The Taste of Your Words

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I miss the taste of your words on my skin,

the way they danced upon my senses

like a gentle summer breeze.

Each syllable carried a subtle electricity,

tracing delicate pathways along my flesh,

igniting a fire within.

Your voice, a sweet symphony,

wrapped around me,

weaving a tapestry of longing and desire.

It whispered secrets that only my soul

could comprehend,

a language that transcended mere words.

Your whiskey-colored eyes, deep pools of amber and warmth,

beckoned me with an irresistible pull.

They held secrets untold,

stories whispered in the flicker of a flame.

As I gazed into them, I felt myself surrendering,

willingly adrift in your captivating world.

Your essence, like a gentle breeze on a summer’s day,

cradled me, allowing me to float weightlessly

on the surface of life’s tumultuous waters.

In your presence, worries and cares melted away,

replaced by a serene tranquility.

With each stolen glance, I dove deeper,

enveloped in the spell you casted,

finding solace and bliss in the depths of your gaze.

Oh, how I ache for the intimacy of your phrases,

the vulnerability they unleashed within me.

Without them, I am left yearning,

my skin craving the delicious poetry

that once painted me in ecstasy.

~Millie America

On Being Human

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Amidst the depths of being human, a universe unfolds,

Vast and mysterious, a tapestry of stories untold.

Emotions collide, like galaxies in cosmic dance,

Weaving the fabric of our lives, by chance.

Within the heart’s labyrinth, love and longing reside,

Aching echoes of connection, impossible to hide.

Joy and sorrow intertwine, like sunsets and storms,

Beneath the surface, a symphony of norms.

The mind, a kaleidoscope of thoughts and dreams,

Searching for meaning in life’s flowing streams.

Questions arise, seeking truth’s elusive shore,

Navigating the tides, forever seeking more.

In this vulnerability, strength is found anew,

A fragile resilience, woven through and through.

In pain and triumph, we learn to grow,

Like seeds, we rise, a testament to the ebb and flow.

The depth of being human is a boundless sea,

Where laughter and tears coexist harmoniously.

For in our imperfections, we find beauty’s embrace,

An ever-evolving journey, a dance of grace.

So let us dive deeper, explore our soul’s expanse,

Embrace the contradictions, take life’s daring chance.

For in the depths of being human, we discover,

The richness of existence, a love to uncover.

~Millie America

I love you!

Lessons From My Puerto Rican Mother

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Growing up with a Puerto Rican mother, who was a single parent, was a gift that shaped my life in profound ways. Her wisdom, strength, and vibrant cultural heritage imparted invaluable life lessons that continue to guide me. From embracing diversity to cherishing family bonds, here are some of the invaluable teachings I’ve received from my extraordinary Puerto Rican mother.

Embracing Cultural Pride:

One of the most significant lessons my Puerto Rican mother instilled in me is the importance of embracing and celebrating our cultural heritage. From an early age, she taught me about the richness of Puerto Rican traditions, music, cuisine, and language. Through lively family gatherings, she ensured that I understood the significance of cultural pride and the need to honor our roots. By doing so, she cultivated a sense of belonging, instilling in me a deep appreciation for the diversity that exists in the world and reminding me to always be proud of where I come from.

Strength in Resilience:

My Puerto Rican mother’s unwavering strength in the face of adversity has been a constant source of inspiration. She experienced the hardships of life firsthand and taught me that resilience is the key to overcoming any challenge. Through her example, I learned the importance of perseverance, determination, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. Her resilience taught me that life’s obstacles are merely opportunities for growth and that with determination, I can overcome any obstacle that comes my way. I am raising two small children alone like she was at this age. I understand more than ever, the sacrifices and strength that is running through my blood because of her.

The Power of Family:

Family holds a special place in Puerto Rican culture, and my mother made sure I understood its significance. She taught me that family is not only defined by blood ties but also by the love, support, and unity shared among its members. Through her actions, she demonstrated the importance of fostering strong relationships, prioritizing quality time, and showing unconditional love. As a child I didn’t understand these lessons. Today, her emphasis on family values is well understood and appreciated. She created a strong foundation for me, teaching me to cherish my loved ones and reminding me that they are an endless source of support, comfort, and joy.

