I too kept a journal for many years and after my husband died I read them and I decided I would never want my son to read them. I made the decision to burn them and in doing that I feel like I was able to let some things go. Things from my past that I was ashamed of even though they were not my fault went up in flames. I watched them turn to smoke and I gave it all to God in that moment.
I think that’s a good idea, Susan. Keep your poetry and anything very sentimental. But burn the rest. As Jackie said, give it all to God. Live your happy life now. And best wishes for a very happy birthday!!! 🎉🎈🎂❤️🤗 And give little Desi a kiss!!!😘
Hi all the way from England 5.00 in the morning woken up watching your weekly video as I do every week for the past two years and caught up on so many more I can’t believe how like me you are listening to your thoughts about yourself and your like I’m 65 66 November I have loved and lost so many times like you but still live in hope I like you have battled through life always been a strong person because I had to be Left with a three and four year old it made me strong I was always very attractive people tell me today how pretty I am but it’s only just now I realise I was a beautiful young girl and yes not bad for my age I too need to downsize and at the point of deciding to move where to move how to do it I need to be by my grandchildren anyway I’m rambling on but I look forward to your videos every week I hear you you are so like me , an American version lol
@@LittlePoetI reread mine before burning them and they brought back to memory the things I had already dealt with and had forgiven, and had finally and mercifully forgotten. That’s my only warning when it comes to reading them again…it can open up new wounds from old injuries that had healed. I wish I hadn’t read them, personally. You will know what to do that is right for you! Thank you for another awesome video. God bless you, Susan!
I am 73 years old and very happy to be alive. I had a lung cancer diagnosis and a lobectomy and chemo and radiation. I lost all of my hair and regrew it back (but sparser). I think that these two years of treatment and healing completely wiped out any need to be perfectly ANYTHING. I am happy to wear clean and paid for clothes and comfortable shoes and tidy hair. I don't care what other people think anymore. I like who I am and I am proud of who I am.
God bless you and thank you for the strength and fight you gave to stay with life and dignity. Have a beautiful week ............ you are beautiful in heart and spirit and you are whole...........how much more beauty can any of we women want! Blessings 🥰
I feel the same way, cancer is not always a death sentence. I have bladder cancer (non-invasive), lost a kidney to cancer in 2022. So far I'm beating it. I feel blessed. It could be way worse. Independence is a great thing for us seniors. I'm 79 and still enjoying God's Gift of Life. It's wonderful!
I'm in two minds, they are a fantastic resource for budding family historians, but they often contain personal stuff about other folk that maybe you don't want them to know. Depends on the contents really.
I have written journals, not to record an interesting narrative about my life. The journals were an attempt to express hurt, emotional pain. And sort it out. Mt hope was to arrive at the point of being able to truly purge my heart and soul of the life experiences from childhood that seem to have been so deeply impactful that they have haunted me. Was I ever beaten, starved, placed in a cage, or abused in some heinous manner? No, I was not. Mine was some kind of emotional deprivation . I destroyed the writings. No relief came with the burning or shredding of the documents. I knew that if a family member read my words, I would be humiliated . My family has always found me to be “ different”. Now, I am laughing because my journaling might have been written proof that they were right!
I have gotten rid of my journals. I don't want my daughter to come across them when I pass and see here and there some negative entries, when all and all I had, and still have a wonderful life.
@@sharondoan1447You have an amazing ability to see self --at least past selves-- dispassionately. Reading about all these women who had journals makes me think how great it could have been if these lost "herstories" could have been made into a🖋️📖 historical fiction, if u will, so one's sources would be protected, like a good journalist, but the emotional/ psychological narrative would remain intact & not lost to time ⏳⌛
Happy birthday Susan. I regret my silence. I spent my entire life being bullied and/or emotionally abused by family, friends, coworkers,bosses and exes. I did not set my boundaries and stayed silent through the abuse. The abuse me second ex husband put me through was horrible. And it opened my eyes. At 60 I have finally found my voice and I stand up for myself now. As they say …. Better late than never!!!
I had a very similar experience through my life. When I did speak up as a whistleblower in a situation with a doctor in my hospital I was put through the most horrible investigation for six months with many lawyers involved. I paid the price for speaking up, but I won in the end. Another life lesson. Now retired ❤️
@@Lilygirl283 I’m glad you found your voice. It’s sad that so many women have not only suffered but suffered in silence. Standing up for myself is scary but freeing. I regret not doing it sooner.
Good for you. I'm happy being single. I pick the wrong kind of men. It is true that abuser look for a certain woman they can abuse. Learned that from a women's abuse program. I firmly set boundaries in all areas of my life now. Took me eight years to learn this. God Bless you.
I’m a 72 year young woman who follows you and another channel, Life with Sandra Hart. Your wisdom and hers enlighten me every video I watch in some aspect. Her latest video is about the angst over aging. Her advice was to stop obsessing over the mirror. It really resonated with me and today, your birthday, that’s exactly what I am going to stop doing. So happy 69th young birthday to you. Don’t worry how others see you. I once heard a wise person say, it’s none of their business. Live your life to the fullest you can.
My Dear Susan, I have followed you for a few years now, and being from Michigan myself, I have grown to see you as a great, mentor, inspiration and friend. I can only say that, I had a few things happen when I was young that were not situations a young girl should ever have to endure. I did however learn from them and grow as a person. I truly appreciate all the lovely, open and honest content you have shared with all of us. I’ve laughed, cried, related and grown in my own journey. So let me wish you a very happy, safe 69th birthday. 🥳. I’m, 64 years young, and I look forward to sharing them with you and Desi!! You have my highest respect! Thank You, for YOU!!!!
Hi Lucy I am a michigander as well. I often wish I could make a Michigan group for fans of Susan because if we all enjoy watching her we probably would have things in common in real life. What are your thoughts on this? -Lisa
Get rid of the journals. You are a survivor. You’re helping so many people - don’t look back on the heartache keep moving forward. Have a wonderful Birthday.
I’ve happily “retired from romance”- I’m 65, pretty pleased with my solitude, and quite content. I burned my journals for the very reason you mentioned, Susan. 🔥 Much Happiness to You & Desi ❤️
I am too, and although I'm good friends with a man I once lusted after,, at 73 that feeling is gone and replaced with the warmth of a long-standing friendship. I love my solitude, but I think that's because I have the luxury of friends and family so that when solitude becomes too much, I can go to them.
@jdk5379, so did I! I shredded every page in each journal I wrote in from 1994 when I started. Just as Susan stated, what if my sons read how I felt back then after I'm gone to Heaven... Too much sadness of how I was feeling at that time... But when it came to my boys, every word was filled with my love for them. But still I felt those personal journals needed to go. I want my boys to only remember me as their mother who loved them with all her heart and soul. I never wanted them to know how sad and hurt I was all those years for other reason in my life. I enjoy your video's Susan, they do help us ladies. And I love seeing Desi, he is the cutest! ❤
My heart broke for what you went through as a young mother just trying to pay your rent. I went through a very similar situation but I was in 5th grade and the scumbag was a teacher. I'm nearly 70 now and I work in an elementary school and believe me, I lookout for those sweet little children. But I never told anyone what happened to me for decades. Thank you Susan for sharing.
Happiest of birthdays to you, Susan! I loved this video. I cringed when you told about the landlord remembering a similar story that happened in my life. I believe you are in for a glorious year ahead! Thank you for everything you do to bring these relevant topics to the front burner. Live, love and be happy!
When my mom passed we found a "journal" she wrote. It was more of her life story. We discovered things we didn't know about her childhood and how hard her life was. She didn't get too intimate but we (her 7 children) discovered that she was a woman of courage and determination to live a life as beautiful as she could make it. That's the lesson we learned and appreciate from her "telling." Thank you for your thought-provoking video. Blessings to you!
Happiest of Birthdays, Susan! This is how we see you: beautiful, bravely vulnerable, kind hearted, wistfully sentimental, a most beautiful soul. Thank you for asking these profound questions that go the heart of who we all are and feel at one time or another in our lives. You are forever young🩷
Toss the journals out…and be free…the past is over…the future is hopeful! Starting over every single day we are gifted from God is True Joy. Happy Birthday Susan - You are unique and beautiful! We all need to live forward, live today. God bless you! God is good! ❤
As I age, I look online for people I used to be friends with & most of them have died (and they were my age). I am glad to wake up every morning and I want the day (that flies by) to be a good day and I will keep making my days as good as I can and fight away the quiet and loneliness.
Wendy, hello my name is Debra I have been in a nursing home for 3 months and I'm going back home on February 05, and I'm at a different place as I was the last time.. I also fight and fear loneliness it's terrible but this time around I'm going to put into place just what you say ( your going to fight your way through) that's what I have been telling myself this time around and then I'm reading your post and here I read it... I pray I do well God is amazing and he's not going to let me down.. he's going to lift me up... Amen
I feel the same way. Every morning l thank God for another day. I thank him and l ask him to help me make the most and the best of the day. Even the bad days are precious because they build bridges to better days.
This! This is why I took my Social Security at 62. I had four friends (close ones) pass away since the pandemic. There's no time like the present to enjoy life while I'm young and healthy enough to do so. Also, like you Susan, I quit cigarettes after having smoked since I was a teenager. Wish I'd done it years ago. Happy Birthday Susan. You're beautiful inside and out.
Happy Birthday Susan! Tomorrow is my 76 birthday. I am so grateful to be here to enjoy my grandchildren and 1 great grandchildren. I’ve learned, what you see on the outside is not as important as what’s going on inside. A sound mind and functioning body is far more precious. A good, kind heart and a beautiful smile goes a long way.
Include an event through Event Brite featuring a selection of readings from some of your diaries, your favorite poems & lyrics of your favorite songs; followed up with high tea gathering. As a suggestion I believe Nashville TN would make for a great location🤍🕊️
Your story of a young mom rings so true. My mom as a newly divorced mom of six was threatened with her new union job by a neighbor working in same company having an affair at work. Tried to have her fired for fear she would tell his wife. She won and at age 93 still receives pension benefits from said company !! Yay - strong women!!
I'm approaching my 68th birthday. On November 5, I learned I have terminal lung cancer. After getting my business affairs in order. I started asking myself all the questions you asked. There are no clear answers . Now, I hope I will make it to my 68th birthday. Puts everything in a different perspective. Keep sharing, I love your vlogs
I have been following Susan for three- or four years. Even as a hardened cynic, I can only say that she is simply oozing beauty, kindness, goodness and wisdom. Enough said.
