Happy Things
Last week I found myself in Holyoke, MA for a conference for my job. The trip was interesting to say the least, but instead of dwelling on the shenanigans that happened, (yes, racism is still alive and well in the country, no Brandelyn is not made to live in extreme cold, and no I will probably never go back to Holyoke again) I will instead focus on the positive outcomes that came from the trip.
The biggest and most important thing is that I have fallen back in love with the Bay Area. I can’t really say that I fell out of love, but I got comfortable, complacent and bored. I stopped appreciating the freedom that I have here. I can be my size, my color, have my hair be as big and as loud as it wants to be and all I get for it are nods of acknowledgement on the street from strangers and marriage requests from various cab drivers and homeless men on the street. I can be free and me and I love that about the Bay.
I have been really happy ever since I came home. My eyes have been reopened to all of the positive things going on around me and to me and, even though I usually do this in my Gratitude Journal, I would like to share my Gratitude list with you all today. =D
I am grateful for:
1. My book signing tonight. I am participating in a local fundraiser for my job and I was asked to participate as a Community Author. I already have 5 books pre ordered and a lot of excitement about the event. This makes me very happy.
2. The fact that it is 78 degrees outside. After nearly freezing to death, the fact that the sun is out, the sky is perfectly blue, and there are sounds of kids playing outside my office brings so much peace to my life. I now know for a fact that Brandelyn and arctic weather are not a good mix. Thank you and Go Bears
3. This Tea my coworker just gave me. Coconut Chai Black Tea with Cinnamon, Ginger and Island Coconut = Heaven. Now before I get a side eye from my mother who knows how much I dislike the taste of coconut I should say that this tea tastes more like ginger and cinnamon than coconut, but it is amazing. And it is a black tea so it is waking me up and giving my life. I may have to say so long to coffee and get on the healthy train. We shall see.
4. The fact that I'm going to see my brother in a little bit. I really love that he works at my job now. It is amazing how getting hugs from some who genuinely loves you every day can boost your moral.
5. My girl Alise’s blog. This woman is not only ridiculously hilarious, but she is also a phenomenal poet. I check in on her blog during the day, and I always find something that makes me smile, shake my head in judgment, or literally laugh out loud. It really doesn’t get much better. Check out her blog, and my I suggest Smurfgate? This had me in tears.
6. I am grateful to be an artist, poet, and writer. I am so grateful that God has given me gifts that are therapeutic and allow me to escape the world around me and just breathe. I am excited about my upcoming project and all of the projects that will come in the future. I am excited to be challenged and stretched as an artist and I look forward to seeing where I wind up.
I’m glad that I went to Massachusetts and that I went through what I went through there. I’m glad that I am able to see and appreciate the world around me all the more because of that trip. Everything happens for a reason and if we take a moment to pause and look at the big picture, instead of what’s right in front of us, we may be able to find the beauty in this thing we call life.
Peace Y’all
B
