Be Yourself, Fearlessly

I've always respected those who "keep it real". There is something about a person's ability to say how "it is" and speak the truth, even if it means sacrificing oneself to the ridicule and judgment of others.

The ability to be oneself at all times times tremendous strength. It builds character and resilience. When you are able to take constructive criticism from others, accept your "failures" and laugh at yourself, it strengthens you even more.

Some of us are born strong and resilient. Others become stronger and resilient, due to their life's experiences.

In order to become stronger and resilient, one must first become open. Learn to look at yourself objectively and to accept what "is", without feeling regret for what isn't or wasn't. Laugh at yourself. View your "mistakes" as learning opportunities. For every negative, there is a positive. The past is the past and there is absolutely nothing that you can do to change it.

Realize, accept and appreciate all of your experiences for what they are/were.

There is only one "you", so embrace yourself with pride, joy and acceptance. Be less concerned with others' opinions of you and focus more on the version of yourself of who you would like to become.

It's all in your mindset. If you envision it, it can happen, but you have to believe, wholeheartedly, in your vision.  Trust yourself and the choices that you make. Stand up for what you believe in and be an advocate for others who are doing the same. By doing so, you increase the energy that flows towards you becoming your true self.

When you believe in yourself, you increase self-trust and, with that, you become more sure of your true self.

Always be true to yourself, others may not agree, but, if you are consistent, they will at least respect you.


GYPSY!

Forgiveness through Perseverance: Let Go & Live

I've always been a hypersensitive person when it comes to interacting with others. I am able to sense others' emotions, especially when they are hurting. I can also tell when a person is hiding something. or if they are not being truthful. I like having this ability, because it helps to protect me but, at times, I hate it because I can feel things that I would rather not feel. Usually, when I "get a hunch" about something, I'm right. Sometimes the sensitivity is strong, sometimes it's very vague. When it's vague, I ignore it sometimes, only to find myself in situations I'd rather not be in. 

My ability is not magical. It's inherent and it's in all of us. It's called intuition or, more commonly known as, "your gut". I often tell others that they should listen to their guts because it will protect them, and it's true. It will protect you, if you allow it to. The problem is that, most people do not allow themselves to be guided by their intuition. 

It's amazing how total strangers have approached me, expressing their problems, concerns and issues with their lives. I can't tell you how, on many occasions, I have met a person for the first time and we just "clicked" and became a friends for life. Don't get me wrong; there have definitely been times when I have met people who just did NOT like me at all... until they got to know me and realized my genuine concern for others, my sense of humor, my loyalty and my tendency to "tell it like it is". 

I am far from perfect; "nobody walking this earth's surface is", according to Jay-Z, but I am secure with myself. I love myself and the things that I stand for. I appreciate all of the experiences I've gone through-- both good and bad. They have taught me lessons and made me a strong woman. 

We all have made (and continue to make) mistakes in our lives, but what is important is accepting that we are human and that we do make mistakes. As long as we forgive ourselves and learn from our mistakes, we continue to evolve. Sometimes, we make the same mistake(s) more than once. It doesn't make us "bad". It makes us human.

Sankofa: Adinkra symbol: Learn from your past.

Our life experiences shape us and influence our behaviors. Every "bad" thing that has happened in our lives has happened for a reason. These incidents can affect us in different ways. We should not allow these things to affect us adversely, as that would be counterproductive. We should not blame ourselves for the bad things that have happened. We should find and focus on the good things that come forth as a result of these "bad things" that have happened to us. 

Don't beat yourself up. Uplift and encourage yourself and others. When you do good, you look good. When you look good, you feel good. So be good.