Environmental/Cultural Sensitivity

 I woke up early this morning to go do a shift at my old job. Temp work. I took it because it is extra cash, and it was an opportunity to be by myself, see some old friends, and chat and gossip a little bit. I must admit, I have not been hustling hard enough. I do not toot my own horn because I do not like to "boast" in front of people. I am an honest person and I do not like throwing my talents at others, let's call it, environmental or cultural sensitivity. Some people have trouble finding jobs, love, and moving into a new place, while others thrive at settling down. Me? I have learned to adjust quickly to new settings because I learned, while staying with my grandmother two years ago, that things will happen in life that I have no control over, so I have to adjust and deal. Some people do not know how to deal, but as you get older, you really do not have much of a choice.

Back to my point because I tend to get a bit offtrack, I feel people in certain situations feel that they can say whatever they want because of "privilege".  First off, the only privilege you have is to the one you are married to, not every other person in that specific race, or any other minority. (Trying not to rant) Where ever you are,  if you do not respect those around you, problems may arise. You may not mean to harm anyone, but trust me, sometimes even one word can provoke someone to do something.
Every culture is different, there are some things you can say, and some things you need to watch what you say, because even if the person you insult on purpose or by accident/for fun, others around you may take it the wrong way.
So hopefully this made sense but I felt a need to share. I know how I am around people but I have never been one to really step up and defend, but over the years I discovered how some people just talk because they want to "connect" or "relate" or "understand" you can do that but make sure you word it right, and are in the right place. Remember, not everyone thinks the way you do. Some take things nicely, other's not so nice.

I plan to follow up on this, but I would love some feedback, I think it is very important to know, there is still a lot of cultural sensitivity in this world so I ask, before you say something, please, think before you speak.
I hope I did not rant, I try to stay on track...But blogs are meant to share emotions, so if it happens it happens.

Signed:
GyftedArtyst

It's Just Emotions

One of my favorite songs by Mary J. Blige is "Take Me As I Am". I find that over the years I have changed a lot about myself because some things were hindering my growth as a person. I grew up in church but I often wondered, "How come you are here and I am not" We grow at different rates, and most times things happen if you are emotionally stable, and often times I wonder if I am. Does not mean I am mentally insane, or crazy, just that some things make me a bit more loud and aggressive than others. But I operate pretty darn well. But one thing I noticed is that no matter where you are, who you are with, evrything you do is counted, and sometimes it is counted against you, so you do have to take certain measures in life, and make sure you act right. Not be perfect, but if you know swearing, chewying loud, burping and farting are not polite especially if you are in the presence of the oppostie sex, make sure they do not have cute friends, because the way you act, your friends would not recommend you to the guys they know. It's simple logic, I have flaws, but I am still a great person. My greats outweigh the bads because I want them to. I would rather be positive than negative because nobody likes a sourpuss. Why be crany and miserable all the time? Why act childish, yell, scream and pick fights just because someone disagreed with what you said?

Growing up is not fun, we often let our emotions get the best of us. I know I do sometimes, but I do my best to control it, however I do know I that have to gain a bit more control.
It may just be emotions, but they often decide our future for us if we do not control how we react to things in life.

I hope those that know me know I try my best, so if at anytime you feel yourself losing control, make sure you have a friend to keep you in check,  I know I have a few that tell it like it is. It is not attractive to scream, swear, and lose your mind, but if he/she knows you than you will be okay.

Signed:
GyftedArtyst

Accomplishments, Achievements, and Awesomeness

So I had a conversation with a friend today about how unfair life can be and she ranted, I lectured, she got upset, I listened and though we are at least 5 years apart, and she has already graduated and so forth, she is older but there are still so many things that we have in common, that is why we are best friends, and I love her. I would do anything for her, and she for me.

Anyway, so she is a hustler, she is an amazing talented woman with so much passion, drive, and dedication, and she works blood sweat and tears to make ends meet. She deserves everything and anything, yet, God has her waiting, and waiting, and waiting still. I won't say all the personal, but she feels like God has given up on her, and I told her that is not true. God is teaching us the purpose of patience and understanding true value. God sees all that we do, and he does not neglet us no matter how much we think otherwise. I know I have been through my share of issues and obstacles, but they have made me a stronger woman, and even though I do not pray everyday or read my bible everyday, or make it to church every Sunday, I know that God knows me, he knows my heart, and he knows where I am, and as long as I know that he has forgiven me for when I sin, and I accept my failures, I know that I am okay and loved by the greatest man ever. So my one true love, is God. He won't leave me when things go bad, he will never curse me when I make a mistake, he won't hit me, slap me, or sell me to his friends or enemies because I do not do as he says, God has unconditional love which is so strong that no man can ever match that. We ALL struggle but as long as we know to get back up and thank God for watching over us, we will be fine. (I know you know I am right)

I told my friend not to lose hope and said even though it feels ike you do not have anything to know that she has God. What we go through shapes us as a person, our mentality is strengthen, our decision making skills are advanced, and we learn where ever we are, school, in a relationship, everything we encounter in life teaches us a lesson and we become better people through that.

I have done a lot in my lifetime, but the past two years do not make me what I am, they do not define me, but the lessons I learned are what gave me the ability to stand tall and say, "I made it through". I hope other people can relate. I never finished school, I do not have a full time job, I am using my talents to keep me occupied. I am writing two books, I manage my own website and I blog. I play soccer, and I enjoy being around family, I love to travel, cook, and I enjoy keeping myself together, I have also learned to love the skin within. I have my own personal accomplishments and nobody can tell me different because they have not walked in my shoes. None of us have the same story, but we have all fallen at some times in our lives, and as long as we get back up, that is the best accomplishent, achievement, and yes, it is awesome when you can say, "I did that, I am proud of where I am". And yes, I am proud. So to my friend, please, keep your head up, stand strong, opportunities are endless and though you may feel God is giving up on you, please remember that he does answer prayers! ALL THE TIME!!!

I love you, God bless, and keep being awesome
Signed:
Gyfted Artyst

Shades of Brown, & Everything Else!!!!!!!!

I wrote a poem on this a year or so ago and it was inspired by a clip from Tyra Banks show. She had displayed young African American girls and their mothers and it talked about skin color and why we dark skin girls are trying to be lighter. I for one will admit when I was young I wanted the long wavy hair, nice smooth skin, the nice body, etc. And yes over years I had weaves, clip ins, extensions, you name it, I had it. But I have gotten older and much wiser, (in some areas) and I fully believe that beauty is within. I am learning to love my own skin, accept the marks on my body, I am understanding what works best for my body, colors, shades, and how to dress for my height, personality, etc. It is not easy, but it is possible. I do enjoy trying new things, so once in a while I might document an outfit from a function to show you how us short people get down!!!!!!!! I will attach some of my work on here as well so you can really get to know me as an artyst.

I love my skin, I am now treating it with respect, and I encourage all girls to do the same.
Never doubt who you are, and never let someone convince you that your not beautiful. Because you are!
Signed:
Gyfted Artyst