About

ArtsyHello, I’m Renae. I’m a sociologist by degree, a corporate training professional by career, and a published inspirational author by passion.

I created this blog in an attempt to provide myself and others a dose of positivity, inspiration, and motivation… through stories, ideas, quotes, wisdom, life lessons, and other food for thought.

Many tell me I’m positive… well, positivity and optimism do not come naturally for me… at least not part of my DNA makeup… it is a daily focus – not always easy – but writing helps. Hope it helps you too!!

Thanks for stopping by Candy Coated Reality!!

Please follow, comment, like, reblog, share and join Candy Coated Reality™ on Facebook (www.facebook.com/candycoatedreality)

280 thoughts on “About”

    • Awe, thank you for your kind words!! And, nope… doesn’t sound silly at all 🙂 The way I see it, your home is supposed to “rise up and meet you” so why not design a blog to do the same, right? **giggle**

    • Awe, a candy store? Really? How cool… I love it! YES, indeed a candy store is my favorite place in the world, so if others get the same happy, fun feeling from visiting my blog as if they were in a candy store then YIIIPPPPPEEEEE!!! I’m grateful 🙂

      Thanks for your support!! xo!!

  4. Hi Renae, I wanted to say “Thank you.” for stopping by and liking and following us. I’m so glad you did, else I would never have found you! But then again, if God meant for us to cross paths, I would have. 🙂 It’s still early for me *wink*.

    Your site *is* cheerful and I feel lifted by that great smile of yours! That you say, “it’s a choice” to be positive is profound. I believe it is indeed a choice. When life is rough and things are glum we have a choice to either tackle despair or let it tackle us. I’m choosing joy and faith more and more. I thank God for being who He is, it’s because of him that this normally glum-prone woman has become a happy person. I pray that you continue this “Candy Coated Reality” – the world needs it.

    Blessings and love in Christ,
    Rebecca

    • Blessings right back to you, Rebecca!!

      Thank you for your kind words of support and encouragement. Candy Coated Reality was started for me as a reminder of my personal choice to be positive… but soon I realized it was as much for others as for myself… and it brings me such joy when readers find the blog as lovely as I do. I truly put my heart & soul into it all 🙂 God is GREAT… He has a plan… and indeed our paths would have crossed eventually… I’m sure!! Wishing you continued peace & love!!!

  5. Hi Renae! I wanted to stop by and thank you for liking a couple of my posts. I appreciate you taking the time to study my thoughts and perspective. And thank you for sharing your talent and passion here. Beautiful!

  9. Hi Renae!
    Its a great pleasure for me to find a person with some of the same set of interests 🙂 I love that pretty smile on your face, always keep that, May God bless you. I am new to wordpress and I hope I will have good time here with the bloggers like you.
    Lots of loving blessings on your way 🙂

  10. Awe, thanks Taiba Tanjila!!! Welcome to Candy Coated Reality!! Blogging is fun and sharing the experience with fellow bloggers makes it even more enjoyable!! WELCOME to WordPress!! I’m sure you’ll love it as quickly as I did 🙂 God bless!!

  16. I’m glad I clicked on the “About” so I could learn more about you, Renae, including your name, your profession, and what motivates you. This is a page that reinforces my desire to become one of your followers and to explore more of the posts in your blog. We all can use “a dose of positivity, inspiration, and motivation…” Thank you for sharing! 🙂

    • AWE, Jan… I’m truly blessed. Thank you again 🙂 PS, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the pink-ish background you use on your blog and the smiley-face-sun graphic in your header is BEYOND PERFECT!! Yah Rah!! Thank you for you 🙂 xo!!

  17. Hi Ranae. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and positive attitudes toward life. Life is beautiful, indeed. Thank you for the Like on my poem. Please visit again and feel free to leave a comment. I’m an aspiring writer, so each comment means a lot to me 🙂

    • Miwako, thank you!! I do love poems and writing them simply is NOT a gift that I possess 🙂 LOL!! I look forward to reading all of your work in the future!! Continue to follow your dream and before you know it your aspiration will be your life!! BELIEVE!! Blessings to you, xo!!

