Jodie's Journey

Memories of Aunt Belinda January 24, 2018 On Saturday, January 20, I wrote this tribute to Aunt Belinda on my blog. JodieRoberson@blogspot.com I spent the morning looking at poems about grief and loss and how to cope. I could find nothing that satisfied me, nothing that was a fitting tribute to you, my Aunt Belinda. My mind is flooded with memories of your laugh, your smile, and all you were.   You raised two awesome men. Both are hard workers with a love of family and friends.   You showed them how to love, fiercely. Your devotion and caring nature inspired me as I was growing up.   I was always so excited to see you.   I knew seeing you meant big hugs, potato salad, and home-made key lime pies. You always saw the good in people. Even though life threw some great big punches at you, you didn’t quit.   You always took another step.   You always got back up. I have always seen myself as “a lot like Aunt Belinda”. After all, we both are the p...

A Tribute to My Aunt Belinda      I spent my morning looking at poems about grief and loss and how to cope.  I could find nothing that satisfied me. Nothing that was a fitting tribute to you, my Aunt Belinda.        My mind is flooded with memories of your laugh, your smile, and all you were.  You raised two awesome men. Hard workers with a love of family and friends.  You showed them how to love, fiercely.  Your devotion and caring nature inspired me as I was growing up.  I was always so excited to see you. I knew seeing you meant big hugs, potato salad, and home-made key lime pies.  You always saw the good in people. Even though life threw some great big punches at you, you didn’t quit. You always took another step. You always got back up. I have always seen myself as “a lot like Aunt Belinda”. After all, we both are the petite ones with the fine, straight hair. We love to read and love to laugh. ...

I’m usually a go all out, push forward, don’t stop kind of girl.  Oh my goodness, it hit me like a ton of bricks this morning:  I have GOT to set some limits.  Over Christmas break and during this snow, all I did was eat, eat, eat. While I was sick, I was unable to eat or drink. I longed for anything. I felt so deprived and sad. Eating is a comfort for me. I have always struggled with my weight and body image. Food is an addiction for me. It always has been. I have used food, in the past, as a way to sooth whatever was happening in my life at the time: a test, a breakup, death of a loved one, divorce, boredom, financial stress… There are so many things. Over the last few months, I have let my “eating to cope” get out of hand.  Today, I know I have to set limits.  I “choose” to make better decisions about the things I put into my body.  I “choose” to live better. I “choose” to set limits. 

      Baby, it's cold outside! With the weather like it is, motivation is hard to come by.  At least it is for me.  Wikipedia states, "motivation is the reason for people's actions, desires, and needs."  It's difficult for me to even be motivated to type this blog today, but I have reasons for putting my thoughts and feelings down.  Over the past few days, I have tried to think about what I'm lacking in these cold and snowy days. What I came up with is "motivation". I have sought out books, quotes, stories, and videos to encourage my level of motivation.       "You don't overcome challenges by making them smaller but by making yourself bigger." ~John C. Maxwell        Find your drive.  What are your values?  I value education and love.  I "choose" to connect my values with the work I do.  I "choose" to shift from getting things done to doing things right.  When we feel good ph...