Happy Half Birthday to Me

Do you ever take the time to celebrate you? I mean, to treat yourself for your existence in this world. Do you feel you're worthy to be celebrated? Most people are so humble and self deprecating, they rarely shine the light on themselves.  What's amazing is that we weren't born this way. Have you noticed small children have no problem expecting praise for what they've done.  It's never much, but they seek encouragement from their family members. Toddlers always proclaim their birthday and will tell everyone they run into. Somewhere in life, we lost the spark that would be unstoppable,  bold, and free to be. Kids focus on self and self care.  They need and request nurturing.  Who nurtures you? Who takes care of you? Who are you close to? If you have difficulty answering these questions,  you need to revisit your goals and dreams. Adjust your priorities to include more opportunities to enjoy yourself.  It's not hasty or boastful.  Its self healing and affirming. So I encourage you to celebrate the small thing in life. It will help you find your way to your best life. The purple life.  Thank you for stopping by and sharing.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Big Willie Style

Humility is hard. I mean being humble is nice in theory, but does it really work? Does it seem that the loud mouthed braggards get the attention while the honest schmucks get the shaft? I mean people are born into privilege and stay there...even making it to the White House. Meanwhile others broke their backs to build this country only to be oppressed, ostracized and obliterated.  Sure, there are examples of people who have risen above this statistic, but how? I'm looking at Will Smith. He found success young, lost it, regained it, expanded his territory, and reinvented himself into the distinguished gentleman and thought leader. One look at his Instagram will convince you too. He was the Fresh Prince...then he went Big Wiilie Style. He worked hard, honed his craft, and networked his way to superstardom.  He wasn't bragging, he was promoting. He presented his best self and now he's living his best life. He's lifted his whole family up and continues to lift the careers of others. And he's a humanitarian to boot. What can we learn from Will Smith? Follow your dream. Do what you love. Pursue all options. Hone your craft. Build your support team. Be prepared for success and don't stop until you obtain it. Measure your steps as you go through the process but press towards the mark of the high calling.  Know that God blessed you with everything you need to succeed. It's time for us to recognize that fact and pursue our passion. I've colored my passion purple as this is royal, regal, and worthy of crowning my Queendom. Are you ready to move on your purpose and passion? Things can only get better from here. Let's continue our journey together to live our best life. The purple life. Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Get 'er done

When your get up and go just got up and went.....on a Monday. Today was rough from the start. Got an early morning phone call that added tasks to an already jam packed day. But I got it done. Mind you, I'm not a redneck.  Far from it. But I got it done. The feeling of accomplishment and finishing a four month process just to get what you thought you needed. Then, you immediately think of the next goal. Stripped down and starting over. Its human nature.  People need the connection...the thrill of it all. We must conquer things. It's so fulfilling.  We all have to do lists. Line by line. Item by item. As we knock things off, we celebrate....but don't stop.  We realize it's one way to build the foundation of our lives. Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger.  That's how you build muscle, strength and endurance. Life isn't a race, it's a journey.  Explore the scenic route. Take the time to be present in the moment. Savor the flavor of the good life. The purple life. What are your to do lists? What are looking forward to finishing? How are you going to celebrate? Share the good news. Write your comments below. Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Happy Heavenly Birthday Bishop Brazier

I'm not sure that there are enough words to describe the gratitude I have for the Sainted Bishop Arthur M. Brazier. Today would have been his 97th birthday, and it serves as a reminder of how blessed we were because of him. So many people in Chicago are familiar with him and his story. Every where I go, I meet people who smile and share their Bishop story. When I was planning my move to Chicago,  I asked my Pastor about which church to attend.  His response was that he heard about this big church and their Pastor who's famous. I literally came with bright eyes and big dreams. Bishop Brazier took this naive suburban college grad and grew her into the sophisticated Christian lady that you see today. The power of his preaching. The warmth of his spirit coming across the pulpit. The awesomeness of his passion and compassion for his congregation. The respect and reverence he earned for his years of civil rights activism. The grace. The mercy. The favor. Bishop Brazier was a History Maker. An honorable and prudent man who was at the helm of the "Miracle on 63rd Street". His legacy will outlive us all, and the Arthur M. Brazier Foundation works every day to continue his work. I'm glad to have been a parishioner and I live a blessed life because of him.  So I remember the man on the day of his birth. Happy Heavenly Birthday Bishop Brazier!!! You showed us the true meaning of living our best life in Jesus. Thank you!!! Please feel free to leave your well wishes, memories,  and comments.  Thank you for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Connectivity

