Do You Have Any Regrets?

I don't usually watch TV shows because I am a grad student with limited time.

• Writing 20 page single spaced papers (torture I know)
• Reading long chapters on theory, health systems, and environmental health
• Developing lesson plans because I am a TA
• Serving overtime at my job because I love it so much
• Establishing my company (Don't Die Afraid!!!)
• Producing regular blog posts
• Dining at savory restaurants so I can review them on Food Before Love
• Traveling to New York to spend time with my Amazing Nana

In addition to the normal tasks of meal prepping, remaining updated on current events, exercising to strengthen my knees, adventures with Mr. Fearless, sorority events, folding clothes straight from the dryer (the most time consuming part of laundry), and satisfying my YouTube addiction.

Instead of spending my time watching shows, I binge watch them when I have a break from school. This also helps break the suspense all the rest of you have to live with week to week. However, two shows I have carved out time to watch and work the rest of my schedule around are Hindsight and Chasing Life.

Both shows revolve around decision making.

In Chasing Life the main character, April is a hardworking journalist at a Boston newspaper. She enjoys dating her hot co-worker Dominic, arguing with her little sister Brenna, and going to brunch with her best friend Beth. Most of the time she is indulged in work, busting her ass to be assigned major stories so she can get bylines. Once April's job and love life seem to be coming together, she is diagnosed with Leukemia. From that moment on, her goal is to live without any regrets.

Becca, the main character in Hindsight unfortunately doesn't have the same mentality as April. Becca has made choices that were the best for everyone except herself. She fortunately is able to travel to 1995 and start over. As she is reliving some of the landmark moments in her life including her wedding day and career choice- she questions every step deeply now to think what will make her the happiest. What if she can choose a different option and end up on a path that is less safe but more thrilling?

Emily Fox, the creator and executive producer is brilliant! Even though I am only 23 years old I can still say I've made choices in which I didn't place my needs/feelings first. I cared too much about others and it resulted in my discontentment. I can honestly say I wouldn't go back and change any of my decisions because they have made me the fearless person I am today. Both Becca and April are living my motto, "Don't Die Afraid" and that is why I am so attached to them.

Are you going to be like April and take control of your future? Or will you be like Becca and feel remorse 10 years from now?

What shows are you loyal to watching this season? Can you imagine having a second chance like Becca? Would you change something small, major, or leave your life the way it is? Do you ever make decisions based on the emotions of others? To prevent misery 15 years from now, how can you live a life without regrets?

#BeSureSundays- Tribute to M.L.K. 2015

Since Martin Luther King Jr. Day is upon us, I thought it would be perfect to use one of his quotes for our #BeSureSundays.

Sometimes we feel inadequate and as if we can't make an impact in this world. I know that is a normal feeling, but we shouldn't let it prevent us from trying. If every "great person" had that mentality, imagine where our society would be. Would we have complex highway systems (they amaze me), the internet, Wii gaming systems, x-rays, or airplanes? Probably NOT!

I wouldn't even have this blog if I believed I couldn't make an impact. When those doubts start to cloud your thought process, remember our lesson for today, "If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.” Even if you think what you are doing is insignificant, do it to the best of your ability. You will never know your impact until you put yourself out there and just do the damn thing. As a wise woman once said, "Don't Die Afraid!"

What are some small things you are doing in a great way? What keeps you motivated to do those things?

#BeSureSundays- What Love Leaves

There are only 11 days left until Christmas, the most joyous season of the year. Family, love, gifts, celebrations, travel, cookies, laughter, and tradition are the first things that come to mind when I think of Christmas. However, this time usually signifies the hardest time for individuals grieving the loss of a loved one. Whether you lost the person recently or years ago, it is nearly impossible to not miss them during the holidays. Yesterday, I found out my Granny Phil passed away. Death has never been a concept I can easily grasp. I literally just saw her three weeks ago for Thanksgiving and now I have to accept that I'll never see her again? That's bizarre to me and I don't know how long it will take me to accept. I couldn't help but think about the families of all the young black men who have been killed in the past couple of years that we are marching/protesting for. At this time, not only do I pray that our (Black) lives will matter to ALL people but I also ask God to send their families peace of mind during this Christmas season. Even though their futures were stolen for no reason, I pray that their loved ones realize that NO ONE can steal the love and memories they shared.

My old suite-mate Chloe just lost her mother, so I send this prayer to her and to all of you remembering a loved one that is no longer with you this season. We are a fearless family and will get through this tough time. *HUGS*