We all have a safe space; that place where you are free to let yourself go, to temporarily forget worries and to reconnect with self. For me, that place is Jamaica, the land of my birth, the little island that set me on track for educational excellence, made me believe I could accomplish anything and where I have created a lifetime of wonderful memories.
As August 6, Jamaica’s Independence Day approaches, memories of that eventful day linger in my mind:
Getting souvenirs with Jamaican symbols
Participating in cultural activities
Attending church services
Dancing in the street
Colors of black, green and gold everywhere
Happy sharing caring people
Feeling hopeful
Unity and love
Abundance of food
Although I live outside of Jamaica I intentionally celebrate that historic day by:
Getting together with other Jamaicans
Teaching my heritage to non-Jamaicans
Teaching the young children about Jamaica
Decorating my house in Jamaican colors
Cooking Jamaican foods
Attend church service and other events commemorating our Independence Day
Call friends and family near and far
Paying special attention and tuning in to news from Jamaica
Playing Reggae music all day long