Un-LEash

A year ago, I would not really need to think about how to greet friends and family. Some with hugs, some with kisses. A year ago, a handshake was expected when meeting someone for the first time or seeing a colleague. That was then... It still sometimes seem surreal when I look at just how much has happened in a year. Life as we've known it is, well, gone! And the way we greet each other has also suffered. Reverting to the past ways without knowing whether you or the other persons are free from the highly contagious COVID-19 is risky behaviour. Not only are you putting others at risk, but yourself as well by simply hugging or shaking hands. As a low-risk or risk averse person (all depending on the circumstances), I have been doing what I can to balance life while being safe. I wear my mask, and even spray it with alcohol from time to time. I keep my distance. I do the elbow bump or on occasion, the touching of the feet greeting. On occasion, I would do an air-hug or even blow a kis...

 There are times I feel unworthy of blessings, and a few days ago was one such day. I went to visit a family member in the Matt Mobile. On exiting the car, I saw one of her neighbours. In the past, he has asked for help financially and I assisted. I had in the back of my mind that once again, he may be asking for money. I did chat with him for a little, but then made my way to visit my family. On the way back down, he was now seated, and I suspect was waiting for my return. I hurriedly spoke with him again, wished him well, and was on my way.  I confess I sensed that he wanted to ask for help. But instead of seeking God for wisdom, I allowed fear to rule. I told myself I was hurrying to get back home before the rains pelted us again. Except that was not the real reason. I discovered how bad the need of the gentleman was when my family mentioned it to me later in the day. He went to them asking for food because he had nothing and often goes days without something to eat. What's...

October 22...The day I officially met Matt. How did it start? For 11.5 years, I had Libby. I got her at time when moving from place to place was important for my mental wellbeing. She got me from home to work and back, to church, to events in and out of town and more. She wasn’t always the smoothest ride, but she was there. She was known to many and became an identifier of my movement. Her brightness was hard to hide. But after those numerous years, her age started to show. In September, it was out of commission for more than half the month. She kept shutting off and the reason wasn't initially clear. Then after that, the radiator gave up the ghost...with a puff of smoke no less. It was during this time that I advanced plans to purchase a new vehicle. I no longer felt comfortable being on the road in Libby, more so as I end up driving by myself a lot. As hard as it was, changing the car became necessary. And in this season of change, I need to embrace this. It’s not easy beca...

 

For a long time, and even at present, change for me meant stepping into an unknown and unpredictable dimension that could go one way or another. And instead of revving excitement, it evoked fear which for far too many times was allowed to rule. Thankfully, the other times were spent pursuing what I wanted or needed despite the fear. And I am realising now more than ever that life needs change, lest we die. My past seasons were about building relationships and pursuing purpose with passion. Were they successful? To some degree, I would say. Is there more to do in those areas? Absolutely! And more than likely these areas are aspirational throughout my life. But what became clear to me in the past few weeks is that a new season as emerged. A change is in the air. I reflected on why change came into my spirit as the new season. Perhaps the easiest reason is 2020. Yes, 20/20 vision helps us to see things clearly. But the year 2020 has forced the world to change in ways never before seen by...

Everything happens for a reason. That is a popular saying but there is merit to it, especially if we believe that there is a Divine force that allows things to happen or not happen for our benefit or growth. And one particilar incident this week confirms what I already knew - "God 'ave mi back" (English translation: God has my back).  A few days ago, Jamaica had "Nomination Day" to formally nominate the candidates who will be vying for our votes come September 3 (choosing orange or green). It was also a day I was home. Recognising that I needed to get food and a few other items, I planned to make a quick trip during what I considered good timing. It would be right after an online meeting and just before the lunch crowd. Great plan, right?  I got dressed, grabbed my bag and headed to the car. I drove out of the parking lot. I got to the automatic gate...except I didn't get all the way through. The car shut-off with my back bumper not yet beyond the gate. It w...

 I recently watched a video by a comedian who was talking to herself in the past. She was trying to brace her not much younger self for what would be a most interesting 2020. As funny as the video may be, though, it got me thinking - what would I say to a younger me? Looking back, I can see that I have grown a lot. I surprise myself sometimes when I think about how much I have changed. I can see a lot of missteps, and mistakes that make me question my sanity among other things. But they all served a purpose - they made me stronger and built my character. So what then would I say to younger Le? In no particular order: 1) It's OK to falter. Making the wrong moves will take you closer to the right ones. 2) Keep being you. Ironically, being your true self is not easy when you perceive other's expectations as important. But in the end, there is no better you than you. 3) Take risks. The only way to grow is outside your comfort zone. And you will be out there a lot! 4) Continue bei...

The Stone that the builders rejected... Rejection...never an easy word to internalise when it applies to our lives. In one way or another, everyone of us has faced rejection. And conversely, I suspect that we have also done some rejecting ourselves. It could be a job, a relationship, a training opportunity, a school, a party, wedding, banquet...hearing a "no" when we ask, apply, seek, reach out or anticipate can leave us feeling deflated, hurt, heart-broken, sad, angry, jaded...the list goes on. I have found myself thinking about this concept of rejection more and more in recent time. I reflect on my own life and can count numerous ways that I have felt this way. In doing some spring-cleaning, I found letters sent by companies telling me I didn't get the job. I recall the "not accepted" from my application to med school. Feeling rejection in my familial and friend relationships is perhaps among the most memorable or more accurately, the ones that cut the deepest...

Silent the river runs… Far the reaches of its depth, Deceptive to the unlearned; Danger lurks below the surface. Better the enemy one can see, And even know its traits But that which from sight hides, Fear, desperation and defiance breeds. Despite the valley of fear, death and disease, Hope still lives! Soon it will, like the sun, rise to meet our sight! ‘Til then, let’s keep faith alive while night tarries… Dawn is waiting and sure to come! Written 20.3.2020 (revised 22.3.2020)

2020... If someone has 20/20 vision, they can see well. And perhaps in the most ironic way, 2020 is giving us clarity in ways none of us could have predicted.  2020... Ringing in the New Year felt off somewhat. To be clear, I went to church, I danced into the year, and I was certainly grateful to be alive. But something felt off. I assumed that perhaps it was celebrating solo after a friend and her mom left, unlike the previous year where another friend and I celebrated at the same church where I rang in 2020. I enjoyed the music, the fireworks.  2020... The year started off without much drama. For work, it was relatively light (ie, not break-neck speed), but like a ball going downhill, things quickly picked up. And before we knew it, there was one thing that also picked up - a novel coronavirus. 2020... To be fair, the COVID-19 epidemic began in 2019. And I recall reading about it and some having concerns about it. Then in 2020, things took a turn for the absolute worse. Coun...