The first half of spring was full of flowers in bl The first half of spring was full of flowers in bloom and cool breezes. The second half has been violent daily storms that make the sky look like something out of a sci-fi movie. I’m just remembering to get my walks in early during the day so I can be home for dinner and a storm in the evening. 

🌿 Spotted some rainbow flares on a walk through the woods. 

🌿 Saw the cutest little guy walking around downtown Celebration. 

🌿 I love all the nature and architecture in Winter Park. 

🌿 Happy Mermaid week!

#springtime #intentionalliving #slowliving #naturewalks #cozyliving #intentionalmovement #cozyvibes #greenery #naturelovers #orlandoliving
Plants. Rainbows. Flowers. Tacos. #theseareafewofm Plants. Rainbows. Flowers. Tacos. #theseareafewofmyfavoritethings 

Also, if you are wondering where our review mirror is in that second photo, it’s so hot here that the connector piece just melted off that morning. 🫠 

#springtime #springflowers #plantlover #plantlife #pottery #plantpot #plantlove #flowerstagram #rainbow #rainbowaesthetic #nature #intentionalliving #slowliving #tacos #vegantacos
We have a little over a month left of spring and I We have a little over a month left of spring and I plan to spend it intentionally enjoying so much of what this season has to offer. April was a whirlwind of family emergencies and stress so this May, I’ve really been taking the time to slow down, live in the moment, and focus on joy. Every season I have a hygge bucket list of things I want to do at least once (but usually often) during that season. So many people write down and prioritize goals for their career or their body but it’s important to also create goals around your mental health and well being. 

How To Enjoy Hygge This Spring: 

🌷  Explore your neighborhood. 
🌷 Visit a botanical garden. 
🌷 Gift plants to your friends and neighbors.
🌷 Learn a new iced drink recipe.
🌷 Start a garden (or get one new plant).
🌷 Have a picnic. 
🌷 Eat seasonal vegetables and fruit.
🌷 Play an outdoor sport. 
🌷 Enjoy the natural light in your home.
🌷 Read on a hammock or bench outside. 
🌷Donate items you aren’t using often.
🌷Go to the farmer’s market.
🌷Do something creative.

How do you plan to enjoy the last month of spring this year?

#springtime #spring #springflowers #springflower #hygge #hyggelife #hyggestyle #hyggeliving #intentionalliving #intentionallife #joyfulliving #joyfulmoments #findingjoy
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was a 10 out of 10! Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was a 10 out of 10! As we all know, I love the MCU as a whole but the Guardians are my absolute favorite. James Gunn did not disappoint. This was a very satisfying end to one of my favorite trilogies of all time. 

🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀

#guardiansofthegalaxy #guardiansofthegalaxyvol3 #marvel #marvelmovies #mcu #marvelcinematicuniverse #marvelcomics #amctheaters #disneysprings #nerdlife #marveluniverse #marvelfan
The saying April showers bring May flowers really The saying April showers bring May flowers really describes how I feel about the transition from last month to this month. May is already going much better than April and I can’t wait to see what other wonderful things happen this month. 🤍🌸 

#spring #flowers #springflowers #springweather #springnature #springdecor #hyggelife #intentionalliving #naturelovers #greatoutdoors #springinflorida #floridaspring #blueskies #slowliving #happymoments #serotoninboost
I’m so thankful to this sweet little girl for ge I’m so thankful to this sweet little girl for getting us through this crazy month. She kept us laughing and helped us manage our stress even on the more challenging days. I love her personality, even if she is a bit spoiled. 😅 I’m so glad we get to live in a world where dogs exist. 

#doglover #dogsarethebest #pitbulldog #pitbulladvocate #pitbullsofinstagram #dogsofinstagram #pitbulllove #emotionalsupportanimal #emotionalsupportdog #pitbullgram #cutedogs
Scenes from a earth day celebration with @disneyki Scenes from a earth day celebration with @disneykismet + @mmalikaj. 🌍🤍

#earthday #explore #earthdayeveryday #lovetheearth #loveourplanet #planetearth #animalkingdom #disneysanimalkingdom #dak #earthdaybirthday #wdw #orlandoflorida #floridalocal
Come check out my some of my favorite coffee shops Come check out my some of my favorite coffee shops in Central Florida with me! ☕️🧋🍵🫖

First up? @xocoffeeshop ! This gem is in Kissimmee, Florida, just a short drive from WDW for those of you who are visiting. The menu is creative + always changing, they do fun events for locals, and it’s the perfect place for a three hour coffee date (I would know). 

