Today would have been my special friend, Opal's, 104th birthday! I think about her often, especially around the holidays. I called her my "Adopted Grandma" and guardian angel. She was my role model growing up. So self-less and happy no matter what was thrown her way! I'm reminded of her each and every time I hug someone (She always told me you need at least 6 a day!) but I miss her the most when I'm sad... her random phone calls, hand-written cards, and her heart-warming life stories!
Opal was an avid member of the Catholic Church in my hometown, volunteered at the nursing home when she was much older than all the residents, made amazing homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, sugar cookies, angel food birthday cakes with sticky frosting and sprinkles, drank beer with her pizza, took walks, loved singing, coffee, and was a fashionista-clip on earrings, pearls, broaches, (she let me keep a few-see photo below) and bright lipstick! Such a diva!
She was a big part of our family. Attended all of our Christmas concerts, holiday gatherings, graduations, birthday parties, some sporting events, took my brothers and I to our swimming lessons, and welcomed us into her faith-filled world!
My one and only tattoo on my inner left wrist is a permanent memorial honoring her; an angel resembling henna.
Opal was a bright light in my life and the lives of many. My life purpose and mission has been to follow in her footsteps and light the way for others! To spread joy wherever I go! If you are ever in need of an angel ask for Opal! She is the BEST one I know! <3
Happy Birthday Beautiful Soul! XOXO
Copyright, 2016, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.
www.optimumwellnessmn.com
Jackie Edition:
1. Smile. And Wave. At Everyone. This includes while you are driving. Maybe even honk at that cute guy or girl jogging! :-)
2. Send a random card out of the blue to thank someone for all they have done for you and being a part of your life. (Not an Ecard; an actual snail mail card!) (Make a homemade card; that will mean even more!)
3. Call them. Not text. CALL. It always feels great to hear my family or friend's voice! Sometimes just hearing my Mom's voice will calm me down. AND actually listen to them. Let them do the talking!
4. Let someone go in front of you. In line at the grocery store, at the bank, at a stop sign, at the gas station, and hold the door for them! (manners-use them)
5. Send a thoughtful gift out of the blue or if you know what your coworker likes in the morning at Starbucks buy them their speciality while you pick up yours! (send a dozen homemade cookies to a friend, a gift card, cooking class, movie or concert tickets, or color a picture)
6. Hugs- give them out freely. ( I am known to do this-watch out!)
7. Give genuine compliments all day long. I feel as though people are in such competition with each other that these fall by the wayside frequently!
8. Put random messages around your home for your loved ones. I have done this quite a bit for my parents, husband, and sister. I used to write "I love you" and other things in lipstick on the bathroom mirror for my ex-husband. He loved it! Or do this for strangers: Operation Beautiful
9.Volunteer your time. To a cause, person, business, or organization. You have specific God-given skills no one else does. Share them with others! Help others succeed!
Spread joy wherever you go! You have a light within you! RADIATE! :-)
Be Well!
Jackie
Copyright, 2014, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutrition and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.
www.optimumwellnessmn.com
I'm a true believer in the statement that "things happen for a reason." I look at my past and current life and can pinpoint exactly why people, opportunities, and setbacks have been placed in front of me. It's crazy to think I'm 30 years old and living in my parent's basement, but I know I am back here in Iowa to serve a predestined purpose and it's just part of my journey. I went on a few dates with a guy last week and when I told him I lived with my parents and why, he responded, "That is very responsible of you." I was a tad shocked but it's exactly what I needed to hear! I'd never thought of it that way.
Sometimes we have to take a few steps back before we can move forward in life. Numerous people have crossed my path who have shaped and molded my very being. I think and reflect continuously on experiences and the woman I have become. Friends have filtered through the years and I know the majority will never forget me as I will never forget them! Human connection and love are tied to our energy flow.
I am so grateful for all the friends both young and old I've had over the past 12 years. From high school, to college, to Carroll, Minneapolis, and now back around my hometown. They have taught me lessons and reminded me time and time again to love and believe in myself. They loved me when I was negative, crabby, and at my lowest weight ready to give up altogether. I've visited friends in my pajamas multiple times just for a hug and therapeutic crying session...
Real friends are non-judgmental, honest, accepting, and show unconditional love. Here are a few photos of friends who have impacted me tremendously! If your are not pictured please do not hold it against me, I just couldn't find a decent photo of us together on my Facebook! LOL!! ;-) Some I haven't talked to in years but wanted you to know I think of you often. Thank you for everything!! You know who you are!! LOVE YOU!! HUGS!
Copyright, 2013, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutrition and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.
www.optimumwellnessmn.com
