For Everyone:
What moment changed the way you look at life (your perspective)?
Love,
April 💛
#TagAMA
What moment changed the way you look at life (your perspective)?
Love,
April 💛
#TagAMA
03:14 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response April Sparkles to their Spout
Realizing that my parents weren't always right. They weren't infallible. Discovering that new information we were getting at school didn't always complement what they knew or what they'd taught us. (My folks were good...but it was a shock to find that I sometimes knew better than they.)
#TagAMA
#TagAMA
01:08 PM - Sep 20, 2023
(Edited)
In response to Diana Tyler.
I remember feeling a little disloyal when I realized that!
That’s definitely a sign of maturity.
A great example of a shift in perspective.
💛
That’s definitely a sign of maturity.
A great example of a shift in perspective.
💛
10:44 PM - Sep 20, 2023
In response April Sparkles to their Spout
Being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease (#lupus) in middle age, after decades of symptoms and people thinking I was crazy (including doctors).
#TagAMA
#TagAMA
09:38 AM - Sep 20, 2023
In response to Samantha Kemp-Jackson.
Damn. It’s all too common with immune disorders. If I had a nickel for every time I said, “You know, Doc(s), I think gluten may be an issue for me with this IBS you shrug & keep saying I have,” I’d be rich. Then the joint issues came, and blood tests started going wonky. Now they’re concerned. 🫤
06:24 AM - Oct 16, 2023
In response April Sparkles to their Spout
Beginning sobriety on November 22 1992 - after a “lucky to survive” night.
09:31 AM - Sep 20, 2023
In response to Linda Skaar.
Sobriety is such a long road you would love to travel less of. It’s uncontrollable without the right support system.
The days you wished your loved ones can read your mind that you need them so much. To nudge you out of the fire. To walk you safely across the bridge with missing planks.
The days you wished your loved ones can read your mind that you need them so much. To nudge you out of the fire. To walk you safely across the bridge with missing planks.
11:06 PM - Sep 21, 2023
In response April Sparkles to their Spout
I've had 2 NDEs (near death experience).
I'm not afraid of anything anymore.
I'm not afraid of anything anymore.
08:53 AM - Sep 20, 2023
In response April Sparkles to their Spout
When I realized that I may have a combination of autism and adhd, that I am masking all my life. It explains a lot of my problems, but also a lot of my strength. It‘s a curse and a gift at the same time.
12:57 AM - Sep 19, 2023
In response April Sparkles to their Spout
There have been a number of moments that changed my life/perspective. The dominant one now is the death of my spouse 37+ months ago. I’d love to have a positive moment that kicks that from center stage. Only time will tell.
10:24 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response to Ike K.
Losing your spouse at such a stressful time must have been overwhelming.
Our entire world was in shock and you had a major loss to manoeuvre through an already isolating time. 🥺
How on earth have you managed to come out on the other side intact?
I hope you are finding some light.
💛
Our entire world was in shock and you had a major loss to manoeuvre through an already isolating time. 🥺
How on earth have you managed to come out on the other side intact?
I hope you are finding some light.
💛
11:19 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response April Sparkles to their Spout
I took a vacation alone with just my 9 year old daughter at my therapist's suggestion. I realized I had 2 finally bit the bullet + leave my husband. After 30 yrs, realized the emotional abuse (toward us both)was not worth staying 2 fulfill the "in sickness and in health" of his worsening MS.
10:04 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response to Susan Simon.
That must have been an emotional moment.
You had a wise therapist.
Your courage is inspiring.
Thirty years is a lifetime and not an easy one to walk away from, especially when there’s illness.
You protected your child. That’s always the first priority.
Thank you for trusting this to me. 🥹
💛
You had a wise therapist.
Your courage is inspiring.
Thirty years is a lifetime and not an easy one to walk away from, especially when there’s illness.
You protected your child. That’s always the first priority.
Thank you for trusting this to me. 🥹
💛
11:13 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response April Sparkles to their Spout
The day I realized that the way the toothpaste tube was squeezed or the laundry was folded was not going to be important in one day much less a year. If I wanted to be in a happy relationship I had to realize that there was more than one way to do anything and it was gonna be fine.
