The Journey of Forgiveness

That’s a big word warriors, I know. Quite the switch from last week’s dream. I debated whether or not to resurrect yet another post idea from my “Spirit and Belief” blogging days. First, I thought to say “A Lesson in Forgiveness” but that sounded so preachy like gloom and doom or something. That’s not what I want to do but that word of forgiveness looms about, doesn’t it? For some of us, it can be quite easy based on our own experiences but for most~~~ it’s HARD… I know many of you can think of numerous times were either you had to forgive someone or you yourself had to be forgiven. First off, do this for me. Forgive yourself before anyone else. You read that right. I do and you should too. Once you do, it will become easier dealing with others. I have often said how we are hardest on ourselves and give that negative self talk time to get in our heads. Just truly catch yourself and say things like “delete, cancel, or erase.” Every time you beat yourself up for not saying, doing, or even thinking the right thing, stop it right now. ๐Ÿ›‘ You can do it because we need the positive like Warrior said. I need to keep practicing what I write to all of you too.

The photo I used today is a funny story. Once watching the “Always Believe” DVD, there were so many photo choices for me as this was one of them. It took forever to get the right shot of him smiling but glad I got it. When walking through WWE’s HQ “halls,” was Warrior making his way back (not just literally) into forgiveness? Quite possibly but obviously not at that exact moment. The Boss, legends, and current roster were all on the edge of their seats just waiting to hear what he had put into his HOF speech. Even after being gone 18 years, would he still be bashing most or trashing them? Sure, Warrior mentioned a few things but I’m quite positive he shocked many with his different demeanor. People mentioned forgiveness, as yes- Warrior was genuine but were the others receptive and then accepting? Hard to know for sure as Warrior didn’t have the opportunity to become that ambassador. I want to believe they accepted this “new” Warrior and would in turn offer forgiveness back. He needed to do that and they all needed it too. He made peace like what was said and because of that, the extra baggage that entailed didn’t go with him to parts unknown like it sure can.

Warrior’s example always gets me thinking of my own relationships with some who have wronged me. Are there some things in life super hard to forgive or get past? Absolutely YES just like a few in Warrior’s life as his speech mentioned. Forgiveness is tricky because I like you thought it differently. The other person may never reciprocate but you need to practice that word for you, not them. By just stating an intention for the goodness of forgiving, you are sending a powerful message. We don’t even have to physically be with those who have hurt us. You can voice it aloud to yourself, write a letter, (I know that’s challenging) but then burn it, or just move forward in a way that works. We need to take some action instead of saying we will and then don’t.

Even if it doesn’t come to you, try again another day. Be willing to change and really put some effort into it, the benefits will come. I truly believe forgiveness is one of if not the most important “lesson.” After all, we do need to learn. It is part of our purpose here but we have many. What a lifelong journey it becomes. I often wonder about forgiveness being given to Warrior’s Dad from him. He knows that whole story now behind his Dad leaving the family even more and why it had to happen. At least that is what I believe but we all probably have those stories with our loved ones in spirit. It takes so much to put that word of forgiveness into action but is necessary for our growth.

It heals us in ways we can’t fully understand. I have done a lot of work on this. It is much trial and error, patience, and time. Do it now before you get to parts unknown with all this unresolved. I won’t tell you how to specifically forgive but just look at your life and see who or what needs to be let go in a way. The band Firehouse” whom Warrior references in some videos had a beautiful song called “Let Go.” I’ll link it at the end. It came to me once working out. No idea they did a song like that. Give it a listen, it’s very powerful and exactly what I needed to hear for different reasons but still fit. Its message can be many things but forgiveness does factor in as well. All the answers are inside you which is part of a lyric. Warrior said that too. I cried, of course. ๐Ÿฅฒ

Oh boy, is this post getting to me but it’s what came so that’s what I write. I believe in forgiveness and forgiving. I hope you do too. It took Warrior years to get to that point in his life but it served him well living where he did with his Warrior girls. I’m not telling you to move although we will be in a few years. Your perspective shifts and you evolve as we all should. Do we completely change? No, I don’t believe so. Some may think otherwise but deep down, we still are US… We need to advance though and relationships are such a huge part of this. Warrior reached out to Linda McMahon about his girlfriend Dana at the time and also wanted to reach out to Vince after his first daughter was born. See, even Warrior had it in him but not enough back then to start the process of true forgiveness. I’m still not there with some but am learning. Many may say Warrior did all that with the return to WWE because of his health condition. We may never fully know but that process started long before 2014 and aren’t we grateful it happened? I know I am… ๐Ÿ’™

Bring that forgiveness into your life and learn to let go. It is a journey and a big lesson but one we all have in common as humans on this earth in these physical bodies. Yes, it can be messy and emotional but so worth it in the end. When your time comes to parts unknown you can say: “I did it for Me!” However you get your inspiration, just try forgiveness. You will know the story someday. Live for now. Let the present moment be your “present” to yourself. ๏ฟผ๐ŸŽ

