Choices☝🏾

We all have a choice. You can make the choice to do nothing or decide to make a change. I’m trying to make better choices, be persistent in reaching my goals and work at taking better care of myself. Overall, I just want to feel better🤜🏾 I went today and stocked up on healthy meals, mainly breakfast and bought some water to hydrate myself. If we continue to look in the mirror, and reach out to the person we see we’ll always see something we need to improve on. Being content isn’t wrong, but that’s boring. 🤷🏾‍♀️ I’m finding things to motivate me, like my vision board and sticky’s on my bathroom mirror. I have friends who encourage me. I know what I want and I know in order to get it I must put in the work. Let’s not just talk about it, let’s be about it. No matter what you’re trying to accomplish, I’m with you 💯. Girl, we strong and have what it takes! Again, it’s our Season to thrive, prosper, excel and be happy.

#noexcuse #justdoit #winning

#BLESSINGS🙏🏾

Everything....

FAITH🙏🏾 Is EVERYTHING.... I must trust it, believe it and exercise it. So much happens on a daily basis which we can’t control. Tomorrow isn’t promised and today isn’t over. We live in a cruel and selfish society. I thank God for His mercy and grace. You’ll probably see many posts on prayer and Faith because to me it’s EVERYTHING. Yes, we must do our part in being better, treating others with respective, obeying the commandments, feeding our spirits and thanking and praising our Father. We’re human and make mistakes, that’s o.k. But, let’s be accountable and acknowledge the errors of our ways so we can make corrections. Redeem ourselves with God! When making decisions we hope it’s the right one, sometimes they work out others not so much. That’s life🤷🏾‍♀️  However, when those not so good times don’t work out I believe God will turn it around in my favor. When it’s out of my control I work at letting go and letting God.
Be encouraged~

#BLESSINGS🙏🏾

No Shame🤦🏾‍♀️

It’s no secret I’m praying, hoping, wishing for my Boaz. I think it’s normal to want that special someone to share the good, the bad and the ugly with. I personally believe God meant for man and woman to love and cherish one another. I do try all the time to improve myself so when the opportunity present itself I’m ready. Of course, there’s always room for improvement and  I want my significant other to know I’m not perfect and don’t aspire to be.  I just want to be a better person I was the day before. I want him to accept all my flaws and still love me to the moon and back. I want him to know I have his back and when he’s weak I’ll be strong and vice versa. It saddends me relationships seem so insignificant now days and no one wants to fight and be in it for the long haul. I refuse to believe there’s not a man out there for me, for the single women wanting their Obama. I’ll continue to work on me and be ready. I won’t give up or give in until I get mine. I want the walks in the park, eating cotton candy together at the amusement park, being lazy  and cuddling in front of a fire, praying together, laughing at his silly jokes, cooking homemade rolls and embracing the love we’ll share. The disagreements I’m not afraid of as long as we respect one another. The differences that make us unique as long as there is consideration. I look forward to looking in his eyes and saying, “I love you” while he’s looking in mine saying, “I got you”!

#BLESSINGS🙏🏾

Present Mood....😀

So, for myself I’ve been thinking and thinking about getting back into the grind of things. I’ve been very lazy, let’s just put it out there, about working out and participating in the programs I’m affiliated with. I always, always feel better mentally, emotionally and physically when I do workout and participate in events. So, why am I not doing these things? Of course, we all have options and are responsible for our own decisions. I’ll be mad come Summer and I’m still in the same space😬  I know it won’t get done unless I make a move. Today, I attended a meeting to “get back in the grind of things”. I’ve pulled out my agenda to start writing my meal plans. Now, I just need to jump on my treadmill and get to walking.🏃🏾‍♀️Nike’s phrase “Just Do It” will never grow old. I feel better than yesterday by taking the first step. Let’s do this ladies. 🤜🏾 We must keep it moving and take control over our Social, Professional, Spiritual, Economic and Personal lives.  Keep a Sistah in 🙏🏾 and give me a call just to say, “Dodie or Sandra, you on that treadmill? How you doing Sis? I’m ready, you ready?”  Do you have anything you’ve been procrastinating on? Any tidbits you wanna share? Let’s talk~

#BLESSINGS

Apologies....

When I read the clip below I immediately thought about a card I received from a former friend (it happens ). 🤷🏾‍♀️ Anyway, in the card she wrote, “I’m sorry we argued, but I think you need to learn [...].  Yes, she might have been sincere I just thought the rest could’ve been omitted from the card. I took as a backhanded apology.   Also, if you keep apologizing for committing the same offense over and over then it’s just thoughtless.  IJS... Some people might say they apologize to keep an argument from continuing and what not, but I think you’re doing a disservice to that person and yourself.  If they keep doing something you don’t agree with don’t get mad because you never expressed your dislike.  IDK about the card because and I need to let it marinate some more🤔.