I threw away some of my journals. We were so young .... this is how we dealt with life's sorrows....I kept some, but tore out some. I don't want to remember some things. So I don't. xxoo
40 years with one man..last 4 in isolation..hoping for change ..finally got that there will be no change in his spiritual progress..change is hard..and it is a blessing..happy birthday 🎂🎉💜🙏
Susan, there are tears streaming down my old, wrinkled , age blotched cheeks right now. Your story of being young and not equipped to handle men with confidence, really struck a chord in my heart. You see, I was taught from a very early age that unwanted male advances, sexual talk, ugliness was my fault! My fault! I must have somehow invited the insulting, demeaning, treatment. Once, an old man in my grandmother’s neighborhood suddenly shoved his hand inside my blouse and squeezed my breast. He was old and grandfatherly. At least I thought he was. Pulling away, in silence!, I struggled away from the grip he had on my arm to restrain me and ran home, as fast as I could. Shame overcame me. Not his shame. Based on my upbringing, the shame had to be mine. It couldn’t be his. I was 14. Decades and decades later, I learned he had done this to other girls. Girls who were afraid to speak up, like me. The punishment would have been ours. Not his. And because of this kind of upbringing, I never spoke up when other males placed their rude, groping hands on my body. I thought it was what I deserved for being female. Isn’t that sick? No boy or man ever wanted to know me as a person. Every date was a prelude to seeing how far they could go sexually. Was there something about me that shouted “ try me! “? I have no idea.
No, you did nothing wrong. Society allowed for men to supposedly be men and they didn’t have to control themselves. No, we were ruled by a patriarchy and our mothers bought into this as well. Young women today know better. You did nothing wrong and don’t doubt that for another minute.
Nope.... You are truly not alone. This stuff has happened to women and girls by the millions. There are men who put no control on their darkest instincts and then blame it on us. It is a sickness that men as a race need to evolve out of. They need to do it with the guidance of good men who know how to control their base primordial instincts. Woman can't change them and we have really tried. We have no role in it. Men need to change themselves.
It is so heartbreaking to think we women, also young children boys and girls, took on the guilt and shame of someone else's very wrong behavior. What a sick world we have lived in for a long time. Protecting the evil doers - taking the blame for them, how backwards. I am ever so grateful that the light is being shown on who and what is wrong, very wrong. The good people are now saying, enough is enough, no longer will this kind of disturbed behavior be allowed and directed at the good people in the world. We women can do that now because we can provide a living for ourselves and no longer have to be controlled by another. I am so grateful for the healthy changes happening on our earth! @@barbaradobson9298
🎉Happy 69th birthday. Last year I was 69 and wanted to do something fun and memorable once a month to celebrate my last year in my 60’s but alas, caring for my husband (who suffers with dementia) derailed my plans. I can’t tell you how much I loved this video!! I didn’t want it to end. Take care and please have a glass of champagne to celebrate your big day!!!! ❤
From UK....i was 70 on new years day 2024 .looked after my husband for 4 years on my own as well, also had dementia, stroke, mouth ulcers,. He died beside me last 2023..haven't done anything for the last year....take care of yourself.
Prayers for you and hubby. My hubby had many health problems and I was caregiver for over 3 yrs and he passed away June 2016. Miss him greatly. The years seem like months. He could walk in the door and we’d pick right up together, in love and best friends. Yes cake and champagne. That’s my plan next month when I turn 65!
Anyone who's been a caregiver is automatically nominated for Sainthood. I'm thankful I've forgotten how hard it was, and I had it easy compared to most women. My spouse was only about 35-40% dependent on me.
I think that women's journals are the list HERSTORIES and I think it's a shame that almost everyone commented that they'd destroyed their journals. I think they could have been transmuted into herstorical fictions that would have been fun --with all sources protected as the journalists say. THEY would be there for posterity, be it one's own or be it the World at large. Spielberg has been doing that for Jews by creating an oral history that any Jewish person can participate in and I think we women should do that for our own selves and for history and for our forgotten gender. It helps if one is an artist because then it would be easier to transform a past feeling or event into a historical fictional account. YOU have that talent Susan and you could actually even make songs from of your entries in your journals. I think your grandchildren could find it very interesting and one of them might be a singer or another type of artist and be inspired by your historical fictions. As to how I see you, I mentioned in a previous comment that a movie I saw online which is called THE MEMORY BOOK reminded me of you and I recommend you look at it and tell me what you think. Happy Birthday 🎁🎂🎉
I certainly would burn the journals, Susan! It’s for that very reason I don’t keep a journal today - nobody needs to find that and read it when I’m gone!
I have had several experiences of sexual harassment from male bosses. From the age of 16, I had self empowerment to deal firmly, sometimes harshly with these men.. thanks to my grandmother, who taught us from an early age to be wary and deal swiftly with them. I looked at it as a learning experience for them, a gift from me. Haha.
Lucky you to have had some coaching on how to handle men and their very different priorities. Good for you that you swiftly dealt with them with a great attitude!
Happy Birthday to someone who brings so much joy to so many people. You are real. You don't try to be someone you are not. You are like me, painfully honest, and I admire that in the few people who are. Please hug Desi for all of us. He's adorable!
Happy birthday dear lady. You have inspired me, helped grow, encouraged me not to be afraid, and bring joy to my quiet Saturday nights. Thank you for always being you. I wish for you nothing but good fortune, love, joy and long health. Much love, your pen pal from California.
Happy birthday!🎉🎉🎉every single thing you said resonated so much with me, Susan! When I was about 18 my driving instructor used to try to touch me too and say how lovely I looked. I felt so uncomfortable and didn’t say anything to anyone. He was old and creepy. Who would believe me, I thought. I’m in my fifties and still remember him clearly, yes I kept my mouth shut too. Speaking of journals, only last week I walked past my bedside table and stopped. I thought what if something happens to me, and my sons read my journalling. So much pain and all my problems with their father sat in those drawers, including his infidelity. Did I want to burden them with all that pain? Definitely no. So I grabbed all my pages and walked to my kitchen sink. I ripped them all up then turned on the tap and let the paper turn to mush. The ink melted from all the painful words. I squeezed it all together throwing it into a plastic bag then directly into the outdoor bin. I felt a sense of relief that those words will never haunt my sons. I’m glad I did it.❤❤❤
Sorry for the multiple posts! But, the questions were provocative-lol. Someone once said, “What other people think of me is really none of my business”. I strive to live that way & am at peace with myself. 😊
Yes, we should all get together for a Meet and Greet! Life is so short and ever changing. . You have moved into a new phase of life and I have done the same. We can never to back, we can't change what happened in the past. We live in the present and can certainly work to change our future. Keep doing what you are doing.....it is working!!!
Thank you Susan for another thought provoking video. I will be 70 on February 20. The end of my sixties. Wow. I think self esteem and self worth are linked. We gain self worth through those challenges in life. We learn what we will and won't tolerate. I learned early that I would not tolerate being abused by men or anyone. I was an attractive women in my youth but I didn't take advantage of that even when I could have. Now the looks are fading and my self esteem is too, but my self worth will alway be the same.
@@laurievanzon2126 I hear you. But you are still pretty, just a more mature beauty. Nothing wrong with that. Hold your head high and be proud of the accomplishments you made in those 20 years.
@@laurievanzon2126 I'm "only" 57 and I can't believe how fast my looks have faded and my body has changed in the past few years. I'm still thin, but the wrinkles, age spots, droopy eyes, and saggy skin. I just try to shrug it off and realize I had a good run for awhile. Lol
The only unconditional love comes from God when he sent his only son to die on a cross for us. When we asks for forgiveness, God forgives and gives us Mercy and Grace. God is so awesome!
And there is something different from knowing about Jesus than from knowing Him personally! Ask Him to forgive your sins and trust Him ONLY to save you!
I know that Jesus's existed but as for God that no one will know for sure until we die. Christianity is more than God as I feel it's in how you treat and respect people and life.
Happy Birthday Susan! I turned 74 Jan 24! You really are a therapist to me. ( others too i bet). I learn from your emotions & can relate to so much of your past. God Bless you Susan.
Dearest Susan, Just when I think you can't be more brave and vulnerable, you show us all that you certainly can. How I applaud that about you. It's a beautiful thing to behold. With each new video, you open your heart in ways you haven't before. You allow your audience in like the next-door neighbor with open arms. You challenge us to open our minds and participate in the Q & A. Those questions you answered are tougher than one might think when presented to ourselves. Susan, you possess a rare gift that you don't give yourself enough credit for. It's the ability to engage 100% with your audience by bearing your soul. Strength and personal growth, through vulnerability. That's powerful!!!! We, as women, hold ourselves captive many times while clinging to the very keys to un shackle ourselves. It's simply because we grow up with what we're watered with. And, so often, that takes years for many of us to overcome. Some never do. As long as we draw breath, if we can simply grow mentally, spirituality, and come full circle with our past circumstances, we then become the SHE'ros we are meant to be. And with that said, survivors usually shine the brightest. If you could only see yourself, the way I feel the majority of us view you, Susan, ... the light would be brilliant! Keep shining!!!! The world could certainly use more ladies like you!!! You are beyond unique. I mean that most sincerely. ❤ 🌞 BTW, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 69 trips around the sun!! How wonderful!! You wear it well. Something very special is en route to you! P.S. I'm "ALL IN" for the meet and greet & PJ party! What a blast that would be. Can we bring our pets to meet Desi? 🤣 Love you millions ❤️ in Texas! Deborah
I asked my best friend years ago to describe me in one sentence, she said 'the girl next door with a touch of polish'. All these years later we are still best friends, and its still the loveliest thing anyone has ever said about me. On days i feel bad, i remember it and it makes me feel better again.
I’ve kept my journals hoping that my son will find them someday. I think they will answer any question he may have about who I was. And even though we have a good relationship, there may be hurts that I don’t know about and if he is able to read what I was feeling at different stages of life, it might bring healing to him.
Enjoy your birthday dear Susan. I turned 70 last October. 70 is very scary for me. My parents died in their mid-70's, so I know the inevitable is right around the corner. I enjoy your videos so much. You ask some really good questions in this video. Your videos are so soothing and beautiful. I love going to thrift shops with you and your outside footage comforts me for some reason. I don't want to rush it, but I do look forward to Spring and Summer thru your camera lens. Give Desi belly rub for me. Love that little guy sooo much.
Thank you for sharing. Wishing you a happy birthday Susan. I too kept a journal for decades. I started with a school assignment at 12 and after my second divorce, at the age of 47, I read through every one of those journals. And then burned them. I am 77 years old now and just started journaling once again.
