an OdE to my GiRlS

Can I just say having true blue girlfriends in your life is a must. There is nothing like having a great conversation over a glass of wine and good food with your girls. It's like they make everything right with the world. You bounce your feelings and thoughts off of them and they not only give you the much needed vaildating "hmm hmm girl" but they 'one up' you with their own experiences and feelings on the situation.

Without the women in my life holding me down... goodness, no words come to mind besides: PanDemoNium

I'm not talking about the ladies you come in contact with on a daily basis; "how are you?" "oh girl you know same ol' same ol'"  No, I am refering to that chick that tells you, you look a hot mess and in the same sentence makes you feel like the most amazing person on the planet. She confirms that you are insane and therefore making you feel completely in control of your life again. The friend that will wake up out of her much needed sleep and COME GET YOU just to have a conversation that could have easily waited until the morning. HER! And if you don't have HER go get one.

MUCH THANKS TO ALL THE HER's IN MY LIFE! LOVE YOU ALL... more than words can express.

tHe PoInT oF iT aLL...

LiBeRtY

I came across this fantastic quote today:

"Seek freedom and become captive of your desires. Seek discipline and find your liberty." ~Frank Herbert, Dune Chronicles

Freedom is probably one of the most misunderstood truths in life. No one is truly free in this life, we are trapped by imperfection. The only liberty possible is through self discipline and humility. After a chat with an old associate, I realize how important humility is. It allows you to try your absolute best without waddling in failure.  Meaning you know your limitations, what you are and are NOT capable of, and it's ok. What you are not able to accomplish does not take away from what you are able to do. Self discipline of your emotions and actions come into play when communicating with others. Have you ever overreacted to a situation and later became disappointed with the way you responded?  When you are able to control yourself, express and represent yourself in the way you intend, there is a sense of accomplishment... of liberating value.

A ballet dancer, an opera singer... do you think there is no training involved in accomplishing their artistry? EXTENSIVE training in fact! But once they are on stage belting out those beautiful notes in high C or flying through the air with perfect form... they will tell you there is no better freedom then in those moments. How did they accomplish that?

SELF DISCPLINE!

It's something to think about.

in critical condition

In watching the reports on Haiti, I can't help but look at the bigger picture. On a worldwide scale natural disasters are becoming more and more severe and more frequent. Have you checked out weather.com lately? 

There is no protection, ice, snow, mudslide, hurricane, toranto, wild fire, earthquake, flood, tsunami...

Just here in GA it went from icy 19* to today's expected 60* within a 2 week period... it's January.

Are you prepared for what nature is throwing at us?  Staying healthy is a huge factor in being prepared. Having the strength to weather the ups and downs can be difficult. Stay fit folks!  Do you have the need items if the lights go out? What if you're stuck indoors for several days? 

Just a reminder people... take heed to the things that are taking place.

words to live by...

Do people actually live by values and principles any more?  Don't you feel like someone needs to tell folks how to act these days?  Pass it on...
1. Be Impeccable With Your Word

Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don't Take Anything Personally

Nothing others do is because of you (veryyyy rarely!). What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

3. Don't Make Assumptions

Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. Always Do Your Best

Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

Only the Brave dare to Love...

Thanks to everyone for sticking with me on into 2010!! It took me a minute to get back to you guys. Trying to figure out what direction 2010 will go... LOVE. Love is the theme: 1 Corinthians 13 tells us what love should look like, the qualities of love.

Of course my girl Lauryn interupts that in "Tell Him" :::

As you listen to the words you hope that you can apply them to yourself.  One thing I know for sure is that only the brave dare to truly love another. It takes courage to give when you get nothing in return. In a world where very few seem to possess the tools required to apply love, to give love, to use love to benefit, to rebuild, to uplift. Be BRAVE!  We are all soldiers... what are you fighting for in 2010?

Check out the Offical Sade Video for "Soldier Of Love"

I've lost the use of my heart
But I'm still alive
Still looking for the life
The endless pool on the other side
It's a wild wild west
I'm doing my best
I'm at the borderline of my faith,
I'm at the hinterland of my devotion
In the frontline of this battle of mine
But I'm still alive
I'm a soldier of love.
Every day and night
I'm soldier of love
All the days of my life
I've been torn up inside (oh!)
I've been left behind (oh!)
So I ride
I have the will to survive
In the wild wild west,
Trying my hardest
Doing my best
To stay alive
I am love's soldier!
I wait for the sound
(oooh oohhh)
I know that love will come (that love will come)
Turn it all around      ~Sade "Soldier of Love"

Keep Looking In The Mirror

Gabrielle Union posted this blog: Keep Looking In The Mirror
This really makes me wonder if people realize how other people truly view them.  Like do others not realize that we put the pieces together of your life and pretty much know what you're about after a few conversations?  Do people really buy into what other people tell them is important or real?  I truly hate it.. HATE IT, when people want you to believe their reality... when they themselves are self-delusional. Interesting how Lauryn Hill's words constantly ring in my ears

"It took me a little while to discover
Wolves in sheep coats who pretend to be lovers
Men who lack conscience will even lie to themselves, to themselves
A friend once said, and I found to be true
That everyday people, they lie to God too
So what makes you think, that they won't lie to you"