Love of myself

Little brown-skinned girl

Promise in yourself
Little brown-skinned girl
Because no one else will
The road before you may seem rough
And times you will get weary
You are tough
Tougher than you ever know.

Desire more for yourself
Little brown-skinned girl
No one can believe in you enough
Your journey will lead you to many paths
But just know that all are not meant to be for you.

Stand tall against it all
Little brown-skinned girl
Times will come when you want to tell the world, 

"stop I'm getting off!" and it won't let you...

you hold on by a thread.
Stand firm and grip on tight for the ride.

The skin you are in is powerful
Little brown-skinned girl
Its smoothness embodies the strength
You possess. 

 People have feared its depths and have misunderstood its fullness.

 Don't be shy, embrace it whole.

Love for you.
Little brown-skinned girl
You are not perfect, you are human.
Mistakes will be made for you to birth new opportunities from.
Espouse all of your good and help it become your greatness.

These are words of advice
Little brown-skinned girl
For you to face this life with.

C. Arin Atkins

*Growing up in the South, there were was a phase of time where the skin I wore was not popular (lighter skin was preferred). Internally this caused a slight strife in my esteem, but I never let it plant a seed to allow it to grown. However I know of girls who did not know that Black is Beautiful. That the darker the berry the sweeter the juice. I hurt for them, for they know not their strength, nor the influence the color of their skin has on beauty. This poem was written so that no other little brown skinned girl will grow up not knowing her power and loving herself-no matter the skin she is in.Enjoy.

Peace, Life, Love

Addendum to Having it All

I wanted to add to my previous post that we all must remember that our Packages and what we consider our All is different. That's what makes this world so great....Diversity. So in saying that, it doesn't matter what your All is, it all begins with prayer. Be empowered...by being prayerful and open to the journey it takes! Like my grandfather always said...nothing is worth anything if you don't go through something to get it! Enjoy!

Having it all

This morning I happened to catch a part of the Reunion of the Housewives of New York. And there was one thing that really struck me. Bethenny was becoming emotional about having a successful business, a wonderful fiancé, and a baby on the way. According to her, she never thought that she could or even would "have it all".
Wow!
Since when has it become a time that women feel like, what I call "The Package", was out of reach? Many, including myself at some point of desperateness, feel that they must trade a successful career for a marriage and baby or vice versa. When did this happen? Regardless, it is important for us to know that it is not the case.
My road to having my "Package" has had it's valleys and mountains, but recognizing that its a journey and that what I'm wanting is not a destination, was the key to me having it all. Right now, my life is in a good place. I'm in a wonderful, supportive relationship with a man that I can say is my best friend, have an engaging career, and see the possibility of having a baby as more than just a dream. And just to think it all began with prayer. A simple prayer that was heard and now being manifested.
Empower yourself with prayer and there is nothing that can stop you...including, but not limited to, having it All.

Peace, Life, Love

A little poetry

Fallen from Heaven

Fallen from heaven
A gift to earth
She has become
Formed from the dust of stars
Celestial dew upon eyelids
Mouth shimmering with powder of moon.

Travelling with
The pains of yesteryear
The passions of present
The promises of tomorrows
All mapped in her heart
Stories of faith of the people
Etched across her canvass

Twin soul beacons

finding their match.

He fears that in her

May be his Achilles
Within her,he knows that she
will bring Deliverance from her Womb.

The One born with a bestowed name of
First Peace
Middle Love
Last Life

Fallen from heaven

Together they are to form

A colony from earthly chaos.

Destiny undaunting, Power unwavering

Theirs to claim, reap, and sow.

Knowledge and its wealth to spread

beyond the gates of Eden.

Side by side in prayer and vigilance of justice

they rein.

Strength is his name.

Grace is hers.

Passion knotted together infinitely.
Descent from heaven for a world to become 

more grounded in righteousness and love.

*Sometimes I find inspiration in the oddest places. As a woman, every month I am reminded of the Story of Eve, due to obvious biological reasons (smile). Not only am I reminded of the sinful part of the story, but that Eve was a woman with purpose. As women, we need to remember that we are of Purpose. We have a job that we are called to do and must stand on it with God's Promises to accomplish it. This is my perspective of the Story. The job that she and we are called to do. Enjoy.

