Hurt people MUST Heal....

My time in Huntsville has finally come to an end. It’s been filled with lots of lessons and above all Patience. I’ve wanted to jump the gun on many occasions and leave but a block was placed each time until NOW. I couldn’t appreciate the blocks when they were there but now..... Whew! I’m better because I had to pick them up and learn the lesson while removing the sting of being here.

This morning as I’ve read through 4 years worth of blogs, I can honestly say I had to come thru Huntsville. In my early 30’s, I dated someone from here. I even intended to move here at some point. Who knew life ( GOD) already knew I’d come thru this place and it would NOT be with Mr. September!

As I reflected on life and my growth, I’m thankful for each person I’ve encountered. I’m thankful for the relationships that have truly lasted a lifetime and I’m even thankful for the ones that have been brief, for there was a lesson more than anything else.

I must say, while in HSV I’ve encountered a lot of hurt and broken people. Just recently, I was told of a conversation that was had about me. I’m sure it was meant to break me but it truly made me laugh and work harder towards my exit plan.

I believe we have to hear things in order to process how people truly feel about us. I’ve been called many things but to hear “ you ain’t shyt” was low....Whew that’s an all time low. And while I could’ve chose to blog about many things, I just want to end the year on this note.

It’s okay to seek HELP! There are so many people who are walking around bleeding out on others because they haven’t found ways to stop their own bleeding. In turn, they lash out hurtful and insensitive words because that’s all they know. They respond with hurt because they’ve been hurt.
They’re negative and even a bit selfish... if nothing else, I’ve learned now more than ever; we cannot carry the hurt and baggage of others. And if we continue to stay in that type of environment we’ll conform.

I like a good Challenge. So my lovies here goes,
I challenge each of you finish 2019 with dropping baggage that isn’t yours. Drop words curses, remove friendships/ relationships that are toxic, leave dead end jobs that will not produce growth and LOVE YOURself like only you can.

Life happens extremely fast. Do not let another 10 years pass and you’re  still in the same cycle. BREAK it! Only you can change what you do not like and only you can decide when enough is enough!

If you don’t know, you now do!

ChenekaT the Blogger is back!

I’ve laid low for a while to rebuild, refocus, rest and renew. Sometimes we have to be strong enough to admit we need a little help but we also have to know when we’ve gotten all we can and it’s time to STAND again!

It’s Wednesday and guys we’ve made it. You’re better than anything that’s trying to hurt you and tear you down! Believe it!!!

Take time to heal... and in healing it doesn’t always mean making old relationships new again. To heal  means to pull off the band aids and let fresh air hit the wound. If we keep covering it up, we’re not breathing thru it. We’re not acknowledging it. We’re aware but we haven’t tackled it.

Fight thru for your happiness and work even harder to heal your hurt. You’re no good to anyone if you’re 1st no good to yourself!

Thanks everyone who has been on this 2 year journey with me while in HSV. It’s time for me to get back to living!!

Sincerely,
The Blogging Queen,
ChenekaT

Don't be They...

Every year, I found an excuse as to why I did not celebrate my birthday. I used to look to friends to help me celebrate but it just never really happened. Then I started blaming it on, I wanted to make sure my kids had great birthday celebrations.


When I turned 35, that was my last real celebration. Shame on me. I would buy and receive great gifts but to actually set time aside and celebrate, I was failing. Failing myself, failing to thank God for a new year at this thing called life.  I became that friend who celebrated everyone and disregarded myself.

As I worked on my vision board for 2017, I made personal declarations and promised to celebrate myself THIS year. My sister friend then in turn reminded me, " They will only celebrate you as much as YOU celebrate you". That comment opened my eyes and made me think reallllllll HARD. I had become my own they. They didn't acknowledge me because I didn't. They didn't offer to celebrate with me because I didn't celebrate me.

The "theys" in our life play two roles. They will either push you or they will talk about you. Life is teaching me, they only care because they want to see you fail or they are pushing you to be great.

Which they are you? I've learned, the immediate theys won't celebrate because in so many ways, YOU have become the competition. You have become the " they" that's determined to make it.
You have become the " they" that they fear: Sucess.

There's room for everyone to make it. And the ones who really care, will in turn turn around and help pull you up with them.

