Today, I want to share a personal story—a journey that has taught me the profound importance of embracing gratitude within a purposeful pause.
Running Live Wellthy has become my passion—busy days filled with hand-crafting self-care products and advocating the power of self-love. Yet, this past year has brought many challenges my way. At the beginning of 2023, my plans took an unexpected turn when I became sick and needed emergency surgery.
Before I could even recover, I faced the heart-breaking loss of one of my favorite cousins, Keona. Keona was a beautiful soul... a wonderful mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. This devastating blow left me stunned with grief and trying to find peace amidst the pain.
But the challenges continued to pile up... just a few weeks after Keona's funeral, my sweet dog, Onyx, suddenly passed away. At this point, I am paralyzed with pain. Onyx wasn't just a pet; he was my confidant, my baby boy, and losing him shattered my heart. But life still had more curveballs to throw my way..
While still grappling with grief, my mother's health started declining, and she was diagnosed with cancer and later ended up being hospitalized for 6 weeks. Life was still lifing, but I had to put my issues on hold to be strong for her.
As we battled this disease and were unsure of the outcome, another blow struck our family—the passing of my grandfather while my mother was still in the hospital. The weight of these losses was crushing. An avalanche of adversities, each piling on before I could recover from the last, took an immense toll on my mental and emotional well-being. It was at this moment that I had to embody Live Wellthy's motto of giving myself permission to press pause.
I had to convince myself that the need to slow down wasn’t a sign of weakness, it was a demonstration of strength—the courage to acknowledge my need for healing, to recognize the weight of my emotions, and to take intentional steps toward my restoration. It was an act of self-compassion.
It became clear that to continue helping others with their self-care journey, I needed to ensure I was taking care of myself first. The decision to pause wasn’t just about preventing burnout; it was about survival and an act of obedience.
In the Bible, the concept of rest and reflection is repeatedly highlighted. One scripture is Psalm 46:10, which beautifully encapsulates the essence of slowing down: "Be still, and know that I am God." This reminder to find peace in stillness became my anchor during the storm.
In my time of reflection, Thanksgiving has taken on a whole new depth. It's more than just a holiday—it has become a lifestyle, a choice to praise God through gratitude. Whether in moments of joy or pain, taking a purposeful pause means reflecting in my heart and offering thanks to God for all that He has done, is doing, and will continue to do in my life.
As a believer in Jesus Christ, I understand that thankfulness isn't contingent upon circumstances. It's a continuous act of faith—a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there's always something to be grateful for. It's in the pauses that we're invited to offer true worship to God, acknowledging His presence and guidance through the hard times.
However, these moments of pause are not just about giving thanks personally; it's also about sharing our testimonies. We're called to tell others about the ways God has helped us weather the storms, and how He's provided strength and peace in the midst of them.
Life's challenges this year have been a journey—one filled with heartache, loss, and trials. Through it all, I've learned that even in the chaos, the purposeful pause becomes not just a moment of rest but a sanctuary for gratitude and reflection. Though my storms are not over, I've discovered renewed strength and clarity while reinforcing the core of Live Wellthy's mission.
As we close the Thanksgiving weekend, let's remember that a pause isn't just an act of self-care; it's an opportunity to stop and thank God with our whole hearts. Whether in moments of joy or pain, let's cultivate a heart of gratitude, recognizing the blessings in the midst of the storm.
My prayer is that our pauses be filled with praise, our hearts overflowing with gratitude, and our stories a testament to God's unwavering presence in our lives.
As you take your own purposeful pauses, may you find strength in gratitude, and may the testimonies you share inspire hope and faith in others.
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