You have just started dating someone new and you are so excited! He seems perfect in every way and he has told you just enough about his last relationship to make you feel secure in knowing you will treat him better. There is no way you would ever act like the ex. I am sorry to say, that doesn’t matter and it isn’t enough to keep him from going back when the ex comes crying and pulling strings.

It is about comfort for him. What we are seeing is anguish, and chaos when looking from the outside. He is going back to what he knows and an emotional attachment is just that, even when it is negative it is still an attachment that needs time to break. This is more true the longer the relationship had lasted, when marriage and kids were involved or if there had been something dramatic during the time that they were together that would have caused an even greater attachment.

The only choice you have here is to let him go. Remember when you said to yourself you would never act like the ex? Don’t start now! You have to let him go. He is allowing the strings to be pulled, the chaos to bring him back, do you really want to get in the middle of that? Don’t slide down in the mud or the ditch now. And especially not with an ex you don’t even know for a man you have just met or a relationship you have just begun. Girlfriend, let him go!

Oh, you have already put your heart into it. You feel betrayed, perhaps you have slept with him and now you feel a connection that is pulling your heart out. You have told him you love him? Do you really? Now is the time to show him. Without words even. You don’t want to burn bridges if you think this is a man worth being with. In knowing yourself you will know if this man is worth being there for when he does call. It is almost certain he will call you at some point. You are the Girlfriend quietly being there. You aren’t asking anything of him at this point. You are the one not pulling strings and playing games and when he does call to talk, you are a great listener and a very sweet person. And you truly are. You are a wonderful sweet spirit that any man would want. Now, what man deserves it?

Now that this wonderful man has dated you for just a moment, he is aware of what can be. He is well aware of how simple and nice dating a woman without the chaos can be. You have to continue to just be you during this time of separation. He has gone back to what he didn’t want and had left in the first place because it is what he knows, not necessarily what he really wants. When you slide down into despair or anger and try to cause chaos or jealousy you are no better than the last and why on earth would he want to come back? Believe me when I say he wants things different just as much as you do. He just may not be aware of it. You are aware of it so you model it for him until he gets it. No, you don’t have to answer the phone on Friday night at 8pm when he calls just to see if you have a date. Even if you don’t, go ahead and take yourself out. Go have dinner at one of your favorite restaurants, take in a movie or an outdoor concert. Leave the cell phone at home. Perhaps Saturday morning you can give him a courtesy call back and apologize for missing his call. At this point, be very evasive about where you were the night before. It isn’t any of his business. And you are staying out of game playing. You are just dating yourself at this point and he doesn’t have to know that! See, he has left yet he doesn’t have to have the fear of ‘losing’ you. He knows how wonderful you are and he knows other men are out there just waiting to date you. Remember? He is intelligent, wonderful and bright and this is why you would love to get to know him better. At this point you are holding yourself higher than the ex and this is what he is coming to respect. Believe me when I say, he is noticing! Do not put fear, mistrust or jealousy into this relationship at this point. These are not qualities you want in any relationship and are just part of a game you are better off not playing. Remember, you are wanting more and are expecting more because you are worth more.

Now, you have said you love him. And I have said now is the time to show him. Love just is. It isn’t something you give and take away as you please. That would be control and control is not love. So, Girlfriend, figure it out. Do you love him? Then let him go in love, without struggle and without strings attached. Real love doesn’t hold, it let’s go. And you love him anyways. You love him besides, you love him in-spite of and you love him without expectations of an outcome. You show him that you have a capacity to love without strings when you can love him even if he isn’t dating you or buying you things or calling or paying attention. No, you don’t sit quietly at home waiting. You move on with your life. I am just saying that if you love him and hope for a phone call and look forward to a reunion, you have to be the bigger person, you have to keep the games out of this relationship now and in the future. You have to set yourself apart from the norm and be bigger and better. You have to be the loving sweet woman you have become –regardless.

And when he comes to you to pour his heart out, you let him. You don’t start a conversation or try to tell him what he should have done or think this is at all about you. Let him talk. This is the time for you to just listen and be so thankful he knew he could come to you and tell you anything his heart wanted to say and you were there to just listen. And whether he mentions it or not, one reason he has come back is because you haven’t asked anything of him during this time. You have just let him be. You have watched to see how he handles things. You have watched to see his character during this time and you have been a willing participant as you stayed connected and took his phone calls and remained a true friend. He has come back because he knows even through all that he has put you through –and believe me he does know what he put you through even though he may never mention it- you have loved him anyway. This is a relationship without fear, mistrust and jealousy because you left these factors out. Good for you! Now, in this conversation, when he is done pouring his heart out and you have quietly listened and loved, let him know that you love him. You love the man he is and you love the fact that he can just be. However, in a relationship with you there are requirements and you do expect of him in this situation. You know you can’t be in a relationship that is chaotic, controlling or manic. So with you, he is setting up for a lifetime commitment that will be a relief for him. It may still take time and you may still have to stay strong and continue to state what you want, what you desire and what your needs are in a relationship and as you grow together and learn together, he will begin to get it. And he will begin to really appreciate this relationship and you.




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A topic of conversation came up recently wanting to know what to do when your baby won’t stop crying. “What can I do to fix it”?

My daughter Jordan was only a month and a half when she developed Colic. Now I call it Colic because in every sense of the word, I couldn’t get her to calm down or stop crying. Is it a belly ache? I tried feeding, she’s not hungry. I tried rocking, she arched her back. I tried laying her down, her crying increased to an ear piercing scream! So, I did the only thing I, a single mom at the age of 23, knew to do. I cuddled her up in a blanket, held her close to my chest, walked outside in the cool Orlando March air and I held her. Singing softly and talking to her softly and concentrating on my breathing quietly. I knew the only thing I could do would be to calm myself and be the comfort to her she would come to expect. When there was absolutely nothing else I could do, I had to let her cry. And I had to be there for her while she did. Calmly be there for her. Such is life.

Even with our girlfriends. When they need to cry. When the circumstances surrounding them is something we can’t fix. Nor do we need to fix. Sometimes all they need us to do is let them cry. And, perhaps we just need to focus on our breathing, we need to stay calm and we need to be the comfort they expect. ~Rachel Noble
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Okay, so you have asked. And you have given God a time limit. Because what you perceive as good timing is all you are thinking about. What you are needing right now is all you are seeing. It is the bigger picture that you can’t see. It is what God is working out for good all around you and in other lives that you are having to wait on. So, you “Ask and Ye Shall Receive” and then you “Let Go And Let God“ and then “Wait Upon The Lord”.

What I am saying is. Ask for what you want. And it isn’t about asking for money. What is it that money would bring? A peace about your bills? Loosening up the pocket book a little so you can go to Target? Being able to give the way you have always felt you should? It isn’t about asking for a man. They aren’t too hard to find. So get clear about what it is you are really asking for. The root of what more money would give you. The companionship that a relationship would bring. Then “Let Go And Let God”. Don’t pick it back up. Get clear about what you are really asking for and hold that thought. Notice how it feels to have money in the bank. Notice how it feels to have financial freedom. Notice how it feels to hand a check to the cause that concerns you most. Now claim it. As if it is already true. Continue to hold that until. Until it manifests in the physical what you have already claimed in the spiritual. Wondering what is taking so long? Not your job. That split second thought needs to immediately be replaced with what you already know to be true. The thought and the feeling you have when you asked and claimed this. When you let the negative climb back in to your conscious thinking, you are giving power to that negative thought. You are sliding back into the lack. I don’t have it. I am never going to get it. God doesn’t answer my prayers. Now where are you? Right back at the beginning. Start over. Ask again. Now let go and let God. Now wait upon the Lord.

Sometimes it helps to keep the excitement when you get a hold of the thought and the feeling that goes along with the thought. And then take your imagination and think about all the people God is working on and through while you are waiting. What is God putting in place while you are holding the truth in thought and feeling. I know while I continued to ask God for a husband. I would feel like time was running out. Okay, I have been single for 3 years now. That is quite long enough. I am lonely. I am wanting to be a wife. Okay, I have been single for 6 years now. Quite long enough! I am ready for that loving relationship. Wow. The 7th year into it and I had to start healing. I didn’t realize how angry I had been at Tracy for leaving me. In death even. Now I couldn’t tell him how mad I was. I couldn’t get in his face and blame him for my hurt and anger. I had to deal with it on my own. And I did. And then I got peace about being single. For over 9 years now. And in the meantime, the past 2 years, my prayer changed. Yes, I still asked for a husband. Yes, I still asked to be a wife. However, my prayer became one of thanksgiving. Thanking God for the husband he was preparing for me. Thanking God for preparing me, in the meantime, to be the wonderful, loving wife that this fabulous man would deserve. Becoming thankful, truly thankful, and excited! Excited about the love that is and is going to be. The prayer that is being answered right now, even if my menial little brain can’t wrap around the process. Or why the process has to take so long.

