#BeSureSundays: Winds of Change

If you like dealing with change, raise your hand!*keeps hands in lap* Change has always been intimidating to me. Consistency is comfortable; I know what to expect, I can prepare for obstacles ahead of time, and I am mentally content. Change doesn't allow for any of the previously mentioned perks. However, change is inevitable so it doesn't matter if we like it or not...it's going to happen so we just have to accept it.

Within the past two years, I have experienced major changes in relationships, career paths, housing, finances, health status, and family dynamics. In the past, I've frequently viewed change as negative. I found this wall decal almost two years ago that supplied me with comfort and encouraged me to embrace change.

Two years later, after trying to apply this quote to my life- I can finally say, I truly believe it. When I quit my FULL TIME (paid vacation, benefits, free lunch, beer & pizza on Fridays, health insurance) job to pursue my masters, I was nervous TERRIFIED. However, this past year has been one of the best years of my life, I have found my true direction.

The next time a change is thrown at you, I encourage you to fearlessly go with the wind so you can uncover your unexpected treasures.

How do you handle change? What is the most recent change in life that you had to deal with?

#BeSureSundays-Inferior

I feel like sharing this quote and just leaving it here, without words or an explanation because they aren't needed. However, I can't call myself a "blogger", if I don't write "blogs"- so here are my words....I have felt inferior for the majority of my life. It took me a while to snap out of it and realize I was the problem! It had nothing to do with the capabilities or success of anyone else. It was my insecurities making me feel this way. So if this resonates with you, STOP GIVING CONSENT! Stop looking at the lives of others, comparing it to yours, and then making yourself feel inferior. Once I stopped giving consent, I became more grateful and saw my blessings increase.

#BeSureSundays- Women's Rights

Happy International Women's Day! This observance dates back to 1911 and ever since has sparked economic, political, and social action on a global scale. The theme for this year is "Make It Happen"; which highlights the achievements of women while simultaneously serving as a call for greater equality. So obviously, it was a no-brainer that I had to highlight it for #BeSureSundays. The whole premise behind #BeSureSundays is to use Sunday as an opportunity to gear up for the week ahead by meditating and making sure we know what we are capable of. The YouTube spotlight campaign "#DearMe" made it evident that the discussion among women is that we aren't sure of ourselves. The videos were an opportunity for women to give their younger selves some advice. Many women explained doubting themselves, worrying too much, hating their bodies, being afraid to be themselves are consistent issues... I pray that one day we have a generation of girls who don't harvest any of those insecurities.

In 1995 at the Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, Hillary Rodham Clinton stated our featured quote for this week. After 20 years this statement still seems to be debated by our society especially when we look at violence against women, insufficient  amounts of women in leadership roles, and the lack of accommodations for pregnant/working mothers.

Today please join me in celebrating women all over the world making strides and still fighting the battle. They are surely living the motto, "Don't Die Afraid."

Who are some inspirational women in your life? How do you show appreciation for these women?

#BeSureSundays- Purpose

I saw this quote during the week and knew it had to be posted for #BeSureSundays. Some people get so caught up with the word purpose, it makes them uncomfortable. I've heard individuals complain about not being passionate about anything therefore they lack a purpose. That statement is so far from the truth A HUGE LIE! We all have a purpose. At different stages in life, our purposes might change based on the clarity we are experiencing. Just because we don't have this elaborate purpose to cure type 1 diabetes, doesn't mean we aren't useful to this world. Never diminish your aspirations because you feel like they don't compare to the next person's. Everyday I set out with a purpose to accomplish three goals on my to do list, make someone laugh, compliment a stranger...whatever it may be. My daily purpose usually revolves around how can I help someone? So on those days when you wake up and you are unsure of what the bigger purpose in life is, just remember a small daily purpose goes a long way.

