Today is my birthday! Reflecting on my last year and all the years that brought me here is a trip!
Day 3 reflection
I mostly knew chocolate in the form of candy bars and syrups commercially. I remember learning about the Aztecs and how they drank chocolate every day, with chiles, and thinking that it sounded like heaven. Of course, their chocolate must have been so rich and complex, while ours is refined and overly processed. I remember my first sip of ceremonial cacao and it being a bit bitter and adding so much sugar (I am sad to admit!) In later years, I'd grow to like the bitter taste of pure dark chocolate, and I haven't returned to ceremonial cacao. As I await my shipment from Ora, I am so excited to try this drink once again. To deepen my understanding of the flavors and profiles in cacao, I had the most alarming understanding today… there is chocolate in quite a bit I eat, and I haven't eradicated it all just yet. So, while I continue this process, I will slowly remove those chocolates I had not realized were only adding to the problem of destroying the cacao industry! Being more intentional about what we consume is essential, and this has only solidified that idea for me.
Day Four Reflection
As of right now, I have had plenty of blood tests and other types of procedures to know I'm quite possibly at the healthiest I've been; that being said, I still have a ways to go to be at the ideal health levels. My body composition needs to be improved; as such, too much fat and not enough muscle can only add inflammation to my system. As I reflect on the habits I've created over time, I have also improved. I used to go out to eat constantly and drink well over 1-3 drinks a day. I wasn't moving at all and was always tired. That has, for the most part, subsided. I still need rest, but I am competing and working out more! For the most part, I drink once or twice a month, which I never thought was possible. I love wine and alcohol, but I don't bring it into the house anymore. It is partly to try to save money, but it is also not great for your system.
Daily: Drinking alkaline water and less sugar-based drinks is not too much of an issue, but less alcohol is better! Trying to be active daily, doing a strength class or playing tennis. Being more present with family and making sure to help facilitate good habits in my daughter as well.
Monthly: My husband and I manage a budget and have a date night at least once a month.
Yearly: I have published two children's books this year and hope to post at least three next year. I stay on top of my yearly check-ups, and my husband and I are trying to control our cholesterol better this next year and vitamin D.
Day 5 reflection
For the most part, my mental health is relatively good. I'm emotional, but as humans, shouldn't we be? Working out has helped quiet the mind, but sometimes I'm so tired I can't manage. I'd love to remove my dependence on caffeine, or at least lower it. According to this course, cacao can act on brain and body neurotransmitters, which is fascinating. This makes me want to know more about supplements and other botany-type things. What does the Earth have that can help us? Can we return to the earth and heal ourselves? Amazing.
Day 6 reflection
I have often felt my intuition telling me something, and I do the opposite: I would love to listen to myself. To trust myself. There have been many synchronous events in my life that all lead to this. The life I am leading now—dreams that seem to come true, almost like deja vu.
Day 7 reflection
Cacao seems to have more benefits than being a candy or even for a show. This experience has made my husband, and I want to start our gratitude and dream journals for Cassian and us. Get in the habit of being more aware of what’s around us and ourselves. I'm excited to have the cacao and see what can be unlocked!
About the Creator
Jazzy
Follow on IG @booksbyjaz
Head of the Jazzy Writers Association (JWA) in partnership with the Vocal HWA chapter.
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Episode 6) the Perfect Podcast
*Special co-host today! Welcome back to “The Shrug”, still working on a catchphrase so if you have one, let me know! I will be focusing this episode on submissions to my Perfect Challenge. If you haven't entered, please see the link below and make an entry! I want to say thank you to everyone who has entered and I have enjoyed reading all of them!
