A Little Sweeter at Home

I admit that I am not the most optimistic person out there. I even garnered the nickname "Cynical Jackie" by a college professor. Nevertheless, I would say I'm actually cautiously optimistic. Namely, I want to be optimistic; however, I always think about the what-ifs. What if it does not happen? What if I fail?  That being said, after a very challenging year, don't we all want to feel like things will get better? We pray or hope that we will get to do the things we missed out on in 2020. We pray or hope that we will get to see our loved ones IN PERSON. We pray or hope that THINGS WILL GO BACK TO NORMAL! I'm not talking about a "new normal." I want normal, normal—the old normal. Actually, a better normal for everybody. We have all struggled in 2020 - some more, some less. I'm thankful that we have endured 2020 together. We may not even know each other, but we are united in struggle. We are also united in hope. So as a reminder to myself and possibly o

Reflecting upon 2020, we have all faced many unexpected challenges. In fact, 2020 may have been one of your most challenging years. You may have lost a job, a relationship, a friend, and/or a family member. I can state without any hesitation, this year has been challenging for all.  When I think about my experiences this year, I know my life will always be different. From how I express my love to others to what groceries I purchase, 2020 has changed me and my life.  But, 2020 has not destroyed you or me. We adapted; we attempted to have a relatively normal life while social distancing, wearing masks, and thinking about our interactions. It is challenging, and frankly, it stinks, and most of us are tired. I long for the day to carelessly board an airplane to see my family members in another state. Or to take a vacation somewhere new and exciting. I've canceled plans to protect myself and my loved ones. Traveling was one of the ways I treated myself, not so much this year. I want to

"It could always be worse"  is a statement I use all of the time. While I'm not the most optimistic person, I realize that I have it easier than most people in the world. For this reason, I am always incredibly thankful. As a reminder of how "It could always be worse," today, Christmas Day, when all should be fantastic, I woke up with no water. Little did I know that sometime before 10:30 last night, the waterline in front of my house had burst.  This issue could be a significant annoyance and problem for most, especially for those preparing a Christmas meal today. But today, having no water reminded me that "It could always be worse."  Today, I'm mindful that some of my friends are celebrating Christmas for the first time without their spouse, mother, father, etc. Some people can't see their loved ones who are in hospitals or nursing homes. Some people can't afford a Christmas for their family. Others can't afford their water bill or h

Failure is a harsh word; a word we never want used to describe us or our plans. However, I have had many failures in my life. Moreover , I'm not done failing! One can describe failure as a lack of success or as negligence: not doing something expected. Therefore, failure can be active or passive, and there are thousands, if not millions, of ways to fail in life. To think, how many of us want to pretend the word does not exist? It is easy to think of all that can go right and not consider what could go wrong.  That being said, I know there will be plenty of failures in my future because the day I stop trying is the day I stop failing. Every day I try to be better than I was the day before. So every day that I wake up, I set myself up for failure. Each day that I have to speak in public, I set myself up for failure.  BUT, SO WHAT? So what if you make a mistake? So what if you say the wrong word or can't pronounce something correctly the first time? So what? The biggest mistake yo

Failures, setbacks, obstacles, adversities, and dissatisfactions are a few words used to describe disappointments. Like everyone else, there have been numerous times in my life when I have faced d isappointment. Frustrations with my family, friends, job, and the list goes on. The same is probably true for you as well. Whatever name you use: hurts, heartbreaks, challenges, we all face them, and they sting! In fact, people who you love the most will also disappoint you. No one is perfect. Furthermore, as we go throughout our life, we will continue to face disappointments.  It is a given and an absolute: we will face hurt because someone or something lets us down.  However, disappointments do not have to crush our spirits, and we should try to prevent a long-term setback at all costs. Here are some tips that have helped me get through challenges in my life. Think about past situations that disappointed you. Did something good come from it?  If you were passed over for a job, did you get a