Small Victories Do Count

I know how hard it is to find a job because I have been jobless since February of this past year. But over time, as you look for a job, your attitude changes, your perception changes, you change as a person, and you go from thinking good about things, to having a bad attitude and wondering why God has forgotten about you. Some days it feels like you are being ignored, stepped on, under estimated, and treated like you do not matter. Think about all the good you have done, even if it happened years ago, you have come far. I am still job hunting, applying, and hearing nothing back, so I keep going. Found more jobs, and say to my self, I qualify for this job, because this is my passion, or I love to do this, so I will work hard to make the job happen for me. Dwelling on the pain only makes it harder to keep moving forward. I have been standing beside my best friend for almost six years, and there are some days when I just want to yell at her, but I do not because I know that she needs me, but there are times when I need her, but she makes the friendship seem more about her than us. I have tried to tell her, but she is so wrapped up in her own world sometimes she forgets that she is not on her own. I know she has gone through a lot, but she also has to grow up at some point and get over her past. I told her, but I am not sure if she will speak to me again. I know her, and we might not speak for a few weeks or a few days or five months, but I do know that I love her with my heart, and am only trying to help her. I hope one day she can see that.

Signed:
GyftedArtyst

Dealing With Grief

We all deal with grief in different ways. A few days ago, I recently learned of the passing of one of my youth that was in my youth group years ago when I was a leader. His death came as a shock, however, I was unable to cry, or show any signs of sadness. I know it's a sad time, but it just does not seem like it happened at all. I did not know the kid at all, but years ago, he was such a happy smiley kid who just wanted to be a part of everything.  Everyone loved him, and we are all mourning him. Life is so precious, that the thought of anything happening to my younger cousins make me wish I was involved in their life more. And that is what I will do. It my job to be a part of my family's life and to show them that I love them and care for them even when they are not in the mood. My family has shown some of the strongest values and morals I know that to think anything less would be insane. Im beyond grateful, I am speechless at the impression, the imprint that my family has one a lot of people. I love them with everything in me, and I hope that they know that. Through thick and thin, family is always there, treasure life, value and remember each moment, because one day that moment will be the only memory. Even when family makes you sad, or want to yell and scream, they will be there for you no matter what.

Signed:
GyftedArtyst

Networking

I had the privilege of attending the launch of the new network called Progressive Roots which I found fantastic, made some great friends, and learned a lot about networking, and hopefully, will land a job within a few weeks God willing.

What I really appreciate about the PRN Group is the target, how they want to help us, and the passion they have to succeed. It has been a long time coming, but for once, we African Canadians and Black Nova Scotians can get jobs that we deserve, and not end up in a below-our-paycheck-type of job. Why should we settle for less, when we deserve more? I enjoyed hearing what some of the people I met were doing. Some are in accounting, some own a business, other's are still in school, finishing degrees, some moved back from here and there, etc. It was a great atmosphere, the location is gorgeous, and I definitely see myself going back there. I am proud of what our city has accomplished, and hope that the other events are just as good. For those that follow my poetry blog as well as this blog, I have some news, I will be a slam poet in an event next Wed and all are invited to come. Even if you have never heard of anything poet, come to enjoy the show, meet new people, and who knows, be inspired. I know I am inspired all the time, so I encourage you. Wed Nov 2, the Company House on Gottingen Street, I am a slam poet and will go up against two other poets, doing a poem from a charitable org of my choice and hoping that the audience marks fairly.

Enjoy what's left of Thursday, and God Bless

Signed:
GyftedArtyst

Gone But Not Forgotten

He may have left us on this earth
But he joins our heavenly father up above
The world mourns the loss of a young boy who was just on the verge of discovering life
We pray for the family, friends, and relatives that will have to bury him
No mother should have to endure this pain

I ask that we lift up the family in our prayers, and remind them that God is still with them even in this difficult time.

