New Season, new blog

 It is a season of new beginnings for me. 

I started a new blog on a different platform www.jodisjoy.com you can find it by clicking the link.

Sometimes it can be challenging moving away from the familiar to a new place, Change is not always easy, but it is often necessary. 

I will always be fond of Blogger. This site contains years of my words. Who knows, I may republish some of my favorite writings in my new blog. 

I am reminded of a song I learned when I was a Girl Scout, "Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other is gold". 

I hope to see you over on my new website. We are building community. We are creating our joy. 

Grief Journey Part 1

I am a traveler.

I am a wanderer.

I am a treasure seeker.

I am a gallivanter.

My grief did not begin with my Mother's passing. My grief began years earlier with what seemed like a rapid fire succession of deaths around me. 

A few years ago, I spewed the contents of my weary heart at midnight as my Mom and I traveled East on the 10 freeway. Our mission was to surprise my brother for his birthday. As I was in the middle of a  rant about how overwhelmed and mentally exhausted I felt about the losses and praying for some relief, the phone rang. My Dad's voice interrupted my emotional eruption with some sad news. "I called to tell you that Granny just passed". 

I sat in silence looking out at the star filled sky. No response. My words suddenly deserted me in the literal desert. 

Two or three, maybe even four funerals later, I found myself tip toeing through life as if one false move could set off an avalanche of death. While on the outside, I could present the gift of an inspirational scripture wrapped in a pretty bow to those who have come to appreciate the power of my words, I felt like the kid who received coal on Christmas morning. 

Loss can be tricky.  In our attempt to make sense of the trauma, we often concoct coping mechanisms just to help us make it through our days. The disengaging hopelessness and utter confusion that sometimes ensues after death doesn't always happen suddenly. They creep up like a slow growing vine attaching itself to a brick wall.

My grief was slow rising. 

In pre-pandemic 2020, a beloved coworker was instantly and tragically killed in a car accident. The managerial team gathered us to publicly announce her passing. Tears, sobbing, and huddles of mourners erupted all over the room. As I offered comfort, I became aware that for many of us this grief did not begin with this most recent news. This heartbreak gave permission for all of our sorrow to flow from the depths of our souls to our eyes. We stood there crying for hurts and losses that no longer could be named. 

"We were promised sufferings. They were part of the program. We were even told, 'Blessed are they that mourn,' and I accept it. I've got nothing that I hadn't bargained for. Of course it is different when the thing happens to oneself, not to others, and in reality, not imagination". -C.S. Lewis 

I am a traveler on a grief journey making my way through the thicket of pain; running, walking, and sometimes crawling towards the light streaming through the forest. 

But there is light.

I typed that last sentence for the reader who fears their own grief so much so that they are uncomfortable with endings that don't contain a glimmer of hope. And I want to acknowledge everyone reading who can't yet see any sunshine in their dark hour. I've been in both places.

Xoxo,

Jodi

Is it a Merry Christmas?

I peddle joy as a side hustle.

I named myself @jodisjoy on my social media outlets. My original intention was to post experiences of finding joy in the everyday. The concept is great, seemed simple enough, however I had no idea that walking it out would present its own challenges.

So here I am, on the eve of the season of miracles and the most wonderful time of the year teetering between sorrow and a quiet stupor. I'm tip toeing through this holiday season trying not to wish these days away, but definitely not spreading much holiday cheer. 

So, here I am.

I am in my season of firsts after my Mom's passing. It's an interesting time to say the least. Kind of feels like learning to walk, if only I could remember what it felt like to learn to walk. Had this thought today: People, albeit well intentioned souls, want you to process your grief like a bad break-up with an ex-love. Cry it out, and get over it. Religious folks want you to give thanks to God and use the fact that your loved one is in a better place to just push past. Praise it out and get over it. No matter the path, others need the grief gone so that life as they like it can resume. 

After some losses, there is no resuming. All that remains is the option to build anew. Sifting through the ruble of emotions, I find small graces that pull me along the path. 

As I write this, I hear my son and his friend exchanging Christmas presents downstairs. There's light chatter peppered with laughter. Sounds of life. In this moment, I am smiling. There is hope.

