I'm Not Her Anymore

This quote couldn't be any truer. I'm certainly no longer the innocent, naive girl next door type. I used to be her. I loved her. She wasn't built for this insane world. I've seen too much, lived too much to be her. Innocence was lost long ago. Naivety got knocked down as well. I couldn't live life like that anymore. I wanted to experience things. And, I did. Some good, real good. Some down right terrible. But, I did it & I survived it. It's been said that "writers become better once they've been hurt." The older I get, the more I realize how true it is. My best work comes from a place of pain. It's therapeutic. The girl next door doesn't exist in that world. It's because she isn't supposed to. I'm the woman who that girl grew to be. Happy or sad, I'm always me. And, I know that I'm enough. If anyone doesn't see or know that, it's their loss. A great one at that. This quote really stayed with me. Thought I'd pass this wisdom on.

I Needed To Read This Today

There are a plethora of things I need to learn in life. Number one on that list is learning how to stop worrying. Whether I worry or not, life is going to happen. The only difference is I could be watching it instead of existing in it. That's why these particular pictures caught my heart. Yes, they bypassed my eyes to get to the core of me. I have a very active and healthy imagination. This is the gift and the curse of any creative person. I struggle with this issue internally so much.

 

I can conjure up so many situations in my head. I know better than this. I know what the saying about worrying and praying is. The two can not coexist. I have to stop torturing myself about what "could possibly" happen. There is no guarantee in life but God. That is my belief. My faith is strong. My mind is getting there. I had a really good afternoon. Some things got put into perspective without a word. I needed to get that. For the first time in weeks, my heart isn't heavy and my head isn't clouded with thoughts. I prayed. End of story. 

My Life is a "Sex & the City" Episode

My life, in parts, can almost always be summed up in "Sex & the City" quotes. The most ridiculous, insane, amazing, wonderful moments of my life are stored away in my head. And I always associate them with SATC moments. I have blogged before about my connection with ths show here and here. I tweeted something today that sparked this blog. It's crazy how a show can stay with you. I've been a fan since the first episode. Years later, I can still relate to the characters. Those four women, so unlike me, still feel familiar to me. Me, a little black girl from New Orleans, who has never been to NYC or owned a Birkin bag. I related to those four women.



Granted I haven't had the relationship track record they had or even the life moments. But there was something about them that spoke to a particular place in my life. Today, I just thought about some of my favorite quote from the show. I also remembered how they have been relevant to my life at different times. I felt like sharing a few of them here. If you're a SATC fan, then in sure you'll recognize them. Reminisce with me for a while. I'm going to watch the last season of SATC.

Message!!

Sometimes I read something that comes at the perfect time. this picture/quote is one of them. It's so easy to get caught up in everything and everyone else. I am my hardest critic. I expect so much of me that it's easy to get down on myself. Sometimes, I need to stop and cherish the moment that I am in. Smell the tulips (I don't like roses lol), notice how blue the sky is, feel the breeze on my face. The simple things are so easy to take for granted. I am human. I have and will make mistakes. I will fall short and I will fail. But, the beauty in all of that, is the comeback, the next triumph, the eventual victory.

I have to remember to cut myself some slack every now and again. Yes, it is great to hear accolades from others. But, my opinion of myself has and will always be the one I respect the most. I like myself. I have to be able to look myself in the mirror and not only like who I am but love who I am. Because of this, I am tough on me. I think I have softened in this area with age. That is a beautiful thing in my eyes. So, like I said, I needed to read this when I did. Perspective is always a great thing.

This Right Here

There are some tv shows that you just connect with from the first episode. That show can also spark quotes that define who you are, what you will become, and where you will go. "Sex and the City" is that show for me. there are a plethora of quotables from this great show. Today, this one means the most to me while I'm on this journey called life. Enjoy!

"I MAKE MISTAKES. THAT'S WHAT I DO. I SPEAK WITHOUT THINKING. I ACT WITHOUT KNOWING. I DRINK SO MUCH THAT I CAN BARELY WALK. I'M A FANTASTIC LOVER THOUGH, AND AN AMAZING FRIEND. GOD KNOWS I MEAN WELL." - Carrie Bradshaw

Encouraging Words

...because some days, we all could use a pick me up or an extra push. Today is definitely one for me.

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
Theodore Roosevelt

Be nice to people on your way up because you'll need them on your way down.
Wilson Mizner

When one door of happiness closes, another opens; But often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.
Helen Keller

If you are going through hell, keep going.
Winston Churchill

The best of times is now.
Oprah Winfrey

Whatever you are, be a good one.
Abraham Lincoln



Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.
Albert Einstein

Do all things with love.
Og Mandino

Life without love is like a tree without blossoms or fruit.
Kahlil Gibran

Life is a game, boy. Life is a game that one plays according to the rules.
J. D. Salinger

The goal of life is living in agreement with nature.
Zeno

Life is far too important a thing ever to talk seriously about.
Oscar Wilde

Simple Quote

When you just "be yourself" you give the right person the opportunity to see the real you and Fall.

In a Great Place

(Disclaimer: I do not know who the author of this piece is but it's inspiring & I thought I'd share it)

Instead of placing judgments on where you find yourself, consider the positive possibilities. Instead of extending assumptions out from your limitations, imagine your most treasured dreams extending out from your current situation.

If you feel stuck where you are, you’re mistaken. Anything is possible, when you engage the power of your imagination.

The things that have already happened can give you some useful insight and perspective. Yet your future is whatever you choose right now to make it.

You don’t have to be magically transported away from where you are in order to experience fulfillment. You can begin making your way forward from wherever you may be, in whatever direction you choose.

It’s easy to blame your circumstances for holding you back. It’s much more powerful, though, to accept those circumstances and begin working with the value they offer.

You’re in a great place, because from where you are you can go anywhere. Look around, with positive expectations, and step forward in the direction of your dreams.