Through life, our instinct is to keep our head down, stay focused on our goals and keep working to be the best we can be for ourselves and family. Yet, I bet while we are looking down, we are missing people standing in front of us seeking a kind word of encouragement in this harsh world that makes it hard for some to keep going. We all have an encouraging word to share.

I was bored while waiting for the cake to finish baking its last 15 minutes. As the vanilla scent engulfed my apartment, I remembered I had to wait for the cake to cool before slicing. I was proud to accomplish making a cake like my grandmother seemed to do every Sunday.

I am a second-generation Cincinnati Bengals fan. My father was a fan and indoctrinated his wife and children to the club.

Each Fall, we began to gear up and plan Sundays to gather at our parent’s house to watch the Bengals. Some Sundays, I may have cut out of church a bit early.

I was sure I was going to die and take out 10 people with me.

My heart was racing and felt like it was going to leap out of my chest. My palms were sweaty.

The hospitality industry gave me opportunities I may not have received anyplace else. My training, hands-on experience, and mentoring taught me what it means to be hospitable and helped me grow as a professional.

For example, in any position the goal is to ensure each guest has a positive experience and will return. I loved my career. hard to cope.

Marnita was a friend, but I never told her that. I cared for her and was frustrated by her. Although we disagreed on many things, we could agree on what was funny. We laughed together like nobody’s business.

2022 was too much!

The world experienced war, high prices for food and gas, sickness from COVID and flu variants and many of us found it hard to cope.

During Christmastime, I am into all things Christmas; decorations, music, Christmas movies – old and new, and all the rich delicious food and drink that come with it.

This year, memories of my mom invade my thoughts every day as many of my fondest memories of her surround Christmas and New Year’s Day. Lately, every smell, song, craft, or holiday special reminds me of my mom.

I love Thanksgiving weekend! It’s filled with family time, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, sister time and traditions. Each year, my husband and I purchase a live Christmas tree for our home and decorate it the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Does she know those people? I thought. My husband and I told our youngest grandchild to stop, take her sister’s hand and walk to the play area. They went directly to where the other kids were; a lady was there with them. That lady doesn’t want our kids over there! I assumed internally.

Choose Joy were two words that commanded my attention one morning when I read a friend’s social media post. Immediately I recalled her bright smile and loud laughter as I completed reading her post. It was perfect timing for the perfect reminder.

What a whirlwind!

I expected to be on my first international flight to Africa.

I was prepared with a neck pillow and blanket to keep me comfortable during the long flight.

I was excited to place my feet on the ground of the continent of my ancestors. I was filled with anticipation to experience what I had seen in videos, a crowd of people welcoming us in song and dance as we exited the plane.

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.”

“How is it with your soul?” – John Wesley

I knew I had reached my breaking point. I needed to get away; I was tired, and my soul was hungry.

Amid some challenging days, I tried to manage my emotions so others couldn’t see what I was going through. Trying to keep a lid on everything was unsuccessful and stressful.

Women throughout the United States collectively screamed, “What the hell!!??,” on June 24, 2022. On that day, Roe V. Wade was overturned. This act left women unprotected against states moving toward creating laws to ban abortion, setting back women’s health rights by 50 years.