By Jazzy 8 months ago in Confessions
The Good Fortune
I am just a poor little woman from Bach, Mississippi. What do I know about anything? My father was poor and my mother was poor. All my siblings started from poverty. What do I know about wealth? I never thought in my wildest dreams of anything. Because too much is given much is required says the Good Book. I never thought in my life. It started while working at the restaurant. I worked at my uncle's restaurant since I was 14. I never asked for no raise. I never asked for anything. I was just happy to cook and work. Because that's what my parents taught me. You worked hard you receive. You worked hard you get. You worked and worked and a blessing. The only name I went by was Rebekka. All my friends called me Rebekka and all my family called me Rebekka. I was Rebekka of Bach, Mississippi. And my family lived here most of their lives ever since slavery ended. We lived in these shacks and never looked back. We were just happy to be freed and without bondage. You oppressed people so much that they just want to be freed., They just want to be by themselves. All by themselves and don't care about money or fame. Although I was famous in church for my Southern gumbo. The Pastor said Rebekka cooked us some of the most excellent gumbo that God gave you. I would be like all Pastor don't. My grandma and mother taught me and my uncle did give me the job. And after being shy of relationships and being married. This man came to my uncle restaurant. He must of been an out of townee or something. He had on this fancy suit and this suitcase. And he would order just a sandwich and chips and a light drink each time. My uncle thought he is from the IRS or some federal agencies. I thought nay he must be up to something. So he told me to keep watch and have good conversations. I shouted Hey you. And he politely looked at me. What;'s your name? My name is Rebekka everybody call me Rebekka. He politely said Mr. Peterson. I said let me buy you a drink on the house. You will love the Caribbean, it's sweet and tangy and full of flavor. And he said Thanks. So I made him the house drink. he just said thanks. I said where are you from? He said pulling his glasses off I am from an agency. i said what the government or something? He said No. And he had a phone call that made him abruptly leave. And I went in the back after checking everyone on a full house. I told my uncle. And he said he still thinks he is from the IRS. He eventually came back and asked what church I go to? I said Calvary Baptist Church down the street. My family always go to church most of the week and so does everybody else. He said Good when is service? I said well they usually do service every Sunday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. He said I will be there and you will find out why I am here. So I politely wave to him and told uncle. And uncle sweated and said be there and tell everyone that I will give them a discount if they find out why he is here. I said Whoa I am not making that gumbo. Uncle if I find out you better hire a new staff because I am tired of gumbo. Days later on Saturday, we were having church and praising the Lord and I was getting my praise on. Just because God is that good and I liked to thank him. And just before prayer, Mr. Peterson stepped in and he said he has to testify. I am from one of the agencies up North. And somebody I need to talk to. Everybody begin talking and scared. The Pastor silenced the church with the choir humming the spiritual, It is Well. And the Pastor spoke to Mr. Peterson and asked him privately but Mr. Peterson resisted and said I will talk to you if I could bring the person out. The Pastor let him. Mr. Peterson said I am looking for Saint, the last name is Saint. And the church laughed we all are Saints in God's eyes. What are you talking about man? said the Pastor. Mr. Peterson said Julia Saint. And the church started asking each other. Then the Pastor said Can we please get on with the sermon? People have to go home. Mr. Peterson said Her name starts with an R. I was shocked but so were the other people. Mr. Peterson said born in Virginia, Mississippi. And my uncle came into the meeting. And he heard and pulled me out and said Rebekka your real name is Julia Rebekka Saint and you were adopted. I said No uncle no. He said shaking his head yeah yeah. I almost passed out when my uncle straighten me out to save the town by saying it was me. I said it quietly and a little louder and then loudly. And Mr. Peterson said That;'s your name, ah ah ah I found her. You are the heir of Mr. and Mrs. Saint you are worth a fortune. Then I passed out and the church members came to help me. i said No Lord no. I worked all my life. I am not a rich snob. I worked all my life. The next day Mr. Peterson met me alone at the restaurant while my uncle was getting the restaurant ready. Mr. Peterson told me about my parents and he reassured me that I was their only heir. Then he asked me what I would do with the money. And I said spend on charities, save the church, repair the restaurant, and live well. Mr. Peterson said You really impressed me. You are thoughtful and kind. Your parents could not have prepared for this. Your check will be in the mail. Good Day Ms. Julia Rebekka Saint.
By Matthew Primous5 days ago in Confessions
Comments (10)
Welcome back. That is fantastic you have been able to limit the alcohol usage.. this is something I’ve struggled with for awhile so I don’t know how to approach but anyway. I enjoyed your healthy reflections here as they made me think about my own life! 😊👍 I like that you do date night too!
It's already the next day for me (December 15) so I'm hoping that it's still 14 for you, lol. Happy Birthday! 🎂❤️ I have a very addictive personality where I get addicted or obsessed with things easily. That's why I've never tried alcohol until now. Buttttt, caffeine is a whole other story 🥹🤣🤣
Happy Birthday Jazzy! I hope that your new year of life is amazing!!
Never enjoyed chili with cacao but ya definitely remember learning that. Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday, Jazzy! One of my favorite things to add to hot chocolate or brewed cacao is a pinch of ancho chile powder.
Happy Birthday!!
Happy birthday - it sounds like you are having quite the personal revolution.
Best wishes are sent your way! Happy Birthday, enjoy you day!
Happy birthday! Hope this year is amazing for you!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!