<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:googleplay="http://www.google.com/schemas/play-podcasts/1.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[SweetladyLove's Substack]]></title><description><![CDATA[My personal Substack]]></description><link>https://sweetladylove.substack.com</link><image><url>https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!-7g0!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe920eecf-dc28-4cf4-a1d9-39cb1a3460a8_594x594.png</url><title>SweetladyLove&apos;s Substack</title><link>https://sweetladylove.substack.com</link></image><generator>Substack</generator><lastBuildDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2026 17:25:36 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://sweetladylove.substack.com/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><copyright><![CDATA[SweetladyLove]]></copyright><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><webMaster><![CDATA[sweetladylove@substack.com]]></webMaster><itunes:owner><itunes:email><![CDATA[sweetladylove@substack.com]]></itunes:email><itunes:name><![CDATA[SweetladyLove]]></itunes:name></itunes:owner><itunes:author><![CDATA[SweetladyLove]]></itunes:author><googleplay:owner><![CDATA[sweetladylove@substack.com]]></googleplay:owner><googleplay:email><![CDATA[sweetladylove@substack.com]]></googleplay:email><googleplay:author><![CDATA[SweetladyLove]]></googleplay:author><itunes:block><![CDATA[Yes]]></itunes:block><item><title><![CDATA[🎥 MAKING A JOYFUL NOISE: MY PRAISE, MY FREEDOM 🎶⛓️💥]]></title><description><![CDATA[Watch now | What Caps Lock Day and Paul Bunyan Teach Us About Shifting from Emotional Noise to the Chain-Breaking Strength of True Love &#127926;&#9939;&#65039;&#128165;]]></description><link>https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/making-a-joyful-noise-my-praise-my</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/making-a-joyful-noise-my-praise-my</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[SweetladyLove]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 2026 19:28:36 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/203996039/6e349c216cce20358d35ab4ff1a27cd1.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote><p><strong>Disclaimer:</strong> <em><strong>I do not claim any rights to the song playing in my video. This is shared purely for educational and promotional purposes to support the artist</strong></em>. <strong>All writing is my own.</strong> &#9997;&#127997;&#127977;</p></blockquote><p>Hello, my beautiful community &#128150; Today is June 28th, and the calendar is giving us a hilarious but deeply meaningful mix of things to celebrate: <strong>International CAPS LOCK Day</strong> and <strong>National Paul Bunyan Day</strong> &#128187;&#127794;</p><p>I have to tell you, when I saw today was Paul Bunyan Day, my heart smiled so big. Growing up, the story of Paul Bunyan and his giant blue ox, Babe, was absolutely one of my most favorite stories in the world. There was just something so magical about a giant who could move mountains and reshape landscapes. But as we grow up, we realize that the tall tales we loved as children actually hold some of the biggest truths for our adult lives-especially when it comes to the people we love.</p><p>At first glance, a giant lumberjack and a loud computer key don't seem to have anything in common. But when you look at them through the lens of relationships, they teach us <em>exactly</em> what it takes to build something that lasts.</p><div><hr></div><h3>&#128226; The Caps Lock Effect: Are You Communicating or Just Being Loud?</h3><p>We all know what it feels like to receive a text or read a post written entirely in ALL CAPS. <strong>IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE IS SHOUTING AT YOU</strong> &#128483;&#65039; It&#8217;s intense, it demands immediate attention, and if it stays on too long, it gets exhausting to read.</p><p>In our relationships, we sometimes let our emotional &#8220;Caps Lock&#8221; stay turned on. When we get frustrated, hurt, or overwhelmed, our tone hardens. We start typing or speaking in all caps-flooding our partners or family members with high-intensity energy.</p><p>The secret to a healthy relationship is knowing when to turn the caps lock off. True intimacy isn&#8217;t built in the loud, shouting moments; it&#8217;s built in the soft, lowercase spaces of listening, understanding, and gentle reassurance. If your communication style is constantly set to maximum volume, the people you love will eventually tune out the noise. Use your &#8220;lowercase&#8221; voice to bring peace into your home &#127969;</p><div><hr></div><h3>&#129683; The Paul Bunyan Standard: Giant Strength for Heavy Lifting</h3><p>There is a reason Paul Bunyan was my favorite story. He represents massive strength, rugged resilience, and the ability to handle the biggest jobs imaginable.</p><p>Relationships require some serious heavy lifting. Life brings heavy seasons&#8212;health challenges, stressful days, or just the day-to-day grind of keeping everything together. In those moments, we have to stand tall like Paul Bunyan for the people we care about.</p><p>But here is the real takeaway: Paul Bunyan didn&#8217;t use his massive size to crush things; he used his strength to build, clear paths, and protect. True strength in love isn&#8217;t about dominating or always being right. It&#8217;s about being a safe, solid anchor that your partner can lean on when their own strength is running low &#128170;</p><div><hr></div><h3>&#127909; Making a Joyful Noise: My Praise, My Freedom</h3><p>Right up top, you&#8217;ll see a video playing. It&#8217;s just one single image of me, but my head is moving to every single beat because the music is moving my spirit! &#127926;&#128588;&#127997; The scripture tells us in <strong>Psalm 100:1</strong>, <em>&#8220;Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.&#8221;</em> And that is exactly what I am doing in that video-&#127909;rejoicing, dancing, and shifting from serious, bold faith to pure happiness because I am overflowing with gratitude for everything in my world. My family, my friends, my beautiful people here-I am celebrating it all! &#127969;&#10084;&#65039;</p><p>As you listen to the background track, you are hearing "I Denounce You Satan" by Sheena Taylor. The heavy spiritual warfare in that track represents the battle it takes to break out of bondage and shatter generational chains. But my praise&#128591;the way my head is moving and celebrating to that heavy rhythm-is the victory dance!</p><p>&#127925; <strong>Support the Artist!</strong> You can listen to the full, powerful track and support her ministry right here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56P4g6nswOY">Listen to "I Denounce You Satan" by Sheena Taylor</a> &#127911;&#128293;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><p>I realized a very long time ago that through all these many years of navigating communication "caps lock" moments and learning to stand with giant "Paul Bunyan" strength, it was never just about my own willpower. It was God Himself. &#128081;&#128588;&#127997; He is the one who broke the chains &#9939;&#65039;&#8205;&#128165;&#9939;&#65039;&#8205;&#128165; so that I could stand here today in absolute freedom, rejoicing over my life and my relationships.</p><div><hr></div><p></p><p></p><p>&#127861; <em><strong>Support My Mission: If my writing spoke to your heart today, feel free to buy me a tea! This space will always remain a free resource, and all tip proceeds will be used directly to bless and support other wonderful writers right here on Substack. Your love and support mean the world to me! </strong></em>&#128150;</p><p></p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Buy Me a Tea &#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp"><span>Buy Me a Tea &#128088;&#129655;&#128088;</span></a></p><p>&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><h2><em><strong>&#128157; With Deepest Gratitude</strong></em></h2><p><strong>To all of my beautiful subscribers, my amazing followers, and every single soul who took the time to stop by today &#128591;thank you! Whether you read my words, left a comment, dropped a like, or shared this post with someone else, you have blessed &#128591;my spirit more than words can say. Your presence here makes this community a true house of love. Thank you for walking alongside me on this journey! &#127969;</strong>&#127775;</p><p></p><p><em><strong>It's you and God who make it possible to Keeponkeepingon &#128081;&#128588;&#127997; I love you all! &#127977;&#129655;&#127977;</strong></em></p><p></p><div><hr></div><p>&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;</p><h2><em><strong>We must keeponkeepingon &#129782;&#127997; I love you all ! &#127977;&#129655;&#127977;</strong></em></h2><p>&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Hidden Danger of Dehydration: Why Water Isn’t Enough in Life or Love 🩷💦]]></title><description><![CDATA[Why Water Alone Won't Save an Empty Heart&#8212;Finding the "Electrolytes" to Heal, Reclaim Your Peace, and Restore Your Soul &#127775;&#128166;]]></description><link>https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/the-hidden-danger-of-dehydration</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/the-hidden-danger-of-dehydration</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[SweetladyLove]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2026 08:37:53 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/203213328/4a418856ec157ef916678c81fd7befbd.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p>We all know the feeling of a scorching hot summer day &#9728;&#65039; The air is heavy, the sun is relentless, and your body starts screaming for relief &#129397; I know that feeling all too well. More than once, I have suffered from severe heat exhaustion. It sneaks up on you quickly, draining your energy until you feel completely empty and weak &#128330;&#65039;</p><p>When I talk about this, I am speaking from my own real-life experiences. That is why it is so easy for me to put it into words&#8212;because I know the feeling oh so well. The hard truth is, when you love hard and deep, you are usually the one who finds yourself the most dehydrated, especially if you are dealing with someone who is cold-hearted and doesn&#8217;t give a hoot &#129655;&#129657;</p><p>But just because we have been there, doesn&#8217;t mean we have to stay stuck there &#127775; Remember, you deserve your peace and you deserve to be happy &#129655;&#127800; You have the power to walk away from the heat and find a place where your soul can rest.</p><p>When people think about dehydration, their minds immediately go to water. Don&#8217;t get me wrong, water is wonderful and essential. But when you are truly depleted, water alone won&#8217;t save you. You need <strong>electrolytes</strong>. You need those vital minerals that actually balance your system, restore your stamina, and revive your strength from the inside out &#9889;</p><p>As I was reflecting on this, I realized that the exact same thing happens in our relationships &#129344;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><h3>Emotional Heat Exhaustion &#129344;</h3><p>Many of us are walking around completely exhausted in our relationships because we are emotionally dehydrated. We are giving, pouring, and enduring the heat, but we aren&#8217;t being hydrated with love in return &#127783;&#65039;</p><p>Just like physical dehydration, emotional exhaustion sneaks up on you. You keep pushing through, thinking you can handle the dry seasons on your own, until suddenly your spirit feels completely drained &#127786;&#65039;</p><p>In relationships, &#8220;water&#8221; is like the bare minimum&#8212;the basic conversations, the routine check-ins, the surface-level presence. It keeps you moving for a second, but it doesn&#8217;t truly sustain you.</p><div><hr></div><p></p><h3>Seeking the &#8220;Electrolytes&#8221; of Love &#127775;&#129655;&#129730;</h3><p>Have you ever been waiting on that special someone to send you that special text message, yet you&#8217;re receiving text messages from everybody else in the world? &#128241; It seems like they care more than the one that so-called loves you does &#129655;&#129657; That is the ultimate sign of emotional dehydration.</p><p>To survive the hot, challenging days in a relationship, you need the emotional electrolytes. You need the deep elements that actually restore your heart, not just the background noise:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Intentional Appreciation:</strong> Being seen, valued, and openly prioritized with a simple message that says, &#8220;I&#8217;m thinking of you&#8221; &#128142;</p></li><li><p><strong>Active Comfort:</strong> Having a safe place to rest your head when the world gets too heavy, knowing your person is the first one checking in on you &#129655;&#127800;</p></li><li><p><strong>Soulful Reciprocity:</strong> A mutual pouring where love, respect, and energy flow equally both ways&#8212;including the effort it takes to stay connected &#127754;</p><p></p><div><hr></div><p></p></li></ul><h3>The Love Languages of Emotional Dehydration &#128269;</h3><p>People don&#8217;t realize it, but there is a love language for dehydration of love too &#128161; We talk so much about how people show love, but we rarely talk about the specific language someone speaks when they are running completely on empty &#127964;&#65039; When a heart reaches that point of deep thirst, it starts sending out quiet signals:</p><ul><li><p><strong>The Language of Silence (The Retreat):</strong> When someone is dehydrated, they stop pouring out &#127754; If they usually check in, send sweet notes, or initiate closeness and suddenly go quiet, it&#8217;s because their well has run completely dry. They physically have nothing left to give.</p></li><li><p><strong>The Language of Validation-Seeking (The Thirst):</strong> Sometimes it shows up as looking for constant reassurance or asking, <em>&#8220;Are we okay?&#8221;</em> &#9875; Just like a body craving salt when it lacks electrolytes, a dehydrated heart craves extra reassurance just to feel safe and steady.</p></li><li><p><strong>The Language of Fatigue (The Heavy Spirit):</strong> They seem tired all the time, even when they&#8217;ve slept &#128164; Emotional exhaustion takes a heavy physical toll. When the love isn&#8217;t replenishing them, just getting through the day feels like walking through deep sand.</p><p></p><div><hr></div><p></p></li></ul><h3>Restoring Your Spirit &#127775;</h3><p>If you are just drinking &#8220;water,&#8221; you will find yourself constantly thirsty and running on fumes. You deserve to be fully replenished. Check on your heart today, and check on the hearts of those you care about. Make sure you are receiving-and giving&#8212;the deep nourishment required to sustain the journey &#127775;</p><p>No matter how hot the days get or how tired the road makes you feel, protect your peace, replenish your soul, and take care of each other &#129655;&#128153;</p><div><hr></div><h3>A Special Note on the Music &#127908;&#128171;</h3><p>I am using this song in a video to reflect on real times in my life. While I was speaking on here about the dehydration of love, this track fit the description of everything I&#8217;m describing so perfectly&#129655;that&#8217;s exactly why I chose it today. We always want to pay homage to the beautiful talent and hard work of independent artists, so I want to give a special shoutout and credit to the singer. To hear the full song and support her gift, you can check out the official link right here:</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=http://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DG74yKsEX3RA">Listen to &#8220;The Storm Couldn&#8217;t Kill Me&#8221; Lyric Video</a></strong> &#129655;&#127926;&#128071;&#128071;&#128071;&#128071;&#128071;&#128071;&#128071;</p><h3></h3><div id="youtube2-G74yKsEX3RA" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;G74yKsEX3RA&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/G74yKsEX3RA?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p><em><strong>Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to this song. All credits go entirely to the rightful owner and artist.</strong></em><strong> &#128591;&#127775;&#127926;&#127925;&#127926;</strong></p><div><hr></div><p></p><h3>Support the Journey &#129655;&#9749;&#65039;&#128717;&#65039;</h3><p>If my words touched your heart today and brought you value, comfort, or a little bit of strength, consider supporting my work! You can buy me a coffee or a tea to help keep this mission going and support our community spotlights:</p><p></p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Buy Me a Tea &#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp"><span>Buy Me a Tea &#128088;&#129655;&#128088;</span></a></p><p></p><p>&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;</p><p></p><div><hr></div><p>&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;</p><h2><em><strong>We must keeponkeepingon I love you all !</strong></em><strong> &#127977;&#129655;&#127977;</strong></h2><p>&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;</p><div><hr></div><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[They Call Me Freedom: Honoring Juneteenth 🔴✊🏾]]></title><description><![CDATA[When I Get Older, I Will Be Stronger&#8212;Celebrating Our Breakthrough, Our History, and Our Family standard circle dot &#127775;]]></description><link>https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/they-call-me-freedom-honoring-juneteenth</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/they-call-me-freedom-honoring-juneteenth</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[SweetladyLove]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2026 19:55:36 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/202755235/73d2b9291da8b58e9f4ca647d6bf9275.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Happy Juneteenth, my beautiful family &#127775; Today, we pause to celebrate freedom, honor our incredible history, and reflect on the resilient spirit that flows through our veins &#128330;&#65039;&#127775;</p><p>As you hear this music playing behind me, let it remind you of who you are. <em>&#8216;When I get older, I will be stronger, they&#8217;ll call me freedom...&#8217;</em>That is our breakthrough.</p><p>I am taking the rest of today to spend some quality time with my immediate family here at home, but my heart truly wanted to step in, show some deep love to my extended family right here, and remind you all to keep standing in your power standard circle dot I love you all, and let&#8217;s keep lifting each other up &#128588;&#127998;&#10084;&#65039;</p><div><hr></div><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!OFca!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F36476d31-524e-404f-8aaf-a9a9e22b2c14_492x869.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!OFca!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F36476d31-524e-404f-8aaf-a9a9e22b2c14_492x869.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!OFca!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F36476d31-524e-404f-8aaf-a9a9e22b2c14_492x869.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!OFca!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F36476d31-524e-404f-8aaf-a9a9e22b2c14_492x869.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div 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stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">When I get older, I will be stronger, they call me FREEDOM &#128081;&#129413;</figcaption></figure></div><div><hr></div><h2><strong>Keeping on keeping on &#9994;&#127997;&#9829;&#65039;</strong></h2><p> <strong>"Wavin' Flag"</strong> speaks directly to the unstoppable strength and joy inside every single one of us. When we raise our hands today, we are celebrating the fact that we are the living proof of that freedom! Let us honor the journey, cherish our freedom, and remember our strength is our legacy. We must <strong>keeponkeepingon</strong> &#127754;&#10084;&#65039;</p><div><hr></div><h3>The Document That Changed History &#128196;&#9994;&#127998;</h3><p>On this sacred day, we look back at the actual words delivered right here in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, declaring that all enslaved people were finally free &#127963;&#65039;&#128220; It stands as a permanent reminder of our breakthrough</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!d5pC!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fefe8b7be-bf77-4400-bceb-750579549703_829x370.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset image2-full-screen"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!d5pC!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fefe8b7be-bf77-4400-bceb-750579549703_829x370.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!d5pC!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fefe8b7be-bf77-4400-bceb-750579549703_829x370.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!d5pC!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fefe8b7be-bf77-4400-bceb-750579549703_829x370.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!d5pC!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fefe8b7be-bf77-4400-bceb-750579549703_829x370.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!d5pC!,w_5760,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fefe8b7be-bf77-4400-bceb-750579549703_829x370.jpeg" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/efe8b7be-bf77-4400-bceb-750579549703_829x370.jpeg&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:false,&quot;imageSize&quot;:&quot;full&quot;,&quot;height&quot;:370,&quot;width&quot;:829,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:50086,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/i/202755235?