Today’s Forgiving Fridays: It’s My Last Blog Post – and a NYC Adventure!

Posted on by Forgiving Connects

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Hi everyone,

Happy #ForgivingFridays!

I’ve been doing this Forgiving Fridays series for a few years now.  I started every Friday to work my own process of forgiveness, plus encourage you to forgive, let go, and make peace with yourself––inside and out.

More recently, I moved the series to once per month.  I am now going to do something different, that is still revealing itself.

So, everyone, this is the last Forgiving Fridays post for a little while.  It may be my last blog post, we’ll see about that!

Below, you’ll find contributions for Forgiving Fridays from the past month––they are beautiful (poetry, sharing experiences, and more).  I invite you to keep exploring forgiveness in your blogs!

Take the time to be with yourself and love you.  In my experience, forgiveness is the most direct way to make a safe space inside to dream and to express and to be authentically YOU.

I love you all.

And––here is my own contribution to Forgiving Fridays:

I’m moving to NY!  Well, actually, I’ll be going there for 6 weeks and then we’ll see.  It’s a Debbie NYC Adventure. 🙂

As many of you know, I’d put in an offer for a home in Scottsdale.  It didn’t go through, and I knew that there was something different for me to do.

NY has stayed in my heart, ever since I moved to Brooklyn for a year in 2016.  In fact, that’s where I started this blog!

It’s time for me to see what is the calling of my heart there.  I used to be afraid of making a “wrong” decision, that I could do something to take me off track––and I don’t believe this anymore.

I am going there because life is too short to ignore what I truly want.

I had a fear of falling for many years.  When I was a kid, I fell down 5 cement steps and landed on my forehead, when I was trying to prove how good I was to other kids.  I carried this with me in my life even though the scar disappeared.

For so many years, I was looking at the fear, instead of my strength.  I was married to a beautiful man, and I drank alcohol for much of our marriage––what if I made a wrong move and he stopped loving me?  I threw up throughout the course of my 20s and into my 30s, because I was scared of who I was and to express that fully into the world.  What if I “fell” and then where would I be?

I found this incredible practice of Self-forgiveness when I was in my early 30s and I’m so grateful.  Year after year, I explored the judgments I had against myself, the people I loved, and so much more.  I forgave myself for these judgments again and again, and this has created a safe space within me to find my authentic voice.

When I do forgiveness, I use a phrase “I forgive myself for judging….”  This way, I’m forgiving the judgment, not the behavior.  In my experience, this is the gem to get free––I let go of a “right” and “wrong” way to be and got deep inside that there is only learning.

It is this learning that gave me the courage to become a forgiveness coach.  And now, go to NY.

On my most recent trip to Bulgaria, I climbed up a mountain and realized I wasn’t really that scared of climbing anymore.  I had good shoes on, and I watched where I placed my steps.  I “thought” that I was afraid, and then I really paid attention to what my experience was––and it was joy and confidence.

Here’s a great video of me afterward (it’s less than a minute):

 

Too funny!

And, here is a photo of me at Rila Lake in Bulgaria, after I went up the mountain. (The hat is a gift from my ex-partner David 🙂 . )

 

 

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❤

I am so grateful to share my experiences over the past few years with you.  I have a smile on my face now.  We created together a circle of kindness, of empathy, and of compassion for self and each other.  Thank you.

I love you.

Love,

Debbie

ps – This post is my contribution for Frank of Dutch Goes the Photo’s weekly challenge, Fall.   It’s also my contribution to Trent’s Weekly Smile.  Trent and Frank, thank you for doing your awesome prompts!  I’ll be stopping this blog for a while and wanted to do a shout out to you both.

❤

FORGIVING FRIDAYS POSTS FOR THE LAST MONTH:

Etta of Simply Etta D. did blog posts almost every week!  Each one contains incredible nuggets to help you forgive and stand in your authentic strength:

1 – Coming Into Your Own

2 – Life is a Roller Coaster of Happiness and Grief

3 – Imposter Syndrome and Confidently Selling Yourself!

Frank of Poetry, Short Prose and Walking gave us a powerful poem on how mindfulness can bring peace to our mind, and grace can carry us home.  Totally beautiful!

Revived Writer wrote a poem on faith and how important it is to be good to herself when she doesn’t feel strong in it.  What a true blessing to forgive yourself for judgments when you’re already feeling down!! 

Ali of Flashlight Batteries contributed a poem on opening to the tender spaces inside…letting go of the walls and really allowing people in. What an act of loving.

Tikeetha of A Thomas Point of View gives good reason for setting boundaries and taking care of herself––which is so important.  A first-time contributor, welcome!!

And a few highlights from last month…

Pragalbha of Infinite Living shared a beautiful poem illustrating the power of knowing to see the truth and how our feelings aren’t all of who we are.  A great reminder! 

Lacey of BigandPinkyToes wrote a fantastic piece on going on maternity leave and learning how to make clear agreements with her husband on taking care of the baby.  A key to healthy relationship!!

 ❤

 

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58 thoughts on “Today’s Forgiving Fridays: It’s My Last Blog Post – and a NYC Adventure!”

