Un-LEash

Ten days ago was Valentine's Day. From what I see and hear, it's supposed to be about spending time with that special someone. Those of us whose status reads "single" or "not in a relationship" could feel left out with all the red decor and ads for dinner and roses and gifts and more. And I suppose there was a time it bothered me more. This year, most of the day was spent at a work event. I went through most of the day not remembering or dwelling on this "special" day. When it was ended though, I thought to myself - why can't I treat myself to a some good food? So I did! I ordered a vegetarian Indian dish and a side of naan. I enjoyed it over 4 days. I reflected on all of it and realised that I've come a far way. There was a time I would be acutely aware of my singleness and perhaps a bit sad. Now I embrace it. I enjoy its freedom, it perks. I know that one day I will find the most amazing partner, one with whom I'll have great chem...

Today marks nine years since my Grandma Lola passed on. It's hard to believe it was so long ago, and yet I remember the day well. It was a Saturday morning, and I was in my rented room in Barbados. I don't recall the time, but it was early enough. I saw the call coming from her phone and I knew... My heart broke the day I heard grandma was hospitalized, but it shattered the day she died. Not only that, but it was the loneliest I've ever felt, being away from everyone at home and feeling distant. There were so many thoughts around that time - how do I manage with all this? Did she know I loved her? How would I maintain good grades on a scholarship when I lost one of the most important people in my life? How long would it hurt? And on and on... Grandma is part of why I am the way I am. She was devoted to her God and to helping those around her. She showed me what love is by simply being herself and living. Losing her was the lowest point in my life. But because she "...

Have you ever woken up, really felt like staying home, but opted to leave because there were things to do and people to see? That is how my morning started, at least after having my devotion. Having had some serious back pains yesterday afternoon into the evening, I decided that I would make an attempt to go meet with my friend at Hellshire as we had planned if the pain eased enough. And it did. I therefore thought I should push and go though I really didn't wanna leave home. Maybe the mini-vacation was making me lazy, or I'm just stressed every time I go on the road...or both. (It's both for the record.) I had business to take of in Fontana Pharmacy, so after I got dressed, made my smoothie and packed the car with laundry, I headed out. Little did I know it would be the scene of a car-hit and run. On turning into the pharmacy (after putting on my indicator), a man riding a bike going in the same direction was trying to overtake me ON THE RIGHT and hit my car. The mirror ...

2016... In world news, it will go down in history and not with fond memories. World politics, global epidemics, atrocities that are mind-boggling, and so much more. And yet, for me, it's a year I'll never forget because I saw God's hand in my life in the most unexpected and pleasant ways. In 2015, I sought the Kingdom . Building on that, I declared 2016 the Year of Crazy, Radical Faith. I knew going into the year that there would be a lot of changes and they could be very overwhelming. These would affect my family, my finances, and my health to name the more important ones. So like a good soldier, I prepared for battle. I began to seek after God to build my faith, knowing that He would keep me no matter what. One of the reminders throughout the year was that faith is a muscle. It needs resistance to be able gain strength. It meant believing in the good and better outcomes when circumstances suggest otherwise. When many of the tests came, I had to learn how to keep...

For the first time ever, I did Christmas dinner. It meant if I spoilt the food, the day would be ruined! That may be a little dramatic but the point is made. How did it all start? A week ago, I asked my aunt (the matriarch) what we'll be doing for Christmas. Her response - she's not cooking...at least not until Boxing Day when we do the (now traditional) family dinner. It therefore left a very obvious gap in a very important part of Christmas. Being the person I am (not a chef but the type to want problems resolved) I volunteered. This was an agonising decision! OK...a little dramatic, but I was nervous. I had never done the entire dinner before (or rather main part of the meal). I, more importantly, don't cook on a regular basis. I find it something I enjoy on occasions when I feel the mood. And I like the non-typical foods. Nonetheless, I spoke with my cousin, went to the supermarket, and the plan was hatched. In the final analysis, the menu was:  baked chicken,...

Shall I compare me to an aging tree? Why not! Trees grow…as do I. But since trees have so many characteristics and comparable qualities, I will focus on just one: they typically grow a ring for each year of their lives and thereby expand their girth (and strength). Scientists can actually determine the age of trees by the number of rings they have. And interestingly, an analysis of the rings can tell of the events that the trees had to experience – favourable or harsh climatic conditions (such as drought, rainfall), pollution, diseases, etc. Just like the trees, we all grow rings. We celebrate our “rings” when we celebrate our birthdays (or perhaps at the start of a New Year). And just like trees, the characteristics of our rings are influenced by external and internal factors – the joys, triumphs, struggles, fears, etc that we face. If we overcome life’s obstacles and live past our pain and pride, our rings will be stronger for the next one to come. All previous celebrations of th...

A somewhat cryptic title, but no worries...all shall be revealed. A few weeks ago, my Toastmaster's club was to host a contest for humorous speech and evaluation. I decided I would take a chance and do the latter. Unfortunately, the contest didn't happen. Nonetheless, I took a chance and said I would represent my club at the Area contest. I had never done a speech evaluation prior to the Area contest. I had seen many during meetings, and been evaluated several times. But never had I done one. To therefore go into a competition was a step in faith. But since this is the Year of Crazy, Radical Faith, I did step. To my surprise, I won. I think I blacked out for half of it, being as nervous as I was. But it was a good experience and I appreciated the feedback I got from persons afterwards. Next was the nationals...and that is where the nerves kicked up a notch. I did more research, read more presentations, etc. I was fortunate that I was invited to do evaluations at another c...