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A blog about my experiences with men and what I feel black women need in order to be loved right.

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Thursday, October 29, 2009

Sometimes you just need the little things to get by....





Today I was broker than broke.

In the sense that I had no extra money anywhere on me. I've been trying to save a nickel here and there and carrying money just to carry money is not good for me.

I know my weakness for buying, so I try not to have it there.

But today, I couldn't get my usual scrambled egg & cheese at the coney like I do maybe two to three times a week. ( Once I master cooking eggs in the microwave i'll give up this luxury.) I also didn't grab a piece of meat from last nights dinner to bring to work.

(That's had been nice all chopped up in the egss and cheese if I had brought them.)

So I sat at my desk with the office tea I had made and pondered about what to eat.

Opening up the junk drawer, I sighed in disappointment because I had not refilled it since I went on the bread fast about a month ago. Now all that was in there were some old cookies that I quickly tossed away.







Next, I had an apple I had brought early last week as well. The brown mark in the middle was annoying me, so I put that on my desk to stare at it trying to convince myself that the health benefits were greater than the contamination levels it might hold.

Digging down in my extra stuff box that I usually will throw things in when I know I might need it later, low and behold, I pulled up this:




Now being that it's not even name brand would send alarms to my head.

But I was hungry and you know what, I wasn't acting too picky on the matter. I hate it when I have to fight with my stomach other than fast.

On my lunch break, I opened it while trying not to pay attention to what I was going to be eating and warmed it up. It was rather liquefy and I worried that it might spill over on the cheap paper plates.

I still endured and hurried to engulf it while I still had the courage or the determination to answer my stomach's calls.

It went down easy and I was even able to digest an old Sierra Mists I had in my "need it later" box as well without throwing it back up.


Yah me!

The no brand food quelled the monster in me and I was ready to go back and be a good employee to take calls.

A no brand can of food and an old bottle of pop.

I feel good

I said all this to say...

Sometimes you just need the little things to get by....

In life we look so much on things we don't have or things we'd rather have and we miss the things we do have.

I've repeated my statement from my last post, but really are we asking too much when we really have all we need in life already.

True, everyone wants more success in some kind of way in life, but how can we appreciate that new success if we never sit back and try to enjoy the successes we already have.

Applying this same concept to a relationship, I'm often thinking of the 80/20 rule. When we think that it's so much better to be in the land of the 20, while we are holding the 80.


When in a relationship with a person, we have to look for the little things that we love about them and though they may not be the Chef BoyArdee Brand or the fresh bottle of Sprite, you can still be happily full with what they can offer, while working together for that big meal you both can share... together.

Yeah, I'm just ranting and raving from How To Love A Black Woman perspective.

Kisses!

Monday, October 26, 2009

FREE!!! I Am Woman Expo, October 31

(Click flier for larger view)


In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month TellUsDetroit.com brings I AM WOMAN Expo October 31st from 9am to 430pm at the Wayne State University Community Arts Auditorium. http://iamwomanexpo.org


FREE REGISTRATION

* Workshops & Live Entertainment
* Guest Speakers: Tony Gaskin, Stephanie L. Jones and Sylvia Hubbard and more
* All Male Panel discussion – A Male Perspective on Love & Life
* Free Health Screenings and makeovers
* Prizes and giveaways
* Free continental breakfast and lunch




Sylvia Hubbard
Author, Blogger and Founder of Motown Writers Network & The African American Electronic Literary Network

Author of Romance & Suspense and Internet Marketing for Writers & Business

NOW AVAILABLE: Secrets, Lies and Family Ties order your copy now
Coming Soon: Tanner's Devil www.redrosepublishing.com

Connect with me on Facebook http://facebook.com/sylviahubbard & Twitter.com @ username: sylviahubbard1



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Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Can Anyone Say, TMI – Too much Information!