What’s your thoughts on apologizing?

#BLESSINGS🙏🏾

Just breathe.....

Life happens and we take on so much until we sometimes feel stifled. We need to search for that peace and that inner freedom to release whatever is keeping us from truly living the life we always dreamed of. These obstacles and challenges we face will probably always be a stone throw away, but if we can find a balance and meet them head on I think we can exhale. It’s difficult and exhausting having to battle it seems for everything we’re reaching for and frankly I’m tired. I keep praying, keep hoping for a peace I know is meant to be mine. At times you might feel heartbroken and defeated and wonder what’s it all for. We mustn’t give in or give up. You’re stronger than you know Sisterfriend and you’ve survived through it all. Keep fighting and knocking down barriers intent on keeping you from having your due. Yes, these are spoken words and we’ve all felt anguish at a point in our lives. Trust and believe it too shall pass, hopefully, soon! I pray for you🙏🏾 You pray for me🙏🏾 We pray and agree in Jesus name for His grace and mercy🙏🏾 Prayer is the key, Faith is what unlocks the door🙏🏾

#BLESSINGS🙏🏾

Patience🤦🏾‍♀️

Patience I can’t claim, but I try and I’ve gotten better. However, as we’ve all heard and learned Gods timing doesn’t always match up to our timing. We need to think positive and block out all the negativity. It so easy to see bad and misery loves company. I try on most days to start my day out thinking it’s going to be a good, productive day and leave all my worries behind. Does it always work? No!  Again, I try and like everything else, it’s a “Work In Progress”. Let’s try to focus on the good, not allowing others to steal our joy. Remain confident in all we do and strive for better. We live in a cruel world where hate, negativity, violence, and things not of God seem to overrule what’s right. Together we can pray and be in agreement that love, kindness, joy, and success will prevail in Jesus name🙏🏾 We must not allow the devil to win😬 Take hold of your feelings and emotions not giving in to society and all the things that is not of God so we can persevere. It’s so easy to give up, or maybe not, but we have to push through. We’ve come this far and invested so much to allow it to be in vain. So many have fought and lost their lives so we could live and reach our goals. This journey called life might be a rough and at times difficult road to travel, but we’re blessed. Many haven’t made it this far or gave up when it became too much. God rest their souls. I refuse to give in and I believe, “I’m going to have a piece of everything I want, it might not always work out, but I’m going to have it anyway”.  Don’t give up! We’re in this together. I am my brothers/sisters keeper. Call when you need a friend.  Call when you want to pray🙏🏾 Call on God! He’s always available and always listens.

It’s Time⏰⏱🕰

I don’t know about you, but in 2018 I heard many people exclaiming they were so over it and how awful it was. Or, how they didn’t think they’d make it and some even professed how 2018 left them feeling broken. Now, we can’t walk in one another shoes and feel the pain inflicted during a struggle. However, we all endure challenges, but we just take a different route while working on figuring it out or getting rid of it. I think many of us realized some things in 2018 and decided to take ownership and control back over our lives. You might not have intentionally given up those rights, but somewhere along living life you lost focus or maybe thought you were making the right decision that didn’t turn out as expected. It’s cool! It happens! But, now that you realize a change is needed it’s time to take hold of whatever is keeping you from reaching your full potential and remove it. It’s easier said than done and it’s a process. Don’t get discouraged because as I’ve always heard and believed, “don’t nothing beat a failure, but a try”.  Do you Sis~ It’s our Season and we will survive~

#BLESSINGS🙏🏾

Be encouraged....

Triple D’s

Good Morning,

You know we all strive to do better, be better and make the world a better place. However, life happens and things shift and we must rearrange things in order to make it through. Because, we have no control how some things work out we must play the hand dealt to us. At times it all seem impossible and there are days you wonder if all you sacrifices were in vain. It’s easy to get discouraged and throw our hands up. Remember, you’ve gotten this far and the hurdles you jumped, the barriers you’ve knocked down and the prayers you’ve sent up have all strengthened and prepared you for the rest. I know, easier said than done. We can’t give up. We must hold on and keep on fighting. We’ve invested too much in this life to allow everything to go to waste. Be encouraged!

#BLESSINGS🙏🏾

Relationships...

