The Joyful Journey: Unleashing the Superpowers of Happiness

In a world where deadlines chase us like caffeinated squirrels and stress lurks around every corner, it’s time to embrace our inner happiness superhero. Yes, you heard that right—happiness is our very own spandex-clad, cape-waving champion!

The Importance of Being Happy:

1. Healthier Hearts, Happier Lives:
   • Happy people seem to have secret handshakes with their hearts. They dance through life with fewer health problems, a lower risk of depression, and—wait for it—longer lives!
   • So, next time your heart flutters, give it a high-five and whisper, “Thanks for keeping me alive, buddy!”
2. Smile Like You Mean It:
   • Smiling is like a free ticket to the happiness rollercoaster. When you flash those pearly whites, your brain releases endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin—the ultimate happy hormones!
   • Plus, it’s contagious! Smile at someone, and they’ll probably smile back. It’s like a happiness boomerang.
3. The Science of Grins:
   • Researchers (who probably grin a lot) found that smiling makes people feel happier. Scowling? It turns them into angrier versions of themselves. Frowning? Instant sadness upgrade. The impact might be small, but hey, every smile counts!

Boosting Your Happiness Quotient:

1. Stay Connected:
   • The Harvard study wizards discovered that close relationships with family and friends are happiness boosters. Personal connections are like emotional vitamins—essential for your well-being!
2. Volunteer Like a Boss:
   • Volunteering gives you purpose points. It’s like leveling up in the game of life. Plus, it’s scientifically proven to improve your mood. So, go ahead—spread kindness like confetti!
3. Find Your Inner Child:
   • Remember those carefree days when mud pies were gourmet cuisine? Revisit activities that once made your heart do cartwheels. Swing on swings, chase butterflies, or build pillow forts. Your inner child will high-five you!

Happiness isn’t a rare Pokémon; it’s a daily quest. So, put on your happiness armor, wield your smile sword, and march forth! Remember, even on cloudy days, there’s a silver lining—you can create your own sunshine.

Now, go out there and spread joy like glitter at a unicorn party!

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Disclaimer: This article is not intended to replace professional advice. If symptoms of happiness persist, consult your inner giggler.

As the great Bobby McFerrin sang, “Don’t worry, be happy!” ☺️

With massive love to you all!

~ Sheila ❣️

¹: Health and happiness go hand in hand – Harvard Health ²: The Effects of Joy on Your Body – Healthline ³: 11 Science-Backed Benefits of Smiling – Mindfulness Meditation Institute ⁴: 7 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Smiling – Science Times ⁵: 10 Big Benefits of Smiling – Verywell Mind

The Yin ~ Yang Chronicles: Living in the Gray. The Balance between Good & Evil.

Hi everyone,

Allow me to share a glimpse into my soul—a journey that transcends mere ink on paper. “The Yin ~ Yang Chronicles: Living in the Gray. The Balance between Good & Evil” is my heart’s symphony, a dance between light and shadow, virtue and vice. Within these pages, you’ll find a tapestry woven from threads of mystery, redemption, and the delicate balance between Good and Evil.

As the author, I’ve poured my essence into every page, crafting characters who grapple with their inner demons while navigating a world teetering on the precipice. This is a book full of exciting short stories that unravel the veils of existence, seeking equilibrium in a universe that thrives on polarity.


Why should you embark on this literary odyssey? Here are three compelling reasons:


The Gray Zone: Life isn’t black and white; it’s a canvas of grays. Our choices define us, and sometimes salvation lies in the murkiness. Explore the shadows of morality as our protagonists confront their own shades of gray.

Free Kindle Offer: From April 8th to April 12th, my gift to you—a chance to immerse yourself in this saga without spending a dime. Kindle readers, rejoice! Download your copy and let the words weave their magic.

A Review, A Whisper: In return, I ask for a single favor: a review on Amazon. Share your thoughts, your emotions, your musings. Your words will echo through eternity, shaping the destiny of these tales.

🌟 Claim Your Copy of The Yin ~ Yang Chronicles: Living in the Gray. The Balance between Good & Evil at Amazon


Thank you, everyone, for embarking on this shared voyage.