Xoxo,

Jodi

Well Being

Hey beautiful soul you, how you holding up?

I remember this quote from Maya Angelou, "You can tell a lot abut a person by the way they handle three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights". These things that once upon a time may have seemed like a nuisance, would actually now be welcomed problems for many of us. This year has proven to be one like no other. From reports on the news, dealing with the concerns of loved ones, conspiracy theories, political showdowns, shortages of toilet paper, and hand sanitizer, often times we may feel overwhelmed before even finishing our morning coffee.

We know we have permission to shut it all down, to take a walk, call a friend, read a book, take up a new hobby, but sometimes we just want a second to breathe. We desire to feel normal even though yes, we all know that we are preparing for a new normal. I am going to be honest here, and let you know there are days that I think "Okay, girl you got this", and then there are moments, I am seriously questioning everything from my faith to my ability to get out of the bed. I realize, that none of us know how to navigate this season. We are all just learning and growing. Yes, some people have become master gardeners and are now eating the literal fruits of their labor. Some people have started businesses and will probably never return to the corporate world. And then maybe there are others like me, who applaud themselves for doing the dishes before bed.

Just maybe doing 2020 well, means that we occasionally reach out to someone and ask about their well-being. Or maybe it means when someone asks us how we are doing, we tell the truth.

Exodus 18:7 NKJV

I was reading Exodus 18 the other day, and I was paused that there was a verse in the bible simply dedicated to how Moses and his father in-law greeted one other and asked about each other's well-being. And Moses answered by sharing all of the things the Lord was doing. It is so important that while we may be physical distancing that we are staying socially connected. We are checking on all of our friends, the strong ones, the anxious ones, the prayer warriors, the fitness gurus, the elderly, and the single parents.

One of the ways, I am coping this season is by using Instagram as a means to distract, inspire, and connect with myself. On IG, I can scroll through cottage bungalow decor, natural hair pages, or motivational quotes. I included some of this weeks favorite quotes in case you might like them as well. 

@stevemaraboli on Instagram

@karlethewtt on Instagram

So tell me, how are you holding up? What things are you doing to reduce stress and to keep motivated?

Jodi 

Juicy bits

I made a commitment.
I made a pact with myself.
Wait, can you make a pact with yourself, or is that only between two parties? I actually just Googled the answer and apparently since the internet is never ever wrong, yes you can.
I made a decision to develop my writing and myself through blogging. This involves not only developing and conveying ideas, but it includes a willingness to show up always authentically and at times vulnerably.

It is midweek. I sat down to write and seriously could not think of one thing to share. Sounds crazy right?  I prayed and asked, "God, what should I share?". I scrolled through Instagram, nothing leaped out at me. My gallery did not spur any light bulb moments either. So I sat awhile longer in front of the screen determined to stick to my goal.

Noticing the images icon at the top of the blogger screen, I clicked. Right before my eyes appeared every single image I have ever posted in this blog- over 10 years worth of photographs. I saw my grandmothers who have both gone on to Heaven. Pictures of my family, vacations, delicious meals, and celebrations beckoned me to further explore. I smiled. It was the picture at the top that stopped me in my tracks.

This is where my journey with this blog began. My intention was to write about anything and everything that stirred my soul, that brought me joy. I originally named it Juicy Bits of Joy, and now I wonder what ever made me change it. Envisioning my hand filled with juicy bits, I enlisted the assistance of my brilliant photographer friend to help make my dream a reality. I carried a baggie full of strawberries to Cost Plus World Market and looked for the perfect backdrop. I knew I wanted my blog to have a global appeal due to my love of travel both far and wide. I knew I wanted a bohemian flair because I love the look. I knew I wanted an open hand because it implies both giving and receiving. When I changed the name, I changed the pic. But seeing it again today after so long, reminds me of the why I want to write. I put word to paper to convey, connect, and even sometimes to convince.

It just may be time for a name change. It just may be time for me to get back to my roots and rediscover my love for the written word. One thing is for sure, even in the toughest moments, if we seek there is always a juicy bit of joy just waiting to be found.

