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