Grateful Wishes

I should first begin by wishing each of you a Happy Thanksgiving! I hope it was a day filled with simple joys and stretchy pants.

Each year, my birthday falls on or within a few days of this wonderful holiday. And each year I am continually reminded of how truly blessed I am to have so much to be grateful for and the happiness that filled each day of the past year. Not to mention, the excitement and anticipation another trip around the sun holds!

In honor of the two celebrations, I thought I would put together a post full of all I am so very thankful for, and then in turn, how those warm thoughts become birthday wishes for my upcoming 25th year on this Earth.

First and foremost, I am grateful for my relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. While each day always possess something to smile about, I would be lying if I told you there were never any frowns. But in those moments, it's my relationship with Him that keeps me strong. I often wonder how those without belief in a higher power make it through the struggles of this life. I, myself, know I would surely crumble. My birthday wish is for continual trust and guidance in His plan for the beautiful life He promises each of us.

Secondly, I am grateful for love. Obviously the love of my family and friends, but that of total strangers as well. I know I can always count on an incredible support system for courage--and of course, a good laugh. But it's those random acts of kindness I witness daily that give me such a fuzzy feeling inside. Love is a verb. Yes, it is very much an emotion, but when that feeling is translated into an action, the magic that happens is breathtaking. My birthday wish is for each one of you to experience such a pure and powerful love.

I am also grateful for my education. Many times people (myself included) curse long nights of studying and the continual stress to perform. But I could not be more thankful for my medical education. Seeing all I have learned, put into practice each day in the clinic, is beyond rewarding. An education is something no one can ever take from you. And something people in third world counties die (literally) to obtain. How lucky we are here in the States with such freedom. My birthday wish is that all those striving for knowledge, will be given the opportunity to attain it. And personally, for continued success and clarity of future educational/career opportunities upon graduation in July. (Eek!)

Next, I cannot be more grateful for my health. Often people say, "How lucky you were to have caught the cancer early." And they could not be more correct. I thank God daily for His hand in this journey. Especially this past month. When I posted earlier in November, I had randomly come across an unusual lump in the midline of my neck and was awaiting upcoming appointments and tests. It was unilateral, painful with certain movements, and in a location where very little could go wrong aside from malignancy. Even my "you're fine" medical friends (we all have a strange mindset wherein nothing is ever truly wrong) were concerned. But thanks be to God's protection and care, the mass checked out as benign; something we will continue to follow but is of little concern at this point. Praise heaven! What a giant relief that news was for myself and loved ones. So, my birthday wish is for a year of wellness, and the healing of every body. It is my pet peeve when people complain about "getting another year older." The American Cancer Society has a motto that I adore:  Helping to create more birthdays. The celebration of a birthday, is a celebration of another year of memories; something to be cherished--not dreaded. I still act like an overly excited child when November 29th rolls around! And I do not foresee that changing anytime soon :)

And finally, I am grateful for simple joys. I make it my M.O. (modus operandi--latin for method of operation) to take notice of all the little pleasures. It's those things we take for granted that others are praying for daily. Because when you truly pause and look around, life is pretty amazing. And I can assure you, it's those simple joys that fill a heart with so much happiness. My birthday wish is for each of you to notice the little things. Your heart will thank you.

My last wish is in the form of a prayer. Enjoy. And blessings this holiday weekend! xoxo

May God grant: 

Lucky stars above you. 

Sunshine on your way. 

Many friends to love you.

Joy in work and play.

Laughter to outweigh each care.

In your heart a song.

And gladness waiting everywhere,

all your whole life long!

-Irish Blessing

An adorable (gluten-free) birthday cake from my sweet mother. 

Africa in the Heartland

November is one of my most favorite months of the year. The weather is crisp and leaves are still changing. Starbucks brings out their festive red holiday cups. (I may be sipping from one as we speak...) Fireplaces are lit. A really special girl has a birthday at the end the month. ;) And I love witnessing the heightened sense of gratitude amongst everyone in the days leading up to Thanksgiving.

Gratitude. A simple word, with such a profound meaning. And a very difficult emotion to embrace at times.

This past month has been full of trials and tribulations. Or as my current psychiatric patients often say, "Well. Life happened," when explaining how they ended up at an inpatient psychiatric hospital...for the eighth time. So, I am going to take their words and keep it simple by saying, "Life is happening." And while majority of the time, I know without a doubt I am far more blessed than I deserve; yet, I would be lying if I did not admit that my strength has been tested, and the decision to stop carrying a few crosses needed to be made--or I might have found my name on the psych hospital daily rounds list!

One of my "coping strategies" (a strategy taught daily to my patients) when things are not pretty and peaceful, is to wish I was in Africa. Back to the place where my heart has never felt such an overwhelming happiness. The problem with my strategy, though, is obvious. Hopping on a plane and embarking over the Atlantic Ocean for a few days of therapy is only realistic if you are Angelina Jolie. While I may be as stunningly beautiful as her (ha kidding, of course!), I definitely do not have the means on all accounts. So. I have decided to bring my Africa to the Heartland. Incorporating all of the features that filled my soul with pure joy, into my daily life here.

Today I re-read the journal entries from my mission trip. Here is what I noted as things I would miss upon my return home:

• Beauty of the land.
• Laid back lifestyle. 
• How the faces of each patient lit up when I smiled. 
• No obligations. Only to love.
• Opportunities left and right to make a remarkable difference in the lives of others. 
• African music. 
• Excited of the children yelling "Obrooni! Obrooni!" (translated to "white person.")
• Absence from technology. 
• Fresh mangos.
• Exploring an entirely different culture. 
• Sound of waves crashing on the shore. 
• Vibrant colors. 
• Time to reflect and relax. 
• Abundant time to be with God. 
• Faith and love shining out from everyone. 
• Smiles of the young and old. 
• Perfect peace.

The common theme is clear. I was/am missing the simplicity of life and appreciation of the little things. Gratitude. 

Those crosses I am bearing? I could go on and on about my frustrations. But they are weightless in Africa. Everyone there faces daily battles far more difficult than many of us will probably ever witness in a lifetime. And yet they know there is no need to carry them, as the Lord manages the load for us all on His own. Instead? Smile. And often. Take time to pause. And pray. Love others. And love hard. Embrace life. And hold nothing back. Help someone else. And then help ten more. Most importantly--fill your day with gratitude. 

Here is part of another journal entry I read--which naturally is a perfect fit still today:  

July 14th, 2011--8:12pm Ghana time

My daily devotion today was so great. Here's a bit of what it said:

"I could instantly grant you the spiritual riches you desire, but that is not my way for you. Together we will forge a pathway up the high mountain...someday you will dance on the high peaks...all I require is for you to take the next step. Clinging to my hand for strength and direction...stay on the path I have selected for you. It is truly the path of life."

So to each of you this November, I trust and hope that you too will add a touch of Africa to your daily lives. I can assure you, the feeling is like none other. And as far as my health (a current cross I am tossing to the wayside), there are a few concerning issues as of late. One's that I was reminded today, need to be addressed. But that insurance problem I mentioned briefly before? It has only escalated. (Another cross I am giving up to the Big Man.) So you could say I am in-between a rock and a hard place. However, this is my path. Right now I am only required to take the next step. Easy! Once I have a better idea of things, and to spare a lengthy post, I will update. For now? We pray. And look up flights to Africa ;) 

Wishing you all the beautiful blessings this month brings!

xoxo