I am excited as I watch God’s plan for my life unfold all around me. As I ask in each little area of my life. As I take what I ask, hold the thought and desire and claim it, as I “Ask and I Shall Receive“ as I “Let go and Let God” and then as I “Wait Upon The Lord“. ~Rachel Noble
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A woman who is convinced that she deserves to accept only the best ~challenges herself to give the best. Then she is living phenomenally. -Maya Angelou

Love it, Girlfriends! Remember to take care of YOU! Remember to soak in a hot bath with a cold glass of ice water at your side. Remember to light the candles and put on some old soft rock, jazz -whatever makes your heart sing- and just breath. Remember to stretch. Sit up a little straighter and get the kinks out. Remember your facial moisturizer -okay, that is to make you smile-…

Whatever it is you are doing this season, just Celebrate! For some it is Christmas and for some it may be other traditions or meaningful times, but remember to Celebrate! Celebrate being the woman you are, the friends in your life and the joy that comes from living a life phenomenally!
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Jordan Elizabeth,
How do you even begin to put what is in your heart down on paper when you are wanting someone to understand the depth of an emotion or the existence of a love that is indescribable.

When you were born it was just you and me. I had such a desire to protect you and keep you from hurting. As you grew I began to realize I couldn’t keep you from the hurt, nor would I want to. It is from those times that we are able to grow -as long as we stay open to the learning and focus on what is good even in the pain.

I have seen you with your girlfriends, even the girls you have been friends with since you were 4 years old. The way that you have grown into a woman (yes I have to consider you one) and have been a friend with them all this time. Today at your home, hearing them talk about what you mean to them. That they are able to trust you. That you are truthful with them even if they may not want to hear it. That you are aware enough to speak the truth in love. That you are aware enough to know you are speaking it in love. For one of my best girlfriends to say about you that you are lovable. That she would say you make her smile and bring her joy when she is around you.

For anyone to say that you are mature and responsible is the truth. I want to add to that and say you are not grown. You are still loving being a teenager and loving being a Senior in high school ~Yet you also love being independent, making decisions on you own or in unison with Michael. Such as mature adults do. I see a balance with you. I see you continuing to grow and change. And enjoying the change as you grow. I see you open to spiritual things in life and that brings me a great amount of Joy.

How would I ever have known ~ 18 years ago ~ that I would be blessed to Mother such a sweet and wonderful Spirit. That I would admire and appreciate you for so many reasons. Reasons that could never be simple and perhaps never understood.
So I will leave it at this for now. Knowing words are only words. And I will continue to give you space to grow. As I hope I have always done. And I will continue to watch you and admire you. And I will continue to learn what it is to care about another human being and not have the words tell. ~Your Mom, Rachel Noble
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I began 2007 a single woman. After having dated a man through the holidays last year, and those being the loneliest holidays of the last 8 years, I stepped back and thought maybe I was trying too hard. I had intentionally quit dating for 2.5 years, began dating intentionally the summer of 2006 and had come to the end of the year feeling stronger and more sure of what I knew I needed in a man. Also realizing I had dated a lot and was tired of it. I decided to stop ‘looking’.

I had put myself out in cyber-space. Dating online ~ Match.com, E-harmony, meeting guys on Myspace ~ and I have to say, I met some of the nicest guys. Really. Interesting, each different and each showing me qualities I would love to bring together into one, Mister Lovely. But I knew when to let go. I knew when to say we didn’t need to date any longer. It was nice to be aware enough that I would not stay one day longer than was necessary to know. Except through the holidays. It was sad. No phone call on Thanksgiving-okay, we had just started dating, he was with his family. No show at my 40th birthday-okay, his daughter was in town and he has little enough time with her. Ignored the week from Christmas to New Years eve. Not okay ladies! Back to my old adage..”It Either Is Or It Isn’t”…nice as he was when he took me out, this was just wrong. Or, as my sister-in-law likes to point out, “Greg was just a bad idea.” Thank you, Tammy.