Hi Diana, Chantel here from California. I too have old journals since I was a teen at 16 years old. I’ve never stopped writing through all the years; ups and downs, sadness and joy, births and deaths, marriages and divorces, old age, trials and tribulations! Reading and revisiting the PAST taught me lots of good lessons which still apply to my life today and I am 75!!! 😂 The PAST was/is our teachers! As I was cleaning my home, I came across my cedar HOPE CHEST which is filled with my old journals, one particular journal was about how much I suffered being poor and fatherless and with a mother who was so caught up with her own motherless abusive childhood that she was abusive towards me in all the years growing up! Never a hug or “ I love you!”, I left home at 17 to be on my own, to a new country to find a new kind of life, I never looked back! That journal taught me to truly forgive my mother… she is gone now but I told her “ I love you” before she passed. I am proud of myself!!! I will reread all my past journals and then have a ritual for the LETTING GO with love …and I will burn them. I will only treasure the days I have left to live in this Winter Season of my life…with Joy and Grace! ❤
I've never been able to put my true feelings down on paper because I don't want anyone to know them. I used to write poetry and song lyrics but I hated opening up my heart so recklessly in case anyone knew the real me. I also think about true love and think about a dear, dear friend that has passed . We had so much fun together and when other people talk about her they mention how she was an alcoholic and would act out in the bars when drunk--but even in the many years we knew each other before she died, I never saw her drunk, so I can happily not think of that part of her. I knew her when she quit drinking and was a loving, happy person, and that's how I choose to remember her.
I turned 69 in August in 2023. I been dealing with the passing of my mom amount others situations. My new motto is it could always be worse. Always waiting for your video every Saturday evening.❤
I am sitting up late after a long day watching this video. I was astounded that your first comment was about the beauty pageant. I was about 7 sitting on my father's lap as we watched the Miss America pageant (probably 1965 or so). I watched for a while and then remember (as though it were yesterday) saying to him "Dad, I'm not ever going to be Miss America, am I?" It was as though at that very moment I already KNEW that I wasn't then - nor , what society called BEAUTIFUL. I can't say I have ever gotten over that idea.
That is somehow also such a sweet 🥰comment! I remember the ballet teacher looking at my feet and I also just knew, that I was never going to be a ballerina 🩰... 🤗for you!
Happy birthday, Susan. I turned 69 in November and cannot believe I’m this age. As for all those questions you asked, I have always had self-esteem and never felt that I wasn’t good enough for anybody. I dated a lot in my life. I was engaged five times and I didn’t marry till I was 35. But I lost my husband last year and that has been pretty devastating. I am finally adjusting to life alone. I am socializing and going out with people and friends, but I have no desire to ever date or be with another man. I do wish I had my younger hair and body but oh well. I’m satisfied with just being me, one thing I would like to do before I die is I’d like to go back to South Florida and see my house one last time that I lived in for 25 years. I loved my home and I miss it but I’m getting used to my new apartment and I fixed it up the way I want it and it is pretty . I love seeing your snow and was hoping to see snow but not where I am in NC.
Happy Birthday Susan. I’ll turn 75 in February. You speak of joy! I think as we get older we learn to appreciate that word more than ever. Aren’t we lucky to get this time! Have a great week.
Susan…. I see you as a strong, intelligent, beautiful woman, with tender feelings for others. You’ve moved forward no matter how tough it was. So proud of you. May the lord bless you, always, may you allow your life to make you happy. Be adventurous! Love to you.
I can so relate to you! 66 and divorced two years here. Wasnt planning on having to file for divorce so late in life! I had to for my self respect. I dont date, I have not wanted to but maybe one day.....This was an excellent video and very thought provoking. Whatever you decide to do with your writings, I am sure it will benefit you either way.
I remember the insecure days of youth where I’d never go to the door with even a curler in my hair… but now living in a senior residence where everyone else is not so worried about their appearance, I feel at ease going without makeup. It’s very freeing. My husband passed 13 years ago & I’m not looking for another one. I am very satisfied with my little dog!! I finally feel a peace I have never felt before. I think you’re beautiful inside & out… extremely talented & I love your videos. Oh… & of course little Desi!! 💕💕💕🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💕💕💕
I have always thrown my journaling out because I am afraid my daughter will read them one day when I’m gone. Plus it is sad for me to read through all the sad times I had. I’ve always struggled with this decision.
I haven't been able to find the strength to reread mine yet. It seems I only journaled during the bad times. I pretended to be much less burdened than I was during our parenting stage of marriage. There are surely little details in them I need to record, but by the time I'm 2 pages in I need a nap.
Happy birthday Susan!!! I am 78 and recommend throwing away journals. You need to move forward without being concerned about the loved ones reading private information. It is freeing. You are a beautiful soul and we are so blessed you share your best life with us. Look forward to next Saturday night with you and Desi🥰
Happy Birthday, Susan! Throw away the journals, leave the past where it belongs. Who cares how others see me? I spent my whole life worrying what other people think about me. You are such a good compassionate person. You were by Bill’s side when his family left him in hospice. He broke your heart and left you penniless but you were there for him until last minute. I don’t judge him but that sais a lot about you. ❤🌺
Yes, it does. My X , married over 35 years , is still cruel to me and it hurts so much. But, I would not treat him that way. He is disrespectful and shows he does not care at all. And, I don't think I ever want to see him again, I refuse to be treated with more abuse and disrespect.
Happy Birthday ❤ I see you as a person with a lot of integrity and depth and so funny, you make me laugh with your good sense of humour and you are not afraid to be yourself and you seem to be a woman with a lot of sound advice. Hope you have a fun birthday.
It’s like you’re speaking of my story! You have a beautiful heart and your reaching out and speaking for all us women who have no voice! Words cannot express my thanks to you
I kept journals for years. I got rid of them,burned them,I did not want my sons to read them one day!! It was therapeutic but I did not need them anymore.
I see you as a lovely mature woman, who has been through much, but managed to become more classy. I also can’t see me as others do. I have been through a hurtful divorce at the age of 43. I’m 70 now and have only dated one man for a few months. I just decided I enjoyed my freedom. But, I am more at peace with myself now than ever. Keep making us think about life!
Susan you are a brave woman to tell the world what happened to you. I understand fully your dilemma as I had a father who thought it was ok to come into the bathroom when I was taking a bath and into my bedroom at night when my mother was across the hall! I sometimes wondered why she let him do this to her only child. But I knew the answer, I wasn’t ever wanted. I was a way out of her destitute in a foreign land with an American soldier. No love in the family. I couldn’t wait to get out when I was 18! It did a lot to my mind and life decisions. I’m will be 73 this year and always think I have forgiven but have I??? Thankyou for your videos, I so look forward to them each week.
Dear Little Poet, Happy Birthday. I am 83. My daughter(age 59) introduced me to your channel . I love your style and your topics are so timely. I have a box full of journals. I just decided to get rid of them. They are in nice container and I could use the storage space. I have been through divorce. A wonderful husband died suddenly after 20 blissful years. Another divorce after 26 years. Half of that time I experienced verbal abuse until one day I realized that I didn’t deserve this . I went to the store and never went back? God is so good. He works out the details . Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Thank you Susan.
Every time I try to make a bucket list it's seems to just be spend more time with my kids and grandchildren, my sister and 2 brothers. I'm so content. My husband of 45+ years and my family is all that matters. My husband and I have been together since I was 14 and he was 15. We've been a couple for 50 years. It wasn't all a picnic but we made a wonderful fulfilled life. I'm so grateful. My and my husband's childhood was awful but we broke the mold.☺
Oh my gosh, the stream at the beginning is so gorgeous!!! We got snowed in and Oliver would not poop in it if he could help it. lol. Happy Birthday!!!! I'm going to answer those questions on my birthday too. I have the confidence of a snail, and I kind of know I always will. I loved this Susan. Take care! Much love, Melissa
I love you and Desi, Susan. I wish we could be neighbors. I am so sorry for the struggles you have faced in your life, but am so inspired by how you have made it through all of them. You are a great inspiration to all of us and we love you for opening up your heart to us. ❤
Your telling my story I'm turning 74 soon.i also just burned 33 years of journals from an abusive marriage.God has rescued me and blessed me beyond measure I am struggling with getting older being alone but I trust Jesus I gave him past now he will give me my future.
I took my journals to a professional shredding company and stood watching as they became a white powder. All those words were shared with my therapist and God. I released them to the Universe.
After I emotionally I journaled and worked through two failed marriages I burned the journals. At the request of my family I’ve been writing my story for a few years now. Eventually it will be published as a book. Now that the children are adults with lives of their own I’m writing about the treatment I received from their dad. He’s now deceased, each child and I made our peace with him as he was dying. Forgiveness is the best medicine to prevent so many diseases.
Happy birthday! Susan I am 63 years old, a woman who has had a share of suffering from childhood to adulthood running away from abusers, rape hatred, rejection at 15 living my country only to continue with the same sickle facing more challenges finding myself making mistakes the brought pain discouragement loneliness no hope and great depression in my life . At this point with 2 beautiful children suffering right along with me until 1989 Jesus Christ found me love me when nobody did my life changed He showed me how valuable I am enough for Him to give His life for me and save me. I want you to know how much He loves you and the same gift is for you too ,my journey of suffering is not over but now He is caring me loving me ,with a husband he send me 30 years ago .
I used to burn my journals, but about 15 years ago I stopped. Last year I decided to read-and-shred, but I couldn’t do it. That was my LIFE. Still journaling. (I’m 76.) Maybe later. I sure wish I had journals from my 20s, 30s, 40s.
I have never kept journals. I have enough memories, some good and some that hurt a lot even many years later. I have been married three times. I have been happliy married to my third husband for 34 years. He is a kind, moral, and loving man.
I don’t have much family and, like those who commented above, I feel content being alone. Almost every day I meet women of our ages (60-75-ish) who say they’re done with men.
I think it's amazing that women are finally say I don't need a man to feel good. My Mom was stuck in an unhappy marriage and couldn't see a way out. Different generation.