  19. Love the smile. Not everybody’s inner person spills out through his or her expressions, but it is evident to me that such is the case with you. Thank you for visiting http://morningdevotion.com/ and I pray that you’ll be blessed by what you find there just as i was blessed by touring your site. I will pray that 2 Corinthians 9:8 will come true in your life.

    Martin Drummond

    • Thank you, Martin!! To wake up and read such a generous and kind comment… You just made my day!! How incredibly thoughtful of you!! 2 Corinthians 9:8 “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” – I’m truly blessed!! God bless you and yours 🙂

  28. I love the title of your blog, it hooked me in right away. I’ve always thought being a voice-over artist would be the coolest job! All the fun of acting and bringing life to a character or story without the awkward business of facing a camera. Glad you stopped by my blog so I could find yours. 🙂

    • Sharann, thank you!! One day “Candy Coated Reality” jumped into my mind and I KNEW it was the perfect name 😉 And, yes voice-work is really FUN!! You should try it 🙂 Never thought I would use my voice for work, LOL!!

  30. Hi Renae – I LOVE your blog. What a great idea to inspire all of us with so much positivity! Thanks for making such a loving, powerful difference in the world. Angel blessings, Tricia ():-)

  31. What an inspiring place to be! Your ‘Mustard Seed’ story tells us faith requires COURAGE…Awesome! Thank you for visiting 5wise.wordpress.com. You’re on my ‘follow’ and blogroll! God bless!

  34. What a great blog! And the tone/attitude of positivity is even better. Thanks for stopping by The Brass Rag. I hope you come back and see us soon. Looking forward to your comments. Meanwhile, many blessings and happy writing.

  37. Thanks for finding the time and energy to drop in to my beeseeker blog, much appreciated.
    Not sure about your DNA but the sense of positivity is all over this blog of yours – keep it up!

  46. Thank You, I love the name of your blog, it sounds so sweet. Nice to have met you. Do much motivational speaking or writing about Home Gardening? Just took the day off and wrote the blog you liked. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Our reality at times, needs a little sweetening, nice to know you are there. Keep in touch and we will do the same.

    • Tee hee, I loved your post. I think my fav pic was of the squirrel. Ha!! When it is HOT you’ve gotta find relief 🙂 Ummm, no I don’t do much gardening… or talk about it really. I’m an urban dweller… living in downtown Cincinnati, so it is all concrete and brick for me!! I’m not much of a green thumb… BUT… I do appreciate that skill in others. Take care of you!!

      • Thank you, Your thumb doesn’t have to be green you know. You just have to get it dirty. If I may, try some fresh Herbs indoors in small pots. They are easy to grow and pretty forgiving, Plus you can add then to what ever you cook. You do cook? The raccoon was my fav. He’s either really hot or had far to much too drink. But the fans just check me up. I should have turned them on a little sooner. HaHa Thanks Again and keep candycoating our reality.

    • Thanks, Becky!! Sorry to read about your Auntie!! No matter how many years since our loved one’s passing, it is still tough!! I’m confident having you by her side brought her comfort and made it easier to take her final journey!! Thanks again for your compliments of Candy Coated Reality 🙂 I truly love this lil blog!!

  54. Thanks for coming by to like my post at Backyard Philosophy, I really appreciate it. Awesome blog. It’s really bright and organized. Best of luck with the writing and have a groovy day!

    Cheers,
    Brett

  58. Hi, thanks for visiting my blog – it was really interesting to run across yours and it’s very inspiring. I like how you say positivity is something to be worked at, or words to that effect 🙂 I am by nature not very positive, it’s definitely something I have to work at, and sometimes it doesn’t work no matter how hard I try – but that is life and I will keep trying my best as we go on!

  60. “well, positivity and optimism do not come naturally for me… at least not part of my DNA makeup… it is a daily focus… not always easy… but my writing helps”… I SO GET YOU! Thanks so much for liking my post! Following your blog now 🙂

  62. Hi Renae, thank you for liking my blog. Your blog is stunning and very unique. I like the colors yoiu chose, I’ll be looking forward to reading all of your posts. i too majored in Sociology, happy to share something in common with you. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow 🙂

    • Ooooo, I love sociology, but I would love to go back to school to study psychology… but then I realize I really don’t WANT to go back to school. Ha!! Would have been nice to have a combo degree way back when!! Thank you for your kind words!!

