34 Comments
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Elizabeth Grace Martinez's avatar

"Hope does not require proof." amen.

I always thought that if I was going to get a tattoo, I'd get "hope" and "faith" on my wrists to remind me. in the end, they were already tattooed on my heart.

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Teyani Whitman's avatar

Tattooed on your heart is a lovely way to think of this. I have one on my wrist that says Brave.

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Sally Carroll's avatar

I love this so much! Your writing is like a loving hug! Your descriptions bring the reader right into your world,

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Teyani Whitman's avatar

Thank you Sally! It makes me happy that it feels that way.

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Sandra Serrano's avatar

"Darkness does not erase the flame. If you’re in that same dark room and open the door to a fully lit hallway, the light tumbles in, the darkness does not fall out." I looooove this!

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Teyani Whitman's avatar

Thank you Sandra. There are times it is challenging to remember, but once we do, hope returns quickly.

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Zsolt Kohalmi The Late Harvest's avatar

Yes she is amazing🥰

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Teyani Whitman's avatar

Thank you so much. You’re very kind.

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Paolo Peralta's avatar

This is amazing

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Teyani Whitman's avatar

Thank you so much for these kind words. They are a balm to my heart.

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Dee Rambeau's avatar

“When everything has been decimated by the cruelty of living, I begin where I am and do just one thing. I’ve walked out of bad situations and been cursed with words telling me I would fail. “Just watch me” has been my reply”

Such beautiful words my friend. I’ve heard it said by business and military types that “Hope is not a strategy.”

I disagree. 🙏

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Teyani Whitman's avatar

Thank you so much Dee. I agree with you that Hope is a powerful strategy. My oldest daughter reminded me a couple days ago that my ability to overcome hardship, challenges and heartbreaks is 100% so far. So I think I’m doing pretty well.

I will gladly take the life I have now over the ones I walked away from any day.

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Lola Renda's avatar

Thank you. I really needed this, “Darkness does not erase the flame.”

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Teyani Whitman's avatar

I’m so glad my thoughts and words arrived for you at a time they helped. It’s my constant focus that I be used to help at least one person every day. 💞

And? The good news is that every word of what I said is true

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hg's avatar

What a moving article! Thank you! Kindness always wins, light always decimates the dark. Love conquers fear.

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Teyani Whitman's avatar

Thank you for the thoughtful reply! I believe those things completely.

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Shana Hormann's avatar

Love this. I will be 70 tomorrow!

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Teyani Whitman's avatar

The 70’s are great thus far

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Mohika Mudgal's avatar

Teyani after 71 years, you’re still the same essence, maybe a bit more seasoned! I see you as someone with a knack for shining through the cracks.

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Teyani Whitman's avatar

Thank you so much for these kind words. And for sure I’ve been seasoned, shaken and stirred

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Joshua Doležal's avatar

Love the cucumber photo :). I know what it's like to make a ceremony of hope.

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Teyani Whitman's avatar

Nice! And fun that you caught that was the image 🤗

Ceremonies of hope are ever so powerful.

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Pamela Leavey's avatar

Teyani, You know you speak my language, hope is everything! I feel like you and I could sit an talk for hours, my friend. I would love that!

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Teyani Whitman's avatar

Thank you for this wonderful compliment Pamela! We surely could. 💞

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Patrick Muindi's avatar

"Kuishi kwingi kuona mengi" This is a Swahili saying which means to live long is to see many things.

Thank you for this wisdom, my friend. So many things to reflect on. Life is always teaching us, those who claim not to see things just don't want to look.

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Teyani Whitman's avatar

I love that saying. I wish I could hear you speak the words .

And I so agree about those who don’t want to look not seeing things. It’s such a waste of living to not see the mundane. 💞

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Diane Decker's avatar

There isn’t a big enough heart emoji for this post dear friend which is beautifully written. I know your heart though and it is big and full.

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Teyani Whitman's avatar

Thank you dear one. Your words and support mean a lot to me.

And thank you for the restack!! 🤗

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Zsolt Kohalmi The Late Harvest's avatar

Teyani this is a beautiful self testimony! Carry on!❤️

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Teyani Whitman's avatar

Thank you Zsolt. I have an unshakeable faith, and will always choose hope over despair. And thank you for the restack!

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