Peace, Life, Love

In Memorial

Today marks the holiday that we officially honor those who have served to protect our country and all it stands for. I believe that there is never enough gratitude to those that are currently and have done this for us.
It frightens me to think if I would have personally lost a loved one or friend to battle. I try to understand ones need to fullfill this service and come to terms to why we are in wars in the first place.
Now not to diminish what this day was originally intended for. But how could we not truly keep in memory and honor those who also made sacrifices with their lives and more for all of the other ways our lives have been changed? So in addition to servicemen and servicewomen, I want to honor and thank my ancestors, civil rights pursurers, and anyone else that has done something to make a difference in the way I am able to live today! Thank you, thank you, and thank you! I salute you all!
Peace, Life, Love

The Why of People

At first it started out as being a part of the job. Then it became a part of me. After my inquiring of a decision made, or a thought had, even feelings....I would ask then hear myself ask the person, "Why?" I felt a need to know more information and to gain additional insight into the responder.
This has become my thing! Even catch myself wondering the why to my own thoughts, feelings, and decisions. Because hey you never know when someone will ask me why!
There is even a book that I would like to reas entitled, "Start with Why". Check it out, too! You never know what you may learn! :-)

Commonsense

The longer you live,the more you learn! Something that I've been learning in the past few weeks is that the Art of Commonsense is dying. No longer are people using rational thoughts or their gut feelings (intutition)! What is going on!?
I can't understand it...

Undisciplined

I set out this month challenging myself to write on my blog everyday this month. Well, as you can see, I have not been able to keep up! I guess with the ending of the school year I am getting so unfocused on ME!
Crazy how I become undisciplined when it comes to the matters of taking care of myself. I take some "mental health days"  but not enough for me to feel recovered-fully...then life happens. I tell myself to go to the spa more often....then life happens and I never make it. With summer coming up, I want to look my best, therefore, I tell myself to exercise more and eat healthier..then life happens and I never put in the time. Every time I need to be focused and disciplined on taking care of me, I find no time or energy left....
However, I want to become more disciplined in the coming days. Becoming more disciplined will also help me to  accomplish so much more! And as for my daily breath of fresh air...I will try to do a lot better about "breathing" and taking time to smell the roses...in order to write more!

Peace, Life, Love

I did not forget...

There are times when writing can be difficult to do daily. But then I'm reminded that I communicate in many ways on a daily basis. The last thing I do before bed is to communicate with God. Often it is through direct prayers about things or like tonight, through a showing of gratitude. Gratitude for things are sometimes that little lift you need in the day or the check of reality to remind of us the real purpose of this life.


Today I'm grateful for:

My family & friends that love me for me regardless

A job to provide our necessities

A job that I care about

The laughter of my niece when she at first was down

The ability to help my Mommie when she needed it

The care from others shown to me in unexpected ways

Cupcakes(mmmmm....lol)

The feeling of being needed

For being heard when I needed someone to do more than just listen

Compassion of strangers in my other world

The expectation to gather with my girls tomorrow

And so much more!

I could go on and on...but I just wanted you to know that I didn't forget! I never can dismiss my daily gratitudes. I didn't forget....and pray to never do.



Peace, Life, Love
(Written this on Monday, May 4th, but had technical difficulties..ahhh...Life!)

A Life worth Living

Read a quick article on CNN.com about how women are always living their lives full of regret. Constant comparisons to other women. Worries over achievements yet accomplished. Well, unfortunately, this is so true of many us-present company included.
There is always planning for the "next steps" and keeping up with The Book Club. These things come to a point where they consume my life. And while I"m "consumed", life continues.... Everyone else is living theirs, unbeknowning that I am choosing them as a measuring stick to MY life and success. Crazy....foolish...somewhat insane of sorts.
Well...that stops today. In reading the article, I had a moment of gratitude. I have a GREAT life and it is indeed one worth living....and living it MY WAY. No more regrets, nor more comparing (you can only live it the way you want to), and if I want to accomplish more, well I have to get on it....There is no room for worries...
In fact, it conjures up one of my favorite poems...because it is truly ME. I just need to keep in mind, I have a life worth living and I need to get about the business of living it!

PHENOMENAL WOMANby Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing of my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them,
They say they still can't see.
I say
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
The palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

from And Still I Rise by Maya Angelou
copyright © 1978 by Maya Angelou.

A BOFA-ism

I have shared so much of myself in this blog and with you. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. 


