sublime

As the years pass, I realize life is less than sublime…I don’t know if all of us believed (at some point in our younger years) that life was peaches and cream or rainbows and unicorns or faloodeh (falooda/faluda) and rasgullas!

Life is big and beautiful, gloriously difficult and fun, looming and tiresome…and from my perspective, so worth the living.

Speaking with someone this morning, I realized I have a wish/prayer for us all this month of love…

May you take as many deep and full breaths as you need.

May you light a candle, on the darkest of nights/days, even if it’s the only light in the moment…focus on the flame as you hum, sing, count or sit mesmerized by all that is illuminated by this smallest of lights.

May you walk in the park, or on a trail in the city, or simply down the sidewalk and bask in the sun.

May you find your way to a body of water if water speaks comfort, healing and joy to your soul…whether that be a pond, lake, swimming pool or the ocean herself.

May the sights and sounds of nature bring delight to you…the birds chirping and flying together (for reasons still unclear to me, seeing the V formation delights my soul!) , the squirrels and bunnies’ sudden movements, the beauty of the trees, the movement made by the wind…

May you be gently reminded of how much you’re valued, wanted…and needed here.

May you hug and hold yourself if no one is present to physically hold you now. The experts say we need eight hugs to survive and twelve to thrive…daily!

May words of affirmation and encouragement rise up through lyrics, verses, cards, comedy, your circle as well as pleasantly surprising and unexpected sources.

May there be moments of wonder and awe and…sheer delight and pure joy.

May dreams be awakened within you…vivid and colorful and carefree…may visions continue to come to you and fuel your HOPE (Heavenly Oxygen Permeating Earth).

May you find grounding techniques helpful.

May you touch five different things…various fabrics, papers, paint or other liquids…and may you fully feel them…the texture, the way it feels on your fingertips, the way it feels to hold…

May you look intently at four things and be comforted…maybe see some things never seen before.

May you listen to three different sounds and be soothed, encouraged, consoled, have creativity spark…maybe close your eyes to concentrate on the sounds.

May you smell two different scents and immerse yourself in the aroma…and where it takes you.

May you taste one sweet or savory item of your choice (or both sweet and salty!) and give yourself the freedom to truly relish it.

May you find comfort and courage and strength in all the above.

May you know that strength is found in letting our tears freely flow down our face…and body, in laughing till our sides hurt, in smiling at strangers as we pass, in sitting in the silence, in doodling, in dancing, in drawing, in yoga, in looking in the mirror and offering love to ourselves even if only through our eyes (words if you choose and of your choosing), in Pilates, in speaking with friends, in sharing with support groups and therapists and in so many more ways than I can even begin to list.

Fortitude to you…to us all, as we navigate what’s new and different and difficult/challenging.

Wisdom to us for/on this journey and always…

Grace upon grace.

Common Day Hero: College, the newness of things, the pain of the past, life in general…for all of it, I dedicate this post to you, Emma R. You are held, always…in the warmest of thoughts and most positive energy and by our ancestors whose strength and resilience flows through your veins, empowering and propelling you forward. Be bold and brave as you are evolving and ever-becoming…a beautiful butterfly.

commit

The world is loud and noisy.

For our own health’s sake, which in turn affects those around us, we can commit to silence the noise. We may not always have a say about external noise; however, we can commit to silence the noise near and within us…to the best of our ability – below are some suggestions that may resonate with you:

Commit to silence the noise by

practicing being in silence for 3minutes a day @minimum

IF that needs to be in ya closet with ya eyes closed OR staring out at the lake…just silence

Commit to silence the noise by

choosing 1 day a week OR month of 0 social media and/OR no TV, Netflix, Hulu, appleTV etc

Commit to silence the noise by

silencing the phone for a certain amount of time while awake (bedtime doesn’t count here)

Commit to silence the noise by

meeting with a therapist and/or life coach regularly

Commit to silence the noise by

joining a support group

Commit to silence the noise by

walking away from gossip

Commit to silence the noise by

taking full/deep breaths every day -practice fully inhaling for five; holding for seven and exhaling for nine

Commit to silence the noise by

sitting or standing in silence (not doing anything else) while listening to 1 instrumental piece

Commit to silence the noise by

reading Scripture

writing out Scriptures on index cards or colorful card stock (or construction paper!)

and if ya find it helpful, tape in a prominent place OR keep in your vehicle’s cup holder and read every time you enter your vehicle (before driving!)