Hello, my name is Susan also. You are not alone in this. I feel at 71 yrs old I’m just not enough or good enough at all. I’m told by outsiders I don’t look my age. Yes, I’ve gained some weight thought out the years since menopause. But, not I’m not real bad. My husband and i have been married 20yrs, and I don’t remember him ever telling me I’m beautiful. I grew up being told I was a mistake, so I struggle with accepting myself and aging. I love your channel and you are so real and beautiful. Happy Birthday you don’t look a day over 50! ❤
So many women must endure male abuses. I was frequently sexually harassed at work and just dealt with it myself, no HR to complain to back in the day. My 93 year old mother has shared sexual harassment stories of her youth through young adulthood. Some men…arg
And here you are, you've done it again and touched my emotions so deeply. I truly admire your eloquence and truth Susan. Wishing you the very best of birthdays from across the oceans young lady. ❤
Belated happy birthday, Susan! Wow, another powerful video! I am so sorry you were molested by that monster where you were a young mother. I have several of my own stories from back in the days when we kept silent and sexual abuse and harassment "didn't exist." (I say that with deep sarcasm, of course.) I wish I could say I got consistently louder and stood up for myself, as you have, but I am not nearly as protective of myself as I need to be. It's on on-going life lesson for me. I say go ahead and turn the journals into a book. You can create a pen name! As long as there is nothing that would hurt you or anyone else you love, I see no harm. Journals are real-life turned into art and life lessons for others. I have ones from all the back to high school tucked away in a box I can't even get to in my garage. The sad thing about love these days is that we can be easily canceled by our younger loved-ones for unintended mistakes. I would love to meet you and many of these women! I remember when you moved into that new apartment. You have helped me grow these past four years as well. Thank you, Susan!❤
All my old journals are gone. I do a daily Bible journal when I do my Bible reading those I keep and I also have a gratitude journal. I write in every day. For Christmas one of my daughters gave me a fun journal to do online called story-worthy each week a question is asked of me and I answer it and when I’m done, she will make a book out of it for everyone😊 my children know that I’m brutally honest so I’m not going to hold back in it and they will not expect me to. They know I have been in recovery since 1988 as well as my grown grandchildren know so nothing but the truth.😊 I turned 73 this past November, and actually, I was excited to turn 70. The way I look at my life. I am blessed to have lived this long and to be healthy. Have a blessed week and blessed birthday ❤️love and hugs to you and the boy.🐶
I learned ,unfortunately,much younger than 18. Once I found my voice I have not shut up!!!! I will not remain quiet for anyone. Especially if there is wrong being done!! Thank you for sharing. Sending my love. 💝🙏
Wow....that flashlight you are shining into our souls here!! It's almost blinding.... If all the women here raised our hands that have held the same secret that you held for so long the numbers would shock! I'm so sorry that you had to suffer through that humiliation. Ultimately you pressed through and have come out the winner in life. It takes some of us that are so damaged a long time to find their voice and courage. It's never too late as long as there is breath in our lungs. No longer a victim but a voice and help to the hurting! We can make it if we just don't give up! Blessings and much happiness for your 69th year. What a blessing you are! Happy birthday dear Susan! Do us all a favor and make that album! 🎉🎊🎂🍨🩷
OH so happy to see you Ginger...I think my story is very woman's story ot some degree at least once in her life...we learn...and hopefully, grow and protect ourselves....Happy weekend!!! I still hear our beautiful voice!!!
One more thing....I really do hope you have the opportunity to make that album. I have started vocalizing again in hopes that I can do something one more time myself. Love you !
Happy early Birthday. I will be 63 this year. I have lot’s of regret’s and also am now Happily married for the third time .17 years this year.I was never quite and always honest. That also crushed me. I am happy and was diagnosed with breast cancer in December. Life is full of ups &downs. You are so Beautiful and fill me with inspiration. Thank you !
Happy Birthday, Susan! You're an Aquarian, I finally found out, as I had been wondering, I am really into astrology. I remember watching Miss America pageants when I was young and my dad saying how beautiful these women were but I needed to hear him say that to me, so I understand your feelings. Also your silence a similar thing happened to me but with a relative. I’m a 63-year-old women who travelled across the planet with only my suitcase, knapsack and my cat from Vienna, Austria where I had lived for 30 years to Maui and then a few months later back to my hometown in Canada where I grew up. I did this at 56 1/2 with zero money, I trusted the process. Yes, I’d love that we all get together, I am also a singer-songwriter, operatically trained singer too. Let’s hope we can make this dream a reality! I don’t have to travel too far to get to Michigan!
So many wonderful comments. I wish I could read them all. HAPPY BIRTHDAY💖SUSAN! I am sending my blessings to wonderful you!🍰I loved your questions to your grandson. The rainbow he drew over the house was a wonderful confirmation of the joy in his heart. Your earrings fit you so well! This video was another deep and heart provoking sharing! The idea of a meet and greet was so touching that you would think to do that with us. I cried for the experience you had at 18 as a new mother. What a shallow man he was. So many of us were humiliated in this way, not knowing how to handle it, be heard and unharmed. I counted 6 times in my life, I am 73, where I was sexually harassed in various ways. We just were not trained. Doing something positive from the covid fear that was purposely projected on the world was so wise of you. Look how you have served us women by doing this!! I would love to hear your new record - so talented! I agree, edit the journals and make a book, then I say toss them for your privacy. My poems tell a lot about me. It has taken me a long time to know myself and to love the sincere, imperfect woman that I am, and know it is okay to feel my feelings. No one can take my confidence from me again! No one will ever edit me now and this moment is all that matters. Hurrah! I have gained me! Love to you Susan and Desi all of the incredible wise amazing women on this site. It is a tribe of glorious humans worth celebrating! 💞
This week I opened some boxes I had filled with cards and letters and journals. I took the time to read them and took them in and then I gave myself permission to let them go. I’m 73 and it was time. At one time in my life they were meaningful but it was time for a clearing out. I feel so much lighter now. This was great therapy. ❤
Happy birthday Susan!! You look fantastic! You’re such a beautiful soul and so inspirational. I look forward to your videos each week. I’ll be turning 69 in October, so hard to believe. You always give me something to think about and ponder. I hope your birthday is filled with lots of joy and fun with your grandkids!! 💕🎂🍷
Susan thank you for always being honest. Your story about being a young lady with a baby really hit home for me. I was just 19 when I had my eldest daughter. I divorced her father when I just turned 22. The world was a scary place for me. There was a lot of garbage I had to deal with just to get by. Some people are blessed to have never been through vulnerable situations.Some people will never understand. I say burn the journals while you can. I’m so excited that you have a good life, a great following, your family near you, and Desi. You owe nothing to anyone and some questions we cannot answer.
Susan, I was astounded that you mentioned journaling! I have started my day writing in my journal for many years. It helped me so much to get things out of my heart and onto paper. But I also questioned having my loved ones read them! Why? Because they are the “real me”- the girl who is so sensitive and easily hurt. The girl with many flaws and faults. I read through them….. and threw them away. They served their purpose in helping me think through my life’s issues and are too personal to keep. Let others remember me for my smile or my spaghetti and meatballs or my love of growing things. The real me is still too vulnerable to share.
I admire your raw honesty. I BELIEVE more of us women have your feelings than we are willing to admit. Thanks for your sharing. This video gave me a real gift.
You got it, Babe. Happy 69th Birthday. You’re only 69 once. Keep enjoying the beauty that you share with all who tune in. I love it and it makes me feel good. Makes me feel hopeful. Thank you. You are beauty.
Happy birthday 🎊🎁🎈🎉🎂 I think I learned about money during my first marriage. I never asked how much he made it wasn’t an issue to me. But after 2 years on baby 2. The late nights, ect. Upset me. My mother-in-law put up with a lot. And told me, if my husband (her son) broke something, just replace it. Who cares what he does, you get his paycheck. That was so foreign to me. And no I was worth more than that and got a divorce. No one understood how I could leave money. But I was worth more than money. I remarried to a happy, funny guy, no money, but life was fun, that is all I wanted! It’s been a difficult 2 years with his cancer but I will gladly care for him because of the happiness he has brought me. My family and friends all told me not to marry him. He had nothing (money) to bring to the marriage, but we fooled them all. We have been together over 40 years!❤ happiness and laughter are the answers, gets through the tough time !❤
I have been writing for 50 years. I have my life in those journals. Yes! what do I do with these? There are certainly some great memories in them, also a lot pain, prayers, hope and dreams. I do not want my children to read these either. They have their own lives to live. It was good to hear others have the same challenge with their journals. Thanks.
I always look forward to your videos. They are so relatable and as women I don't think we ever make peace with our past because unfortunately there is and probably always has been a lot of things we have kept to ourselves and just moved on but we never forget. Happy birthday Beautiful lady! Thank you so much for sharing your life!
I too kept a journal for many years and after my husband died I read them and I decided I would never want my son to read them. I made the decision to burn them and in doing that I feel like I was able to let some things go. Things from my past that I was ashamed of even though they were not my fault went up in flames. I watched them turn to smoke and I gave it all to God in that moment.
I think this is a brilliant idea...perhaps I can take the poems and put them in a book but burn the journals...a symbol of moving on...O live that....
I think that’s a good idea, Susan. Keep your poetry and anything very sentimental. But burn the rest. As Jackie said, give it all to God. Live your happy life now. And best wishes for a very happy birthday!!! 🎉🎈🎂❤️🤗
And give little Desi a kiss!!!😘
I did the same thing for the same reasons. I don’t know about you but I felt more healed and free after doing so! God bless you 😊
Hi all the way from England 5.00 in the morning woken up watching your weekly video as I do every week for the past two years and caught up on so many more
I can’t believe how like me you are listening to your thoughts about yourself and your like
I’m 65 66 November
I have loved and lost so many times like you but still live in hope
I like you have battled through life always been a strong person because I had to be
Left with a three and four year old it made me strong
I was always very attractive people tell me today how pretty I am but it’s only just now I realise I was a beautiful young girl and yes not bad for my age I too need to downsize and at the point of deciding to move where to move how to do it
I need to be by my grandchildren
anyway I’m rambling on but I look forward to your videos every week I hear you you are so like me , an American version lol
@@LittlePoetI reread mine before burning them and they brought back to memory the things I had already dealt with and had forgiven, and had finally and mercifully forgotten. That’s my only warning when it comes to reading them again…it can open up new wounds from old injuries that had healed. I wish I hadn’t read them, personally. You will know what to do that is right for you! Thank you for another awesome video. God bless you, Susan!
I am 73 years old and very happy to be alive. I had a lung cancer diagnosis and a lobectomy and chemo and radiation. I lost all of my hair and regrew it back (but sparser). I think that these two years of treatment and healing completely wiped out any need to be perfectly ANYTHING. I am happy to wear clean and paid for clothes and comfortable shoes and tidy hair. I don't care what other people think anymore. I like who I am and I am proud of who I am.
? God bless you sweetheart and more blessings to you
Blessings Pat
God bless you and thank you for the strength and fight you gave to stay with life and dignity. Have a beautiful week ............ you are beautiful in heart and spirit and you are whole...........how much more beauty can any of we women want!
