Category: Words of Wisdom

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Self Awareness Topic Words of Wisdom

Nappy and Happy; a Renewed Perspective

Nappy and Happy; a Renewed Perspective

Photo by SUNDAY II SUNDAY on Unsplash

Nappy and happy; a renewed perspective describes the sentiments of better health and vitality. The crown, better known as our hair, is something that most women pride themselves about. It is a part of who we are and our identity. Arguably, too much emphasis is sometimes put on hair. Depending on your heritage and upbringing you may agree or disagree on this subject.

Putting hair over health is something that happens often but no one acknowledges that fact. Personally, I have seen many times that physical health/self-care takes a back seat due to not wanting to “sweat one’s hair out”. Sweating your hair out, is not welcome because you invest a lot of money and time into your hair. Why then would you risk messing it up with sweat from physical activity? You know, the kind of activity that is essential to long life and health. Why on earth would anyone want to do that? Crazy right?

Renewed Perspective

If you are someone who has decided to incorporate more physical activity and exercise into your life, you understand the benefits of doing so. Being healthy, feeling good, getting in shape and knowing that exercise/physical self-care is important is a hard pill to swallow for some. The healthier you become the happier you are too.

Personally, I have begun to make self-care a priority, instead of an option. Inconsistency with exercise was the road I travelled. Knowing that life is short, and I have no idea how long I have to be on earth is why I can say that I am nappy and happy. Of course, you can get hair styles that are more friendly with working out and are easy to maintain. For me, I would rather have improved health and vitality than great hair and bad health.

What is your take on great hair versus bad health? Do you feel that we can only have one over the other or both great hair and great health? How do you take care of your crown while maintaining good health?

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Topic Words of Wisdom

Diverse and Beautifully Made

Diverse and Beautifully Made

Diverse and beautifully made with 
Blemishes that confirm your true existence
Extravagance with your style of dress
Authenticity in the way you deliver grace 
Unapologetic in your conviction for life 
Thoughtful when expressing strong opinions   
Intentional in your approach to love and kindness
Flawed only to those who do not understand you 
Unique in your lens to the world
Lavishly, loving life and doing it all with a smile
Diverse and beautifully made, that's you, with all 
These colorful qualities wrapped into one

Image credit: Tom Barrett on Unsplash

Diverse and Beautifully Made is written in response to the prompt by Sadje, What do you see #243

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Topic Words of Wisdom

Quote of the Day-Life

✴︎ Life is a Gift

—

“Never forget to enjoy and bask in every moment that you are in.

Author Unknown

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Topic Words of Wisdom

Choose Love and Drop the Ills

Choose Love and Drop the Ills

If you are ready to drop some ill talk or action on someone, stop and drop some good will or cheer instead. For example, if you are about to say something foul to someone, especially someone that you love or who loves you. Stop and say something nice instead. It can be so easy to take those closest to you for granted. Those closest to us, sometimes do not get the best of us. This is because we figure, I see this person on a daily basis, so I do not have to be on my best behavior or give my all.

If you are going to say something that you know is hurtful to your loved one, give a complement instead. Forget about the argument you just had. Let it be. After you have decided to say something nice and complementary, it will make the other person feel good and you will feel better as well. Try it. What do you have to lose? Ok, I will tell you. By saying something positive about someone, you lose stress and anxiety. Ill feelings that increase cortisol in our bodies. You want to release dopamine and endorphins, the feel-good hormones.

Lose the negativity and grudge feelings. Love rules over everything. Be slow to anger and quick to love. Becoming angry is so easy and that is exactly why we must challenge ourselves. Embrace love and forgiveness.

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Topic Words of Wisdom

Luminous Ones

Luminous ones
Flying high above
Breath escaping lungs
Beautiful, beautiful belove

Spreading light into the dark
Shards of lightness lend a spark
To an otherwise blind sky
Your brightness leading the eye

Helping to make things clear
Letting the night lift the fear
Accompanying the moon, you are near
When the sun goes down, luminous ones appear

The night no longer scary
Look up and you discover
Concerns of danger are nary
No longer lurking, no room to hover

Luminous ones, luminous ones
So dear to me, flying so light and free
Teaching many to see the bright side
It’s always there, use your cre a ti vi ty

Luminous Ones is written in response to Sadje’s picture prompt.

Image credit: Leon Contreras on Unsplash

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Self Awareness Topic Words of Wisdom

10 Reasons to Say, Thank You

10 Reasons to Say, Thank You

The words thank you come with so much gratitude and humility. Two words that are often overlooked and underused. I have found 10 reasons to say thank you.

10 reasons to say, thank you are:

Opening your eyes in the morning- you are able to live and see a new day

When someone holds the door open for you- it shows that there are
still courteous people out there

Receiving a compliment- the kind words may have been
just what you needed that day

Reaching into the refrigerator and finding something for
nourishment- a simple pleasure of life often taken for granted

When you really need someone to talk to and they answer the phone- you can now discuss what is on your mind and gain some valuable insight

When you have a reason to smile- life is short, relish those
moments

Having a friendly person who is willing to lend a listening ear-you can now vent and get something off your chest instead of internalizing it

When you have someone to share your life with- companionship is
very valuable and should not be taken lightly

Finding comfort in those closest to you- it is nice to have someone who can comfort you just by simply being in their presence

When you can find laughter even during those difficult times-
these are the times when laughter is the best medicine

I don’t know about you, but I can keep going with the list. How many more reasons can you come up with? Personalize the list and add to it or take some things away. Use it on a daily basis. Choose the ones that are most important to you.

