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Topic

Running the United States

Politics is not my thing; but the United States is. What I mean is that I am no political buff but since I do live in the US, I take note of the changing times. The land of the free and the home of the brave. The land of plentiful opportunity. The United States is such a progressive place. A place where many immigrate to for a better life.

In the years lately, I find myself scratching my head wondering why this country continues to drown in debt, homelessness is growing, housing costs are high. What about Veterans? What do they get after fighting for the people? The country is guided by old principles that are centuries old.

Fair living wages are an issue. People are striking in the auto industry and writers as well. It is a domino effect and all trickles down to affect everyone in the end. If you think for a second that it will not affect you too, wake up!

The United States of America has three requirements to be president. You must be at least 35 years of age, must be a natural born citizen of the United States, and have resided in the US for 14 years. I’m sure there are other rules to hold this seat but those are some of the basics.

Running the United States

Three points to review

Must be at least 35 years of age. Yes, this is reasonable. On the other side of things, there should be a cut off age. As humans, when we age, certain things start to decline. Health, cognitive function, etc. The older we are the less apt we will be to make certain decisions and perform certain tasks.

It’s time to shake things up and revise these rules. At the time of inauguration, Barack Obama was 47 years of age, Donald Trump was 70 years of age and the current POTUS, Joe Biden was 78. The median age should fall somewhere between 50-55 years old.

Must be a natural born citizen of the United States. Yes. Absolutely. A criteria that should be in place. It makes sense.

Must have been a resident of the United States for 14 years. Again, yes good rule. It makes sense for someone making decisions for and about the country to have lived here for over a decade. At least they will have some idea of what goes on and how things are done. They can identify the areas and opportunity for change.

Three points to consider

Age Limit. As I mentioned earlier, should there be an age limit due to the decline in functions as we age. Yes, the world is continually being ruled by older and older people. We need some middle ground with younger people, while maintaining the minimum age of 35 years.

Legal trouble. Should there be a rule about certain legal troubles? If the person in office is charged with a crime and later found guilty; are they still allowed to hold the seat of president?

Financial Crisis. How does the US run up such a tab and owe astronomical amounts of money. The trillions…We, as a country are in debt but manage to help other countries. How does that work? It’s always good to have ally countries, yes. When is the United States going to lower its debt?

Running the United States needs an overhaul. If we continually rely on antiquated principles and laws, will we ever progress? The world is changing constantly, as such, some of the laws need to be re-written and updated. The way of life centuries ago, is not the same as life today.

Image Credit: PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

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Topic

Before Spilling the Tea, Uplift Me

Before Spilling the Tea, Uplift Me

Spilling the tea requires no skill
It's just gossip at its best
Before you take me on this downward hill
Let me kick back and rest

The tea is a slippery slope
I can drink it black, herbal or with milk
After it goes down my throat, I'm able to cope
With the trolls and their ilk

Tea is supposed to relax and soothe
Use it to uplift the spirit and drown out the ugly
It's not meant to browbeat and bruise
Sip, sit back, kick up the heels and get snugly

Before spilling the tea, uplift me

---O'Nika McGill---

Image credit: Joni Ludlow on Unsplash

Before Spilling the Tea, Uplift Me is written in response to Sadje’s prompt.

http://lifeafter50forwomen.com/2023/09/18/what-do-you-see-204-september-18-2023/: Before Spilling the Tea, Uplift Me
Categories
Words of Wisdom

Message of Motivation

Instead of saying or believing,

“I can’t do it.”

Try saying, “I can’t do it yet!“

Categories
Topic Words of Wisdom

Quote of the Day-Change

“In the waves of change, we find our true direction.”

— Author Unknown

The one thing that we can always count on in life is change. It is inevitable. No way to escape or ignore it. Opportunity presents itself in those waves of change. We can adapt to it and make the best of it, or we can use it to find a new direction. Unfolding discoveries about life and ourselves will afford us the chance to learn what we may not have otherwise known.

Image credit: Pexels on Pixabay.

Categories
Diversity Topic

Hispanic Heritage Month dos mil veintitrés

Hispanic Heritage Month September 15-October 15

Late September into early October is the time of year for recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. The Latino and Hispanic American community has made many contributions for the betterment of America. Originally, it started out as a week-long celebration in 1968. Two decades later it became a month-long celebration, declared by President Ronald Reagan.

The reason Hispanic Heritage Month starts in the middle of September, is because it coincides with independence of countries like Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile and others.

We can see the added value in education, music, food, and the entertainment industry. The contributions by the Hispanic and Latino culture go hand-in-hand with the success of America.