  69. this is a beautifully done site. I will add yours to my ‘reader’. And thank you for taking the time to visit mine’s and ‘liking’ a portion. Blessings!

  71. I can appreciate not having the “positivity” make-up…such is my plight! I try to find a peaceful spot within myself, but still I often fail. It’s a lifetime work-in-progress, much like maturing in Christian faith…Keep up your very good work, Renae!

    • Steven, I would guess 99.9% of the world are afflicted with the lack-of-positivity makeup 😉 I like the idea of finding a “peaceful spot within” – I may have to steal that idea!!! If you don’t mind!! Thank you for your kind words. So appreciated!!!

      • You use that “easy, peaceful” spot all you like! I’ll send you my paypal account number for the royalty checks…LOL! You keep on doing what you do, the world needs more people dedicated to the kind of work you do!

        🙂

  81. Thank you for writing back I am a seer and a hearer. I was born by the test of fire at 44 years old. Metatron, me and legions of angels have been fighting the dragon and his devils. Pray for us, Neal.

  84. Good to see you on dragonshades where you will find yourself amongst the colour that comprises life. Accepting the gift of breath brings experience without regret and is a constant reminder that letting go is something we can do every time we breathe out. Breathe in joy and create a smile.

  87. Oh wow, this is a beautiful and happy place to be at … I know what you mean when you said positivity is not in your DNA makeup, it really is a conscious choice … so glad to have found you and your cheerful blog. kisses …

    • Thank you, Anna!! I’m certainly glad you find Candy Coated Reality beautiful and happy!! Yes, indeed we must work to make our conscious choice daily and sometimes multiple times throughout the day as well 🙂 Wishing you the BEST!!!

  90. Hey! Really cute blog! I love it!! Thanks for the like on mine.:) I’m also on Twitter – @holliegraceanne. Happy blogging!!

  92. Hey! Thank you for visiting my blog yesthisisdiya.wordpress.com!! 🙂 Loved your blog! Lot of positivity!!
    Wishing you a vary Happy 2013!!

  94. Thanks for stopping by and liking my post; I just started writing to help me focus a little and it’s encouraging to know that someone is reading (and liking) what I have to say. I loved your post about the mustard seed, at times it’s that mustard seed of faith that helps me through my day. Great site, love the layout 🙂

  100. I think I may have just found my answers and directions to a lot of things, I’m also studying to be a Sociologist ‘by degree’ 😀 but the major part of me wants to be a great writer and a motivational speaker and that’s who you are 🙂 Thanks a bunch for liking my recent post! Followed, see ya around friend 🙂

    • Awe, Eva… your comment makes my heart skip with joy!! Yes, follow your bliss… no matter what… write… speak… do what you do!! I love sociology!! It lends itself to so many careers!!! So happy to have you following Candy Coated Reality now!! 😉

  103. I had plans of naming my next girl Maggie Renae and that was how I was going to spell it! Had two more boys so didn’t get the chance, but it was a plan 🙂 Your blog is so wonderfully colorful and playful. Keep shining! Thanks for liking my posts. Lori

    • Awe, thanks Lori!! Funny story… I was supposed to be Renee with two ee’s but my dad was completing the paperwork and misspelled it (back in the 70’s guys weren’t in the delivery room). He says to this day, “It is the AMERICAN way of spelling… you’re not French! I spelled it correctly, Nae!” LOL!! Thanks for checking out Candy Coated Reality!! xo

  104. Hi Renae. Thank you for visiting feelingjoy and liking my poem Greener Grass. Thank you for your post…Tears for Ryan Lanza. Pam

  107. I am so happy I stumbled on your blog. You have such a positive spirit and I loved reading your posts. I love how just reading a post you can feel a sense of hope and feel inspired to tackle what you would like to do. Cannot wait to read more of your post 🙂

  108. I just read your article in the Law of Attraction and it was like I was writing the article myself…I couldn’t have loved it more!! So honest and authentic…very inspiring. I was in a very similar place and your words ring so true to me. I too am starting a blog in May so reading your article and finding your blog at this particular time is perfect! Keep up the amazing work.

