Hope & Stretching

It's about staying mobile.

Hope Matters

A couple of months ago, I had this ankle problem that just popped up out of nowhere. It was only one ankle, and I didn’t remember falling, twisting it, or hurting it in any way. I figured it was one of those aging things people are always talking about. 🙄 I didn’t always feel it, but when I would wear certain shoes (especially my cute ones) and/or step in a certain way, I would feel a little catch that always caught me off guard. It was annoying to say the least, especially mid-walk, and it looked really crazy if you were watching me walk and pause suddenly.

Now, Hope Buddies, I like shoes, especially a gorgeous high heel. So, this was problematic. Well, I learned to test that ankle out before I got a good stride going and also how to fake a stop, so I could quit looking as if something was wrong with me. As I type this, I’m sitting here laughing at how silly this sounds and also shaking my head at myself.

One morning, I was getting out of the shower and whaddaya know? I felt that catch. But immediately after that, I heard, “Try stretching it.” Hmmmm…🤔 Out of all the things I had tried, I’d never tried that. Seems like this would have been the first thing but…humans. Go figure. Well, I sat down and stretched it. Some of the stretching hurt as I was trying to push the limits of my range of motion. (Can you tell I’ve had my share of physical therapy?) However, when I finished my self-imposed stretching, that ankle was a bit easier to walk on that day. So, it seemed like a good idea to continue with the stretching.

Alright, Hope Buddies, let’s get to the good part. It’s reflection time. (I did it, so I’m asking you to join me. 😁) I thought about the number of times I had stalled on things in my life that God had called me to or others asked me to do. There were things I didn’t move on, and there are some things I have yet to do that I know for sure I’m supposed to be doing. My perfectionist self won’t let me be great when I listen to her. Again…humans. 🙄 But, what I realize is I need to allow the same Voice who told me to try stretching it to be louder than the one who tells me it needs to be perfect.

Sometimes, we’re out here needlessly working not to look crazy while walking when we should be stretching something to make the walking easier. I know what my things are. I want you to think about yours and answer this question.

What should I be stretching?

When you have your answer, I encourage you to stretch it until it’s uncomfortable. Test the limits of your range of motion, and as you begin to feel better, keep stretching and testing until you’re flexible and everything’s working as it was designed specifically for you.

Hope Buddies, know that no one walks like you. Don’t allow those small catches to keep you from stretching and walking properly in the things God has for you.

Hope in stretching. ☕️

Coffee Matters

🔊 Calling all Coffee Buddies! This one’s going to be short. I’m giving you the run down on one of the coffees I told you about last week. Let me just tell you, traveling with these coffees was a test in patience. Every time I opened my carry-on bag during travel, the scent of coffee hit me in the face. Of the two I purchased, this one is my favorite.

Now, the bag says there are notes of dark chocolate and cherry. However, when I opened that Las Veraneras, I immediately thought of a trip to the movie theater and opening a fresh box of Raisinets. It correlates with what whomever is tasting, but Raisinets is what I smell and taste as the coffee cools.

If you want to try it and live in the Washington D.C. area, visit Ebenezers Coffeehouse. If you’re not local, you can purchase it on their website here.

So…

What are you hoping and sipping this week?

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.