Tag: empowerment

Categories
Self Awareness Topic Words of Wisdom

Tears of Understanding-A Poem

Tears of Understanding- A poem about judgments and cultivating relationships. Building relationships with people can sometimes be hindered by unfair judgments. We can avoid assumptions about each other by taking the time to have a conversation or simply asking a question.

Tears of Understanding- A Poem video message
Please don't misunderstand
what's that you hear
yeah, smothered 
tears tears tears

Please don't misunderstand
not being heard, but seen instead
seeing me me me

Please don't misunderstand
seeing me is not my clothes
not my hair
and definitely not my face
nah nah nah

Please understand
my brotha, my sista
Black woman I am
Boricua I am

My complexion mine
your complexion yours
my inflection mine mine mine
your perplexion yours yours yours

Please understand
you will never understand
the whys, I give benefit of doubt
because it was not given to me

Underestimated
Misjudged
Misunderstood
Even hated

Please understand
my silence, my strength
to the underlying slick tongue
the slick tongue that takes jabs at my person

Please understand, no overstand
my shoes you cannot walk in
they were not made for you
your shoes not made for me

Even still, you hold your truth
I hold mine, the same but different
tears tears tears, of not sadness

Tears for you you you
Judgments you hold for me
are really for you you you
Understand?!

Thank you for reading and watching! 🙏

As always, stay well and be blessed💖

Categories
Topic Words of Wisdom

Morning Affirmation

The affirmation for this morning is choose happiness and have a good day.

Yesterday is gone and today is here. Whatever happened yesterday, don’t let it weigh you down today. It was in the past and is now behind you. Now is the time to look up and look at today and ahead. We can choose to be happy. We can choose to have a good day. You decide on the fate of the day you want to have.

Thank you for reading! Stay well and be blessed🙏💞

Categories
Topic

Men’s Health Awareness Month

June is Men’s Health Awareness Month

Take a moment to think about where you are in your health journey.

🏥 Medical- Has it been over a year since your check up? Need to schedule a physical? Take time out to schedule that appointment.
Remind men in your family and your friends to get a check up as well.

🍲 Diet- this is a good time to think about the foods you eat. Are there things that you can remove from your diet and substitute for a healthier choice?

⛹🏾 Exercise- are you getting enough? Small steps can be the start of making better choices for longevity and a better quality of life.

❤️‍🩹 Mental Health- Feeling stressed or overwhelmed? If so, try to remove those stressful things or delegate those overwhelming tasks.

Don’t forget to do something that you like and makes you smile.

As always, thank you for reading. 🙏🏼
Stay well and be blessed! 💕

Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay

Categories
Info Topic Words of Wisdom

Try Something New for The Brain

Try something new

Trying new things does wonders for the brain. It helps us to grow and challenges us to break out of the comfort zone. Adding new skills helps to keep our brain sharp. Also, it can be scary to try something new.

All kinds of thoughts go through your mind. You question,
can I really do this? Why do I even think I can do this? Am I crazy, I can’t do this. Be careful not to talk yourself out of it. If you are thinking about changing your mind about trying something new. Just ask yourself, what is the worst that can happen?

If you succeed, great! If you fail, at least you know and can say that you at least tried. The failure is only when we do not try. Discovering whether or not we can do something is valuable information.

What happens when you learn something new

  • A feeling of accomplishment that you were able to do something you thought that you could not
  • You gain knowledge that you can use for the future
  • It opens new opportunities and sparks new interests
  • You can overcome fear and release that doubt in yourself
  • It helps our mental health by boosting your brainpower
  • Improves self-esteem

Things to try to give your brain that work

  • Drive a new way to and/or from work. Change your route so that you don’t have the same route home. If you know where all the potholes are and it is second nature, it numbs the brain right?! It requires no brainpower, where is the fun in that. A new route will require the brain to be more alert, and it will require you to think about where you are going
  • Learn a new language. This is fun and your brain will thank you. You get to have new conversations and make new connections. Even if you do not become fluent in a new language you have learned a new skill
  • Like to dance? Try to learn a new dance. It makes you smile, it is exercise and improves mood. Join a dance class if there are any in your area. Also, check out the many videos on the internet and try these at home too.
  • Try crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles as well. These give the brain practice too. Playing cards is another way to help boost memory.