With ink-stained gratitude,

Sheila ❣️

The Yin ~ Yang Chronicles: Living in the Gray. The balance between Good & Evil

The Yin ~ Yang Chronicles: Living in the Gray. The balance between Good & Evil, my new book is out! Super excited! Here’s where you can get the Kindle edition available on Amazon!

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In the quiet corners of existence, where light and shadow entwine, I found my muse—the delicate dance of yin and yang. It was there, amidst the whispers of forgotten realms, that the tapestry of my life began to unravel, revealing threads of hope, fear, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

The Yin ~ Yang Chronicles: Living in the Gray. The Balance between Good & Evil emerged from this cosmic dance, a collection of stories that beckon readers to explore the edges of existence. As I put pen to paper, I wove together fragments of dreams and nightmares, creating a mirror that reflects both salvation and damnation.

Within the Pages of Yin

Hope blossoms like fragile petals in the moonlight. Each story in Yin invites you to step beyond the mundane, to embrace the ethereal whispers of possibility. Here, the abyss is not merely a void; it is a chalice of potential. As dreamers, we sip from its elixir of longing, our hearts daring to reach for brighter dawns.

In the quietude of ancient forests, a lost soul encounters a spectral guardian—a bridge between realms. In the flicker of candlelight, a forbidden love blooms, defying the boundaries of life and death. And within the ink-stained pages of forgotten grimoires, secrets unravel, revealing paths to hidden truths.

The Shadows of Yang

But as light casts its hopeful glow, shadows deepen. Yang takes us into the abyssal depths, where nightmares fester and secrets coil like serpents. Here, fear wears many faces—a haunting melody, a cursed artifact, a forbidden pact. These are the stories that delve into the heart of darkness, where the line between hero and villain blurs.

In the moon-lit streets of a hopeless city, a fallen deity grapples with its own existence, questioning the nature of good and evil. In the desolate wastelands, a lone wanderer confronts a malevolent force that feeds on despair. And within the minds of fractured souls, battles rage—a cosmic tug-of-war between redemption and destruction.

Dancing on the Edge of Duality

As you turn these pages, remember that life is a delicate balance. We teeter on the precipice, our footsteps echoing across the chasm. The abyss is our mirror—a reflection of hopes and terrors. Dare to unlock its mysteries, for within lies the essence of our humanity.

The Yin ~ Yang Chronicles: Living in the Gray. The balance between Good & Evil is not just a book; it is an invitation. An invitation to explore the gray spaces, where contradictions merge, and where salvation and damnation intertwine. As you read the Kindle edition, know that you are reading a piece of my soul—a testament to the eternal dance of light and shadow.

The Yin ~ Yang Chronicles: Living in the Gray. The balance between Good & Evil by Sheila Renee Broadway. Kindle edition available on Amazon!

Hearing Angels

Hearing angels…. ahhh…. not something that’s quite that simple to discuss. It should be easy, but it’s not. There are so many skeptics out there who are quick to scoff at those who say they can communicate with the ethereal beings. So quick are those to pass judgment upon the things they don’t understand.

But for those who truly believe in such communication, they say that it is very real. Angels are all around us, waiting eagerly to assist. They are willing to provide guidance and assurance. All one has to do is simply ask and the angels are happy to help. With them they bring light and love. A sense of comfort that offers warmth with all that is positive.

I am actually one of those people who deeply believes in angelic communication. I openly admit this to let those who keep quiet, know that it’s ok to talk about it. For years I never said a word regarding the subject because I was too afraid of what others would think, but then I discovered that there were other people who could do the exact same thing. Talk about a relief, finally! I know some people probably think I’m crazy and I’m ok with that, but I know what I believe in my heart to be real.

Angelic messages are always uplifting, never anything negative. Angels are full of compassion and their mission is to help. I constantly feel their presence twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. It’s amazing and encouraging, a wondrous sense of enlightenment. I also have a spirit guide with whom I communicate on a regular basis. She’s always around me, never leaves my side. When my father passed away a few years ago, she comforted me and helped me heal.

Like I said in the beginning, this isn’t an easy topic to discuss because there are so many skeptics, but I truly feel blessed with what I sincerely believe.

