I've got a beautiful feeling....

Hi guys

Today was a beautiful day. I smiled, I laughed, I trusted, I hugged, I kissed, I worked, I hoped for an equally bright or brighter tomorrow, I gave thanks. I prayed.

If you are like me, if you hear a song it could stick in your head for days. I recently heard the song ‘He’ll do it again’ and I wanted to share some reflections.

If you don’t know the song, the chorus goes like this

He'll do it again
He'll do it again
If you'll just take a look
At where you are now
And where you've been
Well hasn't He always come through for you
He's the same now as then
You may not know how
You may not know when
But He'll do it again

Today I felt driven to give some words of encouragement to someone who might be reading. I feel that there is a lot of anger, frustration, grief, pain and fear in our society due to crime, due to the economic recession, due to general displeasure with the way things are and also due to a lot of uncertainty about what tomorrow may hold. However, as this song also says ‘God has proven time and time again, that he’ll take care of you.’

Stay strong my brother, have faith my sister. As an individual, as a community and as a nation, we need to be more positive and proactive and we must believe that with God’s help we can start the hard work of earnestly trying to change things around for the better in our own lives, in our community and in Anguilla. Let’s be real, we cannot do it alone.

So, let’s say yes to smiling instead of frowning today. Let’s say yes to saying a quick prayer rather than giving in to an angry outburst today. Let’s say Yes to treasuring the gift of today and to holding firm to the hope for an equally beautiful tomorrow.  

Love Not Bullets.

Hi guys

Life can be wonderful, fulfilling and carefree but in the blink of an eye it can be depressing, heartbreaking and panic filled. Life is unpredictable. There are things you can control and then there are other things you cannot control. You often cannot predict what will happen from one moment to the next.

What you can do is structure your thoughts, attitudes and actions in a positive way to help make life go more smoothly but serendipity good or bad always lurk around the corner. We can not predict what will happen from one moment to the next.

Generally as you know from my blog, I am optimistic and faith-filled. However, I am well aware that a stray bullet (not so unrealistic these days), a car accident or a life-threatening disease for example can change the course of my life or your life in an instant.

My purpose today is not to depress you but to make you think about your purpose and your legacy. What role can you play to reduce negative and harmful behaviour? How do you want to be remembered?  Let’s look at an example.

Anguilla lost a young man last week. Like so many others, what I will remember about him is that big smile and that huge wave and exuberant greeting, I got every single time I passed him on the road. He definitely knew how to make you feel special and his smile was contagious.  He exuded rare qualities which will be missed by all those who were fortunate to interact with him. He may not have been perfect (none of us are) but he touched the hearts of many and I believe in that way he left a positive legacy. RIP Gustave.

I am saddened that I am updating this post to reflect that yet another promising life has been taken. He was a talented chef, a loving son and friend  to many who brought joy and happiness to all who were fortunate to know him.  RIP Jordel.

Another young man also lost his life and from what I have heard he also was a positive young person. RIP Marcus.

How about you? What message are you sharing with the world? How would you like to be remembered? Take a few minutes and think about this.

If we all displayed love, consideration, compassion and kindness...these young men would still be with us. There is nothing smart or cool about guns, murder, blasphemy, drugs or gangs. If you participate in, keep the silence or glorify that behaviour or that life, you are part of the problem.

Everyone needs to seriously stop and think. What is your purpose? Is it to contribute to a ‘wonderful Anguilla and world’ or is it to wreak havoc on our ‘wonderful Anguilla and world?’  Also think about the legacy you hope to leave behind.

Here is a hint. Love is always greater than hate, peace is always better than war and the pen will always be mightier than the sword (or so we pray).

Have a blessed day! Talk to you soon.

This picture was taken at Scotchies, Montego Bay, Jamaica last week. I love Jamaica but in some places the gun and the bullet reigns which is why specific tourist areas and the all-inclusive concept became so popular. As a popular calypsonian said here in Anguilla 'We too small for dis'! Peace!

No More Excuses!

Spring is in the air! Break out the swimsuits!

I know you are thinking...Shelly, really? You are probably saying it feels like 96 degrees in the shade – and that it is more like summer is in the air...I know, I know.

On the update and positive side, my small mango trees have sprouted new leaves. The grown mango tree in my front yard which did not give us any mangoes for the last few years is heavy with young grafted mangoes and my pumpkin patch is full and overflowing. If you want to buy a pumpkin, let me know.  

Spring is always associated with renewal. If you observe nature, it appears to rejuvenate itself. The grass and leaves are greener and everything just seems brighter. If you are fortunate to get showers, they are cleansing and refreshing. If you live close to the beach like  I do in Anguilla or near a lake or river, the water is warmer and more inviting!

As corny as this may sound...I have been feeling like spring...Renewed and rejuvenated. I have been praying, laughing, singing, dancing and loving.

As you saw in my three month challenge, I am tackling new self development and professional development projects which help to give that sense of renewal. In addition, I have had the opportunity to follow through and complete some activities which I wasn’t looking forward to but which went pretty well. Finally, I have confronted the pockets of frustration which have been nagging at the back of my mind...and lo and behold – I feel refreshed and renewed.

I know most of you can relate. There are areas in your life which you want to improve but excuses are holding you back. There are activities which you have to do which you may not want to do or like to do but maybe fear of failure or ridicule is holding you back. There are people or situations in your life which are frustrating you but your voice is not being heard.

Mary Mary said it best ‘Nobody told me the road would be easy, but I don’t believe he’s brought me this far, to leave me. As you ‘Say Yes to Today’, my advice is to demonstrate faith, courage and positivity in whatever you step out today to do.

A couple of people including my two lovely aunties are doing my three month challenge. Thanks aunties and others. Good luck! If you have started the challenge, we are almost two weeks in. I hope it is going well. Continue to say yes to today and constantly improve!

Remember to post a comment below. Thanks!