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fefe8b7be-bf77-4400-bceb-750579549703_829x370.jpeg&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-fullscreen" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!d5pC!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fefe8b7be-bf77-4400-bceb-750579549703_829x370.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!d5pC!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fefe8b7be-bf77-4400-bceb-750579549703_829x370.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!d5pC!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fefe8b7be-bf77-4400-bceb-750579549703_829x370.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!d5pC!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fefe8b7be-bf77-4400-bceb-750579549703_829x370.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">On this day in 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to deliver <strong>General Order No. <span>3</span></strong><span>. This historic announcement officially informed the last enslaved Black residents of the state that they were free under the provisions of the Emancipation Proclamation&#8212;more than two full years after it had been signed.</span></figcaption></figure></div><div><hr></div><p>Texas led the way by making Juneteenth an official state holiday back in 1980, and in 2021, it officially became a recognized United States federal holiday.</p><p></p><h2>Symbols of Freedom and Heritage</h2><p>The celebrations today are filled with rich cultural traditions, community gatherings, and symbolic reflections &#129345;</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_Bz9!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3fd3b96f-eca0-429f-8117-e965b978e7d8_625x490.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_Bz9!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3fd3b96f-eca0-429f-8117-e965b978e7d8_625x490.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_Bz9!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3fd3b96f-eca0-429f-8117-e965b978e7d8_625x490.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_Bz9!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3fd3b96f-eca0-429f-8117-e965b978e7d8_625x490.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_Bz9!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3fd3b96f-eca0-429f-8117-e965b978e7d8_625x490.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_Bz9!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3fd3b96f-eca0-429f-8117-e965b978e7d8_625x490.jpeg" width="625" height="490" 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_Bz9!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3fd3b96f-eca0-429f-8117-e965b978e7d8_625x490.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_Bz9!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3fd3b96f-eca0-429f-8117-e965b978e7d8_625x490.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_Bz9!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3fd3b96f-eca0-429f-8117-e965b978e7d8_625x490.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_Bz9!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3fd3b96f-eca0-429f-8117-e965b978e7d8_625x490.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">The Symbolic Meaning of the Juneteenth Flag. Source: David J. Kent</figcaption></figure></div><ul><li><p><strong>The Juneteenth Flag:</strong> <span>The red, white, and blue design mirrors the American flag to show that enslaved people and their descendants are, and always were, Americans.</span> <span>The </span><strong><span>white star</span></strong><span> in the center honors Texas (The Lone Star State) where the holiday originated, surrounded by a </span><strong><span>nova burst</span></strong><span> that represents a brand new horizon of freedom.</span></p></li><li><p><strong>The Color Red:</strong> You will see a lot of red foods and drinks enjoyed today&#8212;like strawberry soda, red velvet cake, hibiscus tea, and barbecue. This is a traditional practice passed down from West African cultures, representing resilience, strength, and spiritual legacy.</p><p></p><div><hr></div><div><hr></div><p>If my words, video, or community spaces have brought a little extra light, love, or encouragement into your life today, please consider buying me a tea. All proceeds go right back into our Community Spotlight relationships 101 to support other talented writers who are honored in our space! Your love and generosity help keep this beautiful circle of support growing. &#9749;&#128088;</p><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Buy Me a Tea&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp"><span>Buy Me a Tea&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;</span></a></p><p>&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;</p><div><hr></div><h3>&#128227; Article Credits &amp; Source Notes</h3><blockquote><p><strong>Historical Document Source:</strong> <em>National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), Washington, D.C. &#8212; Record Group 393: Records of U.S. Army Continental Commands, 1821&#8211;1920.</em> (For General Order No. 3) &#127963;&#65039;&#127482;&#127480; <strong>Song Credit:</strong> <em>&#8220;Wavin&#8217; Flag&#8221;</em> &#8212; Written and performed by K&#8217;Naan (Released 2009 under A&amp;M Octone Records) &#127926;&#127897;&#65039; <strong>Community Hub:</strong> Proudly published on SweetladyLove&#8217;s House of Love &#127968; &#128158; (#Sweetladylove&#8217;shouseoflove &#127977;)</p></blockquote></li></ul><p></p><div><hr></div><h3>&#9997;&#127998; With Love,</h3><p><strong>SweetladyLove, MBA in Business Administration</strong> <em>Founder &amp; Owner of Keeponkeepingon&#174; &amp; Soldiers Keep on Keeping&#174; Merch</em> <em>Beloved Homeschool Mom &amp; Loving Wife</em> <em>Certified Laughter Specialist / Leader</em> <em>Beautician of 17 Years &amp; Barber of 14 Years</em> <em>Relationship Specialist &amp; Song Writer</em> <em>Medical Insurance Billing Specialist</em> <em>Founder &amp; Host of SweetladyLove&#8217;s House of Love</em> <em>LVN, WCC, CHPLN | Veteran &amp; Community Builder</em></p><blockquote><p><em>While I have many specialties, skills, and talents, my main specialty is God-given&#8212;and that is the deep love I have for God, family, and others. Building stronger connections, one relationship at a time. We must keeponkeepingon I love you all! &#129655;&#127977;&#129655;</em></p></blockquote><p></p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!v4iZ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F42c6cd60-6679-40d0-9beb-681ec2afbf92_720x675.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!v4iZ!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F42c6cd60-6679-40d0-9beb-681ec2afbf92_720x675.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!v4iZ!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F42c6cd60-6679-40d0-9beb-681ec2afbf92_720x675.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!v4iZ!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F42c6cd60-6679-40d0-9beb-681ec2afbf92_720x675.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!v4iZ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F42c6cd60-6679-40d0-9beb-681ec2afbf92_720x675.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!v4iZ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F42c6cd60-6679-40d0-9beb-681ec2afbf92_720x675.png" width="720" height="675" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/42c6cd60-6679-40d0-9beb-681ec2afbf92_720x675.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:675,&quot;width&quot;:720,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:85163,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/i/202755235?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F42c6cd60-6679-40d0-9beb-681ec2afbf92_720x675.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!v4iZ!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F42c6cd60-6679-40d0-9beb-681ec2afbf92_720x675.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!v4iZ!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F42c6cd60-6679-40d0-9beb-681ec2afbf92_720x675.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!v4iZ!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F42c6cd60-6679-40d0-9beb-681ec2afbf92_720x675.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!v4iZ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F42c6cd60-6679-40d0-9beb-681ec2afbf92_720x675.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Surrounded by creativity, built on loyalty, and always stepping forward in faith &#128309; standard text here, reflecting the beauty of the journey and the power of connections &#127912;&#128081; We must keep on keeping on, always &#127969;&#10084;&#65039;</figcaption></figure></div><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Overcoming the Squirm, Facing the Battles: What My Grandfather Taught Me by the Fish Creek 🎣💙🦈🪱]]></title><description><![CDATA[How a childhood memory on National Go Fishing Day taught me to stand tall, face my fears, and never settle for less in love and life &#127907;&#128153;]]></description><link>https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/overcoming-the-squirm-facing-the</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/overcoming-the-squirm-facing-the</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[SweetladyLove]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2026 05:37:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/202530171/aeed6c9f81e24831086c46ddd9969969.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Today is National Go Fishing Day, and it instantly brought back a flood of memories about a time that completely shaped who I am today &#9203;&#128031;&#128153; For me, thinking about fishing always leads me back to a quiet day by the water, a bucket of bait, and a lesson in courage that I carry with me to this very day &#127754;&#129686;&#128153;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><p>Growing up, I had a massive, terrifying fear of worms &#129713;&#128031;&#128153; The way they squirmed and never stayed still just completely did me in &#129763;&#129686;&#128153; Whenever we went fishing, my grandfather or grandmother would always have to bait my hook for me &#127907;&#128031;&#128153; But one specific day, I was standing there, waiting and waiting patiently for them to do it &#9201;&#65039;&#129686;&#128153; My grandmother looked over at me and asked what I was waiting on &#128117;&#128031;&#128153;</p><p>I looked right at her and said, <em>&#8220;I&#8217;m not touching that worm.&#8221;</em> &#128683;&#129686;&#128153;</p><p>That&#8217;s when they sat me down and explained the reality of the situation: if I wanted to fish today, I was going to have to bait my own hook &#127907;&#128031;&#128153; There was no backup plan &#128721;&#129686;&#128153; So, trembling and terrified, I reached down, picked up that squirmy worm, and hooked it &#129713;&#128031;&#128153; In that single moment, I escaped my fear &#129419;&#129686;&#128153; I baited my own hook from that day out, learning firsthand that you don&#8217;t always have to let fear control you &#128737;&#65039;&#128031;&#128153; Sometimes, taking a stand and facing it is the only way through &#9889;&#129686;&#128153;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><p>My grandfather, who helped teach me that lesson, was a truly remarkable man &#127894;&#65039;&#128031;&#128153; He fought in World War II, came home, and was the absolute definition of a true soldier&#8212;not just in the military, but right at home for our family &#127969;&#129686;&#128153; He could handle any battle that came our way &#128737;&#65039;&#128031;&#128153; You could definitely call me Grandpa&#8217;s girl, because I was absolutely his girl through and through </p><p>&#128763;&#129686;&#128153;</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/overcoming-the-squirm-facing-the?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/overcoming-the-squirm-facing-the?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p><div><hr></div><p></p><p>In relationships, this lesson is so vital &#129309;&#128031;&#128153; True, healthy love doesn&#8217;t just enable our fears; it gives us the safe space and the gentle push to overcome them &#128170;&#129686;&#128153; A real partner helps you build your own strength so you can stand tall, even when the squirmy, uncomfortable moments of life try to hold you back &#127754;&#128031;&#128153; My grandfather showed me what standard to look for in love and protection &#128737;&#65039;&#129686;&#128153; That&#8217;s why it&#8217;s so hard for me to fall for anything, because I stand for so much &#128142;&#128031;&#128153;</p><p>When you know your worth and what you&#8217;ve been through, you reach a point where you are just fine with life because of the strength you&#8217;ve built &#127775;&#129686;&#128153; It&#8217;s that beautiful feeling where you can walk past the mirror, look at yourself, and truly love the woman looking back at you because you know you didn&#8217;t let the trials break you &#128150;&#128031;&#128153; You learn to love who you are, and you won&#8217;t waste your time on anything less than what protects that peace &#128737;&#65039;&#129686;&#128153;</p><div><hr></div><p>Losing him was one of the most tragic moments of my life &#128148;&#128031;&#128153; I will never forget the knock at our door at 7:45 a.m. on a Sunday morning, delivering the news that he had been in an accident and passed away &#128557;&#129686;&#128153; He had been driving down the highway from the fish creek in the back of his candy apple red Ford truck, with a bucket of fish everywhere &#128763;&#128031;&#128153; A state trooper behind him saw the truck starting to swerve from side to side and called it in, right before the truck went off the cliff &#9968;&#65039;&#129686;&#128153; We later learned it wasn&#8217;t the wreck that took him; he had suffered a massive, fatal heart attack behind the wheel &#128148;&#128031;&#128153;</p><p>I was only 12 years old, but even today, I remember everything like it was yesterday &#127749;&#129686;&#128153; The love he gave me, the lessons he taught me, and the strength he showed me completely molded me into the woman I am today &#128170;&#128031;&#128153; He was a dear, beautiful soul &#128330;&#65039;&#129686;&#128153; Now, every single time I think of the water and fish, I think of him &#127754;&#128031;&#128153;</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://substack.com/@sweetladylove/note/p-202530171&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Leave a comment&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://substack.com/@sweetladylove/note/p-202530171"><span>Leave a comment</span></a></p><p></p><p>&#127926; <strong>Listen While You Read:</strong> To hear the full song playing in my video clip, you can check out the track right here: <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=http://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DdFbI3EDrpA0">Mary J. Blige - Just Fine</a> &#127908;&#129686;&#128153;</p><div id="youtube2-dFbI3EDrpA0" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;dFbI3EDrpA0&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/dFbI3EDrpA0?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p></p><div><hr></div><p>&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;</p><p>&#9749;tea&#127861; <strong>Support Our Community:</strong> If you feel moved by these lessons and want to support the platform, you can stop by and buy me a tea! All proceeds from your tips will go right back into the community and our Relationships 101 efforts to help others who are navigating their own paths &#128150;&#129309;&#127793;</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Buy Me a Tea &#127861;&#128088;&#129750;&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp"><span>Buy Me a Tea &#127861;&#128088;&#129750;</span></a></p><p>&#128088;&#127977;&#9749;&#127977;&#127861;&#127977;&#128088;&#127977;&#128088;&#127977;&#9749;&#127977;&#128088;&#127977;&#127861;&#127977;</p><p></p><h2><em><strong>We must keeponkeepingon I love you all &#128153;&#128153;</strong></em></h2>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Feeding the Future: The Beautiful Resilience of African Children 🌍]]></title><description><![CDATA[How community, love, and a shared table can heal, inspire, and keep us moving forward Together &#129330;&#10084;&#65039;]]></description><link>https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/feeding-the-future-the-beautiful</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/feeding-the-future-the-beautiful</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[SweetladyLove]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2026 20:37:36 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/202330527/413d32b0514e5a6c6d008ef049aa909b.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The world often looks at the continent of Africa and sees stories of lack, but if you look closer through the lens of pure love, you see the richest spirit on Earth &#128142; The children of Africa carry a light that cannot be dimmed, a joy that rings out in their laughter, and a resilience that teaches the rest of the world what community truly means &#129716; When we pour into them, we aren&#8217;t just giving; we are receiving a masterclass in hope &#127891;</p><p>There is a sacred responsibility in gathering the youth, sharing stories, and making sure that every child feels seen, protected, and nourished &#128214; It starts with the smallest circles of connection, sitting together, and passing down the wisdom of love &#127795;</p><p>When we feed the children, we feed the future leaders, the future dreamers, and the future keepers of the culture &#127805; A community thrives when its marketplace is filled with a collective desire to lift everyone up, ensuring no one goes empty-handed in a world of abundance &#127914;</p><p>It takes a village to sustain a legacy &#127969; Every pot of food stirred with love, every bowl passed to a hungry child, and every smile shared across a crowded table acts as a refill station for the soul &#129379; We build up the generation behind us so they can stand strong, dream big, and carry the torch of love even further than we could ever imagine &#128293;</p><p>Let us continue to open our hearts, expand our tables, and show up for the children of the world with unwavering dedication &#127758;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><h3>Support Our Writing Community &#128221;&#10084;&#65039;</h3><p>If my words have brought a little extra light, encouragement, or joy to your day, please consider leaving a tip &#128142; Your generous tips help keep all of my content completely free for everyone who needs a reminder of love and hope&#128308; Plus, every little bit helps to push it back out into the community! I am using these funds to support other wonderful writers in their own journeys, so we can all lift each other up together &#129716;</p><p>Feel free to buy me a tea right here &#9749;&#65039;</p><p></p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Buy Me a Tea &#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp"><span>Buy Me a Tea &#128088;&#129655;&#128088;</span></a></p><p></p><div><hr></div><h3><em><strong>Unstoppable Together For Our Children &#128737;&#65039;</strong></em>&#128308;</h3><p></p><p>When I hear this song, I can't help but think about what we are dealing with when it comes to our children today &#127757;&#128308; It reminds me that no matter what challenges come our way, if we all stand together, we will always have each other &#129309;&#128308; Just like the lyrics say, we can build this dream together and stand strong forever. Our kids need us to be united, and whatever it takes, that is exactly what we are going to do for them &#128149;&#128308;</p><p></p><p>&#127925; Listen to the full song here: Starship - Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now &#128308;&#128071;&#128071;&#128071;</p><p></p><div id="youtube2-7CQ9SPPm2_o" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;7CQ9SPPm2_o&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/7CQ9SPPm2_o?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p></p><div><hr></div><p></p><div><hr></div><p>&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;</p><h2><em><strong>We must keeponkeepingon I love you all &#128330;&#65039;</strong></em>&#128158;</h2><p>&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Today I Celebrate Me: The Power of an Inside Smile 😊👑👠💃🏽🏩🩷]]></title><description><![CDATA[Clapping for myself on National Smile Power Day and honoring the woman I became through it all &#128081;&#127926;&#128308;]]></description><link>https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/today-i-celebrate-me-the-power-of</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/today-i-celebrate-me-the-power-of</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[SweetladyLove]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2026 05:01:55 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/202058385/b8a8afaf8b03553cb33d0df52fde8647.