Dearest Kristen,

 

It is a new month; March, to be exact. We are celebrating social workers (like me!) and women (like me!), among others.

And, the world continues to spin tumultuously and with what feels like little regard for human life.

Still, I am reminded of the value of having joy in my life, even in the scariest of times. Even as I remember - or am reminded of - times on beds that I/we thought were my last, I get hope from knowing of the inherent worth of humans. My faith helps strengthen this, and whether you believe in a loving god or not, your worth is just as valuable... and not simply to me.

There have been times - many, actually - where I didn’t know I was beautiful. Like, really, actually a beautiful human being. Especially with chronic illness feeling like a terrible fight more than moments of strength. 
 
Forget about looks for a second (although it’s hard since that pic is FIRE 😜)... my actions are not always worthy of love. Phew, writing that is a chore, imagine realizing that for the first time? Guess what is worthy of love, though? Me. Yep, just me. Little Ole Me.
 
My joy is partly from knowing and cultivating wisdom with the actual reality of my inherent worth. My beauty. My being deserving of love; SEPARATE from my desire to be the best person in service to others that I can at every moment possible. My joy, just like my value, is not dependent on what happens to me or because of me. I have lied, stolen, cheated (my story can attest to that), and yet my joy comes from knowing that I am worthy of love still and even because I am human.
 
 

So, as I sit here thinking of Ukraine and the imminence of war and destruction, as well as the racism that rears its ugly head in these times of fear and distress, I am able to remember that Ukrainians, Russians, Americans, all are an extension of creation and of me. I am not far removed from anyone or anything that may disgust another or make one apprehensive. 

I just got really vulnerable and serious for my first newsletter back in your inbox. It won't always be this way... and neither will war. If you decide so, though, joy is here to stay.

 

Joy, love, and deuces ✌🏾,

Kris G

 

P.S:  That’s joy, y’all. That’s hope. You may be making hope too difficult. See how by downloading the free guide here

P.S.S: Learn more about me, my story, and what I am doing now on the blog or instagram (until my blog is back in action!)