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.

“Back to Nature”: Whenever life throws me a curve ball, I turn to Nature to release the pain

Month Three

It’s been exactly three months to the day since my Mom left me on this Earth. It’s been very difficult to navigate. Often times I don’t feel there isn’t anyone that I can talk to who can truly relate.

I isolate myself quite a bit. I enjoy being home in my place of peace where I feel most protected. I’m cautious of who I let in because everyone doesn’t emit good positive energy.

Some days I can spend the entire day crying. Crying because I heard one of her favorite songs. Crying because I have no one to talk to, when my Mom was always a phone call away. Crying because I just genuinely miss her. It still doesn’t feel real. I still forget some days and call the facility to check on her. And some days I’m perfectly fine.

It’s hard no doubt. And this isn’t something I’d wish even on my worse enemy.

I try to spend a little more time outside these days in the sun because it makes me feel happy. When I begin to cry and I can’t stop, I go outside in my front yard, barefoot and I just stand or sit in the grass. Surely my neighbors think I’m nuts but I don’t care. Taking care of my mental is of upmost importance. And I don’t worry how others view me. (Lesson #999 From My Mom:

What they eat don’t make you shit Darling! Fuck how they feel about you!

-My Mom

In the three months she’s been gone a lot has been revealed to me. A lot has happened, some good and some bad. It forced me to put together my final arrangements for my own life. I spoke with my ex-husband to discuss how to handle our kids in my absence. Outside of him and my Brother, I don’t want anyone else having access to my children.

I learned that family and so called friends can be deceptive, conniving, deceitful, manipulative and controlling…but only if you allow them. I always thanked my Mom for how she raised me. And I still do every morning. I’m cut from a different cloth and that’s not to imply I’m better than anyone. It is to imply that I have values and morals that may not be like most. And one thing I don’t do is change how I treat people. I always operate out of a place of love. I always move cautiously to ensure I’m not harming anyone intentionally. I help those I can in ways that don’t interfere with taking care of me and mine. I listen, I give advice if I’m led to and overall I just try to be a good person. As abundantly blessed as I am, I am not stuck on how much or what I have in comparison to others. I’m content with being able to take care of me and my babies. I’m reserved and intuitive.

I now listen to my intuition more than I ever did. This was a rough month to endure but the lesson I learned is to be careful of who I let in my corner. Wolves dress in sheep’s clothing in all aspects of our life. And these wolves aren’t always strangers. I stay protected in all the ways (spiritually, physically and mentally) and stay in my peaceful bubble. I know I will have good and bad days but it’s always nice to look back on how far I’ve come. Time doesn’t heal our heart…only we do.

As lonely as it is here, I believe I can manage with all that you’ve taught me. Rest easy Mom, I got this.

-A Motherless Daughter