The Gratitude Challenge

For those who don't know, The Gratitude Challenge asks you to Post 3 things you are grateful for 7 days in a row. You then have to nominate 3 people to join you. You then get to share in spreading a peaceful, loving movement across social media. Every positive and good action, regardless of how small, makes a difference.   Just like with the ALS Challenge, I have been nominated a number of times and so I am answering all the challenges given and those to come with this post here. 

I changed things up a bit and selected nominees on day 7 instead of posting their names on Day 1.   Thank you Diane Gjelaj and Princess Laurie Cates for nominating me, 1♥

Day 1:

1. God - for giving me a life to live with talents to share and waking me up everyday to discover new blessings.
2. My mommy and daddy - Yes I still call them that because I will always be their little girl (just like my sister is too and my brother is their little boy) and I will always look up to them as the initiators of my journey of faith and love.
3. I am grateful for Rob Griffin because without him and his love and support we wouldn't have three wonderful children. I am so blessed to have him in my life.

Day 2:

1. I am grateful for the music in my life.  Many times, when I didn’t know how to express what I was feeling inside and/or even know how to define it, music was there to move me to tears, laughter and peace.
2. I am grateful for the musicians in my life.  Mr. Clark, the Choir director at the Berean Baptist church, Gabe Radu, Merris Rowe, Nunzio Nunzio, Therina Bella, Tina Kenny, John Purvis, Pete Cummings, Lynn Ligammari, Donna Singer, Louis Camacho, Emily Bodkin Scaglione, Mary Lee Marson-Aloia, EVERYONE involved with “In the Wings Productions”– so many others, if I’ve missed your name please forgive me it’s not intentional at all.  You have inspired me to learn, breathe, stretch, soar, sing louder and better and that touches me deep into my soul.
   
3. This may sound silly but I’m grateful for Betsy my acoustic guitar.  I don’t play her as often as I should.  But she has brought me up from lows and has placed me on highs that made me realize that there is nothing that I can’t do as long as I give it my attention.

Day 3:

1. Writing.  I think I’m equally gracious for the writing that I do.  It has allowed me to express all that I cannot speak clearly and allows me to dump from my mind all those bright and dark things that happen in my real life and in the fantasies of my Writer’s Realm.
2. My sister and brother.  I mean it goes without saying, but I need to say it more often that I love you so much and I am so proud to call you my siblings.  You both never cease to amaze me with your strength and love.  You’ve been an inspiration to me more than I have shared and more than you know. 
3. My jobs – YES I said it my jobs and the people I have worked and am working for and with.  For sustaining my family and me, for all that they have taught me and was able to teach, the friends I’ve made and the laughter/tears and astonishment we have shared during the 9-5, 6, 7 and 8s.  I am even grateful for those who have made me cry, consider jail and pissed me off so badly that encounters with them ended in vein popping arguments.  From you I learned to center my being into a calmer existence, find my happy place and how to ignore the acts of the Legion of Stupid and the Coven members while smiling (ok grimacing at times but grimacing counts as a smile).

Day 4:

1. I am grateful for my lovely children Robbie, Krissy and Mike – they are both Rob’s and my pride and joy.  I love how you keep me calm, make me crazy and I deeply cherish our shared time together even now that you’re all grown.  You are my treasures, my hearts, my inspiration to keep at it day after day.
2. I am grateful for my church family.  The Oakwood Heights Community Church members have embraced my zaniness, my outspokenness and my loudness for over...wow how many years now?  My church sisters and brothers:  we have spent many years laughing and crying together and I know in my spirit that the Good Lord has put us together so that we can continue to bring His word to others through our works.  I look forward to giving them the same kind of energy again for many years to come; God willing and the creek don't rise.  Sunday school starts tomorrow y'all betta get ready :)  Additionally, I want to thank Rev. Gard Rowe for starting me on this path, to Bruce Hodgeman who also inspired me to speak to the congregation, (I know he's smiling from above RIP) and to Rev. Larry Sallee who along with his lovely wife Deanna keep me in stitches and anxiety with every vacation that they take because I know that I'm one of a few people they will ask to speak on a Sunday while they are away.
3. I am grateful for my family members: the Robertsons, Cates, Griffins (those here and those abroad - who probably are still trying to figure how this caramel colored Griffin fits in), LeGaults, Curleys, Goodmans, Starks, Alfords, Hairstons, and Browns (x2 Dru Brown Griffin's side and Howard Brown's side). If I forgot a branch, then please forgive me but you're included here too.  I know that we all have been or are going through challenges in our lives.  Let us continue to support each other quietly with our prayers, physically with our actions and kindly through support through fellowship when we can. 
4. My gratitude goes to the bone to my body therapy coaches, both virtual and familiar.  To John, Carrie, Deanna, Keith and most deeply, Eddie: Y’all make this Brooklyn Sistah want to be healthy.  Your advice and words of encouragement go a long way in making me get fit, get ready to run and seriously get ready to fight.

