GTFO

 and live.  I know this may be a common thread in my posts, but it's what I've been wanting to do and couldn't, because of time, money, procrastination, or all three (geesh).  I would always find a good enough reason not to do the things I've always wanted to.

Birthdays, New Year's Day, a little too much self reflection, would cause me to take inventory, and I was always falling short, never being quite where I thought I should be.  Then comes disappointment and depression.

I have purchased way too many books for motivation, hoping something would thrust me into life, to live it, and be happy.  Feeling whole on my own is what I really want.  Without the kids, without my man (my man thank you to my mannnn...sorry that is stuck in my brain right now, thanks to Tik Tok and Facebook reels haha..), just  me feeling like a whole complete being.  I've known too many black women who say they regret not traveling enough, not smelling enough flowers, not taking enough pictures. Not laughing enough, not feeling pure joy.  No passion, no bliss.

I could continue to blame my roles as wife, mother, grandmother, and care giver, but that shit is so old and tired.  The promises I made in my previous posts still ring true.

I'm just beginning, and I plan on breaking so many generational curses, my great-great-great grandchildren will seek, maintain, and spread joy.  Make an effort to implement joy into your day.  It could just be a trip to Starbucks, or a walk in the park, whatever it is, do it and do it consistently.

Building joy and maintaining your mental health is just as important as your physical health.