P.S. Here’s “Let Go” by Firehouse…

https://you.tu.be/mAUL58nBFvE

P.P.S. I checked and last week’s dream made number 30… ( he has not been in them all but the reference is always there…) beautiful Warrior connection, especially this post… There have been others that were little but the biggies make 30… ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿฅน๐Ÿ˜ด

๏ฟผ๏ฟผ๏ฟผ๏ฟผ๏ฟผ๏ฟผ

An Infinite Legacy ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿป

***First off, congrats to all the winners at WrestleMania XXXVIII and all those newly inducted into the WWE HOF class of 2022. Just 3 words- “THANK YOU TAKER… “โšฐ๏ธโšฑ๏ธ

Here we are again warriors with this time of year. How is it April already? Wrestlemania 38 just happened as did this blog marking 5 .5 years a few days ago. This post isn’t entirely numbers-based but I will share some that definitely connect today because that’s what I do. Warrior will be gone 8 years on the 8th (Friday.) I know with birthdays it’s called your “golden” one if that happens. At least that’s what I was told. For me, I turned 19 (so long ago now…) on the 19th in the 9th month. Who knows? I don’t share this to be sad but just an observation. 8 is an infinity number which beckons this title. Warrior’s younger daughter Mattie referenced infinity from the book: “A Life Lived Forever.” She mentions in her letter about infinity which makes me think of Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story. His older daughter Indy had referenced the word legacy in her letter. An infinite legacy with Ultimate memories always.๏ฟผ

I’ll share a 3 count of number connectors with all of you. I might’ve added this as a PS many posts back but now that the date is here, it’s time. Just when I think some milestones, dates, or numbers are done for a bit, more show up. It truly is infinite. Are you ready to follow? Here we go… The last WM Warrior was part of is 30. That of course was 8 years ago. WM VIII is turning 30 this year. Also, April 5, 1992 was WM VIII’s date as was Warrior’s induction of 2014. He will forever have two dates of April 5 as real significance to him.๏ฟผ

I also had two special dates of April 5 as well which I’ve shared before but will again briefly. Mine don’t relate to 30 or 8 but I can always remember. 2014 was our first basketball game we attended together as a family and in 2016, two signs fell down in my house. Both were that date of April 5 so Warrior and I just have a 2 count of early April moments there. Technically, I have another April 5 that I chose. It was a book event and that has been blogged too. To summarize here, this time becomes a 3 count of 8 on the 8th, WMVIII turning 30 and April 5 being WM VIII’s date plus Warrior’s 2014 HOF induction. Warrior’s last WM weekend was 30 which was 8 years ago. 30 and 8, synchronicity wins the match yet again. Oh, and WM VIII took place in Indiana. 2 Warrior connectors. Are you all caught up?๏ฟผ ๐Ÿ˜ณ3๏ธโƒฃ0๏ธโƒฃ, 8๏ธโƒฃ

Let’s switch to some other views on the Ultimate Warrior’s or Warrior’s infinite legacy which continues on despite numbers, dates, and always milestones. I’m so humbled and honored when people๏ฟผ contact me regarding this blog, my book, or just to share their OWN wrestling memories about the character of U. W. Here are some of their words I received as a few maybe even weren’t initially fans of his but found him years later on many YouTube videos:

“remarkable, amazing, inspirational.”

“brilliant…deep, thoughtful. His depth of knowledge exceeds anyone on the news.”

“Such a patriot and foresight he had into America.”

“Impactful…he was an extraordinary man…It was such a massive loss.”

A few had listened to Warrior’s speeches on many topics and even shared them with friends. The “Injections of Inspiration” videos were mentioned since they contained no “BS” advice for one loyal fan. Another wanted to know more about his collection of artwork, book recommendations, and was a long time U.W. fan. He asked if I had anything additional to share and called Warrior’s writings “treasures.” This man wanted to get my book and couldn’t wait to dive into the old blog posts of Warrior’s I had sent him. I try to offer as much as I can within reason of course and very touched when they share personal stories with me.๏ฟผ

Vince McKee who I spoke with on his “Pick Six” podcast with “Kee on Sports,” even left me a super nice review on Amazon. Yes, he might be a little biased with knowing me personally but he is himself a fellow author so understands the work. He had this to say about Warrior: “he would be very proud.” He added how the Warrior’s messages bring an “inner peace and spirit to people.” He compliments me of course but I wanted to share Warrior words today. He didn’t have to take time out of his very busy schedule to write that at all, but he did and I am grateful.