          Jodi

I really really like mugs, all kinds of mugs. I have mugs with my initial, mugs with the names of places I have visited, mugs that are glam, mugs that were gifts, and mugs that I painted myself. Guess you can say I am a collector. Besides mugs I also really enjoy coffee and tea. It doesn't matter if it is french press, an espresso, loose leaf, or in a tea bag. I keep enough variety on hand to suit my every mood. With a great mug filled with some delicious beverage, I like to sit on my couch, you know that one spot that just beckons you settle in and stay awhile. I grab my phone, or a book, or watch some sappy and predictable romantic movie while I sip and allow my hands to form around one of these mugs. Simple comfort.

One day I pulled all of them out of the cabinet and sorted between the ones I still wanted to enjoy awhile longer and those I would lovingly gift to some other mug lover. Once I completed my task, I just stood for a moment admiring both what was now neatly stacked and what was in the pass it forward box.

I smiled. However, my joy did not come from the thrill of the purge or the new tidy space. No, my true joy came from knowing myself and what I love so well, that the sort was not a chore, but a celebration of who I am today. I admired my paint jobs with all of their imperfections. I relished the fact that I left nothing I only sort of liked. What remains are mugs that represent all of the many facets of my personality, my hobbies, my travels. And yes, this is very Marie Kondo as my joy is sparked every morning when I make a selection. But what I want you to know, is that I do not take for granted being able to confidently articulate my joy. I remember what it feels like to be unsure and insecure that I did not always allow myself to experience or purchase things just because I liked them. Maybe they had to be a great price or fulfill some real need in order for me to justify bringing it home. These mugs represent a just because I like you collection, no apology, no explanation needed.

In this cabinet there are no two alike. Isn't that just like us? Different shapes, colors, sizes all coexisting all designed with purpose, flair, and style. And of course, I really like that.


Jodi

Bowl of cherries

Eat the fruit, spit the pits. 

As I sat at my desk looking at a bowl of  cherries, I thought life sure isn't always sweet and easy that's for sure. I knew I wanted to write about it, but as I ate one cherry at a time, I changed my mind. Just as quickly as the idea came to share my heart about the trials of this life, a new perspective presented itself. Maybe it was because I was simply savoring the flavor and delighting in the fact that this fruit is truly seasonal, you know temporary. Maybe because this moment right here reminds me of the long lazy days of childhood. Maybe it was because although there could be a lot to fret about, I am here enjoying a delectable summer treat. Or maybe because no matter how tough life gets, what I know for sure is that troubles pass and joy returns. This is the ebb and flow of life. And now I am chuckling to myself as I'm keenly aware that I sound like the old folks. They know what's up as my son would say.

As I grabbed stem after stem, I separated the meatiness of the cherry from the pit. I know how to do that, pretty sure I learned as a very tiny girl. A lesson that stayed tucked in the back of my mind like biting into watermelon and stopping just short of the rind. Sometimes we gotta go through life like we devour fruit - eat the fruit, spit the pits. We gotta keep our sift game strong so when thoughts come, some to rob our joy and speak our defeat, others to inspire us onward, we know what to toss and what to keep. Guess life is like a bowl of cherries after all.

Jodi

Restore

Most times my schedule is jam packed with places I have to be and things I have to do. I may not be a soccer mom or running a Fortune 500 company, but somehow my calendar stays full. Wait, who am I kidding, my calendar stays full because that is how I manage my life and my time. 

I have a large extended family. Someone is always graduating, birthdaying, baby showering, marrying, celebrating something or somebody. Yes, it feels good to be a part, to be included. But, saying yes to every invitation can also lead to a nervous breakdown. I don't know if there are any official medical studies to prove that claim, but I believe it could be true. We live in a culture that values doing over being and busyness over rest. What I know for sure is that unless we take care of ourselves first, we will be no good for anyone else.

The truth is, many of us have normalized rushing around, anxiety, hustling, and striving for more as a way of life. Sometimes we can get our bodies to stop, but our minds are on auto-pilot. Body at rest, mind racing around a track like a Nascar driver. Others of us are mindlessly multitasking. I can admit to over thinking, over analyzing, and overdoing. And guess what- I am over it!

