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Poetry Self Awareness Topic Words of Wisdom

The Salon Chair

The salon chair

In the salon chair
Close your eyes let your cares fly
Fly far away and down the drain

Tears chasing thoughts
Thoughts undealt with for years
So relaxed in the salon chair
Not caring who hears

Hears you release pain, regret, disappointment,
Hurt, dreams unfulfilled
Like water, let it flow freely down your cheek
After all who will notice

In the salon chair, scalp being massaged
Forgetting where you are you begin confessional
Spilling details most dear to your heart
In hopes that those hands can relate

The hands of the person in your proximity
Letting you be free with your truths
She or he listens with understanding
Empathy, caring and non-judgement

They know this is your time
Time to let your hair down
Relax, talk, cry, listen

In the salon chair
Where best kept secrets are kept
Never revealing the tears that wept

The smiles, the laughs, the shared tea
Moments at the salon that involve three
The chair the stylist and me
No other entity compares

In the salon chair
Like therapy in many ways
Going in one way and leaving another
Altered both emotionally and physically

Hair looking fresh to death
Feeling and looking your best
You smile and your strut beams confidence
Suddenly you remember to keep your head up

Image by Michelle Raponi from Pixabay

Categories
Self Awareness Topic

Public Service Announcement- Who Are “They”?

PSA- Who are “They”? asks the questions about how society puts a certain demographic of people in the same group. The talk in this post is not my usual content but I felt the need to speak on this topic. I have been seeing and hearing people on various platforms discussing this, and it piqued my interest.

Are black men being judged unfairly? Are they being crucified by public opinion? What do you think? Is there some magical potion or spell on black men being cast by “They”? Just curious about your thoughts on the subject. Please share your perspective.

Video Message- Who are “They”?

As always, thank you for watching! 🙏💗

Categories
Self Awareness Topic Words of Wisdom

Mind Your Words

Ever wonder if your words leave a lasting impression on people? The short answer is, yes. So, it is with this video message I am talking about how to mind your words. Be mindful of how you speak to others. If you approach someone in a disrespectful or condescending manner, you most likely will not get the result you want. Words heal and they can hurt.

Video message- Mind your words

As always, thank you for stopping by! Stay well and be blessed 💞🙏

Categories
Self Awareness Topic Words of Wisdom

The Unveiling of You. No More Thread, no More Glue.

Unglue and Unsew

The article today, titled The Unveiling of You. No More Thread, No More Glue is strictly for women who are frustrated in the dating game. They are looking to make a romantic connection but are feeling left out. The ones who feel like they should receive all the attention. The women who feel that they are attractive but are being passed over for simple, plain looking women who do not measure up, in their opinion. Let me explain.

If you are trying to make a meaningful connection, one of the things to do is to distinguish yourself from everyone else. Enhancements we add to our overall look can determine whether we blend in or stand out in the crowd. Wondering why men pass right by you? It might be because you look exactly the same as every other woman in the room. Present yourself in a way that is different from the others.

Try surveying the room and see if you are looking at the same image as yourself, do you wonder why? Everyone in the room is wearing the same style weave or wig, layers and layers of makeup, long false eyelashes, extra-long fingernails and 5 inches of “baby hair” or edges and plumped-up lips. Before anyone gets upset; there is nothing wrong with wearing wigs/weave/hair extensions.

Unglue and unsew and see what you discover. Just try it. You might just love who that person is underneath the false eyelashes, weave, extra-long fingernails, layers of makeup and exaggerated plumped lips. Do you even recognize her anymore. Don’t get me wrong, there is no crime in looking good and feeling good about yourself. All I am saying is when is it too much. Do you spend a small fortune on all the enhancements to still be lonely.