GM,

Lately, there has been an overwhelming online interest in other people’s relationships. I follow Blair Nash, Derrick Jaxn, Black Love Doc (who now has a a dating app), Stephan Speaks and Paul Brunson. I find others stories quite interesting to listen to, but I also find the response from these coaches interesting. What satisfaction, if any, do you get out of reading these posts? It’s very sad so many are searching for love and it seems out of reach. But, you have so many giving their opinion because they’re in a relationship.  One thing they have in common is “Be open to stepping outside the box, especially when it come to dating outside your race.” 🤔 I’ve thought about this comment over and over because I wanted to be fair to myself and honest in my response. Although, we have or at some point have had a list of criteria when choosing a mate I don’t believe it dictated what race we are attracted to. I don’t think you can control who you are attracted to. This is an emotion whether drawn by comfort, trust or some other kind of uniqueness that makes us us🤷🏾‍♀️ I make no excuse for it. However, I find it fascinating that 99.9% of the people, if not all, who I know and  who always provide this advice are with someone of the same race. 🤣 It’s funny how everyone in a relationship has an opinion. Were you this vocal when you were single? I was told statistics show there are as many men searching for a relationship as women. Where’s the disconnect? Because, if you have all these single ass people searching for love then it shouldn’t be so hard to connect. IJS.....

Life...

Good Afternoon,

I always try and add some type of message to my posts and for the most part I believe some of us, if not all, can relate on some level. But, listen Sis we are doing the best we can. Yes, we all can use some encouragement, motivation, support and understanding. However, no one can walk in your shoes. No one can really feel what you’re feeling even if you’ve shared your struggle. Life is hard and at times we don’t know how we’ll make it through. All I can say is, keep praying, keep trying, keep fighting and never give up. Although, I pause and wonder when are things going to come to fruition I’m still claiming 2019 as OUR season. Trust that! Women have been battling since the beginning and it’s time for a breakthrough. I want mine and refuse to give in. I will get everything I want.  I have to believe that. Let’s pray and agree this year we’re going to accomplish goals, succeed beyond what we’ve dreamed and claim all our heart desires.

God bless🙏🏾

Current status🤷🏾‍♀️

On numerous occasions I’ve heard people say, “learn to love yourself”, “find out what you like”, “be your own company” blah, blah, blah Well, exactly how long is this cycle supposed to last? It takes time and space to free yourself of whatever is plaguing you and to understand the nuances that make you the person you are. So, to say you haven’t taken the time to do all those things and more is simply ludicrous, to me. But,  just because people take time to do all these things alone doesn’t mean they want to continue being alone. It’s great you’ve learned who the real you are and what your worthy of. It’s great you enjoy your own company and work only on pleasing yourself. However, I would think everyone would want someone to enjoy doing things with. Sure, you don’t stop living because the opportunity hasn’t presented itself, but get real.... No, being “Single” isn’t a disease and no one has the right to make you feel less just because you are.  Hell, some wear it like it’s a badge of honor. Your prerogative👍🏾  But, why would you want to?

Check☝🏾

Good Morning,

Do you ever take time to check yourself? People are good at projecting themselves on you, but have you taken a self check to ensure it’s what others want🤔 My point is this.....we need to look in the mirror more often to see if the person looking back is everything you hoped for. I highly doubt it, because no matter what there’s always room for improvement. I try myself not to ask of anyone more than I’m willing  to give. But, I do take stock of what I’m offering and at a minimum hope I’ve improved from the day before. Not striving for perfection, just improvement. I’m always talking about the J.J. effect,  “Judge & Justifications” Before you decide to judge anyone, which we’re not supposed to, but find it as easy as swallowing be sure your shit is on point. IJS.....

Haven't you heard....

Everyday is a good day because God made all days. 🙏🏾 However, some days don't seem as good as others and there lay the crux of the matter.  On those not so perfect days it takes great fortitude to get through. How do you cope? Most times we've already experienced this type of day and know it too shall pass. We know this because we've gotten through it before. I know prayer is the first weapon, but what else do you do? Workout the frustration? Find comfort food? Lay in bed? Have a drink? Hey, no judgement! My motto has always been, ”whatever it take to get you through as long as you stay in control and not allow whatever you choose to control you”.  We all deal with things differently and what might work for you won't work for others. Arghhh.....

What I’d like to say is this, ”don’t ignore your feelings”, ”don’t ignore your mental health”, ”don’t be embarrassed or ashamed if you need to speak to someone”  Your mental health is as important as your physical health!

Speak It...