Recently, some friends and I took a much needed trip to Jamaica, my home away from home. I find restoration, relaxation, and inspiration on the island. I lose track of the days and time. I lose track of the mental checklist of bills and tasks. My To Do List only consists of sitting on a beach, or frolicking under a waterfall, or listening to the chirp of crickets. I don't worry about what is happening in the next week or the next month. I simply am. I am present. I am in the moment. I am un-bothered, unencumbered, and uninterested in anything that elevates my stress or distracts me from appreciating the stillness. 

At the end of our trip, we made a pact to take the Irie lifestyle back to the states. We will be cool, be happy, keep a positive vibe, and stay in harmony. As the cares of life attempt to strangle my good vibes, I remember the joy of swimming in the Caribbean Sea, friendliness of the people, floating down the river, and marveling at the gorgeousness of the sunsets.

I am just smiling as I type this. I have come to understand that we carve our reality based on what we honestly believe to be true. One day, I will own a beachfront villa in Jamaica but, until then, I choose to infuse good vibes into my daily life.

Every day I wake up with a choice to see the positive or negative in any given situation. Some things our beyond my control, but my attitude determines whether I navigate life from a place of fear or a place of love.

No more filling up the calendar with events just because. No more saying "yes" when I want to say "no". No more guilt for choosing rest over rush. We have all got only one life to live. I leave you with this one question from the legendary Bob Marley "Open your eyes, look within. Are you satisfied with the life you're living?".

Jodi

As unique as we all are, an awful lot of us want the same things. We want to shake up our current less-than-fulfilling lives. We want to be happier, more loving, forgiving and connected with the people around us.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/brene_brown_553107

As unique as we all are, an awful lot of us want the same things. We want to shake up our current less-than-fulfilling lives. We want to be happier, more loving, forgiving and connected with the people around us.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/brene_brown_553107

As unique as we all are, an awful lot of us want the same things. We want to shake up our current less-than-fulfilling lives. We want to be happier, more loving, forgiving and connected with the people around us.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/brene_brown_553107

Hard days ahead

I am facing a hard day tomorrow. I just glanced down at the clock and realized it is 1:15 in the morning.The details of why I call this day hard don't matter in the grand scheme of things for several reasons. Firstly, I serve an awesome God who is not only my provider, and my solace, but He is a way maker in the wilderness. Secondly, sometimes details are distractions. We get lost in the minutiae or the juicy gossip of another person's life, which we often use to feed our curiosity or our pity. 

2017 has actually been a hard year in so many ways. Too many ways for me to recount all at once in this blog post. But, it has also served as a year of incredible growth. I have developed new strength, new courage, and a new resolve. Funny how we don't quite know what we are made of until we are tested and tried. This year has also been one of unexpected blessings. I traveled to several places near and far, met new friends, and experienced incredible things. And for all of those blessings, I am both humbled and grateful.

While in the process of revamping my blog, I came across this photo today.

It was taken in January of this year. May I share with you what it means to me?

1. It is the manifestation of a promise I made with one of my sisters to sit with her in various places that bring us joy. 
2. It is the representation of refinement and beauty.
3. It is tranquility and comfort.
4. It is a location of excellent service.
5. It provided warmth and refuge at the end of a busy day.
6. It is a place that holds the secrets of women spoken softly over coffee.
7. It served as a source of inspiration and collaboration.

As I snapped this photo nearly 1 year ago, little did I know how uncomfortable life would become over the next few months. But through it all, blessings still abound.

No matter what any of us may be facing , always remember we can do hard things with a bit of grit and a whole lot of grace. 

Jodi 

She persists

In recent news, stories of women from Beyonce to Ivanka Trump to Elizabeth Warren have made headlines! These ladies are making their marks in various ways.

"#Shepersisted" is currently trending on Twitter. Originally, this hashtag spoke to Elizabeth Warren's voice on the Senate floor. But soon, it was attached to photos of Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and Malala Yousafzai. Those women are renowned for their courage and determination. As I read through the tweets, I looked over at my Nana stirring the masa for her tamale pie. At 88 years old, she is the epitome of strength and persistence.

