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Day 10: Naysakers aka “Your Haters”

Listen, there will always be people that you meet in life that will doubt your dreams. They are naysakers, haters or just miserable people. You can’t focus on them. You have to stay focused on you and the dreams that you are turning into reality. Manifestation of your dreams starts when you decide to not let fear hold you back and step boldly into your future. No one said that it will be easy. It won’t. But, you deserve it.

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You are stronger than you think. Read the story of anyone who has succeeded and they will tell you that there were those that doubted. However, their doubts don’t pay your bills or ensure your success. You do. Your grit. Your determination. Your spirit. You are responsible for it all.

Leave your haters where they stand and keep pushing towards your goal. No one can stop you, but you. Remember that.

My Day 10 in my #23daysofthankfulness is for all you naysakers out there. Watch me succeed from the place you stand. I will win.

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Want to keep in touch? You can find me on social media at the following links: Twitter @mskeeinmd, Facebook page A Thomas Point of View and my Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/mskeeinmd/.07

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Day 9: Attitude

It’s Day 9 of my #23DaysofThankfulness and I am thankful for my attitude. In general I have a pretty good attitude. I am a team player and I am trying to always see the best in people. Despite when they show me their true colors.

But, I wake up each day with an attitude of gratitude. I’m thankful for both the good and the bad. The trials and the victories. They are all part of God’s greater plan and I can sense that He is in the midst of it all. So, my attitude is one of thankfulness.

This is weird for me because Munch has such a negative attitude some days. I’m always trying to shift his perspective because your attitude can influence the type of day you’ll have. If you wake up positive and only allow positive energy to fuel your day you will notice the shift in your attitude. However, if you wake up and allow every negative thought to envelop your mind then it will be reflective in your attitude.

Be amazing. Be wonderful. Put a smile on your face. Change your attitude.

Attitude Quotes

Want to keep in touch? You can find me on social media at the following links: Twitter @mskeeinmd, Facebook page A Thomas Point of View and my Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/mskeeinmd/.

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Motivational Monday Moment – 08.07.17

Happy Monday Everyone!

Sorry for the delay in posting the Motivational Monday Moment. I didn’t have it scheduled for today and I didn’t know what to talk about. It’s a rainy Monday morning and Munch is with me this week. This means that I will be working late because I have to take him to camp in the mornings and my mom will pick him up from camp in the afternoon.

I had no clue how to motivate you today, but it hit me. When I was in the car driving being annoyed at the rain, feeling uncertain about Munch’s angst at going to a new camp, I realized I was struggling. It came to me that I would talk to you about attitude.

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See, I was upset that it was raining and I hate driving in the rain. Mainly because others can’t drive. I hate that I’m exhausted because I had a combined total of maybe 12 hours of sleep this weekend and my Munch was going to a new camp and feeling unsure about himself. I was struggling.

I needed to change my attitude. My attitude needed to be better so Munch could see that despite circumstances and changes in our schedule that we are blessed. Our attitude should be reflective of our spirit. Our spirit is filled with thankfulness. I was the adult so I had to show that to Munch.

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I started by saying, “Wow, it’s a rainy day Munch don’t forget to grab your rain coat.” He did. We got in the car and I said “Let’s thank God for rain because the grass and tress need it.” He smiled. I said “When I was little there were all kinds of stories of why it rained. Some would say that God was crying because we weren’t remembering how to be good people.” I reminded him that we don’t have that problem because we thank Him for everything. We are kind to people.

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I didn’t rush in the rain. I was extra cautious choosing to be positive despite the number of people on the road going 2 miles per hour. Munch began telling me about the Hermit Crab and how it’s not an insect (he’s such a genius). We pulled up in front of the new school where he was going to camp and he said “Wow, that’s a big school. Why is it named after Martin Luther King Jr.?” “Not sure baby. School districts name the schools that they build” I replied.

We got out of the car and walked into the school and headed to the gym where the campers were gathered. Munch held me tighter. I said “It’s only a week Munch and next week begins art camp.” I hugged him and smiled. He entered and saw a counselor from his last camp and said “Mr. Christian, hi. I was over at the other camp. You’re here too?” The counselor smiled and said “Yep, buddy. Good morning. I’m going to be here with you.” Munch smiled.

