Crystal Clear Observations

"Never lose an opportunity of seeing something beautiful"                                                     Ralph-Waldo Emerson I got away to my little hidden gem in East Texas this weekend to refresh, recharge and protect my mental health. The best part of a solo trip is not having to explain to anyone why you don't feel like talking or why you want to sit somewhere and focus on an outlet that you love (reading, drawing, cooking, etc.) without any interruptions or explanations. Just you...in that peaceful moment. I haven't always loved the outdoors but in my adulthood, I have found that I am at peace with nature. The more I reflect on it, the woods was my childhood safe space as I lived right up the street from a ballpark surrounded by a wooded area. I literally could escape from heated arguing at home or stressful situations by wandering in ...

I am tired of seeing promising young lives end in hashtag advocacy. I am tired of people being killed simply for being the wrong skin color. I am tired of those operating from the core of their perceived entitlement and privilege continue to minimize the pain and anger felt by those who don't have exclusive memberships to those clubs. We are living in a time where an unarmed man is less likely to make it to jail breathing and be due judicial process but a disrespectful White woman can publicly tear up a legal citation, mock the court, be held in contempt and is released by a state Supreme Court.  Not since James Byrd in Jasper, Texas have I truly been sickened by a racist fueled murder like the way I felt this week when I viewed the video of Ahmaud Arbery. This man went out for a jog and was gunned down within moments of confrontation after being labeled a "thief" running away from a house in his own community. My husband could be Ahmaud. A retired Army soldier, h...

As Easter Sunday comes to a close, I had to stop and reflect on the last month as I know it. In my 48 years of existence, I have never experienced anything like this. At times, it is unbelievable and scary. Stifling is an understatement. As someone who truly lives life to the fullest and takes great joy in attending shows, concerts, dining out and quality time with friends, this has been a huge lifestyle adjustment. But to my surprise, it's not that bad. I have managed to look at the half full glass instead. It's beautiful seeing people spend more time with family and loved ones and doing things like puzzles, making videos, exercising outdoors, cooking and spending more quality time together. I personally have finally found the time to finish some home projects and declutter and clean my house to the best it has been since I moved in three years ago. There is some pressure in the social media world to emerge through this time with a new hobby, new talent or new side hustl...

It's Valentine's Day. The day you either love or loathe often determined by your current relationship status. Listen, being in a relationship or marriage does NOT determine your self worth. It does NOT make you happier or better than anyone else. In fact, how you demonstrate those relationships actually speaks volumes about your own security and confidence. You were an individual before you were a coupling. You were loved, beautiful, charismatic, fun, successful, etc. on your own and if you happen to meet someone along the way who appreciates and even brings out your better attributes then consider yourself fortunate. But don't consider yourself better. Relationships are complicated. Many couples are putting in work behind closed doors that you will never be privy too. Don't get caught up in the social media fantasies that many try to project. What you and your mate are building or repairing doesn't require an audience or applause. You are not perfect and yo...

Energy preservation. It seems to be a topic that I find myself revisiting a lot. I'm talking about the limited energy we have each day that seems to deflate as we get older. As a breast cancer survivor, let me preface this sentiment by saying that I am probably more cautious of my time and energy than someone who hasn't battled cancer. Despite the physical limitations which exist, I consciously choose to preserve my energy for people and situations that truly warrant it. What some may view as a high propensity or personality flaw to create barriers or cut people off, I see as life preserving. You will constantly spin your wheels trying to get attention and agreement from those who demonstrate through their own actions that they aren't willing to invest that same energy back at you. It is not selfish or narcissistic to put your own wants and needs first. It is not cold hearted to eliminate people and things that drain your energy quickly. It should not make you feel gu...

Several years ago, I decided to go back to work and ventured into Human Resources after several run-ins with poor Human Resources professionals or poor candidate/employee experiences. As a person who loves policy, has a strong sense of urgency and follow up and who genuinely cares for people and their best interest, I felt Human Resources was a great fit for me. Re-entering the workforce after successfully running your own business presents its own set of challenges but within the right infrastructure, it is truly a corporate asset. Entrepreneurs tend to think outside the box and present creative solutions to problems or barriers. This is only valued when you join a team that is open to new ideas, talents and resources. If your teammates have been employed for years and are process driven or stagnant in their own career growth, your energy will be met with resistance. This constant battle is mentally exhausting and will eventually take a toll. Entrepreneurs tend to exercise fruga...

12 years in remission     I recently celebrated my 12th anniversary since my breast cancer diagnosis. I am always grateful but each year I take a hard look at the woman in the mirror and reflect on how I am living my life since the fight of my life.   When I was in the throes of cancer treatment, I made a promise to myself and a higher power that when I got through this, I would live a life of purpose and gratitude. I vowed to use my energy, talent and resources wisely since the threat of cancer returning always looms.   Year 12. I owe myself an apology.   It's been several months since I even wrote a blog entry yet I love to write. No more making excuses for not doing something that I love and feel I am good at. What could possibly be more important than doing what you love?   I apologize for all the energy I wasted on people who never had good intentions for me. I foolishly assumed that someone else's networks and friendships coul...