No one has a simple life anymore. The information age has turned into information overload.  Endless internet, never-to-get-away-from cell phones and the addictive gadgets – Blackberrys! (My husband calls these “Crackberrys” because one can get addicted to non-stop email checking and text messaging.)

We have more stuff to keep us organized and on top of things, but are constantly feeling like we can’t keep up. This creates stress (especially those who are wanna-be perfectionists like me.)

I have found that being a wife, mother and entrepreneur involves some major strategies and wisdom from God. The type of life I desire has to be woven with care and prayer – constantly!

Here are some steps to keep you moving in the right direction this year:

  1. Command your morning. If you can’t get a handle on your morning, your days will skid off the tracks too. If you can manage your day, you can manage your life. Start your morning off speaking positive, faith-filled words over your day.  A couple good books to get to guide you: “Commanding Your Morning” by Cindy Trimm or “Confession: The Key to Purposeful Living” by Stacia Pierce.

  1. Be a list person. Carry a notebook with you to record thoughts and have a journal handy during your prayer time to write down instructions that you hear God telling you to do. While waiting in lines, pull out your pad and make lists of details you need to take care of. This helps you see the big picture for your life because the small details are on paper and not taking up space in your brain that you can use for more creative strategies.

  1. Create systems.  Standardize the way you do your daily life – how you grocery shop, order office supplies, retrieve mail/email, pay bills, remember Birthdays, run errands, etc. Set regular appointments for hair, nails and “dates” with friends and family.  There’s enough hours in the day to do all we need to do if we make some tasks “automatic” and stick to our schedules.

  1. Learn to say no. Once you make your list, created your system, have your plan in place and working it – don’t get sidetracked by other folks “drama.”  Yes, sometimes there will be “divine” interventions but not all day long.  Be a doer of your own word to yourself and keep your promises to others.

  1. Stop doing everything yourself! Wonder woman was a cartoon! Retire that cape and ask for help.  Quit trying to do so much at one time too. We are humans not a machine. Get help from family. Involve them in your business or ask them to pick up the slack at home. Get support from friends. If there are things you really hate to do and a friend doesn’t mind, barter!  Do something she needs done in exchange of what you need done.


Finally, but not least, enjoy your life. Add some fun and simple pleasures to your life everyday!  Even if it just getting some big fluffy slippers and robe and leafing through a magazine at the end of day or lighting candles or singing in the shower or car – enjoy your life – when Mama’s happy – everybody’s happy.

Pam Perry, chief visionary and bottle washer at Ministry Marketing Solutions Inc. in Farmington, Mich.
Visit her at www.MinistryMarketingSolutions.com and get her Chocolate Pages Podcasts on www.blogtalkradio.com/chocolatepages every week!
 
 

Pam Perry
Chief Visionary
Ministry Marketing Solutions, Inc.

Web:
Blog:
Email:
Phone:
(248) 426-2300
Network:

 
Coachville
eWomen Network
Society of Authors
The Authors Guild

 

Sunday, October 18, 2009

How To Fix A Bad Kisser

Without being rude, a few tips on how to improve your partner's technique.



Bad kissing can make or break a date, relationship or even marriage.

I always say Communication is key in any relationship, but trying to teach someone how to do something right as intimate as kissing is pretty hard to do.

Lots of good kissers yearn to teach bad kissers how to do it right and now here is a quick video to show you how.

Thanks yourtango.com




Read more at: http://www.yourtango.com/200915735/how-fix-bad-kisser

What was your experience with a bad kisser? Do you consider yourself a good or bad kisser? Do you think your relationship needs a dose of more kissing?

Saturday, October 17, 2009

What is the Media Forcing Girls to Believe About Themselves?




Positive S.I.S.T.E.R.S. Presents:
Real Women Like Us -
               Redefining Our Beauty  
2nd Annual Fall Fashion Extravaganza & Luncheon - October 25, 2009


 
 
 
  Click
HERE to watch video
 
 
Silver Garden of
Southfield
24350 Southfield 
Southfield, MI
 2:00 - 6:00 pm
 
 
Vendor Shopping
1:30 - 6:30pm
 
Advance Ticket Purchase required!
Deadline: Wednesday,
October 21st.
  