He relaxed. I relaxed. He was going to be fine.

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A lot of times our attitude about a situation whether it be fear, anger or distress really affects how we feel about things and in turn the day. Our day starts off on the wrong foot. But, it’s not our day that’s the problem. It’s our attitude about the things that we are going through that makes the day seem like hell.

Yes, I hate rainy days because of bad drivers, but I am blessed. Yes, Munch was scared of going to a new camp today, but he recognized one of the counselors from his last camp and relaxed. That’s all we need to do. Relax about things that seem overwhelming. Breathe through the uncertainty and know that it will be okay.

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By shifting our focus on the positive we are able to smile and relax through the rough periods. They will not break you. They may shake up things in your life, but your attitude about the shake-up needs to stay positive. No weapons formed against you shall prosper. So, what are you worried about?

You got this.

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Want to keep in touch? You can find me on social media at the following links: Twitter @mskeeinmd, Facebook page A Thomas Point of View and my Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/mskeeinmd/.

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MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY MOMENT – 5/15/2017

Today’s Motivational Monday Moment is about focus. Focusing on what you can and can’t control. Ya’ll know that I’m a control freak and I like to control all the things in my life. I hate surprises. I hate feeling like I have no control over the things that are happening in my life. But, I’m not alone.

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My mom and I were having a discussion and she said “Focus on what you can control and don’t worry about what you can’t.” I let it sit in my spirit for a few days and realized she was right. I can’t control everything. Heck, truthfully speaking I have no control over a lot of things, but I can control how I react to things and not worry about things.

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I needed to stop being distracted by the BS of others and focus on what matters most to me. Not the things that have nothing to do with me. Control. Shift my thinking and trust that everything is working for the good of God. Too many distractions where shifting my focus. Maybe that’s why I was mentally exhausted. Tired and lacked motivation. I was focusing on the wrong things. Things that weren’t making me happy. I was letting them depress me.

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Not anymore. I needed to change my circumstance. Re-frame my mindset and focus on what I can control. What can I control? My emotions. My response. My heart. Those are things in my control. Everything else is beyond my control. I trust that whatever happens, God’s got me. All that I need to do is give it to Him and focus on living each day with purpose. That’s it that’s all.

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So, my Motivational Monday Moment is all about focusing on you. Stop trying to control the things you can’t control. Control how you let the things affect you. Your emotions. Your response. And as my momma said “Focus on what you can control and don’t worry about what you can’t.”

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Want to keep in touch? You can find me on social media at the following links: Twitter @mskeeinmd, Facebook page A Thomas Point of View and my Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/mskeeinmd/.

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Attitude Check

‘Thank you’ is the best prayer that anyone could say. I say that one a lot. Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility, understanding. – Alice Walker

Lesson #1 – Attitude of Gratitude. I’ve spoken about this a couple of times and how I have an attitude of gratitude and I’m raising munch to have the same. Lately though, his attitude has been less gratuitous than I expect. He’s downright ornery and complaining about everything. Let me give you some examples:

  • Last Saturday my best friend and I had gone to Cracker Barrel (my favorite breakfast spot) for breakfast and I brought my munch along. This was his first trip for breakfast and he was fine eating out. Until…the waiter brought his orange juice and it had pulp in it. Munch hates pulp and the waiter said he would bring him something else. Munch requested lemonade. The waiter said that lemonade has pulp in it. Munch then requested milk. The waiter didn’t bring the milk for 15 minutes. Munch pouted and was upset about not having his milk. He said, “I’m really upset that I don’t have my milk mommy. Can’t we leave and just go to IHOP? I don’t like this place.” Finally his milk came and then his meal. I ordered one pancake and a side of bacon with three slices of bacon. Only two came on his plate. I notified the waiter and he said he would get us another piece. Munch was so upset and said he wasn’t going to eat until his other slice came out. I told him that was ridiculous. Eat now. He pouted and ate his food. The other slice of bacon never came. The waiter (whose service was less than desirable anyway) removed munch’s meal from the bill.
  • Later that afternoon on our way to my nephew’s first birthday party, my son decides he would like to give his cousin a special gift. (He apparently didn’t like that we donated to his college fund). So, I said, “What would you like your cousin to have?” “A book” he replied. I said “Okay, go get one” and he rushed back to his room to pick out a special book. He decided to give him the brand new book “The Lorax” that had just arrived from his book club. He signed the book and put his own card inside it and a bow on the book. He was so proud. Until…he told me that his cousin can only keep the book for two months and then he had to return it. What? He’s a one year old. He’s not going to read it and then return it. I explained how impolite it was to ask for a gift back that you’ve given to someone and that he has so much surely one book would be fine. He pouted the entire way to the party complaining about how that was his favorite book and he wanted to loan it.
  • Monday as we’re going to school and I’m quizzing him on his spelling words for his test he tells me, “I will probably fail.” I was asking him why he thinks he’s going to fail? His response, “Because I failed the practice test last night.” I told him to do his best. He said, “Okay”. He then decides to complain about how he is so upset that he can’t go outside and he is tired of playing in the gym during recess. I explained that the weather has been cold and snowy, but that the school would start letting them go outside later when there is more sun and less snow. I explained that spring is coming and that he will get to be outside soon. He said, “fine”. We pull up to the school and he complains as we get out the car that he almost fell into a puddle of melted snow because I didn’t park close enough to the curb. What?

I had it. I was done. Really? Is this  a stage? What is happening to my beautiful baby and when did he become such a complainer? I stopped him before we went into the school and I told him that we wake up each day thanking God for life. We have an attitude of gratitude because we are blessed. We practice saying thank you instead of complaining all the time. I told him to try and just be happy and be positive. Say please and thank you and know that your attitude determines your altitude. How high you fly depends on how much happy fuel (filled with love and gratitude) you want to put in your plane. The happiest children have lots of happy fuel in their plane and are in great spirits because they are flying high in the clouds enjoying life. They are grateful.  He looked at me and said “Okay, mommy.” I kissed him on the lips and said, “I love you munch. I’m proud of you and I’m happy that I’m your mommy.” He smiled and walked away.

Wow! I’m suffering from a case of the complainer blues. But, I’ve been known to do it too. I have to adjust my attitude and correct myself by getting a refill of happy fuel to keep in good spirits. We all do. But, I never knew how I could sound complaining until I heard my munch do it. It’s overwhelming to a listener. We have to do better.

I want to encourage us to be grateful for everything because if you can’t appreciate the small you won’t value the big things when they come. Gratitude is a choice. Be grateful. Be thankful and be happy.

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The Act of Thankfulness

Today is Thanksgiving. I’m thankful for everything. Good, bad or indifferent. I realize that I am because of God. I have had an incredible year and can’t complain. My mom said we’re having a non-traditional Thanksgiving meal complete with pizza and wings. I said cool. My friend asked, “How do you feel about that?” I said, “I’m blessed regardless. I understand that some won’t even eat today or have family or friends that they can see. Whatever the meal, it is a blessing.” He smiled and said, “I love watching God’s favor over you.”

So, let’s remember that this day is more about the abundance of things that we should be thankful for. No matter what your situation, there is always someone in a worse situation than you. Be thankful for everything and know that I am thankful for you.

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Yep, I am officially depressed

So, this is what happened. Last year in November I bought a 2012 Nissan Maxima. I was excited. My first grown up purchase. Well, two months later I was living in the hotel (multiple pipe bursts in my kitchen with flooding) and I pulled my beautiful baby out the hotel garage and scraped the driver’s side door on the yellow concrete posts. Ugh. The damage to my car was $2,900. I had to get it fixed. I just got the car. So, I paid the $500 deductible and got “Blue Magic” fixed.

I resounded to pay attention and not get distracted by life because I couldn’t afford another expensive lesson. Well, in June of this year, I went down the wrong way of a roundabout. I realized it and began to back-up when I was hit by another driver who couldn’t see me. Damage to both cars, but no injuries and I thankfully didn’t get a ticket. God was watching after me on that one because I was praying that the officer’s would have mercy and make it affordable. I sat there in shock and realized I can’t afford to keep paying these dang deductibles. I hadn’t had the car a year. What was happening?

