Through a Different Lens: My May 2026 Reflections

May began with the start of something beautiful, something that deserves a post of its own. We will definitely come back to that story as it continues to unfold.

In the meantime, this new season has reinforced a mindset I have worked hard to embrace. As I navigate single life, I choose to focus on my blessings rather than my setbacks. The disappointments and challenges still have their place, but I take the lessons they offer and leave the rest behind. After all, this is my life. It is up to me to romanticize it, make it beautiful, and turn it into a love story worth telling.

The month began with celebrations of Nurses Week and Mother’s Day. Both roles require me to give of myself selflessly in service to others. At times, it can be challenging, but the privilege of loving and caring for others is truly priceless. Before I was a nurse, I was a mother, and this year marks nearly 30 years of enjoying that role. Motherhood has been one of the most fulfilling blessings of my life, and I believe it is exactly what I was born to be.

During Nurses Week, I traveled to New Jersey to celebrate and empower my team of nurses. It was a beautiful experience. As nurses, we care for strangers, show compassion during some of their most difficult moments, and work tirelessly to help them heal. Because of that, I wanted my team to know that they are seen, heard, valued, and appreciated. We spent the day learning, connecting, and celebrating the incredible work they do.

Of course, I could not return home without spending some time in New York City and letting the city’s energy, lights, and spirit fill me with joy. I already shared a post about that unforgettable evening in a city that never ceases to surprise me.

I was also grateful to celebrate Mother’s Day with my own mother. Having her in my life is a gift that I never take for granted. I asked my children to postpone celebrating me so I could dedicate the day entirely to my mother. The following weekend, my children made sure I felt loved and appreciated by treating me to a pottery class and a wonderful dinner.

This month also included plenty of walking and exercising.  I visited three different coffee shops around Tampa, and if you know me, you know that coffee is one of my greatest joys. Needless to say, I enjoyed every single one of them. On the last day of the month, a friend and I completed a two-mile walk through our beautiful neighborhood, enjoying the scenery while burning a few calories along the way.

One of the highlights of the month was spending a day on the water aboard a mini cruise with St. Pete Coastal Cruises while celebrating a friend’s special occasion. I wrote more about that experience in my recent post, A Memorial Day to Remember.

I also made a quick two-day trip back to New York to celebrate the retirement of a family member after 26 years of dedicated service with the NYPD. It was a meaningful celebration and a reminder of the value of commitment and service.

Although I have recently put salsa dancing on pause, I found my way back to the dance floor one day this month. It felt wonderful to reconnect with friends and allow the rhythm of the music to fill my soul with the same joy it always has.

Overall, May was a wonderful month. Once again, I choose to highlight the moments that brought me joy, gratitude, and contentment. That does not mean life was perfect. I still have growing to do. Challenges and disappointments will always exist, and there are still moments of uncertainty. What I know for sure is that as long as I am alive and healthy, I can equip myself with the strength and resilience needed to face whatever comes my way.

I cannot always change my circumstances, but I can adjust my lens and choose how I view them. By doing so, I gain a clearer vision of the future and a deeper appreciation for the present.

If you are reading this, know that I do not have it all figured out, and my life is far from perfect. What I have learned is how to turn imperfections into something beautiful. Every day, I give thanks for life’s little blessings. And when life feels heavy, I step outside and find peace in nature, where I am reminded that beauty still exists all around me.

My hope for you is that you realize you already possess so much of what you need. The disappointments you face today may simply be stepping stones leading you toward your next blessing.

With love,

Marjie