Matters of the heart...

I have this thing called MY Truths.. My Truths are exactly what they are MY truths. It's a mechanism I use to share my innermost secrets and thoughts without caring if I'm judged. 

I've experienced many responses when I share my truths. Sometimes they're well received and sometimes, they are taken in a manner different than how I meant. 

As I'm growing older I'm learning that it's best to voice MY truths or walk around carrying them with me. To this day, there are people who I'll never share my truths with. Not for fear of being judged or misunderstood but that door was never opened or I've never felt comfortable or safe enough to share. 

Maybe it's just me but I believe we encounter people for specific reasons. I no longer beat myself up trying to figure it out, I let the Ahh Haaaa moments take my breathe away or teach me a lesson. When I share my truths, almost NEVER am I looking for receiver to act on it. I just want them to hear me, understand it and feel MY truth. Like it? Totally their choice. Appreciate it? Again, totally their choice. 

My Loves, learn the importance of being honest about how or what you feel. Accept that sometimes people will not understand and it's definitely ok. In time, if it's meant they'll get it. 

I challenge you to 1st be honest with yourself and honesty with everyone else will come easy.. Find a way to voice your truths, you'll feel better about Life. 

Signed, 

I Give You My Truths

Let US Live...

I have so much to say that I don't know where to begin. I live in the South, I'm a single mom ( boy and a girl), I'm black and if I do say so myself: I'm a Smart Chick...(book smart and street smart). However, the latest untimely death of a black woman( who could've easily been a sistergirl of mine) has left me in my feelings..

I carry a hidden fear for my son. I want him to grow up, speak his mind and advocate for causes that are important to his heart BUT at what cost will he pay? 

My daughter is on her way to middle school. She was President of her school

(via Student Council), participated in various after school clubs and currently enrolled in the dReam Jr Debutante Program BUT will that be enough? 

I used to fear her standing at the bus stop, so I walked with her and stood at the top of the hill. With my son, the fact that he's 4, extremely vocal and has no fear puts him in a different category than her. 

I'm raising them both( with the help of our village) to be outstanding young people is  that enough? 

Will it protect them from the fate of Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, the Charleston 9 or Sandra Bland? 

When will it end? When will our lives matter? I'm sure as I read more on this case, I'll have more to say but today, I just had to get this off my chest.. 

I take pride in being a Black woman. I'm raising my children in the same manner. Black is beautiful. Why can't the rest of the world see the beauty I see? Yeah we do crazy things as a race but all races do. Trust Me! 

Today Loves, love on everyone around you. Let them know they matter. I just did.. 

Signed, 

We ALL matter 

Sharing is Caring...

I had a light day so I was able to reach out to a few sister girls who are building their brands. 

I'm no Guru but I enjoy marketing work. I know, haven't really done much on my Women's Org social media pages but my mind is always thinking. 

I watch my circle of people in GA support and build each other up. I remember my 1st year with my business KISS. A well connected client of mine reached out to me during the holiday season to sponsor a family. Who knew that small collaboration would lead to us becoming sister girls and Founders of Women Who Network. To date, we've sponsored, clothed, fed and rendered services to 100's of low income moms and displaced men and women. 

Are you having a hard time finding people to support your dream? My advice would be find a small group of like 3/4 individuals who you trust without any doubts. You trust their honesty and you trust their opinions. 

I find it so easy to support others because I remember the days of small beginnings. This summer has been slow but I've been blogging and connecting. 

As the seasons change and Fall is quickly approaching; I already have a list of Women entrepreneurs I'm excited to work with. 

You need a photographer? I have 1

You need a custom tutu? Got 1

You need to lose weight? I have the perfect coach 

What about a personal shopper, custom jewelry maker, a car detail, a new hair stylist? Yup, I know all the perfect people for You!

This evening my Loves, I challenge you to grow your network. You're only as strong as the circle your apart of. 

Know the worth of building each other up and covering your sister or brothers in prayer. You never know when you'll need them or their support.. 

Signed, 

I'm MY Brother & Sister's Keeper 

She Got Goals

Live a life that makes you happy. I remember a time where I was NOT the happiest person. I was so good at hiding it though. Then one day I looked in the mirror and ( to me) I was big as HELL. This could not be my life. 