So, yes indeed- the Ultimate Warrior and Warrior both have an infinite legacy. Even if there were disagreements, differences of opinions, or other negative naysayers, he lives on and always will. I’m very fortunate to continue doing what I do here and it makes me happy knowing others find his work outside of wrestling as well. We will leave our own infinite legacy of some kind so my wish is that all of you do many things in your life which will reflect that. Don’t let one thing define you and pursue all that interests you. Warrior did, I am, and you should too.๏ฟผ

The numbers change every year but we need to go on and do what we can to make a difference. 30 and 8 will move forward as will every other milestone that we treasure and cherish. Hard to believe all these WM’s after 8 are in their 30’s now! How is that even possible? The Ultimate Warrior will mark 35 years on TV in November as it seems I just wrote of his 30th 5 years ago. 8 on the 8th is such a WOW reflective number for me as it is for most fans too. We all grow older, change, and evolve because we have to in life. Let’s be our OWN warrior selves and keep remembering, celebrating, and honoring the life of the one and only Warrior man. You will forever keep running as I always believe in your most Ultimate spirit. Thank you Warrior for your infinite legacy.๏ฟผ

๐Ÿ’™~~~ Kathy ๐Ÿ’–

P.S. April 1st also brought “The Warrior” song playing in my van that evening. ( WM VI turned 32 that day)

Oh, and if you want to hear me discuss all these dates a little more, check out this video I made called:

Ultimate Warrior Numerology

https://youtu.be/B8Wm0ZDD9CE

*** You can also find me here:

www.spiritandbelief.com

*** I write a more in-depth spiritual blog on other topics or if interested in book info, it’s there too. Lots of short stories about my beginnings in watching wrestling, psychic traits, dreams, Warrior connectors, and MORE! Check it out on Amazon and other book retailers. ๐Ÿ“—(it’s title is the same as the website โฌ†๏ธ)

*** Follow me on a U.W. fb group, Twitter, and over at YouTube (:

Many Meaningful Masks

We do wear lots of masks throughout our lives warriors as some may have read on this blog before. This post isn’t quite as deep as getting to the real us but does involve several “mask” stories of my OWN that became very meaningful. A few are slightly amusing but then a few are well…., not so much. I do believe I’ve mentioned painting the Ultimate Warrior’s mask on my face was never something I’d do. Dana has had her face marked with her own brand of warrior woman paint but I only dabbled in small symbols on my cheeks. After all, he did that for a brief time so for me that was enough.

When my youngest sister was still quite little, I loved coloring and drawing with her. We had a few chalkboards to use for many creations. Guess what I showed her? Yep, the Ultimate Warrior mask. Why did that pop in my head? I wasn’t sure she’d fully understand my intensity back then so it was just called a “cat mask.” O.K., I know it doesn’t really look like a cat face but she bought it and became my muse of choice. She actually does still remember those times! Glad my silliness was so memorable and unforgettable to her. Just like Warrior was and still is to me.

Another funny memory was painting Easter eggs. Being a teenage girl meant most were done with that tradition but again with having a sibling ten years younger made me still participate. I remember painting an egg purple and then adding his mask in the middle with yellow. Those are Easter colors for real! So very proud of how it turned out. I realize this sounds obsessive as perhaps even true fans out there didn’t do this. We all have weird stuff as teens and I gotta say that was mild compared to other things kids my age were doing. ๐Ÿ˜ฌAm sure you have your own crazy times too! This was sweet to me and I’ve shared a lot personally so there warriors– you get another interesting tidbit from my past.

These last few are a little bittersweet. When I heard about Warrior’s HOF induction, the months just seemed to fly by as that Spring came fast. Some will know how warm it was that April here in Ohio which is discussed in my book Spirit and Belief. My daughter was still into chalk drawing like her aunt many years ago. I drew the Ultimate Warrior mask on our driveway in many different colors so happy for his upcoming weekend. They were great as I hadn’t even tried drawing that mask in years. My girl never questioned the validity as it’s just a symbol. Little did she know how much it meant to her Mama. *** PAUSE*** A few days later, Warrior passed. ๐Ÿ’”

I still could see those colorful masks in one spot of our driveway out my window. It made me so sad, shocked, and angry. With no rain coming, they were erased by me without a trace remaining. It was too much then even with no tears but now, I’d leave them for different reasons. Even though the chalk was erased from that pavement, I could never erase him from my life no matter how hard I tried almost six years ago.

This time also coincided with my daughter having a Dance Party at her school along with face painting. She had these beautiful butterflies on her cheeks and loved them. A few days after Warrior’s passing and I see my girl’s face painted. Of course this isn’t his mask like the other stories but my emotions still fought it.

