I’ll never forget the night of and day after the news, roughly two hours of sleep, taking 12 hours to barely finish what seemed like the grueling task of eating, one half cup of steel cut oatmeal and 9 or 10 blueberries. Spent the first 48 hours drowning in tears I wasn't familiar with that were birthed from the pit of my stomach, the deepest part of my heart (eerily similar to Angie's cry in that episode of "Power" when Ghost ended their relationship- ouch), questioning everything about myself and everyone around me, what did I miss AGAIN (shame on me) and why was I so devastatingly surprised that things ended the way that they did? Jasmaine asked me for the permission to speak freely, permission granted of course, as she told me that all along, I already knew. And she was right.
Read morefool me twice, shame on me...
Even in the midst of times of uncertainty found in the countless interactions I have had over the years, I am reminded daily of my worth, to never settle for being treated as a convenience or option over priority, and that a happier and even more blessed life full of what is truly meant to last awaits and is just beginning, because (though I choose others daily) today and always, I choose me.
"With love, take yourself seriously."
You don't ask someone to take you seriously, you demand that.
Best advice I ever got.
Read moreno one asked for your opinion...
Regardless of how you feel towards any situation, I’m just thankful that God or any Higher Power that resonates with you (if any), does not hold our past and present convictions, transgressions, and the hurtful things that we have said and done to ourselves and others against us or hold us to the same standards nor judge, label, criticize, or write us off in the same way that we do one another daily. We’d might as well give up now if that were the case... That’s favor, grace, and privilege for you.
Be objective, be kind. Say what you mean without being mean. Keep in mind that when you don't have anything nice to say, that does not give you permission to say it anyway. Because many times, no one asked for your opinion in the first place.
Read moreyear of "no"
No is universal. No has closed doors that were once open. No has created and maintained boundaries. No has given me a voice in situations that I have remained silent in. No has made me choose and realize that I have a choice. No has humbled me. No has made me ask questions. No has severed ties with what has died, planted seeds, grown new roots, and given birth to new possibilities. No has made me uncomfortable. No has held me responsible and accountable. No has taught me discipline and focus. No has challenged me and made me challenge others. No has reminded me of my worth. No has strengthened me. No has softened me. No has awakened me. No has proven to be golden, and most important- to me- no has provided peace.
Try "no."
Read morehere.
I know firsthand the dissatisfaction associated with my involvement in anything inconsistent with my core values as a human or that has distanced me from my true self, marked by an increase in stress and desensitization that I started to feel with very sensitive situations. All of which could only hurt the families that I worked with.
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