February 12, 2023
Good morning my friends. I hope you are doing well and enjoying life. Today is Super Bowl Sunday! I’m not a huge football fan, but typically the game can be fun to watch, especially with friends. When my daughter was younger, she loved when I’d host a Super Bowl party at our home. We’d plan the event together, shop for snacks, treats, decorations and everything that makes a celebration fun. She especially liked it, when I’d make my homemade chili and cornbread (which became a game day tradition). Most times it wasn’t about which teams were playing, but more about the gathering of family and friends for the day. The joy and love we all shared, from the preparations to clean up, will always be some of my best and most fond memories. Whether you watch the game today or not, take the time to share special days and events with the people you love. Make memories that will last a life time. Life is a one-time opportunity, especially when it comes to sharing joy, happiness and love. Don’t miss out on the little things that make life amazing and incredible. I begin each day with gratitude, happiness and a positive attitude. Changing my perspective; on love, life and myself; has enlightened my mind, opened my heart and energized my spirit. I thank God every morning for my new opportunity to live and share my journey.
Valentine’s Day is coming up this week, Tuesday, February 14th. Many people see this holiday as nothing more than a money-making marketing scheme (like many other holidays). While I don’t necessarily disagree with that initial observation, I also see it as the perfect opportunity to recognize the amazing women in my life. It doesn’t mean I need to shower them with lavish gifts or chocolates, but I definitely want to let them know how much I value them, all they have done for me and how much I love them. Birthdays, Christmas and other holidays give us the opportunity to do nice things, but not like this loving day. Your gesture doesn’t need to be grand or expensive, it just needs to come from your heart. It’s a special day to celebrate the love we share for these amazing individuals and the connection that binds us together forever. I have always believed in the power of love. It has the ability to conquer all the negative in the world. You just need to be receptive to its beauty, by opening your heart and soul. There are several forms or variations of love among individuals. I share a special bond with my immediate family (daughter, parents, sister and her family). My extended family of relatives and special friends will forever hold a special place in my heart. Then there is an amazing and incredible love that is generated, created and shared between two individuals. When you share a passionate love with an amazing human, it’s a phenomenon that defies description. It’s a connection that can last a lifetime. Be sure to nourish and care for it daily, like the amazing gift that it is. It’s a feeling that bonds two hearts. I’m sure many of you know exactly what I’m talking about. Love is mesmerizing, crazy and blissful relationship of souls. I’ve been fortunate, during my life, to experience the amazing connection of love. I’m hopeful to find that bond again one day, that unites me with an amazing woman.
The sad part about celebrating holidays, like Valentine’s Day, is remembering the most important people in my life that are no longer with me. This is the first anniversary of my Mom’s passing. On February 10, 2022, she was taken after a nearly six-year battle with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. The disease robbed and stripped her memory of everything and everyone she loved (and who loved her). It was difficult and sad to watch my mother wither away, mentally and physically. I was merely a helplessly spectator as the days, months and years dragged on in agony. Watching her sleep for the last time brought peace to my soul and the final relief for her. I know she’s in a better place; with her family, my Dad and God. December 2022 marked nine years since my Dad’s death. I miss them both every day, but the holidays are when it hurts the most. I’m happy I have many wonderful memories about our time together on this planet. We all know that life comes with an expiration date. Maybe if we embraced that fact with more vigor, we would cherish each and every moment on this rock with more kindness and love. Too often we dismiss the fact that death is the end result for us all. People fill their lives with egotistical endeavors; more money, possessions or power. Death, like the weather and many other things, are beyond our control and comprehension. My goal is to live in the present and actually take the time to enjoy every breath with the most important part in my life: the people I love.
Some individuals may say “love” or “falling in love” is a risk. I’d argue that driving a car, or other dangerous endeavors, offer a much great risk of injury, then merely a broken heart. All the most fabulous things in life involve a degree of risk or fear. Love doesn’t mean life will be perfect or without struggles. There are no magical cures or remedies to solving the issues of life. Success in all we strive to achieve; whether work or pleasure, involve effort and putting ourselves out there. Sure, it can be scary at times, but nothing amazing will ever be achieved my sequestering yourself or doing nothing. I have found that doing the things that seem most scary, are often the most rewarding. Fear is a powerful force, that can impede our forward progress or movement. Perseverance, self-confidence and knowledge can assist to enhance your skills and motivate you to move past the fear. Empowerment, strength and courage gives us the ability to take that first step into our future. The more I resist the urge to stay still, the more power I develop to move forward. Love provides us the ability to overcome obstacles together, when we open our heart and soul to the possibilities. It can empower us with a vibrant and energizing boost, by sharing the burdens of life with your partner. Working through hardships or turbulence together builds the strength and health of your relationship. Love is a powerful and emotional force, with a healing power all its own. It gives me the courage and motivation to keep moving forward into each new day. It reveals a new path to the amazing future together. If it’s real and true, love isn’t demanding, controlling, manipulative or ego based. Being in love is a cooperative experience between two committed individuals that’s incredibly sensational and amazing. It’s perfectly imperfect in the best possible way. “All that I love is more important to me than all that I fear.” Follow your dreams. They know the way.
Please tune in and join me again next Sunday for more! The puzzle of life is always changing. Change can lead to amazing opportunities. Together, let’s be healthy and strong; mentally, physically and spiritually!
Thanks for your love and support! Embrace Life! Be sure to get outside and enjoy nature!
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