With gratitude and blessings always , Johnny
better planning by utilizing today , this moment in time , to map out what I want going forward . Since then , days before my birthday , I have used quiet moments to reflect upon all the hits and misses in my life during the last 12 months . The introspection provides me with “ A Rear View Vision of the Opportunities and Possibilities Ahead .” There are no mistakes , instead lessons . Nor are there failures , only setbacks . If I don ' t know what went wrong and take ownership , I can ' t effectively proceed forward successfully !
Over the years , interestingly enough , halfway around the world in the US , my various moms also had some excellent nuggets of advice for me when I asked them for their insights about navigating my upcoming year .
Carol , my Italian Foster mom , taught me , “ Once we acknowledge that our true nature is more than a few personality traits , interests , and experiences , we will understand that what makes us essentially unique is that we are capable of changing our tomorrow by using yesterday as a point of reference and today as the launching pad for hope .”
Dee , my Texan Earthly mom , taught me , “ Luck is the intersection of faith and destiny . The stronger our faith is , the luckier we are . The positive energy we radiate into the universe will always attract like positive energy back to us .”
Elsa Mae , my Spiritual and Progressive mom , taught me , “ Words Have Power ! So , what we express is what we will receive in return . Since we are the author of our thoughts , if we want to receive and be showered with good things and favors in life , we need to be those positive thoughts throughout our daily lives .”
I have been fortunate to have successfully reached the top of my personal Mount Everest in my early thirties . However , due to unforeseen circumstances , I also experienced the sudden plunge to the bottom of the Grand Canyon of Life in my late forties . The most profound advice I hold dear and close to my heart every year during my annual rebirthing process is what my mom , Nyah , always reminded me whenever I am feeling flat after having the wind sucked out of my sail . She said we create our own little world where we want to live . However , outside circumstances will always affect our daily lives . To stay focused , we need to remind ourselves , “ We are not the product of our environment , but rather , our environment is the product of who we are !”
With this in mind , my “ annual rebirth ” this year is a very special one . I had learned and gained so much from my 9 Moms in my life ’ s journey , including becoming a multi-award-winning and bestselling author when I published From My Mama ’ s Kitchen , “ food for the soul , recipes for living ,” honoring them back in 2009 . Now , fifteen years later , I am so excited to kick off my birthday season by updating this heart-centered and passion-driven book with new information and nine new recipes for living , and I plan to release the 15th Anniversary Special Edition of “ My 9 MOMS ~ Conversations About Life , Love , and Laughter ” next month .
I hope a snippet of my life ’ s journey helps you reflect upon this summer ' s various high notes of your life . May you treasure them with joy and laughter by allowing yourself to flow with life ’ s rhythm . Always remember , every day presents us with the cusps of an “ Ending and a New Beginning .” It is the essence of our Joyful Living 360 at its best !
With gratitude and blessings always , Johnny
www . FromMyMamasKitchen . org
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