📍Location: 4965 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway
Kissimmee, FL 34746
😎 Vibe: Warm, cozy, local, plants
🤍 Perfect for: work, friend date, reading a book
🌸 Seasonal Menu: Yes
☕️ What to order: Butter Brew or Mango Black Tea 


#coffeeshopvibes #coffeeshop #orlandolocal #localorlando #orlandofl #orlandoflorida #tealover #teatime #cozyvibes #hygge
✨💕🎀 Imagination, life is your creation. 🎀💕✨

💘 Keep swiping for a fun surprise. 

#barbie #barbiemovie #barbiegirl #barbiedoll #barbiestyle #barbiegram #barbiecore #heartshaped #sunglass #blackbarbie #blackbarbies
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
    • Life
    • Travel
    • Well Read
    • Wellness
    • Business
    • Photography
  • Contact

Charismatic Concepts

  • Life
  • Travel
  • Well Read
  • Wellness
  • Business
  • Photography

Personal · October 15, 2014

Love, Life, and Loss in the Land of the Living

Loss changes you. None of us have any control over that. However, it is HOW it changes us that we have control over.

As many of you already know through social media, last week I lost my grandfather. It still seems surreal to talk about even though it is something that we all were expecting to happen for quite some time. Regardless of how much you prepare for the death of a loved one, it can still feel unbelievable once it actually happens.

Growing up without a father meant that I was even closer to both of my grandparents than most people are. It always felt like I had three parents instead of one. My grandparents managed to make it to every chorus concert, every dance recital, every cheerleading competition, and every other event that I was performing in or involved in. Multiple times a week they would make me dinner, read me bedtime stories, and tuck me into bed at night. They taught me about musicals, theater, old movies, traveling, and art. They grew up in a completely different era and they brought the best of it to me.

When my grandmother died in 2008, I was completely heartbroken. It was a horrible time in my life and I wasn’t sure how I was supposed to get by in this world without her knowledge, her kindness, and her smile. My grandfather was the one who really helped me get through that time. I always managed to be strong in front of my husband, brothers, and mother, but when I would hug my grandfather, I would fall apart. He was the last person who I should have fallen apart in front of because he had just lost the love of his life. However, his incredible strength made me feel like I could actually express my grief.

The first time I went to visit my grandfather by myself after my grandmother had died, I was terrified. I drove up a winding driveway that I had been in a thousand times before but I knew that once I walked through that door and she wasn’t on the other side, her death would feel even more real. I cried in the car for 20 minutes before I had the courage to actually walk through the door. I greeted my grandfather with a hug and I sat down in my normal spot at the kitchen counter. My grandfather stood across from me and handed me a glass of water, something my grandmother would have normally done.

We talked about how much we both missed her and he told me that he felt incomplete because he was missing his other half. He told me what he had told me many times before, that one day, we will all die. He had been warning me since I was young, to prepare me for a life without my grandparents, but it was only at that moment that I actually understood him for the first time. This time he also told me that he wasn’t afraid to die. He assured me that when his time came, he would be ready and I would have to be, too. I told him that I would work on it but I wasn’t quite ready to say good bye to him yet. So for the last six years, we have continued those talks.

My grandfather and I could discuss anything under the sun and we certainly did. We discussed politics, religion, race, gay marriage, travel, art, business, economics, and the meaning of life. My grandfather kept tabs on all of the members of our large family and he still managed to help me with my college algebra homework, well into his 80’s. He taught me about investing, home ownership, marriage, and technology. He managed to have good advice for any situation I managed to get myself into and he always knew the right way to present information that I didn’t really want to hear.