Purchase Your Ticket Today on-line.

OR


Purchase your tickets at the following  locations:
 
The Clothier
19370 Kelly Rd
Harper Woods
(313) 
245-5522
 
 
Turning Heads
14903 Gratiot
Eastpointe
(586)
996-1351
 
 
Yazmine Jay
Northland Mall
(Near StrideRite)
(248)
996-6153
 
 
Call (313)
402-4997
if you need more information.

 
Positive S.I.S.T.E.R.S. is committed to helping women and girls separate their value of themselves from their physical appearance only, and uncover their inner beauty. Our media continues to portray models that are "air-brushed" to perfection, and force young girls and women alike, to feel bad about their bodies if they don't match the "status quo."
 
 
A recent article regarding a Ralph Lauren ad and the firing of that supermodel for weight gain has stirred quite a controversy. However these practices clearly demonstrate the pressure girls are forced to endure as they develop into womanhood. This is also why the Dove's Self-Esteem Fund is so needed. As women, we have to embrace the importance of our role in educating our girls on their self-esteem so they do not succumb to de-valuing themselves based on images that are not even real portraits.  
In case you missed the controversial ad of a model whose waist was smaller than her head, enjoy this photo:
Dr. Calvert
How healthy does she look to you? We must continue to educate ourselves, our daughters and our men that beauty is everywhere, and that it comes in all shapes, sizes, colors and ages. Thank you in advance for supporting this event so we can continue to collaborate with the Dove's "Campaign for Real Beauty" to share this message with 5 million girls by 2010. It is our responsibility as women to take care of the next generation.
 
 
Join us as re-define our beauty!! Men and Women welcome.



Mistress of Ceremony
 
Ramona
Ramona Prater will host the Real Women Like Us - Redefining Our Beauty 2nd Annual Fall Fashion Extravaganza and Luncheon!! Not only is she a phenomenal radio personality on two major stations, but she is also the recent author of In the Pink which was written to help women remember the girl, or that feminine essence, inside of them. She wants women to reflect on the inner qualities that define them, and challenges women to ponder, who would they be "naked" without the hair, nails, make-up, and clothes?
Our Speakers
 
Dr. Calvert
Jacquelyn Rochell was born and raised in a single-parent household, became a teen-wife and mother, and suffered as a victim of domestic violence. Despite her challenges, she  worked hard to obtain a higher education and independence. She is an amazing author and shares provocative stories about who she's been, and who she is today.  She is an advocate and role model for all women who have suffered with domestic violence. Rochell is also a diversity and equity advocate, and her books convey the importance of realizing and believing the best of you comes from YOU, and not your current circumstances.

 
Dr. Calvert
Dr. Andrea Calvert led a successful, corporate career prior to launching her own business, Elise Beautifull, Inc., a life coaching and personal development company. She is a speaker, author, minister, entrepreneur, and community leader, and has been honored as a national top performing leader of Mary Kay Cosmetics. She has also served in directorial capacity for various educational organizations. She is a true testimony of excelling against the odds, and will inspire you to reach and achieve your dreams, even during this current economic climate.



In addition to the inspiring stories of these amazing women, you will enjoy entertainment by Grady Washington, dance performances from the House of Bastet, and much more. You will enjoy shopping for wonderful and unique merchandise from our vendors, and have the opportunity to win amazing gifts and door prizes, including a trip give-away!! This will truly be an unforgettable afternoon!! 

About Positive S.I.S.T.E.R.S.
 
Positive S.I.S.T.E.R.S. is an organization that offers life coaching and workshops to empower women in their everyday life.  Our mission is to create a more powerful you, by reminding you of the essence you are simply by being a woman. We encourage women to join together in Sisterhood, so as you travel through your "dark night of the soul," you can entrust your Sisterhood to hold a sacred space for you, and inspire you until you emerge triumphantly from your own darkness into the new essence you are. 
 
