milestones

Graduation season…transition, endings, change, new beginnings…I was invited to a few ceremonies and parties…always a reminder (for me) that life is zooming by faster than we realize, at times.

Attending the grad ceremonies and parties had me wondering…are we only focused on external accomplishments? Ambition, goals and all the external achievements are good; however, are we also prioritizing emotional/spiritual inner healing and growth?

Are we taking time to focus on inner healing, create emotional/spiritual goals and count internal health and growth among our achievements and celebrate those milestones?

Consider clocking these as milestones:

Making it one day, one week, one month, one year without calling/texting/sexting/emailing/hanging out with/hookingUP with someone who is unhealthy/damaging/disrespectful

Not being manipulated, gaslit, controlled, run over/by others (regardless of whether theyS blood)

Not allowing our energy or time to be robbed in any way by those who don’t show value for us

No longer needing to “prove” anything to ANYone (being and doing only what’s on our hearts)

Responding versus reacting (recently someone said some unkind things intended to cut/hurt me; I remained silent. I knew there was no need for words with someone hell-bent on having the last word).

Remaining silent rather than wasting our energy on those who don’t care for us

Living fully/freely from the heart (not from fear or societal, familial obligations/expectations or other unhealthy places and patterns)

AND re: all the above – redirecting ourselves as often as we need and keeping ourselves accountable to trustworthy/safe individuals

How can we prioritize our emotional/spiritual/mental health today?

Which emotional/spiritual/mental growth and milestones can we celebrate this week?

Grace upon grace to you dear ones; I’m here on the journey with you and always cheering for you!

Common Day Hero: You are respectful, funny, gorgeous and kind. May you always be Led (in every facet of life) by the impressions/dreams/visions on your heart.  Your heart counts! Madelyn, grateful for you, here for you always and today, I dedicate this post to you.

move

Difficult to believe that a year has passed already…sigh, the first year postDivorce is…interesting. The kids and I have now moved from an apartment to a house.

Excited about all the things we are accustomed to in this first world – more privacy, more bathrooms, a garage, back in the school district that the kids never wanted to leave, the ability to host gatherings because of more space -SO much more space!

We boiled milk ~ a sign of belief that The Divine holds us, is taking care of us from a place of abundance…our cup runs over (in every sense!) and an offering of gratitude for all that we have. We sang, prayed, danced, burned incense and said Scriptures of Protection, Provision and Peace in our new space!

Whether you are physically moving to a new space or not, what about shifting from old thinking that no longer serves our highest and best? Which old/familiar patterns hinder the Promises of Freedom, Love and Abundant Life from flowing freely in your life?

Once recognized, let’s take time to reflect and re-evaluate everything.

Then reshuffle as necessary: people, places, priorities, so we can relocate/renew our mind and spirit.

And then, redeem the time we’ve been granted.

Time is our greatest gift; may we choose wisely where and with whom we spend it to make the most of it!

Common Day Hero: You have continued to move forward with strength and grace even when life threw so much at you. May the force of Heaven, the determination of our ancestors and the light in your son’s eyes fuel your energy as you live your most authentic life now. Neethu, I love you and dedicate this post to you.

family

Family.

“The descendants of a common ancestor” is one of the meanings the dictionary lists.

In addition to “blood”, I know “family” to be the people with whom I choose to keep healthy bonds, commitments and traditions regardless of background, heritage, ethnicity, etc.

There are people in my life whom I consider family; they aren’t “blood” and, at times, they’ve been more present in all the ways when blood couldn’t or chose not to be.

There have been those whom I became so attached to, but they didn’t share the same vibes or sentiments. That’s extremely painful…and quite a lesson – EverY time!

My nature is such that I love ALL people (thanks to my Dad) and most animals (thanks to my Mom!).

Learning and reLearning healthy boundaries…sigh. Finally accepting behaviors instead of just listening to words without supporting evidence/matching behavior.

Loving fully and freely – first myself, so that I can then from a healthy place love others well.

I AM loving myself first.

I AM loving myself fully and freely ~ the way The Divine loves me.

I AM taking care of myself in ALL the ways.

Are you in a place that feels like repeat? It is alright.

Grace upon grace to you fellow Warrior!

