I Survived Twenty-Five

The day started off so promising on my 26th birthday. I woke up. Put on a new outfit. Posted some pics to Instagram. Returned phone calls and messages. Went to work. Left work early. Treated myself to some Thai food. Had a one hour Swedish massage. Drove home. Took a nap. Got up from my slumber excited to get ready for dinner. My phone rang. I picked it up. I threw it down. Cried. My grandma died. Tragic. What a way to spend your first day of 26--right ?

With all that going on I barely had time to bask in the day of my birth, let alone that I was a year older. Yesterday, two weeks after my birthday, it hit me that I was 26. I had to say it out loud to remind myself.

Oh ---25 taught me so much. I mean--I am a completely different person . And I kind of like her. She's much more hip.

When I was younger I always imagined that I would be married with my first child by 25. I thought I would be in a flourishing media career, traveling the world, writing big checks and taking Oprah's place. Now some parts of this premonition came true and other parts didn't-- at least not yet. My younger self would be so disappointed. There is not a handbook on what to expect for this pivotal age. No two journey's are the same. However, I can offer this bit of advice--the best way to learn about life is to live it. Here are a few things I learned through my quarter-century living.

1. It’s ok---- to not be ok. Sit in your feelings. Then get up and go.
2. Change---embrace it.
3. Things will go wrong.
4. When people hurt your feelings, you don’t have to hurt theirs back. Pick and choose when to be petty.
5. Embrace now. Live in the moment.
6. Don’t fret or panic over things you can’t control.
7. Listen more than you talk.
8. Nurture your relationships.
9. You won’t be the first or last person to experience disappointment.
10. Be an original. No one likes a carbon copy. 
11. Don’t give up on people too easily.
12. Live in your truth.
13. Be nice. Even when you don’t have to be.
14. You reap what you sow.
15. Trust your gut.
16. Don’t be concerned about what other people think about you.
17. Communication is key.
18. Words. Use them wisely. Speak things into existence.
19. There is beauty in starting over.
20. Being vulnerable is apart of growing up.
21. Keep some things to yourself. Don’t give too much of yourself away.
22. God gave you a vision and dream for a reason. Let Him work. Trust His plan.
23. Don’t get lost in your expectations.
24. Love will come. Don't be too hurt to answer when it knocks.
25. Let “It” go. Whatever "It" is.

Oh and one for the road. Love yourself. People like you for a reason. That means you probably should too. 

Twenty-five was a roller coaster. I wish I had a t-shirt that said, " I survived 25."

Ruby Woo

I have a confession to make. A huge one. I am in love with Ruby Woo. I mean completely devoted, obsessed and smitten. We were introduced one year ago and I often wonder how I have been living without her. When she touches my lips it enhances my entire look. Who knew something short and stout would make such an impact on my life? I literally turn red whenever I think of Ruby. She has Wooed me. 

This matte beauty never leaves my side. She is my go to person whenever I need a pick me up. You can find her in all of my photos. She makes the perfect date. She doesn't say much, but always manages to steal the show. Ruby Woo is definitely in a league all her own. Nothing quite compares to her. With her edge, style and grace she will continue to be my first love. It is very rare that something this beautiful comes into your life and changes the game. Even with change being inevitable she will remain a constant. I will be sure to make sure I hold on to this beauty. 

Winedown Wednesday

Algebra Blessett is definitely a vocalist to watch. Her voice is flawless and underrated. Take a listen to this smooth summer jam. Ladies and gentlemen I present to you "Nobody But You."

Concrete

This morning I drove into work as usual. Came up under the covered parking lot from the drizzling rain. Searched for a good covered parking space. I quickly located two open spots. I looked around and noticed that cars were parked so far down. I wondered to myself, "Why is no one parked here? Seems kind of weird." So I drove into the open spaces. Put my car in park. Turned off my windshield wipers. Pulled out my badge. Got out of my car and closed my door. As I turned around to make sure my door was locked, I quickly looked behind me and there it was. On a concrete column. A message. Maybe it was from God?

The message simply said,"If life is what you make it, create it." 

I know God was talking directly to me. I'd just finished praying about my future. Asking him how can I get to the next level? How can I make all the things he put in me manifest? Asking for stronger faith and a better vision. Praying for ALL the people around me. I gave myself a serious scolding and pep talk about changing my perspective on EVERYTHING. And there it was. Soon as I stopped praying and decided to change my view, God offered me just a bit of advice. From an unexpected place. Create your life. He has already given me all the tools I need. 