People have asked me how can they talk with their spirit guides as well. I have merely answered by telling them how it happened for me. It was years ago and I was going through a rough patch in life. Then, I just turned to my faith. I’ve never considered myself a religious person, but I’ve always maintained my spiritual beliefs. During that difficult time was when I asked for assistance. That’s when my spirit guide made her beautiful presence known. I saw her in my mind’s eye. The image was very clear, as if she was literally standing before me. She spoke to me telepathically. Her lips never moved. There was an ethereal white light about her and I knew from that moment on, that she would always be there. A comfort that still gives me solace each and every single day.

People have asked me countless times if spirit guides are good or evil when I talk about my guardian. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I felt comfortable enough to openly discuss the relationship that I have with my spirit guide. I’ve often been asked, “How do you know if it’s really your spirit guide or something malevolent pretending to be good in order to mislead you?” 

Every time I’m asked that this is what I say, “I’m an empath. I can very easily pick up on energies, both good and evil. My ability never lies. I can also communicate with the Angelic Realm. My angel radio is always on.”

How I know that my guardian/ spirit guide is good is because her presence is always warm, loving and full of positive energy. She’s extremely comforting to me. Her ethereal light doesn’t have to be seen in order for me to know that she shines. It is felt and radiates deep from within.

I was once told by someone attending one of my public speaking events that I shouldn’t openly talk about being able to communicate with the angels. When I asked the gentleman why, he replied, “Cuz people will think you’re crazy.” And actually, that was what kept me quiet about the subject for a long time… the fear of what others thought. But after a while, I got the courage to put that fear behind me and be strong. I am happy to talk about angelic communication and if someone thinks I’m crazy, then that’s on them… not me. I’m happy with who I am. I am proud of my gift and I refuse to hide it. I embrace this beautiful ability and I am here as a lightworker to help spread the messages that the angels want me to convey.

That is why I know my guardian is purely of love and light. There is absolutely nothing “evil” or “malevolent” about her. Anything evil, even when pretending to be good, cannot be felt purely of love and light. Evil is cold and dark no matter how hard they may try to mask it, I can easily feel the difference.

Years ago when I openly embraced the relationship with my spirit guide, I asked her her name. She warmly answered, “Mary.” And every time I talk about this, it gives me goosebumps, but in a good way, like I can feel her positive vibes even stronger. Now to be honest, communicating with the Angelic Realm did make me question myself in the past, simply because I was more reserved about it. Why? Because I was so full of questions.

As time has moved on, I now feel even more empowered with a higher sense of understanding. So, with all that being said…. Is how I know that my guardian/ spirit guide is definitely good and not evil. Remember, evil cannot be purely of love and light regardless of how hard they may try to manipulate. Always trust your instinct. Your instinct will never lie to you.

“Stalked by Shadows”

Step by step, I stroll the streets, the eerie silence of the night enveloping me in a shroud of darkness. The moon hides behind thick, impenetrable clouds, casting the city into monochromatic shades of black. Shadows, twisted and malevolent, stretch and coil upon the rooftops of the towering buildings, concealing the nefarious creatures that await their chance to strike.

Atop those spectral edifices, the creatures lurk, their eyes aglow with a sinister red. They watch, patient and vigilant, as the unsuspecting souls wander the forsaken streets below, oblivious to the impending horrors that hover above. These creatures, neither ghost nor man, have one purpose — to claim their prey, their teeth sharp as razors and their claws like daggers.

The air is thick with a cold, damp foulness that chills to the bone. An eerie howl echoes through the night, sending shivers down my spine. I clutch my coat tightly, the very fabric of my existence, a feeble shield against the malevolence that lingers in the darkness. My breath forms clouds in the frigid air, visible proof of my dread.

As I press on through the labyrinthine alleys and deserted streets, the world around me becomes a macabre painting, a nightmarish masterpiece. Then, a sudden revelation seizes the creatures above. They see me, just as I see them. Their sinister red eyes widen with realization, their fates sealed.