Blessings 🥰
You are perfect just being you! Sending you lots of energy! ❤
I feel the same way, cancer is not always a death sentence. I have bladder cancer (non-invasive), lost a kidney to cancer in 2022. So far I'm beating it. I feel blessed. It could be way worse. Independence is a great thing for us seniors. I'm 79 and still enjoying God's Gift of Life. It's wonderful!
I threw all my journals out. I hold on to nothing in the past. I'm 77 and very happy, grateful,whole and complete in this day.
I'm in two minds, they are a fantastic resource for budding family historians, but they often contain personal stuff about other folk that maybe you don't want them to know. Depends on the contents really.
I admire people who can leave the past in the past. There's a strength to that mindset.
I have written journals, not to record an interesting narrative about my life. The journals were an attempt to express hurt, emotional pain. And sort it out. Mt hope was to arrive at the point of being able to truly purge my heart and soul of the life experiences from childhood that seem to have been so deeply impactful that they have haunted me. Was I ever beaten, starved, placed in a cage, or abused in some heinous manner? No, I was not. Mine was some kind of emotional deprivation . I destroyed the writings. No relief came with the burning or shredding of the documents. I knew that if a family member read my words, I would be humiliated . My family has always found me to be “ different”. Now, I am laughing because my journaling might have been written proof that they were right!
I have gotten rid of my journals. I don't want my daughter to come across them when I pass and see here and there some negative entries, when all and all I had, and still have a wonderful life.
@@sharondoan1447You have an amazing ability to see self --at least past selves-- dispassionately. Reading about all these women who had journals makes me think how great it could have been if these lost "herstories" could have been made into a🖋️📖 historical fiction, if u will, so one's sources would be protected, like a good journalist, but the emotional/ psychological narrative would remain intact & not lost to time ⏳⌛
When I hit my 60's I realized that the less I worried about what others thought of me, I was happier and became truly myself.
Happy birthday Susan. I regret my silence. I spent my entire life being bullied and/or emotionally abused by family, friends, coworkers,bosses and exes. I did not set my boundaries and stayed silent through the abuse. The abuse me second ex husband put me through was horrible. And it opened my eyes. At 60 I have finally found my voice and I stand up for myself now. As they say …. Better late than never!!!
I had a very similar experience through my life. When I did speak up as a whistleblower in a situation with a doctor in my hospital I was put through the most horrible investigation for six months with many lawyers involved. I paid the price for speaking up, but I won in the end. Another life lesson. Now retired ❤️
Same here, i won't be silenced anymore, i will speak up and speak my mind and defend myself, i am 65 and it took a long time...
@@vivien2593 I’m sorry you went through that but I’m glad you won in the end.
@@Lilygirl283 I’m glad you found your voice. It’s sad that so many women have not only suffered but suffered in silence. Standing up for myself is scary but freeing. I regret not doing it sooner.
Good for you. I'm happy being single. I pick the wrong kind of men. It is true that abuser look for a certain woman they can abuse. Learned that from a women's abuse program. I firmly set boundaries in all areas of my life now. Took me eight years to learn this. God Bless you.
I’m a 72 year young woman who follows you and another channel, Life with Sandra Hart. Your wisdom and hers enlighten me every video I watch in some aspect. Her latest video is about the angst over aging. Her advice was to stop obsessing over the mirror. It really resonated with me and today, your birthday, that’s exactly what I am going to stop doing. So happy 69th young birthday to you. Don’t worry how others see you. I once heard a wise person say, it’s none of their business. Live your life to the fullest you can.
I watch Sandra too! Love these friends of the heart ❤
My Dear Susan,
I have followed you for a few years now, and being from Michigan myself, I have grown to see you as a great, mentor, inspiration and friend. I can only say that, I had a few things happen when I was young that were not situations a young girl should ever have to endure. I did however learn from them and grow as a person. I truly appreciate all the lovely, open and honest content you have shared with all of us. I’ve laughed, cried, related and grown in my own journey. So let me wish you a very happy, safe 69th birthday. 🥳. I’m, 64 years young, and I look forward to sharing them with you and Desi!!
You have my highest respect!
Thank You, for YOU!!!!
Hi Lucy I am a michigander as well. I often wish I could make a Michigan group for fans of Susan because if we all enjoy watching her we probably would have things in common in real life. What are your thoughts on this? -Lisa
Get rid of the journals. You are a survivor.
You’re helping so many people - don’t look back on the heartache keep moving forward. Have a wonderful Birthday.
I’ve happily “retired from romance”-
I’m 65, pretty pleased with my solitude, and quite content. I burned my journals for the very reason you mentioned, Susan. 🔥 Much Happiness to You & Desi ❤️
Well said.
Same here. 58 years from India.
I am too, and although I'm good friends with a man I once lusted after,, at 73 that feeling is gone and replaced with the warmth of a long-standing friendship. I love my solitude, but I think that's because I have the luxury of friends and family so that when solitude becomes too much, I can go to them.
❤ yes every time I Journal I throw it away at the end of the day
@jdk5379, so did I! I shredded every page in each journal I wrote in from 1994 when I started. Just as Susan stated, what if my sons read how I felt back then after I'm gone to Heaven... Too much sadness of how I was feeling at that time... But when it came to my boys, every word was filled with my love for them. But still I felt those personal journals needed to go. I want my boys to only remember me as their mother who loved them with all her heart and soul. I never wanted them to know how sad and hurt I was all those years for other reason in my life. I enjoy your video's Susan, they do help us ladies. And I love seeing Desi, he is the cutest! ❤
My heart broke for what you went through as a young mother just trying to pay your rent. I went through a very similar situation but I was in 5th grade and the scumbag was a teacher. I'm nearly 70 now and I work in an elementary school and believe me, I lookout for those sweet little children. But I never told anyone what happened to me for decades. Thank you Susan for sharing.
God bless you!
Happiest of birthdays to you, Susan! I loved this video. I cringed when you told about the landlord remembering a similar story that happened in my life. I believe you are in for a glorious year ahead! Thank you for everything you do to bring these relevant topics to the front burner. Live, love and be happy!
When you record your next album, please include Desi as a guest vocalist! 😍
YES!!!!!!
Yes! That's a must! ☺️ 🎶🎵
When my mom passed we found a "journal" she wrote. It was more of her life story. We discovered things we didn't know about her childhood and how hard her life was. She didn't get too intimate but we (her 7 children) discovered that she was a woman of courage and determination to live a life as beautiful as she could make it. That's the lesson we learned and appreciate from her "telling." Thank you for your thought-provoking video. Blessings to you!
And that's why I said DON'T BURN! but maybe our dear Susan has a very good reason . . . ?
Happiest of Birthdays, Susan! This is how we see you: beautiful, bravely vulnerable, kind hearted, wistfully sentimental, a most beautiful soul. Thank you for asking these profound questions that go the heart of who we all are and feel at one time or another in our lives. You are forever young🩷
Perfectly and well said!!
Toss the journals out…and be free…the past is over…the future is hopeful! Starting over every single day we are gifted from God is True Joy. Happy Birthday Susan - You are unique and beautiful! We all need to live forward, live today. God bless you! God is good! ❤
Read them all then dispose of them if you don’t write a story.
As I age, I look online for people I used to be friends with & most of them have died (and they were my age). I am glad to wake up every morning and I want the day (that flies by) to be a good day and I will keep making my days as good as I can and fight away the quiet and loneliness.
Wendy, hello my name is Debra I have been in a nursing home for 3 months and I'm going back home on February 05, and I'm at a different place as I was the last time.. I also fight and fear loneliness it's terrible but this time around I'm going to put into place just what you say ( your going to fight your way through) that's what I have been telling myself this time around and then I'm reading your post and here I read it... I pray I do well God is amazing and he's not going to let me down.. he's going to lift me up... Amen
Hopefully just alone and not lonely. Feel blessed each day and do at least one thing each day that makes you smile and feeling happy or content. 🙏
I feel the same way. Every morning l thank God for another day. I thank him and l ask him to help me make the most and the best of the day. Even the bad days are precious because they build bridges to better days.
Good for you. That’s what I need to do!
This! This is why I took my Social Security at 62. I had four friends (close ones) pass away since the pandemic. There's no time like the present to enjoy life while I'm young and healthy enough to do so. Also, like you Susan, I quit cigarettes after having smoked since I was a teenager. Wish I'd done it years ago. Happy Birthday Susan. You're beautiful inside and out.
Happy Birthday Susan! Tomorrow is my 76 birthday. I am so grateful to be here to enjoy my grandchildren and 1 great grandchildren. I’ve learned, what you see on the outside is not as important as what’s going on inside. A sound mind and functioning body is far more precious. A good, kind heart and a beautiful smile goes a long way.
Happy 76th birthday to you!!! 🎈🎂🎉
Happy birthday.Enjoy your special day.💕🇨🇦
Happy Birthday!
The most perfect meet and greet with Susan is to tour the thrift shops and laugh the day away. And I hope that will happen this summer! 👍🏼♥️🇨🇦
Include an event through Event Brite featuring a selection of readings from some of your diaries, your favorite poems & lyrics of your favorite songs; followed up with high tea gathering. As a suggestion I believe Nashville TN would make for a great location🤍🕊️
I'm 72. I got rid of all my journals. It has given me great peace of mind 💖
Your story of a young mom rings so true. My mom as a newly divorced mom of six was threatened with her new union job by a neighbor working in same company having an affair at work. Tried to have her fired for fear she would tell his wife. She won and at age 93 still receives pension benefits from said company !! Yay - strong women!!
I'm approaching my 68th birthday. On November 5, I learned I have terminal lung cancer. After getting my business affairs in order. I started asking myself all the questions you asked.
There are no clear answers . Now, I hope I will make it to my 68th birthday. Puts everything in a different perspective. Keep sharing, I love your vlogs
Susan I love your honesty and am honored to be a part of your community and appreciate your videos each and every week.
I have been following Susan for three- or four years. Even as a hardened cynic, I can only say that she is simply oozing beauty, kindness, goodness and wisdom. Enough said.
