As I am - An Overt Life Update
Hello Hive,
I'm tapping the keyboard expressing my thoughts as they flow, while I snap a selfie - As I Am.
My husband and I have plans to go home to see my parents and family back in Jamaica in a month or so. My parents are aware of my plans, well, my vague plans which is that I hope to be home in October.
They were excited by this news because by then it would be just shy of 9 years since they last saw me, and I'm the youngest.
I've had obligations and done some traveling to places far away from home which made my return challenging; So now that my planning is falling into place, I try hard to contain my eagerness about seeing my parents and sister, because I feel blessed that they are alive and well.
My parents, friends, and family are always happy to hear from me whenever I give them a buzz, and occasionally they'll see a glimpse of me in a photo or video call. However, there's nothing like seeing someone in the flesh.
Over the years since I last saw them, there have been physical changes naturally, but I would say there's a bigger change in my spirituality, mindset, and my persona. I have learned so much about life, people, the world around me, and most valuable, about myself.
Even though my time away has been with my husband, it hasn't been easier being away from my dear parents. I have faced trying times, sad times, and many happy times too. For some time, I struggled emotionally and felt like I was drifting away from my parents and my culture and I would sometimes worry unnecessarily about their well-being. I had to change my mindset and adjust my perspective by looking deeper into what I was experiencing. I had to grow up and become more resilient while accepting the cycle of life, understanding grief, and letting go without losing sentiments, love, and deep connections.
Now I am more aware of the wider world, and how I fit into it, and I see myself as a global citizen. This I'm sure my parents will identify with and feel proud of.
There's much uncertainty and doubts about my future in many aspects. My life feels like a puzzle, yet I feel like my journey and the pieces of my life have been falling into place. I have tuned into my inner child of appreciating and connecting with the simple, intangible resources of the earth and I feel myself detaching emotionally from the superficial, materialistic world, and each day I grow fonder of animals, and nature, and feel a sincere sense of gratitude for life, and a purpose in the universe. This has somehow made me feel a sense of freedom to live my life the way that suits me, as I give everyone else the freedom to do the same with theirs.
I've encountered bitterness, like that of the taste of fresh lemons in my glands, that has made me woke!
I am thankful. I no longer try to see only the good in people; Instead, I see the good, the bad and the ugly, and I accept people entirely, and act accordingly.
As I Am
When I look at myself in the mirror, I see a different me, and I'm bombarded with what looks like a gallery of flaws. Still, I have grown less fond of makeup, and I embrace my imperfections and see them as uniquely me:)...Unmasked!
... and you know what?
I love the person I see in the mirror.
It's still a long time before I'll return home, and I'm counting the days.
I am looking forward to my dad showing me the engine of his car; the correct oil level, the condition of his tyres, the precise measurement of air that he puts into each tyre, and the reasons why he does it that way. My dad will show me all his vitamins and eyedrops while telling me all the benefits of them.
My mum and I will spend time in the garden; She loves gardening. While I'm sure my sister will travel a few miles across Jamaica for spending a few days hanging out at the beach.
I take nothing and no one for granted, and I want to dedicate quality time to them.
I do have photos of my parents dressed up for special occasions, However, what I am looking forward to the most, is hugging them, and hearing their voices...and I wish for the chance to capture candid shots of them doing the things that they love the most in their true authentic selves. That would become my favourite memorabilia.
Thanks for being here, and I'll share my travels with you:)
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Your publication touched my heart. I can relate to your experiences and feelings and although I am not far from home, sometimes I feel guilty for not spending more time with my mother, but on the other hand I enjoy and love my life as it is at the moment. I waited a long time to get my own home.
You will have a happy trip and the weather will be perfect with your family.
P.S. We are perfectly imperfect. 😉
Thanks for your lovely comment Lis 😊
Yes, being far away from home is good and bad in some ways. However, now I am only a 9-hour flight away, it's less worrisome on my mind. For 7 years, I was halfway around the planet away from home, and there were always obstacles that prevented me from going back.
As much as I want to see them, I think I owe it to them to get back there now... so I hope all goes well.
Yes, I'm looking forward to being in the tropics again for sure to enjoy the lovely spirit of the Caribbean.😍
💯%
Yummy, enjoy your family first and then enjoy the beaches, sun and sand on this side of the world.
Thanks 😆
Wow, that's a long time. I have family that I haven't seen for longer than that, but in 2018 I did a trip to all the major countries my family members live in to see them. There was also a wedding in Canada that brought a whole chunk of us together. Prior to that, there were people I hadn't seen in 20 years!
