Peace Beyond All Understanding...

The Serenity Prayer~
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next.
Amen.

~Reinhold Niebuhr

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your path. Proverbs 3, 5-6

The Meet Part Deux

Back awhile ago I set up a list of specific places and ideas on "Hot Spots" and more importantly WHERE to meet men. *NOTE* Where to MEET men, not FIND them! The key is to make yourself accessible, not hunt for any man! Know this*
There are, as always; many tried, tested and true places that could be as lucky for you as they have been for me! Remember; there is NO perfect place or ideal situation! Just go out and be approachable, saavy, smart, laugh, live and enjoy love coming to you! It's not complicated it just takes time! As promised; here are some additional hot spots to meet-

#6 Weddings
WHY- Love is already in the air...the water, champaign, the ambiance....so why not bask within it?! You're dressed up and looking great, they are too. Enjoy the moment!
HOW- Get there! Just because you don't officially have a plus one doesn't mean you should decline! He's probably there!!! He could be the wedding singer (clears throat) or the groomsmen, or a fraternity brother, or a relative of the family member...okay! You get the point! Mingle, dance, laugh, smile, get introduced to unfamiliar, unattached faces!

#7 The Gym
WHY- Everyone is into fitness! At least you know he takes pride in his appearance and health and he'll motivate you to do the same!
HOW- Get off your lazy tush and go! Put in your little cute workout gear, pin your hair up, add a little mascara and lip gloss (PLEASE! For the love of all things Chanel; do NOT go into that gym with a full face of makeup!!!) Pop a squat, do some reps, even take a class. If he likes what he sees he'll come over! You two can turn into workout buddies and better yet; life-long mates!

#8 On Vacation
WHY- If you love to travel, you found someone else that does too! There's no stress, no worries, and no real responsibilities! Get to know each other on a fun, friendly and flirty level first!
HOW- You're looking and acting like a barrel of fun...that positive energy WILL attract a positive person! Share a drink in the lobby of the hotel, meet for breakfast or lunch (AGAIN...MEET! Not wake up to breakfast! Remember you are a L.A.D.Y!) hang out on the beach together, your group and his group meet at a party or club together that way no one feels committed! Afterwards; stay connected through exchanging numbers, email, or other social media!

#9 Workshops
WHY- Any type of professional development broadens your horizons and elevates you to new levels! If you're stagnant professionally, you'll be stagnant in life and most definitely in dating!
HOW- Sign-up! Network! You already have something in common, now all you have to do is build! And that's what all relationships are about anyway...building! Sit at the table with those attractive men, be open, discuss...nothing too deep, but certainly don't be a wall flower!

#10 Gas Station
WHY- Funny right?! But EVERYONE needs gas, so everyone goes there! If you're filling up, you'll probably be there for awhile and that's just enough time to *spark* or not! And if he offers to pump it for you AND fill you up...he's a KEEPER! LOL just kidding...a little! (wink)
HOW- Duh! Get the gas...they will come!

Happy Meeting!

Forgiveness and Mistakes!

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." - Maria Robinson

Asking for forgiveness MEANS: I won't need this pardon again! It does not provide a temporary solution! Forgiveness is long-standing and is honored only if offered in the same manner!
Stop making the same mistake twice after the first time...it's a CHOICE! Commit! Stay loyal!

When you've been lied to so much it's hard to believe the truth and that's where a problem lies! Be sincere, humble and faithful in your words! Choose them wisely! Word is bond!

When it's Real!

You don't want to keep it secret! You want everyone to know! You'll say there name for NO reason and smile the entire time saying it! LOVE
...when the bug hits all the other nonsense goes out the window! You actually WANT people to know you're in love! It's not a secret only between the two people involved! As Stephanie Mills sang, even a little child could see!!! You feel good ALL over!
I think if you deny it or act like it ain't (yes, bad grammar) so...you're NOT in love!
Think about it!

Teacher Appreciation Week!

Teachers, if no one else appreciates or values your worth...I DO!!! Keep starting fires!!!

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” William A. Ward

Happy Hump Day!!

Are You A Keeper?

What exactly is a keeper?
You hear people say it in regards to a proper significant other. Someone wanting or needing to be kept, or someone that is worthy of keeping around for as long as you humanly can!
That brings about the question: What makes or distinguishes a Keeper?
Is it person that gives you butterflies in your stomach? Does the person accept you flaws and ALL? Does a Keeper catch you by surprise or off-guard? Will a Keeper maintain the element of surprise? Do you recognize a Keeper when you first meet them? How does one become a Keeper?

I think just as with beauty; it's in the eye of the beholder! A Keeper keeps a smile in your face and your heart pattering. Sometimes you don't even know how the Keeper got there (as Deborah Cox sang) but you're grateful that they're apart of your life!

xoxo,

Sometimes all you'd like is the person that wronged you to ACKNOWLEDGE that they've hurt or upset you. You can't control other people and their actions or reactions so there's no need on asking for acknowledgment, an apology or even a change, but life would be so much smoother if everyone treated each other as they want to be treated.
The dictionary defines acknowledgement as a noun in five forms:
n.
1. The act of admitting or owning to something.
2. Recognition of another's existence, validity, authority, or right.
3. An answer or response in return for something done.
4. An expression of thanks or a token of appreciation.
5. A formal declaration made to authoritative witnesses to ensure legal validity.

Most times ALL it takes is recognizing someone's hurt, pain or feelings. Even if you are hell-bent on thinking or knowing you've done absolutely nothing wrong, you can't control how you make another person FEEL...simply acknowledge their feelings and move on.
Now; there are some people that hold grudges and harbor resentment forever no matter what you say or do and that's their headache. At least you've done your part in acknowledging how you may have made them feel and explaining your intent. You can sleep well at night!
Let it go already!

The Communication Challenge

I'm not going to say, "men are stupid", or "men have no understanding" or "men never get it", but the saying is, "Nobody can read your mind!" Which holds true today, tomorrow and forever more. Men, no matter how pompous they may seem are, in fact, NOT gods! As women, especially in a relationship, no matter if you're first dating, getting to know each other, engaged or married have to COMMUNICATE our needs, wants, desires, aspirations...I mean, the whole shebang!
Case in point:
You can NOT implement a ten-day plan (see Two Can Play That Game) without the man having a clue that he’s done something wrong! There is no such thing as a silent treatment if the two of you rarely speak as it is. It’s not effective!!! How would he know, you’re not speaking to him; if you don’t speak on a regular? What his mind says is that, “She must be seeing someone else because I haven’t heard from her." or even "I wonder how she's doing." or "Dag! This play-off game is good, the Heat going to make the finals! I just know it!" (smile)
The man doesn’t automatically know to make the first move. I’ve said it time and time again: We live in a day and age where women are bold, if not bolder than men, so men are accustomed to interested parties calling first, texting first, asking them on dates first, and any other firsts you could imagine…that’s just the world we live in. Get used to it! Don’t play games…especially with your heart!! Communicate! Allow someone to hear where you’re coming from. Whether they agree or disagree you’ve taken the first step towards healthy, active communication. You’ll never resolve issues resting on an assumption that being silent will change a situation. All great changes occur with voices, speeches, public debates, marches, signs, movements!
Challenge yourself to the Communication Movement. Address issues and concerns in a non-confrontational manner. Every issue doesn’t have to be an attack or a negative encounter. Be creative and explore options to help another person, at the very least, empathize with your feelings and concerns.
Good luck in Love!