    • Thank you so much, Nicole!! I must admit I was scared out of my mind to include so many intimate details about my personal struggles. I thought, “who wants to hear I tell myself I love you, I accept you… ” BUT, I knew if the article was going to be any good at all, then I had to share my heart and soul so that is exactly what I did. So far the response has been overwhelmingly positive. I’m so thankful I took the risk to live my truth and share it ALL with the readers!! Best wishes on your blog!! xo

  111. Hi Renae,

    Nice meeting you here. Your blog is awesome. I am gladly following. 🙂

    BTW, the welcoming section up there makes me sad. It includes many other languages, but not my language 😦

    Subhan Zein

    • Thank you, Subhan!! That image is a “stock image” purchased from a website. I wish I could edit it and add more languages!! So, how do you say hello in your language? Tell me here, so at least we have it captured to share with others!!! xo

  115. I love what you are doing here. I too have created a blog to promote the positive! I look forward to coming back to read more of your writing in the future. In addition to your chosen topics and writing I also like how you have designed your site! I am always glad to find others that are focused on spreading a positive outlook, postiive news, etc. Thank you for what you are doing!

    • An award? OMG, thank you so much for your kind generousity!! Candy Coated Reality is my little labor of love and it makes my heart sing with pure joy when someone tells me they like it… let alone gift me with an award!! THANK YOU!!!

  121. Hello Renae, thank you for your likes 🙂 I’d like to say that I admire your work, and yes! I totally agree with you that writing does help to ignite and re-ignite the positivity flame. I’m just starting my blog on my personal reach. I am hoping to use it as a facilitator to positivity and genuine happiness! Cheers!

  128. I love this blog!!!! Dogs can’t really eat candy, but I believe in the candy coated philosophy as well! Joy, from the ground up, as I say. Thank you for the positivity you add to the world!

  131. Dear…nice to see you blog and read wonderful statement “dose of positivity, inspiration and motivation” ….
    Amazing mission you have…and very impressive words you have chosen to elaborate About..!
    Many blessings…!

  133. Hi, Renae – so glad to see your work here – I just discovered it after you “liked” my post “My Brother’s Keeper?” – I just read your article in the Law of Attraction magazine – “Happy from the Inside Out” – and it is EXCELLENT – thanks for sharing your thoughts, your journey, and your heart. Blessings on your path…

  134. I love your outlook on life and must say that the positive vibe you emit from your blog is pretty infectious – your words have certainly brought a smile to my face! Thanks also for taking a moment out of your day to read my post!

  137. Renae its a pleasure to have some form of engagement from a fellow blogger at the infancy of our development. We weren’t expecting that at all & we’ll forever cherish your engagement :-). Being a seasoned blogger you might be aware of the feeling you get when someone reaches out. Especially when you have such a radiant site exuding such positive energy. Feel free to send us any stimulating content you run across so we can further channel that positive energy onto our site.

    & Once again thanks for being the light, in _-_Enlightened~Allure_-_ 🙂

  138. Thanks, for the “Like” on my poem. When all other attempts at writing fail me I return to poetry and things are always better when I’m done. I’m all for positivity, and I expect to find more in your blog. 🙂

  140. Hi Renae!! Thanks for stopping by my blog!! I LOVE all the color you have on yours!! And such positive motivation and inspiration!! I especially enjoyed reading some of your thoughts on acceptance from others – as someone in recovery from an eating disorder, i can definitely see how my need for acceptance from others drove me into my obsession with perfectionism!!

    Thanks for writing and sharing your thoughts with the world! Keep it up! 🙂

  143. Thank you for reading my latest post and liking it. I like your about page. I am in awe of anyone with “positivity in her DNA.” I have often wished that I was born and raised that way, but I have begun to accept that God made me the way He did and made you the way He did because each of us has a unique role to play in His plan. I wish you the best in your healthy endeavors. I hope you came back to my blog again. Thanks ever so.

  144. I like your Candy Coated Reality philosophy! I do my best to have the same ideals. Thank you for sharing, and I’m looking forward to following your posts. Please keep up the good work of spreading positivity to our world!

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