BETTER ME … BETTER YOU … BETTER WORLD
MIND body spirit By mixing the ingredients of attitude and action, we can change the flavor of our own lives. Learn to nurture your body and soul to lead a more balanced life.
LET FREEDOM RING ... WITH
FAITH!
JUST AS A BLUEPRINT F O R M S T H E S T E P- B Y- S T E P
foundation for construction of a building, our mind, body, and spirit are integral to our daily outcomes—empowering healthy lives. As we celebrate The Fourth of July, please Let Freedom Ring with love and respect for each word that we speak and each thought we perceive, so each intention proceeds with an attitude of gratitude, grace, and compassion!
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finally able to move into our first home in the University area. A group of us neighbors called ourselves “The Wexford Bunch.” We were “come here’s” from states all over the country with a few people who were “from here” … Charlotte. But most of us had no family in the area so we quickly bonded.
My husband grew up on the Delmarva Peninsula where they identified people as either a “from here” or a “come here.” I grew up in Gary, Indiana; yes, that’s also Michael Jackson’s hometown. And No! I didn’t know him personally. However, my momma was the social worker at Michael Jackson’s elementary school, but I digress….
Several of us were in the “sandwich generation” – taking care of older family members while raising our own young families. We experienced the cycle of life—from the birth of a neighbor’s premature baby to the transition of many family members, we all grew together. As parents, we shared all of life’s lessons, successes, and challenges with each other … the good and sometimes the not-so-good. Our children formed relationships that will continue for generations.
We moved to Charlotte 35 plus years ago. After living in the Residence Inn off Tyvola for more than three months, we were
Through it all, our FAITH connected the pieces of our puzzle, and this is what we focused on:
JULY 2021
w OMAN.COM
L A K E NORMAN
F amily, extended family, and church family forge bonds of love, discipline, empowerment, and protection. A nticipate great things for our families through observations and life lessons. I dentify and embrace character traits that make us caring, compassionate, and competent citizens. T rustworthy, responsible, and authentic in all actions we take as children, adults, parents, and grandparents. H ealthy minds, bodies, and spirits embrace life’s opportunities through acts of kindness, encouragement, and humility.
Hopefully our nation’s birthday will be a time to not only celebrate, but to pause and reflect. Because just as FAITH connected “The Wexford Bunch,” it can connect all of us as Americans, providing the binding force we need to create kindness, understanding, and healing in our country … and the renewal of a faith that’s been there all along. w
Willetta Jones, MS, CGC, is a certified grief coach and the founder/owner of Abiding Grace, LLC. Connect with Willetta at 704.340.8400 or via www.abidinggracellc.com. WRITER WILLETTA JONES, MS, CGC
