Fiercely Independent Pam

Blog

  • Happy Birthday to ME! This is 47!

    So today is the day! I’ve learned to embrace birthdays and make them super special! After all, I’ve been through so much, that birthdays are an important reminder that I have survived 100% of my bad days!

    Birthdays are an important reminder that I have made it further than people thought I would. My whole life has been an uphill battle with myself. Since early childhood and through my teenage years I battled random illnesses and issues. I have been called a “Bulldog” . And I feel like that is quite fitting for my personality.

    Today, I will celebrate. Somehow I ended up with a “cupcake” theme. My nail tech painted a cupcake on my nails, I ordered and received a cupcake for my wheelchair joystick, and managed to find a cupcake sticker for my Dexcom cgm. I feel like I need to buy some cupcakes to share! I also got a balloon to attach to my wheelchair for the day!

    This is last year’s post. At that time I was just settling in to a wonderful community, finished my service dog application and begun the wait process, and excited to share the day with new friends. This year is much of the same, but a renewed effort to discover what I can give to others. Through my technology offerings, other ideas, and remaining positive, I hope I am able to influence people more than just purchasing products.

    Today, I tried something new- holding my breath that it comes through for me and then I will share. The best thing you can do to help is make sure you are following me on my socials and commenting when possible. Oh and of course I am open to any/all prayers.

    Celebrate birthdays, don’t be afraid of getting older, make the memories, and enjoy the attention!

    A pink balloon with colorful poka-dots- that reads "Happy Birthday!"
    A small cupcake with colorful sprinkles and a red cherry that also is joystick cover for a power wheelchair!

  • Becoming David… Bring on the Giants!

    Every so often, I find myself surrounded by a message. Usually it’s tied to some sort of scripture verse or faith practice. I tend to ignore it until it’s so loud that I can’t do anything else. Currently, that message is coming loud and clear as the Biblical story of David.

    It started several months ago when I went to see the awesome animated version done by Angel Studios. I loved the movie and the music. Then I got an email advertising the bracelet David’s mother gave him in the movie and a great sticker. I ordered both and have the sticker on my laptop and the bracelet on my wrist.

    The next “sign” was hearing the story read on my Bible in a Year podcast by Ascension press. I am loving this mission and hope to finish the Bible in a Year! I am currently at the end of the story of David. But, this wasn’t the first time I tried to learn from David. Years ago, a good friend gave me the book David Vs. Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell. It’s a great leadership read. Then this image (see below) showed up on my feed.

    So, I guess you can say it’s time to put some knowledge to work. David was never the strongest, smartest, or best, he just figured things out. He made mistakes, BIG ones. He cared for others most of the time and with the exception of these BIG mistakes, he was a decent guy who seemed to have lost his way at times. His faith and willingness to ask God for help is what inspires me to do the same.

    I feel like I have some Goliaths in front of me right now. My health is obviously the biggest one, no sling shot is going to take that away, but hopefully I can chip away at it. Second is my budget. I really need to find more income streams. I believe it will come from my ability to tutor, but I need to flush out what that is going to look like. Any thoughts?

    My faith continues to be strong and I know I will come out as the victor in all of these battles. What/who is calling you?

  • Hop on The Struggle Bus…

    I’m having a “moment” just frustrating not much more. Between my new lumbar fracture and beautiful back brace to wear, budget concerns, and not feeling my best, I want nothing more than to stay positive, but sometimes it’s a hard thing to do. I did decide to come outside and chill out with my plants and flowers on my patio.

    Have you ever felt just so overwhelmed that you’re not sure what to do? I have found that doing nothing is the worst thing, so I always try to find some sunlight and nature to ground me. I am so fortunate to have a wonderful patio that allows me to reconnect with nature.

    I know today’s struggle bus is brought on from a great night last night. I went to our local minor league baseball game for my nephew’s birthday party. Watching the game, the bat dog, and my family enjoying each other was great. Climbing stairs, being out late, and eating junk, not as great. I am taking it easy today and resting when my body says so. With much luck I will be back to myself in the morning.

    Besides grounding myself with nature, I have found that there is always something good to be thankful for. Today, I am thankful for my new wheelchair cushion. It’s pretty fancy and with any luck will stop me from having any new pressure sores. The best part is that it was actually covered by Medicare so I didn’t have to cut into my already tight budget.

    I am thinking of launching something new, and that is also taking up energy in my mind. More details on that to come… for now, trying to stay positive and grounded to what really matters!