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9 years ago, today, I moved to St. John. This is the first anniversary that I have not been on island to celebrate that life changing moment. I found my home that day – that place that you don’t even realize your soul has been yearning for until you find it and then…you just know.  I have learned something valuable about my home over the last 10 months; when something is a part of who you are at your very core, you are never really without it. St. John and it’s community are at the very heart of the woman that I have grown into over these last 9 years.  Love City is sewn into the fabric of my being and she has been with me every step of the way as I have traveled through the states sharing the story of her recovery; and with every event, I have been offered a glimpse of just how far the magic of St. John reaches past her shorelines. I watch people’s eyes brighten as they pull me aside, time and time again, to share the ways in which the island has touched them personally.  St. John changes lives. I truly believe it is a place that adds more light into the world and I am so very proud to call it home.

 

After experiencing my first stateside winter in nearly a decade I find myself mesmerized by spring. It is the ultimate exhale. The dramatic emergence of colors and smells, in such stark contrast to the past months, shoves the reminder of LIFE right in your face. I can’t stop recording it. I don’t want to forget what this feels like. #livinglovinggrowing

 

What’s that they say? No mud, no lotus? Well, this is actually a water lily (I just learned the difference with the assistance of my pal Google). Nonetheless, I like the message. It was on my mind because yesterday got a little muddy. I strive to stay positive, to focus on joy and hope and silver linings. But let’s be honest, some days that goes better than others. And it has to be okay when it’s not pretty. Clarity grows in that mud too. There is a further defining of what we want and who we desire to be in those moments when frustration, anxiety, anger, or sadness creep up on us. Learning moments. Defining moments. Opportunities to grow. Knowing that helps me to move through it and then attempt to let it go. I am slowly getting better at offering myself the grace that I would extend to others. If I am going to spread kindness I have to start with myself. So, here’s to getting a little dirty. #livinglovinggrowing