2016 Say I Do! LGBT Wedding Expo Magazine

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(202) 505-6026 follow along @eclecticfete

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CONTENTS WELCOME TO THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF SAY I DO! LGBT WEDDING EXPO Many wedding shows are just so...well...straight! Say I Do! was created to give same-sex couples a wedding expo experience that breaks tradition! At Say I Do! DC we don’t do cookie-cutter, we don’t do boring, we don’t do stuffy and we certainly don’t do predictable! We do fun, entertaining, informative, creative and inspiring with the best vendors and workshops around town. Say I Do! was founded to give LGBT couples a forum to meet LGBT-affirming vendors who are ready, willing and able to make wedding dreams come true whether its bride-bride or groom-groom! No need to “come out” to each vendor, Say I Do! is a place where our love is accepted, affirmed and celebrated! Because truly, love is all we need.

ABOUT THE COVER Gorgeous beauties Lorena Ramirez and Ana Lima celebrate their union. Photography: Megan Noonan Photography Venue: Hotel Monaco Alexandria

Welcome to the 2016 Say I Do! Wedding Expo.

A DC Love Thang

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Check out how LGBT couples around DC celebrate their unions

Wedding Planning

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Top 10 Tips for the Big Day

Focus on the Future

18 Retirement Planning

Tips for LGBT Couples

Wedding Flowers

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A Florist’s Guide to Wedding Flowers

Stories for Love

25 True LGBT Stories of Love & Marriage

Health & Wellness

28 Tackling the Perception of Grief

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR There are only so many words that encapsulate the magnitude of 2016 for Say I Do! And with so many things to share, let’s get right to it!! As some of you know, but many of you do not, our fearless leader and founder, Tammy Freeman, has opted to take a more behind the scenes roll at Say I Do. She will forever be the face and spirit of the brand, but has decided to move forward in a strategic planning realm in the background. Her vision and leadership transcends time and we continuously thank her for planting the seed that has become this dead sexy bloom. With this transition, I would like to introduce myself, Sharia Barksdale, as the new Creative Director of Say I Do! DC as well as CEO & Resident Rock Star of Eclectic Fête!! I have worked with Tammy behind the scenes at Say I Do for many years, and I am so overjoyed and grateful to Tammy for selecting me to be her successor!! This event has always held a special place in my heart and I welcome the opportunity to grow this brand into something Tammy would be proud of (and to do dope $h!t of course)!! As change can sometimes scare the crap out of you, I am truly ecstatic and overwhelmed with all of the love and support provided by not only LGBTQ business-owners, but that of the greater community as a whole!! Thank you for welcoming me like I was a long lost relative bearing millions of dollars in unmarked cash. I know I have some very large (and rather fabulous) shoes to fill, and I thank you for your patience as we grow and shake things up a bit!! I’m sure by now everyone has noticed the rock star rebranding of the Say I Do! logo and website (flawlessly executed by the wondrous Chelsea Kardokus of 23and9 Creative)!! We are so very excited to offer you a new and greater Say I Do! Experience—while still retaining the familial and fun environment Say I Do has become renowned for. Keep an eye out at www.sayidoexpo.com for future Say I Do! events and workshops, both in DC and across the country!! And that newsletter sign-up is REAL; don’t miss out on the good stuff by neglecting to sign-up via our website!! As we embark on another year’s journey, I would be remised in not acknowledging the persons who have been so influential in helping me retain some semblance of sanity with this transition. Thank you to Tammy Freeman, my dear friend and constant source of inspiration for great leaps of faith, for trusting me with your baby. You could have selected anyone to carry your torch, and I don’t take it lightly that you trusted me to do so. Thank you to Christopher Murphy of Digital Empire Graphics, who not only designed this GORGEOUS publication, but has encouraged me to be great, provided an unending supply of kindness and generosity, and talked me off the ledge many a day! Thank you to my very dear friend Whitney Weston, who stepped in without question to work with our speakers and source amazing topics for the Say I Do! workshops. Thank you for your spirit, your genius, and your undying love! To my Eclectic Fête and real life family (Ms. Connie, Aunt Evelyn, Jameill, Trinity, Audrey, Nadirah, Richel, Fred, Angel, Anitra, Marcus, Rebekah, Delilah, Markeya, Miya, Kelli, and Courtney), thank you for being my 24-hour, unending support system. Thank you for dealing with my crazy ideas, random thoughts, and being professional self-doubt assassins in times where I question my own greatness!! With you all and God, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!! I thank God for blessing me with each and everyone one of you!! As to not wrap up the poor soul reading this, I’ll stop now before I type in ugly cry caps! To every single sponsor, speaker, vendor, volunteer, and attendee of Say I Do, THANK YOU FOR ROCKING WITH ME THIS YEAR!! Every day hasn’t been 31 flavors sweet, and this journey is just beginning, but I thank you for rolling with me AND chipping in your fair share of gas money for the ride. YOU are the real MVPs. If there is ANYTHING I could ever do to repay the kindness bestowed upon me, please do not hesitate to contact me! We are in this together and I welcome the opportunity to share the love!! With Epic Dopeness and Love, Sharia Barksdale Creative Director, Say I Do! Wedding Expo – Washington, DC CEO & Event Innovator, Resident Rock Star, Eclectic Fête