Oh the power of networking!!! Its been my honor to volunteer at my church. I've met so many incredible people who truly have so much to share with the world. Today was no exception.  EPIC ENCOUNTERS is a program I created to help individuals meet with entities informally to encourage economic growth. Our session with the US Small Business Administration was lively, informative, and transparent. Everyone was able to interact and get all of their questions answered, along with making new contacts. Afterwards,  we had a chance to meet and unpack everything.  I relish these times where learning is inspired and people are closer to fulfilling their dreams. A friend just sent me a pre-order link for her book, and another friend just ruled over her weeklong pop up shop for her designer brand. Being surrounded by excellence makes you want to do more. To strive for greatness.  To live your best life. What motivates you? What keeps you going? What are you living for? How do you stay positive? Are you moving forward? Or are you stuck in a rut? Well as I've shared previously, you can come up from anything.  Health scares. Money problems.  Disappointments. You can rise above anything with God's help. Let Him strengthen you and keep you in perfect peace. He will clear your mind and allow you to live the purple life.  Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Hyperglycemia-the Silent Killer

Hello. My name is Monica, and I'm a diabetic.  I just experienced the most common yet most shocking health scare in my life. My blood sugar tested at 571 when going to a routine checkup with my doctor.  She really was at a loss for words as I was transferred to her from the nurse practitioner.  After a lengthy dialogue,  I drove myself to the nearest emergency room.  After being in the ER for four hours, my sugars dropped to the point where I felt safe to go home. Why am I blogging about this? Because I felt nothing. I  blamed my tiredness on lack of sleep and pour my energy from cups of tea. If I hadn't had the appointment,  I shutter to think what may have happened.  I have been a diabetic for over 20 years,  and I thought I  knew my body. WRONG!!! I'm on the right path as I intend to keep strong and get healthy.  I use my story as a warning to you. Do you feel out of sorts? Are you stressed out? Overeating? Numb? Avoiding ugly situations? Biting your tongue? Holding it all in? Putting on a brave face while quietly dealing with your issues? As I  researched my condition,  I came across Divabetic, a nonprofit group founded in memory of Luther Vandross.  As wonderful and legendary a singer he was, he dealt with this disease alone. Luther died from this silent killer and all the complications it brings. Do you know someone with " a touch of sugar"? Do you want to help stop the spread of this fateful disease? Educate yourself and lend your support.  I suggest starting with the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org. From there, you can go to WebMD and other online resources to find the right path for you. I ask you to join me on my journey back from the brink....moving toward living the best life. The purple life.  Thank you for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Tiny bubbles

Viva la France!!! Its Bastille Day and I salute all who celebrate this holiday. Today was filled with reflections of things past and looking towards the future.  This week I took time to hang out with my friends and associates over drinks. Champagne and bubbly wines bring out the best in people. You get a chance to see the real adult that you're dealing with.  I'm not an alcoholic but I will indulge when I'm out with friends. Summer is meant to be enjoyed with those who matter most to you. I had the best time in Paris and have managed to hold on to those feelings here in Chicago. Every laugh, every smile, every word of wisdom is a tiny bubble in my life. As I sip and share with friends we support each other. We uphold each other. We reinforce the fabric of our interwoven existence. Isn't that what life is about? Shouldn't we be sharing the lives we live? As I reflected on my journey,  I'm glad to know I don't face this world alone. With God guiding the way, the blessings abound and follow me with every person I meet. How do you enjoy the tiny bubbles in your life? Post a comment and share your thoughts. I'm looking forward to hearing from you. C'est la vie! Au revoir!