We as human beings have allll the tools we need to become who we want to be. We have the eyes to create the vision. The dreams to make those visions come true. The hands to put those visions and dreams into motion. Even with obstacles our duty is to still make it happen. Our lives are literally what WE make them. Life doesn't come with handouts, merely favor, grace and mercy. One must go out and get what one wants. With no excuses. The greatest people in history have all faced challenges and still managed to create the success they wanted. 

Who knew that little piece of graffiti, on a drenched concrete pillar would give me so much inspiration? Would remind me that I am the master of my fate? Would remind me that I have the power (with God) to make all my dreams come true? Would remind me that God has ordered all of my steps, with signs and wonders along the way? Would remind me that the life I have envisioned and dreamed for myself is still within reach, if only I keep reaching? 

Cruise Control

Everything works out just how it is supposed to. Sometimes I like to sit back watch how God works something out. He puts things together so divinely. My faith is so strong in God that I know he will put it together just the way it should. There have been times where I was upset over something that didn't work out as I planned for it to. Then later down the line I saw the bigger picture and was grateful for it falling through. Going with the flow is so much easier than losing sleep at night worrying about something. The universe never disappoints. Patience is a virtue. Close your eyes and let God lead the way. He will definitely take you down the right path. 

R.I.P Don Cornelius

I woke up this morning only to discover Don Cornelius, host, creator and producer of Soul Train, took his life early this morning. He was only 75 years. It truly saddened me. How can a man filled with so much genius and innovation decide to take his own life?There has to be more to the story that's untold. Mr."Soul Train" himself launched the careers of so many great musicians from James Brown to Elton John to Al Sharpton. He gave them a platform to showcase their talent when no one else would.

Don Cornelius, a native of Chicago, IL, started the show in 1970. The first part of his career he started off as a salesman. He switched gears and his interest grew in television after he saw a void for African-Americans to show the world their talents. His career in television started as a writer for a local Chicago station. From there "Soul Train"was born. The famed show was modeled after "American Bandstand" hosted by Dick Clark. The show was only shown locally in Chicago, Atlanta, Houston and Los Angeles. The show quickly became a success and was nationally broadcast in 1971.

The shows 35 year run changed the lives of so many African-Americans and Americans for that matter. Every single Saturday morning people took a ride on the hippest show. If not for the music, definitely for the trendy styles , dance moves and hair. Don Cornelius shifted the way music television was conducted with this iconic show. He pioneered a new approach to reaching audiences of all levels. He changed the brand of musical artists and allowed them into the homes of millions every single week. Its a sad loss to both the television and music community. As the investigation into his death continues many details will be uncovered about the motive behind untimely suicide. Who knew he was so troubled that he wanted to end it all? Nevertheless, he leaves behind a deeply legacy. It will touch many generations after him. May he rest in love, peace and soul.

Resurgence of Empowering Self

The year two thousand and twelve is the year for African-Americans to empower themselves and be the great people they were born to be. I don't there is a better time to be black. Not just because the President of the United States is black, but because we are doing things our own way. From music, dance, literature, art and medicine we are making a new mark on the world. The African race has come a long way. From chains we now wear crowns. Although we still have a ways to go our progress is noted. For example , black women are starting to embrace their beauty much more. I think that the natural hair movement is much more than women not wanting to put chemicals on their tresses. It signifies that black women no longer want to fit into a box that the media has created. Black women want more freedom. They are finally defining beauty by themselves for themselves.

I am HUGE fan of Tumblr. Thanks to my younger sister I stumbled upon Black Fashion. This page inspires me everyday. Nothing brings me more joy than seeing young black people using style as a language. Expressing their individuality, personality and finesse. The fact that things from two decades ago is making a cameo appearance in modern times is awesome. Black Fashion showcases the style of people of every hue, size, shape and gender. Its quite inspiring. The road map to knowing who you are first starts with being co

mfortable with who you are.

I look at my social community and everyone is following their dreams. They are stepping out on faith and making things happen. So many people in my age range are becoming entrepreneurs , starting beauty and clothing lines, authoring books, becoming philosophers and scholars. The year two thousand and twelve is the year for African-Americans to empower themselves and be the great people they were born to be.

HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH