My most recent e-newsletter: Be Gentle with YourselfA friend recently said these words to me in an e-mail when he discovered that my intimate relationship of 35 years had come to an end. Those sweet words warmed my spirit. I was touched that John acknowledged what he called "a massive disruption in my life," and that he cared enough about me to hope that I was taking good care of myself (I am).It's always a comfort when people reach out to us. When my son Robbie was killed in 1984 the outpouring of empathy and support was almost overwhelming. I found that even the tiniest kindness warmed my heart and maybe you've had the same life-affirming experience.In my book Stick To It! I feature "The Law of Opposites" which explains that sometimes, instead of doing what we ideally need, we do the opposite. The one I kept remembering is: "When we most need to take good care of ourselves we are least likely to do so." Knowing what contrary creatures we can be, I consciously pledged to treat myself as well as I could while weathering my crisis. I wasn't perfect, but I was pretty consistent in caring for myself.        Be patient and loving with yourself. ~ Christina Winsey-RuddNow that I'm on the other side of the wormhole, self-care has become a daily practice. I work out daily, surround myself with affirmations and encouraging words, and have a self-empowering Theme for 2011 (Revival & Renewal). It's posted at http://WhyIsEveryoneSoCranky.com along with my other themes since the 90s. I hope that if or when you go through a rough patch you'll resist the law of opposites and take the time to be gentle with yourself. This way, you can smooth out some of the turbulence that comes with troubled times so you can heal your heart and get on with your life.— LeslieIF YOU LIKED THIS YOU'LL APPRECIATE MY NEWEST BLOG POST: http://blog.lesliecharles.com/2011/03/15/five-secrets-to-loving-life/Specialties: I introduce people to the art of personal transformation.My philosophy: Life is short and we are delicate creatures testing our wings in a complex, sometimes hazardous world. Like butterflies, we go through many stages and phases. As we change, we have the potential for enriching our existence and that of our families, customers, coworkers, organizations, and communities; perhaps the world. My job is to assist in that awesome process (through my keynotes, workshops, facilitation, and books).