What are some of your daily purposes in life? If you have your breath-taking major purpose in life, what is it? Share! I want to know! *smile*

#BeSureSundays- Keep Pushing

This was the hardest week of the year for me. I don't like saying "hardest of my life" because that isn't true; as humans we sometimes exaggerate so I try to avoid that. The year just started so by saying "hardest of the year", it encourages me to be grateful for the three weeks prior and acknowledge that harder things can happen within the next 11 months. To sum the week up I kept receiving bad news about the health of my family members and I also could barely walk. Not being able to walk is one of the worst impediments I've ever experienced. If y'all know me, you know I try to stay positive through everything so I continued to work and attend class. Every 10-20 minutes I would have to take a little stretch because my knees would lock up. I wore a knee brace and then switched to an ace bandage because it was more comfortable. The doctor offered me crutches but the little fighter in me rejected those stating that I will be okay. I rubbed my knees in Aspercreme, wore supportive sneakers, and prayed for healing daily.

Thankfully, today I'm feeling a tad bit better. Thanks to the American Health System I probably won't be able to find out what is wrong with me for a couple of weeks. I'm speaking into existence that it won't be anything major that needs surgery. My motto during the week was "Just Keep Pushing"--if you are dealing with excruciating pain that you feel you can't handle, repeat that line to yourself and hopefully it helps.

#BeSureSundays-Failure

Why is failure regarded as a downfall? In my previous post, I introduced you all to Hindsight, my favorite show which focuses on Becca, the main character who was scrutinized for "failing" in her marriage and career. Unlike the rest of us, she passes out on an elevator and is able to wake up in 1995 with the power to change her life. We all know time travelling is currently impossible so how can we learn to appreciate the "mishaps" in life? It's simple! Consider them, an alternative path....another way of learning. If we never "fail" we won't know the sweetness of success.   

What is the last thing you have failed at? How did you turn that situation into a positive?

#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- Don't Be Jealous

Earlier this week I briefly mentioned jealousy is a disease. It sounds weird but let me break it down for you. According to Merriam-Webster a disease is:

• a condition that prevents the body or mind from working normally and is typically manifested by distinguishing signs and symptoms
• a harmful development
• a problem that a person, group, organization, or society has and cannot stop

Jealousy prevents us from being our authentic selves because we are concentrated on the possessions of those around us. It is detrimental to our growth and cannot be stopped. Diseases can be stopped since there are cures and medications for them, but jealousy is a special type that I believe cannot be fully eradicated. Even on an individual level, regardless of how "sure" you are with yourself, there is always an ounce of jealousy hiding somewhere. You can stay in denial if you want but if you can't be genuinely happy for someone's success then that is a sign of the green-eyed monster. The craziest part is you might not even want what they have!

This Fearless Family will do our best to put that heart of envy to the side. If we stay on our grind and focused on our paths to success, we won't have time to be jealous. Always remember, the grass is greener on the side you water.

Do you think it is possible to live a jealous free life? Why do we become victims of jealousy? How can we stop being jealous?

#BeSureSundays- Don't Ever Give Up

Welcome to 2015! First of all if you are reading this, I am grateful for you! I started Don't Die Afraid this year and it continues to evolve thanks to loyal readers like yourself. Thank you for your unwavering support and we hope you remain an integral part of the Fearless Family for years to come!

Now back to the regularly scheduled post which is about perseverance . Today, we lost Stuart Scott, a legendary ESPN sports anchor. I don't usually follow sports, nor do I watch ESPN (unless Mr. Fearless has it on). However, when he shared the news with me I was sad for him because he really admired Scott and obviously felt sympathy for the Scott family. I just experienced the loss of my grandmother, so those feelings are way too fresh for me. However, as I quickly learned about Scott's legacy through the touching tributes and heartfelt memories shared by his colleagues, I received an understanding for how genuine he was.

Then I learned some history about the Jimmy V Perseverance Award which Scott received just a few months ago.  Jimmy Valvano was a legendary college basketball coach who also battled with cancer. In 1993, he made a powerful acceptance speech for the Arthur Ashe Courage and Humanitarian Award introducing, "The V Foundation" which was co-founded with ESPN in the hope to cure cancer. The motto of the organization is "Don't give up, don't ever give up."

I thought this message would be perfect to share for our #BeSureSundays because both men embodied the mantra of "Don't Die Afraid" by living each moment fearlessly, even during the toughest times of their lives. My condolences to Stuart Scott's loved ones. Let his life and Jimmy Valvano's encourage us to fight through every obstacle.

You can donate to The V Foundation in honor of Stuart Scott.

Are you an admirer of Stuart Scott? If so leave a comment about your favorite memory of him. If you are a sports fan, who are some of your favorite sportscasters?