The theme for Positive S.I.S.T.E.R.S. is Self-Improvement Simply Takes Education, Redevelopment, and Sincerity, and through this process of education and redevelopment, you can transform your whole being and live your dream life! 
 
When you invest in yourself -YOU CANNOT FAIL! So never doubt the beauty you possess inside, because each of us is unique and have our special gift to share with the world!
 
Sincerely,
Kimle Mitchell
Positive S.I.S.T.E.R.S.


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Thursday, October 15, 2009

6 Shortcuts to Happiness in A Relationship









I just saw a movie called Shortcut to Happiness with Alec Baldwin, Anthony Hopkins and Jennifer Love Hewitt. I enjoyed it clearly as it was an up to date remake of The Devil and Daniel Webster.

Alec Baldwin's character was a writing willing to sell his soul for success, but before the devil got into the thick of things, he was writing his best work. In the work, he realized one thing that he pointed out in the voice of the character: There Is No Shortcut to Happiness.

Anything that's worth anything is worth the hard work it takes to obtain it. We all know nothing in life comes easy.

Unfortunately we all want simple and fast solutions to make our life easy.

I say all this to let you know that the title of this blog is just to get you into reading what I have to write. Amazingly, you're still reading because you want to know will I offer what I've promised in the title.

I will.

I'll even tell you I will make six ways to the shortcut. Six you say? Why not seven or five?

Don't know.

Keep reading.

1. Use Music

Music is known to change a mood and it makes an excellent stress relief for any situation. Music therapy has been used many of times in health situations. Couples have to remember that music draws us together and can make the tension between the two of you less harsh. Don't know where to start. Get the best of Al Green, light some candles and just hold each other in the middle of the floor. Trust me, the mood will change drastically.

2. Incorporate Laughter

Laughter is the best medicine. It's a favorite phrase for anyone and that's because it's so true. Once we've hit adulthood, we become so serious, but as the Joker has said, "why so serious?"


Although we're still having issues over heath ledger's version of the joker. http://loveablackwoman.blogspot.com/2008/07/baby-daddy-you-pray-you-never-have.html

Laughter also has been known to create health benefits as well.

Even if you have to force laughter, find a joke, have a tickle party, try it out when there is too much stress, or you just need to change the mood.

3. Change Your Perspective

Instead of concentration on the big things you don't have, concentrate on the little things. I'm always preaching about appreciation.

Even last week in my socials, I sent out a quote that stated (paraphrasing) If we concentrate on what we don't have, we don't appreciate what we do have. (The person I quote name escapes me know, sorry.)

Even through this financial crises, we're constantly trying to keep up with the Joneses, but we have to remember we really can't. There will always be someone who has more than you or who has a better mate, but you can't dwell on that. You've made a committment to the one you're with and you must fall in love with the positives of your mate. Fall in love with those traits on a daily basis and you'll eventually change your perspective and start looking at the positives in life and in your relationship.

4. Do a Good Deed

I love random acts of thoughtfulness. No really, we're always trying to make up for the bad things we may have done to others we love, but I can tell you, random acts of thoughtfulness certainly can put you up a notch on the ladder to forgiveness. But don't just practice good deeds for your mate because you did something wrong. Do a good deed because it's just nice to do. Helping your mate in parts of their lives that has nothing to do with you, creates a positive emotional bond with you and brings feelings of happiness to the person for you. Having emotional well being in a relationship is wonderful. Bringing a smile to another person's face is contagious.
From a kind word to a large gift, you have the power to make your mate smile. Infect your mate now!

5. Meditate

Having some type of spiritual connection to your mate produces and even stronger bond in your relationship. Meditation, spiritual prayer, yoga, excercising together, or hell tantric sex... http://loveablackwoman.blogspot.com/2008/11/tantric-sex-question.html

whatever it is, doing something together creates a spiritual connection to your partner.