Are you prioritizing your own health ~ spiritually, emotionally, physically, mentally, relationally, financially?

If not, how can you take one step today towards healing? Remember, small steps towards big change!

Common Day Hero: I see your bold, brave heart shining through…always. You are a Warrior of a Woman, a devoted wife, a MARVELous Mom and so much more! You are seen…maybe not always by humans, but for shO by Heaven! Today, I dedicate this post to you, dear Kena.

shadow

I live in the Shadow of The Almighty.

There is shade, safety and solace in the Shadow of The Almighty.

In my shadow, there is work that needs to be done. Sometimes things are hidden in the shadows…we are all the better for doing shadow work.

Shadow work is said to be work that reveals the parts of ourselves that we hide/repress. The hiding may be because of trauma, conditioning, upbringing, environment or other variables.

Sometimes we don’t like parts of ourselves because of familial, societal, cultural norms or the words of those whom we have elevated as “better” than us.

At times, we may feel pressure/weight, from the well-intentioned, but let us not be run by it!

Speaking of not being run by others…I have exciting news coming soon! How soon? Maybe not soon enough for our current culture but soon!

What specifically is in the shadows for you now?

Once named, we can begin shadow work so we can be our most authentic/free selves!

Let’s commit to working towards ALL that needs to be faced, sorted, healed…ever on the journey with you – together we shine!

Common Day Hero: Your heart was stomped on beyond recognition. I feel it. You survived nights that at times, may have seemed insurmountable. Grateful you opened your heart up to true love and now…her Light shines on, through you. Grieving this deep loss alongside you. Even in these darkest of times, your inextinguishable Light; your radiant smile, your kind heart are seen and felt. I AM grateful. Today, Uncle Farouk, I dedicate this post to you.

figure

We need not figure anything out…ever…really…the world (including the religious world) has us believing that we must first figure it out -whatever “it” is.

And only once “it” has been figured out, we can move forward.

If we have figured it all out, is any faith required on the journey?

I live by/in faith. I do not live by the seen/visible. Thank you to my parents.

Rest, dear heart.

Nothing to figure; embrace faith so all can be faced.

Here, alongside you on the journey…always.

Common Day Hero: You are bold, tenacious and kind. May every endeavor prosper as your soul and mind prosper. May the kindness you extend return to you a hundred fold always. PaulaB, I dedicate this post to you.

will

My personal belief is that we each have free will.

Free will is said to be the ability/power to act as one wills, desires or wants.

May we use our free will to fully embrace Heaven’s love for ourselves and extend it to others.

May we use our free will for true justice and kindness.

May we use our free will for the betterment of our circle…community…world.

May we wield our free will for good…always, for good.

Common Day Hero: You are brilliance, gentle strength and grace under fire, Uncle Jay. You are warmth,  kindness and a powerhouse in prayer, AuntyBlanca. Together you are a force for good. You model individuality, equality and respect with style. Today, I dedicate this post to you.

hopscotch

I was at a clothing store and saw hopscotch on the floor (literally, right there…in the middle of the store) and it did my heart good.

As soon as I saw it, I smiled, walked right over, hopped my way down and felt downright good about it!

Hopscotch was one of the fun pieces that filled my childhood days.

This life…here, as we know it, St. James says, is like a vapor; gone so quickly. In less than a month, death came to three families I know. I cannot begin to describe the sadness this brings. I’ve cried many tears.

Hopscotch was a reminder to fully embrace the little delights that each day brings…to savor the moments…to keep childlike fun at the forefront.

Find your hopscotch ~ some seemingly small delight that in reality is BIG/good/healing for your heart!

Common Day Hero: A short two weeks ago, at a wedding reception, you looked at me and said, why isn’t anyone dancing? I said, Aunty, you have to get out there and show them how it’s done. And then, you did! You got out on the dance floor with your eldest son and showed us all how it’s done! From all the stories already being shared, it’s evident that you showed us how it’s done in many areas of life ~ faith, family, fun and a fierce dedication to service; always…a heart of service. Thank you Aunty! As we mourn, grieve and process this deep loss, I remember the words of your son Shaun, Heaven gained a giant! Indeed! Sarojnee (lotus ~ emerging from murky waters, to the surprise of all, with clean petals; rising above!) Devi (goddess) Naidoo (typically Telegu), Warrior turned Angel, I dedicate this post to you.

easter

So, another Easter this past weekend – a reminder of new beginnings, new life, rebirth, restoration, unexpected/pleasant surprises and HOPE (heavenly oxygen permeating earth)!

