“WANNA BE” POD CASTER INTRO…

Hi, again friends…and welcome to a few more glimpses at my life.

Some of you already know I had a 38-yr. flying career which was a perfect gift from God because I loved people and loved to travel… and still do. The long career was the “stability” in my life. I was a Flight Attendant but, back in 1965 when I started, we were called Stewardesses, sometimes “Stews.” The main job requirements were: single ladies, ages 21-27, no glasses, a certain weight and height, 4 yrs. of college or two years of public contact work.  I qualified, was hired and I was very excited about my future.  I worked for a small airline; all employees knew each other well. We were like family.

Airports and Airlines were so different then.  During that era, the public, referred to us as the “Coffee, tea, or me?” group.  Checking in did not involve going through any security, imagine that? Also, there were no passenger bridges or jet ways and people could smoke on the entire aircraft. Many books were written about those fun-flying days.

Although flying was the bright side of my life, there was an ominous dark side. As much as I enjoyed my work and functioned OK, I was wearing a mask.  You see, I was smiling on the outside but crying on the inside, and I didn’t know why I was so unhappy and felt so alone. I also wasn’t aware that I had unusual anxiety, anger spells or depression. My firm belief was, “That’s just how life is.”  I had no hope things could ever change for me. But, God had different plans for me.

I finally got an answer to why I was sooo unhappy at age 50, when I was diagnosed with Child Abuse PTSD-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I was in shock, and I felt like it was all happening right then. To make my long story short, I went to a therapist who advised that I had to face the pain of my childhood, in order to release it and feel better.  The other choice was continuing life down an unhappy, destructive path.  I didn’t have anything to lose and I was “willing” to go for it!

After a couple of years healing work I realized how my attitude had changed and how much better I was feeling.  It hit me big time that I desired to pass on the good news and help other sufferers. I began to talk and write about my experiences and proclaim: NO ONE HAS TO ACCEPT A SUFFERING LIFE…pain happens but continual suffering is a choice.

I just love to talk about my transformation. The old Bettina lived mostly in fear, didn’t trust others, and lived feeling alone & unhappy in her heart. The new happier Bettina “Sparkles” has found peace and lives a spiritual life. I’d like you to envision me as a dear relative or friend who you can trust, tell your problem, reach out to for help, and know you’ll receive support, understanding and love.

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