Happy Birthday, Susan, and a trillion more!❤❤❤
I threw away some of my journals. We were so young .... this is how we dealt with life's sorrows....I kept some, but tore out some. I don't want to remember some things. So I don't. xxoo
40 years with one man..last 4 in isolation..hoping for change ..finally got that there will be no change in his spiritual progress..change is hard..and it is a blessing..happy birthday 🎂🎉💜🙏
Susan, there are tears streaming down my old, wrinkled , age blotched cheeks right now. Your story of being young and not equipped to handle men with confidence, really struck a chord in my heart. You see, I was taught from a very early age that unwanted male advances, sexual talk, ugliness was my fault! My fault! I must have somehow invited the insulting, demeaning, treatment. Once, an old man in my grandmother’s neighborhood suddenly shoved his hand inside my blouse and squeezed my breast. He was old and grandfatherly. At least I thought he was. Pulling away, in silence!, I struggled away from the grip he had on my arm to restrain me and ran home, as fast as I could. Shame overcame me. Not his shame. Based on my upbringing, the shame had to be mine. It couldn’t be his. I was 14. Decades and decades later, I learned he had done this to other girls. Girls who were afraid to speak up, like me. The punishment would have been ours. Not his. And because of this kind of upbringing, I never spoke up when other males placed their rude, groping hands on my body. I thought it was what I deserved for being female. Isn’t that sick? No boy or man ever wanted to know me as a person. Every date was a prelude to seeing how far they could go sexually. Was there something about me that shouted “ try me! “? I have no idea.
No, you did nothing wrong. Society allowed for men to supposedly be men and they didn’t have to control themselves. No, we were ruled by a patriarchy and our mothers bought into this as well. Young women today know better. You did nothing wrong and don’t doubt that for another minute.
Nope.... You are truly not alone. This stuff has happened to women and girls by the millions. There are men who put no control on their darkest instincts and then blame it on us. It is a sickness that men as a race need to evolve out of. They need to do it with the guidance of good men who know how to control their base primordial instincts. Woman can't change them and we have really tried. We have no role in it. Men need to change themselves.
It is so heartbreaking to think we women, also young children boys and girls, took on the guilt and shame of someone else's very wrong behavior. What a sick world we have lived in for a long time. Protecting the evil doers - taking the blame for them, how backwards. I am ever so grateful that the light is being shown on who and what is wrong, very wrong. The good people are now saying, enough is enough, no longer will this kind of disturbed behavior be allowed and directed at the good people in the world. We women can do that now because we can provide a living for ourselves and no longer have to be controlled by another. I am so grateful for the healthy changes happening on our earth! @@barbaradobson9298
I too took on the blame for what was done to me - hearing other women tell the same story makes me sad and ask the question why?
@@barbaradobson9298 Thank you for your validation
🎉Happy 69th birthday. Last year I was 69 and wanted to do something fun and memorable once a month to celebrate my last year in my 60’s but alas, caring for my husband (who suffers with dementia) derailed my plans. I can’t tell you how much I loved this video!! I didn’t want it to end. Take care and please have a glass of champagne to celebrate your big day!!!! ❤
From UK....i was 70 on new years day 2024 .looked after my husband for 4 years on my own as well, also had dementia, stroke, mouth ulcers,. He died beside me last 2023..haven't done anything for the last year....take care of yourself.
Prayers for you and hubby. My hubby had many health problems and I was caregiver for over 3 yrs and he passed away June 2016. Miss him greatly. The years seem like months. He could walk in the door and we’d pick right up together, in love and best friends.
Yes cake and champagne. That’s my plan next month when I turn 65!
@@gabrielletanner5339I’m
Anyone who's been a caregiver is automatically nominated for Sainthood. I'm thankful I've forgotten how hard it was, and I had it easy compared to most women. My spouse was only about 35-40% dependent on me.
I think that women's journals are the list HERSTORIES and I think it's a shame that almost everyone commented that they'd destroyed their journals. I think they could have been transmuted into herstorical fictions that would have been fun --with all sources protected as the journalists say. THEY would be there for posterity, be it one's own or be it the World at large. Spielberg has been doing that for Jews by creating an oral history that any Jewish person can participate in and I think we women should do that for our own selves and for history and for our forgotten gender.
It helps if one is an artist because then it would be easier to transform a past feeling or event into a historical fictional account. YOU have that talent Susan and you could actually even make songs from of your entries in your journals. I think your grandchildren could find it very interesting and one of them might be a singer or another type of artist and be inspired by your historical fictions.
As to how I see you, I mentioned in a previous comment that a movie I saw online which is called THE MEMORY BOOK reminded me of you and I recommend you look at it and tell me what you think.
Happy Birthday 🎁🎂🎉
I certainly would burn the
journals, Susan! It’s for that very reason I don’t keep a journal today - nobody needs to find that and read it when I’m gone!
I have had several experiences of sexual harassment from male bosses. From the age of 16, I had self empowerment to deal firmly, sometimes harshly with these men.. thanks to my grandmother, who taught us from an early age to be wary and deal swiftly with them. I looked at it as a learning experience for them, a gift from me. Haha.
Yes!
Lucky you to have had some coaching on how to handle men and their very different priorities. Good for you that you swiftly dealt with them with a great attitude!
Happy Birthday to someone who brings so much joy to so many people. You are real. You don't try to be someone you are not. You are like me, painfully honest, and I admire that in the few people who are. Please hug Desi for all of us. He's adorable!
Happy birthday dear lady. You have inspired me, helped grow, encouraged me not to be afraid, and bring joy to my quiet Saturday nights. Thank you for always being you. I wish for you nothing but good fortune, love, joy and long health. Much love, your pen pal from California.
Happy birthday!🎉🎉🎉every single thing you said resonated so much with me, Susan! When I was about 18 my driving instructor used to try to touch me too and say how lovely I looked. I felt so uncomfortable and didn’t say anything to anyone. He was old and creepy. Who would believe me, I thought. I’m in my fifties and still remember him clearly, yes I kept my mouth shut too. Speaking of journals, only last week I walked past my bedside table and stopped. I thought what if something happens to me, and my sons read my journalling. So much pain and all my problems with their father sat in those drawers, including his infidelity. Did I want to burden them with all that pain? Definitely no. So I grabbed all my pages and walked to my kitchen sink. I ripped them all up then turned on the tap and let the paper turn to mush. The ink melted from all the painful words. I squeezed it all together throwing it into a plastic bag then directly into the outdoor bin. I felt a sense of relief that those words will never haunt my sons. I’m glad I did it.❤❤❤
Sorry for the multiple posts! But, the questions were provocative-lol. Someone once said, “What other people think of me is really none of my business”. I strive to live that way & am at peace with myself. 😊
That’s a great way to put it!
Yes, we should all get together for a Meet and Greet! Life is so short and ever changing. . You have moved into a new phase of life and I have done the same. We can never to back, we can't change what happened in the past. We live in the present and can certainly work to change our future. Keep doing what you are doing.....it is working!!!
Happy Happy Birthday Susan. You are fabulous and Desi is so precious!
Thank you Susan for another thought provoking video. I will be 70 on February 20. The end of my sixties. Wow. I think self esteem and self worth are linked. We gain self worth through those challenges in life. We learn what we will and won't tolerate. I learned early that I would not tolerate being abused by men or anyone. I was an attractive women in my youth but I didn't take advantage of that even when I could have. Now the looks are fading and my self esteem is too, but my self worth will alway be the same.
I'll be 65 this year and can't believe how pretty I was 20 years ago. I didn't appreciate it as much as I should have and the years went by so fast!
@@laurievanzon2126 I hear you. But you are still pretty, just a more mature beauty. Nothing wrong with that. Hold your head high and be proud of the accomplishments you made in those 20 years.
@@laurievanzon2126 I'm "only" 57 and I can't believe how fast my looks have faded and my body has changed in the past few years. I'm still thin, but the wrinkles, age spots, droopy eyes, and saggy skin. I just try to shrug it off and realize I had a good run for awhile. Lol
I really liked what you wrote about you and i relate very much . God bless you ....
The only unconditional love comes from God when he sent his only son to die on a cross for us. When we asks for forgiveness, God forgives and gives us Mercy and Grace. God is so awesome!
And there is something different from knowing about Jesus than from knowing Him personally! Ask Him to forgive your sins and trust Him ONLY to save you!
I know that Jesus's existed but as for God that no one will know for sure until we die. Christianity is more than God as I feel it's in how you treat and respect people and life.
Amen!!
THAT IS TRUTH❣️
So true 🙏🙏
Happy Birthday Susan! I turned 74 Jan 24! You really are a therapist to me. ( others too i bet). I learn from your emotions & can relate to so much of your past. God Bless you Susan.
Dearest Susan,
Just when I think you can't be more brave and vulnerable, you show us all that you certainly can.
How I applaud that about you. It's a beautiful thing to behold.
With each new video, you open your heart in ways you haven't before.
You allow your audience in like the next-door neighbor with open arms.
You challenge us to open our minds and participate in the Q & A.
Those questions you answered are tougher than one might think when presented to ourselves.
Susan, you possess a rare gift that you don't give yourself enough credit for.
It's the ability to engage 100% with your audience by bearing your soul.
Strength and personal growth, through vulnerability.
That's powerful!!!!
We, as women, hold ourselves captive many times while clinging to the very keys to un shackle ourselves.
It's simply because we grow up with what we're watered with.
And, so often, that takes years for many of us to overcome.
Some never do.
As long as we draw breath, if we can simply grow mentally, spirituality, and come full circle with our past circumstances, we then become the SHE'ros we are meant to be.
And with that said, survivors usually shine the brightest.
If you could only see yourself, the way I feel the majority of us view you, Susan, ... the light would be brilliant!
Keep shining!!!!
The world could certainly use more ladies like you!!! You are beyond unique.
I mean that most sincerely. ❤ 🌞
BTW, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
69 trips around the sun!!
How wonderful!! You wear it well.
Something very special is en route to you!
P.S. I'm "ALL IN" for the meet and greet & PJ party!
What a blast that would be.
Can we bring our pets to meet Desi? 🤣
Love you millions ❤️
in Texas!
Deborah
So well said and just what I wanted to say. Susan is a unique, talented, wise, warm, vulnerable and articulate woman.
I asked my best friend years ago to describe me in one sentence, she said 'the girl next door with a touch of polish'. All these years later we are still best friends, and its still the loveliest thing anyone has ever said about me. On days i feel bad, i remember it and it makes me feel better again.
I’ve kept my journals hoping that my son will find them someday. I think they will answer any question he may have about who I was. And even though we have a good relationship, there may be hurts that I don’t know about and if he is able to read what I was feeling at different stages of life, it might bring healing to him.
Enjoy your birthday dear Susan. I turned 70 last October. 70 is very scary for me. My parents died in their mid-70's, so I know the inevitable is right around the corner. I enjoy your videos so much. You ask some really good questions in this video. Your videos are so soothing and beautiful. I love going to thrift shops with you and your outside footage comforts me for some reason. I don't want to rush it, but I do look forward to Spring and Summer thru your camera lens. Give Desi belly rub for me. Love that little guy sooo much.
