Celebrating Valentine's Day your way...My Take on "One Love" Bob Marley...

I had so much fun this Valentine's Day, I don't know where to start. Hubby would always plan strategic ways to surprise me and take me out to dinner, buy me roses that would show up at my job, or go to a romantic Blue Note concert in NYC, however this Valentine's Day was different. I spent it doing the things that I wanted to do, from start to finish. I didn't realize how healthy it was to show your body some self-care practices that gets your endorphins going. We're so stuck on the ways society perpetuates the way in which you should spend this day. Waiting for your significant other to plan a romantic date night that would whisk you off of your feet. This time I took the lead as I strategically planned the day in the way in which how I wanted to spend it. 
I started out with a nice meditation time and prayer, getting me in tune with a spiritual presence that followed me into my study Bible reading time, gaining revelation about the ways in which the priests were the sacrificial offerings in lieu of the many animal and peace offerings that God had originally instructed (are we the REAL sacrifice and the lives in which we chose to live in honour of our Creator?...#Selah) Followed by a dim, candlelit shower, a new practice I started, to avoid the shock of the iridescent light that invaded my slow entrance back into reality. Accompanying my dim-lit shower, slow methodical practices of speaking life over myself and my family followed by a much-needed hmmmmmmmm soooo good stretch in my favourite sweats as I prepare my body for a new project and assignment that stirs my passion for the arts again, reigniting my voice and fulfilment of purpose. Understanding that time is of the essence, I decided to start one of my paintings that I planned to begin in the evening time, accompanied with a nice glass of wine. However, two at one time, would have been overwhelming. I'm glad I decided to rearrange my schedule to --accommodate what I needed, as I had time before my very much needed, eye-brow appointment. As I completed my first painting, I was impressed with my ability to contour or contrast the deep shades of purple I intentionally picked as purple is my colour for this decade as I'm embracing the royalty I stand in as a sovereign being. Being awakened by my alarm clock that reminded me of the zoom seminar I registered for, that acknowledged the glorious black couples, kings, queens, empresses and activists that had the privilege of reigning this earth and making significant-world changing impacts, before attending my eye-brown appointment and later attending the "One Love" movie w/Bob Marley and his #1 Queen. I have to say to these couples, why do many of the Greats have to die so young! Martin (38) and Coretta Scott King, Malcolm X (39), Bob Marley (36), Tupac Shakur (25). It seems as though, when you carry the weight of the world and walk fully in your purpose, the universe says, "they had enough of your greatness, it's a wrap. Well done, good and faithful servant, your time is up." 
One takeaway I would say as a woman, watching "One Love" is how many great women have to stand by their mogul men with the same narrative of being a "soldier and a WIFE"....WHEWWWWW CHILE'D! When Bob Marley's FIRST Wife spoke those words and what came afterwards, and Bob Marley had the nerve to get jealous when it "looked like" she gave another man the time of day, my body uninhibitedly responded with a few "Open Mic" neo-soul, spoken word snaps as she was speaking the truth that so many women have little to no-chance to do or candidly speak on. They're expected to suck it up and be STRONG, as the strong black man's behaviour is pacified due to the challenges of being a black man, ANYWHERE. I mean, Solomon did it. Why can't he? The satisfaction of one woman is never enough? when you're fighting so many wars at once, putting out fires or starting your own, and bringing peace to the world, "When You Can't Even Find Your Own Peace" (Bob Marley). The ability to be a "ride or die" woman, wife, mother, who has to put her feelings and innate emotions aside to be there for her man who is carrying the weight of the world in his arms, back and everywhere else, while she watches him make love and babies with other women and continues to suck the life out of you for the energy he needs to be replenished is a HUMONGOUS and I'm sure, arduous TASK! Her sentiments would have been mine if I was caught in the same predicament. I wonder if that narrative holds true for Betty Shabaaz as well...?

I digress.

What I do know, is that I finished with a nice finale to my day with wine and a completion of the husband-wife painting that I initially started on in the beginning of my day and a nice run-bubble bath with ice, wine, home-made facial and CHOCOLATE CAKE w/vanilla ice cream. A much desired finale to anyone's Valentine's Day who desires to take the reigns in their life and practice a day of love, your way. 
Who could knock it? Who can love you better than yourself? In order to have the energy to love others, you have to put the air mask on yourself first, or you'll look up and wonder why everyone you love is suffocating around you. Redefine how you look to spending this day. It being the unique day of "Ash Wednesday" and the beginning of Lent, helped. Self-reflection and removing the energies that don't serve you are always a great reminder of how to get in touch with self and become the BEST you and version of yourself that you desire to become. 

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
~LOVE Lady on a Mission

Ps. I apologize on the legacy of Bob Marley when I misquoted my senior high school quote stating: "Don't Worry, Be Happy" as his quote when it was entirely Bobby McFarrin. ~One Love