Love thy neighbor as thyself

Replenishing the soul….

Oh my, friends! I have not forgotten you nor my duties to share the love and wisdom of the Catholic faith. If you’re new to Catholicism, have no fear! I can assist in the joys and beauty of the faith. Just leave questions in the comments.

That said, I love sharing what has helped me handle the storms of life. I find that I had been looking at life and discomfort all wrong after I had placed myself on a self-directed 3-week retreat after months of teaching. As much as I tried not to crash and burn on my final week of the semester, I ultimately found myself extremely stressed and completely depleted of all I had left to give.

I knew I had to find a way to regain my energy so that I could not fail in my mission to invite my fellow brothers and sisters to love and trust Christ even more. However, I reminded myself, that similar to taking a flight, the flight attendants remind passengers to, “Place your oxygen mask on yourself first before assisting others.” Well, I was 18 years old when I embarked on my first ever plane flight, and I thought, that’s dumb! If my parents are sitting next to me, I will help them first and then myself! Yet, as I aged in maturity this concept made complete sense in more than one regard. How can I help others if I am depleted? I now apply this very concept of the oxygen mask to my life.

The 3-weeks I took to spend with Christ was my oxygen mask. With the assistance of lovely friends, my church, pastor, friends, and a completely supportive family, I was able to revive my soul. How so? Well, first, I spent hours in adoration with the blessed sacrament daily, and I slowed down my rosary into a Gregorian Chant. It was so beautiful to not rush through these sacred prayers, and holding the note was added bliss. Next, I attended mass daily as often as I could to receive the holy body and blood of Christ.

Although, it is not obligatory to attend mass daily, I utilized this practice as it brought me great peace to stop all actions and simply celebrate the mass and partake in Holy Communion. It became like exercise where I felt empty without mass. Last, I truly meditated on how I could help others, reconcile with estranged loved ones, and become even more generous with my time, money, and love. I then put it all into practice! It was life changing and so recharging that I highly recommend you all take real moments to recharge your oxygen with prayer, adoration, mass, and meditation. I came home with more love in my heart. I hugged my family tighter, I spent more time with those in need, and best of all I appreciated every breath of air I took in, as yet another chance to share the love of Christ to all the world. Don’t forget to recharge! So, you then will be at your best for all! God bless!