08:48 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response to Whale World! Party Time! Excellent!.
The secret to happy relationship!
I wish this was more of a focus for young people. Perfect is not always best. 💛
I wish this was more of a focus for young people. Perfect is not always best. 💛
11:08 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response April Sparkles to their Spout
2 moments:
1) The moment I found out my teen daughter had a super rare, super aggressive cancer
2) The moment I decided to take my life and was at peace with it
Both created fundamental shifts in my worldview that I swear could be felt physically.
Number 1 had a successful outcome, number 2 did not.
1) The moment I found out my teen daughter had a super rare, super aggressive cancer
2) The moment I decided to take my life and was at peace with it
Both created fundamental shifts in my worldview that I swear could be felt physically.
Number 1 had a successful outcome, number 2 did not.
08:23 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response to Puckarama.
Have I told you how happy I am you’re part of my pod, and how much I appreciate you?
Both of those moments deserved “out loud” shifts.
Do you spend a good amount of time looking inward and outward for the peace and joy you bring along with you?
💛
Both of those moments deserved “out loud” shifts.
Do you spend a good amount of time looking inward and outward for the peace and joy you bring along with you?
💛
11:07 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response April Sparkles to their Spout
No one event. A series of "aha" moments. Learning I can't fix anyone else's problems was freeing and stopped me from being a useless "rescuer". Understanding that the point of power is always "now" and is the only place to invest your energy. "Getting" that gratitude always leads to joy and better.
07:48 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response to Mary Locker.
all great lessons and moments of discovery.
It’s nice when our moments are gently spaced and offer perspective and growth, isn’t it?
I’m grateful you’re here.
Love,
April 💛
It’s nice when our moments are gently spaced and offer perspective and growth, isn’t it?
I’m grateful you’re here.
Love,
April 💛
09:59 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response April Sparkles to their Spout
when I was 13 & arrived at church one Sunday to learn I was being 'confirmed' even though I hadn't been to all the classes I finally realized it was all just a show. I played my part, but that was the end of religion for me. #TagAMA
07:43 PM - Sep 18, 2023
(Edited)
In response to Innerspacegirl.
That had to have been a bit confusing and very frustrating.
Probably good you were old enough to decide you weren’t interested in continuing.
💛
Probably good you were old enough to decide you weren’t interested in continuing.
💛
09:57 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response April Sparkles to their Spout
I know this sounds stupid - but having been brought up in a mega-multicultural family - my world was totally rocked when I was told by a stranger that I wasn’t a light skinned native - I was - white. Never really got over that shock. It informs my thinking to this day#TagAMA
07:35 PM - Sep 18, 2023
(Edited)
In response to Breezy Aussie.
We grow up seeing ourselves as part of a family, and we believe we’re the same. It must have been a surprise to learn there was difference. 💛
09:52 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response April Sparkles to their Spout
When I looked at my then terrible two year old and realized I couldn’t remember what I used to do for fun before I had her🥰
07:29 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response to Long Haul Voter - Tasha.
Isn’t that the best feeling?
Knowing your joy is right there?
I still have the most fun with my kids.
💛🥰🥹
Knowing your joy is right there?
I still have the most fun with my kids.
💛🥰🥹
09:50 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response April Sparkles to their Spout
The summer after I turned 12, my same-aged cousin died in a tragic accident.
Kids should not die. The experience broke my spirit. I don't know how parents survive losing a child.
To this day, 40 years later, tears come forth when I think about what was taken from us, and what could have been.
Kids should not die. The experience broke my spirit. I don't know how parents survive losing a child.
To this day, 40 years later, tears come forth when I think about what was taken from us, and what could have been.
07:21 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response to Lisa the Knitter.
I know the first real loss I experienced is still imprinted in my memory. It came with all of the questions and the pain and the fear.
I was an adult, and found it overwhelming.
Having to manage that at twelve must have been traumatic. No wonder you still feel the emotion so strongly. Hugs.
💛
I was an adult, and found it overwhelming.
Having to manage that at twelve must have been traumatic. No wonder you still feel the emotion so strongly. Hugs.