My Dad’s big 70th birthday party was the next night and with sleep, her butterflies faded a little. She asked me to paint them back on so she could show off her face to everyone. I obliged but told her Mama would do the best I could and to not get mad. My hands were shaking as I picked up that first brush and chose her color. Why? Come on Kathy– this isn’t his mask, what’s wrong with you? Well, that was how much of my grief got displayed. I just told her I was nervous since that wasn’t something she rarely asked of me. Warrior’s mask- No. Face paint-yes. It still mattered a lot. Never could I even put on the mask from the book “A Life Lived Forever.” I had held it up to my face but the strap broke. I wasn’t meant to wear it…

Warrior created his many painted masks for the Ultimate Warrior character which I never ever wanted to replicate. It wasn’t for me but I guess other meaningful mask stories came to be. To even think I had mask stories surprised me until back from my memory bank they were there again. Just like Warrior.

If any of you have ever painted the U.W. mask on yourself or anyone else, bravo! Your masks are meaningful to you just like mine were to me. Warrior painted different masks and each became a story with ultimate meanings. No chalk could ever be erased from my memory. He was there with or without his mask and still will forever be. ๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿงก๐Ÿ’›๐Ÿ’š๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป

P.S. We recently finally saw the movie “Fighting with my Family” which depicts the true story of Paige in the WWE. I really needed a chalkboard to slide my nails down since it shows WMXXX and Monday Night RAW of April 7, 2014… ๐Ÿ˜ณ The U.W. wrestling buddy doll is also in this movie so sorry for the spoiler alert!! My husband even liked it. Another chalkboard moment.

www.spiritandbelief.com

Persistence is the Key ๐Ÿ”

Persistence is quite the word, isn’t it warriors? Perseverance is another similar term and I ask the gods up above for that everyday (: This is the key to making me stay true to who and what I am. I’m gonna share two guys that became pretty persistent over time. Yes, they both involve Warrior but not in the way you might be thinking…

Steve Wilton (Warrior’s former manager) elaborates more about Warrior’s disassociation with Vince McMahon and WWE in the book “A Life Lived Forever.” This also connects to my brother and me. Of course I will explain without getting into too much detail about a certain other DVD (which I said I’d never mention) but Warrior’s hurt and sadness about the company remained. He never wanted to go back or hear news about WWE ever again. It was never his intention or desire to associate with Vince and company anymore. Period. Well, Steve had a way of being persistent when it mattered most.

He’d wear a shirt Warrior would notice, swear at, and laugh. One time Steve actually convinced Warrior to watch a steel cage match involving Vince and Triple H as a tag team. Warrior was intrigued and gave many compliments in Mr. McMahon’s favor. It seemed better to talk WWE again until Triple H (Paul) made his move to get the Ultimate Warrior in the Hall of Fame.

For years, I had also disassociated with Vince and WWE. I stopped watching after Warrior left and never really watched again. That was it for me and I didn’t care. If fact, I was gleefully giggling when I heard Vince had finally got “caught” in a way with some unmentionable issues and lost millions on the XFL deal back then. Good, I thought. It’s about time…

Enter my brother who is still that fan today for trying to remind me many years ago all about Mr. McMahon’s good qualities and his brand of genius. I didn’t care at all. If he shared a performer of our era getting inducted, I’d take notice. Other than that, nope not interested. He’d even try so hard to get my funny bone going again with Facebook posts but I wouldn’t budge. For Warrior~~ yes. ๐Ÿ‘For anyone else~~ no. ๐Ÿ‘Ž๐Ÿป

Two guys trying really hard to get each of us~~ Warrior and me to like WWE again. What a parallel universe indeed. If anyone has read my blog over time, you know I still don’t watch but I do know enough. If fact, my sister has been friends for a long time with one of the guys who is now part of the current RAW tag team Champs~ The Viking Raiders!! I can say I knew him back then… ๐Ÿ˜‰ Also, I have mentioned Vince before and now I understand so much more without such negativity. Once again though, emotions come to the surface and can remain for years. It was like that for Warrior and myself. We felt the same disappointment, anger, sadness, and all in betweens until persistence kept knocking at our beat up doors.

Here’s a metaphor for you to consider. Imagine an old attic style trunk all locked up accumulating cobwebs. You know it’s there but what’s inside doesn’t interest you like it once did. You’ll always have its contents but isn’t part of your life anymore. Then, something changes. You push those cobwebs off, get the key and unlock it again. What’s inside? That’s your stuff and memories. Can you relate warriors? That was me and my memories of WWE, Vince, and of course Warrior. I can still put those old memories back in but now that trunk is sparkly clean and being cleared out for new ones. The old mixing with the new. All one in the same and never forgotten.

You can have persistence with anything in your life that truly matters. Relationships with others, your career, a personal fitness goal, financial success, or any topic of interest. Try to unlock whatever is blocking you to better things. Sometimes, we need to back off but your persistence just might make someone else try for theirs. If I hadn’t been persistent, this blog and my book Spirit and Belief wouldn’t have become a reality. If Steve hadn’t been persistent, perhaps Warrior wouldn’t have shown interest in WWE again or agreed to talks with Triple H. Even if my brother hadn’t been persistent with me, I might’ve never known some important details that matter so much to me now. I wasn’t all over some social media of wrestling then.

