I'm so Grateful for...

I personally don't just take one day to express, share or say how grateful I am about anything or anyone in my life. My journey has taught me that anything can change in a blink of an eye so it's important to show value at all times. Unfortunately the world we live in seems to focus and zoom in on just one specific day and blow it up to unrealistic proportions and then add consumption of things on top of that.

illustration by quotesgram.com

As I have shared on my blog on numerous occasions I am not very close with my family and we all try to avoid one another as much as we can so no feathers get ruffled. It took many years of testing the waters and pushing the envelope but I am so grateful that I have come this far and left those rocky moments behind. I am grateful I accepted that some things just aren't meant to be and everything has a purpose.

On the eve of this designated day to give Thanks I want to share what I am Grateful for...

-My life- for over 40 something years I have been on this planet and though some of my chapters have not be so awesome I have truly learned so much and loved so deeply and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to experience all the things I have and be here today with very few scares and no bitterness. Life truly is what you make it don't give that power to anyone else. Live your life not someone elses.

-My daughter- it goes without saying that she truly is the greatest love of my life and though all parents think their child or children are the best my daughter has given my life purpose and has been the best teacher I could have ever had. I am grateful for the love and mutual respect we have for one another and I am grateful for her father. I give thanks every day for our union and our life together because it served such an amazing purpose. So for those of you out there wasting your time being bitter about your past and with your x, let it go. That has never been me, I love my x dearly and hold no ill will but I have seen the other side and the destruction it leaves behind. Staying in that state does a disservice to the beautiful human being you created.

illustration by hdwallpapersimage.com

-My parents- they gave me life, they taught me long lasting lessons about what family really means and though they are not part of mine I am grateful that they bought me into this world so I can be Erica's mother and so much more. Parents do the best they can with what they know so if yours messed up learn to forgive let go and learn from their mistakes.

-My siblings- they remind me that a brother or a sister is not just blood related. I have a few and I am grateful for the many more I have acquired over the years that love me and respect me and value our connection. Family is what you build and what you work at, communicate and grow and if it doesn't fit a purpose move on.

illustration by quotesgram.com

-My grandma (baby #2)- omg my vieja, how I love her and how blessed I am to have been destined to make her last chapter in her journey as comfortable as possible. How blessed I am to learn and practice patience and compassion every second I am with her and carry it on to daily life. How honored am I to even if vaguely be part of her last memories. I am grateful to be here for her and to show my daughter an awesome example of letting go of expectations and just being in the moment.
Alzheimers robs you of any control you believe you have in your life. Don't allow your high expectations to rob you of the simplest moments. Illness isn't the only thief in life.

-Fram- I am grateful to all those that I have called and still call friends and family. You guys all have taught and teach me so many different things. One being nothing last forever so the earlier we learn that and accept it the better off we will be.

-My Mindful practices of Yoga & Meditation- I am grateful to have come across you in the greatest time of need. I am grateful for the open arms and love you have shown me. I am grateful you gave me a new chance at an amazing life. I am grateful you showed me who I really am.

illustration by pinterest.com

Last but certainly not least YOU. Thank you for following me or just dropping in from time to time. Thank you for reading my words, I really put a lot of thought into all I say. Thank you for allowing me to enter your personal space and I am so Grateful and humbled by your attention. Please know I take no visit, no click, no comment for granted. Please know I am here as a friend and anything my journey can do for another is my purpose.

Always stress free xo

Mari

Spread some smiles! Happy Mother's Day

We invest way too much time writing, reading and speaking about the things that make us sad, upset or stressed. Today my post will be strictly dedicated to smiles. Last Sunday my topic was serious who-is-responsible-race-cards-are-on today I want to keep things light. I want to wish all those moms that make an effort each day to build a strong family unit full of respect, love and kindness a Happy Mother's Day!

I had plenty to smile about recently here is my share...

So this is a progress report share on my nails after I began using Coconut oil. For those who don't recall where I started here's the link pinterest-hack-whipped-coconut-green.

