Well guys, I officially cannot believe I’m doing this.
Seriously. I’m sitting here thinking about it, and I’m like…
Yep. That pretty much sums it up.

In case you missed the title, I’m sharing a photo with you from my past. When I was in the throes.
The video says it all…why I haven’t previously shared a photo, why I am choosing to now, and what I think when I see this image today.

Just a gentle note, this image could be triggering, so please view at your own discretion. (Image at 4:30)
Thanks for watching, and thanks for taking this journey with me.
Without further ado… (Click on the photo or click here to play 😉 )


Woman! You are so strong!! Keep it up!
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Thanks friend. Really appreciate it! Hugs and love xox
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I want to say it was by chance you stopped by my blog. I know we have different eating disorders but I still feel your pain. I think we crossed paths for a reason. I’m proud of you. You’re a strong amazing person. I’m thankful our paths crossed. God bless you.
Chrystal
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Thank you so much Chrystal. That’s so kind of you to say. I’m glad our paths crossed as well. Stay strong, warrior. Cheering for you in your recovery! Hugs and love xox
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I have always loved your authenticity of your posts. You are brave in your written posts, but Oh, wow the heart and vulnerability of your video comes through on all levels. Thank you for sharing, thank you for being honest about your journey. You’re an inspiration of hope for people to stay or start a journey of healing.
💜Alexis
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Thank you so much Alexis! Wow what kind things to say. I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed the video. Sending massive hugs. Xox
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Simply amazing. Thank you for sharing!
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Thank you so much Douglas. I appreciate it. Hugs and love xox
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Hey girl I just watched your video and I have to say I was so touched by how open you were being. I haven’t followed your blog as long as some of your other readers but I felt so connected to you immediately especially when you said you’re grateful to be alive. I know how that feels to be thankful just to be where you are now because I’m nearing my second year of staying clean.
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Aw thank you so much my friend. Thanks for taking the time to watch. Yes. Very grateful indeed. That’s awesome. Congrats on two years. That’s something to be proud of. Hugs and love xox
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God is good, He brought you from there to where you are now…..Keep on growing with God. You are His beautiful child.
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Amen to that. God is SO good and I am grateful for His healing in my life. Thanks for your encouraging words! Hugs and love xox
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Moving and powerful, Caralyn. How brave of you to share the photo with us. I would say that much like your journey to showing parts of your face in photos to doing video, it’s been a similar journey for you to get to the point to show that photo, but also note how grateful you are to be healthy and alive. I didn’t see that as a dramatic admission, but one based in faith and hope. I don’t want to make showing your face on a blog as important as what you’ve been through, but I find the journeys similar.
The old saying I used to hear growing up is while I may not be where I want to be, thank God I’m not where I was. That seems to apply to you, dear. Here’s hoping to continued health and happiness for you.
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Thanks T:) I really appreciate your kind words. That’s so true-God has delivered us and we’re NOT where we were. We’re a work in progress and that’s okay:) thanks for watching. Hugs and love xox
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You’re very welcome. Back at cha! 🙂
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❤️❤️❤️
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You are such a strong remarkable woman. You have overcome, but just survived but overcame and thrived. So proud of you. You are such an inspiration. Keep shining your light.
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Thank you so much friend 🙂 I can’t tel you how much that means to me. Thanks for watching. Hugs and love xox
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I know how much courage that took…I felt it, as it brought tears to my eyes. Do you know what an inspiration you are? I’m glad you’re here and thanks for sharing and being open and honest and letting people know that there IS a way back.
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Thanks so much! Aww you’re so sweet. Seriously that means the world. You are a blessing to me. Hugs and love xox
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Hugs right back! 🙂
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❤️❤️❤️
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You are a beautiful soul my Angel!!! You are an inspiration to ALL and I know it took a lot to share your story and photo! Know we ALL love you, your Angels love you and are always with YOU, and God loves you and is always there for and proud of you! xoxo
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Thank you so much! Gosh, you’re such an encourager. Thank you my friend. Sending big big hugs xox
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You are courageous, and I just want to say, “thank you.” Thank you for sharing more of your story in an even deeper, more personal, visual way… Also, I’m so very grateful, too, that you’re both alive and healthy and blessed. And may God continue to bless you abundantly!