💛
09:49 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response April Sparkles to their Spout
This might sound silly, but watching The Matrix when I was a teen fundamentally changed the way I think about the world. I always accepted everything I was told as fact and never questioned anything. But afterwards I started asking questions about my faith, and no one would give me the answers.
07:03 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response to Seamoura (she/her) (see-more-uh).
It’s not silly at all.
I find it fascinating what makes us stop and think.
I wonder what would have happened if you saw a different movie? Would the revelation have come at a different time or not at all?
I hope you eventually found the answers you were seeking.
Love,
April 💛
I find it fascinating what makes us stop and think.
I wonder what would have happened if you saw a different movie? Would the revelation have come at a different time or not at all?
I hope you eventually found the answers you were seeking.
Love,
April 💛
09:44 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response April Sparkles to their Spout
The day in Jr High when the guy who bullied me beat me so badly that I was out of school for a week. When I returned, the principal kicked me out for another three days "for fighting". My parents fought it.
All he said was "those are the rules, those are the rules". I learned about useless pricks.
All he said was "those are the rules, those are the rules". I learned about useless pricks.
06:56 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response to TheQuietOne.
A horrible thing to learn so young. 🥺
Someone in a position of authority willingly danced on the grave of a young man’s trust.
I’m happy your parents supported you and heartbroken they witnessed their child being harmed.
I’m very sorry you lost your youth in violence.
Hugs.
Love,
April 💛
Someone in a position of authority willingly danced on the grave of a young man’s trust.
I’m happy your parents supported you and heartbroken they witnessed their child being harmed.
I’m very sorry you lost your youth in violence.
Hugs.
Love,
April 💛
09:41 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response April Sparkles to their Spout
Well...there were two moments for me.
The first one, was the wakeup. The day my second child was born-my first daughter.
Two weeks later, my sister was dragged off the street, and held for three days being tortured,raped and beaten. A third was when my oldest, my only son died of a heroin OD at 28.
The first one, was the wakeup. The day my second child was born-my first daughter.
Two weeks later, my sister was dragged off the street, and held for three days being tortured,raped and beaten. A third was when my oldest, my only son died of a heroin OD at 28.
06:53 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response to Ozark Individual.
Those are some really heavy moments.
I’m heartbroken for your loss and for the trauma to your family.
I admit to feeling completely breathless reading this.
There must be a deep well of strength you draw from to manage your days.
What brings you solace?
I’m honoured you shared this here.
💛💛💛
I’m heartbroken for your loss and for the trauma to your family.
I admit to feeling completely breathless reading this.
There must be a deep well of strength you draw from to manage your days.
What brings you solace?
I’m honoured you shared this here.
💛💛💛
09:35 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response April Sparkles to their Spout
When I had my son. I became a better person.
06:50 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response to Coastal Cat.
What a wonderful testament to the powerful love our children bring us. 💛
09:30 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response April Sparkles to their Spout
The day my best friend was murdered.
05:59 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response to Margo Green.
Painfully sorry for your loss. 😢
There is no recovering from such a horrible death, and I know there isn't any recovery for you to fully enjoy life as you know your BF should still be here, doing everything with you, but isn't.
I hope you find some peace in your life long walk of healing.
There is no recovering from such a horrible death, and I know there isn't any recovery for you to fully enjoy life as you know your BF should still be here, doing everything with you, but isn't.
I hope you find some peace in your life long walk of healing.
06:47 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response to Margo Green.
I am so very sorry for your loss and the tragedy of losing your best friend that way.
08:30 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response April Sparkles to their Spout
--Realizing, after getting a proper ADHD diagnosis, that I wasn't an addict/alcoholic.
--About the same time, coming out as trans plus Atheist--and grateful for those who've known both about me and supported me all along!🙂
--About the same time, coming out as trans plus Atheist--and grateful for those who've known both about me and supported me all along!🙂
05:58 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response to Lee Dawnwalker Baron.
I’m very happy you found a supportive community. What a pivotal time in your life. 💛
06:28 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response April Sparkles to their Spout
I wrote about it, seven days ago.
My **th birthday.
