“I don’t want to end up simply having visited this world.”
Live while you’re alive, right now this moment, this one and the next, these moments are your life.
Live in all your bones, don’t settle for someone else’s version of you or your life.
You came here to be you.
Live that amazing self out loud.
“When it’s over, I want to say: all my life I was a bride married to amazement. I was the bridegroom, taking the world into my arms.
When it is over, I don’t want to wonder if I have made of my life something particular, and real. I don’t want to find myself sighing and frightened, or full of argument.
I don’t want to end up simply having visited this world.”
-Mary Oliver
Sometimes life calls us to take unplanned yet vital journeys into necessary self care. Shock and bereavement from sudden, multiple losses in my family took me into one of these journeys over the past months.
Those who know me personally or through my work, know I advocate, validate and honour the need for grief, privacy and space for all. Self care is imperative, it is no different when that grief is my own.
Most recently (a few short weeks ago) I lost one of the most beloved people in my life. He mirrored very much the heart I have for this world. We were twin like in that way. Having a birthday (both his, and mine soon) without him, highlights the great space he held in my life and I want to honour that space for a moment here.
He was a gifted singer/musician and incredibly intelligent, loving man, his songs and conversation, his great love for me and this world live limitlessly in my heart and thoughts.
I am blessed to call him my brother, he was my first hero and remains a hero. For all he endured he continued to love deeply and give to others however he could throughout his pain and illness, he was one of the most selfless people I have met.
I have always said life is here and now, this moment right here is our life. More than anything loss is a reminder to live wide and deep in each moment we have. I’ve spoken often on how each moment is also a new years eve. Again loss reminds us to claim and own ourselves, our moments, our lives.
My brother was young, the moments we had together too brief, I cherish each moment and rise with grace and dignity in honour of those who didn’t get the chance to be here long or long enough.
This moment right here, right now, this is your moment, the most precious one you have, love and own them all, stay as present as you can and relish any you get to share with another. There are no time guarantees.
Live out loud.
Live while you’re alive.
Love to you all.
“There are great blessings that come from times of poverty and hardship.
Learning the value of little things, the immense happiness that comes from the smallest kindness; the precious worth of a smile, a warm meal, shelter, interaction, the feeling of being wanted, loved..
Hardship offers us the chance to truly understand the things that truly matter in this life.
When we hold still long enough to see the gifts in our adversity we drop the added shackles we’ve attached to it.
We become lighter, more compassionate and wise. Gratitude becomes our dear companion who holds us up and helps us see the edge of light in every shadow.” ~ Lynika Cruz
“There are things we never want to let go of, people we never want to leave behind. But keep in mind that letting go isn’t the end of the world, it’s the beginning of a new life.” ~ Lynika
We become lighter, more compassionate and wise. Gratitude becomes our dear companion who holds us up and helps us see the edge of light in every shadow.” ~Lynika
“I believe our adversity, pain, struggle, losses and challenges are our university, they are in fact the very things that lead us to graduating into the roles and lives we yearn for.
They gift us with the skills we need to live fully. If we look at them and forage into their depths we find they gift us gratitude, patience, compassion, courage, humour, strength and a deeper appreciation for ourselves.
They also teach us to be present and grateful with every little and big thing that goes well. To embrace our happiness when it is here, to notice the little things and all the things we might otherwise take for granted.
Think about it right this moment, do you have a warm bed tonight? Have you eaten or drank something today? Do you have a pair of shoes? Can you breathe without a machine? Can you read this post? Have you got desire beating in your chest to live a life that makes you feel 3D?
There are so many things to bless in our lives, even the little things, even if all you have is yourself right now, then take heart, this is the exact opportunity for you to be the kindest, most reliable and understanding friend you have.
Believe in yourself, be kind to yourself and don’t get adversity confused with bad luck or unfairness. It hurts sometimes yes, it’s incredibly difficult sometimes too, let’s face it, sometimes it feels almost too much.
But the truth is, you’re in training, you’re doing the hard work, you’re pushing for something worthwhile, adversity doesn’t skip town on paying or rewarding you for the hard slog and/or dark times.
No, sometimes we just forget to look at what it’s gifted us. Sometimes we are so busy and caught up looking at what it took from us that we can’t see what it has left us.
I’m not saying it’s easy, it’s not. But it is worth it. Look in the right places and the right direction and keep going. You’re worth it and I’m right here with you, sailing my own seas and you know what, I think of you every day, out there, just like me, doing your very best.
I’m glad you’re on this planet, each one of us matters, each moment matters. If this moment is hard for you, hold on. It will turn, it will change, make sure you look for what it becomes.” ~ Lynika