After a week-long, unplanned silence, I am back. We moved almost everything we own into storage units and my parents garage, with the exception of the *19 million* bags essentials, we apparently need to survive the next 3 weeks of our “homeless” adventure. Have I mentioned that this year has been a wild ride? Just when I think I’m over a giant hurdle, something seems to knock me back again. This blog hasn’t been silent for more than one weekday at a time since 2014, but everybody has a breaking point.
I found mine.
During the packing and moving last week, I came to a point that I physically could not make it happen. I wanted to, I thought of you, and I grieved it, but I had to let it go. Knowing that for the sake of my own sanity and that of my family, I simply couldn’t, gave me permission to let it go. It wasn’t mine to carry over the last week. It was hard, but it felt good to release it.
Do you know what I found?
The people who get it don’t mind. Even better yet, they support you the most in those times. They show up with empathy and curiosity. They check in on you. They ask all the questions. And even though their plates are full, they show up to help in the ways they are able.
“A strong woman stands up for herself. A stronger woman stands up for other women.”
That was the quote under this fabulously fun picture of SaRatta Murphy (by Isha Gaines). And do you know what? This girl lives that quote. She is one strong woman. She’s our featured guest for the “Freedom Keys” GNO, where she’ll share a bit of her personal story as well as lead us through a handstamping workshop to create a “Freedom Key” of our own and I can’t wait for you to meet her.
She is so incredibly bright, strong, kind and loving.
She is a motivational speaker, business coach, spoken word artist and entrepreneur with two small businesses operating out of her home in Prosper, Texas. I have worked with her on the business side, planning the budget, supplies and all the details for the handstamping workshop. I’ve gotten to know her a on the personal side. And I’ve quietly stalked her online. Everything she does lines right up, over and over again.
She’s the real deal.
She’s a go-getter, working her tail off, to create success for herself, and others. She seeks out the best in life and in people. She’s generous. She’s dependable. She shows up and she stands up for things that matter to her.
She’s a beautiful example of what it looks like to bring your best to this life and expect others to do the same.
While I went MIA one week before the event we are planning together, I got not one single note from SaRatta wondering where the heck I’ve been. She gets it. She is for me.
She is for us.
If you find yourself doubting someone’s intentions today. Pay attention to those thoughts. They say more about you than the other person. When in doubt, ask questions, get more information, seek to understand. Go to them to find out the truth. Most often, it’s not what the fear or hurt from your past was tempting your mind to believe. Even if you can’t find out the truth, take ownership of your own thoughts.
Expect the best in others.
Believe that they are doing the very best they can.
Most of the time, we are.
to more love,
Crystal
P.S. If you’re not already registered for Freedom Keys GNO one week from tonight, with SaRatta, it’s not too late! You can still get early bird pricing if you snatch that ticket up by Sunday! You know you want to. See you there.