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2016 VENDORS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sharia Barksdale

CREATIVE DIRECTOR / GRAPHIC DESIGN Christopher Murphy

CONTRIBUTORS

Onasis Fuentes, The Flower Guy Bron / Bron Hansboro, Christopher Murphy, Joy Petway

PHOTOGRAPHERS

CYork Photography, EKate Photography, Gino Addi, Jamie Scott Photography, Megan Noonan Photography, Tina Take My Photo

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES

Sharia Barksdale | sayido@eclecticfete.com

CONTACT US

SAY I DO LGBT WEDDING EXPO www.sayidoexpo.com sayido@eclecticfete.com @sayidolgbt #sayidodc #sayido2016 The views expressed in the following pages and advertisements are not necessarily those of SAY I DO LGBT WEDDING EXPO.

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2016 VENDORS Eclectic Fête - SPONSOR www.EclecticFete.com Eclectic Fête was birthed to execute avant-garde events and weddings for daring people searching for a unique experience. As Fête Rebels, we are crafting a global culture of tastemakers who boldly celebrate their truth. We promise to think in love, speak in love, act in love, and ACCEPT ALL LOVE. The Embassy Row Hotel - SPONSOR www.destinationhotels.com/embassy-row-hotel 2015 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC 20036 Discover the heart and soul of D.C. at the city’s only lifestyle hotel. A Destination Hotels property, The Embassy Row Hotel’s prime location in Dupont Circle, along Embassy Row, is unbeatable. You’ll feel immersed in the diverse trend‐setting scene and discover the cool side of D.C. From bottled cocktails and shared plates at Station Kitchen & Cocktails tao stunning city views in the guest rooms and the neighborhood’s only rooftop bar, your Washington, D.C. vacation will feel more like a true authentic getaway. Enjoy your stay and come back soon. The Embassy Row Hotel is an official TAG approved hotel in Washington, D.C. and a member of IGLTA. Equally Wed - SPONSOR www.equallywed.com Founded in 2009 and launched to New York Times acclaim in 2010, Equally Wed is the world’s first modern wedding resource exclusively dedicated to LGBTQ couples. Equally Wed is an award-winning, lesbian-owned wedding magazine, equality-minded vendor directory and social community for LGBTQ+ couples. CYork Photography - SPONSOR www.cyorkphotography.com Two snapping sisters specializing in wedding and portrait photography for the trending couple. Located in central Virginia but has traveled to weddings as far as Massachusetts and Mexico. Recently featured on Capital Romance, Hill City Bride and Virginia Bride Magazine. Nova Balloons - SPONSOR www.novaballoons.com We’re sure you will be thrilled by the endless possibilities of balloon décor! Balloons are an inexpensive and creative way to make a statement, set the mood and leave your party goers, wedding guests, or customers with a lasting impression! With our stunning designs you can enhance the elegance of any ballroom or transform a church or fire hall into a spectacular setting for your once in a lifetime event. eKate Photography - SPONSOR www.ekatephotography.com Virginia-based portrait and wedding photographer. “I am constantly trying to create images that are unique and new, but above all else, I try to create images that will make people smile. I want you to look back on your images and feel what you were feeling at that time, and for others to look at your images and really see who you are shining through.” – Erin Loesley

