One of my most useful anchors growing up was Mama’s quotes and words of wisdom to live by. Throughout my childhood and adult life, I have found strength, inspiration and comfort in her wise words. I’d love to share some of them with you, and I hope you too will be inspired!

My favorite one was during my last visit to see her in Jamaica when she was very ill. We sang Amazing Grace together and she gave me the purest smile from deep in her heart. It penetrated my soul and was crystalized there as a forever memory with so many other beautiful ones that re - centers me many times.

“Your spirit makes my spirit happy” ~ Mama Zena Shakes

These have served me well and I hope they will serve you too💡

• "This too shall pass" - Everything is temporary.
• "Treat people with kindness, God is always watching" - Always act with kindness and integrity.
• "You are your own best friend" - Love yourself and follow your own intuition.
• Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" - Treat people with kindness.
• "After every storm, there is a rainbow" - Despite the inevitable challenges of life, we can use resilience to move forward in a positive way.
• "Forgive easily and apologize when you've hurt someone" - Forgiveness is freedom for everyone involved.
• "Little is a lot if God is in it" - Make kindness a priority. 
• "Only time will tell" - be patient.
• "Lead with your heart and let your mind follow" - your heart knows the way. 
• "Pick your battles, not everyone deserves your time" - Don't spend time depleting energy over things that are simply not that important.
• "It is always the right time to pray" - Prayer is how she taught me to have faith, stay hopeful, recalibrate and ground myself.
• "Every hoe have dem stick a bush" - Meaning there is a right fit friend out there for everyone.
• "Not a word in English" - when it's time to be silent and just listen.
• "Man deh plan and God deh wipe out" - Meaning, it great to plan but remain flexible to the inevitable changes that is a part of our life experience.
• "The only ting dat last forever is salvation"~ Accept impermanence in all things.
• "Good friends are better than pocket money - And showing up as your own best friend is better than gold" - You are your own best friend