#BeSureSundays- Your Words Matter

I'm sitting on the floor of Mr. Fearless' dining room exhausted from my blogger adventure filled weekend instead of writing a paper due in the day after tomorrow. Are my priorities backwards? Probably, but there is only one week left in the semester and I have neglected my business because of my dedication to my studies, so I believe it is time to show Don't Die Afraid some desperately needed love. This weekend I attended Blogger Week hosted by Black Bloggers Connect and the first Brown Girl Bloggers meetup hosted by Candice VanWye. There will be a full recap of the event up this week on DDA but the most important gem was, "Your words matter."

Although this advice was shared with bloggers, it is applicable to all of our lives regardless of occupation. We all have words to share- some choose to share them through blogging, YouTube, personal interaction, or social media. No matter what your platform is, we all have something to say. Sometimes I catch myself thinking negatively about my blog- asking myself, "Are people reading this? Am I helping anyone or is this a waste of my time?" Hearing this quote at the conference reminded me that I am a storyteller and when I put all my energy into something, I am damn good at it.

Stop second guessing yourself and recognize how important your words are. You will never know the impact of them until you share them. Master how to deliver those words and you will be golden!

If you are new to the Fearless Family, read what inspired #BeSureSundays. Do you ever feel like your words don't matter or they are falling upon deaf ears (or blind eyes depending on your platform)? What are some inspirational quotes you heard this week that are going to keep you motivated for the week?

#BeSureSundays-Finish Line

This is my last week of classes for the semester! Can I get an AMEN? If you are a student, you know the struggle. As the semester concludes, students are so excited to get the chance to relax. However, the summer can serve as a relief for some and stress for others. Those who are returning next fall, can use the summer to recharge- whereas graduates are pressured to have a job confirmed or figure out what their next move is. Either way, it feels like a finish line.

Over the past couple of months I've been telling myself to Keep Pushing to get to this finish line. Once finals are over, I will take a deep sigh of relief and be able to focus more of my talents here on Don't Die Afraid. However, I saw this quote repeatedly and thought maybe it was a productive mindset to have. If we train ourselves to believe that there is no finish line, then it teaches us how to increase our endurance. However, does it also discourage us from feeling like we have reached success?

The whole point of #BeSureSundays is to encourage ourselves to make it through the week. I feel this quote does that in an indirect way.

 What do you think about the quote? I'm still not completely sold, but maybe it is just the way I am interpreting it. What does it mean to you?

#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.

Don't Die Afraid on YouTube

Today marks the one year birthday of Don't Die Afraid and 24th year of my life! I am so thankful to all those who have helped me along this journey. Especially YOU! Yes YOU! You- the reader, the supporter, the person who leaves comments! You are the reason I keep going. So with that being said, I would love to introduce y'all to the next level of Don't Die Afraid which is my new YouTube channel, yay!!!!!! I would love your support for this channel, just as you have supported this blog. Both of these are a part of my vision for Don't Die Afraid and it only goes higher from here.

This is something I have been contemplating for a long time and decided to just go and do it! Why? Because I am living fearless! For y'all who haven't ever seen me in person- this video is a clear view of me---I am a walking Tangent so I apologize in advance for any distractions haha.

I LOVE birthdays so tell me all about yours!  When is your birthday? Why or why don't you like to celebrate birthdays? What is the most enjoyable thing you've done for your birthday?

#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?