Today is my 29th birthday!! I feel like I’ve been sharing my birthday thoughts for a few years now, and it’s been a tradition I’ve really enjoyed. I wanted to do the same this year, but slightly different.
I had an entirely different post planned for today. I was going to share about my biggest lesson of this latest year of my life, on learning to fail and other topics that I felt would be reassuring, motivating and inspiring. But with everything that’s going on right now, there’s only been one thing on my mind: shared human connection.
I can’t remember where I saw it, but for the first time that I can remember, we’re all (worldwide) going through a similar experience worldwide. It’s not an event taking place “far away”, it’s something happening in our own countries, our own cities, and affecting all of our lives. Shared human connection is a topic heavily shared and taught about through my Meditation app Headspace and is something that since the first time I ever heard the phrase used, has really resonated with me.
In Headspace (this is in no way sponsored, btw), it’s used to remind us that we’re never alone. So much so that they hold daily group meditations which I love participating in. Knowing that someone somewhere, no matter the time zone or lifestyle, is meditating at the exact same time as me, makes me feel so connected. As if we’re all in the same room. It reminds me that we are all one species. Seeing everyone’s stories and experiences remind me that we’re all always having a shared human experience, and that is so apparent right now. What’s my takeaway from that?
If there’s one thing this situation has taught me, it’s that we should have compassion for our fellow humans. We should show love, share, be kind, and remember to think of others with our actions. Let’s be as compassionate as we can with others in these times. On that same note, let’s be as compassionate as we can with OURSELVES. Don’t forget to show yourself love and compassion, too. In these potentially anxiety-causing times, I want to share some things that I’ve found to help me.
Sending you all SO much love, support, light and compassion. Thank you for making Jessica in the Kitchen what it is today ❤️.
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Beautiful thoughts from a beautiful soul. Happy birthday Jessica! Hope it is a good one.
Aww thank you SO very much!!! <3 It really was!!
Happy Birthday to a fellow Pisces! Thanks so much for all the positive thoughts Jessica, and for everything you do throughout the year!
Aww thank you so much Mary Ann! Not sure if your birthday is before or after mine but hope you have/had a wonderful birthday!!
Thank you for sharing such a lovely post! I wish you a most Happy Birthday and I hope you have a wonderful year.
Aww thank you so very much Suzanne, and you’re so welcome!! I hope you have a wonderful year too!
Happy Birthday Jessica.
Your warmth, love and wonderful recipes are a bright light across the world. I was introduced to you by a friend via your red lentil curry. You brought deliciousness back to my dining table. And now, with your birthday post, you have brought calmness, happiness and a sense of stillness to my anxious mind. Thank you.
May you have a wonderful day.
Heidi x
Aww thank you so much Heidi for such a lovely and kind comment!! It really means a lot and I’m so happy I was able to help make a positive impact with you!! <3 I hope you have a wonderful day too!!
Happy 29th Birthday. Enjoy your day.
Thank you so much Robbin!!
I absolutely love everything about this! Thanks so much for sharing. It speaks alot about a person that extend themselves to others on even their own very special day. Happy Birthday Jessica! #29nice! All the love.
Thank you so much beautiful!! <3 Really appreciate your comment and all the love!!
Happy birthday and thank you for sharing your thoughts. I’ve definitely been using the vegan tahini chocolate chip mug cake as a stress reliever and am grateful for it. 🙂
Thank you so much Michelle!! Oh yummy – so happy to hear that!!