For they are not the hunters tonight. No, it is I who hungers, I who feeds upon the malevolent. In a heart-pounding twist, the roles reverse, and I become the harbinger of justice, the protector of the innocent. With newfound purpose, I confront the shadows that once stalked me, their howls now desperate cries for mercy.

I am the hunter, and they are my prey. And as I move through the haunted streets, the balance between light and dark teeters on a precipice, and the city holds its breath, awaiting the final stroke of my vengeance.

~ A short story adapted from my poem, “The Unforeseen” (by Sheila Renee Parker).

(“The Unforeseen”. A poem by Sheila Renee Parker.)

Yoga, Self – Love and the “Big D”!

Wait….. What?! What kind of a title is that? I’ll explain everything, no worries…..

As you all know, I used to be very attentive with my writing. However, the past year and a half have been extremely rocky. Everyone has their ups and downs, right? Yep!

But let me begin with yoga. Yoga has saved my life in more ways than one. Ever since my Fibromyalgia diagnosis three years ago, and the discovery of my spinal stenosis last year…. then, being told by my psychiatrist that I have severe depression along with my other physical ailments that cause limitations, anxiety, etc…. and I’m not trying to get sympathy from anyone, I’m just explaining why things have been rough.

Anywho… seeing so many doctors, pain management specialist, chiropractor, physical therapists…. many prescriptions, back injections… blah, blah, blah… all that didn’t work. Prior to that, I used to work out every single day, but as time went on… body complications…. slowed down or halted a lot of that for me.

Long story short, things were getting so bad that I could no longer do my work out routine, along with other normal daily activities. (And my husband had his own health issues…. chronic pancreatitis has been something he’s been living with for years….. countless hospital stays, his own doctor appointments…. etc)…

So, what did I do? I turned to yoga. Yoga was something that I practiced on and off for years, but recently it has helped me in more ways than I could have ever imagined! Yoga is an extremely important part in my life now. Not only does it help me manage my chronic pain (which can be a level 7-8 a lot of days), yoga helps with my mobility issues and limitations. There are still so many things that I can no longer do, like maintain the type of employment that I used to work, I’m not suppose to lift anything heavier than 10-15 pounds, no more jogging….. yaddy, yaddy, yada…. But thanks to yoga, I have learned to appreciate other ways to do things.

I actually love Yoga so much that I recently got my certification as a Yoga Instructor. And since I am health conscious about eating right, I also got my certification as a Nutritionist. AND…. lol…. life has been a lot of fun for me lately! Yesterday, I achieved my certification in Mindfulness, which means I can also teach meditation along with pranayama breathwork practice. Practicing Mindfulness aids with calming the mind, brings awareness to self and others, to love and kindness (metta), and mindfulness is non-striving and non-judgemental. Mindfulness can help ease chronic pain, anxiety and depression as well.

Ok…. so, what’s the “Big D”, (as what’s mentioned in the title of this post)? The “Big D”…. *taking a breath here*…. is after being with my husband for 25 years (quarter of a century… wow!), he and I have amicably decided to go our separate ways. Our divorce was finalized a couple of months ago. I won’t bore you all with the details, but…. life has seriously taught me something…. and that’s, life really is what we make it!! We can choose to cry and moan about things that are beyond our control…. OR…. we can learn acceptance, learn to let go of the past, and embrace the future with open arms and an open mind.

Life will always be full of ups and downs, that’s just how it goes, but with the right mindset we’ll be ready for the challenge.

• Stay strong, everyone!! You are all much loved!!!
• Sheila ❤️

Yoga Certification and Mindfulness Certification achieved through YogaRenew! A wonderful online site that I highly recommend!! https://www.yogarenewteachertraining.com/

A Strange Phenomenon

Last night something eerie happened! However, it wasn’t the first time, nor will it ever be the last time, I feel.

At home the light above the kitchen sink randomly started to flicker. (*No other lights in the house did this either.)

So, we decided to pull out the K2 Meters. They began lighting up! We were lucky enough to capture it on video.

Notice the stove light next to the sink light. It never flickered at all. Only the light above the sink kept performing its electrical theatrics, while both K2 Meters responded.

We bought the house nearly eight years ago. We were automatically drawn to its energy. Several things have happened while living here.