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Happy National Smile Power Day, family! &#128522;&#128151;&#128156; The video you see above is pure happiness-just me being me, celebrating the photogenic side of myself that loves capturing beautiful memories &#128248;&#10024;&#128156;&#127800; As you watch those pictures flip through, you might notice I&#8217;m not flashing a big, wide grin showing all my teeth &#127800;&#128156; Instead, it&#8217;s a quiet smile &#129323;&#128151; But the best part of all-the part I am celebrating most today-is that I am smiling on the inside &#128081;&#128150;&#128156;&#129686;</p><p>That inside smile is my true victory &#127749;&#128151; When you have been through hell and back, surviving storms that were meant to break your spirit, you don&#8217;t need to put on a big performance for the world &#127754;&#129686; That quiet peace in your soul says everything &#128156;&#127800; It is a declaration of pure, unshakeable resilience &#10024;&#128151;</p><p>I am not just smiling for a calendar holiday today &#127800;&#128156; I am smiling because I earned this <em><strong>internal peace. </strong></em>&#127807;&#129686;&#128151;</p><div><hr></div><h3>The Story Behind the Smile &#128170;&#128302;&#127800;</h3><p>The lyrics to <em>&#8220;Celebrate Me&#8221;</em> by Inga Rose speak directly to the heart of my journey &#127925;&#128151; There is a line in the song that says:</p><blockquote><p><em>&#8220;When I look at my life and all that I&#8217;ve been, every scar, every fall, every place I&#8217;ve been in... I&#8217;m still here breathing.&#8221;</em> &#128557;&#10024;&#128302;&#128156;</p></blockquote><p>That is my truth &#128737;&#65039;&#128151; It is easy to smile when life is a smooth breeze, but the smiles that carry real weight are the ones born from a hard-fought battle &#129354;&#128156;&#127800;</p><p></p><ul><li><p><strong>We celebrate the fight:</strong> Because every single weapon formed against us failed to prosper &#129413;&#128302;</p></li><li><p><strong>We celebrate the good:</strong> Because grace kept the light on in our darkest valleys &#128161;&#128151;</p></li><li><p><strong>We celebrate the self:</strong> Because as the song says, <em>&#8220;Ain&#8217;t nobody clapping for me, so I&#8217;m clapping for myself.&#8221;</em> Sometimes, you have to look in the mirror and be your own biggest cheerleader, celebrating the joy that lives deep inside you &#128227;&#128156;</p></li></ul><div><hr></div><h3>Today, I Celebrate SweetladyLove &#128081;&#128151;&#128302;</h3><p>I wanted to share these pictures and these words to remind every single one of you in our beautiful community: do not wait for permission to honor your survival &#127801;&#127800; If you have walked through the fire and come out with peace in your heart, let that quiet breakthrough anchor you &#128293;&#128302; Your inside smile has power-it heals, it restores, and it reminds the world that you cannot be defeated &#127749;&#128151;</p><p>I celebrate the woman I became through the hurt and the pain &#128081;&#128156; </p><p>But let me tell you, family&#8212;this is only the beginning! &#128064;&#128293;&#128151; I am just getting warmed up, so please stay tuned! &#128250;&#128400;&#127997;&#128156; You do not want to miss what is coming next as I gradually introduce the who, what, when, where, why, and how I took a stand &#128737;&#65039;&#129686;&#127800; And how, with God&#8212;and <em>only</em> God&#8212;I walked away from it all and found me: Sweetladylove, aka Nikki! &#128081;&#129413;&#128151; Go ahead and find your reason to clap&#128079;&#127997; &#128079;&#127997; &#128079;&#127997; for yourself today, family, because your story is a masterpiece in the making &#128214;&#127800;&#128151;</p><div><hr></div><h3>Buy Me A Tea &#9749;&#65039;&#128151;&#128156;</h3><p>If my words touched your heart or brought a smile to your face today, family, you can support my journey and buy me a cup of tea! &#9749;&#65039;&#10024;&#128156;</p><p>Please know that this isn&#8217;t just about me&#8212;my ultimate goal and journey with this platform is to build up the funds to be able to turn right around and bless others with a cup of coffee and some cheese! &#9749;&#65039;&#129472;&#128151; I want to use this support to pour back into the community and give to those who need a little extra love and warmth in their day &#127800;&#128302;</p><p>Every little bit of love keeps this house running and helps me spread that blessing to others &#128081;&#128149;</p><p>&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;</p><p></p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Buy Me a Tea &#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp"><span>Buy Me a Tea &#128088;&#129655;&#128088;</span></a></p><p>&#127977;&#128088;&#127977;&#128088;&#127977;&#128088;&#127977;&#128088;&#127977;&#128088;&#127977;&#128088;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;</p><div><hr></div><div><hr></div><p></p><h3><strong>Listen to the Full Song &#127926;&#128151;&#128156;</strong></h3><p>If you fell in love with the music playing in my video and want to hear the entire anthem, I have the link right here for you! &#127911;&#10024;&#128156; Click the link below to stream the full song and let these powerful words lift your spirit up too &#129686;&#127800;</p><p></p><p>Click Here to Listen to "CELEBRATE ME" by INGA ROSE on YouTube! &#127925;&#128081;&#128149;&#128071;&#128071;</p><p></p><div id="youtube2-_5s_e0FdGzY" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;_5s_e0FdGzY&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/_5s_e0FdGzY?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><div><hr></div><p></p><h2><em><strong>We must keeponkeepingon I love you all &#128158;&#128156;&#128151;</strong></em></h2><div><hr></div><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Stillness in the Midnight Shadows 🌙✨]]></title><description><![CDATA[Honoring Our Kings and Queens as We Unconditionally Keep on Keeping On Together &#127984;&#10084;&#65039;]]></description><link>https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/stillness-in-the-midnight-shadows</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/stillness-in-the-midnight-shadows</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[SweetladyLove]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 14 Jun 2026 05:00:49 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!sqvk!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7cfac9f1-75e2-4af7-b589-53188f310095_832x1252.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!sqvk!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7cfac9f1-75e2-4af7-b589-53188f310095_832x1252.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset image2-full-screen"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!sqvk!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7cfac9f1-75e2-4af7-b589-53188f310095_832x1252.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!sqvk!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7cfac9f1-75e2-4af7-b589-53188f310095_832x1252.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!sqvk!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7cfac9f1-75e2-4af7-b589-53188f310095_832x1252.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!sqvk!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7cfac9f1-75e2-4af7-b589-53188f310095_832x1252.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!sqvk!,w_5760,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7cfac9f1-75e2-4af7-b589-53188f310095_832x1252.jpeg" 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!sqvk!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7cfac9f1-75e2-4af7-b589-53188f310095_832x1252.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!sqvk!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7cfac9f1-75e2-4af7-b589-53188f310095_832x1252.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!sqvk!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7cfac9f1-75e2-4af7-b589-53188f310095_832x1252.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!sqvk!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7cfac9f1-75e2-4af7-b589-53188f310095_832x1252.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">cTonight on Relationships 101, we are honoring the incredible strength and honesty within our community &#128081;&#10024; Walking in absolute safety, building an empire of real love, and celebrating every single King and Queen who stands firm in the light &#128737;&#65039;&#127801; May your night be filled with total stillness and beautiful dreams &#127769;#Sweetladylove'shouseoflove's #Relationships101 #KeepOnKeepingOn #Community spotlight &#127977;&#128081;.</figcaption></figure></div><div><hr></div><p>Well tonight in our community Spotlight relationships 101, I would like to just respond back to our dear brother Eldridge&#8217;s Article, &#8220;Good night my love this is the 9th night.&#8221; &#128221;&#128171; He has been dedicating and honoring all of the Queens here on this platform, and with Father&#8217;s Day fast approaching, I will definitely take the time to shine some light on our Dear Brothers, our Kings &#128081;&#127775;</p><p>I also want to mention my dearest brother Odel (The Mirror Room) &#127775; True love is reflected so clearly in his space, and he has been bringing the love in every word he writes &#128221;&#10084;&#65039; These gentlemen have been bringing the love straight to us, and they have been very consistent in doing so &#128175;&#128293;</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for reading SweetladyLove's Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><div><hr></div><p></p><p>I want to take the time to recognize these amazing brothers who have all been going above and beyond:</p><p>&#8226; <strong>Brother Jason</strong> &#8212; Who wakes up bright and early every morning and makes sure he comes through to read and like every single post that I post, as well as sharing the good morning posts and cute little memes every day &#127749;&#9728;&#65039;</p><p>&#8226; <strong>Brother John Sheils</strong> &#8212; A mighty pillar of faith and leadership &#128081;&#127775;</p><p>&#8226; <strong>Brother Leo The Lion (Leo The lemon)</strong> &#8212; Fearless, strong, and deeply committed to lifting others &#128081;&#129409;</p><p>&#8226; <strong>Brother Dean</strong> &#8212; Courteous, wise, and consistently shining his light &#128081;&#127775;</p><p>&#8226; <strong>Brother Dipak</strong> &#8212; Brilliant in mind and exceptionally kind in spirit &#128081;&#127775;</p><p>&#8226; <strong>Brother Thurston Hill Jr.</strong> &#8212; A courageous warrior for truth and real love &#128081;&#127775;</p><p>&#8226; <strong>Brother Mark</strong> &#8212; Honorably walking with steadfast devotion and deep respect &#128081;&#127775;</p><p>&#8226; <strong>Brother Crutchfiel</strong> &#8212; Solid as a rock, reliable, and full of integrity &#128081;&#127775;</p><p>&#8226; <strong>Brother Azike Prosper</strong> &#8212; Exuding a noble spirit that brings prosperity to our community &#128081;&#127775;</p><p>&#8226; <strong>Brother Dr. Craige</strong> &#8212; A brilliant teacher who heals with his wisdom &#128081;&#127775;</p><p>&#8226; <strong>Brother Gary Taylor</strong> &#8212; Standing tall as a resilient force of good &#128081;&#127775;</p><p>&#8226; <strong>Brother Cory</strong> &#8212; Filled with a great heart and wonderful energy &#128081;&#127775;</p><p>&#8226; <strong>Brother James HVR</strong> &#8212; Very sweet, always very supportive, uplifts all and empowers others, best teacher &#128150;&#127979;&#127775;</p><p>&#8226; <strong>Brother Gospel Revelation</strong> &#8212; Delivering powerful truths that wake up the soul &#128081;&#127775;</p><p>&#8226; <strong>Brother L.C. Francis</strong> &#8212; A steady, honorable guiding light for many &#128081;&#10024;</p><p>&#8226; <strong>Brother Antonio</strong> &#8212; Creative, bold, and fiercely passionate &#128081;&#127775;</p><p>&#8226; <strong>Brother Turbo Goth</strong> &#8212; Unique, brilliant, and completely authentic in his walk &#128081;&#127775;</p><p>&#8226; <strong>Brother Awaken the Legend</strong> - Inspiring greatness and reminding us of our true power &#128081;&#10084;&#65039;</p><p>&#8226; <strong>Brother Alex</strong> &#8212; Full of true joy, peace, and consistent encouragement &#128081;&#127775;</p><p>&#8226; <strong>Brother Mortell</strong> &#8212; A strong protector of peace in the kingdom &#128081;&#127775;</p><p>&#8226; <strong>Brother Andrew</strong> &#8212; Walking with unmatched dedication and high character &#128081;&#127775;</p><p>&#8226; <strong>Brother Rosetta </strong>&#8212; Splendidly bringing beauty and rich insight to the table &#128081;&#127775;</p><p>&#8226; <strong>Brother George</strong> &#8212; Always moving with great precision and a humble heart &#128081;&#127775;</p><p>&#8226; <strong>Brother Clausen</strong> &#8212; A brilliant mind that always looks to build others up &#128081;&#127775;</p><p>&#8226; <strong>Brother Ilias Shepherd and Morrow</strong> &#8212; Mighty and strong, a true guardian of real love &#128081;&#127775;</p><p>&#8226; <strong>Brother Brandon Ellrich</strong> &#8212; Courageous and brilliant, a beautifully gifted writer &#128081;&#127775;</p><p>...and so many more! &#128101;&#128170; Thank you, this one&#8217;s for you Kings &#128081;&#127775;</p><p>Here is my response back to the beautiful words being shared on this platform, lifting up our mighty Kings &#128081;&#127801;</p><p>The Citadel stands strong beneath the midnight skies &#127984;&#127775;</p><p>As words of absolute safety make the spirit rise &#128737;&#65039;&#127756;</p><p>To the King who guards the peace within his mind &#128081;&#128173;</p><p>A beautiful treasure is exactly what you find &#128142;&#10084;&#65039;</p><p>An empire of love is building day by day &#127984;&#127793;</p><p>With strength and honesty to guide the way &#128293;&#128170;</p><p>For every resilient King who walks within the light &#128081;&#127775;</p><p>Your words bring total stillness to the night &#127769;&#128171;</p><p>So rest your head and let the shadows fade away &#127756;&#128164;</p><p>As we move forward to a powerful new day &#127749;&#128640;</p><p>Good night, my brother, may your dreams be deep and true &#128081;&#127769;</p><p>The fortress stands secure, guarding all you do &#127984;&#128737;&#65039;</p><p>Goodnight, &amp; Good morning, my brothers &#128081;&#127769;</p><div><hr></div><p>&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;</p><h2><em><strong>We must keeponkeepingon I love you all &#129655;&#127977;&#129655;</strong></em></h2><p>&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;</p><div><hr></div><div><hr></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Buy Me a Tea &#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp"><span>Buy Me a Tea &#128088;&#129655;&#128088;</span></a></p><p>If my words have brought a little extra light, encouragement, or peace to your day, you can support my journey and help keep this space thriving by clicking below &#127977;&#10024; Every single seed sown goes right back into our community to help lift up and support others who need it most &#128081;&#127793;</p><p></p><p>Thank you so much for your beautiful support, your presence, and your love. &#128150;&#127801;</p><div><hr></div><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!k5ew!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcd5fd08f-e968-48bd-87e2-6783ef802b52_1479x1462.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!k5ew!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcd5fd08f-e968-48bd-87e2-6783ef802b52_1479x1462.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!k5ew!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcd5fd08f-e968-48bd-87e2-6783ef802b52_1479x1462.png 848w, 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!k5ew!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcd5fd08f-e968-48bd-87e2-6783ef802b52_1479x1462.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!k5ew!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcd5fd08f-e968-48bd-87e2-6783ef802b52_1479x1462.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!k5ew!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcd5fd08f-e968-48bd-87e2-6783ef802b52_1479x1462.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!k5ew!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcd5fd08f-e968-48bd-87e2-6783ef802b52_1479x1462.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for reading SweetladyLove's Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Shining Our Light: How Small Acts of Kindness Heal Our Relationships 🕯️🌟🌟]]></title><description><![CDATA[How Small Acts of Kindness Can Brighten and Heal Our Closest Connections &#128367;&#65039;]]></description><link>https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/shining-our-light-how-small-acts</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/shining-our-light-how-small-acts</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[SweetladyLove]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2026 12:02:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!5HbL!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd344221c-9495-4beb-950d-fea387780d43_1408x768.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!5HbL!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd344221c-9495-4beb-950d-fea387780d43_1408x768.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset image2-full-screen"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!5HbL!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd344221c-9495-4beb-950d-fea387780d43_1408x768.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!5HbL!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd344221c-9495-4beb-950d-fea387780d43_1408x768.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!5HbL!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd344221c-9495-4beb-950d-fea387780d43_1408x768.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!5HbL!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd344221c-9495-4beb-950d-fea387780d43_1408x768.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!5HbL!,w_5760,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd344221c-9495-4beb-950d-fea387780d43_1408x768.png" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/d344221c-9495-4beb-950d-fea387780d43_1408x768.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:false,&quot;imageSize&quot;:&quot;full&quot;,&quot;height&quot;:768,&quot;width&quot;:1408,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:2603066,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/i/201854396?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd344221c-9495-4beb-950d-fea387780d43_1408x768.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-fullscreen" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!5HbL!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd344221c-9495-4beb-950d-fea387780d43_1408x768.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!5HbL!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd344221c-9495-4beb-950d-fea387780d43_1408x768.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!5HbL!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd344221c-9495-4beb-950d-fea387780d43_1408x768.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!5HbL!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd344221c-9495-4beb-950d-fea387780d43_1408x768.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Celebrating National Random Acts of Light Day &#10024; Small moments of intentional kindness create a warm glow that protects and brightens our closest relationships&#128308;&#8221;</figcaption></figure></div><div><hr></div><p>Hello, my beautiful community &#127800; Today is June 13, which means it is officially <strong>National Random Acts of Light Day</strong>&#128308; This special day was originally founded by The Leukemia &amp; Lymphoma Society to bring comfort, awareness, and a bit of joy to those fighting the darkest moments of a cancer diagnosis&#128308; It is a day rooted in a powerful truth: when the world feels heavy and dark, a simple, unexpected token of love can completely shift someone&#8217;s world&#128308;</p><p>As I was reflecting on this, I couldn&#8217;t help but think about how deeply this applies to our everyday personal lives and our closest connections &#129309; Relationships are the ultimate testing ground for how we choose to share our internal warmth with others &#9728;&#65039;</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for reading SweetladyLove's Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><div><hr></div><h3>Being the Candle or the Mirror &#129694;</h3><p>There is a gorgeous quote by Edith Wharton that perfectly captures this essence:</p><blockquote><p>&#8220;There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.&#8221;</p></blockquote><p>In our marriages, friendships, and families, we have the daily opportunity to be both &#127775; Some days, our loved ones are going through their own hidden battles, stresses, or heavy moments, and they need us to be the <strong>candle</strong>&#128367;&#65039;the source of warmth, stability, and joy &#128367;&#65039; Other days, when they are thriving, we get to be the <strong>mirror</strong>, reflecting their success and cheering them on with pure pride &#127881;</p><p>True connection isn&#8217;t about grand, sweeping gestures that happen once a year &#128142; It&#8217;s about the deliberate, intentional micro-moments of kindness that build a foundation of absolute trust and emotional safety over time &#128272;</p><div><hr></div><h3>Tiny Sparks, Big Impacts &#9889;</h3><p>Think about how much a relationship can transform when you commit to &#8220;random acts of light&#8221; within your own home &#127969; It doesn&#8217;t take much to let someone know they are seen and deeply treasured:</p><ul><li><p><strong>A Surprise Cup of Comfort</strong>: Bringing your partner their favorite cup of coffee exactly the way they like it in the morning, just because &#9749;</p></li><li><p><strong>The Gift of Presence</strong>: Taking a quiet walk together without phones, or planning a simple day out just to talk and laugh &#127795;</p></li><li><p><strong>Words of Affirmation</strong>: Leaving a sticky note on the bathroom mirror telling them how proud you are of their hard work and character &#128221;</p></li><li><p><strong>An Unexpected Flower</strong>: Grabbing a fresh bouquet of flowers on an ordinary Tuesday just to bring a sparkle into the room &#128144;</p></li></ul><p>When we intentionally choose to surprise the people we love with these small bursts of sunshine, we chip away at the darkness, routine, and fatigue of life&#128308; We remind them that they aren't walking through this world alone &#128099;</p><div><hr></div><h3>Let&#8217;s Build a Circle of Light &#11093;</h3><p>Today, I challenge you to look at the people closest to your heart &#10084;&#65039; Ask yourself: <em>How can I bring a little bit of light into their space today?