To understand one's choices, know the choices they had to pick from weren't always easy or fair
As with the 1st Book (Behind the Fake Smile), once I started reading, I could not put it down! I've known Jyl since around 1992ish and saw her in and out of these struggles, yet she always had such a Positive vibe and Aura around her every time we talked, texted, or finally met up. These books were so well written, I felt I knew how she was feeling and what thoughts brought her to rationalize her decisions and Believe me, She had a lot of decisions along her journey that were very hard to make. She always thought, and still does, of how her decision will affect others around her. She made some that wasn't best for her life based on being best for others' lives. To myself and so many others, that is True Selflessness. I very much admire her Strength to go on through the darkness and put on a Smile while still thinking and doing for others! She Loves Life, Friends & Family, she has always concentrated more on the Positive than the Negative and Believe me, it's hard sometimes. When she & her last ex came to my wedding, I knew by her expression (although Beautiful, Glowing & Smiling) that she was not okay. She stood in line alone to tell me Congrats while he quickly ran out and smoked when he returned to her side, her stance changed... Of course, we weren't allowed a small conversation alone before they had to go... Anyone can judge anyone from the sidelines, but until you've walked in someone else's shoes, you never truly know what they are or have gone through to get where they are today!
I understand so much how she had to overcome reliving so many trials to write these books and tell some of her stories. I'm so grateful she was able to do so with grace, openness, and honest thoughts. I walk away from her being so courageous to tell her story with the ability to know that it really is OK to remove Toxic people from your life, That it is OK to have wants & Goals for yourself, That it is OK to pick yourself up and keep going and giving ❤ Life isn't always pretty but, you can Always find Pretty in life...
Ultimately, It is up to us how we see our trials and Achievements, as Both can be Positive.
Thank you Jyl for sharing your story, I know its helped a lot of people find strength from within. Love you Always, Dana 🙂