Today, I challenge you to not become a victim to they. They only care when it benefits them. They only care because of what you can do for them. Let that mentality stop today.
Celebrate you. Celebrate your highs and lows. Celebrate your successes and failures. We celebrate failures because it's teaching us how to make it into a win.

One of the worst places to be is in between. In between a career/ job change, in between seasons, in between finding your place and giving up. But in that place, still celebrate. Find strength and even encourage yourself. They won't, so what! It's your place to do it.
Celebrate when you are right now because tomorrow, you won't be where you are now.

Signed,
They won't kill me, Simply Cheneka

A smile in a Box...

I can't even begin to put into words what and how I've been feeling lately. Somber? Yeah, maybe that's it. I mean, I'm still going on with my day to day living, activities etc but something is missing.  I've never experienced a loss during the holidays. This year I did. My uncle died. Today makes one week that we bid him a final goodnight, sweet dreams. Maybe I'm still trying to process that...

But the beat must still go on... sighhhhh

Yesterday, my little people took flight on a mini vacation with their grandparents. So we were a bit busy. Mom's you know how it is making sure everything they'll need is packed ever so tightly. Pajamas, socks, outfits( if you're like me, I pack clothes as outfits with socks and undies rolled as well). Everyone's suitcase was packed, I was dressed and we could finally head out the door.

As the kids and I walked out to head to the airport, there was a package  on the steps. I thought, I definitely haven't ordered anything what in the heck is it?! I picked it up and instantly my face smiled. A package from a Sistergirl back home. I still had no idea of what was in the box. I still smiled though and super hard, something for me? Maybe?

I got the kids to the airport, chatted for a bit with my parents, niece and nephew( as the kids are traveling with them) and went over a few more dos and donts with my little ones. My father said, " They'll be fine but I get it, you're still their mom".. lol I watched them board and I left the airport.

You know when it's quiet you have time to think. I thought of the holiday season that's approaching, thought about the little boy that my Women's Org adopted, presents for my kids, work, getting a new piercing( I so want an industrial piercing) and what shall I do with all of this free time?

I finally made it home. I binged on Criminal Minds, ate some leftovers, drank water and went to bed. As I turned off the lights I tripped over " the box"... dang it! I'll open it 1st thing in the morning.

And I DID!!!!! What a big smile I now have plastered across my face. Last year for my birthday, I wanted to give out 37 pairs of socks as I turned 37. But life happened and I wasn't able to do it. I had mentioned to a few friends that I wanted to do a Birthday Sock campaign and my dear heart Nellie said that she wanted to send socks. Opening the box this morning, oh did my heart smile!! Socks for days and it hit me, Ma'am; you have tons of socks that you can now add to the care packages this year..

 Nellie attempted to send the box last year but it was in between my move and things weren't forwarded to the new address. But "the Box" surely arrived on time this year and the smile is the biggest ever.  It wasn't something for me per see BUT it was. It was the smile I needed on this day.
I find joy and pleasure in doing things for others. This year, as we prepare to but things in boxes for the different organizations and families we're sponsoring, I'll do so with a huge smile. These boxes are being packed with smiles and I'm sure my sisterfriend smiled as she picked up the socks.

Even with a slightly sad heart, I'm still smiling big.

My lovies, I challenge you to find an organization and drop something off in a box to give. Pack your box with a smile and just think, the person on the receiving end will open " the box" with a smile because someone thought of them. Give outside of your box( your family) and share a smile!

I definitely plan too!!

Signed,
Sad Hearts still Smile!!

Pictures speak Volumes..

I absolutely LOVE pictures.. to some it may seem excessive but I have personal reasons as to why I love them so. When my mom divorced her 1st husband, we left in such a hurry that most of my childhood pics were left behind. Once I became a parent, I promised myself to snap every single moment as I did not want to lose or miss anything.

I've been very fortunate to always be in circles with photographers. BUT: there's nothing like having your own personal dope as hell photographer. My sissy Karm H aka shutterchic_atl is on FIYAH!! I mean hot like hot sauce! She's dope but yet humble. I joke with her all the time that she's the humble sister.. I remember when she told me she was going to start taking pictures. We talked about cameras, equipment how much it would cost etc..
  Being the sissy I am, I instantly jumped on board and told her to go for it!! Go all the way. What started as just a hobby, has turned into something so much more. She's absolutely one of the best I know. She's not an in the box type photographer, I mean this chick shoots everything. Although she said it was a play shoot, I'll never forget her taking time out of her Sunday with her family, to shoot my parents( son, daughter & niece and nephew). It was a very overcast kinda day but when we saw the pictures you could not tell.