So, warriors find your own attic trunk and become persistent to preserving what’s inside. It just may be the key you need to making your dreams come true.

P.S. Talk about persistence with NUMBERS!!

( ok WWE Trivia buffs…)

2020= 30 years since WMVI( this year!!)

2020= 6 years since Warrior’s passing( this year) AND his last WM was XXX.

*** Those numbers keep coming!

www.spiritandbelief.com

Five HOF Warrior Years

With Wrestlemania 35 and the WWE HOF this weekend, I’d like to share a few of my HOF related memories. I, like most true Ultimate Warrior fans will always remember his induction five years ago on April 5, 2014. As readers of this blog and quite possibly my book Spirit and Belief also may know, two signs in my home fell on April 5, 2016. The third April 5 connector was just last year when I attended a book event that became “The Library Lift-off” blog post. So, April 5 will always remain as another of my most fondest memories with dates and Warrior. Maybe I’ll get something next year with those even numbered years?

Five years ago also brought the first basketball game we attended as a family. My husband and I had gone to a few but never with the kids. My son in 4th grade (yet again with that grade!) had won a ticket to see the Cleveland Cavaliers through school. We were all so excited! Our family of four celebrated my son’s birthday a week later even though the Cavs lost. It was so great seeing this boy getting into the crowd with his chants of “DEFENSE!” I can’t believe he just turned 15.. ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿ˜ฒ Where have five years gone???

I remember glancing upward seeing retired jerseys in the rafters. Those names were of players I followed back in high school. Just like a memory of someone else I followed in high school.

While watching the game, my mind thought of Warrior who later in the evening would take his rightful place in his professional home. I did have several moments of distractions of course but all filled with such pride. First my son and then of Warrior. I guess it was a good thing being at the arena instead of home for me that night.

The Cavs may have lost but my son won with inviting our hometown team into his heart. That began those two years of emotion until our BIG title win in 2016. Warrior also won with a different kind of victory that didn’t involve a court or even a wrestling ring. He was gifted with an HOF ring meaning much more than a title or a belt.

So, again where have these last five years gone? I ask that sometimes over the years with my kids but never thought that question would involve Warrior on his passing. That’s why I wanted to remember and share in his HOF more. I’m not one of those mothers who gets all sappy with time. Sure, I can go there in a second but I don’t. It can seem like just yesterday in many ways but the feeling is neutral for me.

I was always home with my kids so heck yeah– the time is very real in its years! They are 15 and almost 13. The same is true of Warrior. Five years can seem like yesterday but then after everything I’ve gone through, it really sounds about right being that long.

When looking at photos, it’s the same yet again. I have a picture of my son from another Cavs game in his photo frame where I see it everyday. That twelve year old looking so intent had no idea Mom was taking his picture. Yesterday and now all at once. The photos I have of Warrior echo that too as is probably true for all of us.

Do you perceive time passing the same or different than me? Guess that all depends on your life and those moments lived which are different for each person. There is no time or space up in parts unknown so as a spirit, Warrior isn’t confined anymore with those terms as we are here.

However you view time, just make it count and become memorable. Warrior would want nothing less from us as he always made his moments count. Gosh, I can still view myself first watching WWF and can’t believe that was 35 years ago! BTW– I was 12. Videos bring memories back even more than photos and that’s o.k. too. It’s good to remember but just don’t live in the past too long.

I reflect on many dates and passages of time but need the happy more than the sadness. I hope you do the same. Five years, thirty, or thirty-five, remember with pride and then live for the now.

~~~ Happy Five HOF years Warrior as I look back on April 5 and know that time passes as it must. ~~~”This too shall come to pass and until we meet again, I will always believe!” ~~ Kathy (with a little bit of quoting Warrior)

P.S. I first started watching WWF 35 years ago as it becomes WM35 this year! ๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿป๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป

P.P.S. I have used a few HOF pics before so wanted a different one for this post!

www.spiritandbelief.com

โ€œI Canโ€™t Go Anywhere!โ€

Congratulations!

Today is Your Day.

You’re off to Great Places!

You’re off and away!”

