After This, We Die

In the grand tapestry of existence, there’s one undeniable truth we all face: after this life, we die. This reality can either weigh us down with fear or, conversely, set us free to live our lives authentically. Imagine waking up each day with a renewed sense of purpose, liberated from the heavy chains of others’ opinions. It’s time to embrace our lives fully, to enjoy every moment, and to create boundaries that protect our peace.

Impermanence can be such a gift. The awareness of our mortality can be a powerful catalyst for change. When we truly understand that our time is finite, it shifts our perspective. Why spend precious moments worrying about what others think of us? Instead, let’s focus on living in a way that feels true to who we are. Each day is a blank canvas—let’s fill it with vibrant colors that reflect our passions, dreams, and desires.

Living honestly means shedding the masks we often wear to please others. It means being brave enough to express our true selves, even if it invites criticism or judgment. When we live authentically, we cultivate a life rich in meaning and fulfillment. It’s about choosing authenticity over approval, creating a life that resonates with our innermost values.

There is power in boundaries. To maintain this newfound freedom, we must establish boundaries. These are not walls to shut others out, but rather protective barriers that preserve our mental and emotional well-being. Setting boundaries means prioritizing our peace over the expectations of others. It’s about saying “no” to things that drain us and “yes” to opportunities that nurture our souls.

Think about the relationships in your life: are they uplifting or depleting? Are there situations that cause unnecessary stress? Identifying and addressing these aspects can lead to a more balanced and joyful existence. It’s okay to step back from relationships that don’t serve our highest good. In doing so, we create space for connections that inspire and energize us.

Life is too short to dwell on worries and unhappiness. Instead, let’s focus on finding joy in the present moment. Engage in activities that spark joy—whether it’s pursuing a hobby, spending time with loved ones, or simply enjoying a quiet moment in nature. Celebrate the little things; these are the threads that weave a rich and fulfilling life.

Living authentically also means embracing vulnerability. It’s about sharing our stories, our struggles, and our triumphs without fear of judgment. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we foster deeper connections with others. We invite authenticity into our relationships, creating an environment where everyone feels safe to be themselves.

As we navigate this journey, remember that the only validation we need comes from within. The opinions of others are fleeting, but our choices and experiences shape our legacy. Let’s strive to live a life we can look back on with pride, knowing we honored our true selves and made the most of every moment.

In the end, we only have this one life. Let’s fill it with authenticity, joy, and meaningful connections. Embrace who you are, set your boundaries, and cherish the time you have. After all, it’s not about the years in our life, but the life in our years. So, go ahead—live boldly, love fiercely, and enjoy the beautiful journey that is uniquely yours.

Losing Worldly Possessions

What would you do if you lost all your possessions?

If I were to lose all my possessions, I would still find joy in the simple fact that I’m alive and breathing. This realization reminds me that I have the power to rebuild and create anew. Material belongings have little significance in my life; the true treasures are the lives of my children—both my human and furry ones. They are my highest priority and what brings me the most fulfillment.

Possessions can always be replaced, but the love and connection I share with my family are irreplaceable. With unwavering faith in God, I believe that nothing is ever truly lost; He provides us with exactly what we need when we need it. In that faith, I find comfort and strength, knowing that my true wealth lies not in what I own but in the love and relationships that enrich my life.

Happy Mother’s Day

Candy dish on the counter, music playing and the house is sparkling clean. She’s dressed with nowhere to go. Every Mother’s Day my Mom would say she didn’t want anything and didn’t want to go anywhere. But all year she didn’t know that I kept a running tab of things she saw on TV, things she saw in a store or on a sales flyer in her mailbox that she claimed she wanted, had to have or couldn’t live without. So gift giving was super easy. She always wanted something but didn’t need anything. This is so familiar lol.

Every Mother’s Day was at home. Never in a restaurant. Never a big party. Just us at home with music, some food, a few gifts and quality time. The food caused us to nap so it was truly an entire day spent with her.