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Thank YOU for being such a source of encouragement! It really means so much. God is good. Massive hugs to you xox
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Thank you for being so real. Again, you leave me speechless and deeply touched inside. (just feelings) ❤ ❤
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Thank you Matthew. I appreciate it:) have a great night xx
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I wish I could put words to the feelings I felt throughout your video, not just the photo. I don’t think I ever will have the words. Too many feelings all gathered together. All I know is that I am so grateful that I followed your blog. Not a blog I would have normally followed since I don’t have an eating disorder. I have my own “disorder” and your posts and messages have always been so inspiring for me. Even from a deep emotional expression such as this video, I leave feeling uplifted and truly touch within my heart. Filled with hope. You have a good night also, Caralyn. 🙂
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Thanks again ❤️
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You are brave for sharing this. Thanks for being an inspiration to others. Bless you!
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Thanks Dino! I appreciate you taking the time to watch! Big hugs xox
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Bless you! I so felt your emotion watching this. You are very down to earth and courageous. You are “Beauty beyond bones”. I’m fortunate to have found your blog. Bless again and stay strong and please keep blogging. ♥
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Thank you so much Dann:) thank you for watching and for such kind words. Hugs and love xox
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very brave post! as someone who has seen a close family member struggle with anorexia I know how hard it can be–it’s awesome to see how far you have come:D
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Thank you Christopher. I’m sorry you have witnessed this first hand in your family. I appreciate your kind words of encouragement. Sending massive hugs. Thanks for watching xox
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You are so strong and brave. May God shower you with His abundant blessings ❤
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Thank you friend. Yes, God is good and I am so grateful for His healing in my life. Hugs and love xox
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The courage and beauty you display, both inside and out, is truly admirable. Much love to you!
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Thank you Paul. You’re so kind. I appreciate you 🙂 sending big hugs! Xox
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Hi! I came here and watched your video. I know I am still young but thank you for sharing this. I smiled when you said you are glad to be alive. Well, stay strong!
XOXO
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Thank you so much! That’s so kind of you. I appreciate you taking the time to watch! Big hugs xox
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Hugs xox
Im so touched with the video really ToT
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❤️❤️❤️seriously I’m touched by your words❤️❤️❤️😘truly. Thank you
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You’re welcome 💋
And thank you for posting. Looking forward for more of your posts. (Sorry if my English is not that good 😜)
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Haha it’s great! I wouldn’t have known it wasn’t your native tongue if you hadn’t had said something! ❤️❤️❤️
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Eh? Really hahaha then I won’t say it again to anyone, then.
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Haha 👍👍👍👍
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Nice to talk to you. Then, I shall watch anime again. Talk to you again some other time 😉
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Sounds good! Have a great night!
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Have a great night to you. A morning for me.
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❤️❤️❤️🌚🌞🌚🌞
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You’re a true inspiration, Caralyn.
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Thank you Laura Beth. Truly. That means a lot. Sending big big hugs xox
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Reblogged this on Musings On My Life.
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Thank you for the reblog! Big hugs xox
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Very inspirational.
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Thanks Marques. Sending big hugs xox
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very powerful and effective message…keep up!!
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Thanks Mihran! You’re so kind! Hugs and love xox
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God and your journey have made you beautiful with a powerful message. I am thankful you are here to share the journey with us.
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Thanks so much my friend. I really appreciate it. Hugs and love xox
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Wowwww. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your struggles with us! You are beautiful inside and out ❤
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Thanks Anna. You are so kind to say that. Thanks for watching. Big hugs xox
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What a brave, raw, powerful video. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. I know that must have been really difficult. You’re a beautiful soul. I wish I could give you a hug. ❤ Much love to you.
