Un-LEash

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...