of Proactiv Solution, we are a premium skincare brand built on a legacy of innovative dermatology-based skincare products backed by clinically proven results. We are the #2 skincare line in the U.S. using a Multi-Med® Therapy designed to deliver the right ingredients, in the right formulations, in the right order to transform your skin. Our products target wrinkles, acne, post-acne scarring, dark spots, and skin sensitivities, such as ezcema and psoriasis. Your skin will feel the difference. We are also the #1 premium anti-aging brand in the U.S. Perfect Reflections Travel www.goprt.com Full service travel agency, Destination Wedding Specialist, Group Specialist. Floral Affairs by Jean Marie www.floralaffairsbyjm.com At our design studio, we are floral artists who do what we love most: use our creative vision to favorably impress you by bringing your dream day into fruition. We are about Flowers, we are about Style, we are about Events, we are about Weddings! White Dress by Greta Kay www.whitedressbridals.com Greta Kay is a Virginia based bridal and formalwear designer. Her flagship showroom, White Dress by Greta Kay, is located near Charlottesville, Virginia, just a short trip from NoVa. Select from one of a kind styles in our existing collection or work one on one with Greta Kay to create the wedding fashion of your dreams made to order in your exact size and specifications. Do not settle for “off the rack” styling for the most important fashion you may ever wear! Be your own kind of beautiful! Bridal, Bridesmaids, Menswear, Tuxedo Sales and Rental, Kilts, and more! Scorpio Entertainment www.scorpiodjs.com Scorpio Entertainment, LLC, featuring actor/DJ Edward Daniels, celebrates 11 years and over 800 events booked from coast to coast, in 2016. Re-define your event experience with our team of professional DJs! Seven Ivory Brides www.sevenivorybrides.com For the first time in history, marriage equality is passing by popular vote. We believe that love knows no boundaries and that marriage and weddings are really just about two people in LOVE. We are excited about this new chapter in wedding planning and welcome same-sex couples as they take this is incredible step towards bringing their families together in marriage. Our mission is to plan, coordinate & design an unforgettable event that is a reflection of everything that defines you. We believe that honoring your cultural heritage and traditions should not mean having to compromise your personal style and taste. We support our clients through our dedication, impeccable professionalism and deep respect for their religious beliefs, customs, and orientation.

The Registry a Bloomingdales www.bloomingdales.com Wedding Registry department at Bloomingdale’s Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Put It On Paper Stationery www.putitonpaperstationery.com Put It On Paper Stationery is an online stationery boutique, specializing in custom invitation designs. Our boutique offers a variety of styles from classic to modern invitations. Matching accessories are also available so you can brand your event from the save the date and invitations to the menus and table numbers. We also offer a semi-custom collection of invitations that can be customized with your details, paper from our extensive paper collection, embellishments, as well as a variety of printing techniques (digital, thermography, foil stamping, and letterpress).

Rodan + Fields Dermotologists https://judyp.myrandf.com Rodan + Fields is redefining the future of anti-aging skincare. Founded by Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields, world-renowned dermatologists and creators

Resurgence Beauty Lounge, LLC www.resurgencelounge.com Resurgence Beauty Lounge, LLC is a full service salon that caters to professional women and men. Resurgence Beauty Lounge, LLC have/has 2 locations