Signed:
GyftedArtyst

New Discoveries

So, Shihan is one of my fav poets. I used to you tube def peotry jam episodes years ago, and spend nights, days, whenever I had the chance, I would watch old clips. I have so many fav's, but Shihan caught my attention. This Type of Love is a favorite, He also has Flashy words, and a couple of others. I stumbled upon his FB page through another friends page, and discovered that he had his own company so I checked it out and discovered other new artists, and other new artists and it made me wish I worked harder at being a poet. I have slacked and that is not good. These poets are accomplished, internationally known, and have even performed at the White House. THAT is awesome. So one of my goals is to travel to different poetry sites next year. T.O will be the first spot. I want to spend time going to different events, checking out new artists, making new connections, finding old ones, networking and even do some open mic at the events. Of course this will take time to plan, but I am DETERMINED to make it happen. I would love to check out the poetry scene out West as well, and of course, the States, I plan to do my hwk but I hope that the Def Jam stage is still around. I know that Edmonton won this year and that's awesome...I was rooting for Halifax but the best won. I want to be a better poet because this world needs to hear what we have to say, they have to hear what I  have to say and that will only happen if I do something about it. I will be posting some videos of poets that I love, feel free to check them out.
I love new discoveries, I enjoy trying new things, there is always a risk, but the risk is worth it sometimes.
Never stop living your passion!

Signed:
GyftedArtyst

Decisions

Very simply asked:

How do you make your decisions?

Signed:
Gyfted Artyst

Are You A Christian

I have been wondering for the past few years, what defines a Christian. How do you know if you are right with God? And do you think it is the business of others to question where you are with your Faith? Do you ever feel uneasy? unsure? Do you know if you and God are on the same page?

I ask these questions because I have been to so many different churches over the past ten years due to my fathers position as regional minister, and there are many ways you see things. You see the elders complain about how ungrateful the youth are, you see the youth complain about how they are being treated like babies, you see the pastor trying to prevent another shooting in his community, you see a small church with so much power, try to keep youth out of trouble, you see a growing church with lots of people that want to succeed, and grow to love God, you see youth do different events, youth leaders trying to keep youth on track, and you wonder, why do youth decide to leave the church? What is it about church that has our youth saying, "See ya later?" Have churches lost sight of what the real issue may be?
I know the church I go to is a very old fashioned church and the member are mostly between the ages of 4-16, and than 40+. it's a huge concern because the older folk are dying off, while the young people have no respect yet they act like they are bored. It's great to see them in church, but how do we get them to be excited? It's not easy at all, requires a lot of work, patience, prayer, and hope because without either, nothing really gets done on its own. I just want to know if churches are setting youth up to fail, without really giving them a chance, if churches these days are just faking it to make it? Or if churches really do want a stronger generation? I have a lot of reading to do, research, and praying, but I am interested in feedback from anyone religious, non religious, regardless of your back ground, faith, I want to know.

Signed:
GyftedArtyst

Five Things

Tonight in Psychology class, my professor asked us to write down five things each that both men and women want in each other, generally. Than after, he wanted us to label g or b for girl or boy, and our A #, and we gave them in to him. He read all of the papers, and basically stated that research says different about what we want...We are programmed, mentally to want a tall dark and handsome guy, great job, goal oriented, does not live at home, already done school has a car, you know where I am going with this. However, society has deemed, those with only some qualities...Let me not forget that if he is too short, he is deemed weak and unworthy, have we really lost sense of what we were taught? Do we no longer think practical just material? He also has to be rich...
Some women thought that the guy should want an independent woman, but guys want a woman that they can spoil rotten, but still has some sort of life of her own. I lost track a bit...Let me back up...Society has us thinking that short guys cannot make us happy..We all watched Girlfriends, the popular comedy/drama that was canceled a while back, (still hoping and praying that it comes back. It was like the black Sex & The City) Tony Childs, was almost robbed, and a guy, short guy named Todd came to her rescue. She fell in love with him, even though he was short, they made it work.
I myself am still going through changes and understanding that when picking a partner, you need someone that will be able to help you in life, instead of hurt you. If the person is strong, passionate, patient, loves kids, goes to church,very active, etc.  Than what is holding you back? Maybe he has no car, but is saving up to buy one that will last...So we pass? Don't be silly ladies.. Men who have too much money, have a great job that they love more than you, spend more time in the mirror than you...Yeah, he is def a keeper. He won't stay with you, maybe for the sex, if it's good...Anyway..
I challenge my followers to ask themselves what they look for in a partner?
Men, be honest with yourselves, women, same to you. You do not have to respond, but think of this as a tiny assignment if you read this. What top five things do you think men want in women, and vice versa? Life partner, loving, sense of humor? Smart/educated, intellect, experienced, well traveled, family oriented, ambitious?
What do you think are the top five things?
Just for fun but we spent almost 45 minutes doing this in class. And of course I paid attention, it was interesting how we think one way, but do another, trained one way, but grow up with minds of our own and begin to discover what matters.
I'm a practical girl, and have grown up understanding that less is more, and I appreciate hard work because it proves results. Of course nothing comes easy, but we will make it. Just have faith, know yourself through God, and everything else falls into place. Do not get me wrong, if a man told me he wanted to take care of me, (It's his job anyway to take care of you, etc, etc...) But remind him that you want to be able to do your own thing too, without feeling controlled, or underestimated.
Lots of love