The truth is that what Heaven has spoken life over…what Heaven has decided will be resurrected, will!

No need to worry about what humans say because if Heaven has spoken, then it is settled.

If you know the Easter story then you know that Friday was excruciating…painful beyond words. The tears, the screaming, the sobbing till voices were lost, the falling asleep from the sheer exhaustion that sadness brought, the shaking, cussing, falling out was all very real.

And then Saturday was silent – eerily so…it may have seemed like we were forgotten…may have smelled like Hell won, may have felt like we were fools…may have looked like we were abandoned…

When ALL the senses have us believing one thAng, iF it ain’t what Heaven said, strength to us to shake it off and stamina to stay the course…and believe that Sunday.is.Coming!

Early Sunday morning, I’m picturing it…the downpour turned to a light drizzle, the clouds started parting, then the Sun went from a soft hello to HEYYYYYY and Humanity witnessed a miracle ~ death, hell and the grave were defeated and Yeshu/Jesus showed up like oh, you were ridiN with me for three years, but couldn’t believe me for three DAYS?!

What Heaven has spoken, promised, declared ~ I’m here; standing on those promises with/for you.

What has Heaven spoken to your heart?

What are you believing for, despite how things appear and what even the well-intentioned say?

What has come to life again (or anew) for you this season/spring?

Common Day Hero: For the laughs, the prayers, the way you take care of your family (and include us!), the way you genuinely follow Yeshu, thank you/shukriya! AuntyGeneva, I dedicate this post to you.

twelve

I AM comforted by these words from Psalm Twelve…again.

Verses five through seven of Chapter Twelve in the Book of Psalm in the Holy Bible: But the Lord says, “Now I will arise! I will defend the poor, those who were plundered, the oppressed and the needy who groan for help. I will spring into action to rescue and protect them!”
For every word Yahweh speaks is sure and reliable. His truth is tested, found to be flawless, and ever faithful. It’s as pure as silver refined seven times in a crucible of clay. Lord, you will keep us safe, out of the reach of the wicked.
These verses are a reminder that The Divine has us.
Heaven is always protecting and providing for us.
When I have no strength, no words; the words that are simultaneously Sword and Shield comfort, empower, heal and rejuvenate me.
Common Day Hero: It is always refreshing when The Divine sends affirmation, confirmation, empowerment through another human. Flawed as we are, we recognize and are honored by the flow of Heaven’s current through us. What a delight to meet you AngieM; fellow Warrior, kindred spirit, artistic earthAngel, I dedicate this post to you.

beach

The beach brings a smile to me, calms my mind, soothes my soul. I close my eyes and listen to the sounds of the ocean.

On my most recent trip to Oahu, I saw my grandmother in a photo taken by a friend. My grandmother is in Heaven, but the shadow in the image looked like my grandmother!

I immediately felt it was her. I received this as a hug from heaven, a reminder/reassurance that this is the season of our ancestors…that great cloud of witnesses.

The strength of those who have gone before us is here now, in a different way. I don’t know how to fully or even accurately express it all. I just sense the shakti (divine energy) of Heaven with me, here…now.

As I closed my eyes and listened to the ocean, I joined along in praise. My heart was so full.

I offered gratitude and praise for: this season, the Divine strength of our ancestors, the opportunity to fully and freely enjoy this trip, the joy of being with family and friends, the delights of nature (beautiful flowers, trees, birds, the ocean, the sand), the coffee shop, the souvenir spots and a variety of eateries all within walking distance!

I AM living the Abundant Life ~ rich in spirit, full of love, singiN/danciN in the Light and Power of Heaven…sent by those who have gone before us!

Common Day Hero: Just a sliver of your story brought tears to me…your strength and courage is empowering. Your humor is a joy! Today, I dedicate this post to you, GodmothAH, Stevie!

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