Two planes.
Two towers.
Ash.
I don’t celebrate. Not on the day. Not anymore.
I think about 2977 strangers and make resolutions for how I will live in the next year.
My grandma was on a plane that morning. She made it home. So many didn’t.
My **th birthday.
Two planes.
Two towers.
Ash.
I don’t celebrate. Not on the day. Not anymore.
I think about 2977 strangers and make resolutions for how I will live in the next year.
My grandma was on a plane that morning. She made it home. So many didn’t.
05:47 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response Rae Lyn Fox to their Spout
Dear Rae Lyn,
I visited NYC in before times. We were on a tour that included the towers.
I couldn’t do it. I walked into the building, turned around, and walked out.
The place haunted me before that day.
I hate that it haunts you on a day that should be celebrated with joy. 🥺
Love,
April 💛
I visited NYC in before times. We were on a tour that included the towers.
I couldn’t do it. I walked into the building, turned around, and walked out.
The place haunted me before that day.
I hate that it haunts you on a day that should be celebrated with joy. 🥺
Love,
April 💛
09:30 AM - Sep 22, 2023
In response April Sparkles to their Spout
Tree of Life Temple shooting for the first time I felt unsafe as a older Jewish person living in the U.S. I had experienced antisemitism, it had not been this deadly before Trump. I speak up now about things that aren't right for anyone . My relationships are not the same.
05:21 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response to RachelCobaltBlue.
A polarizing time for some.
I wish more people journeyed your path of speaking up. 💛
I wish more people journeyed your path of speaking up. 💛
06:33 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response April Sparkles to their Spout
When I got the call (in Dec 1998) from my brother-in-law telling me that my oldest sister had died 3 days after surgery for very aggressive brain cancer (the biopsy later showed it was glioblastoma). Deb was 44, I was 34. In that moment I understood that no one's future is guaranteed.
05:19 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response to Betsy Dudash.
Glioblastomas are sneaky and quickly grow to dangerous. I lost a very good friend the same way. Far too quickly, far too young.
I can see how your entire view on your future would be changed. 💛
I can see how your entire view on your future would be changed. 💛
06:36 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response April Sparkles to their Spout
There were several of these moments, the one that stood out the most was when a white sales clerk would not wait on my mom (short Japanese lady). I found my voice that day and haven't stopped since.
05:17 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response to Lei`alalani AAPI.
How hurtful that must have been for you and your Mom. Thank you for sharing such a vulnerable moment.
Your voice is important. I’m happy you’re using it. 💛
Your voice is important. I’m happy you’re using it. 💛
06:38 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response April Sparkles to their Spout
When my oldest son died of a heart attack. It changed everything.
05:13 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response to Jacquelyn G..
I can’t tell how terribly sorry I am to learn you lost your son.
I don’t know if there’s a more difficult loss. 🥺
Please know I’m holding space in my heart for both of you.
Thank you for sharing this here.
Love,
April 💛
I don’t know if there’s a more difficult loss. 🥺
Please know I’m holding space in my heart for both of you.
Thank you for sharing this here.
Love,
April 💛
06:45 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response to Jacquelyn G..
May your 💔 heart sing with all the beautiful memories he left you during his time on this earth.
I know your days are weepy, empty and soaked with huge knots in your throat as it suffocates you with grief and sometimes disappointment I am sure, that he is gone.
May he RIP until you meet again.
I know your days are weepy, empty and soaked with huge knots in your throat as it suffocates you with grief and sometimes disappointment I am sure, that he is gone.
May he RIP until you meet again.
06:59 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response April Sparkles to their Spout
I spent a month out to sea on a Merchant Marine Academy training cruise. I worked for a private company providing food service on the ship. We went from NY Harbor to Malaga, Spain; and then to Glasgow, Scotland. Coming back to NY the ship was in a hurricane for 3 days in the N. Atlantic. I was 22.
05:10 PM - Sep 18, 2023
In response to Maurice Turner.
You were a baby! That must have been a terrifying experience.
Did you go out again or was once enough? 🥺
Did you go out again or was once enough? 🥺
06:47 PM - Sep 18, 2023