I could fill volumes with illustrations of my grandmother's fortitude. I watched her get on her knees and pray even while facing extreme pain in her body. I've listened to her share wisdom with those who sought her counsel, and I've witnessed her remain positive and hopeful no matter the adversity. As I typed this blog, she looked out her window and reprimanded a child for knocking down a city Stop Sign saying, "I know where you live". That's old school. She's a boss. She persists. And it is through her example that I know not only will I persevere, but I will prevail.


Jodi

Welcome February

A friend and I made a pact. We agreed to write a blog post by 1/31/17.

Well, you know how it goes, life gets busy, and gets in the way.

I am in the process of rebirth. I am reinventing myself. See, that's the beauty of life. At any given moment, we can decide to begin again. I set an intention on New Year's Day. I declared 2017 to be a year of love. Not just romantic love, but big grins, heart thumping, can't believe this is happening love. And it has been amazing so far.

Tonight we say goodbye to January and prepare to start a new month. I'm excited. I'm hopeful. I'm ready.

Joy for the Journey

My friends busy with their lives, let me know that our plans for a Friday hang out need to be rescheduled. So I found myself wondering how and with whom to spend my day, That's when the thought came to me, ask God to accompany me on an adventure, Just so you know, that's how I talk to God. I ask His Spirit to roll with me, go before, show me things, lead me, guide me. I wanted to relax at a spa. I wanted to find a tranquil reading/writing spot. I wanted to have an inspirational, mind boggling moment with the Creator of the universe. So I prayed for the Divine adventure, and just guess what happened....NOTHING! Nothing felt different, looked different, seemed different. I couldn't sense His presence in a way that I normally do. I kinda felt like a wanderer, a drifter with no destination. I actually felt kind of lost. Wait, this isn't how I imagined my prayer being answered. Honestly, it felt like no answer, like God abandoned me. 

And then I received a text from a dear friend with a link to one of Steven Furtik's sermons on getting in line with God's rhythm. Everything, well mainly my perspective, changed in an instant. Now hear me, I didn't feel God speak from on high nor did the Red Sea part. But, I was reminded that there will be times when it will feel like God is nowhere to be found. This will be especially true in times of trial, tragedy, and tribulation. The thing is, FAITH has never been based on what we feel. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen. In the midst of my day, God showed me to keep trusting Him, keep moving forward, keep progressing in spite of what it seems/feels/looks like.

So now that we got all of that out of the way, let me show you everything I experienced that day. I jumped in my car and drove. I made turns and cruised down new-to-me streets. Some places spoke to my heart, others did not. But what I know for sure is that I could see the awesome magnificence of God everywhere I went. I never made it to the spa nor did I read or write. I just stayed in the moment and experienced His goodness. And for that I am grateful. What better adventure thato see new landscapes while trusting in Him to be by your side. He never leaves nor forsakes us.


Jodi

Avensole Winery

Antique Shopping

                                                        

Sunset on the lake

Enough already!

Is it just me, or do you ever wonder what to do when we don't feel like working out, we don't feel like writing our blogs, we don't feel like prepping meals, or doing any of those other things that we should do? We just do it. I don't mean to sound cliche or bite off of Nike, but sometimes we've just gotta look our laziness, fear, and feelings in the face and with authority say "shut up". Look, if it were easy, everybody would do it. If it didn't require us to stretch ourselves, it would have been done a long time ago. Now is the time to get busy creating the lives we've always imagined.

So, welcome to my blog. Yes, the blog I continuously revamp, restart, renew, drop, and pick back up again. My name is Jodi, other wise known as @jodisjoy on Twitter, Facebook, and Periscope. My purpose is to inspire and uplift through words. And I declare today that I will fulfill my calling. I may put down this blog at times, but I will always, always pick it back up.

Happy new year! My prayer for us is that we will do everything in our power to make 2016 our most awesome year yet!

No more excuses, no more putting off until tomorrow what we can do today, and no more believing the lies that we are unworthy, unlovable and unable. We are more than enough!