Now that he is gone, I’m find myself thinking about him telling me so many times that none of us live on this earth forever. I know he was preparing me for life without him and my grandmother but I also think he was telling me to make sure that I live my life to the fullest extent. My grandfather lived a full life. He married the love of his life, had seven children, twenty-two grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. He had an amazing career, friends from all around the world, and tons of adventures. He saw most of his favorite art in person, heard many of his favorite songs performed live, and made more amazing memories than many people get the chance to. My grandpa always said, “No one makes it out of this world alive.” The truth is, any of us would be lucky to have a life as full as both of my grandparents did and none of us will make it out of this world alive. I plan to make the most out of my time here and follow the examples my grandparents set for me. That means traveling to new places, dancing in the living room, saying hello to strangers, breaking out into song, reading more books than most law students, never forgetting a loved one’s birthday, and celebrating every holiday like it’s the last day on earth.

Loss does change us but I am going to let it make me more patient, more thoughtful, stronger, and thankful.

gpame

 

 

In: Personal · Tagged: family, loss, Personal, struggle

join the club

You’ll Also Love

Currently
Friday I’m In Love
Operation Declutter: Goals
Next Post >

Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival 2014

Hi! I'm Charisma, a creative entrepreneur who loves to help others reach their full potential. I'm a photographer, a writer, and the owner of Kismet + Charisma, an online boutique that pairs minimalist, cozy, boho style with activism. In my little corner of the internet you'll find my latest travels, what I'm currently reading, how I practing Black joy as resistence, and how I'm finding hygge in my daily life. Pull up a chair, grab a cup of tea, and stay awhile.

join the club

Categories

  • Life
  • Travel
  • Well Read
  • Wellness
  • Business
  • Photography

Reader Favorites

  • Portraits | Jacob Tobia
  • The REAL Wizarding World: Victoria Street AKA Diagon Alley
  • 10 Reasons You Should Never Be Bored

trending now

  • Portraits | Jacob Tobia
  • The REAL Wizarding World: Victoria Street AKA Diagon Alley
  • 10 Reasons You Should Never Be Bored
  • Women In Business | Mo Seetubtim, Founder of The Happiness Planner

instagram

Follow @charismaokeefe

The first half of spring was full of flowers in bl The first half of spring was full of flowers in bloom and cool breezes. The second half has been violent daily storms that make the sky look like something out of a sci-fi movie. I’m just remembering to get my walks in early during the day so I can be home for dinner and a storm in the evening. 

🌿 Spotted some rainbow flares on a walk through the woods. 

🌿 Saw the cutest little guy walking around downtown Celebration. 

🌿 I love all the nature and architecture in Winter Park. 

🌿 Happy Mermaid week!

#springtime #intentionalliving #slowliving #naturewalks #cozyliving #intentionalmovement #cozyvibes #greenery #naturelovers #orlandoliving
Plants. Rainbows. Flowers. Tacos. #theseareafewofm Plants. Rainbows. Flowers. Tacos. #theseareafewofmyfavoritethings 

Also, if you are wondering where our review mirror is in that second photo, it’s so hot here that the connector piece just melted off that morning. 🫠 

#springtime #springflowers #plantlover #plantlife #pottery #plantpot #plantlove #flowerstagram #rainbow #rainbowaesthetic #nature #intentionalliving #slowliving #tacos #vegantacos
We have a little over a month left of spring and I We have a little over a month left of spring and I plan to spend it intentionally enjoying so much of what this season has to offer. April was a whirlwind of family emergencies and stress so this May, I’ve really been taking the time to slow down, live in the moment, and focus on joy. Every season I have a hygge bucket list of things I want to do at least once (but usually often) during that season. So many people write down and prioritize goals for their career or their body but it’s important to also create goals around your mental health and well being. 

How To Enjoy Hygge This Spring: 

🌷  Explore your neighborhood. 
🌷 Visit a botanical garden. 
🌷 Gift plants to your friends and neighbors.
🌷 Learn a new iced drink recipe.
🌷 Start a garden (or get one new plant).
🌷 Have a picnic. 
🌷 Eat seasonal vegetables and fruit.
🌷 Play an outdoor sport. 
🌷 Enjoy the natural light in your home.
🌷 Read on a hammock or bench outside. 
🌷Donate items you aren’t using often.
🌷Go to the farmer’s market.
🌷Do something creative.

