Stop and Smell the Roses

My friend once told me, as I packed up my car and drove off to live in California,

Stop and Smell the Roses

The old me didn't know how to do that.

I had destination addiction, love addiction, substance & alcohol addiction and definitely some chaos addiction...

I never knew how to slow down and appreciate the little things in life.

My best and oldest friend who I grew up with as a child is one of those people who could be happy about the smallest things. I used to envy how happy she was.

How could I be happy like that I asked myself?

I've been everywhere and have done so many cool things…why do I feel so unfulfilled inside?

I wondered why I was so depressed and constantly an unstable mess.

She grew up in a smaller house with her parents at home a lot, they were my babysitters, home with their family in the early years, with quality time, healthy home cooked meals, eating things from the garden, & living a simple life..

I grew up a mile away in a private neighborhood, in a huge house on a lake. My parents were working all the time.. we were home alone a lot or at daycare until 8-9 at night for as long as I can remember—even as a baby. In high school, I went downtown everyday after school from 14 years old on…because I didn't want to be stuck out in the country alone all day - how I ended up in the street/hippie life.

We were never at home, rarely ever had family meals since childhood and they were stressed out a lot.

Quick junk food life…chasing money, vacations, toys, boats, hot tubs and I suppose everything else

to fill the void

Over time I realized the true spiritual sickness in this behavior.

This developed into me not wanting this lifestyle.

It was only in recovery-- in the process of renewal and rebirth -- which only arises out of a humble place of defeat -- that I slowly began to realize how to be grateful for the little things

and that THIS is where true happiness and Joy is found.

It's easy to fall back into destination addiction...but today I can do big things

and also be happy with the little things.

FOMO doesn't have to be a thing anymore. There is an antidote.

And it's Gratitude & Thankfulness!

Being present with the people around me, who are special - as each one of us is. We are no greater or less than any other.

Being in humility. Listening to stories. And dissolving this ego chase.

This lesson was solidified as I observed the Egyptians struggle in a life that is so difficult to the eyes of Americans. Not knowing when you will accept enough $ to feed your family — eating beans & eggs for days and days, desperately wondering if you can get medicine or food, multiple adults living in a 5x9 room. Showering with cold water out of a tiny metal hose. No hot water to shower in.

Women who are forced by countless oppressive elements to live lives of subservience and function.

Who are not allowed to speak their feelings -- which was evident in my experience with this — to them…

-- Phenomenon --

in my personal relationship.

And as I watched them live in these challenging ways... I watched them all handle it with actual grace, gratitude and faithfulness that God would provide.

As I heard them say many many times everyday "Alhamdulilah" … Which means "Thank You to my God"

I heard them all say it again and again, and saying I am so thankful for what God has given me.

It truly Sank into my Soul.

After my last trip to Egypt in November 2020, I came home and every morning I practiced this Gratitude to the God of my understanding. I have never been so truly happy in my life.

By being grateful for the smallest things, not complaining about first world problems and finding so much to be thankful for everyday…it pushed me into another realm.

Grateful For the Freedom & Opportunity this country provides to me, especially as a woman.

The saying Stop and smell the Roses Takes on a New Meaning today.

A Meaning of diversity

A Meaning of experience

A Meaning of understanding

just how thankful we ALL need to be for the little things we take for granted.

These are the experiences that travel & diversity can give you.

As it Sparks the color in your eyes..

and

..you may see beyond the veil.

Until next time, love you all

Kayla