From weddings, personal shoots, selling her pics to celebrity churches,  she remains extremely humbled and focused. When I tell you I talk to God about her and her business!! I'm just happy that I get to watch it unfold and have a front seat...

I would be selfish to forget mentioning Rodney( rod_cali)!! If I tell y'all how the three of us really became super connected you'd think we're crazy.. but he's my MeyMey brother for life! Another dope photographer. His pictures speak to my heart and soul. I'm thankful for his photogenic eye. Although they shot differently, together they are one dope force to be reckoned with..

I woke up this morning to a text that bought tears to my eyes! They are BOTH featured on Buzzfed as the top 10 photographers to know in Atl! My sissy and Rodney!! I mean live and in color!!

Listen, book them NOW because by this time next year, you'll be in line with the rest of Atl!! I'm proud to personally know them and I'm proud to be in their corner. Two of the dopest I know and I can personally call them my Sissy and Brother!!

My lovies, stop selling your hobby short. If it's something you love make it yours, nurture it and watch it grow.. we all have it in us..  Let your hobby speak for you!!

Signed,
The Picture Queen

And I Still win....

This has been a trying week to say the least... I've wanted to scream, cry, cuss, fight.. It's funny how situations can take us out of our element of Peace and Tranquility. 

Last Sunday, my Spiritual Father said in his message, " this will be the week that the devil will try us", but just hold on. 

I can't express enough that I have an amazing circle but this week, I had to literally shut up, encourage myself, make boss decisions and keep looking to the sky. This week, my level of Faith was tested, my Parience was tested( which by the way, someone said to me: you seem to be a person who has it together but I sense you need to work on your level of patience just a little more, keep working your good is coming".. Mind you, I. Did. Not. Know. Him... )

This week, I questioned my own worthiness, my level of accomplishments and my life in general.. 

But oh the Joy that came when I received the quote pictured above. I'm never ever counted out and I have to stop beating myself us. 

Life will definitely throw lemons but when you learn to catch them, squeeze them and produce amazing lemonade; its in that moment you have conquered and won. 

Today my Lovies, stop questioning your existence and your life. You're here for a reason. You're not moving at the pace of others because it's not your lane. Be confident in who you are and watch how you'll soon move right along in this life. 

Be your own cheerleader, sometimes the best push is the one you give yourself.. #YourGotThis

Signed, 

Simply Cheneka 

My Pushers...

Anyone who truly knows me know that Chelia and Matthew mean the world to me. Parenthood has its ups and downs but for the most part each day I rise to the occasion. I question how my life has turned out at times but in the scheme of things, the 3 of us were destined to be a family( and I'm confident in knowing our little family will soon be complete). 

Some big things are about to take place in our lives. With the 1st being my return to school. As I rearranged my wall art tonight, I added pictures from our family photoshoot this summer. My children are my motivation to keep striving for excellence. I have to set the standard for each of them to model. Each morning I wake( after I pray) I will look at their faces. At night while I study and prepare for the next phase of lives I will look at them. 

For my daughter: We may fall babygirl but we get back up. We never ever quit. Sometimes, we have to travel alone and that's ok. The goal is to work hard at everything you set your mind to accomplish. Sometimes you have to stop talking about it and be about it. Work hard, play later. 

For my son: Always strive for greatness. Defeat is not apart of our vocabulary. We will always keep trying until we succeed. Just because life throws a few curve balls our way, we will still proceed with the plan. Always strive for excellence. Work hard, play later. 

My Lovies, 2016 will only be as great as we make it. Set goals and keep them. Make sacrifices, make changes, become better, do better, be honest, be kind, be loving, be In Love, be smarter than your dumbest choice.... Challenge yourself to complete everything you've set out to do.  I'm nervous but for once I'm confident. Confident in myself and where I am right now. I'm ready to soar.. And as long as my little people and a few very special people are in my corner; I got this.. 