What does it mean for something or someone to be a breathe of fresh air?
Defined, by various references, as "a welcome relief; a change for the better", "something relieving, refreshing or new", and "a welcome or refreshing change". That is what I daily try to embrace! My spirit craves new things that will create something better in my life. My spirit has something in it that wants to also create those opportunities for others. Here's to all of the breathes of fresh air in us ALL!

We saw the future today

You and I  glanced

We gazed

You and I stared

We saw so much more than what we came for.

Vast richness of more than what we desired lies ahead.

We saw the future and the future looked at us today....told us to live in the now while

planning the tomorrows. Time passed, together we sat and laughed about the yesterdays, no matter how sad or bad they had been.

We own it and them as much as they own us. 

We saw the future today

You and I  glanced

We gazed

You and I stared

We saw so much more than what we came for.

Embraced the freshness of what is to come.

Change puts new wind in all of our sails.

The future promised us

New life, new horizons, new air to breathe.

Asked that we only

Breath in, breath out....new breathes.

More to come, forevermore, more to come

Peace, Life, Love

Just thoughts of Where, What, When, Why, and How

WHERE do you go for advice? 
         Seeking your own counsel is narcissistic and could be wrong. There is nothing wrong with gaining
          knowledge from others. We all learn this way. Consider your options from what you have received,
          then make a decision based on knowledge, not self fulfillment .        
WHAT is your story?
         Everyone has one. We should share them more so that we can become more connected to one another.
         Don't be afraid to share yours. Someone may gain something from yours, and vice versa.
WHEN are you successful? 
         We personally all have this "measuring stick" inside of us. We have standards that we feel we must meet
          in order to reach and know that we are successful.
WHY aren't we all responsible for our incarcerated and homeless?
         We are supposed to be a caring society, it takes a village....I am sure that there is a way, however
         small,  that we can all do individually to make a difference for the good of the whole. So that these
        societal flaws become a thing of the past.
HOW did this world end up so wrong? 
         Each day, the news on TV/internet scares us, gives us bad vibes about the world around us. There
         were times of peace...we have all strayed off track into a United State of Chaos. Our President is right
        change is what we need and will have to embrace. And once again....remember..We are supposed to be
        a caring society, it takes a village....I am sure that there is a way, however small,  that we can all do
        individually to make a difference for the good of the whole.

Just had some thoughts of where, what, when, why, and how on this lazy Sunday afternoon.

Peace, Life, Love

"Firsts"

Firsts

First sight made an impression
First convo became an all night session.

First smile I put on your face was delightful
First laugh we shared was playful.

First holding of my hand has  awakened
First vibing in the making.

First caressing touch ignited sparks of fire
First kiss became a passion, a desire.

First night together was comforting
First morning after was affirming.

Firsts among many firsts.

-C. Arin Atkins

Peace, Life, Love

Landscape around us

The landscape of our lives is changing.


Over the spring break, I rode around parts of this city that I haven't been to in a while. As I passed some old familiarities, I noticed not only that some were gone, but how run down and old we have ALLOWED the buildings and land to become.
I also took note of how many buildings are being built on top of so much land everywhere! Green space gone. I admit that I feel that there is so much more we should be doing as a society...a COMMUNITY to better this situation. Take care of what we have and improve on it when needed. We can no longer just sit back and watch it fade away. When the scape around us begins to disappear, so does our culture, our stories, our livelihoods, our very beings-to a certain extent. What can we do? When will we do it?


Reflecting on all of the changes, I also realized how the landscape of my life is changing. I am approaching a new phase and role in my life that I have never been in before. As scary as it seems, I am welcoming all of the landscape changes. Unlike our community, I know that I must step up to address the changes around me.  I embrace the fear and use it as a tool to strengthen my Faith! I think of prayers as my "crane" to build on the landscape around me. Building on my dreams, my destiny...my life. 


Peace, Life, Love

Black Positive Image Presents: "You Don't Know My Story" Campaign

Often there are times when something strikes me and creates an inspirational, teachable moment in me. This is one! One of the young ladies I follow on Twitter speaks of this campaign and I want to do my part by sharing the word! Please become a part of something positive and forward moving and thinking! Thank you!

You Don't Know My Story is a campaign geared towards recognizing self prosperity through reflection and appreciation that everyone has a life story worth telling.

Black Positive Image has partnered with an 8th grade after school program in Atlanta, Georgia that serves as a vessel in continuing this campaign. We plan to create a booklet of submissions for the young ladies involved in the character development program and also post them to a blog site created for the campaign.

