Grandfather

It's amazing how life gets in the way and little things distract your flow or certain situations change you.  The last few months of 2016 were jam packed with life and its many circumstances.  I lost my beloved grandfather who was an awesome patriarch of the family.  He taught me so much and he was known for keeping it "real".  Above all else, he taught me all about my family's rich heritage.  I count myself very blessed to have known such a person and to be so closely related to him.  Although he battled Alzheimer's during his final days, he still showed smiles of warmth to all that came near him and could still remember many of his family members.  Thanking God for my marvelous Grandad for all his wisdom, love, and kindness. 

Motivational Love

There are some relationships that bless us in many ways.  When we're deeply in love, most of us try hard to be our best selves.  What motivates us to do this?  It's the people that we're with that can bring out the very best in us.  They have the ability to somehow see what we can not see within ourselves.  All of the great things that we produce, they love and cherish.  They enjoy our company, see us at our worst, and yet they love us unapologetically and unconditionally.  These are the people that we use as reflections.  We can see our best selves through their eyes, and we gain momentum to keep on being extraordinary.  They lift us up and carry us through some of our toughest situations and give us the pep talks of encouragement when we need it most.  Hold on to these people, keep them dearly close because these are the people that have our backs no matter what.  They are our deepest hopes, our passionate loves, and our motivation.  If you haven't found an individual such as this...don't despair for they are most definitely out there.  Breathe, pray, and wait fervently for them...

Worry

It's extremely easy to get caught up in to the habit of worrying.  We spend so much of our life stressing over our families, material possessions, health, finances, jobs, and even our spiritual lives.  We spend a fortune on insurance just to cover us for the what-if's and just-in-cases in order to prepare for the unfortunate events that "might" occur in our lives.  It's ok to be prepared, but we must not get into the habit of worrying daily about the things that WE CAN NOT CHANGE.  These things may or may not ever happen.  If unfortunate things do take place in our lives, we have been given the necessary skills and abilities to sustain us.  We can adapt and change in ways that will impact us for the better and besides we grow much more in strength, courage, and faith.  Do not let worry defeat you, for it is unnecessary and your time could be spent doing so many other things that will uplift your spirit.  Get busy and turn your focus away from being a worrier and instead become a champion at enjoying your life and your amazing moments.  Things will work out just fine...take faith in it and believe that you have the power to overcome and survive anything.  Happy Monday...One Love...and God bless my friends! 

Inspire

Each week I have been so grateful because I've been inspired by so much.  I am constantly seeing new articles, reading books, or hearing music in this beautiful world that surrounds me.  I also try to inspire everyone I come in contact with.  If we all took the time to think about ourselves less and focus on someone else, we might be surprised with the blessings that come forth.  Music, poetry, and art of course definitely keeps me inspired...but so do the people I meet.  I challenge you to inspire someone this weekend or in the week ahead.  #Nspirethought

Friday's Music: Enjoy! Kenny Loggins & Michael McDonald-This Is It

Friday's Music: Enjoy! Angel (Live)- Lalah Hathaway

Artist of The Day

Norman Rockwell

I don't think I was ever inspired more than any other artist in history as I was by Norman Rockwell.  Mr. Rockwell's characters are so iconic and illustrate life being lived so vibrantly and still showcases the daily normal.  It's fascinating to see these images come alive and tell us a simple and sometimes complex story of their occupations such as police officers, teacher's, mother's, father's, and even little children at play.  I used to stare at these paintings by Norman Rockwell when I was younger, and I could always recognize his signature style. 

Oh...the look on this woman's face says it all!

This self-portrait of Norman Rockwell shown above always amazed me.  It was so clever of him to capture himself in this way.  It still blows me away every time I see this painting.