Sitting in my Gratitude

Today I did as I often do. After church and lunch, I went to the beach, grabbed some coffee and reflected. I listen to music that gets me immediately connected to my deeper self, and I watch the waves. I have rarely done this without feeling the emotions of gratitude and disbelief at the serenity I have found here in Aotearoa. Often, I am overwhelmed. The process of decompressing from the suffocatingly toxic environment of being Black and awake in America has been a surprising one.

Next month will mark one year since we made the move away from the United States and toward New Zealand. One year already! My goal for us was to feel our humanity again, without always having to demand it being honored. My goal for me was to feel satisfied at work without feeling like a disposable cog in a wheel, where my training and expertise was respected. My goal for me was to have balance, where I wasn't constantly dreaming of the next vacation as an escape for my everyday life. My goal for me and Randy was to finally live, feeling secure in the health and safety of our children.

We sought to go where we are valued. I do believe that we have found that here. I plan on doing a VLOG about the differences in practicing medicine in the US vs NZ. I plan on also having Randy and the kids do their 1 yr video check in. Today, I just made this post to acknowledge the emotions that came over me today on my quick trip to the beach after church.

It is well with my soul