Lifting My Load

I am Light…

I am not the things my family did
I am not the voices in my head
I am not the pieces of the brokenness inside

I am Light…
I am not the mistakes I have made
or any of the things that caused me pain
I am not the pieces of the dream I left behind

I am Light…
I am not the color of my eyes
I am not the skin on the outside
I am not my age
I am not my race
my soul inside …is all light

I am divinity defined
I am the god on the inside 

I am a star

a piece of it all…I am Light

By India Arie

LINK: You Tube Video https://youtu.be/ism8dBjxKvc

I awaken in a strange room decorated in various eclectic décor. The coolness of the night has robbed me of any sudden movements; my joints are puppeteered by arthritis and I reach for my heat rub. 

While staying where I am has provided a reprieve from the burgundy interior of my aged vehicle, the constant moving from random rooms has taken a toll on my body. Having to mount the endless steps to the fourth floor that seem to only multiply, sees me slowly trudge along. 

Saddled with my backpack, as I carry my life in my hands and in a garbage bag, my imagination whisks me away to someplace tropical. Restless from the frigidness that steals my warmth, the ascension to my room makes my body cry out in tenderness.

Outstretching my tingling arms, my dry mouth yearns to taste a cup of dark roast coffee from a local company based in Victoria, BC, Level Ground. Found on their website is the following:

Level Ground Trading trades fairly and directly with small-scale farmers in developing countries. We import coffee, tea, cane sugar, dried fruit, cacao nibs, vanilla beans, coconut oil, heirloom rice and spices.

This once a week lavishness is actually cost-effective and given what I relinquish on a daily basis to survive another day, this beverage is heavenly joy served in a cup. Washing down my breakast with the local java , I yearn for something to read.

I look over to the shelf in my unit and see the latest copy of Stigma Magazine. This makes the shortcomings of my current lifestyle more worthwhile, given what this publication contains. 

Published four times per year, Stigma Magazine is one of Canada’s premier publications addressing the needs of the one in five people—over six and a half million Canadians—who experience a mental illness or substance use problem in their lifetime. Stigma presents informative and inspiring articles that show readers not just how to deal with their issues, but how to enjoy a healthy life. Written and produced by leading mental health and recovery experts and people who have walked the same paths as our readers, Stigma Magazine speaks our readers’ language and presents a clear road map to attaining a fulfilling new way of life.

The path of my writing has lead to an article I wrote above on bereavement, published in the December 2016 issue. When I saw Former NHL All-Star Theoren Fleury and Olympic Gold Medalist on the front cover, the admiration I have for this survivor, was evident when I shared Stigma Magazine with others. His message on the website that bears his name is simple, yet effective:

Helping people get to where they need to go. 

  

I am providing a link to the Stigma Magazine site for others to read a publication worthy of everyone`s valued time. I obtained several free copies at Bruce Hutchinson library in Saanich.

LINK:  Stigma Magazine http://www.stigmamagazine.com/

Yesterday, I delivered the first of six bags I am planning to fill for PEERS. This is the result of those who gave in the short time I was allowed to share my Giving Tuesday sign. This lovely handmade gift bag, sits filled up with the items for PEERS bought with the change of those who gave. The picture was taken of the bag under one of many beautifully, decorated trees at Saanich Baptist Church. 

 Now enlarging my territory of faith, I am at peace when one day my human form leaves it shell and is reunited with the voice I hear within my heart that says…Hold true momma. 

By TL Alton