My amazing Summer Tour has come to an end. From May 18th until September 3rd, I traveled to 17 cities, 11 states and Puerto Rico. I literally caught planes, trains and buses. I drove between Chicago and Jackson, Michigan (approx. 3 1/2 hours) and I experienced my first boat ride in Maine. In fact, I was in both Jackson, Michigan and Jackson, Mississippi this summer which is wild right?

I spent time with family and friends. I met incredible people, doing the heart work that is often so heartbreaking. I attended the college graduation of my best friend which included of 28 men receiving their AA degrees and 8 receiving their BA degrees. The graduation took place behind the walls and was frankly a ceremony that topped many community graduations I have attended.

My tour was a mixture and balance of work, play and self care. I also gained 8 pounds. Yep, I ate delicious food and drank a lot. (Alcohol has lots of calories.)! Had I not kept to my walking routine it could’ve been so many more. Because I have struggled with my weight my entire life, in my mind, 8 pounds is 2 weeks away from the 60 I lost.

The difference is awareness and reflection. The difference is perspective. The difference is my current mind space.

These photos were taken in front of my house as I went on my morning walks. One is from last Wednesday and the other is this morning. Same spot but very different views. One is darker and foggy. The other was bright and sunny. I have been home for 3 weeks. Today was the second day the sun has come out.

Lakeview is going to be foggy more often than not. I can’t change that. I can only change how it impacts me. Kinda how life is. I travel as much as I can. When I’m in town, I’ll drive to find some sun.

We should know how our environments impact us. Including the people in said environments. The awareness is understanding what we do and do not have control over. The awareness is making the necessary changes within to navigate that which cannot be controlled.

The key, for me, is always perspective. My perspective is always twofold, what’s my lesson and how can I grow.

What’s your perspective?

Enjoy your Monday!

Prioritize Your Peace!!