Must be the music

Have you ever ventured out alone? I mean just showed up to an event that you were interested in? Well it's time for the Taste of Chicago and they've added more music. Specifically,  they've added Summerdance and I got a chance to enjoy their themes.  The Steppers set was crazy good. But the Queens of House put on a show that was inclusive of everyone. So many gay/lesbian couples, parents with kids, tourists all clamoring to get on the dancefloor.  In harmony.  Sharing an evening under the stars while getting a great workout. I had so many conversations with complete strangers who bonded with me and treated me fair.  I believe in having fun. Variety is the spice of life and we should have life more abundantly.  Make your day a great day....it will turn your life around. Definitely a part of the party and it must be incorporated in all aspects.  I hope you will join me on this journey.  Thank you for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Testing testing 1-2-3

Can you hear me now? I mean, can you access the content that I'm blogging about? Its amazing to have so many platforms and so much technology.  What's astonishing is the fact that I know very little of it.  I'm not the only one. Many families don't have computers, televisions, or electricity. News is still passed by word of mouth rather than researching facts. How else can you explain the deep divisions in our country. It's hard to have a civil conversation with family and friends before politics, entertainment,  or other news stories are interjected.  Rumors spread faster than truth as people race to be first......and not wait for the truth. Why can't we all just get along? Because the restraints have come off so that selfishness is the rule and not the exception.  People want what they think belongs to them, and deny your rights to pursue the same goals. We need empathy!!! We need compassion!!! We need to be able to see that our fellow men's achievements don't negate our own. And we need to know that there is plenty for all to still achieve. Can you feel me now? Can you see where I'm coming from? CAN YOU DIG IT??? Let's move away from petty foolishness and strive for the mark of our high calling. When you want to get things done, do it yourself.  When you need to travel far, do it together. You will be better for the journey. Let's get moving to the next level until we reach the level of contentment that showcases our best life. The purple life.  La vie pourpre. Au revoir.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Rescue Me

They're out!!! They're safe!!! What a wondrous miracle!!! Watching the Thai soccer team rescue was a stealthy operation. Battling the elements, the fears, the lack of oxygen and most couldn't swim. But God!!! Those parents went down in prayer. The whole area went into prayer. The world was watching moment by moment with anticipation.  Their faith did not waiver under these circumstances. Those parents stood strong on the power of God to ensure the safe return of their boys. Just imagine if our community embraced each other like that. Prayed for everyone. Held each other up when spirits were down.  Picture all the children separated at the border reunited with their families. Think about the children not being gunned down in the streets, or at home with their parents.  All lives matter, right? You would send a message of hope, joy, peace, and happiness. Isn't that what we were put on this earth to do? Think about it. Don't you want someone to rescue you when you made a bad choice? Ignored warning signs? Down to your last breath? Let's go back to the work that God has given us. We yearn to live a purposed life. The best life. The purple life. Continue to chat with me as we move along this journey.  Thank you for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Church shouldn't hurt

New words for today: church hurt. Oftentimes,  this hurt is a deep seeded stigma that rears its ugly head when sore spots are exposed. Perhaps you shared a secret that served as gossip fodder. Maybe you got in an inappropriate relationship and suffered abuse or neglect.  Sometimes,  you're the outsider trying to break in. You work on a team, but you do the heavy lifting. A viral video displayed a gospel artist "sounding off" on the industry, holding folks accountable for her career and the choices she made. Cursing, smoking, and drinking are her signature tricks and she publicly displays this behavior.  But why such venom? Such vitriol? It's easy to see how hurt she is. Are you acting up in a similar fashion? Hurt people hurt people. Its perpetually in motion, drawing people in so they can slide down that slope. Don't stoop to their level. Be the better person. When they go low, you go high. Maintain who you are and always seek higher ground.  When you don't sink, it will force others to lift themselves up. Be the catalyst.  Be the change. Level up to the purple life.  Join me on the journey as we move on up a little higher. Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Choose ye this day

Have you ever let someone go? I mean you thought you were friends...perhaps even lovers. Then something happens that shakes you to your core. You must decide if it's you or them. Why are these choices are hard? Sometimes it gets verbal. It could get physical.  But you stay or delay. You debate in your mind. You ask others for their opinions. But you finally decide to let go. I ask you...why is it so hard? Why don't you trust yourself? Why do you protect others and sacrifice yourself? Do you really need " a sign"? Is your heart involved? You really need to figure it out.  You need to protect you at all costs. Don't allow someone to manipulate you.  Take your power back! Take control of the situation! CHOOSE YE THIS DAY!!! Don't be a victim. Be a VICTOR!!!  It gets better. The pain fades over time. You make room for better to come into your life. And that's a very important way to live you best life. The purple life. What are you doing to live your best life? How do you care for yourself.  It's a journey...a process. Have you made the choice? Are you ok? Let's continue our journey together. Let's share and comment and help each other. Thank you for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Freedom!

