Title of Tip: Seeing All the Pieces of the Puzzle
Name: Anita Jelks, 54
Description: I see my life as a puzzle, working to fit all the pieces together. The puzzle pieces are different from when you took them apart. Time changes their shape. My pieces were scattered all over Ohio. I was reaching out, crying out for help. I felt neglected. I felt lost. I felt like I did not belong in this world. So, I went on a journey to find the pieces. I first started to feel love. Then, a piece came. I began to know myself and not let society stereotype me. Another piece came. Then, I started to feel compassion for what happened to me growing up—another piece. I went to the mountains in New York, where I found humility in nature. Another piece of my puzzle came. I can look back now on what I accomplished and feel alive; I can breathe and help others. I don’t have to be isolated. I don’t have to use drugs or alcohol. I like who I am today. When you put your puzzle back together, a new picture emerges. It’s like a rebirth.
Instructions: Start by telling your story. See the pieces that are missing in your life. See the beauty in nature and the love in compassion. Don’t give up. Just keep moving forward one piece at a time. You must believe in yourself. Look for role models that God puts in your path. Give yourself positive affirmation every day. Tell yourself, “I am somebody. I am loved. I can do things that I want to accomplish.” Feed your inner spirit. Put yourself out there. Trust the process. Love yourself.
Learning: I learned by watching others who wanted something positive out of life. The crowd you keep is who you become. If you hang with positive people, you will become positive. You will put negativity into the universe if you hang with negative people.
Story: I was 16, and my mother turned me over to the legal system. I didn’t understand why. I thought, What’s wrong with me that she had to turn me over? I held resentment for a long time. I felt like I never belonged in society. All I ever wanted was for her to love me. I don’t know what would have happened if it had not been for my aunt Gertha. She’s spiritual. She filled me up with positive affirmations. She told me that no matter how much it hurts, the way your mother treated you, the way she turned you over, you have to let it go. As I got older, I did not want to feel broken anymore. I did not want to block what God had in store for me. I knew I had compassion for people. Seeing myself clearly, I never felt so free in my life. The caterpillar is in a cocoon until the time is right to emerge. I’m starting to feel like a butterfly.