</em> Do not let the day pass without offering at least one gentle word or a small token of love to someone who needs it&#128308;</p><p>Let&#8217;s commit to keeping our hearts open, our intentions pure, and our love active, not just today, but every single day of the year&#128308;</p><div><hr></div><p>&#128088;&#127977;&#128088;&#127977;&#128088;&#127977;&#128088;&#127977;&#128088;&#127977;&#128088;&#127977;&#128088;&#127977;&#128088;&#127977;</p><div><hr></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;&#128088; Buy Me a Tea&#128088;&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp"><span>&#128088; Buy Me a Tea&#128088;</span></a></p><p>If this message touched your heart today and brought a little light into your space, consider supporting the journey by buying me a tea &#9749; Every single ounce of love and support goes right back into the community to keep us growing, glowing, and thriving together &#127775;</p><p></p><p></p><div><hr></div><p>&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;</p><h3><em><strong>We must keeponkeepingon I love you all &#128150;</strong></em></h3><p>&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;</p><div><hr></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/shining-our-light-how-small-acts?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/shining-our-light-how-small-acts?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p><div><hr></div><p></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for reading SweetladyLove's Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[💖 The Legacy of Love: Celebrating National Loving Day and the Power of Commitment 💖]]></title><description><![CDATA[Celebrating National Loving Day and the Power of Commitment]]></description><link>https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/the-legacy-of-love-celebrating-national</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/the-legacy-of-love-celebrating-national</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[SweetladyLove]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:48:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!NF-t!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F233a34b4-eeba-43ff-93c7-0dc862a55094_1408x768.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!NF-t!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F233a34b4-eeba-43ff-93c7-0dc862a55094_1408x768.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset image2-full-screen"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!NF-t!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F233a34b4-eeba-43ff-93c7-0dc862a55094_1408x768.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!NF-t!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F233a34b4-eeba-43ff-93c7-0dc862a55094_1408x768.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!NF-t!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F233a34b4-eeba-43ff-93c7-0dc862a55094_1408x768.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!NF-t!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F233a34b4-eeba-43ff-93c7-0dc862a55094_1408x768.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!NF-t!,w_5760,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F233a34b4-eeba-43ff-93c7-0dc862a55094_1408x768.png" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/233a34b4-eeba-43ff-93c7-0dc862a55094_1408x768.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:false,&quot;imageSize&quot;:&quot;full&quot;,&quot;height&quot;:768,&quot;width&quot;:1408,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:2609683,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/i/201705616?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fea7245aa-2ecc-4803-8827-2c037b8b7894_1408x768.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-fullscreen" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!NF-t!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F233a34b4-eeba-43ff-93c7-0dc862a55094_1408x768.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!NF-t!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F233a34b4-eeba-43ff-93c7-0dc862a55094_1408x768.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!NF-t!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F233a34b4-eeba-43ff-93c7-0dc862a55094_1408x768.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!NF-t!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F233a34b4-eeba-43ff-93c7-0dc862a55094_1408x768.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">A beautiful tribute to the legacy of true connection, resilience, and unity &#9898;&#65039; Let&#8217;s honor the foundations of our relationships, cherish the friendship at our core, and always remember to Keeponkeepingon &#128150;</figcaption></figure></div><div><hr></div><p>Happy June 12th, family! &#128075; Today is a deeply meaningful day that reminds us just how powerful, resilient, and life-changing true love can be &#9898;&#65039; As we look at the foundations of our relationships, it is the perfect time to celebrate National Loving Day &#128467;&#65039;</p><p></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for reading SweetladyLove's Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>This special day commemorates a monumental milestone in history: the June 12, 1967, U.S. Supreme Court decision in Loving v. Virginia &#127963;&#65039; This landmark ruling struck down anti-miscegenation laws across sixteen states, declaring that the freedom to marry belongs to the people, not racial classifications &#128509; It proved that when two people are deeply committed,their love can literally change the world. &#127757;</p><div><hr></div><p>&#127801; A Love Worth Fighting For &#127801;</p><p>The story of Mildred and Richard Loving is a profound lesson for all of our relationships today &#128107; They started as childhood friends, fell deeply in love, and built a beautiful life together, eventually returning to their Virginia home to raise their three wonderful children &#127969;</p><p></p><p>But their journey wasn't easy &#127786;&#65039; They faced immense legal and societal hurdles just to exist as husband and wife &#128721; National Loving Day is beautifully inspired by the celebration of Juneteenth-symbolizing the perseverance required, the dignity maintained through adversity, and the everyday strength interracial couples use to overcome societal challenges &#128170;</p><p></p><p>Their legacy teaches us vital truths about relationships today:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Love Requires Stand-Firm Commitment:</strong> True partnership means standing together when the storms of life arrive &#127786;&#65039; If a couple from 1967 could change the laws of the land just to hold hands, we can certainly choose to fight for grace, communication, and unity in our homes today &#129309;</p></li><li><p><strong>Friendship is the Ultimate Foundation:</strong> Starting as childhood friends gave the Lovings the deep-rooted trust needed to survive years of legal battles &#128273; Always nurture the friendship at the core of your romance &#129717;</p></li><li><p><strong>Dignity and Grace Win:</strong> They didn&#8217;t lead with hatred; they led with a quiet, undeniable dignity, proving that love is the ultimate equalizer &#127993;</p></li></ul><div><hr></div><h3>&#128140; A Message from Sweetladylove to My Future Husband &#128140;</h3><p>When I look at the world, and when I look at you, I see no color &#129655;&#9898;&#65039; I only see beautiful hearts and amazing people who were created by God, who is truly great &#128588; He is the ultimate creator, and everything He created was good on that day and it&#8217;s right there &#9728;&#65039;</p><p>I love you exactly as you are &#9898;&#65039; &#129655;You can have one big toe and no hair, that never matters to me as long as you truly love me for me &#129489;&#8205; Oh, my love for you is completely unconditional &#128272; You don&#8217;t have to be rich with money to hold my heart &#128176; Because when you and I are together, we are already rich &#128142; We have exactly what we need in this life: true love, and that is absolutely priceless &#127991;&#65039; It is the one thing that all the money in the world could never buy &#128722;</p><div><hr></div><h3>&#128171; Keeping the Fire Burning &#128171;</h3><p>Every single day is an opportunity to honor the freedom we have to love who our hearts choose &#127919; Let&#8217;s never take for granted the peace, the shared laughter, and the sacred spaces we build with our partners &#129346;</p><p>Take a moment today to hold your loved one a little closer, celebrate your unique bond, and remember that real love is always worth the fight &#129354;</p><div><hr></div><p>My writing here will always remain completely free for everyone in our beautiful community &#128140; If you ever feel inspired to support my work and tip the author, you are more than welcome to buy me a tea &#9749;&#65039; The money that is generated will go right back into our beautiful Community here to support others and help us grow together &#127793; Your love and support mean the absolute world to me &#128591;</p><div><hr></div><p>&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Buy Me a Tea &#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp"><span>Buy Me a Tea &#128088;&#129655;&#128088;</span></a></p><p>&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;</p><p></p><div><hr></div><p>&#127977;&#128150;&#127977;&#128150;&#127977;&#128150;&#127977;&#128150;&#127977;&#128150;&#127977;&#128150;&#127977;&#128150;&#127977;&#128150;</p><h2><em><strong>We must keeponkeepingon I love you all !&#128150;</strong></em></h2><p>&#127977;&#128150;&#127977;&#128150;&#129655;&#128150;&#129655;&#128150;&#127977;&#128150;&#127977;&#128150;&#127977;&#128150;&#127977;&#128150;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for reading SweetladyLove's Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[From Bedpans to Foleys: A Love Letter to Our CNAs 🩺💫]]></title><description><![CDATA[Why Our CNAs Are the Real Heroes of the Floor &#129658;&#11093;]]></description><link>https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/from-bedpans-to-foleys-a-love-letter</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/from-bedpans-to-foleys-a-love-letter</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[SweetladyLove]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:38:05 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!9rNC!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1053c10b-e016-4e3e-8df1-2a6c0dc5aff5_1408x768.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!9rNC!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1053c10b-e016-4e3e-8df1-2a6c0dc5aff5_1408x768.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset image2-full-screen"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!9rNC!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1053c10b-e016-4e3e-8df1-2a6c0dc5aff5_1408x768.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!9rNC!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1053c10b-e016-4e3e-8df1-2a6c0dc5aff5_1408x768.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!9rNC!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1053c10b-e016-4e3e-8df1-2a6c0dc5aff5_1408x768.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!9rNC!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1053c10b-e016-4e3e-8df1-2a6c0dc5aff5_1408x768.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!9rNC!,w_5760,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1053c10b-e016-4e3e-8df1-2a6c0dc5aff5_1408x768.png" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/1053c10b-e016-4e3e-8df1-2a6c0dc5aff5_1408x768.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/3bfe66fd-f632-435c-bac2-5a29d46f5d24_1408x768.png&quot;,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:false,&quot;imageSize&quot;:&quot;full&quot;,&quot;height&quot;:768,&quot;width&quot;:1408,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:2203310,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/i/201609463?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3bfe66fd-f632-435c-bac2-5a29d46f5d24_1408x768.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-fullscreen" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!9rNC!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1053c10b-e016-4e3e-8df1-2a6c0dc5aff5_1408x768.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!9rNC!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1053c10b-e016-4e3e-8df1-2a6c0dc5aff5_1408x768.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!9rNC!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1053c10b-e016-4e3e-8df1-2a6c0dc5aff5_1408x768.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!9rNC!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1053c10b-e016-4e3e-8df1-2a6c0dc5aff5_1408x768.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">From bedpans to the biggest hearts in the building, I see your hard work and I celebrate you today &#127775;&#129658; Keeponkeepingon I love you alll &#128150;&#11093;</figcaption></figure></div><div><hr></div><p>Being a CNA is not just a job. It is a calling that requires the biggest heart, the strongest back, and the most patient soul &#128150;&#10024; Having walked those halls myself before transitioning into nursing, I carry the memories of those shifts in my very bones. I remember the weight of the tasks, the urgency of the call lights, and the absolute beauty found in the quiet moments of connection with those we serve &#129730;&#128160;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for reading SweetladyLove's Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>To my sweet CNAs: I see you. I see the grind, the sweat, and the endless compassion you pour into every single resident, every single shift. You are the backbone of our healthcare system, and I love you all so deeply &#129658;&#129392;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><h3>A Tribute to the Hands That Care &#128330;&#65039;&#127801;</h3><p><em><strong>From bedpans to Foleys, you navigate the day, With grace in your actions, in your own special way. Through the chaos, the rushes, the long hours you spend, You are a caregiver, a worker, a true, steady friend. &#129309;&#11093;</strong></em></p><p><em><strong>You lift up the fallen and hold up the weak, Giving strength to the silent who struggle to speak. The backbone of healing, the heart of the floor, Every day you give more than you did the day before. &#127775;&#128160; I love you all !! </strong></em>&#128591;&#127998;&#128536;&#128591;&#127998;&#129730;&#129309;&#9829;&#65039;&#129728;&#128105;&#8205;&#9877;&#65039;</p><div><hr></div><p><strong>Support My Mission &#128088;&#128088;&#128088;</strong></p><p><strong>If you feel moved to support my journey, you can buy me a tea here: &#128088;</strong> &#127861;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;</p><p>&#129655;&#128088;&#127977;&#128088;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#128088;&#127977;&#128088;&#127977;&#128088;</p><p></p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Buy Me a Tea &#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp"><span>Buy Me a Tea &#128088;&#129655;&#128088;</span></a></p><p><strong>Every bit of support goes directly toward my mission: paying it forward to the writing community &#9997;&#65039;&#128160; I believe in the power of words and the voices of those around me, and my goal is to reinvest these funds to help other writers share their own stories and keep their creative dreams alive &#127775;&#128150; We are all in this together, and I am so grateful to have you by my side as we support one another &#129730;</strong>&#11093;&#128591;&#127998;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><p>&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;</p><h2><em><strong>We must keeponkeepingon I love you all &#128150;</strong></em></h2><div><hr></div><p>&#128591;&#127977;&#128591;&#127977;&#128591;&#127977;&#128591;&#127977;&#128591;&#127977;&#128591;&#127977;&#128591;&#127977;&#128591;&#127977;</p><div><hr></div><h3>A Special Note to You &#128140;&#127801;</h3><p><em><strong>I want to take this time to personally thank you for taking the time to even stop by and read this piece &#129658;&#128160; Whether you are here for the journey, the stories, or just to share a moment of peace away from the noise of the world, I am so grateful you are here &#129730;&#128150; Knowing that you choose to spend your time with my words means the world to me &#127775;&#11093; Thank you for showing up, for listening, and for being such a wonderful part of this space we are building together &#127800;&#10024;</strong></em></p><p><em><strong>We must keeponkeepingon I love you alll</strong></em> &#129658;</p><div><hr></div><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!atTT!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F90d26674-acbb-4774-a342-1dc2f0f3f5cf_720x698.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset image2-full-screen"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!atTT!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F90d26674-acbb-4774-a342-1dc2f0f3f5cf_720x698.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!atTT!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F90d26674-acbb-4774-a342-1dc2f0f3f5cf_720x698.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!atTT!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F90d26674-acbb-4774-a342-1dc2f0f3f5cf_720x698.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!atTT!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F90d26674-acbb-4774-a342-1dc2f0f3f5cf_720x698.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!atTT!,w_5760,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F90d26674-acbb-4774-a342-1dc2f0f3f5cf_720x698.png" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/90d26674-acbb-4774-a342-1dc2f0f3f5cf_720x698.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:false,&quot;imageSize&quot;:&quot;full&quot;,&quot;height&quot;:698,&quot;width&quot;:720,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:103469,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/i/201609463?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F90d26674-acbb-4774-a342-1dc2f0f3f5cf_720x698.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-fullscreen" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!atTT!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F90d26674-acbb-4774-a342-1dc2f0f3f5cf_720x698.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!atTT!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F90d26674-acbb-4774-a342-1dc2f0f3f5cf_720x698.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!atTT!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F90d26674-acbb-4774-a342-1dc2f0f3f5cf_720x698.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!atTT!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F90d26674-acbb-4774-a342-1dc2f0f3f5cf_720x698.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">How deep is your love? &#128153; It is the kind of love that goes to the grave and beyond, anchored in the grace of Jesus and the strength to keep going &#128330;&#65039;&#127801; We must keeponkeepingon I love you alll &#129658;</figcaption></figure></div><p></p><div><hr></div><p></p><p></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for reading SweetladyLove's Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Saturday Mornings and Memories That Last 🏡]]></title><description><![CDATA[From Classic Cartoons to Kitchen Traditions That Bind Us &#129379;&#129414;&#9899;]]></description><link>https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/saturday-mornings-and-memories-that</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/saturday-mornings-and-memories-that</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[SweetladyLove]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2026 08:02:19 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Vcf6!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff5be5b32-2c7f-4654-bded-5314b19df44e_1408x768.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Vcf6!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff5be5b32-2c7f-4654-bded-5314b19df44e_1408x768.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset image2-full-screen"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Vcf6!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff5be5b32-2c7f-4654-bded-5314b19df44e_1408x768.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Vcf6!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff5be5b32-2c7f-4654-bded-5314b19df44e_1408x768.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Vcf6!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff5be5b32-2c7f-4654-bded-5314b19df44e_1408x768.