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centrally located in Lanham, MD and Annapolis, MD. We provide exceptional customer service and quality hair care. At Resurgence Beauty Lounge, LLC our goal is to fulfill all of our clients hair care and styling needs. At Resurgence Beauty Lounge, LLC we are committed to enhancing and nurturing the inner spirit while renewing and transforming the outward appearance. Catherine George Cakes www.catherinegeorgecakes.com Celebration is sweet. Catherine George Cakes makes beautiful and delicious custom cakes and confections in Washington, D.C. 3D Xplosive Performance www.3dxplosiveperformance.com We are a personal training and sports performance company. We offer one on one training, group training, group classes and in home training. We specialize in weight loss, weight gain, strength training and more. Rony Tennenbaum www.ronytennebaum.com LGBTQ Wedding Jewelry Designer Stories For Love www.storiesforlove.com The mission of Stories For Love is to empower the LGBTQIA+ community to unfold their personal truth to create positive change within ourselves, our relationships, and ultimately our community. We are a community of photojournalists and storytellers who share stories of personal truth through recorded conversations and portrait photography. Achieving Joy www.achievingjoy.com Achieving Joy’s vision is to empower the LGBTQ community by offering skills to build strong meaningful relationships and manifest the lives we desire. Our mission is to heal and empower the lesbian and queer community one person and one couple at a time. If everyday you: Live on Purpose + Love on Purpose + Give on Purpose = You can Achieve Joy now! ArtJamz www.artjamz.co ArtJamz is dedicated to making the world a more creative place. We do this by producing authentic social painting experiences, hiring local artists and enabling customers to create jamming works of original art. Takeyah Young www.takeyahyoung.com Hello! I’m Takeyah A. Young, I help leaders and entrepreneurs live well and prosper. I speak, coach, and consult about leadership, lifestyle, well-being, entrepreneurship, and STEM empowerment (…that’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics.) Dance Sport Dupont www.DanceSportDupont.com We offer highly professional and authentic dance entertainment and instruction by some of the finest & most experienced teachers throughout Metropolitan Washington DC, MD & VA. Photos by M & E www.photosbymande.com A two-person photography team & real life couple Mike and Eve, specializing in wedding and lifestyle photography with over a decade of combined experience! Tagg Magazine www.taggmagazine.com Tagg Magazine is the lesbian publication for Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware. Your connection to lesbian events, news, lifestyle, and culture.


Work closely with your wedding professional to create your perfect day

Can accommodate parties of 50 to 500

Three beautiful ballrooms to chose from

Elopement packages available

Minutes from Dulles International and Reagan International Airports

8661 Leesburg Pike, Tysons, VA 22182 703-448-1234 SheratonTysons.com lwarner@sheratontysons.com Say I Do! Magazine | 7


A DC LOVE THANG CHECK OUT HOW LGBT COUPLES AROUND DC CELEBRATE THEIR UNIONS

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Lorena Ramirez and Ana Lima Wedding: March 26, 2016 Venue: Hotel Monaco, Alexandria, VA Photographer: Megan Noonan Photography Say I Do! Magazine | 9


Meg and Kayla Wedding: April 22, 2016 Cupcakes: The Icing Baking Company Flowers: Wehmans Floral Shop Venue & Catering: The Omni Shorham Hotel, Washington, DC Photography: CYork Photography

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Maia and Tamekia Wedding: May 14, 2016 Decor: Mary’s Crafts and Rentals Venue: Patuxent Greens Country Club Photography: Jaime Scott Photography

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Steven and John Wedding: December 13, 2014 Venue/Caterer: Mayflower Renaissance Hotel Flowers: Bergerons at the Mayflower Cake: Fluffy Thoughts Bakery Coordinator/Officiant: Tie the Knot DC Photography: Tina Take my Photo

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Katy and Shamena (from the UK) Wedding: June 10, 2013 Venue: Chelsea Gardens Officiant: Marriage DC Reception: Scion Restaurant, Washington, DC Photographer: eKate Photography

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Top 10 Tips

for the big day

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Don’t forget to eat breakfast. Give your body the fuel it needs to get through the big day with a breakfast rich in protein, vitamins and carbs. Even better, pack a couple of energy bars just in case you need a quick pick-me-up before the ceremony starts. Allow yourself plenty of time to get ready. The goal should be to relax and have a good time with your bridesmaids/groomsmen before the walk down the aisle, not stress over whether you’ll finish in time. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Breathe and enjoy your special day and being with all your loved ones. If something goes wrong, you’re surrounded by people who are willing to help and support you. (Chances are, no one but you will notice any tiny hiccups.) Guys, make a list! Grooms should make a list of all the things they need to do on the morning of the wedding. This will save time and stress, allowing you to be your best when it’s time to say, “I do!” Footloose! You’re going to be on your feet all day. If you bought new shoes for your special day, be sure to break them in 1 week ahead of time. Pack flats for the reception. Sophisticated ballet-style slippers look great with any wedding dress, so pack a pair to put on when you want to cut loose.

6. 7 8. 9. 10.

