Acceptance.
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” Probably one of the most duplicated, recited, and recognizable pleas. A short, simple prayer. Full of intention and power. In writing the “Serenity Prayer,” author Rev. Reinhold Neibuhr seemed to be seeking calm and peace. Him and I have that in common. … Continue reading Acceptance.
Clarity.
clar·i·ty/ˈklerədē/noun the quality of being coherent and intelligible; the quality of transparency or purity. In academic and professional settings, I’ve always been labeled as “smart” and “having a way with words.” Oration. Writing. Punchlines. But still. Intelligence and apt expression haven’t made my life a crystal stair. Because a crystal stair is clear. And my life has been murky. Like the Delta River. Mississippi side. … Continue reading Clarity.
Sovereignty (Feel, Part II)
feel/fēl/verb be aware of (a person or object) through touching or being touched; experience (an emotion or sensation) Feelings can truly be one of the most enigmatic concepts to grasp. I’ve always been an emotional person. Even as a kid, I laughed very easily and cried in kind. But I’ve also been slow to anger and quick to forgive. Maybe to own detriment. Maybe it … Continue reading Sovereignty (Feel, Part II)
Love.
I was disillusioned. And I was “over” how things were going. The trajectory was inconsistent. The path was rocky for years. There were things I expected from our partnership (or didn’t expect but now realize that I should have). There were things I wanted, needed, deserved. But I still didn’t get. And I know he pretty much felt the same. Somewhere in between entering our 30s, parenthood, … Continue reading Love.
Feel.
Some say grief is the final act of love. I’ve heard others characterize it as “love with nowhere to go.” I’ve understood – and experienced – grief in both ways. I overstand now that grief is proof of life. Proof that love once lived and remains after a transition has taken place. You might not be able to actualize the love in the same way, … Continue reading Feel.
Pray.
Truth moment: I finally watched the Oprah & Meghan interview, and one part in particular really resonated with me. Meghan spoke candidly about the morning she told her husband, Prince Harry, that she needed help because she didn’t want to live anymore. These were not abstract thoughts, she explained to O. These were methodical, repetitive, real, palpable thoughts. The couple had an official event the … Continue reading Pray.
Friends.
It’s Women’s History Month. And all I can think about are all the women who’ve been carrying me on their backs lately. And for a long time. Formerly and presently. Subtly. Without trying. Without prompting or pressure. Organically. Just lifting me up with their presence. Texts that make me smile. Musings that make ponder. Moves that inspire and motivate me. Examples of grace, strength, resilience, … Continue reading Friends.
Losses.
As I sit up, awakened by my own mind at five-something in the morning, I think “I thought these days were over.” Progress still. At least it’s not three or four. No matter how many positive vibes and how much good energy I conjure, everything isn’t always going to be “that.” There has to be balance. Duality. Two sides to the coin. And no matter … Continue reading Losses.
Wins.
win/win/verb be successful or victorious in (a contest or conflict); acquire or secure as a result of a contest, conflict, bet, or other endeavor. Nelson Mandela once said, “I never lose. I either win or I learn.” Every day, it gets easier for me to relate. It takes humility, but I get it. I speak the following affirmation to myself often now – grow through it … Continue reading Wins.
Gratitude
grat·i·tude/ˈɡradəˌt(y)o͞od/nounthe quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. I had gotten to be quite spoiled. It’s a state of being I’m familiar with. As an only child, I’ve had my share of “not having to share,” ease, and everything being about me. Then the hard times came. And I got older. Old enough where I could make my own … Continue reading Gratitude