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Vcf6!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff5be5b32-2c7f-4654-bded-5314b19df44e_1408x768.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Vcf6!,w_5760,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff5be5b32-2c7f-4654-bded-5314b19df44e_1408x768.png" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/f5be5b32-2c7f-4654-bded-5314b19df44e_1408x768.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/04c207cd-d8c0-4482-bd52-44af6955f9be_1408x768.png&quot;,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:false,&quot;imageSize&quot;:&quot;full&quot;,&quot;height&quot;:768,&quot;width&quot;:1408,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:2431907,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/i/201258333?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F04c207cd-d8c0-4482-bd52-44af6955f9be_1408x768.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-fullscreen" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Vcf6!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff5be5b32-2c7f-4654-bded-5314b19df44e_1408x768.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Vcf6!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff5be5b32-2c7f-4654-bded-5314b19df44e_1408x768.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Vcf6!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff5be5b32-2c7f-4654-bded-5314b19df44e_1408x768.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Vcf6!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff5be5b32-2c7f-4654-bded-5314b19df44e_1408x768.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">The morning table: where our story began and where our love keeps on keeping on &#127872;&#127834;&#129374;&#129363;&#127850;&#127859;</figcaption></figure></div><div><hr></div><p>When I think about the things that keep our family together and strong, I do not just think about one thing &#127872;it is a beautiful blend of the fun moments and the deep traditions that define us &#129513;&#128150;&#9899; Today, while thinking about Donald Duck Day, it took me back to the real magic of my childhood &#128368;&#65039;&#128171;&#9899;</p><p></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for reading SweetladyLove's Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>It was never just about the cartoons&#129336;&#8205;&#9792;&#65039;it was about waking up bright and early on those Saturday mornings to the most heavenly smells in the world &#128067;&#129374;&#9899; I can still close my eyes and smell the oatmeal, the grits, the bacon, the sausage, and the eggs sizzling on the stove &#129379;&#129363;&#129370;&#9899; I can smell those homemade biscuits and the sweet, thick, rich cane syrup that was pure liquid gold &#127855;&#9899; We knew the difference -none of that fake stuff, just that real, old-fashioned churned butter, that thick, rectangular block of pure goodness &#129480;&#128155;&#9899; And that scent of Pillsbury cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven? That was the smell of home &#129360;&#127834;&#9899;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><p>These are the moments that anchored us, and I will never forget them &#9875;&#10084;&#65039;&#9899; Just like Donald Duck has been a familiar friend on screen since 1934, those breakfast memories are the familiar friends of my heart &#129414;&#127902;&#65039;&#9899; It brings me so much joy to share this love with my kids today, knowing that these are the traditions that keep us grounded &#128104;&#8205;&#128105;&#8205;&#128103;&#8205;&#128102;&#129392;&#9899;</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/saturday-mornings-and-memories-that?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/saturday-mornings-and-memories-that?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p><p></p><p>It is so important to cherish these memories that keep our family strong always &#128279;&#128170;&#9899; Whether it is a fun day celebrating a favorite character or a quiet morning around the kitchen table, it is all about the love we share &#128150;&#127752;&#9899;</p><div><hr></div><p>&#127872;&#128591;&#127872;&#128591;&#127872;&#128591;&#127872;&#128591;&#127872;&#128591;&#127872;&#128591;&#127872;&#128591;&#127872;&#128591;</p><h2><em><strong>We must keeponkeepingon I love you all!</strong></em> &#9994;&#127997;&#127977;&#128150;</h2><p>&#127872;&#128591;&#127872;&#128591;&#127872;&#128591;&#127872;&#128591;&#127872;&#128591;&#127872;&#128591;&#127872;&#128591;&#127872;&#128591;</p><div><hr></div><p>If you would like to support my journey here and my upcoming missions, as well as help me support others in this community, I invite you to buy me a tea &#128088;&#129655;&#9899; Every bit of kindness helps us all keep going and growing together .&#128150;</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Buy Me a Tea &#128088;&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp"><span>Buy Me a Tea &#128088;</span></a></p><p>&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;</p><div><hr></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://substack.com/@sweetladylove/note/p-201258333&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Leave a comment&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://substack.com/@sweetladylove/note/p-201258333"><span>Leave a comment</span></a></p><p>&#9997;&#127997;&#129300;&#9997;&#127997;&#129300;&#9997;&#127997;&#129300;&#9997;&#127997;&#129300;&#9997;&#127997;&#129300;&#9997;&#127997;&#129300;&#9997;&#127997;&#129300;&#9997;&#127997;&#129300;</p><p></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for reading SweetladyLove's Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Happy National Best Friends Day to My Substack Family! 👭🌍🏩]]></title><description><![CDATA[Celebrating the fierce bonds that carry us through every storm, every trial, and every triumph together.]]></description><link>https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/happy-national-best-friends-day-to</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/happy-national-best-friends-day-to</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[SweetladyLove]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2026 10:57:57 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gX_R!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa499ccd1-01cc-458f-a924-6b9d1b58eaf5_1408x768.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gX_R!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa499ccd1-01cc-458f-a924-6b9d1b58eaf5_1408x768.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset image2-full-screen"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gX_R!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa499ccd1-01cc-458f-a924-6b9d1b58eaf5_1408x768.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gX_R!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa499ccd1-01cc-458f-a924-6b9d1b58eaf5_1408x768.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gX_R!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa499ccd1-01cc-458f-a924-6b9d1b58eaf5_1408x768.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gX_R!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa499ccd1-01cc-458f-a924-6b9d1b58eaf5_1408x768.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gX_R!,w_5760,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa499ccd1-01cc-458f-a924-6b9d1b58eaf5_1408x768.png" 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gX_R!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa499ccd1-01cc-458f-a924-6b9d1b58eaf5_1408x768.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gX_R!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa499ccd1-01cc-458f-a924-6b9d1b58eaf5_1408x768.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gX_R!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa499ccd1-01cc-458f-a924-6b9d1b58eaf5_1408x768.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gX_R!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa499ccd1-01cc-458f-a924-6b9d1b58eaf5_1408x768.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Honoring my incredible Substack sisters and brothers on National Best Friends Day! We celebrate the fierce bonds that carry us through every storm and triumph. To my amazing community, you are remarkable, and I love you just the way you are. Listen to my latest podcast, 'Relationships 101,' on Spotify [link]. Thank you for your loyal support! &#128153;</figcaption></figure></div><div><hr></div><p><strong>Happy National Best Friends Day</strong>! &#128109;&#127881; Today, June 8th, is all about celebrating the beautiful bonds that smooth over life&#8217;s rough edges and make the journey so much sweeter. &#127757;&#10024; When I think about what a true best friend is&#127793;someone who stands fierce with you through distance, storms, and silence&#128582;&#127998;&#8205;&#9792;&#65039;my heart immediately goes to all of you. &#10084;&#65039;&#128737;&#65039;</p><p></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for reading SweetladyLove's Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>Ever since I joined this beautiful Substack community back in February, it has been an absolute honor to walk this path with you. &#127977;&#128200; First and foremost, I want to give a massive, heartfelt special shout-out to every single one of my subscribers and followers. &#128591;&#127998;&#128171;</p><p></p><p>Thank you, and I love you all so much for your incredible loyalty! &#9786;&#65039;</p><p></p><p>Every single like, every beautiful comment, every read, every share, every kind thought, and every sweet recommendation means the world to me. I appreciate you more than words can say. I truly honor you as my best friends, because your love, support, and presence are what make all of this possible.</p><p></p><p>I also want to welcome and send love to all of my upcoming subscribers! We are fast-growing, and it is so exciting to watch this space expand. I see God definitely has a plan for us, and I am so grateful to watch it unfold with you.</p><p></p><p>Whether we are near or far, we are family. Let&#8217;s keep celebrating each other today and every day!</p><p> </p><p></p><h2><em><strong> &#129655;   I Love You All</strong></em>! &#129655;</h2><div><hr></div><p></p><h2>&#128266;To My Substack Sisters and Brothers&#127897;&#65039;</h2><p></p><p>Through every twist and every turn, &#127906;&#10024;</p><p></p><p>Through every lesson that we learn, &#128218;&#128591;</p><p></p><p>No matter the struggle, the weight, or the pain, &#128170;&#128148;</p><p></p><p>Through the heaviest storms and the pouring rain. &#127783;&#65039;&#128737;&#65039;</p><p></p><p>The trials and tribulations may try to stand, &#9968;&#65039;&#128694;&#8205;&#9792;&#65039;</p><p></p><p>But we walk together, hand in hand. &#129309;&#10084;&#65039;</p><p></p><p>We lift up our voices, we clear out the doubt, &#128483;&#65039;&#10024;</p><p></p><p>Knowing exactly what love is about. &#128150;&#10024;</p><p></p><p>So remember the promise, let hope be your song: &#127926;&#127749;</p><p></p><p>We must keep on keeping on. &#10024;&#127937;</p><p></p><p>Just know I&#8217;m your sister, forever and true, &#128105;&#8205;&#10084;&#65039;&#8205;&#128105;&#128272;</p><p></p><p>A lifeline of faith always standing by you. &#9875;&#128591;</p><p></p><p>For life and for always, wherever you roam, &#127757;&#128171;</p><p></p><p>You can lean on me, you are never alone. &#129303;&#128153;</p><p></p><div><hr></div><p>&#129730;&#129655;&#129730;&#129655;&#129730;&#129655;&#129730;&#129655;&#129730;&#129655;&#129730;&#129655;&#129730;&#129655;&#129730;&#129655;</p><p></p><p>To my <em><strong>amazing subscribers</strong></em>, remember you never have to change for me. &#127775; <em><strong>I love you just the way you are &#129730; you are absolutel</strong></em>y <em><strong>remarkable</strong></em>! &#129401;&#128150;</p><p></p><p><strong>For more love and encouragement, listen to Sweetladylove'shouseoflove's podcast episode: &#127911;&#127897;&#65039;&#127926;</strong></p><p></p><h2><em><strong>Listen to Relationships 101 on Spotify</strong></em> &#127897;&#65039;&#128153;</h2><p></p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://open.spotify.com/episode/38Hfk7NQOop7zefvsDwu8p?si=md9TDQBxR--6Dc3wOACduw&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Relationship 101&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/38Hfk7NQOop7zefvsDwu8p?si=md9TDQBxR--6Dc3wOACduw"><span>Relationship 101</span></a></p><p>&#127897;&#65039;&#127977;&#127897;&#65039;&#127977;&#127897;&#65039;&#127977;&#127897;&#65039;&#127977;&#127897;&#65039;&#127977;&#127897;&#65039;&#127977;&#127897;&#65039;&#127977;&#127897;&#65039;&#127977;</p><p></p><p>-</p><div><hr></div><p></p><p>To wrap up this dedication, I want to leave you with the perfect song for today. &#127925; Please take a moment to listen, reflect, and remember that we are in this together: &#129782;&#127998;&#129730;&#127793;&#10013;&#65039;&#129730;&#128156;&#10013;&#65039;&#127793;&#128156;&#127793;&#10013;&#65039;&#128156;&#127793;&#10013;&#65039;&#128156;&#127793;&#10013;&#65039;&#128156;</p><p></p><p>Listen to "Lean on Me" on YouTube &#127926;&#127925;&#127929;&#127897;&#65039;</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOZgo8gMIoM&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Lean On Me&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOZgo8gMIoM"><span>Lean On Me</span></a></p><p>&#127925;&#129655;&#127925;&#129655;&#127925;&#129655;&#127925;&#129655;&#127925;&#129655;&#127925;&#129655;&#127925;&#129655;&#127925;&#129655;</p><p></p><p>&#128591;&#127998;&#129655;&#128591;&#127998;&#129655;&#128591;&#127998;&#129655;&#128591;&#127998;&#129655;&#128591;&#127998;&#129655;&#128591;&#127998;&#129655;&#129655;&#128591;&#127998;&#129655;&#128591;&#127998;</p><p></p><div><hr></div><p></p><p>&#127977;&#128088;&#127977;&#128088;&#127977;&#128088;&#127977;&#128088;&#127977;&#128088;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#128088;&#127977;&#128088;</p><p>To support my journey to help others on their journey, I invite you to buy me a Tea &#128088;&#129750;</p><p></p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Buy me a Tea &#128088;&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp"><span>Buy me a Tea &#128088;</span></a></p><p></p><p>&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;</p><p></p><h2><em><strong>&#128266; You Are Remarkable</strong></em>!&#128294;</h2><p></p><p>&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;</p><p></p><p></p><div><hr></div><p></p><h1><em><strong>We must keeponkeepingon I love you all</strong></em> &#128153;&#128591;&#127998;&#129655;</h1><div><hr></div><p>&#10013;&#65039;&#128156;&#10013;&#65039;&#128156;&#10013;&#65039;&#128156;&#10013;&#65039;&#128156;&#10013;&#65039;&#128156;&#10013;&#65039;&#128156;&#10013;&#65039;&#128156;&#10013;&#65039;&#128156;</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for reading SweetladyLove's Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[To My Beautiful Sisters Across Every State 🇺🇸✨]]></title><description><![CDATA[From handing over my power to doing independence damn well. This is what happens when you finally decode the music of your past!! &#127926;]]></description><link>https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/to-my-beautiful-sisters-across-every</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/to-my-beautiful-sisters-across-every</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[SweetladyLove]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 07 Jun 2026 08:07:28 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!-7g0!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe920eecf-dc28-4cf4-a1d9-39cb1a3460a8_594x594.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4xdQ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe42de854-8946-4b7b-80c1-25555b8614a9_250x200.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset image2-full-screen"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4xdQ!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe42de854-8946-4b7b-80c1-25555b8614a9_250x200.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4xdQ!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe42de854-8946-4b7b-80c1-25555b8614a9_250x200.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4xdQ!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe42de854-8946-4b7b-80c1-25555b8614a9_250x200.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4xdQ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe42de854-8946-4b7b-80c1-25555b8614a9_250x200.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4xdQ!,w_5760,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe42de854-8946-4b7b-80c1-25555b8614a9_250x200.png" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/e42de854-8946-4b7b-80c1-25555b8614a9_250x200.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/17e777a2-3238-4144-825a-55ddb5f4c19c_250x200.jpeg&quot;,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:false,&quot;imageSize&quot;:&quot;full&quot;,&quot;height&quot;:200,&quot;width&quot;:250,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:122483,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/i/200944589?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F17e777a2-3238-4144-825a-55ddb5f4c19c_250x200.jpeg&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-fullscreen" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4xdQ!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe42de854-8946-4b7b-80c1-25555b8614a9_250x200.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4xdQ!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe42de854-8946-4b7b-80c1-25555b8614a9_250x200.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4xdQ!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe42de854-8946-4b7b-80c1-25555b8614a9_250x200.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4xdQ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe42de854-8946-4b7b-80c1-25555b8614a9_250x200.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">United we stand, because we will not fall. Dedicated to my beautiful sisters everywhere&#8212;we must keeponkeepingon! &#10084;&#65039;&#8205;&#128293;</figcaption></figure></div><div><hr></div><p>Today, I am sending a massive shout out to all my sisters standing strong from coast to coast. We are locked in arms, standing together unshakeable, and completely **reclaiming our crowns!** &#128081; Just like Miley Cyrus reminded the world, nobody else can hold that power for us&#129655;we own it. &#129655;</p><p></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for reading SweetladyLove's Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>For a long time, I&#8217;ve been a ghostwriter behind the scenes, **writing** the music for myself and **writing** the music for so many others. &#128221;&#127925; Now, I want to clarify: no, I didn't write this song for Miley, but it touches me in the exact right way, so I absolutely wanted to share it with you. Today, the music belongs to us. &#129392;<em><strong> I am dedicating &#128071;&#128071;</strong></em></p><p><em><strong> &#128071;&#128071;&#128071;&#128071;&#128071;&#128071;</strong></em>&#128071;&#128071;&#128071;&#128071;&#128071;&#128071;&#128071;&#128071;&#128071;&#128071;</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7KNmW9a75Y&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Flowers by Miley Cyrus&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7KNmW9a75Y"><span>Flowers by Miley Cyrus</span></a></p><p><em><strong>to every single one of you today. Let it be our anthem of healing, independence, and pure resilience. &#127800;</strong></em>&#129655;</p><p></p><p></p><p>&#127775; There is an unspoken, unbreakable power that rises when a woman finally decides to step out of the shadows of her past and stand completely in her own truth. &#127775; True strength isn't just about surviving the storm; it is about realizing that you hold the keys to your own freedom. &#128273; It&#8217;s the moment you look back at everything that tried to break you, pick up your crown, and place it firmly back on your head where it belongs. A strong woman doesn't wait for someone else to save her or validate her&#129655;she learns to buy her own flowers, protect her own peace, and shine her light so bright that no darkness can dim it. &#127802;&#129655;</p><p></p><p>When I speak this to you, I'm not just speaking words. I'm speaking testimonies&#129655;things I have personally been through to get me to where I'm at today to be able to speak to you. &#127908; I am so glad to be a testimony today of my own strength. Every single time I speak to you, it comes from deep within. &#129655;</p><p></p><p>It comes from a lane where there was so much moving traffic that I felt completely crowded. &#128663;&#128665; I had my blinker on, but still, I couldn't move&#129655;no one would yield the right of way. But honest to God, He showed me that my lane belongs to me! &#128591;&#127998; No one told God to give me the strength when there was so much traffic on that highway&#129655;I simply prayed, stepped up, stepped out, and walked right into the blessings He revealed were mine. What is for you is for you, and let no man take it away! As it says in &#8220;Galatians 6:9, "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.