Month: March 2024

Categories
Topic

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.

Categories
Topic

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.

To relax or not to relax? That is the question

Categories
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.

Categories
Topic

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.

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
  • 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

Categories
Diversity Topic

Women’s History Month 2024-Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

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