Hope & Right Where You Need to Be
...and a small update.
Hope Matters
Hey, Hope Buddies! I have missed y’all. I meant to come to you all much earlier with a small update. As you can see, that didn’t happen. So, I’m adding it to this hopeletter. Starting today, I’ll be posting on Saturdays. I'm being more intentional with practically everything in my life, and I believe Saturday posting will serve me better.
Now, let’s jump into why I’m really here. I’m here to encourage you to let it go. Whatever your “it” is. Often, I’m concerned with where I’m not or where I should’ve been by now. Let me just go ahead and say this, and it hurts my feelings a little bit when I think it, but here goes.
NONE of that matters.
It’s so easy to hold onto whatever plan we had for our own lives and use it as a measuring stick for where we are in the current moment. When I tell you, this is the biggest letdown (unless you’re actually where you planned to be). Let me tell you something; I am not at all where I planned to be. I used to be so disappointed that I’m in my 40s and haven’t achieved certain things in life and am not nearly as accomplished as I thought I’d be by now. But, I had to let it all go.
When I did, I felt such relief come over me. I had to embrace that I’m right where I need to be. People have said this to me so many times over the years, but hearing it doesn’t lead to believing it. And trust me, it was a process. Here’s how it happened for me.
I began to see how the things that happened to “thwart” my plans were working for me, not against me, especially when the knowledge I’d gained through them was helpful for other people.
I practiced being grateful for those things, no matter how bad they might have felt in the moments they occurred or the after-effects they caused.
As a believer, I had to grasp that my plan wasn’t ever God’s plan.
Once I moved through each of these steps, I was able to breathe and accept each new day as the gift it is. I understand now that it’s okay to have an idea of where you want to be at certain points in your life and work toward those goals. Yet, I also understand that change happens, and it’s better to adjust and flow rather than resist. We don’t have to know how things will turn out; we do have to know that they will.
Hope Buddies, as you hold onto the promises of God and lean into His plan for your lives, know that everything will be just fine. You are exactly where you need to be.
Coffee Matters
Coffee Buddies, I had the most wonderful coffee adventure last month. I went to Puerto Vallarta (PV), Jalisco. Let me tell you there was an abundance of coffee and coffee beverages, and I enjoyed as many of them as I could.
Now, I won’t be describing much about those coffees. (You already know I brought some back. 😁) What you need to know is that most of them are strong coffees that I believe are designed for espresso or either they just really like strong coffee. 😆
I will share some pictures of my favorite food and coffee moments with you all, ‘cause I like y’all like that. 🥰
I do want to highlight this brunch spot we found in the 5 de Diciembre area, Bixabeel Kitchen. The owners, staff, food, and coffee were so wonderful we ate there 4 times. 🤭 It is definitely a must-visit if you make your way to PV. The coffee was so pleasing I had to ask the owner about it. Although they didn’t have the coffee for sale as a menu item, he sold me some to bring back. 💃🏾
This trip was what I needed to refresh my soul and to simply rest. I hope you make time for yourself in whatever way serves you best. It’s necessary.
May your coffee be strong and your hope sure.
💜,
Parthenia
What do you need to let go?
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.