Signed:
GyftedArtyst

Slow & Steady

So I have been job hunting since February, figuring out what I love, and telling myself to be open, honest, and try smiling more. I do not smile enough, even if it is at a total stranger. I have lots to be thankful for, yet I walk around with a gloomy face...And my results are not changing because I am not changing. So when you know something is wrong, what do you do? Sit and keep doing wrong, or you get up and make a difference? Get up off the couch, instead of thinking the job will come to you, go to the job and tell them how great you are. Give the company a reason to hire you, show them your skills. We undervalue ourselves because we feel as if we are not doing enough, yet we are some of the most promising young adults out there. We have surgeons in the making, nurses from all backgrounds, IT specialists from all over, Engineers from all over in different fields, artists who are trying to keep the creative world alive, how can we say that we are lazy? We just need to be taught the right things in order to succeed. Tell us what is necessary, not what you are paid to tell us. I have been jobless for months, applying, have only had maybe 6 interviews in 8 months, there are days when I say, "God, why are you making me suffer?" But what he is trying to do is teach me a lesson...Ive still yet to figure out what the lesson is, but I know that I will find out very soon. Aggressiveness is important with jobs because if we do not go for what we want, someone else will. Stop watching and ACTION!!!!! We want the truth, not lies, stop feeding us garbage and than getting mad when we don't use it. Garbage is useless so give us something worth selling. We have an incredibly strong generation of leaders who are making change all over the world, so look at it from this point of few, it will happen one day, but just because it is not today or tomorrow, does not mean you should give up on us everday. Push us to succeed, encourage us, help us, don't let us fail, make sure we strive!!!!!

Signed:
GyftedArtyst

HowDoYouDecide

When I was younger, I used to use my heart a lot to make choices. However, as I got older, using my heart made it difficult to keep friends because I was always "really nice" and stopped being rational about the types of friend I should have. I have always been the "nice type"but sometimes being too nice all the time does not get us very far, only hurt. So when I left high school I decided to use my head instead of my heart. I can only put my heart through so much...Not to be all sad and sappy, but its true, why put our hearts through so much if we know that they can really only handle so much? Now, I am realizing that using both your head and your heart is important because you need to ensure that whom you are friends with will both benefit and encourage and educate you, while using your head reminds you to be practical and honest to make sure the friendship stays what it should be. Right, strong, and faith based. If you pick a friend who will steer you the wrong way, enjoy getting back on track, it is not easy, but it is possible, but be prepared for some tears.

How do you decide who to be friends with? Do you use your heart, your head, or both?
What has worked better for you?

Signed:
GyftedArtyst

Evolutionary Pschology

I am taking two classes at Saint Mary's University, one class is Religious Studies, the other one is Evolutionary Psychology.
It's funny how what we learn in life is later questioned and as we get older, we must learn to trust those closer to us to ensure that we stay on track.
Learning is important, but make sure to learn what you know you need to learn not just knowing it for the sake of it! There is a big difference. I am enjoying a lot right now but sometimes I wish I had kept reading. You learn so much from the different books you pick up, and I stress how important it is to educate yourself whether in a classroom or not. Just know your stuff and never be afraid to succeed!

