True Love

By: Gabriela Yareliz

There is an elderly Asian couple that rides the morning train with me. The man has a walker with wheels that turns into a seat. He moves slowly. His wife always holds him firmly but gently, and sometimes, kisses his face under his baseball cap. Her arm is always around him. I absolutely adore commuting with them.

Via @bridget

If you know Bridget, founder of The Bar, she is currently battling cancer. We have all witnessed her husband of two years dress her, dance with her, glam her up for chemo, get her treats, lift her spirits— unconditional loving care. Her account isn’t about beauty or fashion— it is an undeniable illustration of love.

I saw this with my mother-in-law and father-in-law. I have seen my husband care of his parents with so much grace and deep love.

It’s my mom’s presence who never left, no matter how hard it got or how much she could have gained without us.

Every time I see these people in action, aside from praying for them, I am reminded of something powerful— it’s the true image and manifestation of love.

It’s this simple. It’s something deep and steadfast. It’s the arm that upholds you when it’s all falling apart— sometimes, when you are falling apart. It’s the steady and dependable person who keeps showing up.

Sometimes, we make love something else. We think it’s elaborate. Something that must be spicy. Something that requires some special recipe that some people are not capable of because they are so self-absorbed.

But it’s simple. It’s supernatural. It’s the one who serves and gives all.

When we see it, it is undeniable. Because in it, we see the face of God.

Worth

“You can’t govern how people treat you or the things they say, but you can absolutely decide what you will do with the gospel that nothing is personal and people are limited.” Tara Schuster

I loved these quotes from Tara Schuster’s work. It’s so true. It applies in all relationships— family, work, romantic, etc.

“People are limited.” We are the ones who decide what someone’s treatment means. Dr. Edie Wadsworth often says a lot of suffering comes from the stories we tell ourselves.

What story are you telling yourself today?

Lessons in Matcha

“The true gift of matcha is the ritual: the quiet, deliberate preparation, the grounding presence of whisking, the mindful act of drinking. It is nourishment for body, mind, and spirit alike.” Candice Kumai

By: Gabriela Yareliz

We went to the best matcha place in NYC. The place is always a vibe. It’s a different level of calm. Like slipping on noise-cancelling headphones. There is always a line, but there is also always one person manning the tea station. There is one kettle. One metal ladle. There is the little wooden matcha spoon. The tea maker scoops, measures, and whisks as if he/she is alone in the room. Not a care, and no rush.

As I watched him, I thought to myself that I wanted that level of slow and calm.

“We’re chill,” he said when someone approached him with urgency.

The tea ritual that requires so much presence teaches us to be a little bit more human.

End of Week Clarity

By: Gabriela Yareliz

The close of another week. Friday feels like a giant exhale when Sabbath awaits. I am leaving the week feeling like this man lying down on the floor talking on the phone.

The weather still feels sticky hot. I’m still dreaming of fall.

What didn’t I do this week? It feels like I churned out contracts like a machine, I ran through lightning and rain, and updated a countdown that is close to its prize.

While I appreciate this present moment, I think that excitement for the future is my fuel in this season. How is it mid-August already?

The thought that stayed with me this week was: “Clarity only comes from accountability and consequences.” -Erwin McManus

Where do we need more clarity?

Everything

By: Gabriela Yareliz

“I always have everything I need.” Edie Wadsworth

I heard this thought during coaching, and it made me think— what if we said this to ourselves every day?

It’s a statement of faith and gratitude.

Even the Unexpected

By: Gabriela Yareliz

I was reading Cara Says It All, by Cara Alwill. She was talking about her upcoming marriage (and she is becoming a stepmom!). Her post was all about “ghosting” your old life. She is leaving NYC and starting a new chapter in Florida.

Life often offers us turning points, and we can either go in completely and free-fall into something new, letting go of the old, or you can take bits and pieces of your life with you.

We often frame change as loss. But the truth is it isn’t always loss. It’s not truly a loss when it’s good.

Sometimes, we get more than we even knew we wanted. Sometimes, others don’t understand it, but they don’t have to.

“But now I know. I’m not giving up anything. I’m getting everything I ever wanted. Even the things I didn’t know I did,” Cara Alwill writes.

I know I have experienced that, too. We get even the unexpected. Life presents us with bonus gifts. Sometimes, life can be that sweet.