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.
As always, thank you for stopping by! Stay well and be blessed 💞🙏
Closed minds; bondage. Open hearts; freedom.
Let Freedom Lead is written in response to a word prompt by Shweta.
Saturday Six Word Story Prompt (6WSP) #114 – Nov 30, 2024 – My Random Ramblings
Thank you for reading! 🙏💕
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.
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.
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.
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Image by Vincent Ciro from Pixabay
Is it ok to complain about how things are in the world and your rights, even when you do not bother to get off of social media for an hour to make your voice heard, at a minimum of once every 4 years? 🤔
Hmmm, what do you think? I pose this question as it relates to voting. Some people complain about their rights and how they do not have this or that. Also, about how things are in the world. Ok, so I wonder if these same people are making their voices heard. Are they getting out there, at the basic minimum of every 4 years for the presidential election. I am not including any other election like the primaries or local elections. Just the presidential race.
What do you think?
As always, thank you for reading. ☺🙏❤
Got jokes? Show your chops and tell a joke on August 16. Help keep the love and smiles coming by spreading the joy of a joke. Share funny memes or gags on August 16 to celebrate.
Laughter is the best medicine. Today we can make each other laugh and smile by sharing bits of humor. Want to brighten someone’s day by making them smile? Try telling a joke. I’m always up for a good laugh, how about you?
Telling jokes is harder than you might think. Comedians everywhere make it look so easy. Something that you might find funny and get tickled by the next person may not find funny at all. It’s that moment you deliver the punchline, and you hear crickets? After telling your joke, the last thing you want to hear is silence. Instead, go for laughter and smiles. A rupture of laughter, smiles and stomach-holding is the reaction you want to go for.
Personally, I look at the delivery of the joke. Two people can tell the exact same joke but if one of them is very monotone and robot-like and the other is more animated and livelier; usually the more effective delivery method to illicit laughter is the livelier of the two. What do think makes the best way to tell a joke?
Have you ever tried telling a joke and it was a bust? If so, how did you recover from that and how did you change your strategy? Also, do you think someone who has a more serious personally can effectively tell a joke and make others laugh?
Thank you for reading. Stay well and be blessed!
If you receive a gift certificate to the gym from your husband or wife, how would you react?
A gift is a gift, right? So, it may seem, but if you receive a gift certificate from your loved one to work out, how would you feel? Would you be happy and accept the gift or get upset by the implication. It can go either way. You decide. What’s your response?
Thank you for reading. Stay well and be blessed.
Reposting this in light of another tragic and unjustified police shooting of Sonya Massey. A black woman who called police because she thought there was an intruder outside her home. Calling police for help and sadly, she lost her life that day.
Rest in peace, Sonya Massey and countless others who have lost their lives by the hands of police.
Let’s take a minute to bring attention to something that is happening all over the country. African Americans have lost their lives due to police brutality. It does nothing for the officers who honor life and truly believe in the notion to protect and serve. When you see officers on both sides of the coin, how do you discern between the ones who uphold the law and those who do not?
Being in a role of authority, there comes great responsibility. Responsibility to uphold duties for the community in its entirety. More frequently these days this is not the case, the opposite is happening. Basic human rights are being taken away at the hands of people who took an oath to protect and serve. Preserve life, not take it away.
Too many times, certain people take their authoritative position to the extreme. When people see you, they should not fear for their lives. They should have the opposite feeling of comfort and/or safety. When people see you, they should not run away from you. Instead, walk towards you with a general feeling of trust. What happens to the world when the people who are meant to be in place to help others are the real perpetrators!
It is a form of abuse of power. Taking advantage of individuals because you are in a position to temporarily control a situation. Using phrases such as, “I felt that my life was in jeopardy”, as an excuse. An excuse to beat, choke, kneel, shoot, choke and kill another human being. And, why? Because you can. Because you hide behind a piece of metal that you wear on your chest. You escape prosecution because you are upheld by some who wear the same piece of metal.
Protect people, preserve life. That piece of metal does not give you rights to take another’s life. Those people have families, just like you. Some also have children, just like you. They have people who love them and are looking forward to them coming home safely. What kind of protection are you providing when people have to take out their cell phone to record a routine traffic stop? Disrupting people’s lives with your contempt is not acceptable. What happened to trying to restore order by using the least amount of force? Thank you to the officers who help people, who are serving all people. To the ones who are not, shame on you!
As a uniformed person, working under the law. Honor that! Serve the people. Serve us with dignity, respect, kindness. I know there are encounters that you experience where you are not met with kindness. You are trained to handle these situations. This is what you signed up for and are trained to handle such situations in the least harmful way.
I implore you to approach your daily interactions, while on the job with humility. Please, do not wake up and put on that uniform with contempt and hatred for people and your profession. If you find it so hard to go into it with some semblance of humanity, stop and think. Think before you take someone else’s life. Stop and ask yourself if this is the profession for you. We all deserve to live. We all deserve to go home at the end of the day.
Let’s take a moment to remember some of the people who lost their lives due to brutality.
Tyre Nichols
George Floyd
Tamir Rice
Eric Garner
Sonya Massey
Walter Scott
Breonna Taylor
Sandra Bland
Philando Castile
Protect and Serve was originally posted on Feb 11, 2023.
Eye contact is an essential part of communication. It is a non-verbal way to connect with each other. As vital as it is for effective communication, it is sometimes overlooked. No pun intended. How much importance do you place on the use or lack of eye contact in conversations? Do you prefer people to connect via eye contact or the averted look?
Some people feel uncomfortable making eye contact or when someone looks at them too intently. Shyness is one reason why people may avoid eye contact. I’m sure if you ask around you will get varying reasons of why people prefer not to make eye contact. You may think it is rude or downright disrespectful. Anxiety or nervousness are also causes for this type of avoidance.
Lack of eye contact is a tactic of narcissistic individuals. Not to say that everyone who avoids making eye contact is a narcissist, as there are many reasons for this. It is used to up play the narcissists feelings of importance. By avoiding eye contact while speaking with others shows that they are not interested in making a true connection with the person to whom they are speaking. It makes them feel superior with a thought such as, “I do not need to look at you, I am above you”.
Weigh in on this and share what you feel on this topic.
As always, thank you for reading.
Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
Optimistically
Viewing
Everyone
Rallying
Surely
Having
Absolute
Determination
Optimizing
Wisdom
Overshadow was written in response to Sadje’s prompt, what do you see?
Image credit: Tom Barrett on Unsplash
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
January 10th is National Houseplant Appreciation Day. All of us do not have green thumbs but there are plants out there for everyone. Some plants require more attention than others. The basics are water and sunlight. Let’s look at the helpful benefits of plants.
Houseplants give us a sense of calm and they also produce oxygen. If you want to observe National Houseplant Appreciation Day on January 10th, start by buying a plant if you do not have any. For the plants you already have, make sure they have water and the right amount of sunlight.
You might want to spruce up the place with the purchase of an added plant for the house. Consider gifting a houseplant to someone. This also might be a good day to teach your children about growing houseplants. I will admit, I do not have a green thumb, but I take my time and go slowly with nurturing and taking care of my plants.
Health benefits include mood boosting, removing dust particles from a room, added moisture during those winter months, fragrant plants for relaxation and medicinal plants like Aloe. Also, some plants help to clean the air and make breathing easier. Simply put, adding some greenery to your space has many positive benefits.
Don’t forget to talk to your plants. You will feel better, and it will make you smile too. Plus, they look and smell nice too.
Add some greenery to your space at home and try your hand to find your favorite plant variety. They are great stress relievers as well. Can you see the helpful benefits of plants and all their uses?