So relaxed and chilled, I wonder if my Mother ever questioned how good of a Mother she thought she was. I wonder if she measured how good of a Mother she was based on what we did for her or what we gifted her. There was never a year she didn’t get something. Even as a struggling young adult, if I couldn’t buy her something, I made her something. And I never left out my Brother. The gift was always from us if he didn’t personally get her anything.

This morning I watched the video of my last Mother’s Day with her. May 13, 2018 we were all with her at home. I said “all” as if our family is huge. My brother, his girlfriend (at the time), my kids and I filled the living room of my Mom’s apartment. She cooked that morning and put her food up. She knew I always came with food. But she always sent me and the kids home with food too so she would cook. Seafood was her favorite. So I always made sure to get it from one of her favorite restaurants hot and fresh. She would spend the day playing with the kids, talking to my brother and I about what was going on and drank her beer. She was the coolest Mother. Never asking for a lot of anything but some of your time. And I tried to give her all I had.

That’s what makes me most sad about Mothers Day. Not being able to spend that time with her all day to do absolutely nothing but just exist in the same space with her. To see her smile and laugh with the kids. They brought out the absolute best in her. And then to watch her nap peacefully knowing she was safe, well taken care of and loved.

Mothers carry the world on their shoulders, life in their womb and the weight of the world as it affects their family on their backs. One day is not nearly enough to celebrate and acknowledge all that Mothers do on a daily basis or in a lifetime. And when you lose your Mother this day gains a whole new meaning.

I hope outside of gifts, cookouts and gatherings that each Mother FEELS loved, appreciated and cared for today. And for those who don’t have the privilege of spending today with their Mothers, I hope you are surrounded by love and people who understand.

Practice Gratitude Daily

Each morning before your feet hit the floor, before you grab your cell…give gratitude something(s) in your life that bring you joy. It doesn’t matter how big or small these things are.

Today I’m grateful for my children’s humble spirit, the ocean; as it calms me, and the invention of these devices that keeps us connected. All of these things get me through day to day.

I hope each and every person my post touches has an abundantly blessed day!

Merely Existing


When I woke this morning as usual I thanked those that had a hand in waking me up. I thanked them for all that I have and all that I’m to receive. This is normally how I start my day before I fall out of my bed. I don’t have to move, I just lay or sit in silence and give gratitude for the good things, the bad things, all things…because they all have a purpose.

Afterwards, I rolled over on my back and stared at the ceiling. The thought that came across my mind was, “I am just exisitng these days…what happened?” I have no true schedule, no routine. My life is like a Christmas snowglobe that someone curiously picked up off a shelf and shook the fuck out of. There’s shit everywhere (figuratively of course, because I’m a little OCD), everything is out of place, and there is no order. Chaos. Things are so shaken up that you can’t tell what use to be where.

I’m in the process of trying to sort it all out. I’m taking some time to myself. Not that this is out of the norm but right now I have to find me. Like really find me. Somewhere between December 2020 and April 2021, I lost the person I once knew. And I joke that I’ve sustained quite a few head injuries in the past year so my memory is not the greatest because of that. But I’m so serious.

Today after lots of reflection, I made the conscious decision to live and to find a way to do so everyday when I wake. Because when you just merely exist you tend to fade away, you miss out on the joy and peace that this lifetime has to offer. My intention is never to fade away but to live in the moment, spread love and genuinely be happy. (I promise I was a hippie in one of my past lives) I don’t think I can do any of those things by merely existing. And there are no memories in just existing.

After sitting with myself most of the day I answered myself… I don’t need a routine. I just need to live…

I have to stop trying to control every aspect of life with a schedule or a routine. And instead, go with the flow.

And then I asked myself how do i began…

Awakened by Jeanette Collins

Be kind, keep quiet and don’t look for the company of those who gossip or talk too much. Even if you’re feeling lonely. Better you stay alone.

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