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 

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)