~~~“Oh, The Places You’ll Go.”

~~~ Dr. Seuss, 1990. (love that year!)

I just had to quote that ever famous children’s book. Having been a teacher of young kids for years, it was perfect for today’s post. I immediately thought of that story while remembering the places I went that brought Warrior to mind after he passed.

If you recall in other posts, I’ve mentioned how I can’t go anywhere so wanted to share some of those “great places” that made me laugh and smile thinking of Warrior. Some vacation places stories are in my book Spirit and Belief.

Let’s rewind several years back yet again…

I Can’t Go Anywhere

Feeling like I had brain fog was nothing new as the robotic me had to continue doing tasks while still dealing with the shock of his passing. The grocery store gave me that distraction I needed while walking down the frozen food aisle. Music is frequently playing so perhaps you can guess where this is leading… Have any of you seen the animated movie “Sing?” I know, I know… here I go again with a movie reference and another cartoon but they so connect! Anyways, it’s based on the show “American Idol” only with animals.

There’s this Mama Pig Rosita and she easily becomes one of my favorites. She’s shopping one day, hears music in the store, and breaks out some crazy dance moves! The security camera guy is amazed as she is greeted with applause afterwards. She is politely embarrassed but continues shopping. My adventure wasn’t as daring as Rosita’s but I so felt the music and was dancing with my cart just a little.

They usually play country or easy listening but then two songs in a row by Katy Perry. BOTH made me think of Warrior when they were released. “Roar” and “Firework.” How Ultimate! The lyrics also now make me think of me….. I couldn’t help but dance in the store that day as my fog disappeared for the next hour. Two songs by the same artist in a row in a store that doesn’t play music like that. Oh, the Places I Go.

I Can’t Go Anywhere…

The next place was Target but not in the parking lot this time. My son got a gift card for his birthday and wasn’t sure if he still wanted toys or not. He was ten but we looked in that aisle anyway. I had my eyes glued to where he was while knowing the WWE stuff was right across from us. This was early April 2014 so um, not gonna look over there… That wasn’t a problem at all, yay for my heart! We were however in line with electronics and all the giant big screen T.V’s everywhere. Our Ohio baseball team the Cleveland Indians were playing the Toronto Blue Jays in Toronto. Darn, thought I was in the clear with toys and then I saw that. It’s now called Rogers Centre and not Skydome but still… WMVI for anyone wondering! Who would’ve thought a few years later I’d get my first blue jay feather in line with Warrior. Oh, the Places I Go.

I Can’t Go Anywhere…

Onto place number three. This would be a great three count but I do have a four! I went to Five Below working on some Christmas ideas for the kids a few years ago. I then spotted some preteen girls near the displayed posters. How cool to look thru those and maybe see if some would work for my kids. They still hang up posters, right? If you’re not familiar, you just look at them displayed and then match the number to the rolled up ones on the shelf.

I did get my son a Super Mario characters one and my daughter a dog one but not before seeing another one. Any guesses? Nope, not an Ultimate Warrior one, too tempting–lol! It was a classic WWE poster of past and more recent Superstars. Warrior was right there next to Randy, Andre, Jake Roberts, Rick Rude, Bret Hart, Ted DiBiase, The Rock, Steve Austin, Undertaker, Ric Flair, (I think?) and some others. One person absent– Hulk Hogan. Interesting but I sent a pic to my brother yet again with the caption of this post. Oh, the Places I Go.

I Can’t Go Anywhere…

Here’s the last one and it was out of my memory until seeing something that brought it all back. A few Christmases ago, we took the kids to see the movie “Daddy’s Home.” Yes, a few inappropriate parts but they were getting older. We loved it and glad there’s a sequel.

Right away I noticed they said the movie takes place in New Orleans. (Warrior’s HOF induction city, WMXXX) The one count… Next, the family sits around and watches one of their favorite movies together– “The Princess Bride.” Andre the Giant was in that. The two count… Dana has mentioned their family loving that movie too! Then, nothing else for a while as I just kept thinking where that three count would be or even if there would be one.

Shaking my head while laughing to myself was quite common then. The three count came at the end and for all of you who know the movie, can you tell? John Cena appears! Love how he’s in the second one too. I actually laughed a little too loud in the theater while saying his name! My husband said:”Is he a wrestler?” Oops, well– he knows now and John has been involved in several movies. I remembered all this while watching U.W. wrestle Andre on the Ultimate Collection DVD one day. Oh, the Places I Go.

Well, there’s my stories for now and am sure there are others but these along with the Dr. Seuss book remained in my head. Like I’ve said before, it’s the little things and expect the unexpected. Do your life and the “signs” will appear. It could be places, people, or things but just become aware. I am grateful for this journey of mine and Warrior’s everyday. Too many things to not connect and dismiss.

Think of everything you are grateful for as this holiday approaches. Really stop and appreciate all the Universe gives us and say “thanks.” That doesn’t seem enough but it means everything.

Thank you warrior fans for all you do to keep his legacy alive while remaining true to yourself too. Roar, be that firework, dance, sing, play ball, shop, take photos, watch movies, and enjoy the little things. Who knows where you’ll go along the way…

www.spiritandbelief.com

#drseuss#sing#katyperry#roar

#firework#toronto#bluejays

#wrestlemaniaVI#fivebelow

#daddyshome#theprincessbride

#thanksgiving

๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿคช๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿป๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿฆƒ๐ŸŒฝ๐Ÿฅ”๐Ÿฅ–๐Ÿ—๐Ÿฅง

โ€œDo You Want to go Play Some Games?โ€

I bet you warrior fans are trying so hard connecting this title with that photo! I must admit it is kinda weird so let me explain… ๐Ÿ˜œ This story fits in the “dream” category but I love this title so much better. Plus, “The Wedding Reception Dream” sounded too much like “The Wedding Near Smoothie King” and this title is way funnier! Another dream that was very odd but decided to share it anyway. That just leaves one more I haven’t told so probably a no on that one… ๐Ÿ˜‰too silly and brief!

Last May of 2017, I attended a cousin’s wedding out of town. The reception was by the lake and we all had such a great time celebrating this young couple. Fast forward about 5 months later when this “new” dream with Warrior occurred. My childhood backyard was the location of a wedding reception involving the bride’s sister of 5 months prior. Um, what? I couldn’t even remember her having a sister! Why in the world would this be the setting and for someone I didn’t even know? I have learned sometimes that doesn’t matter.

I do remember as a child always thinking of our family’s backyard to be a great space for a wedding reception. Perhaps my brain just took the last one I went to and found a new bride! I was upstairs in my old bedroom looking down at all the beautiful scenery with lots of white lights strewn about. There were tables and chairs everywhere and the party had started. Again– another question as to why I was alone looking out…? Hmm… Anyway, while spanning the crowd, I saw Warrior wearing his gray and red suit you see in the photo!

My mouth fell open as I literally flew down the stairs and out the door! Once outside, I couldn’t find him anywhere until my mom and brother pointed in the direction of where he went. Guess they were helping me out! I actually found him and realized I forgot my phone to snap a photo of us together. He seemed rushed as a man was ushering him elsewhere but said he’d be right back. What in the world was going on? Why was he even here?

That gave me time to go all the way back and grab my phone. I found him again in the crowd and said what a fan I was (am) while probably babbling incoherently, who knows???!!! ๐Ÿ˜€๐Ÿ˜† We took a few photos ( so awesome in most of these dreams!) but then I asked why he was here as he didn’t know anyone. I was so confused but all he did was laugh without really answering me.

Before the dream ended, he asked me: “Do You Want to go Play Some Games?” The couple were video game arcade fanatics and there were many placed throughout the yard. I couldn’t believe he was asking me this while no mention of wrestling, his life now, family, or anything else. I just stood there not fully knowing what to say as he walked in the direction of the games. I followed him towards that area and woke up. No idea if we ever played any or not. ๐ŸŽฎ

WOW… I’m not a professional dream interpreter but most of mine are easy to figure out. This one like a few others, not so much. I do remember Dana saying how she wished he’d “played more.” Not sure if she meant games with the girls (probably not!) or just having fun more in general. I played with my kids when they were little but as they age… sigh.., Maybe I was privy to new information. Maybe he IS playing games with all his wrestling buddies now like he seldom did on Earth? Maybe so……. I still think little things are funny and you know what? Warrior does too! I am proof of this time and again with my synchronicities.

I also must admit that after I had the first few dreams of him as a wrestler, I asked for one of him like the Warrior of today. I say today because it’s true. Well, I got several of him looking like the guy similar in the photo and my dreams equal 6. Another funny little joke of ours with that number and yes, I laughed again remembering them all. They have all mostly been written! I’ve had others mentioning him but without his presence. I will take them all as they show me so much on this journey.

I never know what the storyline or setting will be just like back in his prime days of wrestling but if he is part of it, I am watching or participating. ***Ask for some dreams warriors– you just may get a few good ones. Don’t forget to play some games along the way! #besilly #dreambig #alwaysbelieve