How do you plan to enjoy the last month of spring this year?

#springtime #spring #springflowers #springflower #hygge #hyggelife #hyggestyle #hyggeliving #intentionalliving #intentionallife #joyfulliving #joyfulmoments #findingjoy
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was a 10 out of 10! Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was a 10 out of 10! As we all know, I love the MCU as a whole but the Guardians are my absolute favorite. James Gunn did not disappoint. This was a very satisfying end to one of my favorite trilogies of all time. 

🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀

#guardiansofthegalaxy #guardiansofthegalaxyvol3 #marvel #marvelmovies #mcu #marvelcinematicuniverse #marvelcomics #amctheaters #disneysprings #nerdlife #marveluniverse #marvelfan
The saying April showers bring May flowers really The saying April showers bring May flowers really describes how I feel about the transition from last month to this month. May is already going much better than April and I can’t wait to see what other wonderful things happen this month. 🤍🌸 

#spring #flowers #springflowers #springweather #springnature #springdecor #hyggelife #intentionalliving #naturelovers #greatoutdoors #springinflorida #floridaspring #blueskies #slowliving #happymoments #serotoninboost
I’m so thankful to this sweet little girl for ge I’m so thankful to this sweet little girl for getting us through this crazy month. She kept us laughing and helped us manage our stress even on the more challenging days. I love her personality, even if she is a bit spoiled. 😅 I’m so glad we get to live in a world where dogs exist. 

#doglover #dogsarethebest #pitbulldog #pitbulladvocate #pitbullsofinstagram #dogsofinstagram #pitbulllove #emotionalsupportanimal #emotionalsupportdog #pitbullgram #cutedogs
Scenes from a earth day celebration with @disneyki Scenes from a earth day celebration with @disneykismet + @mmalikaj. 🌍🤍

#earthday #explore #earthdayeveryday #lovetheearth #loveourplanet #planetearth #animalkingdom #disneysanimalkingdom #dak #earthdaybirthday #wdw #orlandoflorida #floridalocal
Come check out my some of my favorite coffee shops Come check out my some of my favorite coffee shops in Central Florida with me! ☕️🧋🍵🫖

First up? @xocoffeeshop ! This gem is in Kissimmee, Florida, just a short drive from WDW for those of you who are visiting. The menu is creative + always changing, they do fun events for locals, and it’s the perfect place for a three hour coffee date (I would know). 

📍Location: 4965 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway
Kissimmee, FL 34746
😎 Vibe: Warm, cozy, local, plants
🤍 Perfect for: work, friend date, reading a book
🌸 Seasonal Menu: Yes
☕️ What to order: Butter Brew or Mango Black Tea 


#coffeeshopvibes #coffeeshop #orlandolocal #localorlando #orlandofl #orlandoflorida #tealover #teatime #cozyvibes #hygge
✨💕🎀 Imagination, life is your creation. 🎀💕✨

💘 Keep swiping for a fun surprise. 

#barbie #barbiemovie #barbiegirl #barbiedoll #barbiestyle #barbiegram #barbiecore #heartshaped #sunglass #blackbarbie #blackbarbies
Starting the first Monday in April off with some a Starting the first Monday in April off with some art. 🖼️🎨 

Spring is such a great time to enjoy outdoor galleries and the one at @disneysprings is one of my favorites because it always celebrates diversity. If you are looking for something fun and free to do this spring, add this to your list! 

#spring #outdoorart #celebratediversity #disneysprings #artwalk #artgallery #visitorlando #orlandoflorida #blackgirldisney #orlandofl #disneyworld #wdw #springday #springactivities #springmood #orlandoart #springlover
https://www.instagram.com/charismaokeefe/

Explore

  • About
  • Podcast
  • Services

join the club

On the Blog

  • Travel
  • Well Read
  • Photography
  • Business
  • About
  • Contact

Copyright © 2025 Charismatic Concepts · Theme by 17th Avenue