I didn’t plan on writing this today. I’ve been studying so hard for my chocolate tasting exam and that requires me to be analytical and focused.

I like to live like someone left the gate open. I like to put pen to paper and scribble words to see what comes up. I like to finger paint with honey, jam, and peanut butter, all over the kitchen table.

I believe when we allow ourselves freedom we find magic in our minds. I find colors and shapes and stories. I believe when we give ourselves permission we can heal from the baggage, the pain, and whatever holds us back. I believe that self-care and play therapy is extremely important and sometimes even more important than taking tests and being a grown-up.

Without balance we have stress, inflammation, agitation, and there is no peace, no rest, and no joy.

I haven’t given myself a lot of time to write lately because the certification is so important to me and honestly I really want to pass this test.

But I am an artist first and when I put myself on time out, or I build a box around my heart, I force myself to live within certain parameters, and that suffocates me.

I had zero intentions of starting the chocolate heart story series. It was never part of my thought process for this blog. But I also wasn’t prepared to share about Synesthesia. I kept it hidden. I was ashamed and from experiences in life it was appropriate to keep it hidden and not share my beautiful wildly vivid visions with the world.

But no more hiding. We cannot be authentic and have authentic relationships when we are hiding. If we are not truthful with ourselves we struggle to be honest with others.

Through this Chocolate journey I have embraced my quirky. I have learned to love every bit of crazy that I bring to the world. I have learned to explore more of who I am instead of trying to be somebody I am not.

So if you’re still reading and I haven’t lost you yet, I will tell you I have no idea what comes next. Bloggers are supposed to have a plan and a format, I have none.

But I know this, I am on a journey of self exploration and self acceptance. I am a little bit crazy, a whole lot of quirky, a freaking basket of compassion, love, and empathy, with a splash of rebellion.

I want to help people heal. I want to help them find joy. I want them to release the chains and live life fully not fearfully, and I believe that Chocolate can be the leader on this journey of self discovery. Maybe we can do this together.

Please enjoy the poem below. This poem came out of tasting beautiful chocolate made by MillCreek Cacao Roasters This BlackBerry 70% dark chocolate bar is made with 3 simple, ingredients: Certified Heirloom cacao, pure cane sugar, and cocoa butter.

The blackberry, caramel and dark sugar notes are amazing! This Chocolate will bring a cool smooth sensation to your mouth. If you close your eyes and let the chocolate talk to you, you just might be surprised what it will say.

To be transparent, I never called myself an artist before. I guess I didn’t realize I had that gift until it became clear to me in the poem you’re about to read. All of it inspired by tasting this bar. This is what happens to me when I smell and taste chocolate.

I know, life is rough right?
I am acutely aware of how blessed I am.

Thank you for hanging out with me today, enjoy the poem.

Kaleidoscope

Our Lives
A kaleidoscope of missed opportunities
Chances we’ve been given
Doors we’ve closed

Longing to be loved, seen, and understood for who we are, not what the world requires us to be

No more masks
No hiding
No limitations
The chains are broken
There’s no room for self-doubt

The winding road welcomes us
The sweet smell of blackberry reminds us to breathe

We are artists
Passionate, eccentric, driven
We need to create
We need to inspire

When we’re lost
The world feels unsafe

Then inspiration draws us in
Creativity soothes us
Passion drives us
And when our hearts are full
We find our way home

Blessings,

AmberleyCharlotte ©2022
Inspired by Millcreek Cacao Roasters: Farm to bar
Certified Heirloom Cacao: Blackberry 70% Dark Chocolate
Arriba Nacional Hacienda Limon Farm: Ecuador