Signed, 

Neka T. Speaks 

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 

Summer Breeze, makes me feel......

FREE!!!! There's something about the summer that makes me feel a certain way!!!!

Business wise, KISS has been beyond BUSY, a good busy though. Yes, still full of late nights and early mornings BUT I've learned how to make it work for me. I'm utilizing free time when I have it and I'm learning  that sometimes I just gotta let it roll off my back. I must admit, this am I was a little pee'd off but the MR always knows how to help me see the successes and pay less attention to what I deem as the failures.

For the last month or so, I've been toying with a lot of ideas for KISS. Theres nothing easy about a Nanny/Sitter Service. Clients will do 1 of 3 things:
Trust US with their kids
Trust US in their homes to provide services
Or
Trust ME enough to drop their kids to our KISS location in Sandy Springs. Business is based on the need and over the last 2 years ( will celebrate 2 years in September) the need has surely grown.

My thoughts are always, how can I grow KISS and how can I give back? I've encountered a number of clients who are single moms and because I was raised by a single Mother, I understand the struggle. There were plenty of days Mom worked 2 jobs to provide for us. I totally understand. And sometimes, because I understand so well I get caught up in my feelings.... Don't judge me.... If you  really know me, you'll understand that Women, Teens and Children are my heart.


Okay, okay.... So, I know you've noticed the beautiful KISS bracelet. Would you like to win it? Here's your chance. Purchase a $2.00 single raffle ticket or 5 for $5.00 and it will put you in the drawing for this amazing bracelet... I'm a firm believer of supporting those who have a dReam because someone believes in and supports me.

This bracelet qwas designed by the amazing Breana N. Rainge. She relocated to Atlanta after hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana. She has been here every since. She's great at what she does and if you'd like to check her out, go to Instagram and type in polaroid_geek. Let's help her build a dream while she helps KISS.

If you'd like to purchase raffle tickets you can purchase them from me, other clients and pay thru pay pal. The money raised from the raffles will go towards a sit for a needy family who cannot afford it.

It's always a good feeling to give back and in all things it takes a village to support each other. I thank each of you in advance. Thank you for supporting KISS when I didn't always believe in it but even more, Thanks for helping me to help others!!!!!!

Love,
Cheneka

It's harder than you THINK...

Life is a daily struggle. If you haven't yet found that medium in your life that gives you the strength to balance it all, you will surely drown.
I try not to relate much of my past to my blogs but sometimes, its the easiest way to describe how and what I feel. I've learned, while yes my road is different than yours and sometimes we take different routes HOWEVER; somewhere our paths will intersect and we will eventually face some of the same issues.

I listen to the stories of many of my married friends, dating friends and single ones and we ALL echo the same sentiments. Parenting is HARD.  I can only speak for myself but even with having support its still tough. A Father will never understand the full involvement and the level most of us mothers make where parenting is concerned.
YES, I get it. Most fathers play the role of a disciplinarian, while some are non-existent. Then we have another group of fathers who leave everything to the mom and then complains when we shut them out. Really dude, what do you want from us?
Honestly, the way many of us parent is similar to how we were raised. And although we try to break the cycle, it tends to come back until we have completely figured out how to break it. I have 2 bff's. One grew who with an involved dad and the other one grew up with a part time dad who was on drugs. Today, as grown women, we all relate because at some point we became mothers and our fathers were not there completely. It was a constant struggle for me not to repeat my cycle with my daughter. I never talk in full detail about relationship with my father. It's been rocky to say the least but  know he loves me. I stayed in a relationship to provide stability for my daughter( or so I thought). In the end, I had to find my voice and take the path that would better not only me but give her a better picture.
I listen to the stories of so many sister girls who are going through it with the fathers of their children. Should our children have to suffer because of the decisions we made? No, they shouldn't. A Father should be a father no matter WHAT. I was good enough for you to lay down and roll in the sheets with me, now let the love we once shared be good enough for you to properly love the child we made together.
There are so many horror stories my sisters are dealing with. Absent fathers seems to top all the list though. YES, they can be absent while physically present too.
Is this a blog to bash Fathers? Not at all, it's a blog to salute the women who still sow respect for the fathers of our children even when it's hard.. It's a blog dedicated to the fathers who are fathering without being told to do so.. It's a blog dedicated to the fathers who have stepped up to help children who are not theirs. Its a blog to the mom, who works 40+ hours a week and goes to school at nite, It's a blog to the mothers who won't give up on their child even though society has kicked them out of programs and labeled them.
I LOVE my children and nothing can change that. But sometimes, even through the smile, its harder than you think.
So, don't judge the mother at the bus stop with 3 kids running around acting a plum fool. At least she still has them and they are not wards of the state.

