Learn How to Live a Happy Life
Today is my daughter’s birthday. Taylor. And tomorrow is my Brother’s birthday. Cedric. And my childhood best friend growing up. Delia. And later this month, my husband, nephew, sister-in-law and more than I can recount all have birthdays. September is the beginning of a New Year. It’s the beginning of school. The beginning of Fall. It’s the season to slow down and get contemplative. To deliberate. Snuggle into our cocoons and caves before winter comes and deadens everything, allowing us to hibernate and get our acts together.
What did we learn this summer? Summer is the season to LIVE. Really get out there. Enjoy the weather, vibrant foods, family reunions, weddings, family vacations and celebrations. Did you notice all the “family” stuff that happens? School stops, Work slows down and the days are longer, so we can enjoy a lot more “ME” time and “WE” time to focus on what is truly important. If you’re not mindful and present, all this good stuff might pass you by. So, be present.
But what if we could truly live our best life all year around? What have we learned from the summer? I can sum it up as I celebrate my daughter. Of course if you know me, you know I’m celebrating myself today also. It was me who woke up 26 years ago early on that Sunday morning to go to the bathroom when my water broke. It was me who pushed out this high yellow baby with blue looking spots all over, and a head of black hair (She had more hair on that day than she does today, LOL). It was me who gave birth that day to this amazing Life, and I’m feeling some kinda way today. So hang with me…
I’ve decided to share what I texted her today when I woke up—
Happy Birthday, baby girl! My First born. Flesh from my flesh. Soror. Fellow Rattler. I’m super proud of the woman that you are. Actually it’s not like you came from me, like a bird that gets pushed out of the nest. But rather you are a piece of me. Like a limb or an organ. In that way you are always with me and I’m always with you. A constancy. I love you to infinity. Blessing you with all of God’s love. Cursing you with kindness and peace and compassion. Sending strength and Reminding you that you have nothing to fear because fear is a Lie. Trust me and the universe when I tell you, that as good as God has been to you, that the best is still yet to come. And so it is. Amen.
And here sums up the wisdom offered this magnificent summer of 2018, during A Year of ME. And I pass to you and the world.
- Forgiveness is the vehicle of faith. “Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.” – Mark Twain.
- “Mercy…is twice blessed. It blesses him that gives, and him that takes.” – William Shakespeare.
Contemplate and live this below, and now you know the secret to living a happy life…
“Let nothing frighten you.
All things pass away.
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
He who has God, finds he lacks for nothing.
God alone suffices.”
– Teresa of Avila
Happy Life to everyone! Do me a favor and send a birthday blessing to all the September babies (and their mothers! 😊). And to Taylor especially. She is the face of UGottaEat. Vibrant, Loving and Mindful.
UGottaEat…so eat mindfully.