Thank you for sharing. Wishing you a happy birthday Susan. I too kept a journal for decades. I started with a school assignment at 12 and after my second divorce, at the age of 47, I read through every one of those journals. And then burned them. I am 77 years old now and just started journaling once again.
Hi Diana, Chantel here from California. I too have old journals since I was a teen at 16 years old. I’ve never stopped writing through all the years; ups and downs, sadness and joy, births and deaths, marriages and divorces, old age, trials and tribulations! Reading and revisiting the PAST taught me lots of good lessons which still apply to my life today and I am 75!!! 😂 The PAST was/is our teachers! As I was cleaning my home, I came across my cedar HOPE CHEST which is filled with my old journals, one particular journal was about how much I suffered being poor and fatherless and with a mother who was so caught up with her own motherless abusive childhood that she was abusive towards me in all the years growing up! Never a hug or “ I love you!”, I left home at 17 to be on my own, to a new country to find a new kind of life, I never looked back! That journal taught me to truly forgive my mother… she is gone now but I told her “ I love you” before she passed. I am proud of myself!!! I will reread all my past journals and then have a ritual for the LETTING GO with love …and I will burn them. I will only treasure the days I have left to live in this Winter Season of my life…with Joy and Grace! ❤
I've never been able to put my true feelings down on paper because I don't want anyone to know them. I used to write poetry and song lyrics but I hated opening up my heart so recklessly in case anyone knew the real me. I also think about true love and think about a dear, dear friend that has passed . We had so much fun together and when other people talk about her they mention how she was an alcoholic and would act out in the bars when drunk--but even in the many years we knew each other before she died, I never saw her drunk, so I can happily not think of that part of her. I knew her when she quit drinking and was a loving, happy person, and that's how I choose to remember her.
We are both 69 for about 4 weeks! Then I go on to age 70! Happy Birthday!
Have a wonderful Birthday 💐
I turned 69 in August in 2023. I been dealing with the passing of my mom amount others situations. My new motto is it could always be worse. Always waiting for your video every Saturday evening.❤
May I add, it always, always, always gets better.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
I am sitting up late after a long day watching this video. I was astounded that your first comment was about the beauty pageant.
I was about 7 sitting on my father's lap as we watched the Miss America pageant (probably 1965 or so). I watched for a while and then remember (as though it were yesterday) saying to him "Dad, I'm not ever going to be Miss America, am I?"
It was as though at that very moment I already KNEW that I wasn't then - nor , what society called BEAUTIFUL.
I can't say I have ever gotten over that idea.
That is somehow also such a sweet 🥰comment! I remember the ballet teacher looking at my feet and I also just knew, that I was never going to be a ballerina 🩰... 🤗for you!
💗⚘️💜🪷🩷🪻💖 I can fully relate to your topics today!! Thank you!!
Happy birthday, Susan. I turned 69 in November and cannot believe I’m this age. As for all those questions you asked, I have always had self-esteem and never felt that I wasn’t good enough for anybody. I dated a lot in my life. I was engaged five times and I didn’t marry till I was 35. But I lost my husband last year and that has been pretty devastating. I am finally adjusting to life alone. I am socializing and going out with people and friends, but I have no desire to ever date or be with another man. I do wish I had my younger hair and body but oh well. I’m satisfied with just being me, one thing I would like to do before I die is I’d like to go back to South Florida and see my house one last time that I lived in for 25 years. I loved my home and I miss it but I’m getting used to my new apartment and I fixed it up the way I want it and it is pretty . I love seeing your snow and was hoping to see snow but not where I am in NC.
No for us in NC that's for sure... I'm hoping we see some this year...It's been awhile...
@@carrieross8987 yes I’m so hoping to see a little snow
Happy Birthday Susan. I’ll turn 75 in February. You speak of joy! I think as we get older we learn to appreciate that word more than ever. Aren’t we lucky to get this time! Have a great week.
Susan…. I see you as a strong, intelligent, beautiful woman, with tender feelings for others. You’ve moved forward no matter how tough it was. So proud of you. May the lord bless you, always, may you allow your life to make you happy. Be adventurous! Love to you.
I can so relate to you! 66 and divorced two years here. Wasnt planning on having to file for divorce so late in life! I had to for my self respect. I dont date, I have not wanted to but maybe one day.....This was an excellent video and very thought provoking. Whatever you decide to do with your writings, I am sure it will benefit you either way.
Susan dear Lord Thank you for everything you've done for all of us You've helped me so much and everyone God bless you we all love your channel❤❤❤
I remember the insecure days of youth where I’d never go to the door with even a curler in my hair… but now living in a senior residence where everyone else is not so worried about their appearance, I feel at ease going without makeup. It’s very freeing. My husband passed 13 years ago & I’m not looking for another one. I am very satisfied with my little dog!! I finally feel a peace I have never felt before. I think you’re beautiful inside & out… extremely talented & I love your videos. Oh… & of course little Desi!! 💕💕💕🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💕💕💕
I have always thrown my journaling out because I am afraid my daughter will read them one day when I’m gone. Plus it is sad for me to read through all the sad times I had. I’ve always struggled with this decision.
I haven't been able to find the strength to reread mine yet. It seems I only journaled during the bad times. I pretended to be much less burdened than I was during our parenting stage of marriage. There are surely little details in them I need to record, but by the time I'm 2 pages in I need a nap.
Hope you dance around the Sun 🎉🎉🎉
HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🎂 MY SWEET FRIEND ❤!!!
ENJOY YOUR DAY!!! LOVE YOU!! LAUGH ALOT FOR ME!!!❤
Happy birthday Susan!!! I am 78 and recommend throwing away journals. You need to move forward without being concerned about the loved ones reading private information. It is freeing. You are a beautiful soul and we are so blessed you share your best life with us. Look forward to next Saturday night with you and Desi🥰
Happy Birthday, Susan! Throw away the journals, leave the past where it belongs. Who cares how others see me? I spent my whole life worrying what other people think about me. You are such a good compassionate person. You were by Bill’s side when his family left him in hospice. He broke your heart and left you penniless but you were there for him until last minute. I don’t judge him but that sais a lot about you. ❤🌺
Yes, it does. My X , married over 35 years , is still cruel to me and it hurts so much. But, I would not treat him that way. He is disrespectful and shows he does not care at all. And, I don't think I ever want to see him again, I refuse to be treated with more abuse and disrespect.
Happy Birthday ❤ I see you as a person with a lot of integrity and depth and so funny, you make me laugh with your good sense of humour and you are not afraid to be yourself and you seem to be a woman with a lot of sound advice. Hope you have a fun birthday.
It’s like you’re speaking of my story! You have a beautiful heart and your reaching out and speaking for all us women who have no voice! Words cannot express my thanks to you
Happy Birthday Susan I turn 68 in August I'm never going to let anyone edit who I am❤
I kept journals for years. I got rid of them,burned them,I did not want my sons to read them one day!! It was therapeutic but I did not need them anymore.
I've been 69 for a month today. I'm a widow and I have aged 10 years in the last FOUR YEARS.
I see you as a lovely mature woman, who has been through much, but managed to become more classy. I also can’t see me as others do. I have been through a hurtful divorce at the age of 43. I’m 70 now and have only dated one man for a few months. I just decided I enjoyed my freedom. But, I am more at peace with myself now than ever. Keep making us think about life!
Can we have a video of DESI singing Happy Birthday ??? WOOOOOOOOOO !!!!!
Oh yes!!! I will do that Monday!!!
@@LittlePoet
Susan you are a brave woman to tell the world what happened to you. I understand fully your dilemma as I had a father who thought it was ok to come into the bathroom when I was taking a bath and into my bedroom at night when my mother was across the hall! I sometimes wondered why she let him do this to her only child. But I knew the answer, I wasn’t ever wanted. I was a way out of her destitute in a foreign land with an American soldier. No love in the family. I couldn’t wait to get out when I was 18! It did a lot to my mind and life decisions. I’m will be 73 this year and always think I have forgiven but have I??? Thankyou for your videos, I so look forward to them each week.
Some things are unforgivable and that's okay. Know you aren't alone and you are strong.
Dear Little Poet, Happy Birthday. I am 83. My daughter(age 59) introduced me to your channel . I love your style and your topics are so timely. I have a box full of journals. I just decided to get rid of them. They are in nice container and I could use the storage space.
I have been through divorce. A wonderful husband died suddenly after 20 blissful years. Another divorce after 26 years. Half of that time I experienced verbal abuse until one day I realized that I didn’t deserve this . I went to the store and never went back?
God is so good. He works out the details . Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Thank you Susan.
Happy Belated Birthday to fabulous You! May your year be blessed with an abundance of wonderful health, love, adventures and Joy! You're the best!! ❤
Every time I try to make a bucket list it's seems to just be spend more time with my kids and grandchildren, my sister and 2 brothers. I'm so content. My husband of 45+ years and my family is all that matters. My husband and I have been together since I was 14 and he was 15. We've been a couple for 50 years. It wasn't all a picnic but we made a wonderful fulfilled life. I'm so grateful. My and my husband's childhood was awful but we broke the mold.☺
Oh my gosh, the stream at the beginning is so gorgeous!!! We got snowed in and Oliver would not poop in it if he could help it. lol. Happy Birthday!!!! I'm going to answer those questions on my birthday too. I have the confidence of a snail, and I kind of know I always will. I loved this Susan. Take care! Much love, Melissa
I love you and Desi, Susan. I wish we could be neighbors. I am so sorry for the struggles you have faced in your life, but am so inspired by how you have made it through all of them. You are a great inspiration to all of us and we love you for opening up your heart to us. ❤
Your telling my story I'm turning 74 soon.i also just burned 33 years of journals from an abusive marriage.God has rescued me and blessed me beyond measure
I am struggling with getting older being alone but I trust Jesus
I gave him past now he will give me my future.
I took my journals to a professional shredding company and stood watching as they became a white powder. All those words were shared with my therapist and God. I released them to the Universe.
After I emotionally I journaled and worked through two failed marriages I burned the journals.
At the request of my family I’ve been writing my story for a few years now. Eventually it will be published as a book.
Now that the children are adults with lives of their own I’m writing about the treatment I received from their dad. He’s now deceased, each child and I made our peace with him as he was dying. Forgiveness is the best medicine to prevent so many diseases.
Happy birthday! Susan I am 63 years old, a woman who has had a share of suffering from childhood to adulthood running away from abusers, rape hatred, rejection at 15 living my country only to continue with the same sickle facing more challenges finding myself making mistakes the brought pain discouragement loneliness no hope and great depression in my life . At this point with 2 beautiful children suffering right along with me until 1989 Jesus Christ found me love me when nobody did my life changed He showed me how valuable I am enough for Him to give His life for me and save me. I want you to know how much He loves you and the same gift is for you too ,my journey of suffering is not over but now He is caring me loving me ,with a husband he send me 30 years ago .
