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Often time someone will purchase an item for a particular event. A weddding, a special party, an anniversary. But how many times have you heard someone say; I’m saving it for this or for that. What if “this or “that” never comes? I was speaking with one of my nieces and I asked if she ever wore that sweater dress that I’d given her that she said she loved and could not wait to wear. She replied; no, I am saving it for a special occcassion. I replied; isn’t everyday special? Sometimes we forget about the special things we have because we are more fixated on saving it for a day that may pass us by or may never come. Every time I would have a race in the city, it was a tradition to treat myself to a new workout outfit. That was my motivation and my treat for training hard to get to race day. I was excited about the purpose and I could not wait to show up and show out. When I purchase something, it is with a purpose. When do I plan on using it or wearing it? If I don’t have intentions on making use of it within a week or two, then I don’t need it. We hold on to things, with the possibility. Why not wear those sexy jeans that have been taking up residency in your closet only for the mothballs to have their way with them first. Why not drink the drink that you bought a week ago that looked so good that you just had to have it but now it’s lost somewhere in your fridge between the milk and the leftovers from the night before. Why not wear that lipgloss/lipstick you purchased because you wanted to step out of your comfort zone and now you don’t think it will look as good on you as it did that celebrity that inspired you to purchase it. Why not read that book that was recommended to you instead of saying you don’t have time but everyday you are on social media. Why not use the shower gel that smells amazing that you wish you could take a swim in but you would rather let it sit in your bathroom cabinet collecting dust. Why not wear that sexy dress instead of waiting for date night. Why not reach out to someone you have been thinking about instead of thinking you have time.

Why not today? What are you waiting for ?

Monday, 9/5/22

#why not #today #everyday life #justdoit #me #fact #true #listen

By the time you reach my age (the age where you have “lived”), you know right from wrong, you are established in your career, you have checked at least 10 items off of your bucket list and you would have unfortunately lost someone close to you. Someone you loved, someone you could not imagine life without. Some say time heals the wound of a loss. I don’t agree (at least not right now). Time heals if you end a relationship that you were invested in and it did not go as you hoped it would, but death... that is a feeling that will live forever. Yes, we all know (whether we want to admit it or even think about it) are going to leave this earth one day. One can never prepare. Many of us are afraid, we don’t want to leave our loved ones and we are enjoying our time here, so why does it ever have to end?

I’ve lost several close ones (Aunts, Uncles, a childhood best friend, my Grandmother and now my mom). Those were all traumatic losses because not only did I love them, I was also close to each of them so we held a special bond. Losing my mom put the level of grief in another category. It “forced” me realize that when you are sitting in the front row at a funeral, your life takes a different turn. I’ve spoken at several funerals. No, it wasn’t something that I raised my hand to do, but it was what God called me to do and whenever a spirit higher than my self calls me to do something, I oblige. Losing my mom made me a little selfish. How could she leave me? Didn’t she know I needed her? Who am I going to call and tell “EVERYTHING” to? Who am I going to share my deepest secrets with and know it won’t go any further than my lips to her ears? NO ONE. Who am I going to call to vent about my day or to tell a funny story to and wait for her to laugh until her belly ached even if the joke was on me? Thinking about that, my mind also shifted to the times that I felt she was negative (let’s be real, all relationships have some moments of discomfort), whether it is from you or the other person. No matter how many times I think about those moments, the special moments we shared overrides any negative thoughts. Mom gave me a few items while she was alive and healthy. I look at those items and it gives me comfort and joy and it makes my heart happy. Before she passed she always told me that the two rings she wore religiously, she wanted me to have (one was passed down from my Great Aunt) and I am not sure what the other symbolized but I know it meant a lot to her. It had a symbolic meaning. I never asked about the second ring because when she would say she wanted me to have both, I never wanted to think about her not being here, so I never asked. She also left me her bible which she read everyday. She would tell me what scriptures she read on a particular day and inside the Bible, she had written; “if anything should happen to her, the Bible was to be given to me”. Since her passing in September, I read it a few times. It still pains me but I do leave it by my bedside and every morning, I look at the Bible and say; good morning mommy! There’s a lot of notes, pen markings etc.. inside the Bible. It was obviously one of her saving graces because she spent a lot of time with it opened!

My siblings also received items from mom as well. Handwritten notes, pictures, momentous, and several other items that they will cherish forever and perhaps pass down to their children. We all have things that are special to us that remind us of mom. We carry it in our hearts as we do her memory. Sometimes I sit still and can’t believe she is gone. I still have her contact in my phone, several voicemail messages (that I haven’t listened to since she passed) and when I think about all the silly and fun times we shared, my spirit is suddenly lifted. Death has no specific date that we can prepare for. It has no instruction booklet that we all can take a page from. It’s part of the journey of life and as long as we keep our loved ones memory in our heart, their spirit will continue to live inside of us.

Monday, 9/5/22

#mom #heaven sent #i love you #miss you #forever #cherish them #bible

This is what’s currently on my nightstand, along with a few other gems. The author delivers passages through engaging communication that everyone can understand and most can relate to. Even as she teaches in the substantive biblical terms that may normally confuse some, her authentic tone and ability to capture her audience makes this read a page turner.

Get in to it.... you may find that her storytelling and theological scholar she used is more in tune with your life than you think.

What are you reading?

8/17/22

#lifelessons #justbecauseican #readingisfundemental #readingisgoodforthesoul #devotional #bibleversus #prayer #learn

#listen #understanding #books and reading

Today my morning mantra was: If not now, when?

I am sure like me, many people can identify with this question that seems to be put on the back burner because we believe we have time, no matter how many times we say; life is short, we still think; we have time. We can do it another day. Time is on our side but the fact is, it isn’t.

If not now, when?

When will you apply for that job you’ve always wanted?

When will you leave that relationship that isn’t serving you? This doesn’t just mean an intimite relationship, it also means friendships.

When will you plan that much needed vacation? The one you keep telling yourself that you deserve.

When will you make that Doctor appointment to find out why your back is in pain instead of “google” diagnostic yourself?

If not now, when?

When will you finally say; I want to feel my best? This doesn’t have to mean losing/gaining weight. Maybe you want to start wearing something you thought was not your style but it looks better on other people but deep down you wish you could pull it off. Have you tried? Stop thinking it and do it.

When will you finally pursue your education? When will you start reading more so that you can educate yourself? If not now, when?

There are so many if not now, when, that applies to different people. Figure out what applies to you and start putting it into fruition and as the saying goes; make it happen!

So instead of asking yourself, if not when... tell yourself today is the day. Start scratching those if not when’s off your list!

Be well,

Summersbutterfly

Monday, 8/15/22

#dailymantra #mantra #ifnotnowwhen #do what you wanna do #your soul #today #yourself #joy #be happpy

What sets your soul on fire?

Me? Knowing I was able to walk through the flames that almost destroyed my mind, body, and spirit and being able to see a shining light that still lives within me. My soul is set ablaze in excitement and happiness because life could have taken me in a different direction.

#happiness #soulonfire #mylife #mythoughts #joy #peace

August 10, 2022