It’s been a year of profound contrasts – the sharp sting of sorrow interwoven with the sweet taste of extraordinary happiness, in seemingly equal measure, for me. Regardless of my own experiences, global issues such as poverty, conflict, and displacement continue to affect countless lives daily.
As the gap between the haves and have-nots widens, I’m reminded of this wisdom: people won’t remember how busy you were or how much money you made, but how you made them feel, the time you gave, and whether you kept your word. In the end, people remember your character.
A catamaran sailing at sunset
As we know, the holidays often heighten mental health challenges, including loneliness. That’s why the gift of our time can make a difference in someone’s life. Perhaps, rather than buying possibly unappreciated gifts, we could some spread holiday cheer by spending time with those who need and might appreciate our company.
For instance, sharing quality time with loved ones, volunteering at a homeless shelter, or hosting dinner for friends or those away from home can be mutually beneficial. There are countless ways of creating meaningful connections and celebrating the holiday with dignity. Try it, you may find spreading cheer deeply rewarding!
This year, my husband and I have ditched the family holiday traditions and opted to explore beauty in the Land of Smiles. Because, of course, we all ought to give ourselves the same gift of time. Do what makes you happy instead of constantly fulfilling other people’s expectations. I can’t tell you how incredibly freeing and rewarding this experience is!
A village next to Mai Khao Beach in Phuket
On that note, I wish you a splendid holiday season, however you decide to spend it!
Happy Holidays, Good People! ♥
PS. Stay tuned for my last blog post, a self-deprecating review of my word “self-pair” and a look back at 2024!
I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual” — Henry David Thoreau
During autumn, particularly in October and November, I take time to appreciate all the good things in my life. Today, and in no particular order, I share some things I’m grateful for this year.
1. Creative Spirit
I’m thankful for the boundless imagination that fuels my poetry, stories, and art, allowing me to give voice to emotions and experiences.
2. Power of Words
I acknowledge the gift of language and my ability to use it to heal, encourage, and inspire both myself and, hopefully, others.
3. Influence of Ancestral Legacy
I honour the strength, ingenuity, and knowledge passed down through generations of Black women that transcend our bodily limitations and open the soul towards living with grace.
4. Resilience
I celebrate my resilience in facing life’s challenges, reminding myself that for a writer, every experience, even the difficult ones, is potential material for meaningful stories I can share with others.
5. Unique Perspective
I’m thankful for the emotional self-awareness and the opportunity to share my lived experiences through my work, providing unique narratives and insights.
6. Artistic Community
I’m grateful for the connections with other artists, creatives, writers, and poets who inspire me, challenge me, and share in my creative journey.
7. Beauty of Multidimensional Passion
I appreciate my curiosity and love for learning that allow me to explore multiple artistic avenues and never feel confined to one creative path.
8. Gift of Expression
I celebrate the privilege of having the tools, skills, and platforms to share my art and ideas with the world.
9. Audience
I’m incredibly thankful to all readers, listeners, and viewers who connect with my work, finding meaning and inspiration in the stories I tell.
10. Growth and Evolution
I’m grateful for how far I’ve come in both my personal and professional life, and for the ongoing growth that enriches my work and my life.
11. Health and Vitality
I am grateful for my body and mind, which give me the power to fully express myself as an artist and as a person.
12. Moments of Solitude and Reflection
I’m thankful for the quiet times that allow me to reconnect with myself, find inspiration, and nurture my soul.
13. Promise of Tomorrow
I’m thankful for the endless possibilities each new day brings, motivating me to create and grow.
Finnish Landscape: embracing the dark
P.S. Did you notice I’ve neither censored myself nor qualified how big or small these things are? I simply shared what they are and why.
Now, your turn. Go on, count your blessings! And please share a place, new or familiar, real or imagined, that helped you reconnect with yourself this year, in the comment section below. 🙂
I know we’re in December, already… Still Happy Belated Thanksgiving, to all who celebrate it!
It’s not the poetic entrance I envisioned through which I enter the land of enchantment. I find myself trust into a scene where I have to step outside of my comfort zone, disregard the rules of politeness and stand up for myself.
ii.
Prior to my arrival, I was told that Zagreb’s spirit is not limited to a single spot. Its charm can captivate any visitor. That’s why even a hostile interaction with a waitress at the coffee shop, on our first day, doesn’t deter my search for beauty. Besides, I also give her a generous dose of her poison. And as we take leave, she murders me with her look. I sweetly smile, knowing I’ll spend the next few days in this city resurrecting myself.
iii.
I try not to use race as the sole lens to look and interpret events that happen in a place. Instead, I harness the magic to face my limitations and set my spirit free. ‘Cause there’s beauty too in just going to a restaurant without reading the reviews first and let myself be surprised.
iv.
Realizing it’s not too late to become the type of person I want to be, I grab my backpack and make my way to Split. It’s where I too can become a bronzed goddess. The red carpet is rolled out and there’s always a seat at the table.
v.
How fortunate that there’s no need to split yourself here! There’s no need to be exclusively one way or the other, or view things as entirely good or evil. ‘Cause two things are certain — one cannot buy sunsets, and one cannot chase sunsets. Mother Nature delights us all in equal measures whether or not we deserve her generosity.
vi.
There’s no point in shrinking yourself in Split, for the rich won’t stop playing. It’s best to get on with your thing, the one that brings you joy, and stop viewing yourself or life from a point of deficiency.
vii.
The realisation that not everything is a metric or measure that leads me tumbling into shame is a kind of magic. Because I neither have to be perfect nor compare myself to others, instead I can approach this abundance with curiosity.
viii.
I welcome this feeling of mediocrity in my life after a long period of pursuing unattainable goals. Heck, I’ve been advocating for making play a priority for a few years now! I even had “PLAY” as my chosen word for some forgotten year. Yet I failed spectacularly at playing.
ix.
This is a place that makes things happen. It’s where you finally call your real life by its true name. A place where you get to answer the silent scream you call your calling. For there’s something exceptional that fuels an unwavering dedication to art itself, the pure love of storytelling and exploring ideas.
x.
A way of looking at enchantment involves carefully examining an experience from different angles in order to define success in a way that resonates with you— It’s embracing your mediocre life and be content with it. Because you realise you don’t actually want what others have, but what is meant to be yours.
xi.
Elevated by this knowing, I see how an island is a cliff rising from the seabed. Crafted from a volcanic action, it unites the sky and sea like magic. Just as the island simply exists, beautiful and resilient, so can we rise and root ourselves in life’s wonders. We can live joyfully — grounded, uplifted, embracing each wave — as we find beauty in simply being.
xii.
I accept the offering and bid farewell to my inner critic. I let go of the ideal version of myself and embrace who I truly am. By tapping into this wellspring of authenticity, where confidence and peace naturally grow, I’m unburdened by the need to perform or conform.
xiii.
Split’s charm is in its harmonious blend of stunning natural beauty catering to diverse needs, historical and cultural treasures, and warm hospitality. With confidence, I navigate the narrow cobblestone streets, feeling like an actress in a James Bond movie, in search of the black risotto I eat with gladness.
xvi
Upon returning home, I bump into a neighbour I haven’t seen in weeks. They greet and ask, “How are you?” I respond, “I am living.” They look at me confused. I simple smile, for I do not want to break the spell.
A glimpse of a suburban area in Split
PS. This is the last post of the series. I enjoyed writing these vignettes as much as I enjoyed reading your comments. Thank you for taking the time to read. Much appreciated! ♥
PPS. If you just stumbled upon this post, A Way of Looking at Autumn’s First Breath is the starting point of this short series, even though these posts can be read as standalone.
