That I Ever Existed

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

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.

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“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.

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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?

 

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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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Power of Words🗣️

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I remember hearing this as a kid but I believe more untrue words have never been spoken. Words do hurt and people often use derogatory terms to gain control over another person.

Language can be a beautiful form of expression, as in poetry or song, but deliberate or not, our words can either uplift or serve as a verbal weapon to give a sense of importance or superiority.

Humans have a need for order in our lives; a sense of security in what to expect. When we misinterpret a verbal exchange or words don’t fit the meanings we’ve accepted, we’re off balance; full of anxieties and fears.

That’s why I say, we create our own reality and have the power to change the world we’ve designed for ourselves. Words pay a significant role in our vision of our existence and living a conscious life with purpose requires our understanding of this complexity.

 

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Black, white, right, wrong are subjective to the person who’s dictating their definition. What we accept as true, shapes our self-image and can either limit our possibilities or help us soar to great accomplishments.

It’s critical to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes for our experience may be a complete 180 degrees of another’s; your truth may have no relevance in a different life.

We need to stop judging others and reach out to understand the realities of our fellow people. Be aware of the duality of language and speak from a place of love and compassion.

 

Remember, “Sticks and stones may break my bones and

words Can truly hurt me.”

 

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Your Book is Still Unwritten👣

Music can be so therapeutic. It can lift your spirit or feed your melancholy. It creates a mood and can affect your state of mind.

“Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield reminds me that I’m still a work in progress and I get to write my own story!

 

 

New Attitude

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!😎

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.

 

 

Belief in the Power of You 💓

Feeling inspired by a message of Hope, Belief, and Love I put together this video filled with some of my favorite Believe quotes. Hopefully, it will move and empower you to have faith in yourself and your dreams.

 

Believing in yourself is where it all starts. Waking up in the morning feeling blessed and sure that something wonderful is going to happen. The mind is incredibly powerful and shapes the life we live and the world we understand. 

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This is what my heart believes, this is what my soul believes so this is what will be.

“Heal the World” Michael Jackson

I feel it, my friends do too; stress. Unrelenting, daily stress in response to all the negative energy permeating our planet. Our world needs healing, and in the passionate pleas of Michael Jackson, “There are people dying if you care enough for the living make a better place for you and for me.” 

This song is a poignant reminder that we are a community of souls and are charged with taking care of one another. When people feel it’s okay to turn their back on pain and suffering, we lose our humanity. 

Where we live in the world should not matter. What our religion or creed is should not matter. And this fabrication of race, should surely not matter.

We all could use some major healing in the midst of the chaos and hate enveloping the country. People are hurting and afraid. We should be coming from a place of love, not hate and resentment.

Just like Michael said: “Heal the world, make it a better place, for you and for me and the entire human race”.

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Don’t Lose the Gratitude 🙏

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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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