Signed,
A mom in her feelings today~

Parents Mess Up 2

Recently, my daughter made the dance team at her school.. I'm not going to lie, I was a bit amazed that she made the team.

She's a lot like me and that includes not having rhythm like ME!!! Lol I mean, I've never been big on dancing, I grew up as a church girl and when I did go out or party I kept it simple... The basic moves that allowed me to look cute and hip. To my amazement, my family was yet surprised, when I too made the cheer leading team in high school.

Aha, I just passed those same reaction on to my child... WOW!!

Wednesday, the Rubies ( her dance team) had their very First performance at the local Whole Foods as a fundraiser for their school.

One of my clients who has stepped into the role as her Big Sister, attended the event with her as I was still working.  While Li was home preparing for the event, I told her( as I do daily) to focus and have fun. She got dressed, I combed her hair and she was off!!

As they prepared to dance, her Big Sis sent me a number of pics and she sent 2 videos of the performance!! I sat there and smiled and watched the video over and over again... My baby girl did that performance!!! My heart was on a 15!! Hype I tell ya!!

Li arrived back home with her big sis and I gave her the biggest hug and kiss!! And that moment was ruined when her sis said I sent you a text... I read it and my eyes swelled with water and my heart sank. She asked her why wasn't she happy about dancing and my daughter responded, " My mom is always saying I have no rhythm and it makes me sad".... Slice, right across my heart!! Dang, I just passed my own negative experiences to my daughter.. Dang that stung.. It was in that moment I realized I gotta do better and I cannot belittle anything she enjoys bc it wasn't embraced for me..

Parenting is challenging. Some days are good, some are bad but in order for our children to excel we have to speak the truth with LOVE and Support them even when it looks dim.

I hugged my baby girl and apologized. I reminded her that I love her and I'm proud of her. I also told her to continue dancing( oh she's a local cheerleader too) bc it makes her HAPPY..

Signed,
I made a Mistake as a Mom and said Sorry!

Heather my New mommy friend...: A Survivor...

 When I typically hear the word Cancer, I think of Lung Cancer, Breast Cancer, Throat Cancer, Remission, Pink Ribbons, Chemotherapy, losing hair, losing weight and the ultimate.. DEATH.

 I've seen the St. Jude commercials for young children who are fighting to live, I've supported The Susan G. Komen efforts, my Aunts have fought breast cancer and Won, my daughter's bus driver has started treatment and even I have fought thru what my Doctor, thought was the onset of it developing in my hand. But
never have I had the opportunity to actual read and listen to someone's story until my blog opened up communication between Heather Von St. James and I. After the initial email between Heather and I, I began to read her blog and find out about more about her.
 She's wife to Cameron and Mommy to Lily Rose her only child). Lily Rose is a quirky little girl and she's EVERYTHING to Heather.

She grew up in South Dakota and was a daddy's girl. Her father was a construction worker and when he came home with the white powdery substances on his boots/clothes nobody ever thought anything about it. In 2005, shortly after giving birth to Lily, she began to experience problems with breathing and carried an alarmingly high fever. Later, test showed she had a serious form of Mesothelioma, Asbestos Cancer which was rarely seen in someone her age.

As she and I communicated, she said her biggest worry and concern was, who would care for Lily if she were not there? After talking to some of the best Dr's in the world at Brigham and Women's Hospital, she and her husband traveled to Boston( My hometown) to began the process to remove the bad lung.

I wasn't sure what Heather really wanted from me upon our first initial encounter but as I read more it became clear.. Share with my audience.

