It has been 1 month since the U.S. has been on "lockdown." The word corona virus aka COVID-19 has changed the way of being for many of us around the world.  The word caused a halt in our daily routines  and for many disturbed life as a whole. As I look back to a month ago we were all care-free and getting to know the new year, which was only 3 months old, named 2020. I had just successfully completed my debut participation at the 15th Installment of the Charleston's Wine + Food Festival. I was joyfully waiting for Spring to come and usher in Summer. I was imagining myself praying and playing at Yemoja's feet on hot hazy slow days in the low country. I was preparing for my second appearance as a featured celebrity chef on the Tom Joyner Foundation 21st Fantastic Voyage Cruise. I was making plans on how to grow and build my new business and food truck venture.  Indeed, we were all planning, preparing and hoping for a prosperous year! But then the wind of Oya blew in, literally causing change in an instance and erasing our current existence, forcing us to adapt to the new and uncomfortable way of being. 

In this very present moment we are all faced  with  how to live in the "new normal way."  The new normal way will be anything but ordinary.  Dramatic changes to our daily lives are coming into view by the seconds...such as non-essential retail stores closing and grocery stores adopting new shopping policies, from mass temperature checks and mandatory use of face masks to empty restaurants, movie theaters and sports venues to home schooling and virtual graduations to the government monitoring of cellphones location and personal information.....yes this is the new normal way of existing and it will forever be evolving. 

The new normal way of being has made me become even more conscious of my comings and doings. I now wear a mask and gloves while in the public and practice social distancing  even with my family and friends. I AM growing food for myself and community, totally learning how to rely on self and not the system. I affirm that learning how to be self-sufficient is crucial from this point on. I AM creating new products and services to better serve my  family, clients and community.  I AM more intentional with my words and actions.
I AM still and at peace, welcoming the guidance and instructions of my ancestors, knowing they will lead and protect me every step of the way.  I AM more mindful of my surroundings and I AM constantly giving thanks to the Most High for every breath I take1 So, as I AM embracing this new normal, I pray that you will tap into new ways to embrace your new normal way of living... being fearless, cautious, mindful, positive and powerful!  Ase-O!