Help us bring this campaign to life! All we ask is that you take the time to share your story so that young ladies and people around can learn, reflect, and grow.

Submission Details:
v Female Submissions Only
v Stories should e mailed to: knowmystory@gmail.com
v Length: 1-2 pages single spaced
v Submissions can be Anonymous
v We encourage you to invite your network to help keep this campaign alive.
v Understand by submitting a story you give us permission to use it for the printed booklet. However, we will still make selections based on the quantity received. Please specify if you would like to remove your submission from being posted on a blog. Dates:

v Deadline : 4/12/10
v Notified of use for Booklet: 4/23/10
v Booklet made by :5/4/10

Thank you in advance for helping bring this campaign alive and helping young ladies experience triumph through your lens.

Spring Break

Spring is here..so where is my Break?? LOL
It's on it way...
But for whatever reason, I am in need of a serious break from life. So I can renew, re-energize, re-evaluate, and then in turn re-evolve into something new!
Isn't that what Spring is all about?! It is for me and I will be taking full advantage.
Winter has put a number on me..mostly professionally, but the "hibernation" did my heart good during the cold months. I learned so much and now I want to take this time to reflect and apply all that I've learned!
This will be a great break...good sunshine, great company of family and friends, tightening bonds, gaining insight through reflections and conversations, and more than anything creating invaluable memories. I love Spring and welcome it with open arms!

Peace, Life, Love

Never perfect...just believe

I know that we nor the world around is perfect...but yet I continue to believe in the good of them some way, some how. I also apply this belief to the subject of Love. Hence, something that I have awaited in doing will be birthed soon! There have been many times that I found love, or it found me and neither us were perfect and time, time again I still believed in it. And it in me. Often this experience formed itself into lyrical words...my poetry.

I am in the the beginning process of publishing my work of poetry, "Never perfect...just believe". Such an exciting and amazing time! I have been enjoying this "pregnancy", however, I know that the time is soon to introduce my little baby to the world. She has stirred within for many years and at the beginning of this year, I made the decision that it was time.

As I continue through the process, please pray for me and this project, my friends.

I will keep you posted on the outcomes and updates. I look forward to sharing this with you....

Peace, Life, Love

We grow & become...

Everyday is a new opportunity for us to learn more and then in turn growing more... Steadily becoming and changing into something new. This is a great feat and wonderful time.
I have always been a believer in that life does not have destinations...it is all a journey! Springtime always reminds me of this and the growth we accomplish daily.
As of late, I have been taking note of so many things that I'm learning! Regardless of how small the experience may have been, the growth I am seeing in me is becoming tremendous! I feel myself gaining, changing, and coming more into the woman I want and more than anything-need- to be! I thank God for this. Change is evolving...
What do you do to grow? What and who are you becoming?
Happy Spring!!

Lessons learned

This past week has been one of significant change for me and my family. We have lost the matriarch of our family, my dear grandmother. I loved that my mother said that although my grandmother's physical heart was weak, she loved us tremendously. And even more she loved God.
She not only passed on stories of family history, but also life lessons that I can still use to this day. I learned about social graces and the importance of being a true independent, Southern Lady. She knew how to make the best meals, be a best friend to her husband, catering to her family, and the importance of higher education by obtaining two degrees. More than anything, I learned that you should always be true to yourself and your dreams.
She will be missed everyday, but I know that I now have a new Guardian Angel to watch over me and my dreams. One that truly believes in me and them. I miss her, I love her, and want to make her proud.

Here's to lessons learned....

Funny how...

These are some random thoughts I've had this month. Enjoy!
....life just happens to you and sometimes YOU happen to it?
... One's love of self is displayed in love for others that look like you?
...someone can make the most of your day by just sharing in it with you?
...in the struggling of times, you can find the best memories?
...you meet people that come in your life and leave an impression that carries on?
...time seems to not mean anything when you are with good people?
... As Black Americans we disrespect ourselves the most by not celebrating or making a huge deal out of the reason for this month?!
...by the way I like Twitter way more than facebook!
....you just know what you want when something or someone happens in your life?
...I'm sooo ready to face life a little more than I did in the beginning of this month?
...we "give up" something for Lenten season only to gain so much more, especially spiritually?
...you sometimes a no is your path to a yes?
...you can so many random thoguhts as these and not think to share them?


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