We Outside!!!!

Well, we’ve passed Memorial Day and it’s officially SUMMER!!!  You Outside?  We were outside all weekend at our home which we call “The Ponderosa”.  Hubby was working on the yard and garden.  He had to build an enclosure cause dem critters. I did a little bit, painted the door of the enclosure, but mostly focused on “nature bathing”,  as I had committed myself to a weekend of self-care.  And, it was worth it.

The break got me to thinking about being outside and the tradition of Family Reunion’s in our culture.  Depending on your tradition, you may get together on July 4th weekend.  With all that has happened over the last few years, I’m sure many are ready to get together with their loved ones and may actually be choosing Juneteenth as the time to do it.  And, while there is almost always some kinda drama......you most often get through it (laugh about it later) and leave encouraged and renewed and determined to stay in touch till next reunion.......cause a lot can happen over a year’s period of time.

If you are headed to the Family Reunion, I’ve got some tips to help you make it one of the best ever.  But, first be sure to pack your supply of boundaries cause errbody ain’t done their “work” and you know how that can be.  If you don’t have any, take a look at these resources and add them to your suitcase.  These gatherings, while enjoyable, can also be triggering.

https://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-When-Take-Control-Your/dp/0310247454

https://www.amazon.com/Good-Boundaries-Goodbyes-Loving-Without/dp/140021176X

FAMILY is who we are born into.  It comes with all kinds of baggage that you didn’t  pack, but you are responsible for what you add to it.  This year, own your truth.....whatever it is.  And, decide to be an example of what you would like to receive.  Lower your expectations of others and love what IS!!  Your stress level should go way down.

FITNESS is not ideally the favorite topic at Family Reunions.  I mean, really, you are looking forward to relaxing and enjoying Big Momma’s and Auntie Bessie’s favorite dishes.  However, when I think of my own family and the many health conditions/illnesses that they suffer from, I am certain that you too will have discussions about sugar diabetes, hypertension, the “itis” and that you can’t fit in “it” no more.  Choose to plan some time every day to get in a simple walk that anyone can do.  Thirty minutes in the morning will be a great way to start the day.  And if you have some really fit relatives who want to do their hour-long routine in the hotel gym.....don’t hate.  Ask them to partner up with you for your health!!

FOOD is a BIG part of any family reunion.  Plan to make available some healthy eating options.  That will certainly support feeling better and keep Uncle Baby from passing out from a sugar drop.   Have plenty of water available.  Summertime affords many fresh fruit options like melons, berries and peaches.  Add them to the breakfast menu or as an option for dessert.  Make sure there are whole grain bread, grits, pasta and rice options.  Something for your vegan/plant-based loved ones. And, please have some non-alcoholic drinks that are as appealing in taste and appearance but don’t cause the crazy to come out.

FELLOWSHIP in a way that yields rich experiences with each other.  The scene in the Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Family Reunion of the family gathering outside to listen to the matriarchs of the family comes to mind.  Our families are under attack and we have the power to choose to pour into the souls of our loved ones so that they know their value and are empowered to live a better life.  The rich experiences of our elders can make the difference in the life choices of the other family members.

FAITH is an integral part of who we are as a people.  I can already see the hats on the ladies for the worship service.  Don’t wait till that service though.  Plan each day to spend time in prayer and meditation as a family.  It doesn’t have to be long...10-15 minutes is fine.  Dr. Andrew Newberg, director of research at Myrna Bring Center for Integrative Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University and Medical College has done some research on what happens to the brain during prayer.  He documented that the frontal lobes and the language areas of the brain are increased in activity during prayer.  And, that activity is the same that is seen when you are talking to another person.  As a family, lay your dreams, cares, desires before God.  Listen to what He says and expect that He will do exceeding, abundantly above all that you could ask or think.  He loves healthy families!!

Family and relationships are what matters the most.  Have a great Family Reunion and Summer of 2023.  Get Outside!!  Don’t forget those masks and hand sanitizer tho.  Covid ain’t all the way gone.   And make sure your family knows how much they mean to you!! 

It’s SummerTime!! We Outside!! Let the Family Reunions Begin!!! It’s First Thursday Yawl!!

I’m Still Shoutin’ Ova Here!!

Donna

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