“Look at people for an example, but then make sure to do things your way. Surround yourself with positive people.”
Queen Latifah
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Risky Business of Complacency
One must not fall into complacency. It is the stuff that makes you stuck and stagnant. As humans, we are not meant to stay in the same place mentally or physically. Of course, our bodies and minds change over time with age. To be complacent means that you are self-satisfied and unaware of any deficiencies. Aloof, and smug also come to mind.
So, you can see that we must not fall into the trap. Being complacent puts us at risk. Again, risk of stagnation leaving no room for personal growth. This is not to say that once you set a goal and have obtained it that you have to continually keep setting more and more non-stop. No, just being aware that you have to work for your spot. You have to earn your position. Do not believe that your presence is all that is required.
COMPLACENT
Comfort, only, makes, people, lazy, and, creates, eternal, nonchalant, traits.
The world of today has a lot of entitlement. Some people feel that because they are popular and, on a sports team, for example, that they don’t have to do the work. Well, while they think their popularity will keep them on the team, there is someone else working up to taking their spot.
Another example is to feel that you can eat unhealthily for as long as you want because you have a thin stature. You have been lucky enough not to go into cardiac arrest due to clogged arteries. Take your health more seriously, and know that it is not a good idea to think it won’t happen to you.
Comfort is okay but only for so long. At some point, you have to intentionally do something uncomfortable. Something that you always felt that you could not do. Because if you stay in that comfort for too long, guess what comes with it? Complacency.
We are not meant to get to a certain place/time in our lives and just stop. If we happen to fall into this trap, we are missing out on many opportunities. It’s okay to pause and take breaks. Just being for the sake of being, yes.
Another analogy is when you successfully find the relationship you want. Then the things you did to attain the relationship stop once the relationship is going well. No, you must continue in order to sustain it.
How about that “diet” you started. Only to go back to those bad eating habits after you have made you weight goal. What do you think will happen next? Of course, that weight is coming back with a vengeance.
Things do not happen to or for us with little to no effort. We have to work for change and forward movement. It is only to our benefit. We cannot risk our health, hearts, body and minds to being complacent. If you feel yourself getting too comfortable, do something about it. Also remember to be kind to yourself in the process.
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Overshadow
Overshadow
Optimistically
Viewing
Everyone
Rallying
Surely
Having
Absolute
Determination
Optimizing
Wisdom
Overshadow was written in response to Sadje’s prompt, what do you see?
Image credit: Tom Barrett on Unsplash
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Waiting and How It Changes Us
Waiting! Who has time for that? In today’s world a lot of things are instantaneous. We are expecting everything to happen at the speed of light. Well, I hate to break it to you but, sometimes you have to wait.
Waiting teaches us valuable lessons in life.
- Patience
- Peace
- Creativity
- Relaxation
We may try to move things along by making phone calls or going to speak to someone in person. This approach does not always work. It’s during those times that we get to regroup and refresh our minds. I know we can become frustrated while waiting but that’s where we begin to have patience.
Patience because we have no choice in that moment. Waiting is a humbling experience too. We think we can control the what’s, when’s and how’s but not always. Some things we can do while waiting are straighten up your dresser or bookshelves. Finish that project you have put off for months.
Let peace enter your life. By doing this we can lessen stress by not having to check our busy schedules. While waiting, do the things you like and not the things you have to do. Just be. When was the last time you were in a state of just being… I’ll wait.
Think about it. While waiting you can learn more about who you are and what things bring you peace. Think about the things that bring a smile to your face. We all have ups and downs. While we are in between those two places, waiting is pivotal. We come to the realization that being normal for a day or two and not over-scheduled is wonderful. That is the peace I’m talking about.
When we lack something and are waiting, this is a time that waiting breeds creativity. A short example is if we do not have gas, we lack the ability to drive our car. We may be waiting for payday to fill up again. Take this time to enjoy yourself. No need to stress about driving across town to do an errand you didn’t want to do in the first place.