6. Choose Joy

It's so easy to walk away. It's so easy to give up, but as I said in the beginning anything worth having is worth working for.

Being together is a lot of work and too much work causes stress.

Tensions build fights and crises happens and one decision can lead to something bad in a relationship.

Choose Joy. Choose to be happy and not let the stress get to you, which will prompt you to make bad decisions.

Decide every morning to choose joy. Remember all the shortcuts as before and fall back in love with your mate each day and choose that you will be happy. think about 1 things that will make you happy with this person and try to accomplish that goal by the end of the day.

Celebrate each day with your mate as if it may not be another day. Whether its a minute, an hour or a day, find time for happiness.

Just my thoughts and rants from How to Love A Black Woman.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Free webcast - The Marriage Secret: Beyond the Fairy Tale


webcast


If you have some "issues" going on in your marriage or

want to hear how to prevent some....

you might want to consider coming to

this f*r-e-e webcast,
on Friday, October 16.

This online event is called:
The Marriage Secret: Beyond the Fairy Tale
http://instantteleseminar.com/?eventid=9505596


FREE Webcast Event with authors: Jewell R. Powell and Dr. Harold Arnold

On Friday evening, October 16th from 6 PM to 6:30 PM Eastern,
I will be interviewing Jewell R. Powell & Dr. Harold Arnold.

Jewell is the best selling author of Marriage 101 (Revell).

Harold is the author of the upcoming book, Marriage Rocks (Judson Press).


Both authors are Christian marriage experts who have discovered how to make marriage work - especially during these turbulent times in the economy.

Whether you're interested in saving your marriage, improving your marriage or thinking about marriage - you'll want to check out
this webcast.

Go to:
http://instantteleseminar.com/?eventid=9505596

This is great quality information, advice and resources for you for FREE.


P.S. And here's the best part: even if you can't make the call, you can still register and get the replay recording plus get the free ebook and chapter now!

http://instantteleseminar.com/?eventid=9505596
Pam Perry
Host and creator of The Chocolate Pages Network


Read, print and save this
special bonus article below from Jewell.

Marriage is Like a Bank:
Top 10 Deposits to Make Today
by Jewell R. Powell
jewell powell info

We've all heard that success is a journey, not a destination. I say that marriage is a journey, not a destination. In other words you have to constantly work at building a successful relationship; it doesn't just happen. We know that the cares of this world: career, children, household chores, other family members, and more take up so much of our time that by the end of the day, we have nothing left to give to our spouses. In turn, our marriages are missing the very core of what it should have: love.
 
A successful marriage is not based on a couple having no challenges or disagreements. But it is based on how they communicate with one another day after day. The definition of communicate is: a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior (words or deeds); to open into each other: connect. Therefore, communicating is connecting to one another on a daily basis to strengthen and enrich your marriage. I am not talking about the day in and day out of the routine of marriage - a peck on the cheek, "Have a nice day" - to a call in the middle of the day to discuss the children or why you will be home late - to a peck on the cheek and lights out.
 
Marriage is a lot like a bank account. A successful couple makes daily deposits - ways to make their marriage a priority. Below are ten ways to deposit love (and they're FREE!):


1.      Kiss them passionately
2.      Send an ecard (www.MyFunCards.com,  www.AmericanGreetings.com)
3.      Watch their favorite show or do their favorite activity
4.      Hug them and tell them how much you love and appreciate them
5.      Make love to them (yes have SEX!)
6.      Put the kids down early, fix a nice healthy dessert, light a candle, and just talk
7.      Start a tradition (every week to take a walk, etc.)
8.      Play a board game/cards
9.      Find a poem or quote (internet,or write one) that expresses your feelings
10.    Pamper your spouse after work
 
Dating should not stop once you are married. Continue to court one another and offer tokens of love and appreciation. You don't have to spend a lot of money, but little signs of gratitude and courtship can go a long way to enhance your relationship.
 