Recently, I attended an event where I created my first vision board and as the days passed I added to it. However, after looking at is several times I decided to start over with specific things I wanted in my life. It’s still a work in progress, but I want to make sure when I get up each morning and look at this board hanging on the back of my bedroom door that I’m staring at exactly how I picture my future. Additionally, I have posted stickies on my bathroom mirror with messages I know are important to me. They’re not there to remind me, because they’re things I won’t forget. These things are my life, present and future. I’ve posted them so I’m not just thinking them, but speaking them each morning, several times a day. I’m speaking life into these things that are so crucial. Haven’t you heard how powerful the tongue👅 is?

”I Am Woman”

Good Morning,

Have you ever felt yourself transition? I remember the first time in my life I knew I was experiencing a change and I had the fortitude to embrace it. It took some time and a lot of questions and tears through the years, but I've learned to listen to my body and recognize my emotional and mental state.  Now, the transition I'm referring to isn't physical and I'm not sure I can fully explain. However, I'm hoping someone can relate because I think we as women should all experience it.  It's like the moment I knew I was reaching a knew level in my life.  Its like a light bulb went off. Eventually, I did make some life changing decisions, but I don think I would have been able to if I hadn't gone through this transition. I knew my strength, I knew what I was capable of. These days I pay more attention to myself and try to get a grasp on my emotions before they spiral out of control. Of course, I pray a lot. In church Sunday one of the Saints made a statement and its taken residence in my mind. She said, ”Prayer is the key and Faith is what unlocks the door”.  I love sharing things with my girlfriends and women in general. We are some very unique individuals. Most times we have gone through the same thing not necessarily traveled the same path, but can relate to a situation. When I think of women, specifically my girlfriends, I think of The Golden Girls, Sex in the City, Set It Off🤣  Ladies, let's support one another, encourage one another, laugh with each other and more importantly, be there for one another.

Don't forget to get your mammograms, paps or whatever wellness check you need. Although, I get all my annuals I can definitely be taking better care of myself. That's what I'm working on. What about you?

Forgiveness....

GM,

Last night in conversation with a friend something came to my mind. I'd made a statement I’d apologized to someone, but still carried the guilt. Then I'd expressed I didn't believe I’d ever asked God to forgive me of what I was apologizing to this person for. I said, maybe if I did would I finally be free to forgive myself and let it go.  Many times people walk around with guilt and try making up for an indiscretion by doing things others either hold over your head or take advantage of. 

Only God can redeem us! 

I find when you do something others don't agree they judge you, however, when they do it then its justified. Pick a side....IJS🤷🏾‍♀️

Let’s Pray🙏🏾

Good Morning,

Many of you know and have joined me in prayer on Wednesday’s @6 a.m. and it has truly been a beautiful and rewarding experience.  I believe in prayer and I believe there is Power🤜🏾 in numbers. There’s no call in and other than myself no one knows who all participates, however, I will tell you we have grown.  Sometimes we need others to pray for us or we may not know what to pray for. There have been times I just get on my knees and be still because God knows my heart.  I’ve also come across prayers of circumstance I might be inclined to pray. I hope you join us in praying to the Almighty.  Be encouraged and God bless🙏🏾

Amen🙏🏾                                        
Author: Devon Franklin

Finding Me.....

Good Afternoon, 
I was so undecided about what I wanted to post today until I became a little frustrated. You see I was so wound up last night until I couldn’t sleep and was literally looking at 4:30 a.m. on my phone🤦🏾‍♀️
Anyway, I was thinking about meditating which I’ve done on several occasions, but I didn’t.  So, I was like what is the reason I’m so discombobulated, unable to stop my mind from thinking so much until I’m losing sleep? Recently, I’ve been trying to make sure I take time for me. Hey, when you’re so use to doing for others it’s a struggle to just concentrate on yourself. Many times we say, “I’m going to do what makes me happy”.  But,  do we really know what it is? I know we think it might be as simple as getting a mani-pedi (which I love), having free time away from the kids and grandkids or taking a trip, however, I think we need to dig deeper. To me those things are just of the surface. Let’s face it, if you keep revisiting the same question, “what makes me happy” then you haven’t identified what’s at the root of it all. Now, if there was an easy answer I believe sleep would come easy, stress would be a stranger rather than a companion, muscles would be relaxed vs. coiled. You get the point! I’m praying hard y’all and thanking God for His mercy🙏🏾

Question?
Have you searched within yourself to know what truly makes you happy? 

Honestly, I don’t believe it’s just a couple of things and something you must continuously work at discovering. And, once you do then you have to nurture it. IJS.....

“Us”🤜🏾

When I decided to start back blogging my mind was solely on the conversations I’d recently had with a few women.  I was like, “these are great conversations I want to share”.  It just so happen to be #InternationalWomensDay2019 and I celebrate us.  I hope as I move forward on this journey you’ll follow me and join in the conversations.