Slowly be surely, I began to take control. I changed my eating habits, I started working out and I began to walk. I cut out anything that was not water or a smoothie. I did this for 3 months straight. I had a few cheat days here and there but I did not wallow in them. 

Soon my walking became running and I found myself going harder to beat my daily pace records. My new lifestyle has become everything to me. 

When we arrived in Florida for our family reunion 2 weeks ago, I was greeted with the wows you look great, wow you lost a lot of weight and then I was asked well why did you do it? 

I responded with," I want to be healthy and I want to be around for my children". A particular family member did not agree with me saying that BUT until you've lived in my shoes with my children and in our home, no answer is a wrong answer. For me, the benefits of weight loss and a new healthier lifestyle have been amazing. 

I love clothes. I've always battled with size 14 ( and tipped the size chart at 16 sometimes). Although they say that's the typical size of American women, I've never been content with being that size. And let's not talk about legs rubbing together.. Ughhhh

 I can happily say depending on the maker, I can easily fit into a few size 8s, these days. I'm MOST comfortable in a 10/12 though. 

Did I have a goal? Yes. Have I met that goal? I'm 6 lbs shy of my ideal weight. Will I stop once I reach that goal? I will NOT. Getting up and being active daily is my new best friend. I find peace when I'm out running. My motto has become, as long as I'm moving I'm making progress. 

Today my loves, I challenge you to look and feel your best at all times. Find it in yourself to make lifelong changes for you. Our family and friends can be our motivators but WE have to do the work. I live for me, my children and friends are added benefits. 

I'm always looking for someone to join me as I hit the pavement, will it be you? 

Signed, 

I Like to Move IT!! 

( This pic was taken this morning after my 3 mile run/ walk and 2 mins of jump rope)

It's in the Water

Last weekend, my little people and I spent some much needed time at a few beaches in Florida. It was so refreshing and relaxing... 

So here goes. Anyone who knows my son #boychild, knows he has an extreme fear of the pool. It's so bad that I had to purchase a kiddie pool for our back yard because he's afraid of the pool in our complex. 

When we arrived at our hotel Friday, he made it clear that he knows his fear and he was not getting in the pool. We were able to get him to get in but it was a struggle. He had goggles, a ring and arm floaties but he still chose to stay on the steps. 

Saturday after spending time at our reunion, we went over to Destin Beach. I was a bit apprehensive because I knew he probably wouldn't go far. So much for me thinking!! When I tell you this little boy stayed in the water.. Lol

It was a struggle to get him out. He kept saying, "Mommy I love the beach". It made my entire heart smile. As parents, we try our best to protect our children but there comes a time where we have to just sit back and watch. I watched in absolute amazement at my son enjoying the water. 

My loves, I challenge you to release your fears. You have the power within to overcome anything. You'll never know until you try. Try a new meal, skydive, kiss someone new. Just get out and do it. We cannot let our fears hold us hostage. It's not worth it. 

Now that I know my son likes the beach vs the pool, I guess we'll have to have more trips to the beach. Anyone willing to put us up for the weekend? Lol

I Kid.. Make your Friday GREAT~ 

Signed, 

Fearless Days ahead 

I have a reason to Smile...

I absolutely love my daughter. I'm not perfect but the way she admires me, trusts me and believes in me, pushes me to be greater. 

Yesterday, a neighbor was faced with a very unfortunate circumstance. Like us( when we 1st relocated here), she's here alone. My children and I helped her as much as we could. Between handling KISS business and being Mommy, my assistance was limited.  

When it became to overwhelming and business required more of my attention, my daughter continued to help with that beautiful dimpled smiley face. She said, "Mommy thank you for being so strong and taking great care of me and my brother". To watch her help without complaining was proof that I'm doing something right. 

As I watched her lift boxes, I noticed she has some serious muscles. I appreciate my daughter so much and yesterday was a glimpse into her future. She will be blessed. Although I'm not always the easiest person to understand, I have a compassionate heart( sometimes more compassionate than it should be) and I've somehow shared that trait with my daughter. 

Today loves, let's be the reason our children will chose to be kind to someone. Let's continue to be models of humility and greatness in front of them. It starts at home. Today and everyday, our home will be filled with so much love

 that each person will feel it!! 

Signed, 

Because of Love