Commit to silence the noise by

drawing freeStyle

doodling

coloring in a coloring book

Commit to silence the noise by

using grounding techniques – move slowly through each of the following:

look at (really see) and count 5 different things in the room

touch 4 things such as feeling the fabric of your outfit

listen to/focus on 3 distinct sounds (sometimes closing eyes may help during this)

taste 2 different things (take your time with each piece of fruit, chocolate, cheese…)

smell an essential oil or perfume

Commit to silence the noise by

picturing a mental image (the ocean, mountains, the forest, a park, the sky, a rainbow…something else)

Commit to silence the noise by

Saying affirmations out loud with ya hand raised if ya like!

I AM essential, I AM loved, I AM healed

I commit to be still

I commit to live from a place of rest (acronym: Releasing Every Sabotaging Thought -author unknown)

I AM free

Commit to silence the noise by

choosing a day to simply stay in (and for those of us who stay in too much already; go out now!)

Commit to silence the noise by

lighting a candle, maybe sit in nothing but the light of that candle and watch the flame

Commit to silence the noise by

meditating

listening to Scriptures or affirmations – it is a joy for me to read Scripture, quotes, poems, affirmations, letters for individuals as well as gatherings of any kind. Yes, call or text to commission -469.585.3723 (smiles and dap)!

Commit to silence the noise by

choosing to be silent for a whole 24hours!

Commit to silence the noise by

choosing what brings your heart contentment, peace and joy

Common Day Hero: She rises early to ensure that all is well, in her heart as well as her home, for her sweet family. She works full time within the home and for the congregation she serves alongside her family as well as at her place of employment. She is gentle and firm, soft and strong, present in every moment. I AM grateful to have her in my circle and feel so honored by her. Today, I dedicate this post to Alice G…Heaven’s best to you and yours, always.

highly

rePosting and slightly edited – Comfort, Peace and Light to all ~

Thinking about Mother Mary this holiday season, had me overwhelmed with emotion…

She was “highly favored” AND pregnant but not married in a time that looked down on such things

“Highly favored” AND couldn’t get a loan…a bank account…or a phone on her own

“Highly favored” AND couldn’t get a place in her own name

“Highly favored” AND rejected by the local townsfolk, gossiped about by the praying and the prEying

“Highly favored” AND discredited, made fun of and most likely ostracized by the Believers Only Club and the At-least-we-lookiN-Holy Inc

“Highly favored” AND how many “friends” disappeared once she went public w/her “condition”

“Highly favored” AND which religious circle/s happily welcomed her into their group

“Highly favored” AND she had to tell her fiancé, I’m pregnant oh…it’s Heaven’s Child – like ain’t no HUman did this

“Highly favored” AND she appeared mentally unstable…unwell…

“Highly favored” AND how much prenatal care she get (if any)

“Highly Favored” AND in the dead of night, had to leave erythAng she knew AnD move…not up to the East side, no…she had to move to a place that certainly didn’t look HeavenSent

“Highly Favored” AND she laid on the dirtY floor of a stable…surrounded by animals, LAWD, the smells alone – I need to know, did somebody give the girl some lemon, lavender, mint…anything?

“Highly Favored” AND she gave birth to her firstborn: The Most Powerful and simultaneously Gentle One, The Great Spirit, The Divine, My Sovereign One behind the Bethlehem Bed and Breakfast.

“Highly Favored”…now, maybe we should talk about the definitions for this word, favor –

kindness, approval, support, over generous, preferential treatment…wait a minute, whose definition of FavoR we talkiN’ about here?

Favor from Heaven’s perspective is NOthing like what earth may have us believing!

Remember to remind yaSelf of the way Heaven views Favor

iF you are Highly Favored, Heaven will drop a seed into ya system that Heaven alone can germinate, grow and develop and finally cause to “show” on the outside.

Heaven alone can take credit for the nourishment, birth and growth of this because Heaven alone in charge of Favor/Favour.

