Write about a time when you didn’t take action but wish you had. What would you do differently?

A great question! Many years ago a little child confided in me that a man who married into our family had abused them.

My mouth dropped open and I didn’t want to believe them. I would repeat back their story and change a fact and they always corrected me. They were telling the truth!

After some time I told the woman who married this man. Instead of believing me she dismissed me from her life. And I made it easy for her by walking away.

When I finally reported it to the police they said, “there is no material evidence.” I should have fought harder.

We had people in our family that were doctors, nurses and teachers and they blindly chose not to believe the child and remain close to the child abuser.

A Priest told me, “In order for them to believe you, they would have to change their life, and they aren’t going to do that .” He was 100% right!

Child sexual abusers are typically not strangers but rather people we know and allow close to our children.

My walking away was the void they used to make me out as the crazy one and the unworthy one. Why on earth would I have lied about this when it caused so much damage in my family, mainly to me?

All these years later I would have fought harder for this criminal act to be uncovered and prosecuted. Today it takes so much less to initiate these actions.

We live and we learn …

Bernadette on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/bernadetteamoyer and Instagram @bernadetteamoyer @bernadettesahm

#abuse #childabuse #sexualabuse #dodifferently #family #live #learn #lessons

Describe one positive change you have made in your life.

The biggest positive change in my life is who and what and where I spend my time and energy. Making myself a priority. When you finally look at your life and make health and happiness the number one goal and priority, you see things differently.

If it doesn’t feel right, I don’t do it! If it doesn’t add value and/or make me happy I decline.

Not everyone is meant to stay in your life. Not everyone is a true friend. The family you were born into may be healthy for you or it may not be healthy at all.

There is that voice inside that knows instinctively what is good and what is right. Your truth may be inconvenient for someone else. It may not jive with the narrative they have created for themselves.

We literally have this one life and the gift of age teaches us what is important to us. The most positive change I’ve made is self-love and self-care. Taking good care of myself allows me to move between my need for spending time alone and my need for socializing.

I am no longer driven by other people’s opinions. I know who I am. I know where I began and I know where I have been and where I want to be.

Many positive changes throughout my lifetime have led to the greatest positive changes of 1) making health and happiness a priority and 2) self-love and self-care.

Bernadette on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/bernadetteamoyer on Instagram @bernadetteamoyer @bernadettesahm

#positive #change #life #lessons #growth

What’s the most fun way to exercise?

By Bernadette A. Sahm

One of the most fun ways to exercise would have to be by doing something outside. So that would be either riding my pink beach cruiser bicycle or walking our pups on the beach.

The fresh air of a bike ride flowing through my hair is always fun on a spring and summer day.

Taking Bailey and Buddy to the beach and walking with them is also great fun and easy exercise.

For a serious workout you will find me at the gym doing 10 to 11 miles on a stationary bike and rewarding myself with a hydro massage and tanning.

Activities outdoors can be the most fun and contribute to good exercise too!

Bernadette on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/bernadetteamoyer and Instagram @bernadetteamoyer @bernadettesahm

#exercise #outdoors #fun #healthy #workout #gym #bike ride #walking #beach

What book could you read over and over again?

By Bernadette A. Sahm

What book could you read over and over again? It took a few minutes for me to think about this question. My initial response I will stick with, as it has to be Love Story by Erich Segal. It later became a movie.

It is one book that I recall reading over and over again. Typically after reading a book I like to move on to read a new title.

There are many books that I have referenced over and over again like the Bible, The Four Agreements and many self-help books.

Many times I have reread some of my own writings. As I wonder if they are still relevant or in need of edits and update’s.

The book Love Story came out when I was a very young girl and for whatever reason I remember reading it over and over again!

Bernadette on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/bernadetteamoyer and Instagram @bernadetteamoyer @bernadettesahm

#books #writing #reading #lovestory

What is your favorite type of weather?

My favorite weather season is Spring and then Summer. As I’ve aged I’ve grown fond of Fall and Winter weather is my least favorite weather. Winter is death and dark and cold.

Spring is renewal when everything is new again! Temperatures are cool and clear. I love spring sweater weather and warmer days with cooler evenings.

Easter happens during the Spring season and that also makes it so special to me. I enjoy seeing trees budding and flowers beginning to bloom. It’s the season and the weather for hope and new beginnings.

I also favor summer beach weather with longer days of daylight and warm temperatures. Summer is fun and so freeing!

Fall harvest is an interesting time too and still peppered with warm days and cool nights.

So if I had to rate the weather and the seasons it would probably be 1) Spring 2) Summer 3) Fall and 4) Winter. But truth to be told it’s a great day to be alive regardless of the weather.

Bernadette on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/Bernadetteamoyer and Instagram @bernadetteamoyer @bernadettesahm

#weather #season #spring #summer #fall #winter

Tell us about your favorite pair of shoes, and where they’ve taken you.

You ask me about my favorite shoes? I am a girl I have so many favorites!

My Dr Scholl summer sandals in pink and black, light blue and white pairs are all summer favorites.

Then there are my strappy Earth shoes in black, cream and green with brown pairs that I love three seasons out of the year.

All the summer and spring shoes take me to the beach and the boardwalk and many outdoor social events.

My Adidas are my favorite work out shoes.

And last but not least are my boots! I love wearing my suede black boots during the fall and winter. These boots have traveled to several wineries up north and many live music concerts. I’ve worn them to work and out to dinner. They are comfy and cozy and always make me feel good and stand just a little bit taller.

There is absolutely no way I could just have one pair of favorite shoes! I am a girl who loves shoes, sandals, sneakers and boots. Style might matter but everything currently in my closet are all favorites of mine!

Bernadette on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/bernadettesmoyer on Instagram @bernadetteamoyer @bernadettesahm

#shoes #boots #fashion #girls #style

Are you patriotic? What does being patriotic mean to you?

I consider myself to be very patriotic as I am a proud American. I love our country! We are not perfect but we are good.

My father served in the Army and my first husband served two terms in the Navy. When I think of all the sacrifices they made to serve this country, I can’t help but be proud.

We are the land of opportunity and I believe the “American Dream” is alive for those willing to work hard for it.

Some of my favorite charities to support are Tunnel to Towers and American Veterans.

I like the flag, the red, white and blue and all that it stands for, we proudly hang an American flag outside our home.

At the time of this writing I am enjoying watching the USA compete in the Winter Olympics.

We are fond of the classic Americans clothing designs by Ralph Lauren Polo. It’s both classic and timeless.

Do I enjoy the current political divide in our country? No! And I do my best to tune most of it out.

Again our country isn’t perfect, but it is good, and I am both a proud patriot and proud American.

Bernadette on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/bernadetteamoyer and Instagram @bernadetteamoyer @bernadettesahm

#american #patriot #🇺🇸