My mom didn’t make me feel better. Her response, “Kee, you need to be careful and pay attention.” Like a petulant child, I yelled “I know mom and you ‘re not helping. I’m already depressed. I laid in bed crying.” I said, “I didn’t tell you that when you got into your two accidents within a month of each other.” She said, “No, but I told myself.” She reminded me to count my blessings that I didn’t get a ticket.

As I’ve been sharing I’m exceptionally happy. I said it out loud. I didn’t just write it, but I woke up and thanked God for his continued blessings over my life. But, I always knew that something would happen because I was happy. I didn’t know what form the happiness thief would take, but I knew it was coming. Would I be prepared? Would I crumble? Would it be that bad that it would destroy me? All the questions that I kept pushing out my mind. I wasn’t going to “think it” into existence.

I just went with the flow and enjoyed the moment. Then it happened. I was checking my emails on my Ipad this morning before work and got the renewal information from my car insurance company. My insurance was increasing by 117%. I sat there dumbfounded with tears in my eyes. All these thoughts ran through my mind:

  • I can’t afford this.
  • That is more than my car note.
  • How will I be able to live?
  • OMG, I want to die
  • I would be better off selling my car and paying off the balance and buying a vehicle outright

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I was freaking out. It was way too early to start calling folks and asking them to pray, encourage and remind me that I will be okay. I was already planning on how I would pack up my spot and move back home with my mom with a defeated attitude. I was lost. I was officially one step up from being in a crack den or on the streets or living in Blue Magic. Yes, Blue Magic is roomy and all, but I couldn’t bring my baby to living in our car while trying to get bootleg wi-fi so he can watch Disney Jr. and Netflix on his Ipad. (I told you I was having a mental breakdown).

I called my best friend who said, “Wow! Call around. Stop freaking out! You have 6 weeks to find another insurance company. Do your research.” I sniffled, “Okay, thank you. I will do it.” I hopped in the shower and got dressed and headed into work. I prayed to God that Blue Magic and I will not have to live in a seedy part of town dodging bullets. I went about my normal routine and arrived at work 15 minutes early. I started trying to get insurance quotes to see if I can get a cheaper rate.

I sent a text to my other best friend to let him know and seek his counsel. He replied, “It’ll be okay. You’ll find something. It was your two accidents in one year and the fact that you were at fault for both and your car is considered a sports car because of the horse power. It’s going to be expensive, but you will have to budget and make some adjustments.” I sat there listening to him with tears streaming down my face, “This is one of the worst days of my life. Definitely the worst day in the last 15 months. I can’t breathe.” “Stop overreacting please. I will help you” he replied.

As I sat at work frustrated I decided to go see my good friend to get her advice and perspective. I had already received quotes that were more than $300 over what my current insurance company was going to charge me. I was spiraling downhill fast. She said, “Don’t let this get you down. I am claiming it. You will be saved from this situation. We are not going to give the happiness thief satisfaction in seeing you defeated.” I just put my head down on the table and sighed.

I went into my office after lunch still consumed with this travesty of injustice on my mind and in my spirit. I checked my emails and read my devotional from Bible Gateway called “His Princess Today”. I got too busy to read it yesterday so I opened it up and this is what it said:

Come to Me

I saw you before you were born. Even then you were on My mind, My daughter. I knew you were coming, and I did everything possible to express My love to you and extend My invitation to you. Now that you are Mine, I want you to continue to come to Me. Come to Me when you feel strong and when you feel weary. Come to Me when you are rejoicing and when your spirit is crushed. I ask you to come not only to give you rest, but also because there is so much more I want to teach you. There is more of Me I want to reveal to you. You see, I did not create you for this fallen world. I created you for Paradise, but the curse of sin tore us apart. I’ve conquered sin and death for you through the death of My son, so come to Me… and live.