Cheers to our victories,
Jodi

Free to be me!

Happy Independence Day! I'm back...

I love having the freedom of choice, free will. I get to choose how to spend my time, my life and my money. Sometimes I don't think we even realize how truly free we are. It's amazing to think that even God Himself gives us the power of choice.

So here I am relaxing on the couch this 4th of July in the year of our Lord two thousand and fifteen. And guess what? That's what I'm choosing to do in this very moment-relax. Ahhhh the peace-home alone, cup of coffee and the TV remote all to my self.

I'm grateful today for the men and women who serve and have served our beautiful country. I'm thankful I get to worship the God of my choice. And I'm overjoyed to have made the decision to indulge in a bit of rest today. I'm actively practicing the art of doing nothing.

See all of that laundry and my house that obviously needs to be cleaned? Ive decided to put that off until later. For now I select the couch, to savor my cup of coffee in a pretty mug, and to read my new Artful Blogging mag. My heart is filled with serenity, calm and peace. Now in my mind-thats true freedom!

Enjoy your holiday doing what you love with those you love. And may you always be free being authentically you.

Lovingly,
Jodi

Welcoming the New Year

My first post of the year! It took me 26 days to sit down at the computer and transform my thoughts into words.

I have always been very hard on myself. I practice self-criticism. I'm so comfortable in it just like an old sweater. Even when I may want to put on something new I tend to resort to the familiar. I find myself pairing self-criticism with worry. They compliment one another pretty well. And because they have accompanied me for so long, I stopped noticing them. And that's when I realized I was in deep trouble.

By the way, may I remind you that I named myself jodisjoy on several social media sites. Yes, I ramble off feel good quotes and positive words all day even, while wearing my old sweater of "not enough". It's much easier to encourage others.

The day I Googled Chronic Fatigue Syndrome proved to be a sign that change is necessary. Simply, purely, completely and utterly exhausted, I knew I was done! Initially this too worried me. Who has time for exhaustion? I need to get more done at work, take on extra duties, ensure my son graduates on time, pay all of the bills, grow spiritually, create meaningful relationships, stay positive, cook dinner, enjoy life, inspire others, counsel my friends, accept invitations to 1,001 events, read self-help books, lose weight, save money, make it to dance class, develop my blog, build a name on Twitter, take more photos for Instagram, learn to use Facebook for marketing. No wonder I feel this way.

I think "just relax and do nothing" and swiftly follow that with "ain't nobody got time for that"!








This morning as I sat on my couch half watching TV and half staring into a space of nothing, I felt panic try to overtake me. "You should be mopping your floors. You've been home all weekend and you've gotten nothing done". I said a little prayer and immediately the still small voice within reminded me "It's your time to rest. You are exactly where you are supposed to be, doing exactly what you are supposed to do. All is well"! A sweet peace and a beautiful comfort came over me. To celebrate, I took a nap.

"The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace."
~Psalms 29:11

P.S. Other than one trip to the grocery store, I have been in my house since Thursday night with my phone on silent. Bliss!

Jodi

Dear Diary....

This is a difficult post to write. Maybe thoughts like this belong in a diary rather than in a blog. Are they so private and vulnerable that sharing them here may mean that you will learn to much about my personal life? But what about the countless people pondering these very same thoughts while feeling completely alone. Maybe my willingness to share well help someone else?

I've had this addiction to Hallmark Holiday movies this season. Not sure if it's my love of the holidays or the fact that I am a romantic at heart that causes me to spend hours watching. I sometimes think it may be the fact that in 1 hour and about 36 minutes give or take a few commercials, guy meets girl, something quirky happens and at the end, they live happily ever after. Holiday Romance is dreamy.

I often wish my love life could be set straight in 1 hour and 36 minutes. Love can be complicated at times. Our hearts and our heads war with each other. We wonder whether we are making the right choice. And rightfully so, what decision is more important than choosing a mate? Have I become so fearful that I use the whole "not settling" thing as a security blanket? I wonder if my needs can be met in a way that feels more right to me? Or have I complicated relationships to the point of no return? Oh the deep questions of love! Don't worry, I usually take a nap when my solitary head games too far. I usually find solace in the fact that in time, definitely longer than in 1 hour and 36 minutes, I'll find my way.

