It is day two of my “Chapter 28”. Saturday, June 30 was my birthday. I sense that the upcoming chapter is going to be one to remember. Much change is coming in this season, the unexpected, the unconventional, and the groundbreaking. Growth, is that you? The level of gratitude and appreciation I feel is unexplainable. My 27th year taught me much more about myself and the greatness that lies within me. It granted me the opportunity to share my testimony to impact the lives of others, to officially launch this blog at the start of this year and taught me the importance of community love and friendships.

The Celebration

To celebrate, I headed out to Hollywell with a group of my favourite persons. We had wholesome conversations, ate good food, hiked and took photos. There was a point in my life where I didn’t believe I meant much to the persons around me. I am no social butterfly, I missed the “stay connected with friends” memo, and I was too unsure of myself to let anyone else in.

The Essentials of a Healthy Life

What do you need to live a healthy life? Many see health as only the food that goes into the body and the exercise that body engages in. For me, a healthy life is made up of the following:

• Love
• Healthy Diet & Exercise
• Positive Energy
• Faith
• A mindset that facilitates growth
• People
• Adventures & New Experiences

P       E      O      P      L      E

I once saw people as disposable because I needed no one and could do life alone. Loneliness was comforting for me, as it required no obligations to anyone outside myself. When my inner turmoil became too much I pushed my closest friend away and only exposed my surface to anyone who would care. Sadly, my true nature was buried by the pain I felt daily. Thankfully, life had new meaning later and now at the end of 27 years of life, I can truly say that I am free to love and be me. As I assessed the people around me on this trip, I realized how each person taught me a lesson about myself and a lesson on love. Having the right people around is essential when living a healthy life.

Erraldo Budhan

Please ignore his face. Erraldo reminds me daily of passion, drive, humility, and obedience. He is a radio announcer, youth leader, passionate preacher, and a man who is simply sold out for God. He came into my space joyfully and helped me to fully accept that there is nothing wrong with having high standards and disliking mediocrity. Although we serve a God who understands imperfections, we shouldn’t serve it as part of our offerings to Him.

Joelle (left) and Adrienne

These two are something else. They teach me that friendship is effortless and full of laughter. Joelle and Adrienne support each other and are real with each other. They communicate that love has no set timeframe to begin its impact; it can start with the first point of communication.

My sister, Adrienne, is so full of life. She knows what she wants and knows how to get it. Her weaknesses complement her strengths and that easily allows her to be seen as the ultimate powerhouse. Her love for athletics, academics, and social experiences make her an all rounder. She reminds me that I can have anything I ask for, declare, or set my mind to.

Davia Roper

I knew something was special about this spiritual bond the moment God had me covering your feet. The word PROTECTION is what comes to mind when I think of you. It is easy to pay for physical security but money cannot buy spiritual protection. You have my back. I can tell you pray! From you, I learn that we definitely aren’t wrestling against flesh and blood and every day the battle continues. Not many can get me to share things with them but you GET ME. And that’s something to value.

Christopher Lawrence

Love doesn’t have to be scary when there are trust and mutual understanding. I was afraid to love you, but with you I am home. My past means nothing to you and you make it your duty to ensure that I get to my future safely. You taught me to be myself on an intimate level. Although we’re still in our season of sole friendship, I look forward to being legally wed to you. (aye lyrics)

Colleen, her mom & Baby Abigail Ruth

These two women are two of the strongest women I know. They know what it means to stand on their own. From them, I learned that you have to prepare for life as the stages come, as you will never know how strong you are until you have to be. One of the greatest lessons I learned from Colleen is that if you never ask the answer is always no. You taught me how and when to speak up and not be afraid.

Baby Abigail Ruth is my Goddaughter which is such an honour. I look at the way I live my life differently because of her. Life is unpredictable. There is a 1/10 000 000% chance that I could be responsible for you in the event that life throws a curveball. I want to be prepared for that so for you I give my best always.

Pops

Father, you taught me the greatest lesson I needed to learn; and that is how to forgive. I am happy that our relationship is back on track and getting back to where I need it to be. I remember praying and asking God to restore the bond that we had. It’s amazing to see a God’s answer unfold.

Life Encouragement

We live in an age that encourages an ‘independent’ culture I can’t quite understand. I see many persons blatantly express how much they don’t need people and act as though they don’t have to honour anyone. There is so much that can be learned by honouring the persons around. Cherish the ones you love, encourage them and learn from them. People are essential to living a healthy life.