Day 5:

1. I am grateful for my writing partners/editors over the past years.  Keith, Tony, Deidre, Carol, Billy and Carla.  Whether we have worked on one project, on several together or hopefully in the future, you keep me inspired, grammatically correct and let me know it’s alright to get frustrated with writing brain-farts!  LOL 
2. To my review team, Deanna, Allen, Kristen, Phil – damn you make a girl feel good and yes you let me know when something sucks.  Thank you
3. I am thankful to my doctor who told me I needed to start taking aspirin and BP and cholesterol meds, because THAT is what made me get back on track with eating cleaner, and working out.

Day 6:

1. My FORMER boss from 12/13 years ago.  I left ASME and went to go work for this Minion of Satan.  Your nasty behavior, degrading commentary and spiteful actions, broke me down to tears almost every day for three months.  But you know what?  THANK YOU.  Because I learned about my inner strength, got a hard grasp on knowing about integrity and got up and met your madness every day any way.  I would not have become soul friends with Eileen Deehan and would not have met some other wonderful people like Kimberly Williams, Darin Lord, Rob Emery and other beautiful people. Your vile behavior taught me to recognize and value my self-worth.  I love what I do.  You made me love it more, especially the moment I stopped working for you and started working for my current job and great bosses like Steve, Dan and Jimmy.
2. I am grateful for my current job, the people who work there, the friends I have made who have become my family in my heart.  Y’all know who you are <3 me some YOU.  Oh and bring blankets on Monday, cuz it's so cold...
3. I am grateful for my mother, Babs; Sandy, my mother in law and Pearl Brame – these three women have each given me a little something to add to my own womanhood that I will cherish to the day that I die.  I cannot even begin to list all the things that they have taught me, how they've made me happy and on a few occasions, so damn mad.  Without all of those things I wouldn't be the strong woman I am today. 

Day 7:

1. My Joshua Tree, Mercury Bar, Tonic, Blind Pig, Harlem Tavern and Heights Tavern Family – OMG the memories, the love, the laughter...  It wasn't until Camaron and Gareth’s wedding that I really was able to pull up all of the memories from over a decade of hanging with you.  You would think I would know how to make a decent drink by now. I don't but I can toss down Jamo with the best of you.  ;)  Seriously, I am thankful to God to have you in my life. I mean it when I say you're my family.
2. Tylenol and Advil – read #1
3. To my girls, Eileen, Kemi, LaShion, Lisa and Chale - words cannot express how much I love you ladies. <3 we'll always be the one and only original and true Jersey Shore Gyals. Oh and refer to #2.
4. Every breath I take, for each one is the start of a new round of blessings.  New chances to love, to cry, to get to know new people and make new friends and strengthen current bonds of camaraderie.  Each breath gives me a chance to say I Love you, I’m sorry, forgive me, you’re forgiven, please stay, go handle your business, let’s sing, let’s dance, let’s write together, let’s hold hands, let’s laugh, cry with me, hold me, love me and let’s pray.

Be grateful for Living the Life of You

<3 Always & Peace ∞
CAG 09052014

I nominate Eileen Deehan, Nunzio Nunzio, Joann Crossman 

Note to Self: 
Where is your compassion?  Where is your patience and understanding?  Did they slip through your fingers like water because you thought that your way was the only way? 

Are you so filled with self-righteousness that you fail to see the struggles of others, don’t try to listen to their point of view and have no empathy for the pain that fills their very being or no desire to work with them to find a solution to a problem?

Watch your words, thoughts and your actions; for negativity and closed mindedness will darken your world.  The vibes you send forth from your lips and with your deeds will circle back and cover you.  Let them be of peace and humility for the sake of your life and those you profess to care for so that your world is filled with light.

Live for the Wisdom of You
<3 Always & Peace ∞
CAG 08062014

"Who, How and When"

For those of us, myself included, who need to be reminded.

Note to Self:  John E. Lewis once said:  "If not us then who?  If not now, then when?" 

There will always be a reason why not to start something.  There will always be that booming voice that says, "I'll start tomorrow."  "I'm too old to learn that now."  "You'll look silly."  "That's going to require work and take up too much time".  "I don't know how."  “The problem is too big and there’s nothing I can do.”

If everyone had let these negative voices stop them from taking control of a situation, their lives, the way that they lived, of how they were treated and how they behaved then, this world would be in a far more dismal state than it is in now.  There are a great many things that require change or that need to be fixed.  The best place to begin is from within.  I make a choice.  I take action. 

I will keep the end goal in front of me as a reminder of what I NEED to do.  I have to remain motivated.  I have to take action. Not tomorrow but today.  Now.  When I do, then I find that the reasons I HAD that hindered my progress no longer hold sway over me.  I am no longer a prisoner of doubt or fear.  I defeat regret and begin to win.