This new life will have limitless potential but NO human can decide what the path will look like.

It may not appear “logical” but iF ya keep your ears open to the Sound of the Angels, they’re coming in this season of miracles to remind you that you are “Highly Favored” and EverY single occurrence in your is because…

You are Highly Favored/Favoured!

Can you raise ya hand up in the air; make a fist if you like and say it out LOUD with me…I AM Highly Favored/Favoured!

That interview that did NoT turn into an offer is because I AM Highly Favored

That promotion I was promised but didn’t receive is because I AM Highly Favored

That house loan I was assured would come through wasn’t granted because I AM Highly Favored

That relationship (friendship or romantic) didn’t go as I planned because I AM Highly Favored

Consider:

What are you being Protected from because you are Highly Favored?

What is Heaven allowing to happen so you feel isolated, even in and maybe especially in religious or socio-economic or familial and familiar circles?

What is Heaven allowing so people will speak terribly to you and about you because you are Highly Favored?

What is it that isn’t looking like good sense but is Heaven’s leading?

What has you seeing/experiencing the Wonder amidst the worrisome?

Regardless of how it appears, the Truth that holds me is I AM Highly Favored/Favoured!

I can rest/trust/lean back because Heaven has me…and you dear one!

Common Day Hero: Diligent worker, faith-filled woman, devoted wife and mother, sister of my father, you are missed beyond my ability to accurately describe it. Today, I dedicate this post to my Aunt K. George who, this year, joined the rest of her family in Heaven.

divots

The definition for divot is “a piece of turf cut out of the ground by a golf club in making a stroke”.

A person playing golf is slicing into the ground and ripping up dirt, causing a hole. Not intentionally, but it’s a side effect of playing the game.

This has me thinkiN…many times we are cut/sliced into by someone else not intent on hurting us…it’s just a by-product of an action. We aren’t always aware in life how many things are simply a side effect, indirect consequence or by-product.

We, sometimes become extremely upset at the club that caused the divot. That is alright. Once we’ve processed the feelings though, it would behoove us to look into gaining a better understanding or releasing as best as possible that which we can’t understand.

Divots are cause for pause and contemplation. Divots cause us to slow down so that we can observe, take in what’s needed and move forward with mindfulness.

All of the above was spurred by the thought of accepting what is, releasing what was expected, surrendering in every way.

It reminds me – the Giver of every good and perfect gift is not withholding from me in any way.

I AM cared for always. I AM given every single gift that’s meant for me…in its perfect time.

Pure/true rest comes from accepting the above.

It is surrender. It is acceptance. It is a recommitting to hold everyone and everything in my life with my palms open. It is trust. It is faith. It is seeing the divots as Divine.

Dear Friend, have you noticed some divots along your path? What can you process and vent/release regarding the divots? What are you able to offer gratitude for (around the divots)?

Who or what needs to be surrendered (loosen the grasp) so you can fully breathe and accept and rest?

set the B.A.R. ~ breathe. accept. rest.

Common Day Hero: Life threw quite a few divots your way. You remained/still remain kind, thoughtful, generous and a cycle breaker. The next generation already rises up and calls you blessed; I join them. Dearest DaniA, today, I dedicate this post to you.

Quince

How can it be that a child of mine is now fifteen?!

Guess this is the feeling every birthday ~ what? another year flew by already?

We had such a grand and delightful time with our village celebrating this occasion!

Adorable one of mine was stunning in her Quinceneara top and skirt, her perfectly suited tiara (gift from one of her grandmothers), her first ever rosary (made by a grandmother so dear to us), decked in jewelry gifted by family and friends and her first ever stilettos ~ a gorgeous rose gold (another gift from family).

She was anointed with oil, had blessings, prayers and Scriptures spoken over her…a delicious cake and cupcakes, a sweet and fun first dance, her favorite kind of food, a hall so nicely decorated by family and friends and a dance floor filled with people she loves and who love her so dearly!

This night was a joy beyond description for me and my village. My heart was/is so full to have this special event for her. It is truly Heaven’s favor!

I AM most grateful for the kind people who helped bring this dream to life and made the night such a lovely and fun one for all, but especially for my brave, beautiful and brilliant daughter!