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Thank you Melissa. You are so kind to say that. Awww! I’ll take that hug! 🙂 sending one back at’cha! Sending my love xox
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[…] via Sharing a Photo of my Past — BeautyBeyondBones […]
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Thanks for the link up! Hugs and love xox
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Reblog on my site, hope that is ok, your words of courage and strength are inspiring. I like how you remind us that when making a change for the better in our lives it has to be on all levels. Thank you for sharing, I am sure you will help others who are struggling.
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Thank you so much! I’m honored that you would share it! Very grateful. Have a lovely night! Hugs and love xox
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This was so amazing, powerful, intimate, touching, and inspiring. Thank you for sharing.
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Oh my gosh thank you so much. I really appreciate you taking the time to watch. Sending big hugs xox
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You strike me as a brave person. And I can only imagine what you have overcome.
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Thanks again ❤️❤️❤️
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You are a very courageous person Carolyn. Thank you for sharing your story. And God has done a wonderful work in you!
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Thank you friend. 🙂 that really means a lot. Thank you for taking the time to watch and for being such a wonderful source of encouragement!! Hugs and love xox
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Peace.
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❤️❤️❤️
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Thank you so much for sharing this. I know it took a lot of bravery on your part, but it is an extreme act of generosity. Again, thank you, BBB.
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Thank you so much Timi. That really means a lot. Sending the biggest hugs and love xox
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Hugs and love right back at you!
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❤️❤️❤️
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It must have taken a crazy amount of courage to post that picture. I can’t even imagine.
Kudos to you for having reached a healthier mindset both physically and spiritually. And may God be praised for all of His help. 🙂
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Thanks friend. Yeah t was pretty nerve wracking! Thanks for your kind words. God is good. Hugs and love xox
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😀
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❤️❤️❤️
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There is great strength and power in your testimony. I thank god for your courage and willingness to share it with us and for allowing me to be a small fraction of this story. You are a blessing to many and are truly beautiful and truly being the light of the world.
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Thank you my friend. Your words touch my heart. Thank you for watching and for offering such a kind note of encouragement. Big hugs xox
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Always
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❤️❤️❤️
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I appreciate you and your gratitude for being here. You are wonderfully made. Thank you.
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Thank you so much:) that really means a lot. Sending hugs xox
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And I am hugging you back! *SWEEZE*
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❤️👍❤️😍❤️😘❤️
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You are so brave and amazing to share this. God bless.
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Thanks Mary:) that means a lot. Thanks for watching. Big hugs xox
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Great post 🙂 It is never easy for any human being who is gone through a painful part of their past to depict it in candid detail, but you were very courageous to do so and I am so proud that you are now a happy individual with a life that is continuing to flourish. Anyway, keep up the great work as always 🙂
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Thanks John, that really means a lot. You’re right-it was deffffinitely pretty scary to press publish on this one. Thanks for being such an awesome source of support and encouragement 🙂 hope you’re having a great week! sending big hugs xox
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Through your healing, so many more will be healed. Praying for you sis! Thank you for your bare, brave honesty. Someone will be saved because of this. ❤
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Thank you Kay, that’s really kind of you to say. And I so appreciate the prayers! Sending big hugs. God is good xox
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thank you for sharing your struggles as well as your strength with us.
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Thank you so much. I really appreciate your encouragement. Hope you’re having a great week! Hugs and love xox
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The Lord truly makes you brave…continue in His grace, Ana.
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Thanks Vanessa, so true. God is so good and I am forever grateful for His healing power in my life. Thanks for watching! Big hugs xox
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There is a part of you that holds a inner peace like no other. Most of your story tells of a person that battled and conquered a very nasty battle that so many battle. The first part comes when you see that tragedy is coming. Second do what you must to correct it. Third talk to someone about it. All of which you have done.
Now as my point, It took much courage to express your feelings, Sure before showing your picture you made statement of worry for those who might not like the trigger then after showing your picture you hesitated.
So it did have a flash back not only of that life, but also the worry for those other who have battled or maybe battling it. By you opening this wound in your life you may help other readers who are battling it now, and just need that little push to get them started.
Despite that statement through the whole video, I seen areas peace within your life that many don’t show, even after talking about certain situations including yours.
