Hope & a Strong Core (Part III)

It's about the who.

Hope Matters

I’m back again, Hope Buddies, with Hope & Coffee Mini #4. If you’ve been following this Strong Core series, I hope it’s been causing you to do some reflecting, as it has me.

Yesterday, I talked about one Who and a couple of whats that keep my core strong. Today, is all about the who. So, let’s revisit those questions I posed in Part I.

1. Who’s holding you up?

2. Who’s holding you together?

3. How has that impacted how you show up in the world?

   

Here are my answers.

1. Relationships

   I’ve always been particular about whom I allow in my space. I’ve never had lots of close friends. And the more I move forward in life, the more particular I’ve gotten. I intentionally spend time with those who pour into me, because I give so much daily. These God-sent people see me for who I am as well as who I have the potential to be and encourage me consistently and persistently. They’re also my nonjudgmental truth-tellers. We rarely talk every day but communicate mostly in texts and memes 😆. However, should I need to call, I know whom to call.

2. Spiritual Connection

   I cannot tell you the number of times I’ve wanted to give up and have almost fallen apart. My spiritual connection through Christianity has held and continues to hold me together. Single-momming offspring on the autism spectrum has kept me on my face talking to the Lord. Also, His Word provides guidance for my daily life, without which some people in my sphere would be livid and emotionally scarred regularly. 🤦🏾‍♀️ These thoughts and tongue can be a beast. I need that connection and the Holy Spirit to say, “Hold up, Ma’am. Cut it out. 😒”

3. Tying It Together

   Because I have these two (and not in that order) in my life, I’m able to be the best version of myself that I’ve ever been. I can support others, because I have support. I can love on others, because I experience love. I spread joy, because I receive joy.

Listen, Hope Buddies, you can’t give what you don’t have. Who’s around you? Who are you connecting with? We reflect those with whom we spend time. I hope to always show up like I belong to God and have people in my life who care about and love me well. They are my core, and it’s getting stronger.

💜,

Parthenia

Coffee Matters

Coffee Buddies, I’ve been going to Mobile, Alabama, at least once a year since 2017 (not counting the pandemic years). Typically, I’m in and out and have allowed the hotel coffee to suffice. But since this is the year I decided to have coffee adventures, this time I looked up local coffee shops in close-enough proximity to the hotel.

🗣️Y’all! When I tell you I could kick myself for not looking this place up sooner…it is not a new establishment. However, I’m glad to have found it. It has the cutest name too, Carpe Diem Coffee & Tea Co. If I ever own a coffee shop, I want it to look something like this. It’s a homey, charming place, and I’m going to make sure I make it back. I’ll share the beans I bought in another hopeletter. In the meantime, I’m sharing these pictures.

How are you showing up in the world, and what keeps you showing up this way?

I appreciate you taking the time to read this hopeletter about my life and coffee. Please share with a friend who could use a little hope or coffee recommendation.