This post was originally published in September 2022 on Inspire By O’Nika

Categories
Diversity Topic Words of Wisdom

World Afro Day

September 15th is World Afro Day. Embrace those curls and natural hair. Let your coils, twists, braids, locks and afro shine. Wear your style proudly. Natural hair has a story and it is not just about the aesthetics. Although, it doesn’t hurt. It’s about much more. Think culture and history.

Black people and some people of mixed-race who wear their natural hair have faced discrimination because of their hair texture. Michelle De Leon started World Afro Day back in 2017. It is a cause to raise awareness and to educate about afro-centric hair. Society has instilled shame on people who have kinky or tight curly hair. It has long been a thing that if you had “textured” hair that you should implement some kind of straightening. Methods such as using a hot comb to straighten hair, or applying chemicals like Vigorol liquid, and relaxers are used.

These methods are harmful because there is risk of burning the scalp and skin. Not to mention, the long-term effects of the chemicals in these straightening products. Some people felt like they had to conform to societal pressures in order to get hired for a job. Also, to feel accepted.

Women from some Hispanic cultures, like the Dominican Republic also are stigmatized for having curly hair. They have faced pressures to have bone straight hair; hence the blow out styles. These blow outs use excessive heat which can have lasting damage to hair.

On World Afro Day, show your pride for afro hair. Post pictures on social media or share your hair experiences with others. The more people who understand about the afro hair culture the more will accept and embrace it. Rock those afro puffs, cornrows, box braids, afro or whatever style you wish! Because you can!

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Info Topic

Simple Time Saving Tips

Running behind in the morning?

Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay
  • Iron or steam clothes for work the night before. Include shoes and any accessories. Getting out the door will be much easier when you already have these simple steps done. You don’t have to waste time looking for anything, it is already laid out.
  • Prepare your lunch the night before. Put your lunch in the bowl with anything else you need in the fridge overnight. In the morning just grab the already prepared portion and add anything else you want and go. Easy right?!

Feeling tired after work?

  • When you get home, before starting your home job, take a quick shower. You will get a burst of energy and be better equipped to handle your home obligations. You will have a refreshed mind to check homework, cook, and/or whatever other chores need to be done.

Need more time during the weekends?

  • Break up laundry duty by doing a load or two midweek. This way, when the weekend is here you will have some laundry done and have extra time to spare for more fun activities. If you are feeling really industrious, do one load a day and you may be finished with laundry by the time the weekend is here.
  • Going to the supermarket? Prepare a list before walking out the door. (I know this is old school). It is very helpful because you don’t forget to pick up certain items and you only get what you need. It saves time also from walking down each single aisle looking for items. On the other hand, order your groceries online. All you do is submit the order and drive to the store and have the items loaded in your vehicle. No fuss.

I hope these simple time saving tips can make your life easier. If you have some tips that you use, please share.

Thanks again for stopping by.

Ways To Save On Gas
Gas Saving Tips

Categories
Topic

Can You Answer This? Are You an Introvert or Extrovert?

Are You an Introvert or Extrovert?

Do you consider yourself to be introverted or extroverted? Of course, we can be both. Do you think introverts are naturally shy people and extroverts are obnoxious?

Image by Disappearing Diamonds from Pixabay

Introverts tend to look inward and may be socially awkward. They rely heavily on internal thoughts and rarely seek outward stimuli. An escape tactic that introverts use is to let their thoughts wander. They also prefer time alone and it often gives them renewed energy. People may view introverts as withdrawn, due to their quiet nature.

Photo by Diego Rosa on Unsplash

Extroverts, on the other hand, are social butterflies. They thrive on social interaction and seek out social situations. They are outgoing and expressive individuals. Oftentimes, problems they may encounter are easily shaken off. Extroverts appear to be confident people.

Can you answer this? Are you an introvert or extrovert?

Categories
Self Awareness Topic Words of Wisdom

The Door is Open. Why Don’t You Come?

The Door is Open. Why Don’t You Come?

Sunday; a day of rest
Come dressed in your Sunday best
The doors of the church are open
Walking through the door, appreciation of token

Monday, starts the work week
Get your body and mind in gear
Walk through the door smiling
Awaiting life lessons are near

Tuesday, one workday down
Come to yoga class or meditation
The exercise will release any trepidation
about the upcoming week ahead

Wednesday, mid-week is here
Unload your cares on me
Free your body and mind
Come and talk it out

Thursday, one day away from the weekend
Tidy up any closet clutter
Bag up those old clothes
Take them to the donation center

Friday, well what else is there to say
The weekend has arrived
Come over for cocktails
We can talk and just vibe

Saturday. Thought you would never show up
Come in, take a minute to reflect
Spiritual, work, body and mental health
Aspects of cleansing and socialization 

Just remember, the door is open.
Why don't you come?