She rated it a 10/10 and that is all that matters!

Which special events do you remember with fondness?

What happy times can you go back to in your mind to remind yourself how good life can be?

What can you do to celebrate yourself today?

Common Day Hero: It’s only been a short time but I count you dear to me. One of the reasons you ranked high so quickly is because you were born on such a special/significant day! Your connection to The Divine, your fierce protection of your children and your commitment to your husband are just a few ways that your life is exemplary. Shevona, I dedicate this post to you.

Psalm

For You (The Sovereign One, my Abba, Amma, Yeshu, Victorious Trinity, Divine One)

have delivered/rescued/saved my soul (my mind, my heart)

from death (destruction, desolation, deceit)

yes, my feet from falling/stumbling (me from face-planting)

so I can walk (dance/skip/run)

before God (Yahweh, WayMaker, ChainBreaker, BestHugger)

in the light of the living/life.

the LALIjean version of Verse Thirteen of Chapter Fifty-Six from the Book of Psalms in the Holy Bible.

Psalm ~ a sacred song…may my life ever be a Psalm.

Common Day Hero: Your life has been one of service. Serving those in need around you just comes naturally. Grateful to be one of the people gifted by your heart of service. Today, I dedicate this post to you, Momma Val.

bleed

I wasn’t the one who stabbed you and yet here I am bleeding from your reactions – intended for another.

How many times have we received hurtful words and/or actions but we knew it wasn’t intended for us? How many times have we done that to others…in a most unkind manner, hurl every negative knowing full well that the recipient isn’t deserving of it?

I’ve had so much trash dumped on me (sometimes repeatedly by the same group of people). I’ve been the recipient of some terribly hurtful words and actions.

What’s helped me in some excruciating times is remembering (or later recognizing) that just because something is sent my way doesn’t mean I need to keep it. I can discard.

How we discard varies – therapy, support groups, deep breaths, grounding techniques, meditation, exercise, drawing, doodling, coloring, singing, dancing, knitting, sewing, writing, time with those who are safe, alone time, walks, jogs, runs, time in nature, camping, glamping, massages, karaoke, swimming, sports (watching or playing), movies, shows, traveling…I’m stopping here, but there’s so much more!

I AM healed and I AM ever-healing. It’s both-and!

I remain committed to self-care and soul-care so that I can continue to distinguish/discern what’s valuable then discard as needed and devote energy to all that is to be developed.

I’ve been unkind to others, but sometimes there are people who are nothing but negative. May I encourage us to give space/room to all that is deserving of our energy.

How do we know who/what is deserving of our energy?

Is it authentic, honorable, admirable, beautiful, respectful, pure, holy, merciful and kind? If not, I need not give it my energy. That’s loosely based on Verse Eight from Chapter Four of the Book of Philippians in The Holy Bible.

We’re in this together, fellow human and friend!

Common Day Hero: You are treasured beyond words. I see you now/still in that copper-tone kurtha set. You are adorable and have such a sweet nature. I know your grandfathers are enjoying all the time with you. I will forever think of you when I see/smell lemons ~ colorful, vibrant, full of zest, tart, sweet, refreshing. I love you, Israel Grant. Today, I dedicate this post to you.

family

One of these things (ok a few!) are not like the others!

My family peach (some of youS know I callS dem Sauerkraut and French Vanilla coz dey German and Cajun descent!); me and my kids brownies (mixed w/all kinds of goodness!); all of us delicious and sweet…just different!

We chose/choose to love each other and we decided we’d be family by choice.

We’s family fahevAH coz the external never determined our internal -this love runs deep coz the blood of humans got NothiN on the water of Amma (Wise Spirit), Yeshu (Kind Jesus) and Abba (Most Loving Heavenly Father)…

Family is comprised of the people we choose to have in our lives (not limited to the people in our lives since or because of birth).

Through the years, I’ve had the joy of being a part of many “families”. Long before being inclusive was cool, I saw inclusion modeled and it helped me genuinely love all people.

Who are the people who dance with you through the delightful, walk with you through all the muck and despite our humanity, love and extend grace on the journey? That’s family!

