or two or ten…lol

Listed below are just a couple of tips for keeping those pearly whites clean not just on the outside but the inside as well.

Brush your teeth regularly – twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, especially after sugary foods and drinks. Sugar sitting on your teeth without being brushed off can lead to cavities.
Floss between your teeth – flossing, while it may seem old-fashioned is actually good and helps prevent gum disease. Brushing only gets part of the particles off of our teeth, Flossing helps get the hard to reach food in between your teeth that brushing misses.
Regular check-ups and cleanings are a must! – I didn’t realize this until I had my first “adult” visit. Regular visits can help discover things going on with your teeth that may not show up on the outside. Regular cleaning is also great in keeping your gums in check.
Mouthwash Anyone? – I hate the alcohol-based washes as they make my mouth feel as though I poured gasoline in it and lit a match. Too graphic, I’m sure. But mouthwash is good to rinse out any leftover particles from a meal that brushing and flossing may have missed, plus who doesn’t like good smelling breath.

Well, there you have it – that’s my story and my tips. Hopefully, you’ve had a better experience and word to the wise? – Please keep your dental insurance active!! You really “WILL” need it someday =)

“LOOK UP, LOOK AROUND AND LOOK WITHIN, BECAUSE THERE REALLY IS POSITIVITY IN EVERYTHING” – BY YOURS TRULY

And now for your weekly Announcements!

Billy Wolf & The Kids Of Heavenly Hills Elementary is Available NOW! A faith-based book about bullying and how using our voice can really make a difference. But, hey – Bullies have secrets too. Order Your Copy Today!

“Very detailed, my daughter read it and loved it as well!! This is very much needed in today’s world!! God bless you!!” Kresha W.

Will your Review be the Next Featured?

Did you miss the podcast about the book? – Listen to it here >>>>>> Episode 9

“Billy Wolf & The Kids of Heavenly Hills Elementary”

NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH THESE MAJOR ONLINE BOOK OUTLETS

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EnSpired: Growing Older, Getting Wiser & Enjoying Life By Guest Blogger – Amy Temple

Published on October 23, 2018June 18, 2019 by artemple4 Comments

The photo above and all below are courtesy of pexels

They say as you get older you get wiser…

I have been on this earth for 41 years and I would like to think that I have.

I know I am not the same as I was 20 years ago and I know without a doubt I am not the same as I was 25 years ago.

Back then I was trying very, very hard to be accepted by the workforce. I have learning disabilities and struggled with being hired on a job, because of them.

Related Post: I AM NOT STUPID!

I had become so fed up over the years with being rejected and discriminated against because of my learning difficulties. Over time, it affected my attitude.

I heard the words “I was not worth” so many times until soon I just shut down and basically reverted back to having periods of acting immaturely.

It lasted for years.

People my age range were working a 9-5, living out on their own and dealing with your basic real world stuff. But, Me???

I was still living at home, not working. I was mostly in my room, only coming out for meals or for the television programs my family and I watched together.

The only time I would get out of the house was when I’d go volunteer at local senior citizen centers.

I would write often but mostly I just automatically deleted whatever I wrote because I didn’t think any of my work was worthy of being seen.

To say I was a mess would be an understatement…

My parents had to be wondering what they were doing wrong… but of course, it wasn’t them. I honestly couldn’t have asked for better parents.

In a nutshell, I basically just gave up.

I believed all the lies and myths that were said about me.

It wasn’t until I turned 34 that I realized my habitual routine had gotten pretty old!

My maternal grandmother had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and died around Thanksgiving 2011.

Right after the funeral, I began doing some serious soul searching.

I spent the next couple of years reading numerous self-help books and returned to my faith.

One morning shortly after I had turned 40, I woke up as if I were a totally different person.

It’s hard to really explain but I felt as if all the emotions I had been dealing with were gone. My mind felt so clear and I felt so at peace!

It felt as if God healed me.

That’s the way I choose to look at it anyway.

I have come to realize in time that we need to take our lives one day at a time because that is all we are given.

We are not the ones in control.

We are not the ones to decide how our lives go.

Yes, it really did hurt to experience all that I had gone through but I have turned a completely new leaf.

I no longer live a “woe is me” type of life.

I feel like I am making up for lost time.

I have been self-employed in the dog care field for 12 years and I am happy to say that my writing career is finally taking off.

I know that what has been given me is a rarity and I don’t want to mess it up.

I want to just simply enjoy this second chance that I have been blessed with.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on this blog – please email me (Roshonda =) at justsuminspiration@gmail.com for submission guidelines.

Sunday’s Thought: When You Give More, Receive Less & Pout About It!