Call in backup! If you can’t hire a wedding coordinator, let your bridesmaids handle some of the day-of logistics. Don’t forget to bring a wedding day survival kit. A typical one includes safety pins, a first aid kit, a Tide-To-Go stain remover pen, and anything else that might fix a minor emergency. Don’t over-do it with the alcohol! This is a day you’ll want to remember clearly for the rest of your life, so make sure you don’t drink too much (that’s for doing at other peoples’ weddings). Keep your wits about you by downing a full glass of water between each alcoholic drink. Don’t forget to eat at the reception! Task someone your wedding pary to set aside a plate for you. Too risky? Arrange with the caterers to send a couple to-go boxes of food with you when you leave the venue. Stop to take it all in during the ceremony. It’s your day. Don’t be afraid to pause during the ceremony so you can look over the audience, gaze at your spouse-to-be, and cherish the moment.

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RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS for LGBT couples

Retirement planning isn’t easy for most couples, but it’s particularly complicated for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) couples who face a host of challenges. Even though the Supreme Court struck down the provision in the Defense of Marriage Act that denied federal benefits to lawfully married same-sex couples, LGBT couples still face a number of financial challenges. No matter in which state you live, there are steps LGBT couples can take to prepare for retirement. Beneficiaries: If you have a pension plan at work, whether it’s a defined plan or a 401(k), you’ll need to investigate if and how you can name your spouse or partner as a beneficiary. Some employers recognize same-sex marriage or other partnership arrangement for various purposes, and some don’t. Non-spouse beneficiaries, including employees’ partners that are named beneficiaries, are permitted to roll their inherited retirement benefits directly into an inherited individual retirement account or annuity. Check with your employer and tax advisor regarding these rules. As your needs require, make sure your other benefit programs and policies, including life insurance, IRAs, and annuities, name your partner as beneficiary when permissible under applicable law. Social Security: Now that the federal government recognizes same-sex marriages, LGBT couples can claim spousal-related Social Security benefits. Pension survivor benefit: Under federal law, companies with traditional defined benefit pension plans must offer employees a spousal survivor benefit option, which allows spouses to continue collecting annuity payments after the employee’s death. Normally, the employee must accept a lower monthly pension payment in return for spousal protection. Neither New York Life Insurance Company, nor its agents, provides tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consult your own tax, legal, or accounting professional before making any decisions.

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This educational third-party article is provided as a courtesy by Onasis Fuentes, Agent, New York Life Insurance Company. To learn more about the information or topics discussed, please contact at 571-232-8143


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Bride

Groom or

Guest

Can look their very best!

Contact me to learn how you can get these amazing results in time for your big day and receive 10% off and free shipping! Judy Phruksaraj, Executive Consultant ww.judyp.myrandf.com | glowingskin.judyp@gmail.com 20 | Say I Do! Magazine

(703) 966-6399


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BLOOM Photo: SBM Portraits

GUIDE A Florist’s Guide to Wedding Flowers Tips provided by Master Florist The Flower Guy Bron

1. Consider the scale and density of your florals in proportion to your venue. The height of the ceilings, square footage and architecture should play a role in your floral design choices.

6. Make sure that you have the same conversation with each florist you interview. Deviations in your conversations will result in proposals that will be difficult to compare for overall value.

2. Settle on floral designs that compliment other decor elements. Fabulous flowers are easily overlooked when not paired with other good choices.

7. You can’t go wrong with a classic look. Your pictures will last forever. Trust me, you will regret that random combination of aqua, chartreuse and hot pink.

3. Be prepared for your consultation. Have an overall idea of what you like and equally important, know what you don’t like. The worst thing you can do is show up without any vision.

8. Don’t feel obligated to provide personal flowers for people outside of the bridal party. Traditionally, parents and grandparents are appropriate recipients.

4. Determine what portion of your overall wedding budget is going to be allocated towards flowers. A general rule of thumb is 20%-30% of your total budget. 5. Do your research and read reviews. This is one of the best things about planning a wedding in this day and age. Reviews are invaluable when selecting your floral vendor.

9. Read your proposal and contract carefully and make sure that these documents are a true reflection of your expectation. There is nothing worse than an unhappy client on the day of their wedding. Scheduling a follow up meeting closer to your wedding date can eliminate any potential snags. 10. Share the joy of your flowers. Insist that after your event the remaining blooms are donated to a church, local mission, or let your guests enjoy them in their homes.