The rest of the presentation you emotion was more of a person who had let go of the past, found Peace within and took control of their life. Keep strong and your life will prosper.
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Thank you very much. I appreciate you taking the time to watch! Hugs and love xox
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You’re beautiful..thanks for being so brutally honest and transparent. I wish there were more people like you in this world. Where you begin in life is not where you you’ll end. Stay on course, your journey of recovery is inspiring. I pray that those who read your blog , see tbe beauty of a spiritual human being who overcame adversity. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you so much Pat. What a kind thing to say! You’re right-the journey is lifelong. Thanks for stopping by. Have a beautiful Friday! Hugs and love xox
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Thanks so much for sharing that part of your story with us! It’s so inspiring to see how God has really worked in your life, and is now using you as a living testimony of His faithfulness! 🙂
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Thank you so much friend. Amen to that-God has done so much in my life and I am forever grateful for His healing. Thanks for stopping by. Sending massive hugs xox
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Thanks for sharing. You are an extremely strong woman for overcoming and then sharing your story.
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Thank you so much for this note of encouragement. It means a lot. Hugs and love xox
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Beauty! I’m glad you hithtebutton! 🙂 First, very brave to share this way. I would not have guessed that was a picture of you. To my eyes, it didn’t look as bad as I had imagined from your earliest descriptions. I remember you describing the hair loss and more. Still, the fact that it looked nothing like YOU tells me just how dire things were.
Second, I don’t think you’re being dramatic by saying you’re glad to be alive. Remember that I’ve been there 3 times! I’m glad to be alive; that’s just a fact for me as much as it is for you! And I can think of 15,000+ people who are at least as glad as you are!
You’ve done a great work in ridding yourself of those last emotional wounds by revisiting your pains and salvation with us! You’ve healed with family friends from the past, you’ve shared you name, your face, and now the face of your ED. In the process, you are a relentless witness to the healing power of Jesus, showing others the way from whatever they suffer, be it ED or something else.
Thanks for not just being a blogger, but being a friend to me and all of your readers. Blessings to you!
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Hey Jeff! Aw, thank you. That’s kind of you to say. I’m so grateful that we’re friends too! 🙂 You constantly bring a smile to my face, and send me so much kindness through the inter webs 🙂 hehe and Amen to that – Jesus is so good. I seriously owe it all to Him – ev-er-y-thing! I know you know this too. Sending massive hugs to you, Jeff. Have a terrific weekend. xox
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Such courage! Well done. I’m grateful that you’re alive too.
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Thank you so much for taking the time to watch my video! So kind of you to say. Sending huge hugs xox
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You are incredibly strong & beautiful!
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Aw Courtney! You’re so kind to say that. Thank you:) have a beautiful evening! Hugs and love xox
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Thank you so much, BBB, for posting this, and sharing your wounds, your life. I am so thankful to God for your beautiful recovery. May you continue to draw your strength, courage and identity from God and allow His beautiful Truths of who you really are to permeate and envelop every fiber of your being. For you are His masterpiece! And a most gorgeous one at that ❤
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Hi Mindy! Thank you so much for this kind note of encouragement. I really appreciate your support. Amen to that-God has truly transformed my heart and healed it and for that I am eternally grateful. Thanks for stopping by. Have a beautiful evening. Xox
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i wanted to click the like button but that doesnt describe how i feel, if there was a love button i would’ve clicked that, thank you for sharing.
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Thank you so much Michael. That really means a lot. Thanks for watching and for affirming me. I hope you’re having a great week. Hugs and love xox
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That was amazing. Thank you. Very moving Carolyn.
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Thank you so much Daniel. I truly appreciate your kindness. Sending big hugs xox
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I love and admire your strength and openness–thank you for this uplifting video!
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Thank you so much Jenn. That means the world. Thanks for watching and for the encouragement! Xox
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Sending you so much Light and love. Keeping your focus on the divine is such a key huh? Blessings my friend ❤
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Thank you so much for this. You’re right:) Hugs and love xox
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