“This is soothing to my soul.”

Those were the words that I spoke to myself last night as I processed all that had transpired over the weekend. You see, this past weekend my Love and I ventured to Pittsburgh (with my Bonus Love) to gather with my paternal side of the family for our biennial family reunion. Now, as a die-hard Baltimore Ravens fan, it bunched my britches to gather in Pittsburgh and don the colors of the St**lers in their hometown… but it felt sooooo good to be surrounded by family for this amazing event. Being able to see family that I hadn’t seen in two years and meet people for the first time who had been my Facebook friends for years was just the balm that my soul needed this year. I needed to feel my auntie’s arms around me and I needed to party with my cousins. I needed my family.

Yet I will be honest and say that it took years of intentional healing to get to this emotional space. I believe that I have spoken about my family dynamics before so I will spare you the story, but just know that I did not grow up with my father and I did not have access to his side of the family so being able to spend time with them in any capacity is a blessing that my heart will cherish forever.

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Let me be honest with you.
I have been traveling for the entire month of July and at almost 38 years old, I have realized that there is a difference between being on vacation for one month, and traveling multiple times in one month. For my July, I did the latter. With one week in Philadelphia, one week in Alabama (and 27 hours in three airports), and now four days in Pittsburgh- I am TIRED! During the drive back home yesterday, my body collapsed under the weight of exhaustion and I could barely keep my eyes open. My body felt as though sleep was trying to keep it under its controlling arm, refusing to let go until optimum recharging had been achieved. And it is with the exhaustion of my body that I can clearly see that it took sincere and earnest peace in order for my body to relax, relate, and release in such a way.

My soul is soothed and my heart is full…. And I wish that for YOU!

As you go about your Monday (or whatever day you read this), I encourage you to do the following:

• Identify areas of necessary healing and be intentional about healing
• Pursue activities and people that facilitate and enhance your healing
• Do all things with God

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This week is busy for me yet it offers a necessary weekend of retreat and celebration. After traveling for the month of July, I am excited to unwind on a beach with my Love.

Pursue healing.
Pursue peace.
Pursue love.
Your body and soul will thank you later.

Be blessed.