The Art of Generosity:

Generosity flows naturally in Puerto Rican culture, and my mother embodied this virtue with many around her. She taught me the joy of giving and the importance of helping others. Whether it was preparing a feast for friends and neighbors, or even creating gifts for the family (she was a talented artist), she showed me that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact. She has inspired me to be compassionate, empathetic, and always willing to extend a helping hand to those in need. Through her actions, she ingrained in me the belief that kindness and generosity are powerful tools for making a positive difference in the world. My mother was forty-four years old when I came along. She made sure I always knew the importance of being kind and that it would always be repaid tenfold.

My Puerto Rican mother’s teachings have shaped the person I am today, infusing my life with a profound sense of cultural pride, resilience, family values, and generosity. Her wisdom and guidance continue to influence my choices, relationships, and interactions with the world around me, serving as a constant reminder of the remarkable woman she was and the invaluable lessons she has imparted. I may not have appreciated any of this years ago, but today I recognize I am so much like her beautiful qualities.

I hope you take the time to recognize your own culture and how your parents teach and mold you to become the person that you are today. I am blessed to have had Josefina as my beautiful mother. It’s been 15 years since I last heard her voice, although I know she’s always around me.

I love you!

The Sacred Rhythms of the Woodpecker

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Amidst the symphony of nature’s marvels, the woodpecker stands out as a mystical creature, offering us valuable insights and spiritual healing. This enchanting bird carries within it a profound medicine that resonates with the rhythms of the natural world. In this blog post, we embark on a heartfelt exploration of the spiritual medicine of the woodpecker, discovering the wisdom it imparts and the lessons it teaches us about love, resilience, and the interconnectedness of all living beings.

This morning, while sitting in my yard the woodpecker made an appearance. He flew right above my head, a wing almost touching my hair. As he landed on the tree I began to take in the spiritual messages.

The Resilient Drummer:

The woodpecker, with its rhythmic tapping upon the tree trunk, teaches us the art of resilience. As it tirelessly seeks sustenance, it shows us that perseverance is the key to overcoming challenges. In its persistent pursuit, it reminds us to remain steadfast in our goals and dreams. The woodpecker’s drumming serves as a gentle reminder to find strength within ourselves during difficult times. Like the woodpecker, we can tap into our inner reserves and transform obstacles into opportunities for growth.

A Call to Listen:

The woodpecker’s staccato rhythm carries a sacred message—a call to listen attentively to the whispers of nature. It beckons us to reconnect with the wisdom of the natural world and to pay heed to the gentle guidance it offers. As we attune our senses to the woodpecker’s beat, we open ourselves to the harmony and balance of the Earth, rejuvenating our spirits and nurturing our souls. Through this deep listening, we develop a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things, recognizing that we are but one thread in the intricate tapestry of existence.

Love’s Sacred Nurturer:

In its search for nourishment, the woodpecker demonstrates the sacred act of nurturing. It reminds us to care for ourselves, our loved ones, and the world around us. Just as the woodpecker diligently forages for insects hidden within the bark, we are called to unearth and tend to the hidden gems of love and compassion within ourselves and others. By extending acts of kindness, empathy, and understanding, we create a ripple effect of healing and love that reverberates throughout the universe.

The woodpecker, with its rhythmic drumming and steadfast determination, serves as a spiritual medicine for our souls. Its resilience teaches us to persevere, its call to listen reconnects us with the wisdom of nature, and its nurturing nature reminds us of the transformative power of love. As we open our hearts to the lessons the woodpecker imparts, we embrace a deeper connection to the natural world and to our own innate spiritual essence. Let us embrace the sacred rhythms of the woodpecker and embark on a journey of healing, love, and harmony with the universe.

What a lovely visitor today that came in as a spirit guide for me. I love you.

My Heart Unfolds

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In the depths of my being, I find solace,

A sacred space where vulnerability takes hold.

I stand at the crossroads, poised to release,

In this dance of surrender, my heart unfolds.

Like a fragile petal, I loosen my grip,

Releasing the burdens that no longer serve.

I surrender the need for control and let go,

Embracing the unknown with a faith unserved.

In the silence of surrender, I find my strength,

For it takes courage to release what I hold dear.

But in the emptiness, a sacred void emerges,

Where love and grace whisper, erasing all fear.