Waiting also teaches us that it is not always about us, what we want and when we want it. We lose the sense of entitlement, which is where the humble comes into play. We do not have to fill up every slot on our daily calendars. Our bodies and minds need that time of rest and relaxation.
Has waiting changed you in any way?
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Do Not Let It In
Do Not Let It In
When you hear something scurrying about
It is so tempting to open the door to investigate
Only to discover when you do
It is none other but the horned figure
The horned figure who is a chameleon
Disguising itself as something other
Other than the green-eyed bandit
Just lying in wait ready to use their pointer
The pointer to out everyone but themselves
When eyes are turned their way
They start to retreat and hide away in the shadow
Voice drops from 3 octaves down to one
One day they are dressed as a psychic
The next as a black belt in karate
Wonder what they will be the next time you see them
Maybe that same horned figure in dirty crocodile shoes
It can be tempting but don’t answer the door
Once the door is open the urge is hard to resist slamming it shut
Let the horned figure stay busy trying to get in
For they have nothing else to do
Do not let it in!
Image by David Senior from Pixabay
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I’ll Be Happy When…
I’ll Be Happy When…
When I lose 15 pounds... Enjoy the journey of transformation and relish in the fact that you have the courage to make a change for your health When I get that promotion... Enjoy being a part of something for a bigger purpose. The right opportunity will present itself when you are not looking When I retire... Enjoy being able to sustain yourself and all the wonderful people you meet along the way When I get a bigger house... Enjoy the amenities you have and being able to come home and close your own door having a peaceful place to lay your head When I get a new car... Enjoy the independence of being able to get around and not having to stress about how you can move about When I get a husband/wife... Enjoy your life and the people in it who show you love. That husband/wife may be in your life right now, but you can’t see them with only one eye open. Just think about the now and all the moments that you are living in NOW. We may never get that promotion, or bigger house or newer car. Enjoy what you have now, tomorrow is not promised. Be happy today!
Image by Michaela on Pixabay
What it Really Means to Be a Boss
What does it mean to be a boss? Excellent! Outstanding! People have their own interpretation of the word. Some people take it to the extreme. Being a boss does not mean that you must be bossy. I know this is confusing. How can you be a boss and not be bossy?
Easy. Being a boss means that you have a level of control and stability. You have control over your circumstances and things that you do in life. You have stability in areas of your life that are important to you. What being a boss does not mean is bossing people around. Be the adjective of a boss and not the verb.
I am speaking to women on this subject. I think the colloquial term of being a boss, has gone too far. People are taking this out of context, and it is starting to have adverse effects. When you take your Boss self and start to do ugly things to people with your words and actions, do not be confused when people steer away from you.
You do not have to be bossy to let people know that you are in control. You do not have to be bossy to prove a point that you got this! That you are your own person. The boss in you will manifest itself. Others notice this and may or may not acknowledge it.
What a boss does
- Loves herself
- Says no without guilt
- Is financially stable
- Calls the shots
- Has courage to ask for help
What a boss is not and/or does not do
- Judgmental
- Treat others badly
- Talk down to people
- Arrogant
- Boastful
You can still be a boss, while simultaneously being a mother, wife, and sister. Please remember that you can still be outstanding and excellent without the negative undertones. Do not forget that you can still show your feminine side and call the shots. Stand your ground and be classy about it.
However, it can get lonely when you become too ambitious. A few people may fall out of your life while you are busy being a boss. Check in on people that you might not have seen or spoken to in a while. Remember that everyone needs someone.
What do you say it really means to be a boss?
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Seeking Counsel
Seeking counsel, for the purpose of this post, means to ask for advice. Asking for advice can sometimes be a good idea. Gaining insight into a situation or question about something important helps in the decision-making process.
Keep in mind, that when you seek counsel, choose the person(s) wisely. Example, if you are interested in real estate. Ask someone who is already a realtor or someone who is aspiring to do the same thing. More likely than not, you will get more accurate information from someone who is already doing what you are thinking about getting into.
