In a world that values who you are by what you look like, it's important to have confidence in yourself. For example, many times we see other women and imagine that there life must be so perfect because of how they look and we become intimidated by what we see. There are even times that we see someone that we just know our mates would go crazy over because of their appearance and then that red eyed demon of insecurity begins to take hold. The antidote to those feelings are confidence. Confidence, like happiness, has to be worked on daily. Just like you have to make a decision to be happy and then put in the work required to FEEL happy; it's the same with confidence. The comedian, Monique, says that as a child she was told daily that she was pretty. So although the world would look at her plus sized figure and say...hmmm...she has the confidence to say..at 200 lbs or 120 lbs I'm a beautiful woman. And she exudes confidence; it's apparent in the way she carries herself. Not just what she says but the non verbal statments she makes. Make it a daily practice to practice confidence. Tell yourself that you are worthy. Those old battle scars from childhood or from whenever that you still wear...you're too fat, too ugly, too skinny, too dumb, not good enough, not pretty enough, not smart enough....work on them each and every day. To each negative remark, counter it with a positive affirmation...I am good enough. I am pretty. I am smart. You will start to wear your confidence like a piece of beautiful clothing and everyone who encounters you will be able to see and feel it. In this world, no matter who you are, confidence is everything!

Greetings all! Please take the opportunity to vote for my girl at this opportunity to win a wedding in the Bahamas. Hit the link below and vote for Bruce and Martina!

Long Distance Goes the Distance Bahamas Bridal Bailout

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There's an amazing rush that happens when I give. It can be my time, my money, a card, a gift or a service that I give. But when I do so I feel joyful. It lights me up because I'm not self absorbed in my life and I'm focusing on bringing pleasure to someone else. Sometimes we tend to think we have nothing to give because our "money may be funny" or we may be tired or the list of excuses that come with participating in life. The thing is to find something/any little thing that lets someone you love or even a stranger know that they are important. Give your time by listening to that same story that you've heard 100 times over; send a $5 gift card to a friend who you know just loves coffee or a particular fast food. Tell someone unexpectedly that you love them. Give from your soul and from your heart. Give without thinking about it. Give generously. The joy you will feel is indescribable....

"Gratitude is a two-fold love - love coming to visit us and love running out to greet a welcome guest. " - henry vandyke

I love my boyfriend and in essence that means I ought to naturally love his children..right? So I thought. After all, as beautiful and wonderful as he is, how could his offspring not be just the same. And as a mother already wouldn't I organically cleave to the little one's he made? Well, automatically...no. I didn't produce them from my body so the instantaneous oxyctocin that was released when I gave birth to my son isn't there. I have to produce it manually. His kids are coming for spring break and I have to admit it's intimitadating and overwhelming all at the same time. I've been around them enough to have a relationship but since I don't see them often I tend to at times feel like that "wicked stepmother." Beautiful children they are..full of life and mischief and all the things that make children..fun! But at times I wonder, will I fall in love with them naturally as we progress in our relationship? Will my heart be as full and hold them the way it holds Yums? Will they ever look at me as a friend and confidant and another adult who loves them? Or will they glare at me scorningly since I'm not their mother? *sigh* I prepare for their arrival, get fun activities in place and hope for a special spring break.

"Happiness is a spiritual path. The more you learn about true happiness, the more you discover the truth of who you are, what is sacred, and what your life is really for. By walking back to happiness—the happiness that exists within you right now—you reaquaint yourself with your true identity, with your true values, and with your true purpose. This inherent happiness holds the key to enlightenment and greater understanding of who you are. In other words, true happiness is Self-realization."

I read this excerpt this morning from Be Happy, release the power of happiness in You by Robert Holden.

Most of my fondest memories involve me dancing in some form or fashion. Kindergarten gave me my first taste of this delightful drug. We had a school program and it involved my class performing to some island music. I don't remember anything but moving my little hips and feeling on top of the world! I had the chance to visit Egypt about 15 years ago with my father and younger sister. We were in the market one day and there was this intoxicating music being played throughout the air. I couldn't help it; again I found myself moving my little hips and laughing and again feeling on top of the world! Dancing brings me joy. From holding Yums (my son) when he was infant close to my heart and lulling him to sleep while moving to Coltrane; to holding someone close while in my pj's and socks rocking in tune to Anita Baker. I don't care what the music is...gospel, jazz, reggae, rock, alternative, neo soul, rap, dirty south...I am moved to move my little hips and take it all in. Dance. When noone is looking and everyone is looking....