For now, I'm going to live by Brene Brown's words of wisdom from her recent blog post,I’ve decided to find my holiday magic in the mess; to practice love and gratitude with the special group of folks who keep showing up and loving me, not despite my vulnerabilities, but because of them."!

Life and love can be messy. I believe they are best practiced one moment at a time.

J~

Merry Christmas 2013

It is early Christmas morning. The house is still, dark and quiet. I appreciate these times. My son is nearly 18, there is no more rushing downstairs first thing in the morning to tear open packages. The season has changed.

So as I type in my darkened room, I am reflecting on the high and lows, sadness and joys, traditions and changes of 2013.

Have you ever played the high/low game? It is often played around the family dinner table. Each member takes a turn sharing the high and the low of that day.
The exercise fosters great discussions, creates meaningful connections and allows parents to keep their finger on the heartbeat of their children.

Let's play! Here are my highs and lows of 2013. Starting with my lows because I like ending on a high note, no pun intended lol!

Lows:
1. Experienced some moments early in the year where I felt a sense of loss and disconnection mainly from myself. 
2. I worried a lot about how this bill would get paid or that need would get met?
3. I held a grudge for several weeks that strained some very important friendships

Highs:
1. Started the year full of expectant hope and I am ending it that same way
2. Committed to exercising regularly. I chose dance as my form of physical activity
3. Read books and started a soul searching book club.
4. Traveled to Louisiana and witnessed a big beautiful Creole wedding
5. Drank good wine while partying with great friends or was that great wine with good friends?
6. Listened to live music including Amazing Grace sung in Choctaw
7. Surrounded myself with brilliantly bright souls who inspire me
8. Laughed...a lot,  and cried some (I love a good cry)
9. Captured sunrises and sunsets, trees and oceans
10. Celebrated births
11. Coordinated a family trip to Vegas
12. Sipped tea
13. Brewed pots of fresh coffee nearly everyday week day for my coworkers
14. Made new friends including one I have enjoyed dating
15. Learned to make my Nana's bread pudding
16. Hosted tea parties for my nieces
17. Lost weight (speaking of which, I need to watch these holiday cookies and get back to dance)
18. Developed a new appreciation for my natural curls
19. Hosted dinner parties
20. Thanked God every time a bill was paid and the needs were met.
21. Experienced a deeper level of joy and contentment in my life once I decided that self-love rather than self-criticism would be my lens
22. Forgave others and myself so that I can live at peace
23. Began planning some 2014 getaways
24. Became active on Twitter which revolutionized my life. Even got retweeted by Oprah...twice!
And one of my greatest highs of 2013 is the decision I made just a few short weeks ago to...
25. Revamp, refresh, restart, renew my blog. I connect through words. Writing is my therapy, my outlet, my creativity, my joy and my passion!

Thankful for this year. Thankful for all of you. Looking forward to a beautifully blessed New Year!

Nachitoches, Louisiana

Merry Christmas and remember for every low, you will experience multiple highs!

J~

Weeknight reflection

Just thought I'd share a quick note with you. Life can be completely overwhelming at times. Between the bills, parenting, work and the holidays, it can absolutely feel like at any moment the world will fall if it's axis. As I drove home tonight after a very long day I looked up to the sky pleading with all of Heaven to send immediate reprieve. I could only think of was one verse. "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want". I repeated it over and over for about 8 miles. I repeated it until I actually believed what I have recited 100's of times.

After stopping at the grocery store, I walked into the house, kicked off my heels and quickly made dinner. Kitchen half way cleaned, laundry still unfolded on the love seat, I decide to sit down. 

Life gets crazy hectic at times. Sometimes I just want to keep driving that 15 freeway North and hideout in a cool, dark hotel room and just sleep for three or four days. But, what I know for sure is that somehow, someway. God comes in and restores my soul even in the midst of the storm. 

I'm just gonna lay here in my nearly dark living room and cast my cares on Him because He cares for me.

God bless,

J~