I want to begin. The responsibility to create, express, and write my thoughts weigh heavily. I want to start. I am frustrated and unsure of my footing to proceed. I want to begin. Every day, I face the uncertainty that my fears will manifest, and my dreams will dissipate. I want to start. Hmm, let’s go.
Initially, the goal of this post was to give a progress status of current projects and outline the next few months to come. In a strange roundabout manner, my opening encapsulates my hesitancy. I fundamentally I believe that your story has value and adds to the beautiful tapestry of life. The current climate of the world uncovered foundational flaws that the United States of America still grapples to acknowledge. Whether handling the global spread of COVID – 19, economic upheavals, and racial tensions, the adage, “the struggle continues.” rings true. The hardship of external pressures and stressors in conjunction with internal strife, grief, and fears tends to paralyze and overwhelm. So, before I begin, I must acknowledge a few of my known constraints. The environment taxes the spirit, yet my faith compels me to move forward with purpose.
With this stated, I begin. Six months into the year 2020, I am in awe of the depths of which living an optimistic lifestyle revives the soul, even through hardships.
January began with a renewed appreciation of a mantra that helped me during stressful moments. “Operation: Moving Forward” needed updating with new plateaus and horizons to pursue. I found an interesting quote that added a direction to my course and tone as the year unfolded. “Once you carry your water, you will learn the value of every drop.” Author unknown. The message spoke to appreciation, self-reliance, and time. Since I am not fond of resolutions, planning mode went into full effect. I created a rough outline and vision board goals that I planned to work towards each day.
In February, I supported a local bakery to help the celebration of Valentine’s Day. Since both my husband and I work from home, the delivery service option pleased me and added a beautiful surprise element to the holiday. BullCityCakes presented us with six decadent cupcakes and a delicious bottle of wine to mark the occasion. My husband received the delivery and was overwhelmed by the sentiment. I received a gift from him that exemplified his excellent care and dedication to expressing his love for me and our life. I am awed at how profound true love and consideration can inflame the desire to look for the silver lining and brighter days to come.
Let me pause to express my love of holidays. Everyone’s journey comes with challenges of some kind. In my life, I use holidays to refuel my positive energy and revive my spirit to press to the next goal and horizon. CLB officially observes 19 holidays and special days each year. A productive work-life balance is vital to a fulfilling journey and legacy. Find your passion and expand its potential. Honor your family and friends (as you define). Remember your faith and exercise it.
March 2020 arrived with a fresh look as I continued to wade through the myriad of topics that gripped my heart. The world is overwhelmed by the COVID-19 pandemic. I turned to happier times and worked intently on a special birthday surprise for my Mother-in-law. The project helped me find a center of meditation and clarity as I prepared her gift. My husband and I shared dinner with her and presented her with a surprise. She appreciated it, which made my heart soar. I learned the lesson of taking a moment for yourself through prayer, meditation, and even pampering to find inner joy. Finding a way to share that peace with those around you is paramount to maintain your balance.
The month of April marked another year to celebrate my husband’s birthday. Our original plans changed due to the pandemic. We planned to attend the NC Symphony presentation of Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back. The symphony recreates the movie score and plays the film in the background. However, the global pandemic response measures to limit the number of people gathering caused the symphony to cancel the show. I needed to come up with another way to commemorate his birthday. I lend on the notion that my mother liked to use – celebrate the season.
So, each week of April, I arranged for my guy to receive a birthday gift that he could enjoy even though we were amidst a quarantine. Also, we celebrated the 2020 NFL Draft (Virtually). The apart yet together moment that I felt with other football fans reminded me that human creativity and ingenuity would continue to meet all challenges. While curating a celebratory atmosphere, I organized my thoughts and began the arduous task of outlining the manuscripts that I wanted to produce first with pressing deadlines. Thanks, SMART goals!
The fifth month of 2020 brought flowers and productive nuggets of truth. Although I set strict guidelines, I must remember that slow progress was still progress. I had my directions and instructions that stood as galvanizing forces of motivation. I stepped closer to my goals. With prayer and toiling, I moved forward towards my calling. During May, we celebrated Mother’s Day, and we were able to spend time with our mothers on that Sunday. It felt good to see them. We also took a moment to check on our fathers. Professionally, I wrote more of the story plots I wanted to explore. I felt very encouraged to see it written down. Productivity truly sprung forth with blooms of determination and grit. Essential qualities instilled in us by our parents.
Now, we come to June. With deadlines set, I am excited that the incremental changes and progress revealed promise. Challenges remain as society deals with health issues and racial disparities that are now openly discussed. I am frustrated, yes. I cannot give answers to help with the anger felt over problems that have come to light. I am shocked by the global outreach to the plights. My response brings me to my favorite bible verse. Isiah 40:31 reads, “But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him]Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift their wings [and rise close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired.” (Amplified Bible version). I am the product of my ancestors’ dreams. I owe them to dream as well. I can attempt to move to a better life and be a productive member of society. The struggle continues; however, I remember that love exists; faith is not lip service or a lofty sentiment, and hope is real. The time to work on all levels is now. Let’s Do This!