The door is open. Why don't you come was first published on Inspire By O'Nika and written in response to Sadje's prompt.  https://lifeafter50forwomen.com/2023/08/14/what-do-you-see-199-august-14-2023/

Image credit; Simon Berger @ Unsplash

Categories
Topic

Can You Answer This? How To Pick Between Two Things that you Want Equally?

Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay

How do you pick between two things you want equally?

Hmm, decisions, decisions. Well, you are faced with the difficult choice of deciding which of two things you can have. Why not have them both? Sure, that’s the easy choice. But let’s consider, for a moment, that you can only have one of the two. Do you meditate on it, compare the two with pros and cons? Maybe you think of which one would last the longest or bring you more happiness. Do you take a practical stance, or do you decide to just wing it?

What method do you use to make a decision?

Categories
Topic Words of Wisdom

Compassion

Image by Goran Horvat from Pixabay

COMPASSION

Compassion

outweighs

malice

plus

A

simple

smile

infuses

our

nation

Categories
Info Topic

How Old Is Your Makeup?

How Old is Your Makeup?

Cosmetics

Lipstick, eye liner, mascara, foundation, blush. How old is your makeup? Products that we purchase and use on a daily basis do expire. We carry them around in our purses and keep them at home in the bathroom cabinet or on the dresser. Have you thought about how long you have been using that tube of mascara? Is it dried out? Does it have a different smell to it?

Stop and consider that cosmetics have a shelf life, just like groceries. Old makeup can cause a host of problems. The longer you keep the makeup the more bacteria build up is likely.

If your skin is prone to breakouts, it may be due to wearing old foundation or blush. If you develop styes on your eyelids, it might be due to eye liner or mascara. Eye makeup laden with bacteria can cause eye infections and/or pink eye (conjunctivitis).

How long to keep cosmetics

  • Mascara-After opening, can last from 3-6 months.
  • Eyeliner- After opening, 3-6 months for liquid. Pencil liners can last about a year.
  • Foundation- can last anywhere from 6 months to a year for liquid. Powder can last up to two years.
  • Lipstick-After opened can last 1-2 years.
  • Blush-After opening, can last up to a year.
  • Eyeshadow- can last up to 2 years.

Things to consider

  • Change your pillowcase often. Dead skin cells are just lurking on your pillowcase. Flip it over and/or shake it out every day. This will help to reduce skin breakouts or rashes.
  • Every night, wash makeup off. Do not sleep with makeup on your face. Sleeping with makeup on can cause clogged pores and make your face more prone to blemishes or skin redness.
  • When purchasing makeup. Put the date down somewhere so you know when to replace makeup after opening.
  • Do not share makeup.
  • If your mascara dries out, do not add water. Replace it with a new tube. Adding water will only help bacteria multiply. If you notice a weird smell to the mascara, it is probably time to replace it.
  • Clean and/or replace cosmetic brushes, sponges and applicators often. The more you open a powder foundation and apply to your face, the more bacteria can get into the case.
  • Most makeup tells you on the packaging how long it will last after opening. There will be a small icon on the packaging with a number followed by an M. This is a good indicator how long it will hold up after it is opened. Use this information and try to remember to replace it within that time frame.

Following these guidelines will improve our skin and help to keep it healthy. I know we cannot always remember but just stop to think about it when you are applying these cosmetics. Your skin will thank you and you will notice a difference.

Eye Lashes, Brows, Lips, Butt and Fingernails

Categories
Diversity Topic

Black Business Month

Black Business Month

Image by No-longer-here from Pixabay

Black business month happens in August. Let your entrepreneurial spirit shine. Support Black businesses. Research some of your favorite black owned brands and spread the word. Some businesses to check out are:

Buy From a Black Woman

This organization helps black women start and/or build their brands. They accomplish this by hosting workshops, providing videos and webinars. This company is an inspiration to help current business owners to keep their businesses afloat as well as expand. Check out their website below for more information. Looking for a Black owned business, check out their directory. Buy From a Black Woman also has merchandise, which helps to promote their company. Empowerment is another way they are helping the community through their grant program. Check it out.

Buy From A Black Woman

Clothing company that uses recycled material. Check it out.

par Bronté Laurent – Bronté Laurent (parbrontelaurent.com

Need Notary Services

If you are in the New Jersey area and need notary services, look no further. Contact Carla Atkins-Bland for your document needs.