  2. The video was fun – joyous –
    And the hat from David is also fun.
    Now… it sounds like a big transition happening – and when the Scottsdale door closed looks like you are following your heart. To me – the chance to live in NYC seems dreamy and even if it is not long term (when it could be) I say go for it and see what unfolds –
    Oh and you are the second blogger this week that might be pulling the plug on their current blog MO
    And best wishes with that- there is a time and season for everything and when we unplug from one thing it might be (usually is) so we can have a different availability elsewhere – right?
    So best wishes Debbie 😊

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    1. Prior, thank you. This is such a thoughtful comment, and you are so right – when you close one door, another door opens. Simple and true.

      I’m in NYC now and am learning a lot. I grew up in NY and so memories are coming up for healing, including about my mom’s death. (She was killed in 2005, not sure if you knew that.) . One day at a time!

      You are lovely, and it would be a blessing to stay connected. Feel free to be in touch with me at weloveyou@forgivingconnects.com.

      All the best to you, Prior!
      Debbie

      ps – I signed up for a half marathon on Oct. 19, right before I’m scheduled to leave. Great way to celebrate my time here. 🙂

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      1. best wishes with the 1/2 marathon and that is a nice activity to help your focus and energy while there – good idea.
        I did not know about your mother’s passing (so sorry to hear that) and I am still so new to your blog and all – so do need to read some back posts.
        also – I know exactly what you mean about going to back to where we grew up and having that flood of memories.
        and all the more layers and depth when it involves the loss of your mom (and you say killed so that sounds layered – and again – be back later to catch up)
        in the meantime – wishing you a nice rest of the week
        🙂

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  3. Way to go, Debbie ! How fun a new adventure is about to start. I love you in NYC. Holy City for me. Happy Fridays, forgiving or any other way your heart calls to you. Blessings and Joy ahead for you.

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    1. Thank you, Anne! I remember that’s where we first starting talking about forgiving circles, and we even did a few. They were beautiful, and their energy of the presence of peace has blessed this entire blog! I love you. Blessings on what’s next for Forgiving Connects and us both. ❤
      Love,
      Debbie

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  4. Hope the move to NYC goes well,as does the new direction you want to move with that move (if that makes sense 😉 ). I’m not great with heights, but I love hiking and climbing in the mountains, though I usually don’t do an impromptu dance when I’m down. Maybe I should. Anyway, good luck 🙂

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    1. Hi Trent! That’s funny – yes, maybe an impromtu celebration dance is in order for you. 🙂 You’re a wonderful presence of positivity on Facebook, thank you for everything you do with your Weekly Smile. It’s been super fun to participate in it. Stay in touch if you want to. My email is info@forgivingconnects.com.

      Oh, as another runner, you’ll appreciate this: I signed up for the Brooklyn Half Marathon on Oct. 19, which is a week before I’m scheduled to return to LA. What a nice way to take in the city, right?

      All the best to you, Trent. Be well. 🙂
      Blessings, Debbie

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      1. Maybe I should do an impromptu happy dance the next time I hike… Thanks Debby 🙂 I’ve been peaking out at about a 10K, so a half marathon would be double that – someday I may practice up to one. i hope the Brooklyn HM goes well for you!

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  6. Dearest Debbie! My heart is filled with so much joy and love and gratitude and so much more, for you, your beautiful adventure of a life that you shared with us, the abundance and the treasure of your clarity, your courage, your surrender, your acceptance, your forgiving practice, the rich richness you brought to me through your presence and your being. I wish you the most amazing times ahead with everything you choose – I love how you keep choosing powerfully and with such seeming ease. Love you to the fullest!

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    1. Pragalbha, thank you for your encouraging words. Your presence on my blog – and your contributions to Forgiving Fridays – have been a true gift to me and my readers. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, your loving, and your authentic voice. It’s beautiful and you have gems of forgiveness in your writing.

      It was lovely to meet with you as well. Be in touch anytime, Pragalbha – my heart is an open door for you!!
      All the blessings to you and to your next steps. ❤

      Love and Light,
      Debbie

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    1. Thank you, Emily! It has been quite lovely to connect with you on WordPress. Your Caturdays are so funny and adorable, and your other posts also have such good humor. I appreciate that and YOU.

      Know that I am sending you all the best––be in touch with me anytime. (My email is weloveyou@forgivingconnects.com.) Love to you and Kevin and your kitties!!
      Blessings,
      Debbie

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  10. Thank you for this post, Debbie. I’m sad that it might be your last one, but I’m so glad that I got to be part of Forgiving Fridays. I’ve written a lot about forgiveness, even if I don’t post it. Reading this post, I realized that there’s a new thing I need to work on forgiving, so thanks. 🙂 My favorite part of this post is when you thought you were afraid, but when you checked in with your actual current experience you noticed that you were having a great time.

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    1. What you wrote here is beautiful. Love what stood out for you Jenna. It’s so important to stand in what ‘s so NOW (not what you think you should be doing, or what happened in the past). This one shift can be transformational.

