I’m Getting Married!!!

#ISaidYes

It almost feels weird to say that but I’m so happy. If you would have told me 4 years ago that this is where I would be I wouldn’t have believed you. I was in such a dark place and then I met Cleveland April of 2017 and the rest is history!

So let me tell you what you really want to know…the proposal! Cleveland foreshowed our engagement. On a recent trip to Myrtle Beach he said we’re going to be married before this (COVID-19) is all over. I laughed it off and we went on about our weekend. A few days after our return he hit me with “We getting married?” and “You gonna be my wife?” text and all I could do was laugh and yes. He gave me a proper proposal a few weeks later but that’s him and considering everything going on right now we would not have been able to have family and friends around for the moment.

Now, I’m counting down the days to #TheMiddletonMerger! I’m enjoying planning every moment and I can’t wait to take you on the ride with me.

And to the woman that doesn’t think marriage is in her cards…I was you. Heartbroken and a little bitter. I thought I could never love again. I was even told that I would never find someone wanting to be with me because I had two children. LIES! He took me and the kids and now we have a handsome son. What I’ve learned is when you stop looking you’ll find exactly what you need.

I am a BLACK Mom

"Every mother of every race should have felt that. If you are a mother and you are silent about this, f--- you. I said what I said and we hear your silence!" – Taraji P. Henson

I am a black mom.

I have beautiful black babies. They are well mannered and want nothing more than to be accepted by a world that doesn’t always accept them.

I haven’t had the words to express the pain I felt in the loss of George Floyd. I’ve had to take time to feel every valid emotion that came my way. I have not watched the video. I can’t bring myself to do it. It makes me sick to my stomach knowing that the world has witnessed this man die because he was SUSPECTED of using a counterfeit bill.

Where was the humanity?

If we thought it was scary to be black 100 years ago, think about how we feel now.

Black men and women are dying for NOTHING – other than being black.

When will this end? When can I no longer worry?

I’m scared for my sons. I’m scared for the men in my life.

No one knows that they are harmless and would give you the shirt off their backs if you needed it. I encourage you to see people without judgement.

I don’t believe this was Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream.

I have been fortunate to know some people of different races to stand for equality and truly understand that BLACK LIVES MATTER. Our skin color should not offend you.

To my fellow black mothers, I feel your pain. I hear you. I see you.

I also challenge you - start having those tough conversations with your children. They need to understand the world we live in. The last thing you want is for them to be put in a situation and think they are untouchable.

Girl, We Need To Blog About Embarrassing Topics

Now’s the best time to start your first blog. As a lot of people find themselves with extra time on their hands as a result of social distancing and self-isolation, blogging has become a popular channel again. And that is a good thing! You’ve got a unique experience to share with your readers, so why not make the most of the quarantine time to set up your site?

You might have spotted a recent article on how to make your blog posts stand out from the crowd. Finding an appealing topic, such as beauty, is crucial to writing good posts. You need to know what you’re talking about, and more importantly, you need to be enthusiastic about it. Creating quality staged photos helps showcase your expertise. 

But there’s one thing missing in many blogs, and that is honest beauty challenges. Indeed, nobody believes the picture-perfect blogger. Your readers want to understand how to handle everyday beauty issues they’re too embarrassed to talk about. Now’s your chance to bridge the gap and share your problems. 

Pexels - CC0 License 

You struggle with your hair

Thin hair or bald patches are never something women want to talk about. Unfortunately, chronic stress, autoimmune diseases, and strenuous hairstyle can cause hair loss in women. If this is an issue you’re familiar with, you could gain the respect and administration of your readers by talking openly about your hair loss treatments and journey toward self-love. Be real. Readers who experience similar issues will appreciate your honesty. 

You’ve got frequent acne outbreaks

Perfect skin is an impossible dream for many adults who suffer from acne outbreaks. Acne, unfortunately, can be triggered by hormonal imbalance, stress, or diet intolerances – without mentioning an unhealthy diet. It is a source of shame for many. Showing your readers how to handle the issue and look after your skin can be a revelation for many! Acne positivity is a necessity in today’s society. You can use the bog to share tips about products that work for you or essential lifestyle changes that have improved your condition. 

