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Livin’ my life like it’s golden🌞

May8

 

My favorite quote. I follow the teachings of Buddha and this perspective is the first intention I see every morning. It hangs in my bedroom in a place of prominent so as to always catch my eye. These words set my day on the path of happiness and gratitude to live my life like it’s precious –  “golden”.

 

When people ask how my morning is going I say awesome! I was blessed to see another sunrise and be surrounded by the love and support of my wonderful family, and friends. It’s an absolutely beautiful day!

 

This Jill Scott tune from 2004, “Livin’ my life like it’s golden”, is all about living each day with joy; owning the richness of life and how amazing it is. Blessed and highly favored, happiness and abundance are yours! 

 

 

I’m taking my freedom
Pulling it off the shelf
Putting it on my chain
Wear it around my neck
I’m taking my freedom
Putting it in my car
Wherever I choose to go
It will take me far

I’m livin’ my life like it’s golden
Livin’ my life like it’s golden
Livin’ my life like it’s golden, golden
Livin’ my life like it’s golden
Livin’ my life like it’s golden, golden

I’m taking my own freedom
Putting it in my song
Singing loud and strong
Grooving all day long
I’m taking my freedom
Putting it in my stroll
I’ll be high-steppin‘ y’all
Letting the joy unfold

I’m holding on to my freedom
Can’t take it from me
I was born into it
It comes naturally
I’m strumming my own freedom
Playing the god in me
Representing his glory
Hope he’s proud of me

Livin’ my life like it’s golden
It really matters to me, oh

I’m living my life like its golden

Jill Scott – Golden Lyrics | MetroLyrics

 

 

That I Ever Existed

Mar28

Having a conversation with a girlfriend the other evening about what kind of legacy we want to leave and what our lives are meant for started me re-examining my own life.

Seems lately that every day all day I see infomercials for buying final expense life insurance to make it easier, at least financially, for your loved ones when you pass.

The existential conversation about life and death can be quite complicated. Running the gamut of you live, you die, and that’s it, to a belief in an afterlife, maybe even reincarnation. I’m one who believes in the karmic synergy of the universe and that life on earth is just a way station. Our evolution as humans come from an understanding that our purpose is to learn gratitude, understand we are part of a whole and that what we do to others we do to ourselves. 

Surviving cancer has given me a renewed relationship with my own mortality. I don’t fear death, it’s part of the human experience. I believe we were sent here to understand that we are reflected in the faces of others and that we are our brother’s keeper. In totality, we should aspire to our highest self.

My sadness about departing my physical body comes from the separation, no longer being able to hang out with my family and friends; enjoying precious time together. But, my new consciousness evokes a more incredible point – the amazing reality that I ever existed at all!

 

 

We are all miracles; chosen for an existence on earth. My greatest wish for humankind is that we embrace the fact our lives have an expiration date for the lessons we must learn.

For me, it means being given this amazing gift of life to explore, reflect, and leave this world a little better than I found it. My desire is to achieve my highest self; moving on with a smile on my face from having lived a life of joy with no regrets; clear in the ultimate understanding that every moment is precious so, be present and choose love as a mantra for existence.

 

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The Quest for Self

Mar14

What have I come here to do with my life?

The Quest

Consider this quote from author Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love)

“Share what you’ve learned.”

A big part of who I am and why I love to write is expressing and exploring my life’s journey with others.

writers quote

“Bring the light”

This is what I strive to do by sharing my thoughts and communing with others thru my blog.

If you’re searching for happiness or striving to find the light, start by creating mini quests.

Every day go out and find something beautiful.

beauty-in-everything-just-not-everybody-sees-it

Circling back to my original question, I think it’s important for us to ask…

What have I come here to do with my life?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is Your Intent Today?

Mar2

 

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What is my Intent?

Each and every day I choose to live my life without fear; understanding that taking chances and keeping faith through adversity is to grow as a person and citizen of the world. Fear makes some people commit heinous acts and is responsible for so much suffering in people’s lives. Fear can prevent us from speaking out when seeing a wrong or blaming some “other” for our problems. 

 

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But, living fearlessly can open infinite possibilities. Believe and realize your dreams. Reach out and understand that a simple smile can brighten someone’s day. Adjust your attitude to a positive point of view and create the life you seek. 

 

Take the leap and have faith. Destiny lies in your hands.

 

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My Intention for each day:

  • Stand up for what’s right.

  • Show up as a witness and speak for the voiceless.

  • Choose to be positive in word and deed.

  • Be a possibility for the future.

  • Demonstrate Fortitude, Determination, and Hope

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Attitude

Jan7

Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy, shaping our lives and image of ourselves based on outside input and descriptions others have deemed to be true. From birth, we take on the totality of remarks and declarations outright or subtly put in our heads. Whether it’s from parents uttering – “oh, you’re so pretty” maybe trying to build up our self-esteem or to teachers concluding “you don’t really have a head for numbers” in an effort to shield us from what they perceive as a possible failure.

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These early definitions paint a picture we add to as we approach life and try to sort out how we fit in and what we’re capable of accomplishing. We are socialized by our peers, teachers, and loves. What we hear we sometimes assimilate to and believe.

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I used to call myself a late bloomer, but a therapist corrected me saying “No, you come into things in your own time.” That perspective totally changed the way I thought of myself and opened my eyes to the fact that I was basing my definition of self on what others deemed as “appropriate” timing or behavior. I had been primarily judging myself by letting society dictate, on some level, my worthiness.