© Jewell R. Powell, the Marriage Coach and author of Marriage 101: Building a Life Together by Faith. For more information, visit www.marriage101.us

TALK TO HER & Dr. Harold Arnold on Friday, Oct. 16 from
6:00 to 6:30 p.m. EST
Free webcast:
www.tinyurl.com/marriagewebcast



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Monday, October 12, 2009

What the black woman won't do...accept responsibility...WHAT?!!


I usually try to post positivity on this blog, but today I couldn't help going back to my roots when I listened to this video.

The more I listened to it, the angrier I became.

Just in case you don't feel like pressing play and listening to this hot mess, Here are some of the excerpts from it:

  • Black women are Indecisive, bitchy and petty as hell
  • Black Women aren't strong enough to raise a responsible child
  • We think with our crotch
  • And we want thug lovin'
  • Black woman are so self centered they look at these children are things to be used.
  • Black woman frequently mistreat their children
  • 70% of black children are born out of wedlock
  • Because black women scheme and play tricks to keep a man, black men can date outside of the race but black women can't.
  • Black woman are bullies

How true is this...





Now I'm not going to sit back and say I pushed the black man away. I'm one to say that I don't want to be in love or in a relationship at this point in my life and I'll be the first to admit I have dealt with the trifling black man.

Just last week while in Chicago, some guy comes to the table and start speaking of Angry Black Women. Once I saw this video, I started to bring back up the sour milk stomach feeling and couldn't help but to speak out today on the only platform where I didn't have to hear more of that nonsense.

Before I show my Black woman on that video I decided to also point out that women ... ALL WOMEN want good leaders in their lives. I've pointed out before of how we're tired of taking the reins and being head of the household, but we can't rest unless we know we have someone in charge we can trust.

Characteristics of a good leader...

  • I was always taught that leaders take responsibility for bad situations.
  • A good leader “walks the talk.”
  • Leaders need to be able to be a source of inspiration, and be a motivator towards the required action or cause. 
  • A leader also needs to function in an orderly and purposeful manner in situations of uncertainty
  • Storms, emotions, and crises come and go and a good leader takes these as part of the journey and keeps a cool head. (AND NOT LEAVE!)
  • The good leader not only maintains high standards, but also is proactive in raising the bar in order to achieve excellence in all areas.
 (http://ezinearticles.com/?Seven-Personal-Characteristics-Of-A-Good-Leader&id=59305)

Now it's time to vent:

WTH!!!

Okay, let's first start off with the question of what black woman brought you to this MF conclusion? Who broke your heart? Who made you even think about saying this belligerent crap?

I often warn women about the power they possess to fruck up someone's mind, but whoever did this man in did a doozie on this brother. I mean you got him so turned upside down, inside out, he can't even see straight. He's angry and mad and it's just sad that he has this view of women ... black women ... that wouldn't make even his own mother proud.

Any man or woman who would agree to anything that this person has to say, would be one beer short of a six pack in my opinion.

I could understand if he said some. I mean there are some uneducated or innocent women that don't know a good man if it smacked them in the face. I won't deny that. I was one at one time.

But to say that ALL Black are like this?

That's just silly.

That's just ignorant.

That's just down right plain horrible to say that to anyone. Did you forget you were speaking about your mothers, sisters, aunts, cousins?

And why at no point in this, did you say Black men are responsible for anything.

If there are so many good black men around that we can't see why aren't you out there educating those "boys" we're raising to be good black men? Since we aren't doing a very good job, right?

If you are there, why aren't there more of you taking in these badly raised boys as your sons. If we're so bad, why aren't you stringing us up in court and getting full custody. I mean 40 years of this and you aren't stepping up your game to do something about it?

Oh come on, please tell me.

I mean, if I'm such a bad black woman, why haven't you done something other than run your mouth ... as you say we are doing?

But let's just rewind a little. You're running your mouth... let me say that again... YOU ARE RUNNING YOUR MOUTH!

