The Euphoric 3

Why is it so easy to lose the battle against stress? Can you remember the last time you felt TOTALLY FREE? Stress free, worry free and financially free? Total freedom must be a euphoric feeling; like falling asleep on a fluffy cloud and being whisked away by a light sea breeze. I think that is the feeling people strive for when they drink, smoke or do drugs. That feeling of weightlessness - like feathers on your shoulders, air under your feet and nothing but happy thoughts floating around in your mind. I envy people who can simply will themselves into a constant state of ease and a world without worry.

That is before now - Ladies and Gentlemen - I have something to share. After 32 years of life, I have finally discovered what brings me that euphoric feeling of absolute freedom. That place where your mind laughs and plays freely in a beautiful paradise. It was right under my nose the whole time but for some reason I just missed it! All I have to do is focus on 3 things. Firstly, I focus on where I deem the most beautiful country in the world - Jamaica - and put myself there. Secondly, and this may sound cliche, but I imagine having an endless supply of quality time to spend with family - sounds simple right? And last but not least -being able to have all my friends from near and far present to share in all the festivities. Real friends, the ones who you can be your true self around, who know all of your flaws and still love you unconditionally, who  in the grand scheme of things help you accept who you are as a person. 

Let me delve a bit into my "Euphoric 3." My thought is that the more I elaborate, the easier it will be for you to find your mental space of TOTAL freedom if you haven't done so already. That being said - let's start with Jamaica. For me it's not all about the beauty, it also about the feeling that comes from being born and raised there. Being Jamaican comes with a certain "swag," it's built in and comes with the territory. Being of such a tiny country that has made such a huge impact on the world gives it's people a sense of pride, adoration and loyalty. And no matter where you live outside of Jamaica, once you were born and raised there - there is just this "thing" about you that people can't quite put their fingers on but they know it's there. You wouldn't be able to hide it if you tried....It just oozes from our pours. Thinking about all of that in addition to visualizing the beauty helps to lift my spirit. Focus on all the positives and prepare to smile.

As for family. For me, being away from Jamaica for over 10 years and having limited physical access to family really has taken a toll. When I get the opportunity to spend quality time with them it's usually pretty AWESOME. We laugh, cry, share....but most importantly - we reconnect. It is that special connection that brings that indescribable feeling of euphoria for me. I am not able to experience that feeling often by having family physically around me all the time - but I can think back to when last it happened and that is enough to take me "there."

When it comes to friends - I don't even know where to start. I have been very fortunate with this part of my life. I have been blessed with some very good friendships and I value my friends more than words can express. In Jamaica we have a saying.... "Good fren betta dan pocket money!" I believe this to the core. It's not only having great friends - but the process of developing new ones and sharing their experiences for me is a RUSH! Believe it or not - thinking about my friendships and how they come to be - takes me to a state of euphoria - crazy right?

My "Euphoric 3" have been under my nose the entire time. I am happy to have "discovered" them - as they bring me joy and take me to a place that makes all the ugliness of this world tolerable. What are your "Euphoric 3?" Inquiring minds want to know. And to my loyal and devoted readers, remember that I love you as much as actors love standing ovations. Thanks for your continued support....Walk good! And to all the Mothers out there - WE LOVE YOU!

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