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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Get Your Sleep On
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
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.
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. “
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?
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.
February is Black History Month. 2024 is a leap year, so we have 29 days to show our pride. Reflect on the contributions of African Americans. Consider where we came from and where we are today.
Alexander Miles created automatic elevator doors. Making for a safer elevator experience by lessening fatalities from people falling down the elevator shaft. Mary Van Brittan Brown co-invented the home security system. A much-needed necessity in the world today, which gives peace of mind, both while at home and away. Other inventions like the ironing board, traffic light, caller I.D. and call waiting are just some of the inventions by the Black community.
Superbowl Sunday
February 11, 2024- Kansas City Chiefs vs San Francisco 49ers
Watch Your Heart
February is Heart Awareness Month. Take time to pay attention and watch out for your heart health. Exercise and healthy diet are two ways to maintain health.
Along with heart health, in February there is Black Love Day and Valentines Day. February 13th celebrate Black Love Day with your sweetie and remind them just how much they mean to you. Not only romantically, but also BLD highlights love for the Black community as a whole. Don’t forget about friends and family.
Valentines Day is on February 14. Another way to guard your heart health with displays of affection. Show your love for your partner and include family and friends.
International Week of Black Women in the Arts
February 7-15 is a week to recognize and celebrate Black women in the arts. This includes movies, art and music. Women are still facing equality issues as it relates to compensation for their talents. Black women are still not being paid in equal amounts like their peers.
Art by African American women is not displayed at exhibits the same way it is for people of other demographics. Women who are performers in music are underpaid in the industry. Even though they have made great strides in this area, it is still not equal to actresses of other nationalities.
If you are interested in learning more, research Black artists. If you have a favorite artist, share with people you know. Another way to support Black female artists is to buy pieces of art by them. Spreading the word is a way to support their contributions and achievements.
The overwhelming amount of information is ever increasing. We see the latest, trending news and side with the masses. Or are you one to follow your own mind? Do you see a topic and automatically adopt the views of the masses?
It can be easy to go along with what everyone is saying or believing. At the end of the day, you have to hold your own truth. We get incoming traffic from TV, the internet, radio, people, videos, books and other forms. By “incoming traffic” I mean information.
The Source
Always consider the source. So often I witness people going along, or siding with the masses. Why? Follow your own mind. Rely on what you believe and know. It leads me to wonder if some people do it as a means of fitting in. Being with the “in crowd”. It’s that same “in crowd” that will get you into trouble.
The information we receive is not always aligned with our personal opinion. That is okay, nothing wrong with that. Just consider if you are receiving information from a source who likes to stir things up. Is the source coming from an objective point of view. Is the information being put out there to inform people or create hysteria? Consider the source.
Conversation
If a group of people all agree on a subject, does it make it true? Or is the conversation more interesting when there are differing views?
Having a differing opinion on something does not make you an outcast. It just means that you believe in what you believe in and are not jumping on the bandwagon, with everyone else. Basic conversation may be a reason that people agree on subjects and follow along with the consensus. In some instances, it is okay to join the crowd if it is for conversation’s sake. Do your homework and research things for yourself. Oftentimes, there are bits of missing information.
A group may agree on a subject that you see all over the news, etc. It does not mean that someone else’s truth, is your own. Just because a friend, relative or group of people have a point of view, does not mean that it has to be yours as well. I’m not saying that you should not listen, and value the opinion of others. Yes, of course listen to the views of others but do not take it as your own reality. Especially, if it doesn’t fit. The same way another person feels a certain way, you have your own views and/or opinions. It does not mean that they are right, and you are wrong.
The information age has so much out there in the universe, and it comes at us every day. We can decide to block it out by turning off the news, not getting on the internet or listening to the radio. It then leads some people to feel like they are not informed if they do not have some type of incoming information. You decide how much of it you want to filter.
Staying up to date with all the media is exhausting at times. You hear so much information, then you have to figure out how much of it is true. Words sometimes have a way of swaying people into believing certain things.
A Closer Look
Research, research, research Taking on the truth of others or believing that your fate will be the same as people you know, is not the case. Approach personal situations based on your own circumstances, not those of others. Just like the common phrases that people overuse, what do they really mean? Some people are only repeating it because they hear it all the time.
We may have commonalities in life with people we know, but that does not mean the end result will be the same. We have to remember that we are in control of our behavior and cannot control what others do or say.
How do you decipher information you read or hear? Do you take it at face value, or do you confirm it for yourself? Do you find yourself siding with the masses or following your own mind?
Come into the light
All is not lost
Life can be a conundrum
Which do you choose; fight or flight?
Come into the light
Flames are still smoldering
Calling for your attention
Release the pressures you are shouldering
Come into the light
Turn on the wick
Accept light and love
Fulfillment comes real quick
Come into the light
Whether you choose fight or flight
Flames are still smoldering
Accept light and love