So, Linda-Girls-Mister Jim, Thank you for hosting the New Years Eve Party 2006, sorry I left-in tears. But when I called my date-Greg-to meet him for the evening, and he wanted to know what I thought of our dating, I took the opportunity to tell him. Yes ladies, in love and compassion.

So, the 2nd week of January, out steps Mr. Sweet Spirit. I had known him several months and in fact, he and I had confided about this guy or that and his relationship that had just ended. So we had established a friendship base. When he asked if I had talked to Greg I responded “Why?” Move on, God has something really great planned so why go back to not great. I told Mr. Sweet Spirit I had decided to quit dating -Tired of shaving my legs, tired of putting on make-up, tired of trying to get to know someone. Mr. Sweet Spirit responded “So, do you want to go to Buffalo Wild Wings Friday night?” Well yes, of course I do! And did for the next 10 months.
This has been a nice year spent with Mr. Sweet Spirit. I have kept my eyes open, spoke up when something wasn’t okay and stayed open and honest about this relationship. The biggest not okay was his inability to commit. Yes, we got along great. Great chemistry. Laughed. And I was able to see where I didn’t stay true to myself sometimes…I can be a little intense and I tried to reserve! So finely, a few weeks ago I had to tell him I thought we should let go. I am looking for a love. A partner. A companion. And yes, Destin deserves him to be a dad as well. I don’t require much. Emotional intimacy~openness on all levels, honesty, sharing~This seems to be the big hurdle. I’m thinking 10 months is quite long enough to know if you are moving forward in a relationship. Mr. Sweet Spirit said it was sad I thought it was long enough. He liked things the way they were. Yes, because everything is good for you. Everything is not good for me and I need to move on.

It took a couple weeks to let him go. We tried to stay friends. He continued to call -almost on a daily basis. He came over for dinner on Monday night. Me, I am holding out hope he will come to his senses and realize I am the better for him. Not happening. When I didn’t hear from him between Thursday morning to Monday morning, I knew I had to let him go for good. The friendship thing was only going one way. He wasn’t available when I needed him to be yet I was still there for him. Not okay. He came over for dinner, brought me a beautiful birthday present and I asked him how his date was that weekend. He looked at me and said “I didn’t want to tell you that way.” Well, how did you want to tell me? I know Mr. Sweet Spirit too well. Great looking, kind, sweet, doesn’t want to be alone. Of course he was going to be out on a date. Yes, it hurt. But we had moved apart. He was allowed to date. I just knew, at that moment, that we couldn’t continue to stay attached. Emotionally. I would not be the other woman. I would not stay in the middle of a new relationship he was choosing to pursue. I will not be that hurt for someone else. So, having spent 3 weeks trying, I finely let Mr. Sweet Spirit go. No more holding on to hope that he would come to his senses. No more hoping for him to profess his love for me. I need room for Mr. Lovely. Mr. Whole Package. Mr. Emotionally Open. Mr. Whatever His Name Will Be. Mister who wants to know my heart and soul. Mister who supports my passions. He doesn’t have to understand them, that is what I have girlfriends for!

In hindsight - along with staying aware of what was good in a man and what was not okay, I have become more sure of what is meant for me. And I didn’t choose to stop seeing Mr. Sweet Spirit because there was someone else to date. I just knew there was no room for Mister Lovely if there was an emotional attachment to Mr. Anybody else. Thus my having learned The Art Of Letting Go. ~Rachel Noble
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It begins with a restless feeling of sorts. Not sure what needs to be cleaned first, but just an overwhelming feeling that my house is a wreck! Company might stop by and not notice anything out of place. But I know. So, I don’t start with the obvious. I head straight for the closets!

When my daughter was still at home and would see me starting, she would joke and say “oh no, mom is in one of her moods.”

In the closet I start at the top shelf, pull out anything I don’t need to keep.

Straighten any coats or clothes hanging, once again removing anything sticking out like a sore thumb that I couldn’t possibly wear! Then pulling out everything on the floor. Grab the broom and mop, clean as a whistle and ONLY put back in what belongs. Anything else is trash bound or Bethel Bible Village bound!