* What God has appointed for your life is yours alone, and no human hand can stop His season of harvest for you! &#128330;&#65039;&#129655;</p><div><hr></div><p>&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;</p><p>&#127911; Listen to my journey and hear more of my testimony on everything happens for a reason directly on my podcast here &#127897;&#65039;&#129655;</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Foj0Bf5rd7Orp1MJnku6J?si=i26_nCc0Sxq4--b8_LHC3g&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;SweetladyLove&#8217;s House of Love on Spotify&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Foj0Bf5rd7Orp1MJnku6J?si=i26_nCc0Sxq4--b8_LHC3g"><span>SweetladyLove&#8217;s House of Love on Spotify</span></a></p><p>&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;</p><p>No worries, my sisters&#129655;everything happens for a reason. Every roadblock and every crowded highway was just preparing us for the lane we are walking in today. &#129655;</p><div><hr></div><p>&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;</p><p>In  &#128073;<em><strong>Matthew 5:16, it says</strong></em>:</p><p>"<em><strong>Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven</strong></em>." &#128214;&#127775;</p><p>&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;</p><div><hr></div><p>&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#129655;&#127977;&#128525;</p><p>When I speak to you today, it is from my humble heart. &#10084;&#65039;&#8205;&#129657; I pray you see that I shine &#128161;so strong and so bright that it leaves you in a way you have never felt before. Always remember that you, too, have the strength to keep on keeping on! &#129655;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><p>Most people look at the strength I carry today, but they don't know where the foundation was laid. Everything started right at home with my mom. &#127969; The strong woman you see today comes from that very foundation, and today, I am building that same strength within my own daughter right here at home. &#127800;&#129655;</p><p></p><p>Before my mom became a nurse, she helped to open up multiple Walmarts as a jewelry department store manager. &#128142;&#128717;&#65039; She had a crew&#129655;I fondly call them the "Walmart Crew." Growing up, their kids and I were inseparable. We went to carnivals, celebrated festivities, and lived life together just like family. &#127881; I practically grew up in Walmart, and I will *never* forget the snack bar- &#129472;nachos that cheese was so amazing! &#129472;&#128523;&#129655;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><p></p><p>From there, she continued to climb, putting in the work to become a medical transcriptionist, and then later becoming a nurse working on oncology at our local hospital.  &#129658;&#128105;&#127998;&#8205;&#9877;&#65039;&#129655;</p><div><hr></div><p>&#129354;&#129655;&#129354;&#129655;&#129354;&#129655;&#129354;&#129655;&#129354;&#129655;&#129354;&#129655;&#129354;&#129655;&#129354;&#129655;</p><p></p><p>My mom eventually passed away from breast cancer, but it was so much more than just surviving to us. When the oncologist came to her and told her she only had three months to live, we decided right then and there that they were wrong. God had the final say! Because of that faith, Mom laced up her gloves and lived for two more years. I still consider her to be a true survivor because she defeated the odds, and today, she lives completely within me. &#128330;&#65039;&#127800; She fought with a beautiful smile and a spirit that could never be broken.</p><p>&#129655;&#129354;&#129655;&#129354;&#129655;&#129354;&#129655;&#129354;&#129655;&#129354;&#129655;&#129354;&#129655;&#129354;&#129655;</p><p>Because of her legacy, and in honor of <strong>National Cancer Survivors Day</strong>, I want to pause and dedicate this short poem to all the <strong>survivors</strong>, the <strong>fighters</strong>, and the <strong>beautiful souls</strong> still laced-up, stepping into the ring, and showing the world exactly what it means to <strong>Fight like a girl</strong>! &#129655;&#129354;&#128165;</p><p></p><p>&#9829;&#65039; Thank you for <strong>standing tall</strong> through the rain,</p><p>&#9829;&#65039; Thank you for carrying <strong>hope</strong> through the pain.</p><p>&#9829;&#65039; Thank you for <strong>fighting</strong> through the darkest night,</p><p>&#9829;&#65039; And <strong>keeping</strong> your <strong>beautiful</strong>, inner <strong>spirit </strong>bright.</p><p>&#9829;&#65039; Thank you for choosing to <strong>stand up</strong> and <strong>smile</strong>,</p><p> &#9829;&#65039;<strong>Walking</strong> the road, <strong>mile</strong> after <strong>difficult</strong> <strong>mile</strong>.</p><p> &#9829;&#65039;But most of all, <strong>thank you for staying true</strong>,</p><p>&#9829;&#65039; And <strong>never giving up </strong>on the most          &#9829;&#65039;<strong>important person in the world &#127758; </strong></p><p><strong>&#128073;YOU! &#129655;&#129354;&#127895;&#65039;&#127977;</strong></p><div><hr></div><p></p><p><em><strong>It's the little things people do&#129655;and the incredible journeys they walk&#129655;that touch your soul in a special, lasting way</strong></em>. &#127872;&#129655;</p><p></p><p><em><strong>Never forget: United we stand, because we will not fall! &#128170;&#127998;&#10084;&#65039;&#8205;&#128293;</strong></em>&#129354;</p><div><hr></div><p>&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;&#129655;&#128088;</p><p>&#128088;&#129655; <em><strong>If my words touched your heart today, feel free to buy me a Tea! Your support doesn't just bless my work&#129655;it flows right back out to help me support and uplift the dreams of others in our beautiful community</strong></em>:</p><p></p><p> &#128088;&#129483;&#128088;&#129483;&#128088;&#129483;&#128088;&#129483;&#128088;&#129483;&#128088;&#129483;&#128088;&#129483;&#128088;&#129483;</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Buy me a Tea&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp"><span>Buy me a Tea</span></a></p><div><hr></div><p></p><h2>&#127800;<strong>&#128081;&#129655; We must keeponkeepingon I love you all</strong>&#129655;&#128081;&#127800;</h2><p>&#127801; <em>SweetladyLove</em> &#127800;&#128081;&#128591;</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for reading SweetladyLove's Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Battlefields of Love: What a D-Day Veteran and a Butterfly Taught Me About Relationships 🦋❤️]]></title><description><![CDATA[A D-Day tribute to the grandfather who protected my peace, and a reminder that you should never have to survive a battlefield to feel truly cherished.]]></description><link>https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/the-battlefields-of-love-what-a-d</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/the-battlefields-of-love-what-a-d</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[SweetladyLove]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 06 Jun 2026 12:02:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tbm0!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F60750ce8-b80d-40cd-b6e1-1f55a2630fcb_1408x768.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for reading SweetladyLove's Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tbm0!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F60750ce8-b80d-40cd-b6e1-1f55a2630fcb_1408x768.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset image2-full-screen"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tbm0!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F60750ce8-b80d-40cd-b6e1-1f55a2630fcb_1408x768.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tbm0!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F60750ce8-b80d-40cd-b6e1-1f55a2630fcb_1408x768.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tbm0!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F60750ce8-b80d-40cd-b6e1-1f55a2630fcb_1408x768.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tbm0!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F60750ce8-b80d-40cd-b6e1-1f55a2630fcb_1408x768.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tbm0!,w_5760,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F60750ce8-b80d-40cd-b6e1-1f55a2630fcb_1408x768.png" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/60750ce8-b80d-40cd-b6e1-1f55a2630fcb_1408x768.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/2e6d54b6-73d0-4a24-a920-8f7e73d26f78_1408x768.png&quot;,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:false,&quot;imageSize&quot;:&quot;full&quot;,&quot;height&quot;:768,&quot;width&quot;:1408,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:2203402,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/i/200851263?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2e6d54b6-73d0-4a24-a920-8f7e73d26f78_1408x768.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-fullscreen" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tbm0!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F60750ce8-b80d-40cd-b6e1-1f55a2630fcb_1408x768.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tbm0!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F60750ce8-b80d-40cd-b6e1-1f55a2630fcb_1408x768.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tbm0!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F60750ce8-b80d-40cd-b6e1-1f55a2630fcb_1408x768.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tbm0!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F60750ce8-b80d-40cd-b6e1-1f55a2630fcb_1408x768.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">A soldier&#8217;s strength, a grandfather&#8217;s grace. From the battlefields of D-Day to the quiet beauty of a promise kept, his legacy lives on in every butterfly and every memory. &#129419;&#10024; We must keeponkeepingon I love you all</figcaption></figure></div><div><hr></div><p></p><p>Today is June 6th, D-Day-a historic day when we honor the brave soldiers who fought on the beaches of Normandy during World War II, executing Operation Overlord to begin the liberation of millions &#127482;&#127480;&#127894;&#65039;. As I reflect on the gravity of that war, my mind pulls me back to a much gentler warrior in my own life: my grandfather, who fought in that very war.</p><p>I was his favorite. &#128081;</p><p>When I look back at my childhood, I don&#8217;t picture the harsh realities of a battlefield; instead, I picture a candy apple red Ford &#128663;&#128168;. I remember sitting right there on the middle hump of the front seat, back in the days when nobody cared about seatbelts. We had a little TV plugged straight into the cigarette lighter on the dash &#128250;. It was our own little world.</p><p>But what I remember most was how fiercely, yet gently, he loved me. &#10084;&#65039;&#127775;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><h3>The Legend of the Butterfly Dresses &#129419;&#128087;</h3><p>My grandfather had a beautiful, creative way of showering me with affection. When I was little, every single time a butterfly would land on me, he would go out and buy me a brand-new, beautiful dress &#129419;&#127800;.</p><p>Because of that pure, unconditional kindness, I grew up entirely convinced of a magical rule: <em>if a butterfly lands on you, you receive a new dress.</em> It was a fact of life to me, rooted entirely in his devotion. &#128220;&#127880;</p><p>That beautiful illusion lasted until the heartbreaking month he passed away. My mother, my entire family, and I were completely devastated &#128148;. During those heavy days of grief, a butterfly came and landed right on me. I waited for the magic to happen, but no dress appeared.</p><p>Confused and hurting, I asked my mom why I hadn&#8217;t gotten my new dress. She just looked at me, her eyes filling with tears, and she cried &#128546;.</p><p>She did what any loving mother would do&#8212;she went out and bought me that new dress herself &#128087;&#127801;. But she also sat me down and explained the truth to me. There was no magic trick. There was no cosmic rule about butterflies. It was simply his love for me. It was his unique, intentional way of showing me just how much he loved me. &#129401;&#10084;&#65039;</p><p>Even though the &#8220;rule&#8221; about the new dress ended, a brand-new, even more profound meaning took its place within my soul. I always believed deep down in my heart that the butterfly showing up in that dark moment of grief was actually him breaking through the veil, coming back to see me and comfort me &#129419;&#128330;&#65039;. To this very day, every single time a butterfly appears, I know it is a sacred visit from him. It becomes my quiet, beautiful space to reminisce, to smile, and to step into a timeless sanctuary of memory where I hold tightly to all the beautiful moments we shared together. It is his spirit softly whispering to me that a protector&#8217;s love never truly dies. &#9728;&#65039;&#127807;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><h3>Sovereignty of the Soul: You Should Never Have to Combat for an Authentic, All-Consuming Love &#128737;&#65039;&#10060;</h3><p>As we reflect on D-Day and the historic, pivotal attacks against tyranny, I can&#8217;t help but look at the contrast between the war my grandfather fought overseas and the peace he created for me at home &#128330;&#65039;.</p><p>In life, some people find themselves in relationships that feel like an absolute war zone &#128165;. You find yourself walking on eggshells, ducking for cover, dodging emotional artillery, and constantly feeling like you are trapped in an active battle. &#9876;&#65039;</p><blockquote><p><strong>Here is the truth we all need to hear:</strong> You should never have to wage a war or survive a battlefield to experience an authentic, deeply consuming, true love &#128330;&#65039;&#10084;&#65039;.</p></blockquote><p>True love isn&#8217;t meant to be a conflict where you are fighting to survive. True love is supposed to be your safe harbor &#9875;. It&#8217;s the unconditional warmth that turns a simple butterfly landing into a celebration. My grandfather survived the literal trenches of World War II so that he could pour peace, security, and magical moments into my life. He showed me what a real protector looks like &#129509;&#128367;&#65039;.</p><p>If your relationship requires a helmet and a shield just to get through the day, remember that you deserve a love that feels like a safe ride in a candy apple red Ford, watching a tiny TV on the dash, completely secure in the knowledge that you are cherished &#128663;&#128250;&#10084;&#65039;.</p><p>Let&#8217;s look for the butterflies in our lives, build spaces of peace, and stop fighting battles in places meant for love &#129419;&#127806;&#127888;.</p><div><hr></div><p><strong>Support the Journey</strong></p><p>My heart is entirely in building this community and keeping my writing completely free and accessible for everyone, so I won&#8217;t be locking anything behind paid subscriptions. However, if my words have touched your heart and you feel moved to support my work, you can now buy me a coffee! Your generous tips not only keep this platform running, but they also directly empower me to turn around and bless, sponsor, and support other amazing creators and writers in our community. Thank you for being a vital part of this family and helping me lift others up! &#9749;&#10084;&#65039;</p><p></p><p>&#9749;&#129655;&#9749;&#129655;&#9749;&#129655;&#9749;&#129655;&#9749;&#129655;&#9749;&#129655;&#9749;&#129655;&#9749;&#129655;</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Buy Me a Coffee &#9749;&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp"><span>Buy Me a Coffee &#9749;</span></a></p><p>&#129655;&#129419;&#129655;&#129419;&#129655;&#129419;&#129655;&#129419;&#129655;&#129419;&#129655;&#129419;&#129655;&#129419;&#129655;&#129419;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><p></p><p>&#129419;&#129655;&#129419;&#129655;&#129419;&#129655;&#129419;&#129655;&#129419;&#129655;&#129419;&#129655;&#129419;&#129655;&#129419;</p><h2><strong>We must keeponkeepingon I love you all! </strong>&#129782;&#127997;&#127749;</h2><p>&#129419;&#129655;&#129419;&#129655;&#129419;&#129655;&#129419;&#129655;&#129419;&#129655;&#129419;&#129655;&#129419;&#129655;&#129419;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for reading SweetladyLove's Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[👑 Community Spotlight: Relationships 101 🩷 The Healing Touch of Our Fur Baby Cats 🐈🐾]]></title><description><![CDATA[&#128008; Celebrating National Hug Your Cat Day with a look at how a fur baby heals the mind, offers therapy and sensory stimulation, and provides a beautiful glimpse of God&#8217;s masterpiece. &#10084;&#65039;&#127775;]]></description><link>https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/community-spotlight-relationships</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/community-spotlight-relationships</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[SweetladyLove]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 17:01:30 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!yZS4!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F757c6c1f-79c1-4b8a-894b-d11780f3f280_688x1407.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hello, my beautiful family! &#129303; Welcome back to our <strong>Relationships 101</strong> space. &#129392; Today is June 4th, which means it is officially <strong>National Hug Your Cat Day</strong>! &#127881;&#128008;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for reading SweetladyLove's Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>When we talk about relationships, we don&#8217;t just mean the bonds between people. &#128150; God created an entire world of beautiful masterpieces, and among the sweetest are the animals He placed in our lives to help heal us. &#128330;&#65039;&#127775;</p><p>For all of you true fur baby lovers, our connection with these precious creatures is a profound form of relationship. &#128158; It provides therapeutic comfort, gentle sensory stimulation, and sharp cognitive engagement for the mind and soul. &#129504;&#129496;&#8205;&#9792;&#65039; Whether they are independent souls or sweet lap cats &#128008; like the easygoing Ragdoll that just melts into your arms when you hold them &#128008;their presence is a direct blessing from above! &#128588;&#127752;</p><p>To honor the unique rhythm, quiet comfort, and soft healing energy they bring to our households, here is a poem dedicated just to you and your feline friends today. &#128220;&#9997;&#65039;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><h3>&#128062; A Soft and Healing Grace &#127775;</h3><p>A gentle weight against the chest, &#128049;</p><p>A steady, rhythmic, soothing hum, &#127925;</p><p>In quiet corners, we are blessed, &#128591;</p><p>When all the world is loud and numb. &#127757;</p><p>With velvet paws and knowing eyes, &#128064;</p><p>They feel the burdens that we bear, &#128150;</p><p>A masterpiece in small disguise, &#127912;</p><p>An answer to a silent prayer. &#10024;</p><p>They offer healing to the mind, &#129504;</p><p>A soft, sensory touch of peace, &#127811;</p><p>The purest love that you can find, &#128150;</p><p>Where worries fade and troubles cease. &#127749;</p><p>So hold them close, or let them sit, &#129303;</p><p>And thank the Lord for gifts so sweet, &#128720;</p><p>For every purr and candle lit,&#128367;&#65039;</p><p>That makes our messy lives complete. &#127969;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><h3>&#128081; My Ideal Dream Kitty &#128150;</h3><p>Now, y&#8217;all know I don&#8217;t have a fur baby of my own right now, but if I did, this is exactly what my ideal kitty would look like! &#128525; I had to bring this masterpiece-inspired vision to life for our spotlight. &#127912;&#127775;</p><p>Look at this gorgeous royal blue and pink queen with her matching outfit, painted nails, and her custom <strong>Keeponkeepingon</strong> Bible chain! &#127872;&#128142; She is surrounded by her favorite custom toys, hanging out right by the playhouse in the <strong>SweetladyLove&#8217;s House of Love</strong> studio! &#127897;&#65039;&#127968;</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!yZS4!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F757c6c1f-79c1-4b8a-894b-d11780f3f280_688x1407.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset image2-full-screen"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!yZS4!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F757c6c1f-79c1-4b8a-894b-d11780f3f280_688x1407.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!yZS4!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F757c6c1f-79c1-4b8a-894b-d11780f3f280_688x1407.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!yZS4!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F757c6c1f-79c1-4b8a-894b-d11780f3f280_688x1407.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!yZS4!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F757c6c1f-79c1-4b8a-894b-d11780f3f280_688x1407.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!yZS4!,w_5760,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F757c6c1f-79c1-4b8a-894b-d11780f3f280_688x1407.png" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/757c6c1f-79c1-4b8a-894b-d11780f3f280_688x1407.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/05f46878-ff9b-4217-b2bf-6a86d7c11af9_688x1542.png&quot;,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:false,&quot;imageSize&quot;:&quot;full&quot;,&quot;height&quot;:1407,&quot;width&quot;:688,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:2270183,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/i/200630854?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F05f46878-ff9b-4217-b2bf-6a86d7c11af9_688x1542.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-fullscreen" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!yZS4!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F757c6c1f-79c1-4b8a-894b-d11780f3f280_688x1407.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!yZS4!