I let go of the past, with its lingering pain,

A burden too heavy to carry any longer.

I invite forgiveness to flow through my veins,

Healing the wounds, making me stronger.

With each breath, I surrender to the divine flow,

Trusting that the universe guides my way.

I release attachments, expectations, and doubts,

Creating space for miracles to come and play.

In this sacred act of letting go, I find freedom,

A liberation that transcends the limitations of my mind.

I am a vessel for divine love and light,

A soul unburdened, ready to soar and unwind.

So, I surrender to the whispers of my soul,

In vulnerability’s embrace, I find my peace.

I let go and allow my spirit to expand,

Embracing the divine flow that will never cease.

Letting go becomes a sacred ritual,

A dance of surrender, an act of trust.

In vulnerability, I find my true essence,

A soul unfettered, shining with divine lust.

In this moment, I surrender and let go,

In vulnerability’s embrace, my spirit takes flight.

I release, I surrender, I let the universe guide,

Embracing the liberation, with love as my guiding light.

~Millie America

The Storm Within

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There is a storm brewing inside, a tempest eager to be free,

Yearning to release its power, over the landscape, it shall decree.

But fear not, dear soul, for storms bring forth change,

Cleansing the old, making space for what’s strange.

Within this tumultuous dance, a transformation awaits,

A chance to shed the old skin, and embrace what fate creates.

The thunder crashes, the lightning strikes,

Illuminating the path ahead, revealing hidden delights.

Embrace the winds that howl, with courage as your guide,

For in the midst of chaos, your spirit shall abide.

Let the raindrops wash away the remnants of the past,

As you rise from the ashes, stronger and steadfast.

In vulnerability’s embrace, find the strength to stand tall,

For it is through the cracks that the light starts to enthrall.

This storm within, it holds a sacred gift,

A chance for growth, to let your spirit lift.

Release the fears that hold you back, and soar with grace,

Embrace the storm’s power, for within lies your sacred space.

As the storm subsides, a calmness shall descend,

A rebirth within your soul, a journey without end.

You are the landscape, ever-changing and free,

A masterpiece of resilience, boundless possibility.

So let the storm brew and dance upon your soul’s stage,

For it is in embracing vulnerability that we truly engage.

May you emerge from this storm, radiant and bright,

A testament to your spirit’s unwavering light.

Embrace the storms within, let them be your guiding art,

For within lies the beauty of your vulnerable heart.

~Millie America

It’s been a long while since words were able to paint a poetic picture on a page. Hope you enjoy them.

Embracing Self-Forgiveness: A Journey of Healing and Growth

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In the gentle embrace of vulnerability, I come to you today to share a powerful lesson I’ve learned on my spiritual path: the transformative power of self-forgiveness. 🌱✨

We all carry within us the weight of mistakes, regrets, and choices that have caused pain, both to ourselves and others. But dear ones, I invite you to release the burden and open your hearts to the healing energy of self-forgiveness. 💖🙏

In this sacred journey, we must first acknowledge our humanity and honor the lessons learned from our past. Remember, we are divine beings experiencing a human existence, prone to errors and missteps. It is through these experiences that our souls grow and evolve. 🌟

To forgive ourselves, we must be willing to peel back the layers of self-judgment and shame. We must surrender to the understanding that we did the best we could with the knowledge and awareness we had at that time. We are not defined by our mistakes, but rather by our capacity to learn, grow, and choose differently moving forward. 🌻

Embrace vulnerability, dear ones, for it is through vulnerability that we find the courage to face our own shadows and make peace with them. With a tender heart, let the healing energy of self-forgiveness flow through you, washing away the past and nurturing the seeds of self-love and acceptance within. 🌈💕

As you forgive yourself, remember that this is not a one-time event but an ongoing practice. Be patient and compassionate with yourself as you navigate this journey. Surround yourself with loving support and engage in soul-nurturing activities that replenish your spirit. 🌺✨

Embracing self-forgiveness is an act of liberation. It frees us from the chains of guilt and self-condemnation, allowing us to step into our true power and radiate love and compassion into the world. May you find the strength to forgive, dear ones, and may your journey of healing and growth be filled with grace and profound self-love. 💫🌟

I love you!

Love Will Teach Us

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In the grand tapestry of existence, we find ourselves on a wondrous journey of discovery and growth. It is said that we are all students of life, learning valuable lessons along the way.