As always, thank you for reading.

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Topic Words of Wisdom

Sisterhood in Mourning

Is Sisterhood a thing of the past? 
Judgements and criticism 
Are the reasons I ask 
Maybe it is due to stigmatism 

Why not encourage and support 
Things that can only uplift and empower 
Let's form a coalition and abort 
Foul behaviors of those who cower 

At the thought of us celebrating each other 
Knowing that love conquers all 
Lifting sister’s up one after another 
Silently they are hoping that we will brawl 

Congratulate your sister, do not frown 
Judge not your sister, hold your horses 
Let us not divide with in-fighting, settle down 
Already are we deemed unfit by outside sources 

Incapable of being amicable to our kin 
Women, sisters, confidant and friend 
I ask again, is sisterhood a thing of the past? 
Something so vital cannot come to an end

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Self Awareness Topic Words of Wisdom

Do Not Let It In

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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Topic Words of Wisdom

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

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Self Awareness Topic Words of Wisdom

What it Really Means to Be a Boss

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.

Green check mark sign png

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
hands holding a placard and a megaphone

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?

Can You Answer This? How Do You Measure Success?

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Self Awareness Topic Words of Wisdom

Did You Talk to Yourself Today?

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.

Talk to yourself.

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Topic Words of Wisdom

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.

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Self Awareness Topic Words of Wisdom

Keep Going- Motivational Message

Keep Going

Motivational video message about perseverance. Continue on and do not give up on your dreams. Enjoy!

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Topic Words of Wisdom

Curate Your Craft

How do you process your creative content? Do you record or write when the thought or idea strikes, or do you curate it until it is just right? Whether your craft is video, blogging or Podcasting. How do you curate your craft? The creative process is not the same for us all. That is what makes it so fun. We all have our own way of doing things. Keeps it interesting.

Which method do you most identify with?

  • The thought strikes and you jot it down right away or record content before the idea escapes. You post it quickly.
  • An idea comes to mind, you create a rough draft. Next, you let it marinate for a day or two. Then, you make a few edits and post.
  • A concept hits you like a brick. You save it and keep adding more to it, until you feel like it is just right. After compiling your data and putting it all together, it’s now day five. You finally post.
  • Or… this one is a doozy. You create your content and frame it up nicely. Publish/post it. After it is posted, you go back and make edits. So many edits, that it changes the meaning of what you were trying to say from the onset.

The examples above demonstrate how creating content can either be a quick process or a long arduous task. It really does not matter as long as you are satisfied with it in the end. Sometimes we feel like the content could have been better, longer, more precise and in-depth. It’s okay, we have other opportunities where we can do just that.

It’s called the “human condition” which makes us feel like we should change it. Make it shorter, add more to it or revamp the entire piece. As long as people enjoy watching, reading and/or listening, it’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up about it.

Enjoy the creative process. Curate your craft until your heart is content. Smile while doing it and share. You never know who will need to receive what you have put out there in the universe.

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Self Awareness Topic Words of Wisdom

The Season for Celebration

The Season for Celebration

**1/7/24 post updated: The Hannukah celebration by the Jewish community is not widely celebrated due to security reasons. The current state of affairs of the war, in no way is meant to imply that the Jewish community is the cause. My sincerest apologies to every and anyone who may have been offended. **

The time of year is here. The season of celebration, thankfulness, giving, family and reflection. We have all heard of Thanksgiving, Christmas and Kwanzaa. Among those, people also celebrate Diwali and Three Kings Day. I know there are other celebrations being had across the world. Hannukah is a celebration by the Jewish community. Unfortunately, due to the current state of war these may not be celebrated as widely, because of security reasons.

The point I am getting to, is that no matter what part of the country you live, we all have something to celebrate and be thankful for. The world is not perfect but we can all find at least one thing that is worthy of celebration.

Family

Family is a reason to be thankful. We do not always see eye-to-eye and agree on things, but family is a good reason to be thankful. Maybe, this time of year family can bury the hatchet and squash old beefs in the name of renewal for the new year. Release the weight and be free from the hold. You will feel so much better and be glad that you did.

Health

Celebrate health. If you are ambulatory and have full use of your limbs, celebrate that. You might be thinking, so what that’s nothing to celebrate. Just think if you couldn’t walk on your own. Having to depend on others to do for you. You will appreciate the use of those legs to drive a car, go to work, play with your small children. Taking a walk or even exercising.

Love

Love is a reason to celebrate. If you are coupled up, whether you are married or have a boo. Celebrate that love. Whatever that thing is that brought you together, reflect on it and celebrate in your own way.

The Season for Celebration

Every culture has their holiday rituals and traditions. If you are not in a celebratory mood, try to get out of that funk. It won’t be easy but find a reason to smile. If you haven’t been practicing your religion, go back to that. If you haven’t talked to your friends/family in a while, do that. The things that bring a smile to your face and make you feel good inside, revisit that.

Giving

Let me not forget the season for giving. It is not always about money. Give someone a smile or a compliment. If someone asks for your advice, give them true and sound advice. Hug yourself and say something nice. If you do participate in giving for the holiday season, give with a whole heart and not expect anything in return.