Carla Atkins-Bland, Notary Public in Willingboro, NJ 08046 (snapdocs.com)

Business Resources

Thinking of starting a new business? Maybe you are already a business owner and are looking for resources. Check out score.org to help with increasing your business success or aid with any challenges you may be facing. Take some online classes, watch webinars or check for upcoming events in your local area.

Home page | SCORE

Clothing company for men and women. Joggers, short and long-sleeved tee shirts, hoodies and caps made to order. Check out the website to choose your logo, size and color.

Check out Home | LHJR (square.site)

Women owned clothing and accessories company. Check out the website to see what kind of petty fits you. Have fun.

Check out God Ain’t Petty, but I Am®️. The Best Petty Tees in the World. (godaintpetty.com)

Categories
Topic

Things You Never Say to a Woman

Don’t you dare say that!
Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

Things You Never Say to a Woman

It can be hard to know what things are okay and not okay to say to a woman. If there is any doubt about it, just keep it to yourself. I urge you not to do it! Some of these things may result in you getting a slap across the face or cursed out. The most important thing to remember is not to intentionally hurt someone’s feelings. Just think about how you would feel if someone did or said these things to you? I’m giving these examples in humor but make no mistake, tread lightly.

When is your baby due? This is a major no-no. Only ask this question when you have heard it directly from the expectant mother. If you do not have first-hand knowledge of the fact that a woman is pregnant; keep your mouth shut! No one says anything about your beer belly. What about that?

Image by No-longer-here from Pixabay

Is that your real hair? What! Of course, it’s my real hair. Either I grew this organically or I bought it. Therefore, it makes it mine and real. If there is any question in your mind about it don’t let your curiosity get the best of you. As long as it looks good, it doesn’t matter if it was bought or grown.

Is that what you are wearing? First, be happy that we are gracing you with our company. Do not question our choice in outfit. It sets a bad tone for the rest of the evening. Second, let’s not mention, the times you have made some questionable choices in outfits. Just saying!

Any statement that starts with, “for a woman…”. Oh no, this is bad. You never want to preface anything with, “for a woman…”. What do you mean?!?! Example: for a woman, you are a good driver. Psst, there is this rumor going around that women are bad drivers. Can you believe that?!

This is a never do. Never touch a woman’s hair without permission. If you want to draw back a nub or two, just try it! We do not want you pawing through our hair, unless we invite you. A time commitment is involved to get our hair manageable and to our liking. Don’t think it’s open season to come over and start messing with it. Remember this.

Closing Thought

Lastly, I would also like to let women know that you never ask a question that you do not want the real answer to. You know the one that is often asked. “Does this dress make me look fat?” Don’t do it to yourself.

Hope you all got a laugh or two. Even though some of these things are funny, just stop and think before saying a word.

Strange Things People Do

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Topic

Sadfishing; Genuine Cry for Help or Crying Wolf?

Genuine cry for help or crying wolf? Photo by Joice Kelly on Unsplash

Sadfishing; Genuine Cry for Help or Crying Wolf?

Sadfishing is when people post themselves on social media crying or in an emotional state. It can be used as a way to garner sympathy or attention. Some people do this in an attempt to get attention for a problem that may not exist at all or may not be as bad as they are making it out to be. Yes, this is a thing. Validation is a motivation for some individuals that do this.

On the other hand, there are people who are genuinely in a bind and are in need of help. After sharing a situation or problem, the individual may feel better. This is a form of release. They feel better because they have made people aware of what they are experiencing.

Crying Wolf

It can be hard to discern from someone who just wants attention and those who really do have a concern/problem. Some people put the issue out there because they are genuinely trying to find a solution. Maybe, they have tried several ways to remedy a problem to no avail. It never hurts to ask and maybe someone out there will have the perfect solution.

Is it right or wrong for people to air their problems on social media? For the ones who are genuinely going through something in life, they can open themselves up to predators. Predators who will try to take advantage of you during a vulnerable state. It may also result in cyberbullying. People may make comments ridiculing you for what you have put out there. Let’s face it, social media is not the most forgiving of places for sensitive situations.

Emotional post. Image by 巻（Maki） from Pixabay

Final Word

Sadfishing is a thing. You may call it a cry for attention but in some instances, it is a genuine cry for help. Though, it is unfortunate when people use this tactic and are in no distress. It’s just a way to play on the emotions of others to see if someone really cares. The instant gratification of posting on social media, makes it very tempting to employ the tactic of sadfishing. For the most part, everyone has a cell phone and/or computer these days and instantly see posts of their followers/friends. Sadfishing; genuine cry for help or crying wolf? What are your thoughts?

Behind the Screen of the Electronic Age