Frustrated and Pretty

Women who refer to themselves as “pretty” are pretty frustrated. Again, I am only addressing the ones who are in the dating game. Despite the things they do, the pretty women feel like the simple, basic looking women are the ones receiving the attention. Possible reasons below may reveal the barrier to meeting that special someone. Think about the things below:

Frame of Mind

Do you have the attitude that you are better than everyone else in the room? If you are attending an event and turn your nose up at everyone else, because you think you are the best looking one there…. Guess again. No one is discounting the fact that you may be attractive, but an attitude like that makes you appear ugly to others. Remember, every person has something unique to offer. Just because you are attractive, does not mean that every man will automatically approach you. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Posture

Are you approachable? Are your face and lips twisted? Do you have your arms folded? Is your back turned? Do you look friendly and smiling? Are you slouching? Body language is an important cue that we sometimes miss and do not think about. If you look like you do not want to be bothered and have a mean look on your face, who will step to you? Think about it for a second. If men are passing you by and going over to other women, take a moment and check your body language and posture.

Set Yourself Apart

Unglue and unsew, remove the false eyelashes and wear your nails short to medium length. Do away with the long edges/baby hair and use lip wear that does not contain plumping ingredients. Why blend in with the same look as everyone else? Do something different so that you do not look like everyone in the place. You would be surprised at how much money and time you can save from paying for that expensive weave and sitting in the salon for hours on end. There are so many styles you can do with your natural hair, no matter how short or long it is. You might even like your natural hair much better.

Worldly

Are you materialistic? Do you don designer apparel from head to toe? The purse cost $800, shoes $250, outfit $400. If you present as someone who is donned in all designer apparel, men may shy away from you. The reason is that they see their pockets getting empty already. Before they speak a word, they know they are going to be broke. You may not be materialistic, but strangers do not know this. The man may see this and think that you are going to drain his money. The saying, ‘not to judge a book by its cover’ comes to mind. Although it is not fair, it happens all the time.

New Things

Give someone other than your usual type a chance. If the type you normally go for approaches you, so be it. Carry on a conversation it doesn’t hurt. Alternatively, try giving the men you normally do not go for a chance. Don’t shoot them down before they can finish the first sentence. You might be surprised at how much you have in common with him and what a deep connection the two of you share together.

Outlook

Try an experiment for two weeks or a month. Unsew and unglue. Reveal the person underneath all the extra stuff. See if any of these changes make a difference in how you feel and/or improve your chances of making that special connection that you are seeking. The simple, plain looking women are looking for that special connection the same as you. Do not be mad at their approach. Find what works best for you.

Full disclosure: I can speak to this because I was guilty of some of these things in the past. I have either experienced these first-hand or have observed these behaviors. And before anyone jumps to conclusions, there is nothing wrong with wigs/weave. I too have wigs and have had my hair braided with added hair. No judgement. The information contained here is to illustrate a point.

Love yourself and all that you are. If you don’t who else will? 💛💖

Thank you for reading! 🙏💞

Categories
Self Awareness Topic Words of Wisdom

When We Pray

When We Pray

Prayer is so helpful and freeing. Just know that God answers prayer. We have to also remember that we must prepare to receive our blessings. Work must be done beforehand. Be grateful for the receiving, no matter how long it takes. He is in control.

Video message-When We Pray

Thank you all. I appreciate you stopping by to read and/or watch my content.

Continued blessings to all ❤❤🙏🙏❤❤

Categories
Self Awareness Topic

Indecent Exposure in the House of Worship

Indecent Exposure in the House of Worship

How Did We Get Here

House of worship

How did we get to the point of indecent exposure in the house of worship? It never used to be this way but as you can see, “times done changed”. But on a serious note, churchgoers should not be exposed to this lack of consideration. We have elderly people attending church and families with small children. Why does Mom have to cover her child’s eyes because a woman is walking down the aisle, half dressed.

We need someone at the door to check for appropriate attire before being allowed admission. Simply to ask people to cover up. I’m not suggesting coming in with a turtleneck sweater and a dress or skirt that is as long as your ankles. All I am saying is to show less skin and cleavage, and not have on see through or tight-fitting clothing.

Video message-Indecent Exposure in the House of Worship

Indecent Exposure

People attend church services for various reasons, it is plausible to think it is mainly to hear the word, be filled with the spirit, receive their blessing, give tithes/offerings and to be a blessing to others. Right? In some cases, it is true. Some of us have witnessed people using church as a meeting place. A place to meet a romantic partner. Well, ok I can see the appeal of that. Some men feel that good wholesome women can be found at church. Conversely, women feel that they can find a good husband. Yes, this is very possible.