But in truth, I did not come here to teach you; I came here to allow love to lead and teach me… through you.

You see, within the vastness of our souls, there resides a divine spark—a spark that emanates pure love, wisdom, and compassion. It is through this sacred essence that we truly learn and evolve. Love, my dear ones, is the ultimate teacher.

Love speaks to us in the gentle whispers of a breeze, in the tender touch of a loved one, and in the quiet moments of solitude. It is a universal language that transcends boundaries, transcends time, and connects us all as one.

When we open our hearts to love, we unlock the doors to profound understanding and enlightenment. Love illuminates the darkest corners of our being, revealing the inherent beauty that resides within us all. It teaches us acceptance, forgiveness, and the power of empathy.

It is the reason I am here. It is the reason you are here as well.

Let us be receptive to the teachings of love, for it is through love that we heal and transform. It guides us to embrace unity, to cherish every soul we encounter, and to recognize the divinity in ourselves and others.

So, my darlings, let’s walk this path together, hand in hand, with open hearts and open minds. Let love be our guiding light as we navigate the intricate dance of life. As we learn from each other, let us remember that it is love that will teach us—the profound, boundless, and eternal love that resides within our very essence.

Embrace the teachings of love, and watch as your world transforms into a sanctuary of peace, harmony, and infinite possibilities.

I love you… yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever.

Allowing for Grief

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There is this thing that happens when grief visits. It may be subtle, or it may arrive through a rage of memories. Even if you find yourself controlling your emotions, you cannot avoid it. Sure, you can drink it away, gamble it, sex it, feed it, but ultimately it will sit in your heart until you address it.

A few days ago, after an excruciating emotional week dealing with my nine-year old daughter who has been emotionally struggling, I went to the supermarket. I was rolling the cart, listening to music through my earbuds. I turned right in front of the frozen section and there was an entire placement of Little Debbie products.

I froze. I don’t know why. I don’t buy them. I don’t eat them any longer. But I stood there in some kind of suspended animation. I stared at the boxes and then a part of me left.

I was younger, mothering six children basically alone. We were sitting by our pool eating the snacks. The kids all finished and jumped back into the water. I felt my body leaning forward as if I was there about to get in as well. Then I returned to the grocery aisle, tears leaking and racing, just as if I wet my face with the pool water.

I was glad there wasn’t anyone around. I mourned for my six adult children. I ached for my two little ones who were at their father’s.  I felt paralyzed. I couldn’t move so I clenched the handle of the cart and began to use it as a walker.

I thought that I was dealing with the stressors of the week okayish. I wasn’t! I felt alone, isolated, and truly in a place of despair. I am great in crisis. It’s the aftermath that consumes me for a few days.

I paid and got to the car. I sat in it without turning it on for a good while allowing the heat to wake me from the sorrow. I let it out: the frustration, the shame, the worthlessness, and every single other emotion that was ready to join the pity party.

It wasn’t a pity party. I had to stop myself from labeling it. I had to pull the visor and look at myself in the mirror, cleaning the mascara with my hands.

“You are not okay, Millie.” I whispered to her. “It is okay not to be okay. What’s not okay is pretending. Go home and rest. This will pass. It always passes.”

I gathered myself, turning on the car and driving down the country road home. After I put the groceries away, I sat on my sofa watching the candles burning nearby. I began to meditate for a good hour, returning to the present moment.

That grief… that ache that catches us off guard… is the Divine calling to return to our soul’s essence. We make up stories, excuses, and retell old things with different views to suit the present moment. Nostalgia is dangerous that way. The further the distance from an event, the most likely the reality changes.

I have been a mother since I was twenty years old. I would like to say that it gets easier. I don’t know. Sometimes, yes. Other times it feels as if I am consumed by guilt for not doing enough, or shame for detaching so that the children learn on their own valuable lessons. On the other side of those emotions is forgiveness. I forgive myself for not knowing better, doing more, and/or not being enough when they needed me.

All eight of my kiddos are like Little Debbie’s. They are soft, scrumptious, and bring comfort to my heart. On this Mother’s Day may you have found yourself in the center of being honored for all that you do, who you are, and what you bring into their lives. You bring love. You bring hope. You bring life.

I love you.