02/08/2026
Today is my birthday — and the weekend began in a tender way.
Friday night, I gave the eulogy for my eldest cousin after her brave battle with breast cancer. As I got ready to go, I reminded myself to stay mindful — after all, it’s a practice. My focus was on honoring her life and capturing her essence in a way that held both the grief and the deep love in the room.
My mom’s side of the family is Italian — we love food and we love deeply. As we’ve gotten older, it seems the only time we’re all together anymore is during moments like this.
We caught up.
We hugged.
We loved on each other.
We promised (again) to get together for a happy occasion — just to share space and reconnect.
But this time, I’m committed to making it happen.
During visitation, a cousin and I talked about birthdays — hers approaching one ending in a zero. We laughed about how so many of the things that worry us won’t matter in five minutes… let alone five years or ten.
And it felt like a quiet reminder:
If you’ve been putting something off until “someday” — this is your message.
Live your life.
Love your people.
Choose the moments.
None of us know how long we have here. And one day, we won’t be grateful for the things we avoided — but we will cherish the moments we boldly stepped into.
Being mindful reminded me of the family I love, the connections I miss, and the importance of reaching out — not later, but now.
I’m so grateful for my commitment to self-development and mindfulness, because even in a sad moment, I was able to feel the gratitude alongside the grief. I could truly feel the love in that room — and even this morning as I reflect.
Love is eternal. It binds us to everyone we have ever loved — here and beyond.
That’s my little share today. 💙
And in case you were wondering — yes, I will absolutely eat the chocolate cake later. 🎂😄
