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00:11 Good evening and welcome to my humble podcast abode. I am Cocoa Griot. just a 50 something who enjoys sharing stories with you about life, love, and a smattering of other topics. Last week I talked to you guys about the stress that can creep up on you during the holidays. The title of this show is one of my favorite quotes in the world. I think it is time to embrace this quote during this stressful time of the year or any time. One of the uncomfortable truths about life is it is easy to default to the negative and develop a pattern of stinking thinking in times of self distress. I like to reflect upon simple quotes that really rev up my sense of self-worth. Tonight, I'm going to talk to you about a famous quote from Winnie the Pooh's Christopher Robin, and how it applies to my life. I hope you can apply this important sentiment in your life as well. "You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." 1:06 Let's start with the bravery part. A couple of years ago I was on my way to work. I checked my GPS to estimate the time it would take me to get to work that morning. It was going to be a beautiful day since my drive would only be about 45 minutes. according to my trusty navigator. But halfway to my destination, the defecation struck the rotary oscillator, so 45 minutes became an hour and a half due to a car wreck. My mouth became the Sahara's twin and my heart started racing as if I was five paces away from some imaginary finish line. Then, a pain ran through my chest that let me know it was time to exit the freeway because I was probably exiting life's freeway. When I arrived at the nearby clinic quickly explained my symptoms. Immediately they gave me nitroglycerin because my blood pressure was dangerously high. The pensive looks on the staff's faces were enough to convince me of my biggest fear. I was going to have a heart attack. The doctor called me to have me transported to a hospital to handle my condition. When I arrived at the hospital my blood pressure was lower, but I was not totally in the clear. I gathered enough strength to text my family to tell them where I was. but I failed to do so. As the fear gripped me, I kept waiting for the tsunami of death to wash over me. After what seemed like days, but was just a matter of hours, doctors told me I needed to go through some crucial tests. I didn't cry or feel sorry for myself. The truth is I was going to face some difficult decisions by myself and I had to be a big girl for them. I was overwhelmed when they asked me to sign a particular form. If they found blockages in my heart, triple bypass surgery would be performed immediately. No one was with me. I mean no one. The nurses who prepped me for the angiogram had a round face and kind eyes. Was this the last face I would see before leaving this phase of existence? I pondered. upon I glanced at the monitor that was some kind of medical Jumbotron projecting an image of my heart. "Your heart is perfect." These words from the doctor were welcomed with a huge sigh of relief. So what happened and why did I end up on this table expecting to have my chest cracked open? Stress was responsible for this terrifying experience. But I faced it briefly and I was proud of myself for doing so. What have you faced that is evidence of your bravery? Give yourself credit for your fearlessness. 3:18 Moving on to stronger than you seem I can think of one experience that highlights my strength more than any other in my life!  June 27, 1995, was the day I had to talk to Cameron about his dad’s grave medical condition. He had just turned seven the day prior and he was an astute little guy. I knew that he knew something was wrong because we had been visiting James in the hospital for a few weeks. We celebrated Father’s Day and Cameron’s birthday next to James’ hospital bed. James had whispered in my ear during the birthday visit that he wanted to die at home. He didn’t want to be hooked up