Laughter Is Good For The Soul

Its been seven year’s since the launch of Women That Soar, LLC. Wow! I can’t believe it.

I started the company as a platform for women to share their stories, their trials, tribulations and triumphs to success.

I feel it is God’s way of allowing me to be transparent about my daily journey and allowing others to do the same.

I’ve said it more than once, “The journey has not been easy. Yet, it has been rewarding.”

I’ve learned life lesson’s that NO class room could have ever provided.

Over the past seven year’s I’ve grown, mentally, physically and spiritually. I’m stronger and wiser. Instead of laughing in the mist of the storm, I laugh and cry.

This year I will share my true personal and professional journey with everyone via my blog. I will be as transparent about my life as I can be.

I will introduce you to my family. I will share the struggles and celebrations we experience together.

My goal through my blog this year is to inspire you to face each day you’re given with laughter, thanksgiving, and grace.

The stories and conversations are not made up. They are actual events.

First, let me share a little background history of my family. My mother who is now eighty two year’s old, in her younger days could put any First Lady to shame.

She spoke and stills speaks proper english at all times. She never cursed, smoked or drank.

She always dressed elegantly and would were her heels and pearls to garden if she could. Growing up her favorite line to me, my sister and our friends was, “Be a Lady.”

I heard that so much until I thought being a tramp was a better option. LOL!

I’m thankful she took the time to instill morals, values and love in us and those she encountered.

Fast forwarding, like most women who are blessed to age, my mom has found the confidence where she’s comfortable with who she is, where she is, and what she has to say. There are no filters.

She say’s whatever, whenever and I’m learning to laugh my way through it.

My mom lost her eyesight in 2005. She also suffers from anxiety and depression. No need to feel sorry for her or our family. Initially it was hard, but again, we’ve learned to laugh through the pain.

What started out as a trial for my family has allowed me and my siblings to bond and become closer.

Never is my mom alone. Never is she without a child at her beck and call. And by the grace of God, she has no life threatening illnesses.

Actually, she’s spoiled. She know’s how to get her kids to jump to the beat of her drum. Its fine. She deserves it. She was one Hell of a mom.

It took me awhile to have this type of outlook. Initially, as a caregiver I felt overwhelmed. Today, I embrace the journey and laugh.

As we approach 2014 together, I can only hope my blogs will bring a little laughter to your life.

I will include conversations that make you go…Really?

They will be a combination of laughter, inspiration and lesson’s learned.

To kick things off, here is a conversation that took place between myself, mom, and sister.

I called my mom to inform her I would be over Saturday, 1/11/14 to take her to the salon. She informed me she wasn’t feeling well.

Conversation:

Me: Hey mom.

Mom: Hello (in a weak voice)

Me: What’s wrong?

Mom: I’m not feeling well.

Me: Since when? You were fine yesterday.

Mom: Yeah, well, I haven’t been feeling well for awhile.

Me: Mom, you hadn’t mention you felt bad.

Mom: I think its because no one has gotten my vitamins. I’ve been without them for a week. Now, I’m nervous and weak.

Me: So, not having your vitamins caused you to be nervous and weak? Are you taking your medicine?

Mom: Of course. I told you its from not having my vitamins. Any, Reggie (my bother) is bringing them today.

Me: Well, I will make you a dr’s appt. (With my lips turned up.)

Please keep in mind that at the start of each New Year my mom believes its her last year and claims she has every illness known to man. She’s determined to have one foot in the grave and the other one on the way.

We take her for her annual physical twice, sometimes three times a year. She always gets a clean bill of health. No matter the Dr’s. results my mom swears she has a chronic illness.

I make the Dr’s appt and call my mom back.

Mom: Hello.

Me: Hey mom, your appt is Monday @ 2pm.

Mom: Well…

Me: What’s wrong?

Mom: I was hoping you could take me Tues or Wed?

Me: Why?

Mom: Gina, I told you I don’t feel well. I don’t think I’ll feel well enough to see the doctor Monday.

Me: Really mom, isn’t the purpose of going so you can feel better? Plus, you have 3-days to shake whatever you. (Again, lips turned up.)

Mom: Well, that does make sense huh?

Me: I would think so. How about this…you have 3 days until Monday, work on feeling better.

Mom: I’ll see what I can do.

Me: Awesome! You do that.

I would love to post my sisters comments. However, they’re just a little to raw for this first post.

Just know we’re considering asking the nurse to make up some crazy disease and tell my mom. This way she will finally have an illness.

You see, I could let my mom’s struggle with anxiety and depression consume me. Instead, I have decided to look at the upside.

I’m sure after reading this you’re asking…what is the upside? The upside is my mom is 82 year’s old and in good health. Believe it or not, she is in her right mind.

She can remember anything from when she was a child to a conversation she had five minutes ago. So, lying to her is not an option.

At the end of the day I’m blessed. I’m learning to take things one day at a time and to laugh through the storm!

I won’t allow my circumstances or life’s challenges to steal my joy.

Until next time, Continue to Soar and Celebrate The Brilliance Within!

Gina