Conclusion

As you can see, you don’t have to try something that is outrageous or outlandish. Start with something on a small scale then expand it to as big as you want. The important thing is to enjoy yourself and expand your brainpower.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Categories
Self Awareness Topic Words of Wisdom

He Can Take It Away

He Can Take It Away

The video message is about showing humility when blessings come our way. Be humble and grateful for all your blessings. Boasting and bragging is not the way. Just as quickly as God blesses us, he can taketh away. Celebrate and be happy for others the same as you would want them to be happy for you in return.

If this message resonates with you, please share with someone who you think may like the message as well. If it is on your heart, please leave a comment on how this message has changed you in some way or given a new perspective.

Video Message- He Can Take It Away

Thank you for watching! Stay well and be blessed! 🙏💖

Categories
Topic Words of Wisdom

Money Attitudes and How They Shape Your Life

Money Attitudes and How They Shape Your Life

The way we think about money determines how we move in life. If you feel that you should spend every dollar you make maybe it is time to change your attitude. Prices are skyrocketing on just about everything and this trend does not seem to be slowing down. Spending for housing, food, education and definitely commerce with the tariffs being assessed, puts a strain on finances.

With that in mind, it never hurts to have some kind of financial cushion. Do you save every time you get paid? If so, then you are heading in the right direction. What about investing? This one is a little tricky. It depends on whether or not you are willing to risk financial loses, along with returns.

Are you a chronic spender? Purchasing things that you don’t really need but want, just because you have money. Spending this way leaves you vulnerable in times of an emergency. If you spend, spend, spend and have no savings, try to work on putting something aside. Some people feel that they worked for their money, so why save it.

Ways to Save

  • Start small- save a reasonable portion every paycheck. It doesn’t have to be the same amount each time or a significant amount. Something that is comfortable enough for you to set aside. Whatever your starting amount is, work your way up each time in increments.
  • Open an interest-bearing account – this method ensures that your money will grow over time.
  • Direct deposit- if your employer offers direct deposit, have the amount you want to save come out of your check automatically and into a savings account. This way, you don’t have that money in your hand, but it will go directly into the account where you can monitor the growth.
  • Pay yourself- do not forget to pay yourself. You work for your money, so don’t forget to keep some for yourself too.
  • Investing- consult with a financial advisor about your level of risk before making any investments in stocks, bond, annuities, etc.
  • 401-K, Roth IRA- these are more long-term investments. The earlier you start on this the more you will have at retirement for those golden years.

The best way to ease financial stress is to first create a safety net. If you know that you have money set aside, you will not be so overwhelmed and stressed when those emergencies arise.

Living paycheck to paycheck is a reality for some people. A shift in attitude can turn that around. Start to budget your money and eliminate things that you don’t need. Before making a purchase, stop to ask yourself if this is a necessary expense.

The tax return refund is often a missed opportunity. Use the refund for saving and put it towards your safety net/emergency fund. Instead of spending it before you get it, put the money aside. At least, most of it. You would be surprised how this can jump start your savings journey.

Look for other ways to cut back on your spending. Little things add up and quickly. Start to keep track of your daily spending for two weeks. Review it and see where you can cut unnecessary spending. The economy is so uncertain in today’s time. If banks are unfavorable to you, do what works best for you to find alternative means of saving.

Yes, it takes work to change our financial situation. Attitude is the ingredient to making the change we want to see. No one else can do this for us. Start small and build from today. You can do it!

Image by muqadas Muqadas from Pixabay

Categories
Topic Words of Wisdom

Delicate Flower, She Be

Delicate Dandelion

Delicate Flower, She Be

You see her walking down the street
Purpose in her eyes
Meaning in her walk
Strut like you have never seen
Delicate flower, she be

Wearing her armor of protection
The look in her eyes lets you know
Back up or I will cut you
A face that tells you she means business
She ain't here for the games
Delicate flower, she be

Like the weeds that grow in your garden
The dandelions that grow in the empty lot on the corner
Growing in between the cracks in the ground
She rises up
Delicate flower, she be

Having the nerve to go where you wouldn't expect
She stands tall and firm
There are years that ask questions and years that answer
Looking at her reveals both; question and answer
Delicate flower, she be

Hard pavement of the concrete
Matches the hard look on her face
Meeting your gaze she stares back
Not a smile anywhere to be found
Delicate flower, she be

Inside she is just waiting for someone 
Someone that sees her and brings out the smile
Simultaneously holding her delicately and firmly
In full bloom as delicate as can be
Delicate flower, she be

Delicate Flower, She Be is written in response to the W3 Prompt #148: Wea’ve Written Weekly. Violet Lentz asks us to write about elements of the human condition and include at least 1 of 3 quotes in her guidelines.