So if not you, then who?  If not now, then when?  Start the workout, stop a bad habit.  Start a positive vibe, stop a negative outlook.  Start a fresh perspective, stop a narrow minded opinion.  Start to be the change that is needed.  Be open, be receptive and get started today.

Live Now for the Life of You
<3 Always & Peace ∞
CAG 07312014

"Where/What/When/Why & How"

Where love is so is harmony, so is peace, so is enlightenment, so is God.

What love needs is nourishment.  The enrichment must be constant and consistent, otherwise the growth will be stunted.

When love is born and as it matures, it needs to be coddled.  Is it not like a new born babe who needs emotional, mental, physical accompaniment?

Why try to keep love stationary?  It is meant to be given and to be received.  You can no more control how love flows to and from you than you can know all the answers of the past, present and future.

How is it that you think you're in control when love comes for you?

Love is boundless and limitless.  Let the Love Flow for the Life of You.

<3 Always & Peace ∞
CAG 06292014

Focus on the Light

Today is a rest day from the Ab challenge/core strengthening routine I've decided to do. So, I figured it was a good day to condition the curls and do a little Yoga/prayer and meditation. I know that a few sun salutations done while reciting the Lord's prayer or the lyrics to a hymn like "How Great Thou Art" does wonders for my ability to reset, relax, relate and release. A few moments of this will help me to focus for a good part, if not all, of my day.

Everything we do requires focus and dedication. Everything. Your work/career; the love for your family/friends; the refurbishing/maintenance of your health; the work towards a goal of mental, emotional and spiritual peace; the planning and execution to attain financial stability. Everything we do requires focus and dedication. Everything. Multi-tasking can be done in limited measure without taking a toll on the mind and body or degrading the quality of what you're attempting to do.

I hope today that you take the time to focus on what you're doing so that while you're giving it your full attention you attain the full quality result you want. I pray that no matter what you believe, how you choose to worship or even if you don't believe or worship at all, that you find the ability to focus as well as the peace, love, patience and clarity that we all need to make our lives fulfilling and filled light.

Focus on the Light of Peace for the Life of You
Always & Peace ∞
CAG 06262014

Did You Know?

It's not easy to be in love. There is a delicate balance of give and take that must be consistently worked on by both participants.  It is like a never ending roller coaster ride that you hold on to for dear life lest you fall off.  Sometimes you're laughing and sometimes you're crying but overall you don't want it to end.  

It's even harder to fall out of love.  You recognize suddenly that the love you once felt is no longer there and in its place is dread and fear.  Dread about not fessing up and fear about if you do.

It's catastrophic to have someone fall out of love with you. If you've ever had it happen, then this is for you. - CAG

Did You Know?
By C. A. Griffin

Did you know that when you broke me I remained in denial even while
my heart pointed out the blatant truth to me in a thousand broken pieces?

Did you know that when you shed off my love so easily I continued to believe that
you had not left me discarded as if I were the skin sloughed off the bottom of your foot?

Did you know that when I waited for the explanation that never came and the apology that was never spoken that I made up all the excuses in my head, and showered them with tears so that they could grow into something to hold at night in my loneliness?

Did you know that I can’t remember when it finally hit me that it was over but that when it did hit, it left me numb and empty; then aching and filled with a pain so deep that it was as if I had contracted some emotional case of Dengue fever?  It left me silent with quiet heartache and then choking on words of anger and pain so confusing and so distraught that I created a new language using the sound of your name?

Did you know?

Did you know that it took more energy than a solar arc from the sun to regain my sense of self?  That it took the equivalent of the gravitational pull of a black hole to right my twisted view of the world?

Did you know that I understand my value more now than ever and that I realize that my worth is not rated by you or any other man or woman but by the where, what, when, how and why of my understanding, desires and achievements and that my successes and failures have carved me into the diamond that I am?

Did you know that I don’t hate you or fear you and that I did once just a little and for a little while and then a lot? That I forgive you but I won’t forget and I won’t hold a grudge and I sleep good at night knowing that I’ve finally arrived at my healing and that it all began with loving you?

Did. You. Know?

06202014 CAG

My Daddy

My Dad. My Daddy's hands. My Daddy's smile, his hug, the way he chuckled, the sound of his voice, the way he would belch and make us all go "ewww/daddy/Bubba!"

My Dad. My Daddy's skin, with marks on it from chicken pocks, his frost bitten toes from serving in the military, his smile, his frown, the way he said good night and the way he said good morning.

My Dad. My Daddy's cane that he used to help him walk; his glasses (I still have a pair), his belly - big and soft and perfect for sleeping on, the sound of his snoring, his occasional "little taste" of Smirnoff.

My Dad. My Daddy's strength, his weakness, his frustration, his pain, his joy, his love, his peace, his resolve, his wisdom, his love for reading, his knowledge, his advice.

He lived and learned and loved and crossed over. He now lives amongst the clouds; he's looking down and smiling that same smile.

My Dad.

<3 you Forever.