~~~Next week it’s my BIRTHDAY so what better way than to share great exciting news happening for my book! Can’t wait to fill you all in!! Happy Dreaming warriors! ๐Ÿ˜ด

www.spiritandbelief.com

Wait, โ€œwhatโ€™s nextโ€?

The one thing I have never wavered from with these writings is my emotion involving all Warrior topics and this post is no different. If you’ve been here with me a while– you have heard it all or at least I thought so. Thank you for being part of this journey with me. ๐Ÿค— If you are a newbie, strap on those boots and gear up because more stories are still going to be told.

As I think back on all things relative to Warrior, I realized my thoughts on his statue and the Warrior Award have never been shared. Was this something I even wanted to write about? Then, I remembered the emotions at a particular moment during that time and realized my thoughts needed to come clean. What fan wouldn’t love both of these prestigious honors for the man we respected and admired? Who wouldn’t agree and say: ” Yes, his spirit should be immortalized in those ways!” Well, let’s just say that it took me some time to get there.

I know this might sound shocking to some of you considering my blogs, respect, and even my book Spirit and Belief but let me share with you how it was for me back then. After Warrior passed, there seemed to be many things coming out all at once and for me, it was exhaustible. There was his Ultimate Collection DVD, ( which was planning to be released anyway) the Always Believe DVD, soon after the statue, Warrior Award, and then still later– Warrior Day. Sometimes I had to catch my breath!

