Tag: gratitude

April 8, 2022

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!

August 13, 2021

school

A new school year has begun…some of you still have a few days (or more) before school begins – enjoy!

My kids are SO excited about their new school – I’m overjoyed…especially considering all the shit they had to walk through since the Vid arrived. The Vid isn’t to blame; it just shone a light on all that had been bubbling underneath.

Although it was painful beyond our ability to accurately express it…although it isn’t what we wanted…although we wouldn’t wish it on anyone, we can now see that it was necessary.

Necessary, for us to move past barely existing into living the best version of our lives.

How do you know if you’re living your best life? It most likely varies for us all, but what we know is –

We have Peace, Love, Joy and a Song in our hearts…daily!

We are safe!

We have a base of Gratitude!

We have a sense of fulfillment in our work/play!

We are learning something new everyday!

We are content – in a smaller space, with less things and so much more Freedom and Liberty!

We really needed these pets (three cats!).

Whatever is in the way (including yourself), work to remove all obstacles so that you can breathe…live…thrive!

Common Day Hero: You are a Sensitive Soul, a Prophetess, and a Fellow Warrior. I AM honored to have you in my life. Keep shining – this world is better because of your Light. Kindred Spirit, Destiny, I dedicate this post to you.

February 19, 2021

current

Current…as in an electric current is what’s on my mind today.

Living in a first world nation has us accustomed to quite a few things: high-speed internet, WiFi, running hot water within seconds, electricity without interruption, fridges with water dispensers, mobile phone charge lasting for days…ok, weeks…just to name a few!

On the thirteenth of February, the weather changed to unusually cold for Texas and I knew plans would need to be changed…on the fourteenth of February, snow fell and actually stayed with us.

On the fifteenth of February, our electricity went somewhere…on vacation? More snow fell and at first the kids thought it was so cool…an answered prayer. They made a snowman; it turned out looking scary like a halloween snowman, but a snowman nonetheless!

After two days though, my Texan kids were done with snow days!

Unlike when Covid first hit us, we couldn’t watch TV, couldn’t get online, couldn’t play outside (for long!) and had no electricity multiple times during the day and night.

It caused my kids to think about the homeless more; on their own, they added the homeless to their daily prayers. Through the years, we’ve contributed to various organizations that help those who are homeless, but this is as close to really feeling it/empathizing as the kids have come.

It gave us perspective. Through the lens of this week’s events, the kids and I created a “gratitude list”.

Some things we gave thanks for are: electricity, running hot and cold water, food (anytime we want it), a gas stove/fireplace, winter/warm clothes, blankets (a bus load!), candles, flashlights, battery operated LED lights and the winter wonderland (snow covered yard).

Now that constant electricity and running water and internet and WiFi are back, we give thanks for those things as well. We are also grateful to have use of the oven and microwave. We baked cupcakes and crescent rolls and pizza and then I was back to reheating day-old coffee in the microwave (yah, I’m one of those!).

Which first world items are you grateful for this week? What has you gaining/shifting perspective now?

And here’s another reminder that this whole LOVE and African American/Black History month, my friend at Out of Hiding is offering the LOVE(period) collection BOGO (buy one, get one FREE!). Get a shirt, hoodie or tote for you and someone you love…quick! When you purchase, you’re supporting a local business owned by an African American/Black/Chocolate sisTAH of mine! Let Out of Hiding know that LALIjean sent ya!

Common Day Hero: When I didn’t have an accurate picture of African American/Black/Chocolate life in America, you shared riveting stories of your own experiences. I so appreciate your authenticity, your counsel, your prayers and the way you live ~ full of grace. Uncle Joe and Aunt Rochelle, I dedicate this post to you.

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