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F757c6c1f-79c1-4b8a-894b-d11780f3f280_688x1407.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!yZS4!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F757c6c1f-79c1-4b8a-894b-d11780f3f280_688x1407.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!yZS4!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F757c6c1f-79c1-4b8a-894b-d11780f3f280_688x1407.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">My ideal dream kitty! &#128081;&#128150; A beautiful masterpiece reminded us all to keep on keeping on this National Hug Your Cat Day! &#128171;&#128008; #Keeponkeepingon #Relationships101</figcaption></figure></div><div><hr></div><p></p><p><strong>We must keeponkeepingon I love you all &#128150;</strong>&#129655;&#129655;&#129655;&#129655;&#129655;&#129655;&#129655;&#129655;&#129655;&#129655;&#129655;&#129655;&#129655;&#129655;&#129655;</p><p><strong>How are you celebrating your fur babies today? &#129300; Drop a picture or share your favorite pet story in the comments below! &#128071;</strong></p><p></p><div><hr></div><p><em><strong>If you enjoyed this article and want to help support me on my journey and my work so I too can support others, please consider buying me a coffee! Your support means the world to me as we continue to keep on keeping on. &#128150;&#9749;</strong></em></p><p></p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Buy me a coffee&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp"><span>Buy me a coffee</span></a></p><p>&#9749;&#128591;&#9749;&#128591;&#9749;&#128591;&#9749;&#128591;&#9749;&#128591;&#9749;&#128591;&#9749;&#128591;&#9749;&#128591;</p><div><hr></div><p>&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for reading SweetladyLove's Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[❤️ Love Conquers All: A Message for Our House of Love ❤️]]></title><description><![CDATA[A Journey Through Faith, Melody, and the Enduring Power of Love]]></description><link>https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/love-conquers-all-a-message-for-our</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/love-conquers-all-a-message-for-our</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[SweetladyLove]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2026 05:01:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!148f!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fef927d10-1d83-487f-8d23-4e9533f1131b_896x1155.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!148f!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fef927d10-1d83-487f-8d23-4e9533f1131b_896x1155.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset image2-full-screen"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!148f!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fef927d10-1d83-487f-8d23-4e9533f1131b_896x1155.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!148f!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fef927d10-1d83-487f-8d23-4e9533f1131b_896x1155.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!148f!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fef927d10-1d83-487f-8d23-4e9533f1131b_896x1155.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!148f!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fef927d10-1d83-487f-8d23-4e9533f1131b_896x1155.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!148f!,w_5760,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fef927d10-1d83-487f-8d23-4e9533f1131b_896x1155.png" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/ef927d10-1d83-487f-8d23-4e9533f1131b_896x1155.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:false,&quot;imageSize&quot;:&quot;full&quot;,&quot;height&quot;:1155,&quot;width&quot;:896,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:2142895,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/i/200393796?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe9297a8b-b4dd-40f5-a1cd-54514549d76b_896x1195.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-fullscreen" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!148f!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fef927d10-1d83-487f-8d23-4e9533f1131b_896x1155.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!148f!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fef927d10-1d83-487f-8d23-4e9533f1131b_896x1155.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!148f!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fef927d10-1d83-487f-8d23-4e9533f1131b_896x1155.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!148f!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fef927d10-1d83-487f-8d23-4e9533f1131b_896x1155.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Love truly is the greatest gift of all. Let&#8217;s keep pouring it into everything we do. &#10084;&#65039; Keep on keeping on!</figcaption></figure></div><p></p><div><hr></div><p><br></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for reading SweetladyLove's Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>There is an ancient, poetic truth that has echoed through the centuries: <em>Amor vincit omnia</em>-love conquers all. While we see this sentiment immortalized in the tragic, enduring romance of <em>Romeo and Juliet</em>, love&#8217;s ability to anchor us is also felt deeply in stories like <em>Titanic</em>, which remains a modern symbol of devotion that resonates with so many of us today. &#10084;&#65039;</p><p>We celebrate this spirit every year on June 3, known as &#8220;Love Conquers All Day,&#8221; which serves as a powerful reminder of love&#8217;s ability to heal, unite, and overcome life&#8217;s obstacles. &#10084;&#65039;</p><p>When I think of love, I think of God and His beautiful creation-you, our loving children, our dear parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and our siblings, both biological and the ones God has blessed us with. These are the ones dearest to my heart. &#10084;&#65039; When I think of love, I think deep. I am referring to the beauty within-the kind of love that I could write about for hours. &#10084;&#65039; They always told me I had an old soul, even when I was just a little girl. &#10084;&#65039;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><p><strong>Melodies of the Heart &#127926; </strong>&#10084;&#65039;</p><p>When we speak of love, certain songs &#127925; immediately come to mind-melodies &#127926; that serve as the soundtrack to our deepest connections. &#10084;&#65039; As a music head &#127925;, I am very versatile, and I love sharing the music &#127926; that has shaped my journey that means I love it all, especially the soul-stirring power of gospel &#128591;, because I always keep God first! &#10084;&#65039;</p><p>To begin, I have to pay homage to the legends who paved the way for those who followed. My tribute starts with the deeply moving gospel &#128591; classic, "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" - </p><p>(</p><div id="youtube2--aZXKvm32JI" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;-aZXKvm32JI&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/-aZXKvm32JI?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>)&#128591;-originally made famous by the legendary Ethel Waters and beautifully covered by Whitney Houston. &#10084;&#65039; It is a song &#127925; of pure faith and comfort that never fails to touch my spirit. &#10084;&#65039;</p><p></p><div><hr></div><p></p><p></p><p>One such favorite is Lionel Richie&#8217;s classic, &#8220;Have I Told You Lately That I Love You&#8221; - </p><div id="youtube2-MUcgB42MC50" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;MUcgB42MC50&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/MUcgB42MC50?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p> &#127925;. &#10084;&#65039; It&#8217;s a beautiful reminder to voice our appreciation for those we hold dear. &#10084;&#65039;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><p>Another, which was one of my mom&#8217;s all-time favorites-and mine, too-is Whitney Houston&#8217;s <strong>&#8220;I Will Always Love You</strong>&#8221; - </p><div id="youtube2-rts1yTe4hPo" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;rts1yTe4hPo&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/rts1yTe4hPo?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p> &#127925;. &#10084;&#65039; It is a powerful testament to a love that endures, no matter where life takes us. &#10084;&#65039;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><p>Finally, one of my all-time favorites is the legendary Patsy Cline. I was introduced to her music &#127926; by the same wonderful group of senior residents who taught me how to clog. We used to listen to her classic, &#8220;<strong>Walkin&#8217; After Midnight&#8221; - </strong></p><div id="youtube2-RUsHBP29QW4" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;RUsHBP29QW4&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/RUsHBP29QW4?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p> &#127925;, together all the time, and it holds so many beautiful memories and happy moments for me. &#10084;&#65039;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><p>I am a big Ed Sheeran fan, and his music &#127926; touches my soul so deeply! &#10084;&#65039; I often listen to &#8220;<strong>Perfect</strong>&#8221; - </p><div id="youtube2-2Vv-BfVoq4g" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;2Vv-BfVoq4g&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/2Vv-BfVoq4g?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p> &#127925; as it is one of my modern favorites. &#10084;&#65039; I also hold his song &#8220;Thinking Out Loud&#8221; - </p><div id="youtube2-lp-EO5I60KA" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;lp-EO5I60KA&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/lp-EO5I60KA?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p> &#127925; very close to my heart. To me, &#8220;until we&#8217;re old and gray&#8221; isn&#8217;t just a lyric-it is the very definition of long-lasting love. I believe in commitment, loyalty, and the morals that ground a relationship. When we prioritize these values and put God first, we give ourselves a fair, beautiful chance to truly grow old and gray together. &#10084;&#65039;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><h3><strong>&#10084;&#65039;</strong><em><strong>Sweetladylove&#8217;s Meaning of LOVE &#10084;&#65039;</strong></em></h3><p>Love is bold &#10084;&#65039;</p><p>Love is blind &#10084;&#65039;</p><p>Love sees all &#10084;&#65039;</p><p>Love loves all kinds &#10084;&#65039;</p><p>Love isn&#8217;t always pure &#10084;&#65039;</p><p>Sometimes edited and hard to define &#10084;&#65039;</p><p>Love is gentle &#10084;&#65039;</p><p>Love is peace &#128330;&#65039; &#10084;&#65039;</p><p>I speak specifically, love is meek &#10084;&#65039;</p><p>Love is the light that guides from above &#10084;&#65039;</p><p>Forever flowing through the heart of <em><strong>Sweetladylove</strong></em> &#10084;&#65039;</p><p>Written with love by <em><strong>SweetladyLove</strong></em> &#10084;&#65039;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><p><strong>Support My Journey</strong></p><p>If you enjoy the heart and soul I pour into these words, please consider supporting me by visiting: <a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp">https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp</a></p><p>Your kindness helps me keep creating, sharing, and connecting with all of you. &#10084;&#65039;</p><p>As we celebrate our connections, remember that we must keeponkeepingon, I love you all. &#10084;&#65039;</p><div><hr></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Buy Me a Coffee&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp"><span>Buy Me a Coffee</span></a></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for reading SweetladyLove's Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Heart of Our Community: Why We Honor Health Improvement Week 🌟🩺]]></title><description><![CDATA[Why Our Relationships Are the Ultimate Foundation for a Thriving Community &#129309;&#127969;]]></description><link>https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/the-heart-of-our-community-why-we</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/the-heart-of-our-community-why-we</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[SweetladyLove]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:01:42 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gZF7!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa4f1b9dc-c9e7-4ffc-baf7-982a91d2ed7a_1408x768.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gZF7!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa4f1b9dc-c9e7-4ffc-baf7-982a91d2ed7a_1408x768.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset image2-full-screen"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gZF7!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa4f1b9dc-c9e7-4ffc-baf7-982a91d2ed7a_1408x768.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gZF7!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa4f1b9dc-c9e7-4ffc-baf7-982a91d2ed7a_1408x768.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gZF7!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa4f1b9dc-c9e7-4ffc-baf7-982a91d2ed7a_1408x768.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gZF7!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa4f1b9dc-c9e7-4ffc-baf7-982a91d2ed7a_1408x768.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gZF7!,w_5760,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa4f1b9dc-c9e7-4ffc-baf7-982a91d2ed7a_1408x768.png" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/a4f1b9dc-c9e7-4ffc-baf7-982a91d2ed7a_1408x768.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:false,&quot;imageSize&quot;:&quot;full&quot;,&quot;height&quot;:768,&quot;width&quot;:1408,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:2758910,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/i/200264422?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3ec97344-7f86-45df-a329-e8d2400cbde7_1408x768.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-fullscreen" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gZF7!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa4f1b9dc-c9e7-4ffc-baf7-982a91d2ed7a_1408x768.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gZF7!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa4f1b9dc-c9e7-4ffc-baf7-982a91d2ed7a_1408x768.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gZF7!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa4f1b9dc-c9e7-4ffc-baf7-982a91d2ed7a_1408x768.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gZF7!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa4f1b9dc-c9e7-4ffc-baf7-982a91d2ed7a_1408x768.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption"><strong>Building our village one encouraging word at a time. Thank you for being here.  </strong><em>Why Our Relationships Are the Ultimate Foundation for a Thriving Community</em> &#129309;&#127969;</figcaption></figure></div><div><hr></div><p>&#129655;&#129658;&#129655;&#129658;&#129655;&#129658;&#129655;&#129658;&#129655;&#129658;&#129655;&#129658;&#129655;&#129658;&#129655;&#129658;</p><p></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for reading SweetladyLove's Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>We often think of health as an individual journey, but the truth is that we are at our best when we are connected. &#129309; This week, we are celebrating <strong>Community Health Improvement Week</strong>. &#128330;&#65039;&#128153;</p><p>We are honoring the vital, collaborative bond between the professionals who work in our hospitals and those who work directly alongside our neighbors to guide us toward a better life. &#127973;&#128105;&#8205;&#9877;&#65039; These dedicated individuals partner with local leaders and organizations to ensure that our neighborhoods-whether urban or suburban-have the support they need to thrive. &#127960;&#65039;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><p>A healthy community is a strong community, and when we are healthy as a whole, we gain the resilience needed to face any obstacle. &#128170;&#127752; This is the beauty of relational health-it is built on the foundation of how we show up for one another every single day. &#129330;&#128147; Whether it is ensuring access to early maternity care &#129328;, infant screenings &#128118;, diabetes support &#129658;, or providing mental health &#129504; and elder care &#128117;, these efforts are truly acts of love that bind us together. &#129730;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><h3>How We Can Care for Our Community &#127960;&#65039;&#128588;</h3><p>Honoring the relationships that sustain us starts with intentional action. I invite you to join me in these steps to strengthen our neighborhood bonds: &#128099;&#10024;</p><ul><li><p><strong>Get to know the helpers:</strong> Take a moment to learn more about the community health professionals serving our area and the work they do. &#129658;&#128270;</p></li><li><p><strong>Extend your gratitude:</strong> A simple &#8220;thank you&#8221; goes a long way in showing appreciation for their dedication to making our community a better place. &#128591;&#128140;</p></li><li><p><strong>Show up together:</strong> Attend community health seminars, events, or volunteer your time to help during health-related initiatives. &#128587;&#8205;&#9792;&#65039;&#128467;&#65039;</p></li><li><p><strong>Join the conversation:</strong> Use #CommunityHealthImprovementWeek to share your experiences as we nurture the relationships that keep our support systems thriving. &#128172;&#128279;</p></li></ul><p>By prioritizing these connections, we aren&#8217;t just improving health statistics&#8212;we are building a village that truly cares. &#127969;&#10084;&#65039;&#127757;</p><div><hr></div><p>&#128147;&#127977;&#128147;&#127977;&#128147;&#127977;&#128147;&#127977;&#128147;&#127977;&#128147;&#127977;&#128147;&#127977;&#128147;&#127977;</p><h3><em><strong>We must keeponkeepingon I love you all. &#128140;</strong></em></h3><p><em><strong>&#128147;&#127977;&#128147;&#127977;&#128147;&#127977;&#128147;&#127977;&#128147;&#127977;&#128147;&#127977;&#128147;&#127977;&#128147;&#127977;</strong></em></p><div><hr></div><h2><em><strong> If you enjoyed this piece and would like to support my journey, you can buy me a coffee here:  &#9749;&#127977;&#9749;</strong></em></h2><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Buy me a coffee &#9749;&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/sweetladylp"><span>Buy me a coffee &#9749;</span></a></p><div><hr></div><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!EvqT!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4c71fda5-db60-4fd3-b398-f9a07e223e04_1512x1512.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!EvqT!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4c71fda5-db60-4fd3-b398-f9a07e223e04_1512x1512.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!EvqT!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4c71fda5-db60-4fd3-b398-f9a07e223e04_1512x1512.png 848w, 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data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/4c71fda5-db60-4fd3-b398-f9a07e223e04_1512x1512.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:false,&quot;imageSize&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;,&quot;height&quot;:1456,&quot;width&quot;:1456,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:391.4285888671875,&quot;bytes&quot;:2309461,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/i/200264422?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4c71fda5-db60-4fd3-b398-f9a07e223e04_1512x1512.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!EvqT!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4c71fda5-db60-4fd3-b398-f9a07e223e04_1512x1512.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!EvqT!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4c71fda5-db60-4fd3-b398-f9a07e223e04_1512x1512.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!EvqT!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4c71fda5-db60-4fd3-b398-f9a07e223e04_1512x1512.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!EvqT!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4c71fda5-db60-4fd3-b398-f9a07e223e04_1512x1512.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Just a little reminder to keeponkeepingon. I appreciate each and every one of you walking this journey with me. &#9749;&#65039;&#128150;</figcaption></figure></div><p></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for reading SweetladyLove's Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Power of Our Words in Relationships 🗣️]]></title><description><![CDATA[Why Your Kind Words Matter More Than You Know &#129402;&#129303;]]></description><link>https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/the-power-of-our-words-in-relationships</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/the-power-of-our-words-in-relationships</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[SweetladyLove]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 05:01:33 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oZE0!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F969c2001-5de0-4fdd-a0e4-cad7f80734fc_768x1365.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oZE0!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F969c2001-5de0-4fdd-a0e4-cad7f80734fc_768x1365.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset image2-full-screen"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oZE0!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F969c2001-5de0-4fdd-a0e4-cad7f80734fc_768x1365.