Black women have not only been running our mouths, but we've been working our brain and body to the  bone for the past 40 years when you decided to walk out and not handle the responsibility. If you go back up and return to reading the characteristics of a good leader, it does state: Storms, emotions, and crises come and go and a good leader takes these as part of the journey and keeps a cool head. (AND NOT LEAVE!)

There are a lot of storms and a lot of emotions and crisis's, but unfortunately women ... Majority of ALL WOMEN ... don't go with the luxury of leaving or "getting rid of " responsibility. We face responsibilities. We stay. We put up with the storms, emotions, and crisis.

We're not angry, bitchy, or petty, we're TIRED!!! Tired of carrying a load, God did not design for us. We're tired of waiting for you to step up your game so we can sit the hell down. We don't want to handle all this responsibility, but now that we do have it, you done messed with the wrong woman. We've carried ancestors, drama, hatred and child bearing on our backs for all our lives and now you're asking us to carry you?

WE'RE TIRED!!

Lastly, My Momma said, before you go pointing fingers at someone else, there are always three pointing right back at you.

Be a leader. Be someone who we want to have in our lives. Show us that things will be okay so we aren't always trying to hold up the world by ourselves.

And most of all... love us. Love us unconditionally and hold us tighter when those storms, crises and emotions come.


Monday, October 05, 2009

Why Don’t African-Americans Go to Therapy?

http://www.feedblitz.com/t2.asp?/352823/7514529/2628406/http://edcmagazine.blogspot.com/2009/09/why-dont-african-americans-go-to.html

Why Don't African-Americans Go to Therapy?
By: Tonya Ladipo


There are many different ideas about why we don't seek therapy. Some believe that it is only for wealthy, White people, others believe that you don't go outside the family with your problems. Some of these thoughts keep us struggling more than we need to. Here are some of the more prevalent ones.

"But I'm not touched"
Many of us think you have to be "touched" or "crazy" to go to therapy." While it's true that some people with mental health issues seek therapy, it's really a service for anyone. Therapy is a paid service that connects you with a trained professional who provides you with the support you need to live a healthier and happier life.

When I first met "Andre" he was apprehensive about seeking therapy. For many months, he questioned whether or not he should be in therapy. Overall, he felt that his life was manageable and that he did not have enough problems to go to therapy, after all he had a job and people who cared about him. He certainly was not "crazy". After several discussions about the purpose of therapy and its benefits to him as a rationale person, Andre accepted his desire for therapy. In fact, in a recent session Andre said that the healthiest people he knows are all in therapy. He realizes that therapy is a place that can benefit everyone, not just a small segment of the population. Andre further explained that the people he knows who have the most problems aren't in therapy. Of course, as a therapist, this makes perfect sense to me. Recognizing that your life is not how you want it to be or that you need additional support takes a lot of courage and self-reflection. These are not the thoughts of a "crazy" person. Rather, this is the thought process of someone who has a sense of who they are and wants more from their life and themselves.


"I can talk to my friends and family"
Why do you need to go outside of your family/church/friendship circle to get the help and support you want? Sometimes, you don't. But sometimes, going outside of that comfortable and familiar circle will propel you to make the changes that you want to. When people talk with their family or friends, many times they don't tell them everything that's going on in their head or in their lives. This isn't to be deceptive, but because you care about your family and friends and you care what they think about you.

Keisha came to see me because she was thinking about leaving her husband. She recently found out that he had an affair. Her family adored her husband and she was afraid of what they would say. She hadn't made up her mind about leaving, but she needed someone to talk to, someone who wouldn't immediately tell her what to do, whether that meant leaving or staying.

When you're concerned with what the other person is thinking and feeling, you cannot focus on yourself and your own needs 100%. That's the benefit of therapy. You can share all of your thoughts and feelings without being concerned about the therapist. In doing this, you can focus on you, what you need, what you want, and ways to accomplish that. Sometimes people are more honest when they go outside their circle of family and friends. As backwards as it may sound, it can be easier to talk to a stranger, easier to share your feelings, fears and pleasures with someone who you do not see everyday.

