Hello from Arizona

[Patricia Sanders]

Hi everyone!

My name is Patricia. I was introduced to AJ's teachings in November 2009 when a couple who were friends of my ex-partner visited from Australia and played a DVD for us. I was drawn to these truths immediately, and over the past six years I've gone from wondering if God is real to, at times, feeling that God is the ONLY thing that's real. Some of the turning points were when I decided, at one point, to stop going back and forth about whether I believed in God and just TRY IT and stop hanging onto doubt, just for a week - of course, that week never ended. Also, when I realized that I was pursuing this path because I wanted things like to be "a good girl," to be praised and have approval as someone making progress on the path ... and then understood that God wants so much more for me than that - he wants me to have his love. Also going to the assistance group in 2013 in Texas was a big step - it helped me face some things I'd been avoiding.

Like some other people, I tend to avoid social media. I've come to realize though that I avoid social media not only because of the addiction-fest that it can be but also because of fears and other injuries that lead me to avoid social situations in general. I hope that by being here I can experience what it's like to be in a community based on loving principles, learn how I can share and contribute to others' growth in love, and of course open myself to God's Law of Attraction and grow through interactions here.

Briefly about me: I grew up in a Catholic household, but my family didn't take religion very seriously. I got "disillusioned" about God pretty early on, feeling that I had been abandoned - I'm aware now that that wasn't true, but still have some of those emotions. On the other hand I feel that somehow I received Divine Love early on in my life. I've always felt a gentleness and hope and desire for Love at the same time as feeling the world is such a dark, scary place.

I left a major addictive partnership recently (after a life-long string of them), which turned my life inside-out, and feel I'm still in the emotional aftermath of that. It's been quite a tumultuous and emotion-filled year and a half since I left. I've grown so much - had not realized how much I was suppressed in that relationship and others, until I saw myself expanding and blossoming once I was out of it. I started pursuing interests I'd long neglected or hadn't even known about. I've started to have some of my writing published, and am working on a novel. I bought 40 acres of desert land in northeastern Arizona, where I've built a little yurt-type shelter and am starting to build a straw bale house. I'm a total nature girl. I also love music and dancing - interests I haven't developed yet. And I love to travel. I also love science of all kinds, and automotive maintenance (working on my truck). See what I mean?

My favorite quote from AJ is "Love is the only thing that can save you."

Nicky, thank you for creating this space and for your dedication to making it a loving place.

[Nicky]

Hi Patricia

Welcome to the forums. It is awesome to see that you are beginning to follow your passions (the ones you are currently aware of, anyway!)

Love the quote, so simple but full of meaning and importance!

Nice to meet you.

Nicky

[Patricia Sanders]

Thank you, Nicky! Nice to meet you, too.

Patricia

[Jennifer Brownson]

Hi Patricia! I am really glad to see you here. Come early spring, would you be up for having visitors? (Fully self-contained ones, that is) I am thinking of taking a road trip across the USA, and you are one of the people I would love to spend some time with. If you are still building your straw bale house, I would be happy to help.

Big hugs to you, dear one!

[Patricia Sanders]

Hello Jennifer! I'd love to see you when you pass through Arizona - if nothing else, I'll meet you somewhere.

About visiting - my answer will most probably be yes, but ask me again when the time gets closer. So far I haven't wanted visitors ... but come spring I may well - probably will - feel differently.

I'm planning five straw bale structures - all tiny though - so no worries that I'll finish work before the spring!

Big hugs back to you!