Even from someone gone from the business almost twenty years and having passed, that’s still A LOT!! ๐Ÿ˜ณ There were other little things too and how could I forget Dana’s blog? That still gets my heart every single post. ๐Ÿ’–

So many, many thoughts raced thru my mind during all this time and the timeline seemed to blur into oblivion… I had so many emotions raging that I couldn’t figure out where one began and another ended. Happiness, sadness, anger, disappointment, anxiety, feeling surprised, confused… You name it, I owned them all. I hadn’t followed WWE in years as I’ve stated before so my feelings felt explosive in a way. Why are they doing all this REALLY??? Guilt? Getting his fans on “their” side? Being apologetic? Offering ” condolences?” Media PR? Ratings for the shows? The list went on for me… I became ambivalent towards it all.

I seemed to compare it to a friend whom you’ve had a falling out years before with and now they want to make-up with you anyway they can. This was like that with me before I really understood it all. The book A Life Lived Forever explains so much more in detail leading up to a few years before Warrior’s HOF induction. Most fans knew nothing until it got closer.

We all know there would be no award had he lived among countless other events. I can attest to this personally with my life. I also thought only wrestlers who had passed got a statue, so many things I never knew. Does he deserve one? You bet he does, alive in person or not!!! Forget the “technical wrestling ability” many say he lacked. You do not want to debate that with me! You know who you are… ๐Ÿ™„๐ŸคญIt’s the image, not necessarily the moves. I believe this with any character in the WWE, not just of Warrior. It’s about the lasting longevity that leaves a legacy a character becomes thru fans and their devotion. It’s never about the what, it’s more about the how and why.

That brings me back to the why of all these extra things. Yes, WWE wanted Warrior back for years and he would’ve been an ambassador like Dana is now. We can’t figure out all the whys ever but just try to understand they are more important than the whats.

Once I sat down and heard about the first Warrior Award– and this is my reason sharing today, I actually said: ” What’s next, a statue?” I had no idea at the time they had been creating one with Dana’s help. No idea at all… I began crying as it seemed so overwhelming like this all shouldn’t be happening. I KNOW differently now and am so grateful WWE acknowledged the Ultimate Warrior with appreciation and respect.

Us fans owe everything to Triple HHH ( aka Paul) whose persistence brought our favorite back home. I am glad Warrior stepped away to raise his family and pursue other business ventures. He needed to during that time. I am extremely glad he finally had his moment at Wrestlemania XXX weekend to show everyone he really was (is) “a good guy.”

So, what is next? Lots of new merchandise, there was Camp WWE, and probably Mattie running to the ring someday! Dana has said she wants to be “bad!” Her Dad was a good character who got away with being “bad” so only time will tell… I will be watching for sure! I was just playing around with the whole what’s next? idea in my head one day when I thought of a street name. The only name that came to me was “Warrior Way.” After all, there is no street, road, avenue, lane, or anything else that fits. Once I thought more about it, I chuckled. Us fans already have our OWN Warrior Way and we don’t need a street or sign telling us so.

Like he said in his RAW speech, ( and I won’t quote, too much for me… ๐Ÿ˜ช) but the character does live on in all of our true warrior spirits and we have to be the ones pushing his legacy forward. Despite what others may think, that was his greatest wish for us. That’s where his always believe slogan originated from. He always had the “what’s next?” mentality and he wants the same for us. I certainly took on that Ultimate Challenge myself and still am today.

We can have a statue, award, ( which exemplifies a warrior spirit and I believe it’s time for another woman!) DVD’s, merchandise, a special day or anything else but what truly counts is what’s inside us, not outside. Even though at that time my emotions were a wreck, I never forgot the WHY of Warrior. I didn’t know WWE’s why then but Warrior’s never left me, even though he physically did.

My advice to you warriors out there is to find your own “what’s next?” and keep going. Dana did and we need to also. Sure, there are things you could never have imagined happening in your life but we need to keep those boots on to find the next, and next, and next. Overwhelming? Yes! Emotional? For sure! That is the what of life and we need to get to the how and why. ๐Ÿ‘ข๐Ÿค”

Our first reaction to something rarely is our last. Do something in your life that will make you glad you reached for the next thing instead of becoming dormant. I treasure all the things WWE and Dana have done and are continuing in honor of Warrior and his memory. We are obligated also to have that spirit of continuing on to the next as is our life-blood to do so.

It has always been in my veins so how could I ignore something so powerful? I wish the same for you to follow the Warrior Way and continue on with ” what’s next?” It could just very well become Ultimate!

P.S. Enjoy our Independence Day and celebrate those Founding Fathers believing in : “what’s next?”๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป๐Ÿ‘๐ŸŽ‡๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