Family isn’t hiding. Family isn’t covering up or pretending reality isn’t real. Family stands, sits, crawls with us through it all. Family isn’t just here for the fun times.

Family is fahevAH. Family is fah real.

Family is committed to caring, listening, helping and growing together…in every way. When we had no family, Heaven came down and offered all of us the gift of Love, Peace and Belonging.

My heart empathizes with those who have no “blood family” present – sending love, light and strength your way so that you’re able to create a family of your own ~ a mix of your closest people.

Common Day Hero: You continue to come to mind multiple times this month. You had me laughing coz you’d say you couldn’t have time w/God until you put your makeup on…ya still doing that in the afterlife? You are so missed and thought of often here. Grandma Kamp, I dedicate this post to you.

delay

Delays are (at times) frustrating, disappointing, grief-causing, Divine and…quite a critical piece on this journey that is our destiny…

Divine timing (delays) also have us missing things, people, places we thought we HAD to have.

Chile, lemme tell you somethiN, it is Divine timing that had (and has) us in the space with (or without) dem people and tings! Heaven knows the reason for the delays and denials.

Whatever/Whoever is meant to be in our circle (outer or inner!) in this season/moment will be. And it is alright to shed tears over those whom we thought had our back, but didn’t.

I AM protected. I AM rescued.

I AM destined for ALL that The Divine has created/planned for me.

I don’t know that any of us “graciously” accept delays and/or denials. I also don’t always know when something is a delay or a denial.

What I know is that as I began embracing heart-level living, fully feeling it all, facing it all and processing it all, I spent less time tryna decipher delays from denials.

I started embracing being present…here, in the now. I started reminding myself (in the moment) to do this more often. Embrace this moment ~ a gift/present. Live fully IN it.

If it will help to write out all that you mourn/lament/grieve, please take time to do that.

Then, you can fully embrace the gift that today is…and I don’t mean that we have to be jumping for joy ery minute…just grateful…living in a space of grace -for myself first so, I can then extend it all around me.

I hold out grace for you, today, fellow Traveler/Traveller.

Grace upon Grace and Peace to you.

Common Day Hero: The truly great are the small among us. What I intend by “small” is those who seek no glory but shine! You are great and today, Ana, I dedicate this post to you.

chart

Be still…and know (really know, like in ya bones…aight, in ya Spirit!).

Quieting ourselves gently will allow for the Whisper of The Divine to be heard.

And may we not lose focus or hope because we haven’t “heard”.

Even if it’s a feeling that comes up, or one word, maybe a phrase, a song, a few sentences…sit with it.

Write it out.

Sit with it again (may help to keep a journal open so you can quickly jot a note anytime you walk by it).

Write out the “more” that comes (if anything).

Sit with it all as long as you need. Each of us are different, so all of it varies…the length of time, the feelings, the words, the thoughts, the impressions on our heart.

Chart a course…even if it’s leading into uncharted territory.

Share with your inner circle (as much or as little as you choose).

The main reason for sharing is accountability and support in all the ways.

All of the above steps can be applied to the following (including, but not limited to!): emotional, mental, spiritual, physical, work, owning/managing a business as well as relationship goals!

Some of us may find it helpful to commit to one day a week for this; others may take five to ten minutes on the daily or some other option -? Some of us may not want to set specifics; we just do these sorts of things in the moment when we feel it…tell da truth!

I’ve mapped out numerous plans and charted quite a few courses through the years. I’ve also course corrected many times – as often as needed.

When you’re ready to step out in faith…Set Sail!

Some will never believe you are ready; that’s why faith has been so significant for me. I choose to place value on the internal and Eternal, not the external.

You may not feel ready, you will simply know (remember? really know…) that it’s time to set sail!

In this season, I’m reminded again hold plans loosely, heal continually and help others along the way.

Cheering you on, brave one, from the beginning being still and everything in between (planning, charting, sharing) till the moment you decide it’s time…by faith, to Set Sail and then all along this voyage out on the beautiful open waters of life!

Common Day Hero: Miserable, magical, memorable, miraculous and many other moments on this journey…through it all, you remain faithful, fierce and fun! Grateful to hear a bit of your story. JaideF, today, I dedicate this post to you.

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