You have to deal with bloating and digestive troubles

Urgh, bloating! Nobody likes to talk about it. Bloating is, more often than not, the result of excess gas trapped in your digestive system. For a start, bloating can make your stomach appear a lot bigger than it is. But it is also painful, both physically and emotionally. The thing is, even though we don’t like to talk about it, bloating is a surprisingly frequent phenomenon. It can appear in periods of high stress, for instance. But it can also be related to your food intake or even your menstruation period. You can cast a light on the issue and explain what works for you. 

You’ve got hirsutism

You may not know the scientific name for the condition, but hirsutism refers to extreme hair growth. It affects 5% of women in the US. Many more suffer from increased hair growth on the body in less severe forms. Talking about hair on your legs, arms, or face is uncomfortable as a woman. However, it is a critical problem to raise, and you can help many women feel more confident about their bodies. 

Blogs too often ignore beauty problems. In reality, there is no such thing as a perfect body. Being candid about your real challenges can help many women make peace with their bodies. It makes your blog unique! 

Why Is It So Hard To Accept Your Responsibilities?

It’s sad, so sad. 

Why can’t we talk it over? 

Oh it seems to me

That sorry seems to be the hardest word. 

When Elton John recorded the song in 1976, he probably didn’t imagine it would be so relevant to so many people. But the truth is that we are quicker to complain than we are to accept our responsibilities. And saying we are sorry is one of those impossible tasks that take a lot of personal work. Why is it so hard to admit you’ve made a mistake? For a lot of people, there is more a mistake than something that went wrong. Admitting your faults becomes a personal and self-exploratory journey that requires self-confidence, adequate self-defense, and forgiveness. Sorry is the hardest word because, ultimately, it exposes our flaws in a society that seeks perfection. 

Pixabay - CC0 License 

You take your mistakes too personally

We pursue an impossible image of perfection. Success is what social media lets us see. Unfortunately, what many of us fail to understand or recognize is how biased the world of social media can be. The perfect glamorous and gorgeous influencers you follow are not afraid of airbrushing and editing their selfie shots. When you compare your reflection in the mirror against their promotional Insta-selfies, you can help but feel inadequate. But, it helps to remind yourself that these pictures may not be as realistic as they appear. Besides, even if they are, they are the result of years of hard and dedicated work. The same principle applies to successful entrepreneurs who seem to do everything right and happily share how they made their latest million. Everybody makes mistakes, and because you can’t see those made by other people, it doesn’t mean they are perfect. Accepting that mistakes are part of your journey to self-improvement makes it easier to recognize and cherish your faults. 

You feel defenseless when you’re in the wrong

Are you worried about feeling exposed and at the mercy of others when you admit your mistakes? It is a common fear. However, you can surround yourself with legal advisors such as Golden Law Office, who are specialized in defending your rights. Indeed, there is no denying that not all mistakes are equal. Some might carry massive consequences. Nevertheless, all faults should be handled with the same fairness of judgment. In other words, making a mistake doesn’t mean you should always be paying the highest price for it. 

You find it hard to forgive, even yourself

It is impossible not to be disappointed by the people you trust. And when they do, you can find yourself thinking about them negatively and feeling irritated about unrelated things. Holding a grudge is an attitude we revert to when we find it hard to forgive and move on. People who have high expectations about others tend to develop grudges. But when it comes to yourself, you may have the same approach to your own mistakes. As such, you could struggle to forgive yourself or to move forward with a positive mindset. 

Accepting your faults and being able to grow from past mistakes is a delicate art to master. More often than not, fear, self-doubt, and self-resentment can affect your path to personal development. Our mistakes are part of us. While you don’t need to celebrate them, accepting them gives you the strength to grow and be at peace with your conscience.