With Gratitude and Blessings Always, Johnny
would start first thing in the morning, boiling a dozen eggs and then dyeing the shells red, which signified“ luck and prosperity.” Eating these redshelled eggs would bring me the best that life has to offer in the coming twelve months! I also got to feast on my favorite curry chicken with white rice. Although it might be a simple birthday meal and celebration from some perspectives, for me it was a tremendous treat, a shower of motherly love that made me feel so special!
Nyah would also go into her annual reminder, prompting me to reflect on all the hits and misses from the last 12 months, which led me to a rebirth of a renewed right spirit, ideas, and enthusiasm for the upcoming year. Over the years, I have learned to identify opportunities not only for how to live my life, but also for how to live it with more passion in the months ahead by adjusting my thought process and behavioral tendencies.
Interestingly, during my early years living in the U. S., three of my loving surrogate moms also had their own inspiring nuggets of advice to share when I asked them for their insights on navigating my upcoming year.
My Italian Foster mom, Carol, 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.”
My Texan Earthly mom, Dee, 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.”
My Spiritual and Progressive mom, Elsa Mae, taught me,“ Words Have Power! So, what we express is what we will receive in return. Since we are the authors 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.”
These wonderful ladies’ guidance helped me to successfully reach the top of my personal Mount Everest in my early thirties. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, I also experienced a sudden, gradual plunge to the bottom of the Grand Canyon of Life starting in my early forties.
Have I made it back up to the top again? No, not yet! The good news is that every day brings me a step closer to my new personal Mount Everest!
Throughout my journey, the most profound advice I hold dear and close to my heart every year during my annual rebirthing process is what my Malaysian mom, Nyah, always reminds me of whenever I feel flat after having the wind sucked out of my sails:“ 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 that we are not the product of our environment, but rather, our environment is the product of who we are!”
The most inspiring words I have for y’ all are these: Regardless of where we are in life, always lean toward heaven, and let curiosity turn chaos into peace and clarity. Always remember that every day presents us with the cusp of an“ Ending and a New Beginning.” It is the essence of our Joyful Living 360 at its best!
Please enjoy the engaging, entertaining, and enlightening stories our expert contributors share in this month’ s edition. They are meant to provide you with just the right nugget of inspiration and empowerment to help you reflect on the highlights of your lovely summer and to treasure the memories with joy, happiness, and laughter!
With Gratitude and Blessings Always, Johnny
www. FromMyMamasKitchen. org
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