I have often contemplated the decisions I've made in my life and come to realize there's no point in living with regret. I know that's easier said than done. To doubt one's self, to question a situation in hindsight, to rehash a point in time and dream up different scenarios does keep the mind active but why are we spending our thoughtful energies on negative things? ### *Who needs that kind of garbage in their life?* ![Quote by Meredith Loughran](https://steemitimages.com/DQmT4HTRqZbeU5a6B5dUJG2tnNqQHfLpeN1Eo6hBi9aY2Av/decisions.jpg)
^{Photograph and quote by Meredith Loughran} There are several people whom I admire on Steemit, and for various reasons, but there is one woman in particular who captures my attention. I have been an inconsistent follower but when I do touch base with her, I am moved by the depth of her shared offerings: art, poetry, philanthropy...*and she shares her pain.* I admire anyone who gives so freely of herself. She's raw, eloquent, and beautiful on the inside and out. ### Who is this amazing woman? # @girlbeforemirror ![girlbeforemirror.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmXPhYFvg2GbTGRVXDcF87mkdEpWSN19eza2U2Qyc4FE8j/girlbeforemirror.jpg)
^{Photo from her blog}

To read about her story, you must see this through the eyes of someone who loves her most, her husband @azurejasper ### He wrote, **["Sharing isn't easy for me..."](https://steemit.com/life/@azurejasper/sharing-this-isn-t-easy-for-me-and-i-m-not-comfortable-about-it-but-this-community-has-become-so-important-to-girlbeforemirror)** He spoke of the charity work she did for survivors of childhood sexual assault through an Australian-based charity called [Bravehearts](https://bravehearts.org.au/). She ran seven ultra marathons in seven days to raise funds and awareness, but it's not just about the achievement - you really must read about her ***journey.*** **[Here's her post](https://steemit.com/life/@girlbeforemirror/why-i-pledged-to-run-almost-300kms-for-a-man-i-had-never-met-who-had-accused-a-man-i-had-loved-all-my-life-of-the-most-heinous).** ^{*NOTE: it's a long read but well worth it!*} Unfortunately, health problems and pain began during this event, blowing out both knees and torn tissue around her spine, probably exacerbated a very serious and rare condition. After much time in the hospital she was diagnosed with a rare connective tissue disorder. ----- # #payitforward I am donating all liquid funds from this post to @girlbeforemirror and I am calling out to this wonderful community to show your wonderful support. ### Here are some options on how you can participate * Visit posts from @girlbeforemirror and her husband, @azurejasper and ***give them generous upvotes on their posts and comments.*** * Direct donation to them. * Resteem **their** content so they can have greater exposure. * Share their story on your social media. * Leave thoughtful comments and let them know you're thinking about | praying | sending positive thoughts for them. ----- ### People who directly donated to @girlbeforemirror are: @redeemed | @clayboyn | @silviabeneforti | @littlenewthings | @shortcut | @zooropa | @snooway | @surpassinggoogle | @murda-ra | @paradise-found | @kaylinart | ----- ### And my sincere wish... More than anything dear, @girlbeforemirror - I humbly pray for the recovery of your health; that you remain strong in spirit, and can be home with your family where you belong. ----- ## *#payitforward updates* * @thecrazygm was just readmitted into the hospital again. Michael could also use your support in any way possible. * #hamburgersaintproject is operated by @lexikon082 and operated through the @hamburger-saint account - a project that is a legacy of love, giving and humor in memory of Sgt. Michael Barkey. I will be drawing names of two people to receive a gift from me. It's not too late to be included on that list! * Steemfest travel fund is getting a boost from @paolobeneforti's art auction. [Check out the art that has been donated by Steemians so far!](https://steemit.com/art/@paolobeneforti/the-art-auction-for-the-travel-reimbursement-fund-for-steemfest-the-artworks-offered-so-far) Let's get as many people to Steemfest² as possible!

*To all of your reading* # Thank you.