It is New Years Eve and I am all alone, except for my flatmate's cat. But, I am quite happy. I am happy to be home and to rest. I have discovered that if I rest and if I take care of myself, I am so much better at my job. My energy is higher and I am able to do more and there are noticeably less problems. When I work 48 hours without a break, I start to feel worn out, and resentful. I can't do as well. I don't need much, just one hour a day, to come home, workout, and drink some wheatgrass juice, then I am good to go. But, today I got in a fight with my coworker because I asked for a break. He said it was not his problem that I work too much. Not a team player, I will talk to my boss. I know she will support me.

Anyywy, working with people with intellectual disabilities. I am learning to communicate on different levels because their minds are not always working properly. I am trying to connect to their spirits and using prayer. I have seen some amazing results...

When I first started, I mentioned that Stephen, the diabetic, was addicted to sweets, and his blood sugar was so high that he could have been in the hospital, he was in danger of loosing his leg. Now his blood sugar is near normal and he is eating VERY healthy. The other day he fixed a beetroot sandwich, because he liked it!!! Now, he walks everyday and goes to the gym. But it was SO SO hard in the beginning!! He wanted junk food. He hated me, when I tried to divert him from the cakes at a party. I tried over and over to explain to him about diet and why he should eat healthy. It was a matter of life and death. He didn't care. He didn't understand. Everyday I would ask him "What is protein/" and he would reply, "A carrot." I wanted to give up.

Then, I prayed. I asked God and the angels for help. I didn't know what to do. I wanted to save his life. But he was so stubborn. It was beyond me. Then, suddenly, after I prayed, he started liking apple crumble instead of chocolate and liked the sugar free cakes I taught him to make. He came to me with a big smile and told me how he refused icecream at a party. He was changing. I could have cried. I feel proud and I take the credit for all the effort I put in. But the truth is Stephen's success story is a miracle.

I love the men that I work with because they don't have "challenging behaviors". Some of the houses I have worked in have people who hit, kick and scream, when their emotions go wild. I don't want all of that drama. The men I work with are quite mellow. But, they can get stubborn. SO SO STUBBORN!!! When we want to go somewhere, and one decides he is NOT going, What can I do? Especially when they can't say why they don't want to go? Are they afraid? They can't explain what is going on in their mind, how can I help fix the problem? That is where prayer comes in...

I did a meditation and I imagined the house bathed in beautiful golden yellow light. I thought this would stimulate them and keep them active. If they settle for too long, they become like stones. Yellow is an exciting and energizing color.

It has worked, so far they are cooperative and willing to go places and and to help. Life is good.

Every once in a while we have challenges. But what I have noticed is that when there are challenges are the exact times when my energyy is not that high. When I am tired and stressed, then suddenly there seems to be more problems. I believe that my presence has a strong influence in their behavior. When I have good health and well being, it directly effects the men I work with. I believe they are more sensitive to energy then most people. (One man who works with autistic people told me to be careful what I think, when I went into the house because they can read minds.)

I am learning so much. I am learning to take care of myself. I am learning what I need to make that happen. I am learning how I can make a difference just with my presence and being positive. NO NO!! I am learning that I am touched by Grace and Grace is doing miracles through me. I really can't take credit for anything. I am learning that I still don't understand. I am learning that maybe I don't want to because I enjoy the mystery of miracles. I am learning that the men I work with are teaching me so much.

So on New Years Eve I will go to bed early, pray and wish you all will be touched with Grace, Magic and Miracles in the next Year. May all your dreams come true!!!!