I don't know about you, but I know that for me, this year hasn't really been my favorite experience. There was a lot of things that changed that I wasn't prepared for in any capacity, and a lot of disappointment from having set expectations. Somehow, I've still managed to stay somewhat afloat and coherent through it all. Some things got better, some things got worse, but all of those things make me who I am today. I don't want to go deep into detail about everything, but I do want you to know that if you're going through it right now, I can certainly identify and relate to the struggle(s) you might be facing. I've been hearing stories of friends going through rough times, stories of people I don't know dealing with rough times, and it seems like death is at every corner which has caused a great disturbance in my spirit and ramped up my anxiety. I just want us all to be able to find the peace we need in our lives and to be able to live in a manner that keeps our hope alive and our joy full. After watching the new Tom Papa Netflix special, I feel validated in some perspectives that I've had over the years and still maintain today. I am not going to go into detail of what he said because if you plan to watch it, I don't want to spoil it. However, I will say that it felt like he said all of the exact things I've been saying about our lives as individuals, and it felt good to see someone of his report saying those things. Practicing and attitude of gratitude in all things can be difficult when you're really going through things, but it's the only strength we have, and that attitude only becomes strong and stronger when we are facing challenges. I've been making jokes with friends about a meme with a dog and everything around him is on fire and the caption says “this is fine. everything is fine.” And honestly that's how I've felt this year, and I'm sure many of you have felt the same way! I just want you all to know, and I want to remind myself to always find something to have hope in, and always believe that there is a way through whatever it is you're going through or whatever challenges you may be facing. Call an old friend and talk to them. Don't text them, call them. Heck, FaceTime them even! We've allowed all of this social media to connect us to each other so much that we have ultimately become disconnected from each other and the people that we are supposed to be the most connected to. Reignite your circle and recognize your tribe because they are the people that you need in this journey we call life!
Also, the most important thing you can do today is VOTE. Love where you live, and make sure you check the boxes that make sense to you and your COMMUNITY, not just your household. I am so fed up with these political ads that are being driven as a For us/Against Us mentality. Its disingenuous and if you actually went outside and talked with someone and took the time to listen to them, you might learn that your political ideologies may not line up, but the bottom line is that we all want the same thing, we just have a different idea of what it takes for us to get there. Choose to be kind. Choose to love someone. Choose life. Choose grace. Most importantly, choose understanding.
May your day be well and your heart be full. And may the food you eat be good! Here's to a new day!