The only caveat is that some women show up at service dressed provocatively, attracting attention. But what kind of attention are they seeking? They may come to church in hopes of finding a husband, but the choice of clothing or lack thereof may deter those would-be husbands. Going about it in this way may have the reverse outcome. Instead, of meeting someone who you can have a long lasting and meaningful relationship with, you may attract the ones only looking for a “good time”, if you get my meaning.

Final Thought

The point I am trying to make is that the house of worship should be free from this kind of behavior. Some of the fashion is down-right disrespectful. If you want to wear tight-fitting and see through clothing and dress in a provocative way, there are plenty of other places for that.

I appreciate you and thank you for reading! ❤🙏

Please let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment or subscribe to receive new content when it is published.

Image by Vincent Ciro from Pixabay

Categories
Self Awareness Topic Words of Wisdom

Can You Answer This? What is the Best Decade of Your Life?

Can You Answer This? What is the Best Decade of Your Life?

Joyous Life

Life is a funny thing. It is so unpredictable. It comes with joys, bumps and bruises. We go through ups and downs, but we still manage to continue to live on to see another day. Can you answer this? What is the best decade of your life?

Was it when you were in your 20s, 30s, 40s or beyond? Most people are still figuring things out in their 20s and having fun. Some of us were starting a family in our 20s and some getting married. Education was a front-runner for others, while family took a back seat.

Maybe your 30s was your best decade. Did you meet the love of your life in your 30s. That career you always wanted was front and center and you could not be happier. Reuniting with a long lost relative or friend has changed your life immensely; in a good way of course.

The 40s brought you a mended relationship with someone very special to you. You are now in the home you always dreamed of. Maybe, a goal that you set for yourself has come to fruition and you can be proud of the hard work you put in to obtain that goal.

Wherever life takes you is where you are meant to be. We can try to plot and scheme certain things but ultimately it is up to the creator who is always in control.

As always, thank you for reading! 🙏❤

Image credit: Image by Claude Mondestin from Pixabay

Categories
Info Self Awareness Topic

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Video message-Breast Cancer Awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Some things you can do would be to get screened by having a Mammogram. Also, perform home self-breast exams. Show you support by being there for loved ones, friends and family. If you choose to make monetary donations to a foundation or organization that is great, too. We can show support by being a listening ear, lending a hand and checking in on those who are diagnosed with breast cancer.

Thank you for watching.

Stay well and be blessed.

Categories
Self Awareness Topic Words of Wisdom

How Are You? Awareness Recap

How Are You? Awareness Recap

Do you ever stop to check in on yourself? Really think about how you are feeling. The video message highlights a few points to really get you thinking about how to be optimistic and look on the brighter side of things.

As always, thank you for watching! Stay well and be blessed!

Categories
Info Self Awareness Topic Words of Wisdom

Healing the Inside-Video Message

Healing the Inside-Video Message

Thank you for stopping by to read and watch. Stay well and be blessed.

Categories
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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Self Awareness Topic

Back to Basics, Why Representation is Important

Back to Basics, Why Representation is Important

Back to basics, why representation is important takes a look at how we represent ourselves. I do not mean in a court of law but in general day to day life. We say so much without speaking a word. Just by how we present at the first outward appearance. Like it or not, we are judged before we utter a single word. However, I do not agree that we should be judged in this way, it does happen.

It brings to mind the saying, “do not judge a book by its cover”. I agree that one should not be judged by how we appear. Unfortunately, it does not work that way. People form an opinion of us within the first few minutes of meeting us even before we say our name. Which is why I think bringing it back to basics is important.

Take the Time

Take the time to iron or steam clothing before leaving the house. It doesn’t require a lot of time to do this. It is one of those small details that sometimes gets overlooked and seen as unimportant. Presenting yourself in ironed or steamed clothing sends the message that you do care and you took pride in how you represent yourself.