Me want free!!! Freedom from the hassle.  Freedom from the headache. Freedom from the heartache. Life isn't peaches and cream, and we shouldn't think of it this way. But does it need to be this hard? Why cant we all get along? Technically there's enough to go around. The rich get richer and we fight over the scraps. We complain,  we march, we protest. One young lady climbed the Statue of Liberty to raise awareness of the growing immigration problem. Everything is so tense and everyone is going to the extremes. But the real question is....do we need to carry this heavy load? It's so draining to carry the weight of the world. You wind up hurting yourself in the long run. We must pool our resources and work smarter. Together we can stop the insanity and live together. Peace and harmony can be obtained. Freedom is our right and our choice.  Choose ye this day that you burdens be stripped down to the joy you crave. Be your best. Be purple. Live the purple life.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Don't take it personal

Just one of those days that a girl goes through.  I mean, everything that could go wrong did. Angry customers,  crazy coworkers, lack of customer service and relationships fractured.  I smiled through it all though my heart was broken. I grew up a little bit.  It hard to do the adulting thing. You just want to scream, stomp your feet, and throw a tantrum.  But you cant. And you shouldn't. Take some time to reevaluate the situation. Is there a clear path? Have you weighed the options? Can you compromise? Can you stand up to the disappointment? Or will you crack under pressure? You only get one chance at life. People have died wishing they had the opportunity you do. People are hospitalized clinging to hope. People need just a little help to make it through the day.  Don't take it personal when things don't go your way.  Realize this is part of the refinement.  When it's all said and done, you'll come forth as pure gold. Royalty. Purple life goals. Join me in this journey as we strive toward the mark of the high calling.  Thank you for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

Rightsizing

Have you ever been drafted to do something you didn't want to do? Do folks "volunteer " you for anything and everything? Do folks tell you what you "should" be doing? Well then you already know how sticky this situation is.  I often see this meme about wanting to say no but you get into a mess that you could have avoided by saying no. I used to think it was an honor. Now I know it's a drain and often it's the dirty work. I have made the moves and stood my ground.  Say it with me...NO MORE PEOPLE PLEASING!!! Trust me. Your life will be sweeter and more fulfilled when you prioritize and delegate.  Sometimes when you do too much, you block someone else's blessing.  Take a breath and ponder the points. Do some critical thinking.  Evaluate the benefits and risks associated with your decision. I'm always available for suggestions but I make sure its worth it. Many organizations strategically realign their people, technology,  locations, and resources. Have you rightsized your life? How do you determine what your next move will be? Or do you let others control your life? We need to help each other. Let's be accountable to ourselves and our companions.  Thank you for sharing your journey with me. Take Care and God Bless!!!

Summer Sauna

Oh my God!!! This weekend was a scorcher!!! I mean three days of oppressive heat with no relief in sight. We've had bouts of sunshine and rain and it's still 79 degrees.  Much better than 98 but still sweltering. There were backyard parties,  swimming pools,  political protests, and holiday parades held. Everyone had an agenda even if cut short due to the weather. I am sweating it out as I type this to you. I wanted to get the sauna experience of sweating my weight away. Its a process like everything else. But I am learning and growing and enjoying myself along the way.   Have you done anything so exhausting yet liberating at the same time? Did it making a lasting impact? Or a wonderful memory? Would you do it again? I'll just say that I'm a winter baby and snow is my friend. I'm thankful for the experience and the opportunity to  do better. Thanks you for joining me on my journey towards living the best life. The purple life.  Take Care and God Bless!!!