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oZE0!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F969c2001-5de0-4fdd-a0e4-cad7f80734fc_768x1365.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oZE0!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F969c2001-5de0-4fdd-a0e4-cad7f80734fc_768x1365.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oZE0!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F969c2001-5de0-4fdd-a0e4-cad7f80734fc_768x1365.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oZE0!,w_5760,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F969c2001-5de0-4fdd-a0e4-cad7f80734fc_768x1365.jpeg" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/969c2001-5de0-4fdd-a0e4-cad7f80734fc_768x1365.jpeg&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:false,&quot;imageSize&quot;:&quot;full&quot;,&quot;height&quot;:1365,&quot;width&quot;:768,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:367477,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/i/200052527?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f7121c5-5a4b-4090-a70a-9814ea8e7272_768x1365.jpeg&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-fullscreen" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oZE0!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F969c2001-5de0-4fdd-a0e4-cad7f80734fc_768x1365.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oZE0!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F969c2001-5de0-4fdd-a0e4-cad7f80734fc_768x1365.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oZE0!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F969c2001-5de0-4fdd-a0e4-cad7f80734fc_768x1365.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oZE0!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F969c2001-5de0-4fdd-a0e4-cad7f80734fc_768x1365.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Choosing kindness, one word at a time. Today, let&#8217;s commit to being 'lifters' and spreading love wherever we go. Happy National Say Something Nice Day! &#10024;&#10084;&#65039; #SaySomethingNiceDay #KeepOnKeepingOn #sweetladylove</figcaption></figure></div><div><hr></div><p>I was raised in a household where we were taught &#127969; "If you don't have anything nice to say &#129296; don't say anything at all." &#128566; However &#127775; this was balanced with the importance of always telling the truth. I learned to speak what I needed to say &#128483;&#65039; ensuring I delivered my truth in a kind and constructive way. &#10024;</p><p></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for reading SweetladyLove's Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>One of my biggest pet peeves is hearing others gossip or put people down without reason. &#128683; In the past &#128581;&#8205;&#9792;&#65039; the old "SweetladyLove" might have been quick to check someone for that kind of behavior. &#128074; However &#128173; I have learned that reacting in anger often makes the situation worse &#128201; as many people struggle to receive constructive criticism effectively. &#128066;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><p>Now &#128591; when I encounter that kind of negativity &#9925; I&#8217;ve learned to pray for that person &#128588; and as it says in Matthew 5:39 &#128214; "But I tell you &#128330;&#65039; do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek &#9995; turn to them the other cheek also &#129330;" I choose to turn the other cheek and simply *keeponkeepingon*. &#129419;</p><p></p><p>This is especially vital in our relationships. &#128141; Too often &#128260; we say harsh things out of pure anger &#128544; &#9928;&#65039; forgetting that those words leave deep &#129657; dreadful scars. &#128148; These moments of bitterness &#129344; are often the root cause of an unhealthy relationship. &#9939;&#65039;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><p>Today is "National Say Something Nice Day." &#128467;&#65039; Remember that words are powerful &#128266; once spoken &#128683; you cannot take them back. &#128281; Instead of reacting with harshness &#127797; we can strive to be "lifters" of others. &#127880; Let us use our words to build each other up &#127959;&#65039; practice kindness &#127803; and consciously decide to foster healthier &#127752; more loving connections. &#128158;</p><p></p><p>In our relationships &#128105;&#8205;&#128105;&#8205;&#128103;&#8205;&#128102; let's make a conscious effort to uplift our partners &#128145; our children &#128118; our friends &#128109; and our co-workers. &#128188; Remember &#129504; you don&#8217;t have to like someone to be cordial and offer a kind word &#128172; you will be truly surprised by what can transpire when you do. &#127873; I always tell my kids &#129490; a compliment a day keeps the heartaches away. &#127752;</p><p></p><p>This extends to the strangers we meet as well. &#127757; We never know what someone else might be going through in their life &#128694;&#8205;&#9792;&#65039; one kind word might help them deal and cope with what they are facing. &#9928;&#65039; Remember &#128173; just because someone is rude doesn't mean it is directed at you &#128581;&#8205;&#9794;&#65039; they might be acting out of their own emotions and crying out for help. &#127384; Your one kind word might change their life for the greater good. Give it a try today! &#127775;</p><p></p><p>I know that sometimes &#129513; when you have been beaten down or torn into pieces &#127786;&#65039; it feels impossible to find anything nice to say. If you ever feel that way &#127787;&#65039; simply say &#128330;&#65039; "God bless you." &#128591; If even that feels like a struggle &#129495;&#8205;&#9792;&#65039; know that at least you tried. &#9989;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><p>Today &#128220; I want to personally compliment you on showing up here to read my article &#128204; your dedication &#127894;&#65039; willingness &#127939;&#8205;&#9792;&#65039; and energy will never go unnoticed. &#127775; I don&#8217;t care what anyone tells you today &#128226; my dear sisters &#128120; you are beautiful &#10084;&#65039; and my dear brothers &#129332; you are handsome, and you are enough. &#128175;</p><div><hr></div><p>&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;</p><h3><em><strong>We must keeponkeepingon &#128099; I love you al</strong></em>l. &#128150;</h3><p>&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for reading SweetladyLove's Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Currency of Connection: Why a Genuine Smile is Your Relationship’s Best Asset 💖😊]]></title><description><![CDATA[Celebrating National Smile Day by looking at the small, infectious gift that bridges hearts and breaks down walls.]]></description><link>https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/the-currency-of-connection-why-a</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/the-currency-of-connection-why-a</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[SweetladyLove]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 10:00:37 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Hr0H!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8d2c8cd4-0b9b-481a-a7c1-cdb0a9c2e281_1377x768.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Hr0H!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8d2c8cd4-0b9b-481a-a7c1-cdb0a9c2e281_1377x768.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset image2-full-screen"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Hr0H!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8d2c8cd4-0b9b-481a-a7c1-cdb0a9c2e281_1377x768.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Hr0H!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8d2c8cd4-0b9b-481a-a7c1-cdb0a9c2e281_1377x768.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Hr0H!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8d2c8cd4-0b9b-481a-a7c1-cdb0a9c2e281_1377x768.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Hr0H!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8d2c8cd4-0b9b-481a-a7c1-cdb0a9c2e281_1377x768.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Hr0H!,w_5760,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8d2c8cd4-0b9b-481a-a7c1-cdb0a9c2e281_1377x768.jpeg" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/8d2c8cd4-0b9b-481a-a7c1-cdb0a9c2e281_1377x768.jpeg&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:false,&quot;imageSize&quot;:&quot;full&quot;,&quot;height&quot;:768,&quot;width&quot;:1377,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:263572,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/i/199957370?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8d05827c-5d3d-4d07-8c6c-0d02716c1663_1377x768.jpeg&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-fullscreen" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Hr0H!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8d2c8cd4-0b9b-481a-a7c1-cdb0a9c2e281_1377x768.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Hr0H!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8d2c8cd4-0b9b-481a-a7c1-cdb0a9c2e281_1377x768.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Hr0H!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8d2c8cd4-0b9b-481a-a7c1-cdb0a9c2e281_1377x768.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Hr0H!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8d2c8cd4-0b9b-481a-a7c1-cdb0a9c2e281_1377x768.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Life may have its turns, but I&#8217;m choosing to ride toward peace. &#128690;&#128149; My smile is my strength, my faith is my fuel, and my heart is always open to helping you grow. #Keeponkeepingon #ThePowerOfARealSmile</figcaption></figure></div><div><hr></div><p></p><p>Today is May 31st, which is officially National Smile Day! &#128522;&#127881; While God is my number one reason to always smile, when I look around me at what is going on in the world, having my family and my dear sisters and brothers here brings a beautiful smile to my face daily. &#128519;</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for reading SweetladyLove's Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><div><hr></div><p></p><p>There is a song that comes to mind by Kirk Franklin called "I Smile." It&#8217;s one of my favorites because he makes it clear: even though this and that might not always be perfect, I smile. &#128522; You can listen to it here: [Kirk Franklin - I Smile (Official Video)]( </p><div id="youtube2-Z8SPwT3nQZ8" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;Z8SPwT3nQZ8&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/Z8SPwT3nQZ8?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><div><hr></div><p></p><p></p><p>The one thing I&#8217;ve definitely learned is that no matter the struggle, I hold onto the truth in  2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (KJV): For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. &#128591; So, with strong faith developed throughout many years, I have found a reason to smile even while crying. &#128557;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><p>Remember, what doesn't make you smile &#128522; will surely make you cry &#128546;. If you are noticing that you aren't smiling and there is no happiness, you have a choice &#10083;&#65039; &#128536;: choose your happiness today and never allow anyone to steal your inner joy. &#128330;&#65039;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><p>I also often think back to childhood, when teachers always reminded us that it takes more muscles to frown than to smile. I believe I&#8217;ve always had the mindset of a true nurse, even before becoming one. &#129658; While there is a time to cry and shed sad tears, there is always a reason to shed happy tears-even if you&#8217;re crying them for someone else. &#129394; When I come here, most are concerned about their likes or views. While that is a beautiful bonus, for me, true happiness comes when I can help my brothers and sisters here elevate, get subscribers, and see their numbers increase and their platforms grow. &#128200; You know where my true joy is? It is and will always be helping others, empowering others to be the best they can be. I do everything from my heart &#128150;, and the rest always follows-and for this, I smile. &#127775;</p><p></p><p>So, I&#8217;ve put together a little something for you all to keep in mind today:</p><p></p><p>S- Sweet: Remember, we all have a sweet side. &#127852;</p><p>M- Magnificent Masterpiece: We are all a magnificent masterpiece because we were created by a magnificent God. &#127912;</p><p>I  - Intentional: We move with purpose in everything we do. &#127919;</p><p>L- Loving: We lead with a heart of love for one another. &#10084;&#65039;</p><p> E -Excellence: There is some form of excellence in everything that we do, even if we don&#8217;t notice it-but the right individual will. &#127775;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><p>A healthy, loving relationship isn't built only on the massive milestones; it&#8217;s sustained by these tiny, daily micro-moments of joy. Today, challenge yourself to be the reason someone you love lights up. Put on your best smile and watch how it changes the room. &#127775;</p><p></p><p>&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;</p><h3><em><strong>We must keeponkeepingon I love you all &#128591; &#129655;</strong></em></h3><p>&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><p><strong>Leave a comment below: Who is the person that always guarantees to bring a smile to your face? Let's celebrate them today! </strong>&#128071;</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for reading SweetladyLove's Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Creative Spark: Why Love is Our Greatest Masterpiece 🎨🖌️💖]]></title><description><![CDATA[Celebrating the Art of Connection and the Beautiful Masterpieces We Create Together.]]></description><link>https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/the-creative-spark-why-love-is-our</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://sweetladylove.substack.com/p/the-creative-spark-why-love-is-our</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[SweetladyLove]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 30 May 2026 05:01:10 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2R_n!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F93411b92-e303-4d7f-b590-c5ca20874adc_1408x768.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2R_n!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F93411b92-e303-4d7f-b590-c5ca20874adc_1408x768.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset image2-full-screen"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2R_n!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F93411b92-e303-4d7f-b590-c5ca20874adc_1408x768.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2R_n!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F93411b92-e303-4d7f-b590-c5ca20874adc_1408x768.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2R_n!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F93411b92-e303-4d7f-b590-c5ca20874adc_1408x768.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2R_n!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F93411b92-e303-4d7f-b590-c5ca20874adc_1408x768.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2R_n!,w_5760,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F93411b92-e303-4d7f-b590-c5ca20874adc_1408x768.png" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/93411b92-e303-4d7f-b590-c5ca20874adc_1408x768.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:false,&quot;imageSize&quot;:&quot;full&quot;,&quot;height&quot;:768,&quot;width&quot;:1408,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:2503554,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/i/199821301?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff19c5d4a-4326-44b6-b209-9fea0b526677_1408x768.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-fullscreen" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2R_n!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F93411b92-e303-4d7f-b590-c5ca20874adc_1408x768.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2R_n!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F93411b92-e303-4d7f-b590-c5ca20874adc_1408x768.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2R_n!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F93411b92-e303-4d7f-b590-c5ca20874adc_1408x768.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2R_n!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F93411b92-e303-4d7f-b590-c5ca20874adc_1408x768.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Our creative community is the true masterpiece. &#127912; A huge thank you to our Golden Winners for sharing your beautiful hearts and spirits this week. We are just getting started! &#127942;.</figcaption></figure></div><div><hr></div><p>Today, I&#8217;m celebrating something that sits at the very heart of everything we do&#128161;National Creativity Day. We often think of &#8220;creativity&#8221; as painting a canvas or writing a symphony, but I believe the most profound expression of creativity happens in the quiet, everyday moments of our relationships. &#128150;&#129309;</p><p>Think about it: Every kind gesture, every thoughtful solution to a conflict, and every intentional way we make someone feel seen is a creative act. It takes imagination to truly understand another person, and it takes an artist&#8217;s heart to build a connection that lasts. &#128105;&#8205;&#10084;&#65039;&#8205;&#128104;&#127799;</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for reading SweetladyLove's Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><div><hr></div><p></p><h3>Creative Love in Action &#127807;</h3><p>You don&#8217;t need &#8220;technical training&#8221; to be creative; you just need curiosity and a willingness to explore new ideas. When we bring that same energy into our relationships, magic happens:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Curiosity as Connection:</strong> When you remain curious about the people you love, you are constantly &#8220;creating&#8221; new depth and discovery in your bond. &#128269;&#128099;</p></li><li><p><strong>Embracing the Unfamiliar:</strong> Exploring new experiences together is a creative way to ensure a relationship stays vibrant and alive. &#127754;&#129517;</p></li><li><p><strong>Supporting the Dreamers:</strong> The best way to celebrate this day is to look at the people around you and ask: <em>How can I help fuel their creative fire?</em> Whether it&#8217;s sharing their work, offering a listening ear, or just bragging about their talents, you are playing a vital role in their story. &#128079;&#127880;</p><p></p><div><hr></div><p></p></li></ul><h3>Join Our Community Spotlight: Relationships 101 &#127775;</h3><p>Speaking of supporting dreamers, I want to make sure you know exactly where to go to share your brilliance and engage with others. We have launched our <strong>Community Spotlight: Relationships 101 &#11088;</strong> thread specifically for us to explore the art of connection together. If you want to dive into the &#8220;how-to&#8221; of healthy, creative relationships, <a href="https://open.substack.com/chat/posts/dd1d8942-df88-42f5-ad1c-154cfea97e02?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=android&amp;r=75edaq">click here to join the conversation</a>. &#128140;&#129309;</p><p><em>&#128161;Please be sure to check out the guidelines within the thread so we can keep our community supportive, safe, and truly inspiring for everyone. &#128737;&#65039;&#128150;</em></p><div><hr></div><p></p><h3>A Heartfelt Thank You &#128591;&#128144;&#128591;</h3><p>Before I sign off, I want to extend my deepest appreciation and love to all my subscribers, readers, and followers. You make this journey worth taking.</p><p>I want to offer a special thank you to our dearest sister <strong>Terri B.</strong> for being the very first to respond and engage in our <em>Community Spotlight: Relationships 101</em>. Thank you also to our dearest sisters <strong>Imi</strong>, <strong>Mila (The in-between)</strong>, and <strong>Ginny Lynn (Remembring 2 laugh)</strong>, and to our beloved brothers <strong>Gary L. Taylor</strong> and <strong>David Casabonne</strong>. Each of them has been nominated as our <strong>Golden Winners</strong> in our <em>Community Spotlight</em> this week for the beautiful masterpieces they have already shared. &#127942;&#127775;</p><p>Thank you to everyone who has already dropped off your work. Please know that we will be honoring even more of you this weekend! &#129655;&#128588;&#129655;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><h3>Keeping the Flame Alive &#128293;&#128170;</h3><p>Relationships, like any great piece of art, require care, patience, and the courage to try new things. Today, let&#8217;s pledge to bring more imagination into how we love. Let&#8217;s be the kind of people who don&#8217;t just exist alongside others, but who actively create warmth, inspiration, and joy in their lives. &#9728;&#65039;&#127803;</p><p>How are you going to use your creative energy to brighten someone&#8217;s day today? I&#8217;d love to hear your stories in the comments. &#128071;&#128236;</p><div><hr></div><p>&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;</p><h3><strong>We must keeponkeepingon. I love you all. &#128150;</strong></h3><p>&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;&#128591;&#129655;</p><div><hr></div><p></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://sweetladylove.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for reading SweetladyLove's Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>