Signed:
GyftedArtyst

Hyporcite

Sometimes we let wrong in our life too many times, and often wrong leads us astray. I blogged earlier about choices and regret, and am slowly learning that not everything you encounter is good for you, and as Christian, things are harder because they look more appealing and attractive. You end up wanting more, when you deserve more but are getting less. I wont make this long, but I just want to point out that temptation is all around us, but what we must do is decide if it is worth it now, and after, because the one thing we need to remember, is that what may be good now, can cost us later, and if we have more to lose, is it worth it?

Think about it!!!!

Signed:
GyftedArtyst

HowDoYouDecide

When I was younger, I used to use my heart a lot to make choices. However, as I got older, using my heart made it difficult to keep friends because I was always "really nice" and stopped being rational about the types of friend I should have. I have always been the "nice type"but sometimes being too nice all the time does not get us very far, only hurt. So when I left high school I decided to use my head instead of my heart. I can only put my heart through so much...Not to be all sad and sappy, but its true, why put our hearts through so much if we know that they can really only handle so much? Now, I am realizing that using both your head and your heart is important because you need to ensure that whom you are friends with will both benefit and encourage and educate you, while using your head reminds you to be practical and honest to make sure the friendship stays what it should be. Right, strong, and faith based. If you pick a friend who will steer you the wrong way, enjoy getting back on track, it is not easy, but it is possible, but be prepared for some tears.

How do you decide who to be friends with? Do you use your heart, your head, or both?
What has worked better for you?

Signed:
GyftedArtyst

Discoveries Part 1:

So last yesterday I came across a few discoveries, most happened during church and after church. There was no sermon because of how long church went, and the pastor was kind enough to let us out early, but she left us with some words saying, are we for God, or are we against God? And she explained that if we are against God it means we are doing things our own way, instead of letting God help us. I have been trying to do things my own way for years, while still hanging on to God asking for help, but not fully letting go and saying to him, "Take the wheel" Reason I say this is because it is true. We cannot do anything on our own. Hard work takes the help of many, family, friends, community, professors etc. I know people who do not like being told how to breathe, speak to God, how to love, because they had their parents to do that for them. Nobody likes to be told what to do, but in life we have to learn to ask for help so we can be successful.
Just before I wrote this blog, My dashboard shows I am ten posts away from being at 100 posts. That is pretty awesome, and it shows how far I have come.
I have made other discoveries last night as well which might help you, and it might now, it's all how you see things in life. This is how I see things right now.
You want to have fun, but you know you have to represent wherever you go. You are a child of God, so you must act like a child of God. If you want to have fun, it means you have to think about who you hang with, where you go, and what you say to people. Having fun comes with limits and boundaries despite what the other person might say. Temptation is real, and it feels good at the time, but it will cost you in the future.
If you are not ready to settle down, than do not settle down, but do not mess around either. Be honest and true to who you are and let the people in your life know and understand where you come from.
Denial is not good, and it does not help you move forward it only holds you back.

So do you know where you come from? who you are?
Do you know your boundaries? Do you friends respect your limits?
If they don't, it means they do not care about you at all.
Be careful who you let in your life, they can either hurt you, or make it better

Signed:
GyftedArtyst

Great Ideas

So I may have just found my next big project. Opening up a lounge club for adults. I am tired of the clubs, the bars, and not knowing where to go when I just want to chill and hang out. Last night I wanted to go out, but there was no where to go. I don't do Starbucks because it costs too much money, and it's far, and the food is not always what you want it to be, let's just say, Halifax is lacking variety in entertainment. Not everyone wants the club experience, or the let's get smashed night, some just want to enjoy an evening of great music, great poetry, a good conversation, the company of good people, without it always having to be an event. Why wait till a birthday party? Or a wedding to see some old friends? It's hard hanging out with people to watch a movie or eat dinner because it's either always loud, or you have to be quiet.

I want to change that! Send me your ideas, thoughts, and let's make this happen!!!!

Signed:
GyftedArtyst