The beauty of it is...Even though I have no idea where I'm going, and I know I'm blindfolded, I've been smiling this whole time. Just hold my hand...and don't jump when I squeeze it.

-unknown

Laughter is Good for the Soul.

I kinda feel bad for laughing at this!!

But between me spraining my ankle in DC this weekend (apparently I can't walk down steps and laugh at the same time), waking up with incredible sinus issues, and breaking out in hives more and more everyday (going to the Dr. first thing in the morning, by the way), I need a good laugh!

I can't remember where I found this picture, but I saved it on my computer a while ago and just came across it again...so glad I did!

In addition to this pic, I had an INCREDIBLE Valentine's weekend with my girls in DC! Nightclubs, dinner, lunch, roadtrips, wine, and CakeLove cupcakes, laughs, memories! I had a blast. I'll never forget the people in my life who make it worth living. Thanks God for placing such amazing..FUNNY people in my path!

Also, today I went to see the Vagina Monologues! I loved laughing at something that we don't really have a social etiquette for: Vagina. And while I'm not a die-hard Feminist, I AM an advocate for the empowerment of women. I'm an editor and writer for a feminist magazine, Sister Speak, and it's amazing to get an up-close and personal view of feminism and women empowerment. It's a beautiful thing!! The Vagina Monologues were wonderful! I cried, I laughed, and most importantly, I got in touch with my inner feminist. I loved it!

Laughter is indeed the best medicine. And while I'm not PHYSICALLY healed, my spirits are definitely lifted!!

:)

"Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. Love me, and I may be forced to love you."

~William Arthur Ward

Black History. BECOME History.

Since 1926, African Americans have celebrated Black History Month (it started out as Black History Week) as a way to honor the remarkable African Americans who preceeded us. Every year in the month of February, Blacks have trivia games, watch television specials, and even devote class time to learning about the greats such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Hiram R. Revels, and Madame C.J. Walker, just to name a few.

We take time to reflect on the tremendous progress the African American race has made, from rising above slavery to gaining citizenship, and ultimately, the right to vote.

Regardless of what anyone (Black or not) has to say, our race has defeated oppression and has implanted a powerful footprint in the history books.

But why are we satisfied with simply reading about the greats that paved the way for us? Why don't we strive to BECOME these "greats"?

This year, I've gained a new vantage on Black History Month. While I will continue to reflect on the lives and achievements of the figures who risked their lives and their freedom so that Blacks can be where we are today, I will now strive to BECOME part of history.

What good is it to look at where we've been if we refuse to take initiative and pave the path on which we're going? I possess no desire to read about the past forever. I aspire to BE THE FUTURE.

This Black History Month, I want to shift my attention to the up and coming African Americans. As the old saying goes, "Iron sharpens iron." We have the power to uplift those blacks around us and join in on the quest to becoming an even greater black community. An even greater black youth.

<3

We're a powerful generation, and if we let go of the violence, pettiness, and complacency, we WILL be a forced to be reckoned with. We have it in us....

So let's make History! Black History. BE History.

Flaws & All.

J.

Marie.

All my life I had been looking for something, and everywhere I turned someone tried to tell me what it was. I accepted their answers too, though they were often in contradiction and even self-contradictory. I was naïve. I was looking for myself and asking everyone except myself questions which I, and only I, could answer. It took me a long time and much painful boomeranging of my expectations to achieve a realization everyone else appears to have been born with: that I am nobody but myself.

~Ralph Ellison

While watching The Beyonce Experience tonight, specifically the "Flaws & All" performance, I got inspired to write...finally, right? :)

I've done a post or two touching on a similar topic, but because this is an issue that becomes more and more prevalent in my life and the lives of those around me, I felt the need to address it again...sort of a....Piggy Back Post. ;)

<3><3

Oft times, we allow others to define us.

<3

Our lack of self-direction causes us to seek approval and diagnosis from others. However, I've learned- and learned the hard way- that no matter how lost you may be, the truth is ALWAYS within. No one knows YOU better than...well, YOU! (besides God, of course). So stop relying on others to tell you how to live YOUR life. People are so quick to play the prescriptive role instead of doing an evaluation on themselves!

<3

<3

So start dressing, saying, being, and doing what comes naturally.

<3

<3

Love yourself. FLAWS AND ALL.

<3

<3

Honestly, it took me a while to get to this point. But now that I'm here, I couldn't be more liberated.
<3
<3
HAPPY. :)
<3

Be yourself, because, as Ellison put so eloquently...

<3

<3

You are nobody but yourself.

Nothing is Impossible.

j

Marie.

“ Your attainments and accomplishments in this world are dependent on the keenness of your vision. SEE yourself and by the grace of GOD you will attain the world, limitless and without boundary. Impossible is nothing."

~Melody Ehsani

Let's Make a Toast...

To a New Year.... A New Me.... A New You....

A NEW US.

This is the year of prioritizing, not making resolutions...

Instead of saying "My New Year's resolution is to lose 20 pounds", say

"In 2010, I'm going to make my health my first priority!"

And if losing 20 pounds is what will make you healthier, then so be it! But don't set unrealistic expectations for yourself, because unrealistic expectations lead to disappointment.

2010 is MY year of prioritizing, happiness, and growth, and that's what I plan to do! And not just during 2010, but for the rest of my life!

The sky is the limit on my....well....OUR success!

Happy New Year!!