Complacency Kills

I would say that nothing bothers me than when people complain about a situation but never do anything about. The fact is if you really want change, no amount of complaining or prayer for that matter will change anything if you do not take action of some sort. I don’t care if it’s an unhappy marriage, or a job you hate, your housing situation…if you are an able adult then you have the power to change it. Even if it’s not at the pace you desire change is possible. Waiting for the right time will have you waiting forever.  Just one small action will send a message to the universe that you indeed are ready for whatever it is you want. And once the universe knows you are serious about your intentions and being intentional than it will collaborate with you. It’s just that simple. Stop complaining and waiting for one day because one day will be your last day. Life is far to brief not try new things, go for what want, be with whom you want. In the immortal words of Jay-z… What the hell are you waiting for? 

One in a Million

Once again, I strayed from my blog due to my hectic life. That and I really love writing on paper with a pen so much more. It just is what it is. While I can say that right now I am oozing with gratitude, my heart is burdened with the fact that so many people I  know and care about are not living their best life. Either they are complacent (not content, but complacent) with working a 9 to 5 and paying bills, never dreaming or attempt more, or they are holding onto so much to the past, they cannot allow themselves to be happy. Either way, I watch them and it saddens me emotionally. But makes me feel suffocated for them.  We all have this inner power to create the life we want, but for some, it’s power never tapped into.  Sometimes you want to shake them and say, forgive, let it go, or take the talent and show it with the world! Damn it!

                When I become this frustrated, I have to detach myself, remind myself that it is their path, and only they must walk it.  Then I will myself into accepting it by focusing on the people are dreaming about it and doing it. Surround and immerse myself around people who are so vibrant, bold, and happy, that I have no choice but to not focus on the ones who aren’t. Still, it's a challenge when you see someone as a star, a unique a dynamo of fire, but they only see themselves as one of millions instead of one in a million.

Repeated Lessons

There have been a few lessons I’ve really learned so far this year, and I feel it’s only right I share them with my readers. The first is do what you love. I know this is my heart of hearts, but sometimes people can really trip me up. Anyone who knows me knows that I am juggling about 6 to 8 balls on average. I’d like to think that I am pretty good with the balance, I try to rest when needed, and I try to make the time I spend with other quality, versus quantity. But some people don’t make it easy when they make comments about being productive. The other day, someone said that I just leave my kids with anyone, and someone else said I’m never home. While there is some truth in be living much of the life on the run, I tend to involve both of my sons and family in many of my activities. And not that I feel the need to explain myself to anyone, but I write this to make a point, which was clearly re-iterated to me at the NAPW’s women’s conference that past Friday. Randi Zuckerberg (one of the original founders of Facebook) spoke about being an “AND” woman, stressing that we shouldn’t feel guilty about having interests outside of work and family and that those interests should be taking seriously. Now I’m lucky enough to combine works often, but sometimes the people closest to me don’t get that my poetry, my nonprofit, my empowerment, is not just a hobby, but it is work and meaningful, and I do get paid for it. That’s the great thing about it all, when you love what you do, even when you are exhausted, you still feel simultaneously energized.

This leads me to my second gem, which is to surround yourself with people who make you feel good, and who are like minded. Again, it sounds obvious, but it’s sometimes difficult because of where we work or live. But I find when I am around other teachers or artists, or moms who understand the struggle, and who have common goals, it feels amazing. AMAZING!!!! And there is a balance, you can be around those who are like-minded, but if don’t make you feel good,  and vice versa, conflict can arise. It can really be hard to distance yourself from the friend, lover, co-worker, or relative, but for your own sanity, you have to if they are toxic, or for me, if they do neither.

            

 And I’ve mentioned the last several times in the past…PAY ATTENTION! The universe/God/whatever your belief is always sending you messages in the form of nature, animals and other people. I often have conversations with people who validate what I already know but may not act on. So I frequently get gentle reminders. For instance, I had a conversation a few days ago and the woman told me that there are people out there who I was made to impact specifically, that when no one else will reach them, I will. She told me that what I do is the church because churches heal. Last month when I performed I was told my story was like going to church (Hear that bell ringing). And for like the 3^rd time a person mentioned that it’s time for me to get paid for what I do, to get paid a lot, and to not only rely solely on the satisfaction of helping others as payment. Apparently, I should be paid spiritually and financially and not feel guilty about it. How about that????

                So what do you think readers? Do any of these gems apply to you? Is there one that you think you should follow? Share!

No more guilt!

So it was much to my disappointment last night that I was amped up for about an hour to go somewhere. Then reality set in. I was exhausted and dozing off on a Saturday night at 10:30. I couldn’t even finish the lifetime movie I had started. Reluctantly, I surrendered. But even I as lay in bed I had to reason with and remind myself that I needed to listen to my body, which was screaming it was tired. Tired from working out strenuously for 4 days in the week; from being on my feet ( even if they are mostly flats) pacing back and forth as a teacher, tired from running after a 1 1/2-year-old, tired from traveling to rehearse for an upcoming play, tired of typing! Not only was my body drained, but my mind also needed to rest. During the week I’m up at 5:45am and I’m in bed by 11 or 12 at night. The only time I truly relaxing during those hours is when I sit on the couch with my baby while he dozes off on the arm of the chair. So I had to once again remind myself to keep my eyes on the prize. I kick ass during the week to make my dreams come true, to be the best teacher I can be, to keep myself healthy, and take care of my family. I have to rely on QUALITY time instead of quantity when it comes to the household. Therefore when the WEEKENDS…. So does my running around and being outside of my home. My Saturday and Sunday ( unless of course, I have an event) are dedicated to my the home front.  So if you don’t see much, this is why, and I am okay with it ( Most times ;)   EVERY NOW AND THEN I HAVE TO REMIND MYSELF THAT IF I WANT MY LIFE TO BE DIFFERENT I HAVE TO DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY.

No Limits for 2013

Wow, it's been exactly 4 months since my last post. Were you waiting anxiously for me? Probably not, but that's cool. Honestly, this blog is for my sanity, but I do share it because I hope that someone can relate and become inspired.

So, of course, I've been going full steam ahead.
 As I like to to at the end of every year, I'm reflecting on the things I've accomplished :

I enrolled full time in a Ph.D. program


I was a presenter for a large conference for people who work with incarcerated teen girls


I am at my most energetic and strongest body weight (not my lightest but my most powerful)


I rode a rodeo bull ( in public)

I hosted the largest attended Gifted Diva Showcase I have in 8 years


 I finally made it to the Harlem Book Fair as an author

I officially filed my youth program as a nonprofit

I helped to establish an entertainment business 

I published the bonus edition of my novella ( something I'd been putting off forever)




I completed Rugged Maniac 5k obstacle course!!!


I've continued to be a go-getter and I love the feeling and the rewards that coming with reaching my goals.


As I prepare for the new year, I will continue to work on being my best self and inspiring other people to do the same. My focus is on my studies, my health and fitness, and my art. I also want to do more fitness challenges, and more adrenaline infusing activities. I want to be sure I maintain that zest for life and to continue to grow as a person. Those are my goals!