Published on October 21, 2018April 18, 2019 by Roshonda B2 Comments

The pictures above and below courtesy of pexels and bing

Did I tell you that last week I woke up in the middle of the night, crying my eyeballs out! I was so emotional and for some reason or another, that week just seemed to be a rollercoaster ride of them all because I was feeling some type a way about something that I honestly couldn’t control – ever been there??

Going to work the following day, no one would’ve even guessed or imagined that I had that bout of sadness, I guess it’s because I’m so used to trying to be the smile or the light for others to see – but what happens when I need a smile or a light and no one’s there to give it back to me – What happens when I, HOLD UP – let me capitalize it “EXPECT” people to do things for me because I loyal in doing something for them; is it wrong for me to expect that same loyalty back in return? What happens when I don’t get it?

Have u ever went above and beyond to do good for someone, but found yourself not getting that same dedication back in return?

Let me just say, I’ve been there more times than I’d like to admit and I found myself literally having a pity party over it – I wanted people to put the same heart, time and effort into doing for me, as I did for them. However; my hopes, dreams, and fantasies of wanting this to be so, was NOT so!

There’s a scripture in the bible that says “”Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.” Matthew 7:12 (NLT). I can’t tell you how long I’ve misunderstood this verse, because in my mind – I was doing for others with the anticipation that they would and should ((let me be transparent and honest here)) do to ME! I mean, look at what I was doing or had done for them.

But, God gave me a revelation of that scripture in my “pouty” breakdown that night and it goes like this: Do for others, the way you yourself would like to be treated and handled; be the light! That’s how you must conduct your business when it comes to someone else, does that make sense? It’s not about what people can do for you in return because of what you did for them; it’s more about “how” you would like to overall see people treated because in doing so, we’re actually displaying Gods love in which was a FREE for all who wanted it.

I mean, look at it this way…..

Jesus had 12 disciples who were supposed to have his back, right? Just because they were walking with someone who was perfect, didn’t mean that they were. They all let Jesus down “BIG” time!! Peter loved him and denied him, so much so he went into a cursing fit. Judas betrayed him and felt bad later, so much so – he hung himself. Matthew was a cheater and no telling what hurts, habits and hang-ups the others had (you know everything wasn’t written in scripture) and you know the saddest thing of it all??- when Jesus needed them the most they slept on him. Here he was in the garden of Gethsemane balling his eyes out and sweating up a storm because he knew he was about to die. I can only imagine the pain he must’ve been feeling at that time – the agony, the factor of just wanting someone to comfort him and no one was available, even after all the things he had done, the people he had helped and the miracles he had performed; in the end when he needed someone the most, no one was there but his heavenly father.

Does this remind you of some of the people you deal with today? Friends, Family, co-workers, acquaintances and so forth. So you might ask, well what does all of this mean? It means that everyone’s NOT going to be there for us or have our backs – if Jesus experienced it and got over it, so can WE!

My mother used to say “It’s not what they do to you – It’s what you do to THEM! – Greater is he that’s within us than he that’s within the world. 1 John 4:4. I don’t know if you’ve experienced any of this before but I just want you to know that even in my dreadful moments; God was there and he dried my tears away. I know it’s hard sometimes to think on the “positive” side when you’re feeling down – but when God brought to my mind what he had been through, with his own friends. It made me realize that I wasn’t alone.

I reached out to my friend and she shared a powerful message with me – Read it and use it to step over the pouting and crying hurdles in your life – Use it to help move you ahead and continue treating people the way “God” intends for us to treat them, no matter what and that’s with great, deep-seated, unjudging (((( LOVE ))))

My Friend Shanae’s text message is below but first (a little backstory as to why I texted her) The pouty night I had was a result over the concerns I had with my new faith-based book “Billy Wolf and the Kids of Heavenly Hills Elementary” and how people weren’t responding as I thought they should’ve, people (a.k.a friends) that I thought would have my back and buy the book, didn’t. I also had concerns about the people that purchased the book, people whom I asked to leave a positive review after reading it but they didn’t leave a review at all, even to this day. Afterwhile, my emotions took over and I began to think that maybe I wrote a horrible book that people really hated but was too afraid to tell me!!!

Suddenly, the feel-good emotion I had with writing it became feelings of insecurity and regret, I began to doubt myself and wanted to pull the book from the shelf. So, I texted Shanae and asked: “Sis tell me the truth, Is my book bad??” and this is what she wrote back:

“Yes, I understand how frustrating that is. Especially when you think people are going to support in a certain way. I’ve learned that many people will get the book but never read it. Buying it is their way of supporting. And yes, its super difficult to get people to actually read it because that requires them to slow down and focus on something other than their own stuff. Don’t stress yourself out over the reviews or getting people to read it. God has blessed you with this work and those that are called to read and review will do it without the hassle. Try not to harbor any animosity toward them and stop asking. Forgive them if they never do it and move forward with your promo etc. Your book is great and those that read it will be blessed greatly.”