“The advice we receive can shape who we are – so choose your advisors wisely.”
Unknown
Valuable information to gain from someone who is already in your field of interest include the challenges they had to overcome to get to where they are. Also, the things that were easy. It helps to also ask more than one person in said field. Avoid asking Sally on the stroll, from the block. Even though you have known Sally for over 10 years, she is not about business. She has other interests in life.
Alternatively, avoid divulging your aspirations to everyone. Some people may come off as being happy for you and supportive. And, of course, we all have people in our lives who are just that. Remember, not everyone fits that mold. Be selective with whom you are seeking counsel from.
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Don’t Take My Hairline Away
What age do you think is appropriate to have weave or hair extensions added? Little girls around the world are thinking; don’t take my hairline away.
The reason I am bringing this up is because I see young girls ages between five to 10-12 years of age with this added hair. My thought is that, by the time the girl is old enough to decide what to do with her own hair, it will be too late. Too late because she will no longer have a hairline and/or edges. Stop ruining your little girl’s hair by adding extension and/or weave so early in life.
Ever wonder why you see some women walking around with a hairline pushed back? And they are missing edges. Aside from a medical skin, scalp or hair condition, the missing edges and hairline are mostly self-imposed.
Adding hair by getting a weave or extensions causes stress to our scalp and hairline. The tightness alone sometimes can cause little bumps around the edges. This is not good. The longer we continue to stress our hair this way, it will only have negative consequences later on in life.
Let girls be girls! Save their hairline for them when they are an adult. Don’t take that choice away from them. In most cases, the styles are not age appropriate. Yes, a young girl should have her hair done, but not at the expense of their hairline as they grow into adulthood.
Did you talk to yourself today as a reminder of how blessed you are? Tell yourself that no matter what happens you are still here. If you didn’t have the talk yet today, there is still time left.
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Better Sleep for Increased Productivity
March 10-16 is Sleep Awareness Week. Sleep is something that we often overlook due to all the busyness of life. People have very hectic lives and as such we overlook the very simple thing that will improve how we feel. It is ironic that sleep awareness week starts the same day that we spring forward and lose an hour, due to the start of daylight savings time.
Our mental health and wellbeing depend on sleep. The quality of sleep we have affects our day-to-day activities. Adults should typically get around 7-9 hours of sleep. Teenagers should get slightly more; around 8-10 hours. The added technology, after school activities and early school start times for teens adds to the sleep challenge. Getting good grades in school are dependent on quality sleep. Teens cannot focus if they are sleep deprived.
We have all heard about the blue light from devices that make it harder to fall asleep. The use of cell phones and tablets that emit this blue light affects melatonin. That is why it is recommended to stay away from the devices at least one hour before bedtime. In this day and age, so many of us rely on these devices.
Other factors can hamper a good night’s rest like having caffeine close to bed time, not establishing a regular sleep schedule, drinking alcohol close to bedtime, the mattress we sleep on and room lighting and temperature.
Did you know? It is best to sleep in a room that is as dark as possible. A darker room helps with circadian rhythm and increases the quality of sleep.
Get Your Sleep On
Improving sleep habits will take some effort and time but is well worth it. Considering that healthy sleep makes for a productive day and helps to reduce stress and aid in weight loss. Clearer thinking and more alertness are also gained with better sleep. It also helps our heart health. Waking up after a good night’s sleep elevates mood, helps with focus and productivity.
Sleep tips
- Disconnect from devices at least an hour before bedtime
- Get out of bed if you cannot fall asleep in 15-20 minutes
- Darken the room as much as possible
- Change sheets often and freshen pillows
- Limit caffeine and alcohol before bed
- Exercise increases quality of sleep
- Set a regular sleep schedule
Image credit: Olya Adamovich from Pixabay
Women who advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion. That is what Women’s History Month is about in 2024. Women are still having the same centuries old fight. It doesn’t make sense for it to be this way in such progressive times. But are we really living in progressive times?
