In my young adult years, I had a hard time being seen for who I was.
I was always identified by where I grew up, whose sister I was or who I hung out with. Although I loved those aspects of myself, I was more.
As years went on, I had to make choices for my happiness. Choices often opposite of what I thought was expected of me. That meant becoming vulnerable to change and criticism.
That shift came with a yearning to experience more of what life had to offer. I began to look outside the walls put in place by others and myself to live a life God wanted me to live.
I began to capture these experiences in my writing. This became a way for me to purge, process and heal.
This blog is that journey and it continues. A journey full of love, tears, pride and lots of laughs.
Thanks for joining me.
Maybe Not As Easy As I Thought
On March 24, my brain began to create a plan of transition and I wrote down all pros and cons for me to look at and consider. While absorbing the lists, a signal was sent to my brain to create a timeline. That plan also included the possibility of my husband and I living separately for six months.
It’s A New Season
When I looked at myself, I was unrecognizable and that unsettled me. I was going to call the stylist and have my hair cut shorter, but I waited. Twenty-four hours and many YouTube videos later, I fell in love with my hair and received compliments beyond what I had expected.
No, I Don't Want Your Jewelry
When my father passed away, I remember loading my Ford Edge with suits, hats, coats, and sweaters to donate to a clothing ministry in Columbus. These were only a fraction of the items from his closet.
Considering all the material items left being by our loved ones when they pass, I ask a question and confirm a fact, “How do we collect so much stuff to be left behind? And, “All that stuff means nothing compared to the chance to talk with that person one more time.”
HospItality
The quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way.
As a tourism professional, I understand how to show hospitality from a professional point of view. I made a career of it for many years. Beginning as a front desk agent at a 4-diamond hotel, I became a sales manager for a convention center after years of work in the industry. On a personal level, my definition of hospitality was broader.
Creating A Home Where there Is None
I hate moving.
In 10 years, I have moved to a new residence four times. Half of those moves are thanks to the itinerant system of the United Methodist Church.
Moving as we change church appointments is hard most times. I made it through with the support of clergy spouses who helped me to remain focused on the positive. I am also grateful to family who helped with physical labor when I had none to give.