This has been a question that has been on my heart recently: Why do I spend countless hours sharing my thoughts and experiences through blog posts?

There are many reasons why I write my blog,  but one of the main ones is due to building relationships with my readers. I'm blessed to have such amazing readers! Thank you for listening to what I have to say and sharing your stories.

I received such a sweet email yesterday from a reader who is letting me post her comment.  It reinforced why I write my blog.

I am very honoured to be nominated for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award by a fellow blogger and one of my loyal contributors, Anne Sikes (My Like Uncut....Almost).  Thank you Anne for the nomination! It means so much to me.  If you haven't check out Anne's interview on perseverance on my blog, you should check it out here.  If you have not visited her blog, you need to do so. She is such a beautiful person! I'm blessed that she reached out and contacted me.  I love hearing from my readers :)

Do you ever feel like you are mentally swimming in quicksand? Well, you have two choices: you can sink, or you can keep swimming.

I often struggle with a fear of failure when it comes to achievement, but I persevere. I try to stop negative thoughts dead in their tracks. The importance of squelching negative thoughts fast was brought home to me recently after admitting to my family and close friends that I had been dealing with feelings of failure.

What does this term “being a failure” mean? I have two university degrees – one undergraduate, one graduate - and I’m on my way to a wonderful career. How could I possibly believe for a second that I could be “a failure”?

Tracey Carmichael is a Life Coach and Author of Happy Mind Formula - Your Action Plan to Mental and Physical Wellbeing. During Tracey’s 15 years as a Natural Therapist, she discovered a missing link between depression and happiness. Through her own personal experience, she discovered a formula to break this debilitating condition. With a holistic approach to food, movement, and exercise, she was able to create positive change in her own life and in the lives of her clients. Her passion is to share this message with the world to help people understand that they do have the power to move from depression to happiness.  You can check out her website at  www.happymindformula.com.

I'm a 55-year-old mother of three grown children, and a grandmother of one.  I was born in California, raised in Texas, and my first husband and I travelled a great deal throughout his 20-year Navy career.  He passed away in 2001, and I remarried in 2006.  Currently separated from my husband, I'm living with my two grown daughters and my 10-year-old granddaughter in northwest Florida.

I forget exactly how I met Suzanne Hanna, but I'm so glad we connected less than a month ago.  She was such a great support when I lost my dog a couple weeks back. I'm so blessed!! Thanks Suzanne for sharing your story "The Importance of Grace" with us. 

Since the stories of the people I have encountered have influenced my thoughts and behaviours, it is only fair that these people be showcased. These individuals have touched my heart and encouraged me on my life’s journey. I hope you’ll find their stories as inspiring as I do!

I'm delighted that Elaine is sharing with us her thoughts on perseverance. She has extensive experience in education and sport, which gives her great insight on these topics. Thank you so much, Elaine! I contacted her earlier this year, as I am interested in positive organizational climates and reducing bullying in sport. I suggest you check out the program after you read her interview below. The work being done is very well needed!

Nicole Pyles is a writer, blogger, and social networker. These days, while she isn't hunting for a job, she's finishing her first novel, working on her blog, and fantasizing how great the future could be. Check out her blog World of My Imagination, where she posts about her experiences as a writer, as well as the fabulously weird world we live in.

Larissa and Ian Murphy represent to me a true tale of love and perseverance. I watched the following video yesterday, and their story was truly beautiful. The couple had been dating ten months and planned on getting married, when Ian got into a car crash.  He suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury.  Instead of giving up on the relationship, the couple got married and are going strong! The video literally made me cry.  Watch it for yourself!

I had such a wonderful walk on the beach recently that I had to share my time with you. Looking at these pictures, I hope you are reminded to see the beauty in all you do.

Come join me on my walk :) This is my first all photo post. I hope you enjoy it.

A loyal reader of mine asked if I could share on the topic of unrequited love; they are coping with this situation presently, and would like some support.

Unrequited love is love that is not reciprocated or returned by the other person.  Basically, you fall in love with someone whom you can never be with for a variety of reasons.  It is really hard on the person who has these feelings for the other, especially when they think that the other person is the man/woman of their dreams.