READ MORE AND COMMENT BY CLICKING HERE...http://www.feedblitz.com/t2.asp?/352823/7514529/2628406/http://edcmagazine.blogspot.com/2009/09/why-dont-african-americans-go-to.html





Monday Morning Motivation - "Fail Proof"



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Monday Morning Motivation
"Fail Proof"


Greetings!

What would you do if you knew you could not fail?

That is one of my favorite quotes, by Robert H. Schuller, that inspires and informs many of the things I do.  I take my leaps of faith with that basic premise as one of the many sparks that fuels my fire.  If I wasted any time worrying about whether I might fail I would be overcome by fear and self doubt.  So I go into everything with the idea that I will not fail.

During this time of year, ten years ago, I experienced two major milestones while in college.  The first was founding Diversion Dance Troupe and the second was winning Homecoming Queen, both on the campus of Eastern Michigan University.

I started Diversion Dance Troupe because after years of professional dance experience and training, I tried out for the University's dance team and was told that I did not make it because I did not have the "Collegiate Look."  To this day I'm not exactly sure what that meant but I did not let that deter me.  I used that energy to start my own organization that would not discriminate on any student based solely upon looks.  I wanted all of the young men and women that had come to college with the hopes of continuing their dance careers to have the opportunity to be a part of a student organization based upon their dance experience, not their size or the color of their skin.

Diversion Dance Troupe is still going strong and just celebrated their ten year anniversary last month.

Shortly after starting the Dance Troupe I ran for Homecoming Queen.  An African American Homecoming Queen was far from the norm and I even had the people closest to me doubting that I would win.  That night, I stood on that large football field and listened as they announced the Baron and the Baroness, The Duke and The Duchess, The Prince and the Princess...All of the names had been called except for mine. It was at that moment that I realized that all that was left to be called was the King and The Queen...and my name.  "And the 1999 Homecoming Queen is...Monica Jones!" From then on, it blazed a trail and several African American Queens followed.

Many people have never tried things that they really wanted to do, because they thought that they might fail.  I never stop trying, because  I never believe that I can fail. If I do not accomplish the goal that I set out to accomplish, I count it as research and a learning experience for what I can do differently next time, not a failure.   I tell my dance student's that can't is a curse word.  How do you know what you are capable of if you don't give it a try?  So again I ask you....

What would you do, if you knew you could not fail?

The Swag Book Release Experience The Swag Book Release Experience

As much as I love to write, sometimes I find it hard to capture the most meaning experiences of my life with words.  Like the time I went to visit my father in Belize after not having seen him in almost fifteen years.  The experience of seeing and being with him in a country and a culture that is half of me was so special that I just chose to keep it tucked in a special place in my heart.

The same is the case with the Swag Book Release Experience.  Not because it was a success, not because I sold a lot of books....But because the support that all of you showed me meant more to me than words could ever express.  I thought that I would give you the play by play of the night's events, but that would feel like a sports reporter covering a wedding.  Some things that are just so full of love and meaning are meant to be experienced in that moment.  So the only words that I can say are, thank you, I appreciate you, and it means so much to me to have supporters like you.

Sincerely,

Monica

Swag is available at MotorCity Casino Hotel in Lacquer (The Hotel Lobby Gift Shop), on my website and on Amazon.com.  If you order it from me, or buy it from Lacquer it will be signed and it will come with a Free Swag Mixtape.  If you already have the book, don't forget to leave a review on Amazon.com.

You can also join me on Thursday October 15th at 6pm at the Baker's Keyboard Literary Lounge where I will be signing and reading all of my books accompanied by live music and a talented singer.  Visit my website calendar for more details.
 
Sincerely,
 

Monica Marie JonesSWAG book cover
The Literary Loft




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