If you show up to an important meeting or appointment and are in wrinkled clothing, do you think you will be received well? Take the time. The person(s) you are meeting may perceive you as being lazy, unprepared, or incompetent.

Leave the Bonnet Behind

Leave the bonnet behind when going outdoors. The bonnet, head scarf, head wrap, whatever you like to call it is meant to protect and preserve your hair while sleeping. Wearing this outdoors is not a good look. Just imagine you slept in the bonnet then go out shopping. When you get back home, you will sleep in that same bonnet and bring all those pollutants back into your house and into your bed.

It also sends the message that you weren’t too bothered or concerned with combing your hair or putting it in a ponytail. We want to be taken seriously and showing up anywhere but the hair salon or hospital with that bonnet on is not the way. Medical and religious reasons are excluded for the purpose of this post. Back to basics, take the time. Even if that bonnet matches your outfit, leave it at the house. This is not a fashion accessory.

Sleepwear; Oh Dear!

Sleepwear like pajama pants is made for sleeping. So many people are outside wearing pajamas at restaurants, shopping, appointments, etc. You slept in those and went to an establishment and are going back into your home and will sleep in those same PJs. It only takes a few minutes to put on apparel meant for the outdoors. Yes, they are comfortable but when you are seen outdoors in PJs it sends the message that you just woke up and went out without the proper basics.

Although, we do not sleep in our bed slippers I have to add this to the list. Slippers like the fuzzy pink or black ones with the toes out are meant for the house. I know you just got your toes done and you want to show them off. Throw on some sandals or flip flops. Also, the cute fluffy animal slippers. Those slippers ae cute in the house not outdoors picking up all kinds of dirt and germs that you track back into the house.

The Basics

The basics are simple and short steps we can take before presenting ourselves to the world. We are human and no one is perfect. We can bring it back to basics with these small details. There are times we will skip certain things for various reasons. We might not feel well, or wake up late for work, etc. We must give ourselves grace.

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Self Awareness Topic

Mental Health and Well Being

By now, most of you know that the month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month.  It is the time of year when we check in on our wellbeing. This includes psychological, emotional and physical health.   

What exactly is Mental Health? It is how you feel on a daily basis.  Your overall state of mind.  Are you happy, sad, depressed, feeling anxiety, etc.  Our state of mind determines how well we can adapt and deal with challenges that come our way.

Please know that mental health are two words that are healthy and not dirty words. Some people shy away or feel like those are forbidden words. The more we embrace the concept the better we can understand it. It can lead us to learn more about ourselves and learn to open our minds and hearts.  

How about we assess how we are doing mentally?  I propose an assignment for the next few days.  Keep a journal of how you are feeling. You can use your cell phone or write it in a journal, whichever you choose.  Note any events that caused a change in mood.  An event that made you happy or something that was stressful.   

The purpose is to take note of your general state of mind so that any concerning areas can be addressed.  Depending on how far or deeply you want to go, you can pursue counseling, behavior modification and lifestyle changes.  Try exercising, a change in your eating habits.  Getting on a regular sleep schedule.  Engaging in things that make you most happy.  If that means more social outings, then just do it! Get out more, socialize with friends, family, colleagues.  Your happy place might look very different in comparison to others. You might be most happy at the gym, working out or joining a Yoga class.  Maybe you are a dancer and like to join a Salsa class. 

Mental Health Awareness

  • A-Ask yourself the question, “How am I really feeling?”
  • W- Wake up with a spirit of hope
  • A- Aim to find the positive things in your day
  • R- Relax and be kind to yourself
  • E- Exercise forgiveness of others and yourself
  • N- Negativity has no place in your life
  • E- Express gratitude, be thankful
  • S- Say no when your plate is too full, and you are overwhelmed
  • S- Start looking at the glass as half full and build on that

The month is almost over but that does not mean that we should stop caring about our mental health. We need to be aware of our overall well being all year long. Start today and see what a difference it makes.

Within you is the power to control your happiness.  

Categories
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.

Categories
Self Awareness Topic

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.