No matter what gift or dream you have. Don’t give up on it – Sometimes you’ll hear crickets before you hear an applause. Keep doing what you’re doing – IT REALLY IS GOOD! Take it from ME! –

How To Remain “Positive” In A Negative Environment

Published on October 11, 2018April 18, 2019 by Roshonda B17 Comments

The photo above and all others below courtesy of pexels.com

In Lieu of October – I thought I’d write about “Positivity” – did you know that October was Positive Attitude Month? Uh, Yeah – it really is….in which is something we should all have regardless of the month, correct?

But not so, sometimes it’s extremely hard to keep up a “positive” image and smile in the midst of chaos or adversity and it’s even harder to always try to search for that glimmer of light in the midst of so much darkness – but guess what! You really can…

When you go into a dark room and cut on the light, it makes everything within that room visible. Light has a way of shining on the darkest situations and circumstances especially if someone is having a bad day or if things aren’t quite looking UP as we sometimes would hope or think. Darkness is allowed in some cases such as when nightfall comes, that’s a darkness that is a must because after the sun has done it’s days work and sets in the evening, darkness comes to take over its shift, to allow people to retire for the night and rest but that’s how our solar system works.

So, what about the light and darkness we hold on the inside of us? You see, we all carry a light bulb within us and no matter how our day may go or play out, we have a sure responsibility to handle that day appropriately. We have the ability to turn our light on or leave it dark; it’s a choice that can only be made by you, whether to let positive rule the day or allow negativity to destroy it.

I’ve been told that I’m a very positive person and have had people to come to me when they either want to smile, talk or need to be uplifted from a dreadful day. So I share the light that’s on the inside of me with them. But, sometimes after I’ve given out so much light, there comes a time when my light gets dim and even dark sometimes.

That’s one of the downfalls to being an encourager – you’re the one that people call when they need to be lifted or consoled or just want to vent. But when it’s your time, you hear crickets! I guess that’s just the way the cookie crumbles…..

However; Listed below are a couple of strategies that help me and maybe can help you too when your positive light suddenly stop working or begin to go dim.

PRAY!

Now, I don’t know your religious affiliation and that’s okay, but when people are mean or have said something to me or about me that’s untrue and has totally shifted my light from bright to dark – Prayer is the first step I take. It’s a meditation route that not only relaxes your mind but calms your spirit; it brings you back into focus and allows you to think before you speak and say something that will dim someone else’s light.

TALK TO SOMEONE

Another way to stay positive is by talking with someone else who has a positive mindset. I can’t tell you how many times, I’ve felt down in the dumps only to talk to someone to vent and they start talking about their negativity. Choose your circle of friends wisely, because if you don’t have anyone that is able to listen to you or be there when you need a re-charge, then you might need to regroup and think about your circle. You’re there for everyone else, make sure you have someone that can be there for you too.

AVOID NEGATIVE NEWS

I almost can’t tell you how dreadful it is to turn on the news and see negative things – It’s not only depressing but discouraging. Not to be naïve’ to the news or the things that are currently going on in the world today but there are times when you need a break. That’s when I turn on some positive tunes on the radio or pop in a CD and sing. Reading positive things and/or positive quotes are also re-chargers to having a positive day.

DON’T CHANGE YOUR STRIPES

If you are a naturally positive person, don’t change who you are all because someone else chose to not turn their light on and have a bad day. Everyone is not going to be positive and smile like you do, but that shouldn’t stop you from being who you are when you change to accommodate a negative energy it makes you negative. People are People and everyone is definitely different – But don’t allow their difference to keep you from making a positive difference in your life and the world.

It’s not easy sometimes to maintain a positive disposition in a negative world; but if you keep your focus and remain true to yourself, you will have a light that will continue to shine inside of you and just may serve as the source for helping to turn someone else’s on too.

“LOOK UP, LOOK AROUND AND LOOK WITHIN, BECAUSE THERE REALLY IS POSITIVITY IN EVERYTHING” – BY YOURS TRULY

Weekly Announcements! – Book Review Time…

Sadly, bullying continues to plague our society, especially our children. This book shows the effects of bullying in one school and even offers a glimpse into the life of the bully. It reminds us that our behaviors have consequences and that with God we are strong. It also reminds us that God loves us, wants us to love each other and is willing to forgive us when we don’t treat others with love. The story could serve as a great conversation starter for parents to talk to their children about bullying—how/why not to be a bully and what to do if they are on the receiving end of such behavior. At the end of the book, there is a list of resources, as well as a beautiful prayer for the bullies, the bullied and the families of those impacted by bullying.