Maybe, if we stop letting others define who we are, we might just find the person we were meant to be.

 

 

 

I’m Still Standing!😎

Dec27

2017 has been an incredible year! I’m a cancer survivor with my health and body getting stronger every day! And, Florence Italy in May, a dream trip of a lifetime come true!

Florence, Italy

Cancer survivors are fighters and that’s just what I’ve been doing as an Ambassador for The American Cancer Society, Cancer Action Network. I made a promise to myself during Chemotherapy treatment to give back and be a voice not only for myself, but cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers.

Me in September on Capitol Hill

I had the honor of representing my Congressional District in Charlotte and advocating on Capitol Hill in D.C. Meeting with my representatives was an incredible feeling of accomplishment. 

We were advocates not only from this country but Ambassadors from around the world! We made quite the statement in our light blue shirts in Washington as strangers asked about our work and what they could do to help. 

A friend once said that God has great plans for me and I agree. Every day I get to make a difference and give back to my community.

Watching one of my favorite inspirational films on Christmas about making dreams come true “Sing” (2016), Taron Egerton’s (Johnny) cover of the Elton John epic “I’m Still Standing” (1983) put a big smile on my face as my head nodded yes, I’m not only a survivor but thriving with the Grace and Favor of God.

When you hear this song, think about how dreams come true and how one voice can make a difference in your community.

 

 

Don’t Lose the Gratitude 🙏

Nov23

Blessing-Quotes-17

My morning and evening praise is part of living my life deliberately and holding gratitude in my heart. I’ve come this far by faith and I have no intention of letting that go.

Every time I think about my blessings I well up inside. I can’t help giving my testimony and sharing my joy.

Each of us is a miracle and it’s so important to grasp that concept and move through life bearing that knowledge and living for love and peace.

I’ve adopted a personal mantra to refocus on trying days and situations, “Don’t Let the Bad Behavior of Others Destroy Your Inner Peace.”

Each day let us live our truths in peace and harmony. ✌💗

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Don’t Give Up on Your Faith 💜

Oct29

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Love can sometimes appear to be an elusive concept. Despite being provided water, food, shelter, and the air with which to breath, without love or humanity, our lives become hollow.

Inspired by a wonderful friend who’s been feeling the grip of loneliness, I heard this Celine Dion song the other day, which I hadn’t heard in a long while and thought sharing this video would be a big hug and a splendid tribute to love, faith, and friendship.

Keep the faith!

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Striving and Surviving – 2 Years Cancer Free! 🙏🏽💕

Oct20

defying gravity changed

 

Today I celebrate 2 years colon and breast cancer free by reflecting on my 1st chemotherapy treatment and how far I’ve come. My journey has taken me from battling cancer to volunteering as an advocate for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, taking the fight to end cancer to Capitol Hill representing survivors and those who continue the fight.

What a difference a year makes! I’m not only surviving but thriving; aware of the uncertainty of the road ahead but traveling with complete faith in God’s healing love. 

I’m convinced God loves me so much that he placed my health challenge before me to strengthen my faith and raise my consciousness to a higher level.

I continue to search for the precise words to express my gratitude and thankfulness for all the love and support from my family and friends. Today I celebrate you and how you lifted me through prayer and faith, helping me in Defying Gravity.

 

My heart is so full. I love you all!

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I originally created this video on my 11th out of 12 chemo treatments as an expression of my feelings and experiences with fighting cancer. The song “Defying Gravity” from the Broadway play “Wicked” perfectly describes what I’ve taken away from my cancer journey. 

 

Shedding fears, my unwavering faith and belief that God is always with me and that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to is such a freeing and powerful realization I’ve been blessed to receive. 

 

defying gravity

My message and desire for everyone – embrace your faith and shed your fear. We only get one life, let’s enjoy it!

 

 

 

Souls Recognize Like Souls

Sep29

 

Connecting with a like-minded soul is a reaffirming experience. An immediate recognition of similar heartstrings and shared views of life. My husband and I relocated numerous times during his career so I was always the new kid on the block and the fact is it takes time to bond and to establish new friendships.

But, it wasn’t until we moved to Chicago and I ventured into the theater world did I realize how to make those connections while also feeding my creative soul and spirit.

 

 

When I walked into the audition space, there was an air of familiarity and excitement. As we talked and laughed about goofy things I thought I was the only one who got, a big happy grin appeared on my face. “I think I’ve found my home!”; others who appreciated a sense of expression and openness I was totally tuned into.  

 

 

My cancer journey has been such a similar revelation on so many levels. It’s been an awakening, a greater appreciation of my blessings, and a new opportunity to connected with beautiful, like-minded souls. I’ve often remarked how God sent me to Charlotte to connect me with all the incredible angels I needed to see me through and help me grow as I kept my faith and determination to live one moment at a time. 

 

 

From day one, the joking, laughing, and enjoying music in chemotherapy to my positive and best in their fields physicians who cared for me, the karma and the sense of kinship was very real. And once again, I knew I was right where I was supposed to be. 

And beautifully, it’s happened once again; connecting with new like-spirits. My new soulmates at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and I share the same passion, drive, and commitment to ending the horror of cancer while also finding time to share a laugh and embrace a positive attitude and life of living one moment at a time.