I was going to limit it to this week but in recalling some recent events I couldn't stop smiling. I will begin with my niece's 18th Birthday. It was very special because she is very special. She is a Special needs child but that has never limited all her parents, family and friends do with and for her. It was extra special because her mom is my bff's sister and she is no longer with us. During the festivities she took a moment to read from a letter she wrote to all of us about her journey as a mom to a Special needs child. There were many tears but all full of love and lots of laughter. My niece smiled as she heard her dad's voice but wasn't too thrilled with us when we got a bit to loud for her liking. She brings me a peace and joy I have been blessed to experience. She teaches me what truly matters. No picture share on this one only because I want to respect family's privacy.

I had my daughter's 20th Birthday that was a milestone for her and for me! Sheesh where did the time go what an amazing adventure up till now for sure.

My hair is coming along as planned and using virgin Coconut oil as an added treatment is really helping. Though I am enjoying the length I look forward to the freedom once again cutting it short and donating it will bring me.

My volunteer work is so rewarding and fun last week we made wallets from duck tape! The kids found it to be a bit of a challenge and the little ones totally needed our help but we had tons of fun.

Last but not least my Grandma's comments...she wants me to dye her hair because "I don't like this white hair, it makes me look too old. I want my black hair back again." Then there was this one "you better make sure you bring me what I asked for, don't think I don't know you didn't bring me my stuff." This was in reference to her tobacco which btw I bring her a little of every week but she just doesn't remember. This one was both sad and funny, I'm use to it but never know when its coming. I walk in the door, she looks at me and says "who are you?" I say "it's me Mari, your granddaughter." She says "have I met you before? where do you live?" I said "yes you have and I live a little bit away from here." She says "oh well I never met you but ok, what did you bring me?" I love my viejita she is priceless.

laughing and smiling after I told her who I was

These are my smile shares, tell me about you. What bought a smile to your face recently? Is it accompanied by a chuckle as you recall the moment? Share share share!

Always stress free xo.

Speaking Love. How Does your love come across to others?

I always enjoy finding something in my inbox that makes me stop and review my current circumstances.

That piece of mail that connects me to an article or quote that brings reflection. Lately with my duties to my grandmother increasing I have found that my Meditation time has been cut and that reflects on my shortness of attention and some of the words coming out of my mouth.
I still meditate and I make sure I incorporate it some how along my day, sometimes several times a day. I just find that I truly need a longer sit down in order for my intent to be clear.
Clarity and Purpose are critical tools in dealing with people, especially loved ones.

I recently started following the lovely GG Renee over @ Allthemanylayers.com. I came across her through another lovely lady named Ivy over at Seebodyloveself.org.
You see I don't only follow and or read blogs on cooking, diy, fashion or parenting. I also read and or follow blogs in relation to self empowerment, health and healing.
That can mean different things to different people.

GG over at her page had a great thing going called #30layers30days and its a great exercise in connecting with yourself. In reading it I've find great motivation to remain on my path and not fall off due to emotions.
By this I mean the emotions my lack of connection with my blood relatives causes me.
She shared a great quote a few weeks ago that bought me to writing this post.

What did I take away from reading this?

I took away that in my family there is all types of love but that no one expresses it as I do. That we all may care but lack of communication makes it impossible to show. That sometimes loving people means keeping a distance so that you may keep your sanity and peace.
The language of love they speak is not nurturing. It does not come from a place of empowerment or comfort. It comes from a place of self doubt and chaos. It comes at arms length.

I don't understand that love because the language of love I speak in my home and with the family I have built for myself, it is seen, felt and heard every day.
There is no wondering, no doubt and no feeling as if the rug will be pulled out from under you at any moment.
The language is clear and with purpose. To lift , to support, to comfort, to bring peace.

My daughter and I had an exchange recently that ties into what this quote bought to me. It made me stop and think about how we have been talking. I commented we are two people and if the communication is poor it is on us to stop, take a look within ourselves and see where it is coming from. I said things along the line of I've been your mother for almost 20 years and when day comes our language is not on the same page then it's time to figure something else out.

Parenting, Motherhood, Relationships are all about "the language". Connections are all about intent. What you put in you will get back.
Be mindful of your expressions and be aware that "language" is not always just words.
Some people are not great at verbal expressions but their physical actions speak volumes. Learn how to listen even with your eyes, sometimes.
If the actions are just as clear as words would be than learn to be open to that but if the words are lacking just as much as the actions then it is time to refocus and start a conversation.

What language are you speaking? Is it clear to those you love? Are you on the same page?
Are you even speaking Love?

Always stress free xo.