“You cannot take your freedoms for granted. Just like generations who have come before you, you have to do your part to preserve and protect those freedoms.”
Michelle Obama
Let’s celebrate the women who are and have made a positive impact in the communities. Both local and afar. It takes courage and determination to answer the call to action. Forming comities, rallying together and just speaking on injustices is a great start.
March 8 is International Women’s Day. The theme this year is Inspire Inclusion.
We have women out there who have paved the way for advances we, as a country enjoy. Science, civil rights, film/theater, politics, sports, education, the arts and a plethora of disciplines is where women from all walks of life, have made their mark. Let us celebrate Ava DuVernay, Sally Ride, Serena Williams, Michelle Obama, Susan B. Anthony and a host of others.
Without their activism, and strength to pave the way, we may not have been able to accomplish some of the things we have today. Staying the course and speaking out against inequities against women must continue. We deserve to be included and treated fairly, so let’s not forget the work of those before us and the women who walk with us today on this journey.
“There will be resistance to your ambition, there will be people who say to you, ‘You are out of your lane.’ They are burdened by only having the capacity to see what has always been instead of what can be. “
Kamala Harris
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Wake Up with a Smile
Wake up with a smile because you matter.
Yes, you matter! It doesn’t take away from who you are because you have imperfections. We all do.
Smile anyway because all humans are imperfect, living in an imperfect world.
Also, it doesn’t diminish you to lift up someone else. Especially, when you are not feeling your best. It can help lighten up your mood, by doing so.
Today and every day, wake up with a smile. Lift someone up. Embrace your imperfections.
Sink or Swim
Swimming is good for your joints, cardio health and overall endurance. It is an easy and fun way to help burn calories and is not very rigorous. There are many forms of swimming to learn, and it is relaxing too. If you are not one who is interested in swimming, it is a good skill to know. Why? You can save the life of someone else or your own.
Some people love swimming for the pure leisure of it and some love the competitive nature of it as well. You can enjoy the water of the river, lake, pool or ocean. Just imagine being free out there in a body of water. Swimming is also very therapeutic for some common ailments.
You might feel that it is not important to learn how to swim. Just imagine, being trapped in your car in a body of water. What do you do? You get yourself out of that car and swim to safety. If you can’t swim and there is no one there to help, well, you get the idea.
Maybe you are at the pool with your children. You see someone who fell into the pool. This is the time when you can spring into action and save that person.
Consider getting swim lessons, even if you do not want to swim for sport, just to have this life saving skill is a plus. For those who do know how to swim but haven’t in a while, refresh your skills by taking lessons. I bet there is always something new you can learn.
Drownings happen but can be prevented. This is when the phrase, sink or swim comes to mind. What do you say? Do you think swimming is a good skill to have?
Keep Going
Motivational video message about perseverance. Continue on and do not give up on your dreams. Enjoy!
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Can You Answer This? What Do You Want?
Can You Answer This? What Do You Want?
If you woke up tomorrow and could have anything you wanted; what is it that you would want? Is it a dream vacation somewhere exotic or a new house? It doesn’t hurt to imagine or play out something in our minds that we could have, if only temporarily.
If you could have a new car, what kind do you want? Or if you could have the career you wanted and have been striving for, what does that look like to you. Think about it and close your eyes. Picture it in your mind. Make it as real as only you can.
Some of us want better health. Maybe there is a problem with your health that is just nagging at you and no treatments have seemed to help. Better health can bring about happiness. You may also want a bigger bank account too. And if you had a bigger account, what would you do?
Do you want to see all your family together? What would it be like to be reunited with a loved one who has passed away. Just to be able to give your loved one a smile or a hug.
These things that we imagine and wish for can manifest in some way, shape or form. Life has a strange way of working things out for us, when we least expect it. Don’t sell yourself short and know that many things are possible.
Can you answer this? What do you want?