Human condition elements I wrote about are emotions, social interaction, resilience and growth. How people can look so hardened on the outside but are really loving and kind on the inside. A smile is just bursting, waiting to come out at the right circumstance.

The quote I chose is by Zora Neale Hurston, “there are years that ask questions and years that answer.”

Image credit: by Josch13 from Pixabay

As always, thank you for reading! 😊💖🙌

Categories
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

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
Diversity Info Topic Words of Wisdom

The Six Triple Eight- A True Inspiration

The Six Triple Eight- A True Inspiration

Happy New Year! 2025 is here and I am grateful to see another year! I hope that this year brings everyone what they need. Whether it be love in your life, understanding, a roof over your head, financial blessings, mended relationships with family, friends, or loved ones Wishing this in abundance for you all.

The Six Triple Eight is a movie, inspired by true events. It pays homage to the black women who showed great strength, grace, beauty, humility and resilience. For those who are familiar with the story, what did you take away from it? A must see for those who have not seen it.

Much respect to the people who were there and served in the Six Triple Eight. Thank you to the producers, actors and everyone involved for telling the story.

Categories
Topic Words of Wisdom

Wake Up With Music

Wake Up with Music

Ever wake up and are not motivated? If this has happened to you, wake up with music. Try listening to music while you are getting ready for the day ahead. Sing along or dance. You will get your blood flowing and boost your mood for that much needed motivation.

Video Message- (Previously Recorded-11/21/24) Waking up with music

Do you have a morning routine that helps you face the day? Share with those of us who may need help. We all have been there at one time of another.

Thank you for stopping by. Stay well and be blessed 💞

Image credit: CDD20 on Pixabay

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 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! 🙏❤

The Game of Life; Are You Playing Offense or Defense?

Image credit: Image by Claude Mondestin from Pixabay

Categories
Topic Words of Wisdom

Thick Skin in the Creative Process

Thick Skin in the Creative Process

Thick skin in the creative process refers to your ability to let certain comments roll off your back. How you manage being judged on your creative work and/or projects. Especially when the comments are unfavorable.

Creative Pursuits

Creating something artful whether it be authoring a book, singing a song or performing a dance and sharing it is putting yourself out there. It is such a rewarding experience. No matter the way it turns out in the end, the sheer experience is life altering. Being in the public eye leaves you open to scrutiny. You will have people who like and support what you do and others who will not. Please understand that everyone will not have the same feelings and/or opinions as you.

I want you to be aware that with those supporters come people on the other end of the spectrum. Both are equally important. The supporters should be appreciated and thanked for their support. Please let them know that you are grateful for their support. For the ones who dislike your creative pursuits, just know that it comes with the territory. You have to take the good with the bad.

Keep your focus on the supporters but also be aware of the ones who are not a fan of your work. The reason is that you can use the unfavorable comments, reviews or thumbs down to your advantage. It may inspire you to add a different element to your next project. Maybe you can take that feedback and incorporate something new into your next book, post, song or art piece. Turn that negative feedback into a positive.

Be Inspired

Please remember that you cannot let those comments get into your head. The moment you do, you are done! Done! Because now the doubt, uncertainty and insecurities come out and you might think about quitting. It can be hurtful because you poured your heart and soul into it and then to have someone say something negative. Wow, what a blow. You know that you worked hard and did your best. Dotted your i’s and crossed your t’s. Rehearsed and proofread. You are satisfied with the end result, only to see that one negative comment/review.

What about the 10 positive ones? Do not forget about those. Focus on those but also keep note of that one because you can use that. Instead use that feedback to your advantage. Be aware of it but do not let it consume you. The love and support received from your work is motivating, it makes you smile and also keeps you on your toes. The universe is waiting for your next installment. The love and support outshine all else.

Think about it this way. You have a child and that’s your baby no matter what. No matter how old our children get, they will always be our baby. You better not say anything bad about our children, right. So, your creative project is similar in that aspect. It’s your baby, you love your baby and put work into it. To only have someone say something negative. Does that mean that you will stop loving your baby? Of course not. You get where I’m going with this?

Summary

Keep creating, keep pushing forward. Remember that the creative process is great, in that it teaches us, and we learn a lot from it. So many good things come out of it. It is therapy for some, hobbies for others, career driven too. No matter the reason, never stop believing in yourself. Continue on and let the thick skin in the creative process be your guiding light.

Rock Your Skill Set

Thank you for reading ❣🙏

Image credit: Image by ShonEjai from Pixabay