I always say, my writing is therapeutic but in this case, I was a vessel used to share awareness. Please click on the link to read more about Heather and find out ways you too can support her and her cause.

http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/heather/

Heather, Thank YOU for reaching out to me. After reading your story, I'm a bit more familiar with this form of cancer as well. Being a voice and supporting others is part of our life's mission. I'm glad I was able to do my part on today~~

You can follow Heather on twitter @heathervsj

The Unlikeliest WAYS.....

 I'm a writer. It's a passion of mine. I can sit and write for days, as long as the mood is there and my hand is hot( a phrase that means so many things in my life). As I reflect on my last few entries, I've talked about a number of things. And with my blogs, I've received quite a few responses from people I know and random readers.

 To my surprise, my last entry received a simple, Hey Can you contact me about your blog, followed by in email in my comment section. First thing I did, was become defensive. In a matter of minutes I go from, I hope this isn't an anti-discipline demonstrator reaching out to me to; I swear I just write what I feel and  people can agree or disagree but don't bring the drama to me( yeah Cheneka was about to surface but I quickly spoke to her and said, Peace be still girl)~~~ LOL

I don't think I responded right away because I wanted to approach the situation delicately. I mean, I totally disregarded the fact that it could've been a parent just reaching out to me for moral support and advice( isn't it awful that most of us tend to expect the worse than looking on the bright side).
 I finally composed my email and added this disclaimer, "I write what I feel and you have the right to disagree or agree".  I never expected this....

Hi Neka! Thanks for the reply! The reason I have reached out to you is because of your blog! I am 43 and a mother to a quirky little 7 year old, Lily. She is my only child, and my whole world. When Lily was just 3 1/2 months old, I was diagnosed with Mesothelioma; a type of cancer that kills 90-95% of those who have it. As I’m sure you can imagine, the first thing that came to mind when I was diagnosed was my baby girl and how I wasn’t going to be able to watch her grow up.

After intense treatment and recovery, I’m still here 6 1/2 years later and cancer free! My journey with cancer was a terrifying one and I'd like to turn my pain into purpose and become someone that other people can look to for guidance, inspiration, and hope in situations like my own. I contacted you because I feel that your blog would be an excellent place for me to share my story. I realize that you may be thinking my story is not exactly a perfect fit for your blog audience, but I’m trying to raise awareness of this horrible little known cancer that is such a deadly killer (and sadly, 100% preventable) 

WOW, wasn't expecting that.. With life, the kids, my business and other obligations I haven't had time to breath.. But, I made a commitment to myself to write more. Why not let my first blog in weeks be about something of importance? My blog audience, I'd like to introduce you to Heather and Lily

Please check back on tomorrow and journey with me to share Heather's story.  Just my luck, a blog about discipline opened my eyes to a Mother who understands the struggle, who has suffered and WON.. And with all she's faced, still has the time to raise a child, who will be a wonderful addition to the world and NOT a Spawn of Chuckie!!! (LOL, no pun intended)

My buddy Heather, tomorrow will be your day to shine unless one of these Spawns of ChUckie tie me up.... NOT~~

Signed~

I met a friend....

Dear Me

Dear Me,
How are you? I saw you the other day and you looked worried. So, I decided to drop you a few lines and remind you, I have your back. It's hard when you're so accustomed to putting other's feelings, wants and needs above your own. You tend to lose sight and forget about yourself. Don't do it girl, not worth it.

Stop letting people, their thoughts and actions towards you hold up space in your heart. Replace it with this affirmation," Until they know you, they can't judge you". Everyone will have opinions but in the long run, yours is what matters.

Live a life worth talking about: and not the negative. You've overcome alot. Hurt,lies,bad relationships,deaths, failures and even mistreatment. You took what was meant to hurt you and you survived. Don't forget its okay to cry. Let your tears heal you. They are not signs of weakness but signs of being human and having feelings too.

You are an excellent mother too!! Not only are you loved by your natural children but the hundreds you touched during your time as Youth Worker. So, many of them still call you MA and for that you should smile.

I'm writing you this letter because in my book you rock. Every once in a while remind yourself. Get pretty and make it about you.

As I close this letter, I'm reminded of this woman I know. She's strong, a go getter, imperfect but loves whole heartedly. She's overcome failure and in her own little way, she's making a GREAT impact on her side of the world. You know who she is? YOU!!

Now keeping Making me Proud!!
I love you,
Signed,
YOU!!