LIVIA'S BOOKLET

When you love someone deeply, you never get to prepare for a moment life decides to test that love in unimaginable ways. It's as if love becomes a crucible, a fire that refines and strengthens your bond, pushing you to depths you never thought possible. Love makes you strong, not just in the moments of joy and triumph, But in the darkest of times, when the only thing that keeps you going is the unwavering commitment to care for another. Love teaches you patience, the kind that seeps into your soul and becomes a part of your very being. It's the patience to understand, to empathize, and to stand by someone through the storms of life. Love teaches you devotion, a deep-seated loyalty that isn't swayed by the whims of circumstance. It's the kind of devotion that becomes your north star, guiding you through life's uncertainties. But most profoundly, love teaches you that care is not a duty, but an honor. It's the privilege of being there for someone, of hold...

  Gratitude has been the most persistent emotion I've felt throughout my journey. Even on the bad and terrible days, I've managed to hold onto it. It's a choice, a decision to focus on the good things in life, no matter how small they may seem. And it's a choice that's transformed my life in ways I never thought possible. I've learned to believe in the power of divine timing. I no longer try to rush my life, to force things to happen according to my own schedule. Instead, I've learned to trust in the natural flow of life, to trust that everything is unfolding as it should. And in that trust, I've found a sense of peace, a sense of calm. One thing I've come to realize is that you don't always need a plan. Sometimes, you just need a pause, a moment to breathe. A chance to listen to yourself, to tune in to your own needs and desires. It's okay to slow down, to take a step back and reevaluate your priorities. Giving yourself permiss...

In the silence of my suffering - I met God. It wasn't just in the spotlight. It was on the hospital bed, In the middle of the marital crisis, when the bank account hit zero, and when depression and anxiety couldn't lift; that was when I met Him. Not too loud, but real. Not flashy but faithful. He never waited till I was strong; He just showed up. All Gentle - Quiet - Present - Comforting. Not everything was fixed overnight but He gave me a deeper - kinder present; His peace - His nearness. In those moments of desperation, I realized that God's presence isn't about grand gestures or dramatic interventions. It's about His gentle whisper in the darkness, His comforting presence in the midst of pain. It's about finding solace in His nearness, even when everything else seems to be falling apart. As I reflect on those moments, I realize that God's faithfulness isn't dependent on my circumstances. He's not a God who's only present in the good ti...

  Embracing your authentic self is a journey, not a destination. It's a process of discovery, of growth, of exploration. It's about being true to who you are, and what you believe in. It's about being honest, and real. It's about being vulnerable, and open. And it's about being brave, and courageous. When you embrace your authentic self, you will find a sense of freedom. A sense of liberation. A sense of joy, and happiness. You will find that you are able to be yourself, without apology. You will find that you are able to live life on your own terms. And you will find that you are able to make a difference in the world, in your own unique way. Embracing your authentic self means letting go of the need for validation from others. It means being okay with not being perfect. It means being willing to take risks, and to try new things. It means being open to feedback, and to criticism. And it means being kind to yourself, and compassionate. When you ar...

  "Maybe you need to start counting your blessings more often, Instead of focusing on what’s missing….." Nobody talks about the seasons where you did everything right, Those seasons you prayed - fasted - obeyed, but things still got harder to fight. The kind of seasons that tested your surrender, And made you question the whereabouts of God, and wonder. But even when it feels like nothing is working, He is still moving; because God? God has been constant. He still stays - He still shows up - He still whispers peace into chaos, And in the silence, His presence is made known. In the darkness, He is the light that shines, A beacon of hope, that guides me through the night's signs. He's the whisper in the wind, the gentle breeze that soothes, A reminder that He's always with me, even when I'm lost in doubts. He's the unseen movement, the quiet strength that holds, The gentle guidance that molds, and shapes my soul. He's the still, smal...

Survival is not just about getting through; it's about thriving. It's about finding a way to heal, to grow, and to flourish. It's about discovering a strength and resilience you never knew you had. And it's about celebrating every victory, no matter how small it may seem. Every step forward is a testament to your courage and determination. Every challenge overcome is a badge of honor. And every triumph is a reminder that you are capable of more than you ever thought possible. Survival is about perseverance, about grit, and about determination. It's about finding a way to keep going, even when the road ahead seems uncertain. It's about learning to adapt, to adjust, and to overcome. And it's about discovering a sense of purpose and meaning, even in the midst of adversity. When you survive, you learn to appreciate the little things in life. You learn to cherish every moment, every breath, and every opportunity. You learn to live in the present, and ...

  I am burning sage, and my husband says it's irritating his skin. Perhaps, is he a demon? The Demon's Delight Oh, dear demon, if you're hiding within Come forth and reveal, let the sage smoke spin A web of protection, a shield of light To keep you at bay, through the dark of night But if you're just my love, with skin so fair Then come, dear husband, let's show we care For each other's quirks, and each other's soul In this dance of love, we'll make our spirit whole.

  Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) is a rare cancer that affects the digestive system. It starts in the walls of the digestive tract, often in the stomach or small intestine. GIST can be challenging to diagnose, as symptoms may be vague or similar to other conditions. “Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes for patients with GIST. Awareness and education are key to promoting better understanding and care for those affected by this rare cancer.” I am a warrior, with a scarred heart A fighter against GIST, a brand new start I've faced the darkness, I've seen the light I've fought to live, through the darkest night The tumor's grip, it tried to hold But I refused, to let it unfold I chose to fight, I chose to rise To beat the odds, to open my eyes The treatments raged, like a stormy sea But I anchored down, in hope and glee I held on tight, to every thread Of life, of love, of every breath But GIST awareness, it's still...

  Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the digestive tract, most commonly in the stomach or small intestine. It originates from specialized cells called interstitial cells of Cajal or their precursors. GIST can vary in severity, from small, benign tumors to large, malignant ones. Symptoms may include: - Abdominal pain or discomfort - Bleeding in the digestive tract - Feeling full quickly while eating - Nausea and vomiting Treatment options depend on the size, location, and aggressiveness of the tumor, and may include: - Surgery to remove the tumor - Targeted therapy with medications like tyrosine kinase inhibitors - Clinical trials for new treatments Awareness and early detection are crucial for improving outcomes for patients with GIST. “Let’s Raise GIST Awareness together.” In the shadows, a war is fought A battle against GIST, a rare and silent thought A tumor grows, unseen and slow A threat to life, that few may know ...

  In a world that's loud, we often hide Our true selves, our struggles, our inner tide We're afraid to speak, to be ourselves Lest we're rejected, or judged by others' wealth But silence is a prison, that holds us tight A weight that presses, day and endless night It's time to break free, to shatter the glass To speak our truth, and let our voices pass Talk to us, and hear our story Of struggles, of pain, of victory We'll share our journey, our fears, our might And together, we'll shine with new light Our words, like bridges, will connect and bind Us together, in a bond of mind Let's talk, let's listen, let's be brave For in our words, our hearts will crave

  In silence, I suffer, alone and afraid My thoughts and feelings, locked deep within my shade The weight of my struggles, a burden I bear A heavy heart, that longs to share But fear of judgment, holds me back Afraid to speak, lest I am attacked My words, like stones, thrown into the night Hoping someone, will hear my plight My mental health, a fragile thread Easily broken, but also mended ahead For in my words, my heart will find peace - I hope