Love,
Your King who is waiting

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and
carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you,
because I am humble and gentle,
and you will find rest for your souls.” – Matthew 11:28–29

I realized that I went to everyone with my problem (that I could think of without disturbing) but the one who could truly put peace in my heart and remind me that He will carry my burden. My burden is heavy. I told you yesterday I grew up poor and I was determined not to go back to the poor house and God was reminding me that His yoke is easy and I should take that. Wow! I sat there with tears in my eyes apologizing for my selfishness and realizing that HE NEVER FAILS!

Yep, I am officially depressed, but you know what? I will get through this because it is a temporary setback. Sometimes we all need a reminder to stop going to everyone first. Go to Him first. My grandma used to say, “Trouble don’t last always” but I know that my God is a burden bearer and he can carry this burden too.

Be blessed my loves!

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Screaming…I’m Beautiful

I read this incredible post that talked about definitions of beauty. The article entitled “50 Reasons You Are Beautiful” was just what I needed because I was having one of those days were I felt I wasn’t beautiful. You know those days where your hair sucks, you have a breakout and you just can’t seem to get your make-up right? Well, it was driving me nuts!

I hated going to work not feeling or seeming “put together”. So, I sat there fuming and really just getting down on myself. I was having a serious problem with my own self and started feeling ugly. In my meditation moment I reflected on how wonderfully made I am and started to feel a little better, but dang, this fly away piece of hair was annoying the heck out of me.

Enter God. God talks to me in a KISS (Keep it Simple Stupid) manner and I love it. He allowed me to read this posting and realize that I am beautiful. Just the way I am. Not based on my looks, but because he created me. I am screaming…I’m Beautiful and let me tell you why.

I Have an Attitude of Gratitude

I am thankful for all the blessings and disappointments that I suffer. I believe in taking the good and bad of life and knowing that I am blessed regardless. No one thing is because I am super smart, super beautiful or super successful. It’s because I have a super attitude of gratitude about who I serve. Gratitude is beautiful.

I Am a Boring Nerd

Yep, I said it. I am a boring nerd. I’ve always tried to shy away from this because I didn’t want folks to know so I would jump up at any chance to go out to a party or to the club instead of just being me. I love to sit at home reading a good book. There are many days that I don’t even turn on my television. I just appreciate the silence and focus on growing and expanding my mind. I love politics and any and all legislation that affects my job, life, or people. But guess what? Being a boring nerd is beautiful.

I Can’t Dance

Nope. I can’t. I can move with a beat, but I’m not as smooth and sophisticated as some other women you may know. I’m not that gracious on a dance floor, but that’s okay. I like to be held. I dance to my own beat and you know what? Not knowing how to dance is beautiful.

My Nose is Weird

I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with my nose. More hate than love, but you get the picture right? It’s a nose that doesn’t fit in anywhere in my family. It’s awkward and long and kinda round, but it doesn’t seem to go with my face. It just is there. I’m always nosing around trying to find glasses that fit my face or better yet, my nose. But you know what? Weird noses are beautiful.

I Can’t Walk in Heels

I never truly learned to walk and balance in heels so anything beyond 3 inches is asking for trouble. Unless the shoes have thick heels, are platforms, wedges or anything that stabilizes my clumsiness, I can’t do it. I’ve had to make due with cute flats that allow me to maneuver through the day, but I always hated the fact that I wasn’t coordinated enough to master walking in heels. But, you know what? Walking in flats is beautiful.

My Waist Size is in Double Digits

I posted before about how I’m learning to embrace my femininity and accept my double digit figure each day. It’s been a growing experience and I realized that no matter how much I work out, how healthy I eat and how much I want to be small (without surgery of course), I may never get there. Instead of punishing myself for my flabby tummy or the rolls on my side I just smile and blow kisses. I may never get to be a perfect size 8 and you know what? That’s okay. Why? Because the round me is just as beautiful.

There are many more things that make up the whole of me that point to my beauty both inside and out. I’m thankful for all the things I’ve experienced and I love me.  I’m going to print out this list and tape it to my mirror to remind myself of these things every day and know that I’m beautiful, simply because I’m me. And you know what? So are you.