Designer Profile: The Flower Guy Bron / Bron Hansboro / Lead Designer 1001 E Main St, Suite A, Richmond, VA 23219 Contact: (804) 223-2350 / info@theflowerguybron.com / www.theflowerguybron.com 22 | Say I Do! Magazine


M Photo: Imani Fine Art Photography

Photo: Melissa Desjardins Photography Say I Do! Magazine | 23


#68

Take time to recognize the good around you. Tog e th e r, we celebrate all peo ple every day, and s u p p or t e q u ality and diversity in o ur co mmunities. www. newyorklife.co m/ lgbt Onasis Fuentes Agent New York Life Insurance Company 8075 Leesburg Pike, Suite 200 Vienna, VA 22182 571-232-8143 Oafuentes@ft.newyorklife.com

New York Life Insurance Company was named a 2016 Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and scored 100% on the HRC Corporate Equality Index 2016. Š 2016 New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010 AR08247.052016_SMRU1643402 (Exp.03.02.2017)

Life Insurance. Retirement. Investments. 24 | Say I Do! Magazine


Stories for Love is a community of photojournalists and storytellers who capture stories through recorded conversations and portrait photography. We are dedicated to unfolding the personal truths of the global LGBTQIA+ community. Check out some of our featured stories of love below, and visit us at www.storiesforlove. com to submit your true story and read up on those of others in our community.

“We have been together for 22 years, and our happiest moment was when we were legally married.”

“She’s my second chance on love and family.”

“We are lucky to have our family as our biggest supporters.”

“When I was in the Air Force 10 years ago, we had to sign a paper that said we weren’t gay or bisexual. That was probably the hardest thing I ever had to do. I was willing to risk my life, but not be able to live my life. I’m ecstatic I can finally live my life openly. My wife and I have been married for 2 years. Since the SCOTUS ruling, I finally feel like an equal citizen. I finally feel like the constitution is being upheld.”

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PERSPECTIVE: Tackling the perception of grief What impacts you more: the loss of the person, thing, event; or the precipitous emotions of shame, sadness, and guilt, which are derived from thoughts like “I could have done more”, “said less”, “loved more, feared less”, etc…? Tragedy and death cause us to look at our lives, environments, and actions and take inventory. With the recent deaths of our fellow American people at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, the killing of police officers, and the killing of minority people by the police, we each experienced extreme emotions that we could no longer ignore. For those people we knew intimately, we subscribe more personal emotions toward them. However, what are the thoughts and memories behind the pain? Are they from the pain of “not saying goodbye”, or not being kind to someone who did or did not look like us, or wanting to be closer and being afraid to ask or do? Often the pain is associated with thoughts and beliefs we subscribe to the event or the death. Experiences create thoughts that create emotions, and those emotions lead to actions. We are each the victim and the shooter. If we have slain someone with our words, we have placed energy in the trigger and the bullet. If we were ever slain, a piece of ourselves is wounded and perhaps dies. As long as we see each other as separate, we will always forget that we are both. And in forgetting, we choose not to use love in our words and actions— we choose to respond with hurt and from a place of fear. The forgetfulness precipitates violence. There is a moment that happens after an action or reaction that gives each of us the opportunity to choose how we want 28 | Say I Do! Magazine

to make meaning of the situation. Our choice fuels an emotion. Once the emotions are fueled, we are on a roller coaster that is being pushed from past experiences that created similar emotions. The roller coaster fuels our actions, and each time we have less recovery time to choose to be different. We are given the opportunity to see these recent events in many different ways. I choose to see each passing as a transference of energy that is reminding our America to choose love. When I asked a great teacher about her feelings on the recent events she told me she sees them each as catalysts to a return to oneness; a return to love. As she reflects on the death of her brother she says, “He could do a greater good, transitioning out of this life, then he could do in it.” With this she chose peace, and each day she chooses to be and act in a place of love. Decide how you will think, America. Be mindful how your thoughts make you feel. Before jumping on the roller coaster of emotion, think: is this coming from a place of love or fear? And if you don’t like where you are headed, choose to think something else.

“Take ownership in the creation of the America you live in... When in doubt choose love.” - Joy Petway, Achieving Joy

Joy Petway Founder of Achieving Joy (301)541-3225 mobile office (301) 779-1789 fax www.achievingjoy.com


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Stories For L ve We’ve fought hard for the freedom to . Unfold your truth, & share your story. We’re listening. www.storiesforlove.com

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