We’ve even captured EVPs here before!

Wanted to share an article that I recently wrote for my site about our house and its otherworldly activities….

(And trust me, I am definitely one to research and debunk before making any claims…. )

Anywho, here’s the article titled, “The House of Spirits” that I wrote about our beloved residence….. https://sheilareneeparker.com/2022/08/04/the-house-of-spirits/

Below are a couple of videos of last night’s strange phenomenon. Again, we checked the light bulb.. lighting… Etc… All are fine. Besides, if it were the light bulb and lighting, then explain the K2 Meters reacting and the EVPs we’ve captured before?!

The Historical Saluda Hill Cemetery

“Saluda Hill Cemetery is a private historical cemetery established in 1824. Among the graves here is that of Zachariah Godbold, the only known Revolutionary War veteran buried in Baldwin County. Many Blakeley residents and Confederate soldiers also are buried in the cemetery.
 
Erected 1997 by Alabama Historical Association.” ~ https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=81854

The location is a small one with headstones dating back a couple of centuries. As mentioned above, Revolutionary War veteran Zachariah Godbold is buried there as well.  ~ https://sites.rootsweb.com/~alzgcdar/photos.htm

It’s a fascinating cemetery, aged, yet it also includes a few burials from recent years. My husband and I saw it across from the entrance of the Historic Blakeley State Park. Before heading back home, we decided to check it out and pay our respects to the graves.

Inside the cemetery were a couple of sectioned off places that looked like family plots. These two separate areas had low brick walls and wrought iron fences with a gate. One of the squared off plots had several old headstones dating back to the 1800s. One was of a young mother and her two young children. The headstone beside theirs was so weathered and worn that it was pieced together like a puzzle. It was obvious that someone went to great lengths to keep it together because it was being held up by some sort of makeshift metal brace.

The second sectioned off place didn’t have any visible markers or headstones that my husband or I could see. Perhaps it was due to the overgrowth of grass, or maybe the graves were unknown, or maybe the surviving family members couldn’t afford headstones (which was often the case back in the day.)

And at the back of this old cemetery was another gate with a pathway that lead to the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery. This cemetery was beautifully kept as well.

The following are some photos that we took of the historical Saluda Hill Cemetery.

This photo is of The Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Being at Peace…

Last night was another beautiful sunset on the bay. It had rained earlier in the day yesterday, and like most days with many “after the rain” moments, the evening sky was full of breathtaking colors.

After dinner, my husband and I took a drive to a couple of different locations on the coast. Both places were just a few miles apart from each other, and for some strange reason, there were so many dragonflies out! More so than usual, it seemed. My husband and I loved it! Dragonflies are very special creatures to us. Their totem meaning ….

I tried to take photos of the dragonflies, but was unable to because they were so fast with their flight. But in one of my videos, a dragonfly did fly across my screen. I felt blessed!

Here are some photos from last night’s magical sunset. Had to share with you all. Hope you enjoy!

Much love & light!

~ Sheila 💋

Dracula… A very intriguing coloring book!

A few years ago, a very dear friend of mine gave me a unique coloring book. I found it to be rather interesting because its theme was one of gothic design.

My friend, knowing my love of the classic story of Dracula written by Bram Stoker, was so excited to gift the book to me, and I was honored to accept such thoughtfulness.

The coloring book is full of pages containing beautiful artistic depictions from the story, also excerpts from the various characters including Dracula, Jonathan Harker, Jonathan’s beloved Mina, Dr. Seward and Professor Van Helsing.

The story’s quotes are illustrated in a beautiful font, as if someone had literally scripted them onto the pages by hand.

Now I must admit, I’ve never colored in this very special coloring book. Why? Especially since I’m such a huge fan and ever so grateful of my dear friend’s gift? The reason why I have never colored on its pages is because to me, the coloring book is already so extremely beautiful and I want to keep it just as it was when my friend first gave it to me. (I am an extremely sentimental person. 😉)

A shout out to my friend, Gigi for her kindness and thoughtful ways! ❤️

The following photos are of the beautiful coloring book, “Bram Stoker’s Dracula, a coloring classic. “