I'm sure everyone is already excited about your visit. Have the most fun possible when the time comes.
Yes! It's way too long!
Almost a decade!
It's gonna be a culture shock in some ways, yet I know that it will be like I never left.
My family relations across the island is massive, and I'll have a lot of obligations and catching up to do. Luckily my husband is familiar with Jamaica and the culture, so he knows how that goes. I will do some excursions, but most times I just like to chill in my backyard and drink coconut. We're looking forward to the food, and it will be great to see my parents most of all:))) 🤞
That's so good, that you are finally getting to travel home to see family and friends. I have grown so much since I left Ireland, it is always interesting returning home, feeling more empowered. Opening ourselves up to so many different experiences as well.
I look forward to seeing your pictures and by the way, you look great xxxx
Ah, you're from Ireland! Nice!
I love the Irish for their openness.
I have a good friend from Northern Ireland too.
That's so very true.
It will be an emotional trip, but I'm so looking forward to it.
Thanks for your compliment, and so do you too:)))
Hey, Milly
How nice and exciting that you are planning to go visit home after such a long time.
I love what you say about your growth as a person, and I think it is a great blessing to grow up and realize that material things are not important and to live a life that makes us feel good about who we are.
I can imagine how excited your parents must be, surely they must be counting the days if they already know. 🤗
Thanks Coqui!
Yes, I'm sure they're counting the days, the same way I am 😁
It will be great to be back on that side of the world.
I hope all goes well xx 🤗
Hi Milly, you are effortlessly beautiful and so is your life.
Looking forward to you spending time with your parents and family as you share with us.
Stay amazing. x
He there!
Thanks for your kind feedback 😊
I appreciate you stopping by:)
💛
Lady with a beautiful smile 😁❤️
Thank you 😊
Wow 9 years is a long time to not see family. I'm sure they are very excited to welcome you back.
Sounds like you have experienced a lot of change and inner growth over the years. That amazing.
These are very wise words. Very good point
Yes, they are! My mum sounded more excited that she'll see my husband!
Yes! I have, and super thankful for all the curveballs that came my way.
I see people and things differently for sure.
Thanks for stopping by:)))
I see that you have amazing life. I love Jaimaca
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Reading this made me miss my parents..been away from them for almost 5 years..and counting...still need 2 more years before I could see them..and just like you said, there are physical changes of course, even in health, especially my father who recently diagnosed with prostate cancer...
But I love how you perceive things now..the world isn't only for good, there are bad, ugly, beautiful, and monsters too.
We always need to widen our thoughts and things from different perspectives just like reading stories through different lenses...
Hey Jane,
Yes, it's gonna be a long time.
Are you a Filipina in Hong Kong?
I', sorry to hear about your dad. I hope he will get all the support and care possible 😇
Yup.. just working here..for my family as well..
There isn't cure for it as he said, but medication can prolong his life..praying for that..
Ok, I give you my best wishes for yourself and for your dad 🙏
Thank you
😊
It is a beautiful publication, accompanied by a great truth, because that is what life is about, being who we are, not getting lost along the way and knowing that as long as we do good, everything becomes energy that expands in the universe.
Parents are the key piece that anchors the birth of our love, because when we are born we do so loving our parents, which makes that bond unbreakable, not even distance can undo it.
I am glad that finally you will be able to feel her warmth in your body again and feel her caresses, in October a new daughter will arrive, more beautiful and renewed because she is aware of the free human being that is
While I was reading to you, I couldn't help but remember my brother, who has already been away for more than 4 years in another country and always tells me, sister, how I would like to feel a hug from my parents and from all of you.
Celebrate every moment and I hope that life goes well for you so that you will soon go to your reunion.
Good vibes.
Hello @angelica7
Thanks for your sweet and kind message 😊
It was lovely to read, and means a lot to me:)))
Good vibes to you too 🌻
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hello friend
the reunions are full of so many emotions and feelings, going back to be with your parents and sister after a few long years will be a great moment to celebrate life and our roots that we must be in connection with love.
in my case i have never separated from my parents, i preferred to live the crisis and not to be away from my family, even though in my country because of the crisis many people had to emigrate and i live with them the lack that makes them to be away from their family, but life is full of experiences that leave us learnings and wherever we are we will always be close because the bond is stronger.
I want to see your pictures on the beach with your family.
Greetings my dear @millycf1976
That's really being a long time. Wishing you a safe trip and a wonderful time with your family ma.