When the closets are done ~this means EVERY closet~ I start under the sinks. Then the cabinets in the kitchen. Last but not least, under the bed! Whew! Feeling better all ready! Now into the living room and no, I can’t just straighten up. I must pull out the sofa, the shelving, chairs. All the dog hair is vacuumed, all the dust bunnies put away.

This doesn’t happen often. Maybe it needs to happen more often.

To keep what is hidden even tidier than what people see. So that even if I am the only one going into the closet, I see what is going on. I see if it is a jumbled mess or clean and uncluttered.

On the very rare occasion when I am feeling odd, unbalanced and uncertain, I start in the closets. ~Rachel Noble
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What I Love 11/22/2007
 
I love the smell of fresh mowed grass~ I love the smell of crisp Fall air before sunrise~ I love the stillness of early morning with the dew still on the grass and the quiet break of a dog bark or a car passing in the distance~ I love the sound of my son laughing~ I love my daughters independence and her self confidence~ I love Miller Park at dusk, sitting by myself, observing the various people milling around~ I love the cold air of Winter, the fireplace in my bedroom lit and Sade playing in the background. I love the positive energy in the spirits of my nearest and dearest friends~ I love my friends and family dropping by in the evening un-announced. I love quiet evenings at home, candles lit and soothing music with no-one dropping by. I love intense passion and quiet touch. I love my phone ringing and people staying in touch. I love days when my phone doesn’t ring at all. I love my soul connecting with different people~ I love knowing in my soul there is still one person…~ I love giving a massage~ I love receiving a massage. I love talking~ I love peace and quiet~ I love Dog The Bounty Hunter~ I love life~ to be continued…. ~Rachel Noble
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Written to me from my Soul Sister, Stephanie -December 02, 2006

For you, this your 40th birthday ought to be a sun overriding all the other stars. Rarely, have I seen resolve such as yours - touching with your gentle laugh the scars yielded in battles you’ve won.

Happy birthday, dearest one, precious soul - sister of my heart! We’re one in love and joy, in fondness and worth … and so as one we celebrate this day, your day of birth! Rejoice in your specialness awhile: this I’m not requesting but demanding! How else to make yourself the celebration, doing what doesn’t come naturally? I hope that throughout this month of December, our birth month, you find joy, surprises, laughter and love … all of which you deserve in great abundance … all of which you have shown me since the day we met.

To discover my soul-sister throughout the last 4 years has been one of the most wonderful and treasured surprises of all! You make me laugh, regardless of what else may be going on in life. That’s a priceless gift; one I can never repay you for. It’s no secret how much I value laughter in life; you’ve shown me many wonderful laughs, just by being yourself, and saying what’s on your mind. Another Rachel attribute that I admire, and has me wishing I could have more of in my own life.

So today, and throughout this month, I celebrate your birth, and my good fortune in finding the precious gift of your friendship.Happy Birthday, Girlfriend! And here’s to many, many more years of friendship and laughter! ~ LYMI!
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Driving home yesterday after work, I totaled my company vehicle. I have never in my life been in an accident and this one was so messed up! My turning left across three lanes of traffic on what had been a green arrow. Two of the lanes having traffic at a dead stand still while waiting on their light to turn green and the 3rd lane having been empty…until I entered the intersection and noticed a Dodge Durango traveling at a good clip. My thought was “he needs to slow down if he is going to turn right” and at the same time “Shit! He’s not slowing down to turn right!”

Yes, getting T-Boned was always in my car accident dreams. This man had to have been going 35MPH to have hit me with the force he did and spin my car around and put me up on the opposite side walk! Spitting glass out of my mouth and shaking it out of my hair I was just thinking “so this is what it is like.” And then a few expletives and a phone call to my boss.

Being home early today gave me a chance to turn on the Maury show. I wanted to be reminded of what real drama is. Not accidents in life itself that stop us from normal routine, but drama that is seemingly created to keep us stirred up. Drama that some people seem to draw into their life to have something -anything- to feel. Or keep from feeling.

All I ask for is reality. Honest, upfront, sometimes confusing and sometimes hurtful reality. I don’t need to make anything up and I am not going to get to avoid it! ~Rachel Noble
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