There are times when we all get overwhelmed with life. The weight of responsibilities and expectations become so heavy that even those who were able to carry a lot have to put some things down. Its okay, it happens to even the best. Best meaning, you have succeeded in so much and usually taking it all on is no big deal. Until it is. Don’t worry, you are still the Best! 

It is true that we are all beautiful in our own way. We all bring different things to spaces with our  beauty that comes from within. No woman is more or less based on the color of her skin. Your identity is unique. And because of this make up, when we come together as women, we can accomplish most things. 

It’s Black History Month! So I would like to focus on black women as we continue talking about All women issues. I want to encourage black women to make self-awareness a priority so that you may walk boldly in your authenticity. You Are The Bomb! So don’t let anyone tell you differently. Take pride in the makeup of YOU! You are one of a kind. Think It, Say It, and Believe It. Remember that You Are fearfully and wonderfully made. And although fearless, you do not have to carry burdens alone. Your strength is not measured by how much hardship you can take on by yourself. Your strength is measured by endurance. Your good health matters as well as you. 

There is nothing wrong with claiming what is yours. I encourage you to reach for the stars and Go For It! Whatever it is, stand firm in your ability to obtain it. You can conquer anything you put your mind to as long as you have the will to do It. What is for you is only for YOU. You will not have to beg for it, chase it, or over extend to get it. You are simply making your efforts intentional in order to claim it.  Remember to stay positive in your endeavors and in reaching your goals. It doesn’t matter what the goal is. All that matters is that you have the confidence to go get it. Remember ladies, You’ve Got This!! 

Sometimes the roles women take on overshadow other things in our life like prioritizing ourselves. Reconnecting with who you are outside of your roles helps you learn who you are as a woman outside of these things. It can help you prioritize taking care of yourself too. Self-care is one way to take breaks when you need them and to focus on just you. Re-learning yourself is like dating you to find out what you need to thrive. 

Connections can be a good thing. It depends on how you view connections and who you are connected to that shapes your experience. When you find an uplifting community it can be a positive thing in your life. Christmas may be over but let’s continue the season of giving and sharing. As we enter into the new year, let’s focus on being in community with one another. Remember that we are stronger together. 

Remember the song that says Friends, How Many of Us Have Them? That’s a good question. I often think are friendships even valued now-a-days. I hear so many phrases like no new friends and boasts about not needing friends. It makes me wonder what experiences were had or not had in friendships for people to feel this way. I think we can sometimes focus so much on the type of friend others are, we are not being mindful of what type of friend we are. If we are reciprocating what we expect from others. Creating meaningful relationships will require you to be a good friend as well. What we give comes back so be sure to sow good seeds and be intentional about building bridges and connecting with others in a positive way. 

It’s good to recognize what we are bringing to relationships. Take inventory of your energy and the vibe you are giving off when connecting with others. Do a feelings and emotions check on yourself to see what space you’re in. We are about building and uplifting. Use this season of giving and serving to represent that well. 

No one said giving grace to others would be easy. It is actually challenging most of the time if our focus is on whether or not a person is deserving of it. When we start taking on the responsibility of determining whether or not grace should be given, we are putting in more work than needed. Just Give It. You’ll reap the blessings in return. I’m sure we could all think of a time or two when we were not deserving of other’s grace but they decided to give it to us anyway. If we take the focus from our feelings and lead with the mindset that everyone deserves grace, you are more likely than not to give it. Our good intentions sometimes are not enough and we have to go a step further with helping others. Continue to give in any way you can. Tis’ the season to give grace to yourself and others. You Are Deserving And So Are they!