Home is the best and family is everything. At any opportunity we have, we create beautiful memories with them
Thank you very much, I'm looking forward to the trip, indeed:)
Very heartfelt your post @millycf1976 💗💗💗💗.
Life is a path in which we go learning to appreciate the things that really have value. It's okay that every now and then a bitter moment comes along to make us wake up and embrace the indescribable value of intangible things such as our feelings.
From the bottom of my heart I wish you can get to Jamaica and be reunited with your wonderful parents and give them the strongest of hugs.
I loved reading this post so full of life and joy.
A big hug 💞🤗
Thanks for your lovely comment and good wishes @abisag
I appreciate it very much 😊🤗💞
I hope you get as many pictures as possible with your loved ones, they are indeed the best memorabilia. What a great idea to have when visiting home...
Yes, I've had that wish for so long 🤞
Thanks for stopping by, have a nice day:)))
I understand perfectly what you mean, being reunited with the family is something that makes us feel anxious, nervous and happy. Time passes so quickly that we often don't even realise how many years have passed without seeing our loved ones.
I haven't seen my siblings for about 7 years, they live in other countries and we still haven't been able to get together. It makes me very nostalgic not to see them, even though there are video calls and things like that, it's never the same.
I loved the post, because you reminded me of the beautiful feeling it is to see your family after so many years.
Happy travels. Blessings 🙂⭐🌟✨🤗🙃🙏🏻🙏🏻
Hey there!
That's so accurate. That's exactly what I'm feeling.
I'm happy that you appreciated my post, and I hope you will be reunited with your family soon.
Thanks for stopping by:)
I feel ya, after being in South Africa for 10 years, seeing the family in France was such an odd moment because I am not the boy I was when I left, with the good and the bad. It was also quite heartwarming.
I look forward to read about your travel!
Thank you!
I totally get what you mean.
I haven't made it to SA yet. We have good friends there, but my husband who has spent some time there, is not prepared for the risk in me going there.
Yeah, I'm looking forward to Jamaica 🤞
I wish you a happy reunion after a safe voyage. I am so happy that you still have living parents and their home to return to; so many of us don't have that luxury any longer (I too, and the youngest, my oldest sister will turn 89 next month!)
Be safe and enjoy your trip. Tell that hubby I said Hi!
Thanks for your good wishes, Jerry!
Yes, I feel really lucky to have my parents, indeed.
That's special to hear about your sister. I hope she'll have a good birthday celebration, and I hope the doctors will find answers for you. I sounds strange that there was not change on your part.🤷♀
As you are, and as the way it shall be....
Keep rockin. Id love to go to Jamaica someday. We are all just pieces of the puzzle. Looking forward to that post when it happens.
Thanks for your lovely comment 😉
Glad to hear your are taking a trip back to yard. Those emotions you shared I sure can relate.
It is hard to be away from home but indeed we do find ourselves and get more in tune with the infinite. You are looking beautiful dear, your smile shows me your spirit.
Eat up some of the good food deh fi mi. Woulda love a good ole yard breakfast with fresh foods from the yard.
Thanks for your lovely comment.
Yes, I'm super excited to be going back home, and I'm looking forward to so many different foods that I haven't had in ages.
Keep well:)
I missed this post -aww but I love it. I am happy you love the person in the mirror because that is how it should be. Wow - I can imagine the excitement when you meet your family. It will be palpable. I am sure your family will love the lady that comes to visit because you love you. Enjoy every moment of togetherness and the beauty around you. Looking forward to the travel posts.
Thanks for your sweet comment:)))
Yes, we're all looking forward to the reunion.
I know you will have a wonderful trip ♥️ Stay safe, and make lots of memories :)
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This is absolutely beautiful. Just like you. You are an exceptional human and I am sure your parents will recognize it right away. Have a wonderful time. You deserve it... yes, I do know what you are going through emotionally being away. I left to travel and work and never came back to the US for years and years.
I have eight brothers and sisters who are really close to me. It is hard and emotional as you think they are having holidays and birthdays without you and living life without you and doing it well. I have put that to rest, but, it used to be a problem.
Have fun!!! I will be in Jamaica or Curacao in mid-October!
Yes, I am excited, a little anxious, and somewhat nervous since I haven't been there for so long, and the news is depressing.
I totally relate to that. I guess we realize it's all part of growing up.
I have lost contact with all my high school friends and former work colleagues, and I noticed that some resorts have changed names, and I guess employees shift around too.
Either Jamaica or Curacao, I'm sure you have an amazing time 😁... You never know... our paths just might cross:))