This year, yeah we rising - Hello 35
reading time: 3 minutes
Image description: hand reaching out to a field of sunflowers. 3 bracelets with words etched that read: Black AF, Ancestral Knowledge, and Queen.
A spiritual arrival on love and celebrations
Five years ago, September became a deeply spiritual month for me. The day my son’s great grandmother was being laid to rest; he was beginning his arrival. I recall the moment contractions began, the last meal; I remember those last moments before my cycle into the next phase of motherhood launched. Despite being states away from the burial, something may be maternally and for sure spiritually had connected us — one life going and another coming. Life is mad cyclical. I’ve seen it before and to see it from such an intimate birthing experience was surreal.
These days, I’m holding realities much similar with family closer to the end than beginning of their days. Seeing so much peace in their being on what’s next makes loss feel less heavy. Months ago, the Pastor at my late Uncle’s funeral called it earning a “space suit” to level with the young ones on death and the afterlife. The earth suits, our bodies in the flesh are ever fleeting and when we live deeply enough, we don’t take our days for granted.
I’m accepting more ease and softness in my days. I’m seeking more moments of stillness that allow me to sit with my emotions, breathe more slowly, and welcome what’s meant for me.
This year, this month, I turned 35. I’m choosing the word rise to center this year of life. I’ll rise up, rise towards higher vibrations of love, rise with beauty, and unconditional grace.
5 reminders for 35
Always bet on yourself.
Especially the humble ones, you have to know how great you are. Know how worthy and deserving you are. You need to know how much your passion and purpose are what you and the world needs. Doing anything less is an abomination to your true self.Accept the journeyers along the way
People are in your life for a reason. They are gifts to remind you of your worth and purpose. There will be some people that stay a lifetime, ones that come for a mile in your race, and others just moments. Accept them all and the lessons they give you.Embrace uncertainty
The more I know, the more I don’t know. Let go of wanting to know every step of the way. The path, the experience may eb and flow. It’s okay to let it be what is and lessen control.Normalize rest
Take that PTO (paid time off), make time for power naps, and radically decline invites. Resting is just as important as working — Resets matter. They say Black don’t crack and let’s be sure that’s reflected inside and out. We must take care of our bodies and souls ever equally and wisely.Protect your peace.
Every statement doesn’t need a reply — say less. Every invite isn’t worthy of your acceptance. Silence can be powerful. Spend time with more people and things that pour into you vs. exhaust you.
A colleague said September babies are the fruits of celebration. In this birthday season, celebrations are a reminder of the ceremonial aspects of life. We must always hold dear what matters, bear witness to and seek the highest vibration — love.
The celebration this year was a sunflower field. It’s the way the flowers face the sun. The way they rise up. They way they beam ever so softly and yet, stand tall amidst the elements.
Sunflower field video. Photo and video credit: HR
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