I used to burn my journals, but about 15 years ago I stopped. Last year I decided to read-and-shred, but I couldn’t do it. That was my LIFE. Still journaling. (I’m 76.) Maybe later. I sure wish I had journals from my 20s, 30s, 40s.
I have never kept journals. I have enough memories, some good and some that hurt a lot even many years later. I have been married three times. I have been happliy married to my third husband for 34 years. He is a kind, moral, and loving man.
I don’t have much family and, like those who commented above, I feel content being alone.
Almost every day I meet women of our ages (60-75-ish) who say they’re done with men.
I think it's amazing that women are finally say I don't need a man to feel good. My Mom was stuck in an unhappy marriage and couldn't see a way out. Different generation.
Hello, my name is Susan also. You are not alone in this. I feel at 71 yrs old I’m just not enough or good enough at all. I’m told by outsiders I don’t look my age. Yes, I’ve gained some weight thought out the years since menopause. But, not I’m not real bad. My husband and i have been married 20yrs, and I don’t remember him ever telling me I’m beautiful. I grew up being told I was a mistake, so I struggle with accepting myself and aging.
I love your channel and you are so real and beautiful. Happy Birthday you don’t look a day over 50! ❤
Susan, I went through something similar with a landlord and I never said anything to anyone, but recently I told my therapist. We are survivors. ❤
Not only survivors but I thrives. God Bless.🙏
So many women must endure male abuses. I was frequently sexually harassed at work and just dealt with it myself, no HR to complain to back in the day. My 93 year old mother has shared sexual harassment stories of her youth through young adulthood. Some men…arg
Happy Birthday Susan. Lots of love from Scotland Hope you are having a wonderful day ❤
And here you are, you've done it again and touched my emotions so deeply. I truly admire your eloquence and truth Susan. Wishing you the very best of birthdays from across the oceans young lady. ❤
Belated happy birthday, Susan! Wow, another powerful video! I am so sorry you were molested by that monster where you were a young mother. I have several of my own stories from back in the days when we kept silent and sexual abuse and harassment "didn't exist." (I say that with deep sarcasm, of course.) I wish I could say I got consistently louder and stood up for myself, as you have, but I am not nearly as protective of myself as I need to be. It's on on-going life lesson for me. I say go ahead and turn the journals into a book. You can create a pen name! As long as there is nothing that would hurt you or anyone else you love, I see no harm. Journals are real-life turned into art and life lessons for others. I have ones from all the back to high school tucked away in a box I can't even get to in my garage. The sad thing about love these days is that we can be easily canceled by our younger loved-ones for unintended mistakes. I would love to meet you and many of these women! I remember when you moved into that new apartment. You have helped me grow these past four years as well. Thank you, Susan!❤
All my old journals are gone. I do a daily Bible journal when I do my Bible reading those I keep and I also have a gratitude journal. I write in every day. For Christmas one of my daughters gave me a fun journal to do online called story-worthy each week a question is asked of me and I answer it and when I’m done, she will make a book out of it for everyone😊 my children know that I’m brutally honest so I’m not going to hold back in it and they will not expect me to. They know I have been in recovery since 1988 as well as my grown grandchildren know so nothing but the truth.😊 I turned 73 this past November, and actually, I was excited to turn 70. The way I look at my life. I am blessed to have lived this long and to be healthy. Have a blessed week and blessed birthday ❤️love and hugs to you and the boy.🐶
I learned ,unfortunately,much younger than 18. Once I found my voice I have not shut up!!!! I will not remain quiet for anyone. Especially if there is wrong being done!! Thank you for sharing. Sending my love. 💝🙏
Wow....that flashlight you are shining into our souls here!! It's almost blinding.... If all the women here raised our hands that have held the same secret that you held for so long the numbers would shock! I'm so sorry that you had to suffer through that humiliation. Ultimately you pressed through and have come out the winner in life. It takes some of us that are so damaged a long time to find their voice and courage. It's never too late as long as there is breath in our lungs. No longer a victim but a voice and help to the hurting! We can make it if we just don't give up! Blessings and much happiness for your 69th year. What a blessing you are! Happy birthday dear Susan! Do us all a favor and make that album! 🎉🎊🎂🍨🩷
OH so happy to see you Ginger...I think my story is very woman's story ot some degree at least once in her life...we learn...and hopefully, grow and protect ourselves....Happy weekend!!! I still hear our beautiful voice!!!
I wish for you this year to be your best yet! Sending hugs to you and Desi❤
One more thing....I really do hope you have the opportunity to make that album. I have started vocalizing again in hopes that I can do something one more time myself. Love you !
Happy early Birthday. I will be 63 this year. I have lot’s of regret’s and also am now Happily married for the third time .17 years this year.I was never quite and always honest. That also crushed me. I am happy and was diagnosed with breast cancer in December. Life is full of ups &downs. You are so Beautiful and fill me with inspiration. Thank you !
@@cathybrown554Praying for your healing, take care😊
Happy Birthday, Susan! You're an Aquarian, I finally found out, as I had been wondering, I am really into astrology. I remember watching Miss America pageants when I was young and my dad saying how beautiful these women were but I needed to hear him say that to me, so I understand your feelings. Also your silence a similar thing happened to me but with a relative. I’m a 63-year-old women who travelled across the planet with only my suitcase, knapsack and my cat from Vienna, Austria where I had lived for 30 years to Maui and then a few months later back to my hometown in Canada where I grew up. I did this at 56 1/2 with zero money, I trusted the process. Yes, I’d love that we all get together, I am also a singer-songwriter, operatically trained singer too. Let’s hope we can make this dream a reality! I don’t have to travel too far to get to Michigan!
So many wonderful comments. I wish I could read them all. HAPPY BIRTHDAY💖SUSAN! I am sending my blessings to wonderful you!🍰I loved your questions to your grandson. The rainbow he drew over the house was a wonderful confirmation of the joy in his heart. Your earrings fit you so well! This video was another deep and heart provoking sharing! The idea of a meet and greet was so touching that you would think to do that with us. I cried for the experience you had at 18 as a new mother. What a shallow man he was. So many of us were humiliated in this way, not knowing how to handle it, be heard and unharmed. I counted 6 times in my life, I am 73, where I was sexually harassed in various ways. We just were not trained. Doing something positive from the covid fear that was purposely projected on the world was so wise of you. Look how you have served us women by doing this!! I would love to hear your new record - so talented! I agree, edit the journals and make a book, then I say toss them for your privacy. My poems tell a lot about me. It has taken me a long time to know myself and to love the sincere, imperfect woman that I am, and know it is okay to feel my feelings. No one can take my confidence from me again! No one will ever edit me now and this moment is all that matters. Hurrah! I have gained me! Love to you Susan and Desi all of the incredible wise amazing women on this site. It is a tribe of glorious humans worth celebrating! 💞
This week I opened some boxes I had filled with cards and letters and journals. I took the time to read them and took them in and then I gave myself permission to let them go. I’m 73 and it was time. At one time in my life they were meaningful but it was time for a clearing out. I feel so much lighter now. This was great therapy. ❤
Happy birthday Susan!! You look fantastic! You’re such a beautiful soul and so inspirational. I look forward to your videos each week. I’ll be turning 69 in October, so hard to believe. You always give me something to think about and ponder. I hope your birthday is filled with lots of joy and fun with your grandkids!! 💕🎂🍷
HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY WISHES TO ONE AMAZING WONDERFUL BEAUTIFUL LADY!!!! OUR FEARLESS LEADER! DON'T EVER CHANGE A SINGLE THING SUSAN!
Susan thank you for always being honest. Your story about being a young lady with a baby really hit home for me. I was just 19 when I had my eldest daughter. I divorced her father when I just turned 22. The world was a scary place for me. There was a lot of garbage I had to deal with just to get by. Some people are blessed to have never been through vulnerable situations.Some people will never understand. I say burn the journals while you can. I’m so excited that you have a good life, a great following, your family near you, and Desi. You owe nothing to anyone and some questions we cannot answer.
Susan, I was astounded that you mentioned journaling! I have started my day writing in my journal for many years. It helped me so much to get things out of my heart and onto paper. But I also questioned having my loved ones read them! Why? Because they are the “real me”- the girl who is so sensitive and easily hurt. The girl with many flaws and faults. I read through them….. and threw them away. They served their purpose in helping me think through my life’s issues and are too personal to keep. Let others remember me for my smile or my spaghetti and meatballs or my love of growing things. The real me is still too vulnerable to share.
I admire your raw honesty. I BELIEVE more of us women have your feelings than we are willing to admit. Thanks for your sharing. This video gave me a real gift.
You got it, Babe. Happy 69th Birthday. You’re only 69 once. Keep enjoying the beauty that you share with all who tune in. I love it and it makes me feel good. Makes me feel hopeful. Thank you. You are beauty.
Happy birthday 🎊🎁🎈🎉🎂
I think I learned about money during my first marriage. I never asked how much he made it wasn’t an issue to me. But after 2 years on baby 2. The late nights, ect. Upset me. My mother-in-law put up with a lot. And told me, if my husband (her son) broke something, just replace it. Who cares what he does, you get his paycheck. That was so foreign to me. And no I was worth more than that and got a divorce. No one understood how I could leave money. But I was worth more than money. I remarried to a happy, funny guy, no money, but life was fun, that is all I wanted! It’s been a difficult 2 years with his cancer but I will gladly care for him because of the happiness he has brought me. My family and friends all told me not to marry him. He had nothing (money) to bring to the marriage, but we fooled them all. We have been together over 40 years!❤ happiness and laughter are the answers, gets through the tough time !❤
Beautiful comment. God Bless you and your husband ❤❤
I have been writing for 50 years. I have my life in those journals. Yes! what do I do with these? There are certainly some great memories in them, also a lot pain, prayers, hope and dreams. I do not want my children to read these either. They have their own lives to live. It was good to hear others have the same challenge with their journals. Thanks.
This was my absolute favorite. Thanks for being YOU. Keep shining‼️
Beautiful snow pics ! Hope you're well ! Happy belated birthday 🎂 🥳
I always look forward to your videos. They are so relatable and as women I don't think we ever make peace with our past because unfortunately there is and probably always has been a lot of things we have kept to ourselves and just moved on but we never forget. Happy birthday Beautiful lady! Thank you so much for sharing your life!
Happy Birthday! Have a wonderful day.