      Thank you, Jenna, for your presence on my blog and for all your contributions for Forgiving Fridays. Your presence lifted up my whole series, and you really stepped into great compassion, acceptance, and forgiveness. I acknowledge you for your courage and willingness!

      I have an idea for you––will be in touch soon. In the meantime, I’m sending much loving. ❤

      Blessings,
      Debbie

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  11. Wow, that’s big news Debbie, congratulations! May you hold yourself kindly in the challenges that come with a big change, and keep up the healthy eating (not too many hot dawgs please 😉 ) Best wishes for your next adventures, and thank you so much for your support over the blogging years here, love G in Oz xO

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  12. We’ll certainly miss seeing you here. Hope you choose to come back eventually.

    Welcome back to New York, specifically Brooklyn. Maybe we’ll bump into each other walking down the road one day.

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    1. Rakkelle, thank you! I just visited your blog and commented more on your recent post. ❤ It would be lovely to bump into you in Brooklyn. What a small world, right?

      Your blog is so full of life. Thank you for your presence on mine. Sending you joy and blessings.
      ~Debbie

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    1. Kathy, thank you!! Keep in touch by email, if you would like to…anytime I’d love it!

      You have an incredible mission to help women treat themselves beautifully. Much Light to you on your next steps, and for all your readers (on your blog and with your books). And, it was great to meet you in person in Jacksonville––how fun was that?

      By the way, here’s a good podcast I thought you’d like. Click here to listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scCEXlaJ48g

      Love you Kathy. 🙂

      Love and Light,
      Debbie

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    1. Terri, thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed my blog – each post came directly from my heart and were so authentic. 🙂 I think YOU have a beautiful blog, and you share such gems in your writing (plus great stories about your own experience.) All the best to you, Terri.
      Blessings,
      Debbie

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  18. Oh, Debbie. This makes me sad, but you know I am excited for you. Forgiving Fridays have been such a gift to many people for years now. I know though that whatever you do next, another series, something outside of the blog world, whatever it is, you will put all of your heart in it. And it will be fantastic. I also know we will be in touch. Love to you!

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    1. Thank you Lacey! Connecting with you has been one of the highlights of my blog experience. I LOVE your Friday favorites (or you may call it something else – that’s how I remember it 🙂 ). And, what you do with the Oklahoma mom’s blog is such a service, you touch a lot of people.

      Sending you and your family a lot of love, and a big hug. You know where to find me, Lacey! Thank you for being such a ray of sunshine. (My mom used to say something like that.)

      Love,
      Debbie

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  21. Thank you so much for your lovely support and wise words over the years (years!), I thought of you recently… whenever I read or said the word “forgiveness”, it didn’t feel like quite the right word for me but recently an a-ha moment revealed its beautiful self to me and guess what, the word I’ve been seeking is: acceptance (which makes a wonderful companion to forgiveness!).

    I hope NYC is everything and all that you need, I spent a magical three days there and left feeling full of new ideas and thoughts…each walk revealed exciting vistas and new folks to set eyes on…I hope to read a post soon on your wonderful journey “home”, Debbie!

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    1. Frank, thank you. You are a sweetheart, and I’ve so appreciated your encouraging comments and beautiful contributions on forgiveness. I decided not to move to NY––spent about 5 weeks there, and it was enough to get clear on what I truly want in a location. LA (or at least the West Coast) is a good home base for me.

      Hope you are doing well. Be in touch anytime, Frank. My email is weloveyou@forgivingconnects.com.

      Blessings,
      Debbie

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  28. I am so happy for you Debbie, sad at the thought that this could be your last blog but I understand complete. Growth means moving on, experiencing new things about yourself and about your path in life. Reading your post really made me smile as well because NY is a wonderful place, full of adventure and opportunities I’m sure you will do well there. Congratulations on your new home may it be filled with love, light and happiness. xxxxx Love you!!

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    1. Etta, thank you. And, thank you for your consistent – and beautiful – contributions for Forgiving Fridays. You have shared a lot of wisdom with them, and I am deeply grateful for that, and for YOU. How is it going with your own home search?

      Know that I am sending the Light for that, and for all your next steps Etta.

      Connecting with you is a highlight of my blog experience, truly. Keep going, you are doing such a service by sharing your gifts and following your heart-felt dreams. Blessings to you Etta D – and a big hug!

      Love and Light,
      Debbie

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      1. Hello Debbie. Thank you for being a constant inspiration to me and allowing me to contribute to you blog. Wishing you all the best in your move and nothing but love to you in your new journey.

        We have found a new home, moved in a few weeks ago. It’s a lot more comfortable than our old place.

        Love and Light to you Debbie and richest blessings for the future! ❤ ❤

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      3. Thank you Debbie! Let me know when you’ve settled and I’ll send you an email update.

        Was looking at photos of New York the other day and was feeling so much joy for. I’ve visited New York many times in my younger days and love how lively the city was. My first broadway show was Cats!!

        Wishing you all the best in your move……Love and light to you and may the Universe continue to smile upon you ❤

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